OUR WORK by J. M. A.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 18, 1867

OUR WORK.

By J. M. A.

To say that the work in which we are engaged, as Seventh-day Adventists, is a great work, and a work of vital importance to each one of us, would be saying only what is well understood by all of our people. But to say that we are all engaged in this work with all the zeal and earnestness that should characterize a work of such magnitude and importance, would be saying more than the truth will warrant. Would that it were otherwise. Would that the statement might be made in truth that we were all thus earnestly and unitedly engaged in our Master's cause,—thus laboring with our might to overcome sin and the power of Satan, and thus endeavoring, to the extent of our ability, to advance among our fellow-men the cause we hold so dear to ourselves.

But why are we not thus engaged? Should not our work for the Lord be thus characterized? We know, indeed, that vigilance, zeal, and activity, are required in his service. And, truly, we have no time for indolence,—no time now to seek personal ease, or the gratification of self. The time past should suffice for such purpose. Each of us has an important part to perform in this work, and the time that remains for its accomplishment, if faithfully improved, will be none too long. Our time of probation is rapidly narrowing down. This solemn fact should prompt us to untiring diligence.

Dear brethren, the responsibility of this great work is laid upon us. By identifying ourselves with it, we have accepted the responsibility. We have thus declared our purpose to labor in the cause of the Lord, to do his requirements, and so share in the reward to be given to the faithful. We have already “tasted of the good word of God,” and said in our hearts and with our lips, that salvation shall be ours. What then remains for us to do? Shall we shrink from duty? Shall we now turn our backs upon this all-important work? Shall we, by allowing ourselves to become heedless, neglectful, and indifferent, make shipwreck of faith, and so lose all at last? We may if we will; but, God forbid! May it not be so! Let us rather lay hold earnestly of the work before us. Let us be active, energetic and faithful, and remember that in spiritual as well as temporal matters, vigilance, “external vigilance is the price of liberty.” Then, at the final day, when probation shall have ceased, when the toils of this life are over, and the immortal inheritance is ready to be vouchsafed to God's faithful ones, O then, dear reader, may it be your happy lot, and mine, to hear from our Master's own lips, the gracious words, “Well done, good and faithful servant, . . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” J. M. A.