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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 26, 1867

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 24

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FEW SAVED.

By Jos. Clarke

This is a doctrine very unpalatable to the carnal heart. But what of that! it is the utterance of Jesus that few will enter into life, and he spoke only truth. Could we wish it otherwise? Ought we not to praise God that he saves any of our race? Did he save one of the rebel angels? Not one. Is it not a wonder of mercy and compassion that one of Adam’s race is redeemed? It is. But he saves an innumerable company of saints, yet it is only a few compared with the number of the lost. Why should men complain? All have the offer, and most refuse eternal life, and not only refuse but scoff at the Creator, who stoops to offer the precious boon. Who is there that would wish to enter Heaven with his carnal heart unsubdued? Better wail in the agonies of the second death, than be an intruder into Heaven; for although no intruder will enter there, we may well imagine the confusion of such as would enter that place, unprepared, were it possible for them to do so.
But serious considerations force themselves upon us. Shall I, or you, dear reader, be among those who fail? It is a dreadful thought, yet it will come. Some will be lost of the church, some who exhort, some who preach, some who write. Lord is it? And what shall we do with this question? Shall we treat it with neglect? No. We will answer it thus: We will set a double watch over heart and tongue; we will be more fervent and constant in prayer and meditation; more diligent in reading the word of God and thoughtful of its Spirit. We will seek to be daily renewed in the spirit of our minds by communion with God, and have our conversation on heavenly things. Our words shall be always with grace seasoned with salt. The faults and vices of the world around shall be shut out of our thoughts. We will, as far as possible, think well of all. Every inlet of evil to our minds shall be closed or guarded; and our minds shall from day to day be filled with all that is pure and holy and useful. Our plans shall be to convert souls to God as well as to convince them of the truth; and may the Lord fill us with his Spirit. Then the question, “Shall I be saved?” will be answered, and our minds will rest in sweet peace and assurance.
Jos. Clarke.