"THE PEOPLE ARE YET TOO MANY."
By R. F. Cottrell
We are a small people. The faint-hearted have been turning back. And yet the sifting is not all accomplished. The people are yet too many. If we were all living up to our high privilege—if we were sanctified through the truth we have received—there would be none too many. But purifying trials are before us. We shall be tested. The indifferent and the lukewarm will be cast out. And who will stand? Let us make the solemn inquiry, whether we, as individuals, shall be rejected. When Jesus said to his disciples, One of you shall betray me; they began to inquire, Lord, is it I? Let us also ask ourselves, Shall I be one of those that shall be cut off from Israel? How sad that any who have been enlightened—have had so much done for them—should fall of the grace of God, and come short of eternal life! Brethren, let us all make sure work. It is our privilege to be consecrated to God, and know that our ways please him. But if we do not heed the warning, we shall be cut off, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it. Shall we deceive ourselves, and sleep on till it be too late? Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.