THE CLOSING HOURS OF PROBATION.
By Robert F. Cottrell
How solemn the thought that we are upon the very verge of probationary time!—that the moment is at hand that shall decide the destiny of all living, so that the harvest of the earth shall be fully ripe and prepared for the sickle. How precious are the moments that shall intervene between the present, and the one in which it shall be said, “He that is filthy let him be filthy still, and he that is holy, let him be holy still?” How ought we to feel and act, in view of these things? Should we be willing to let any of our precious time run to waste? Should we let worldly interests absorb our time and strength? Should it not rather be our greatest anxiety to devote ourselves wholly to the service of God and the salvation of our fellow men! Those who believe these most thrilling truths—that the last warning to mankind is now being given, and is doing its solemn, its fearful work, ought to be, and must be, such a people as the world has never seen since the Christian church was first established. Primitive Christianity and primitive zeal, devotedness and self-sacrifice, should, and must characterize us. Then, and not till then, may we expect the message to go in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power. When we, as a people, fully cast off our lukewarmness, our mission will be felt and appreciated by honest seekers after truth. Do you believe this? Then what a responsibility rests upon us. Oh, let us feel it. Is it not time for the people of the Lord to enter into a covenant to seek the Lord with all the heart as did the ancient people of God, when they found themselves in a similar condition to that in which we find ourselves? “And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul.” 2 Chron. xv, 12. “And all Judah rejoiced at the oath; for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them.” Verse. 15. I have seen the happy effects of entering into such a covenant, upon a large number of believers in the present truth. There are many that have rejoiced at the oath, and found the Lord ready to reveal himself, as he does not to the world. Still keep in mind the covenant, brethren and sisters. Do not go back from it. Rejoice at it, and hold it sacred and inviolate, till He shall appear who shall pronounce the everlasting covenant of peace to his people. And let those who have not, enter into it. Without a resolution equal to entering into such a covenant, we cannot be prepared for the latter rain. Who then will be on the Lord’s side? Who will awake from his lukewarmness? Let him enter into a covenant to seek the Lord, to seek him now, and seek him with all their heart, until he shall be found—until he come in and sup with us and we with him. His promise will not fail. He is ready to bless. He stands at the door and knocks. Who will open the door? Who will accept the proffered blessing? R. F. COTTRELL.