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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, March 17, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 14

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OFFENSES MUST COME.

By R. F. COTTRELL.

Many seem to imagine that their prospect of salvation would be good, if it were not for the wrongs of others. If every one else would do as they think is right, they could bear all the trials of the way and overcome. In other words, if nothing occurred to try their faith and patience, they could get the victory. But others do so wrong that they are tempted to give up in despair, make up their mind to be lost, and charge the blame to the faults of others.
It would be poor consolation to me, in view of losing myself, to think that some other poor sinner will be lost too, as the cause of my ruin. In fact I do not think my salvation or condemnation depends so much on what other people do, as on the course which I pursue myself. I think that with the light of the gospel which God has given, I may be saved, notwithstanding others may wrong me so much that it prove their condemnation. Therefore I make no calculation to be lost and charge it to others. There is a woe to him by whom the offense cometh, but that cannot reconcile me to the loss of myself. There are, on the other hand, many blessings promised to the overcomer. This intimates that there is something to overcome, and the possibility of success.
How we would bear the cross, if there was no cross to bear, and endure trials, if there were none to endure!
Trials are necessary for us. If we had none, we should not know ourselves. No trial can come too great to be borne, if our heart is right with God. He will not suffer it; but will provide a way of escape, that we may endure. Our worst foes are not without, but within. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ—no outward circumstance, neither principalities nor powers, tribulation nor distress. The Lord is with us, as long as we be with him. He desires to save us, and will, if we permit him to do it in his own way.
R. F. COTTRELL.