Untitled article by H. F. Davis

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · December 17, 1867

DELAY NOT.

By H. F. Davis

In looking over the past Advent movement, we can see the hand of the Lord leading his people. He has ever been mindful of them, warning them of dangers, and pointing out a way of escape for all who would listen to and heed his commands. Light has been steadily increasing, and there have ever been a few zealous ones, who were ready to embrace it, and move forward in the work of the Lord. Regardless of opposing influences, they have ever stood in defense of the truth. Their trust has been in the Lord, and he has blessed them abundantly. And still he leads them on. The light of the third angel's message is now shining upon our pathway. The Lord is now preparing a people for his coming, who will be found keeping all the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Such will have right to the tree of life. But they are to be purified by obeying the truth. The servants of the Lord are now proclaiming the last message of mercy to the world; and soon will it go with a loud voice. God's people are being fitted and prepared to stand the trying scenes which are but just in the future, and to reign with Jesus in his kingdom.

Are there any who read these lines, who have received the light of present truth, but are neglecting to move forward, fearing the cross, and putting far away the evil day? Let me entreat you to delay no longer. Haste, oh! haste to secure your soul's salvation, ere it shall be to late. Fear not the cross. Give yourself wholly and unreservedly to the Lord, and in his strength you can go forward. Do you feel that the sacrifice is too great? Think of the great sacrifice that has been made for us. Behold Jesus, yielding his life to save poor, fallen man. “Who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Are there any who profess to be followers of Jesus, but are still remaining in a lukewarm state, doubting and neglecting to comply with the requirements of the Lord, or failing to heed the testimonies which he has so graciously given to his people? Be entreated to arouse yourselves from your slumbers. Be in earnest. The work is onward. Make no delay. Now while Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart, bar it not against him, but admit him as a welcome guest. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts.

Do trials press heavily, and dangers thicken around you? The grace of the Lord is sufficient. In his strength you can be victorious. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” There are great and precious promises for the humble, obedient child of God.

Dear reader, Jesus invites you to come to him. Come now, while mercy lingers. Delay not. “Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation.” Oh! may our hearts be filled with the love of God, we be more devoted to his cause, overcome every sin, and endure to the end, that we may receive a crown of glory reserved in Heaven for the faithful. Let none be discouraged. The trials of life will soon be over. Look up! Lift up your heads, for redemption is near. Yes, we are nearing home. Oh! blessed hope!

“Almost to the beautiful land! Shall we lose courage then? Never! Lift up the faltering hand, Strengthen the feeble endeavor. Only a few more mornings Allotted to laboring here, Only a few more warnings To fall on the sinner's ear. Only a few more conflicts To wage in the struggle of life, Then the sweet victory cometh, That endeth the toilsome strife.”

H. F. DAVIS.

Woodstock, Me.