Untitled article by M. E. GUILFORD

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, August 27, 1867

NO TIME TO WASTE.

By M. E. GUILFORD

We read in John ix, 4, that “the night cometh when no man can work;” and as we glance at the fulfillment of prophecy, we readily perceive that that time is swiftly approaching. Not much longer will the blessed Saviour stand pleading in the heavenly sanctuary for fallen, sinful, man. His work will soon be finished there, the door of mercy be forever closed, and sinful mortals left without an intercessor.

Yes, the time allotted us here in which to prepare for the kingdom of God is swiftly speeding away. Each twenty-four hours shortens the span of this mortal life, and brings us one day nearer the shores of eternity. Oh! how important, then, that we improve these precious moments in eradicating from our hearts everything which is evil and offensive in the sight of God. And this is no small matter. No, it requires earnest, assiduous, and constant labor. As we look upon ourselves we are led to exclaim, What are we? Invariably comes the answer, Poor, weak, unworthy worms of the dust, covered all over with sins, our bodies filled with disease and pollution, our carnal minds at variance with the will of God.

Then have we not a great work to do? Have we any time to spend in frivolous amusements, or in vain, trifling, empty conversation? In the book of divine inspiration we read that none but the pure in heart shall see God. Oh! then if we desire to share with saints in the exalted privilege of dwelling with God and holy angels, and basking forever in the smiles of our gracious Redeemer, does it not behoove us to closely examine our hearts, and eradicate therefrom every unholy thought, and impure motive, and labor earnestly to overcome every evil trait in our characters, and bring ourselves into perfect subjection to the divine will?

We also read in the same blessed book, that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit; and that he that defileth the temple of God shall be destroyed. Then as the light of this testimony gleams upon our long-darkened minds, we find another very important task devolving upon us. We must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh, as well as of the spirit, and thus perfect ourselves in holiness in the fear of God.

Dear readers, are we diligently striving to thus perfect ourselves? Have we no misspent time to account for? Are there no days of idle dreaminess, no hours of trifling conversation, nor moments spent in adorning our persons, that we may appear pleasing in the eyes of the world? Are there no hours of incessant toil spent in preparing “dainty dishes” of unwholesome food to gratify a perverted taste, the direct influence of which will be to undermine the constitutions of the partakers, and render them depraved and sensual?

Oh! if we are thus trifling away the golden hours of probation, let us not think to escape the just retribution of an all-wise God, whose laws we violate, and whose authority we thus defy.

Let us now, my Christian friends, earnestly consider what manner of persons we ought to be, professing godliness. And oh! let us be entreated to look well to our ways, and wherein we find ourselves trespassing upon the authority of the great Creator of the universe, let us hasten to make that reparation in our power, by turning to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and making amends for our former indifference and misspent time, by a well-ordered life, godly conversation, and perfect conformity to the divine will.

And be assured, kind reader, there is no time to waste. Let not these precious moments pass unimproved. God forbid that we should undervalue the great ransom that has been paid for us.

Behold the bleeding Lamb of Calvary! His precious blood was shed for you and me. And shall we slight the proffered salvation, that we may enjoy the pleasures of sin for a little season? Ah! let us bear in mind that the wages of sin is death—eternal death. But oh! there is a rich reward awaiting the earnest, obedient, working Christian. Let us then be found continually seeking for glory, honor, and immortality. The promise will never fail us. We shall reap the rich reward of well doing. Ah! shall we be idle while all Heaven is interested in our salvation? Holy angels go forth on their missions of love and mercy, beating back the powers of darkness, encouraging the feeble, cheering the lonely, consoling the afflicted, guiding, sustaining, and ever upholding the true, humble child of God. With such helps as these none need be afraid. God will aid us when we once put our shoulders to the wheel. But we must watch. We must labor earnestly, and see to it, that we overcome every inordinate lust, and crucify our unworthy pride, lest the angels receive their charge concerning us, “They are joined to their idols, let them alone.”

And have we not dear friends whom we are anxious to see keeping the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city? Then let this desire stimulate us to action, and lead us to put forth every effort in our power to rescue them from the snares of the wily adversary. Let us not think because we are weak we can do nothing. If we put forth an effort the Lord will aid us, and we may become humble instruments in his hands to accomplish much good. Let us then consecrate ourselves to the service of God, and devote our time, talents, and means, to the advancement of his glorious truth. Satan is busy sowing broadcast the seeds of distraction and error. He knows that his time is short, and he is working with all power of deceivableness and lying wonders; and he will, if possible, deceive the very elect. Then let us arouse and shake off this dull lethargy from our souls, and gird on the whole armor of God, be firmly established in the truth, that we may be able to withstand the wiles of this artful, designing foe. Delay not, for the time draweth near which will sound forth these solemn words, “He that is unjust let him be unjust still; and he that is filthy let him be filthy still.”

May we so improve the time, dear readers, that we shall daily advance in holiness, become bright ornaments of our profession, be shining lights to those around us, and lead many to a saving knowledge of the truth. And may we remember that there is no time to waste; for the day shortens; and “the night cometh when no man can work.” Let us then work while the day lasts, and neither faint nor grow weary under our burdens, but rejoice that the “morning also cometh,” which shall bring us a rich reward.

M. E. GUILFORD.

Castalia, Ohio.