A Sobering Effect by Francis M. Wilcox

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 17, 1914

A Sobering Effect

By Francis M. Wilcox

THE effect of the situation which now exists in the world should be to sober every individual. Particularly should the believers in this message stop, and take careful account of their individual, personal experience. We are facing the most momentous crisis that ever existed. Fulfilling signs on every hand indicate that the coming of the Lord draws nigh. We cannot say just when this coming will take place, whether next year, the year after, or five or ten years hence; but we do know this, that the coming of Christ is near, even at the door. We should lose no time in preparing for eternity.

We should give careful heed to our religious experience today to see that it is well grounded. Are we exercising faith toward God? Do the promises of his Word appeal to our hearts and find a response in our lives? Do we know the sweetness of sins forgiven, the power of a consecrated life, the joy of Christian service? Do we pray to God because we love communion with Christ more than communion with any earthly friend? Do we serve him because we fear his judgments or because we love his commandments? Are we held back from sin through pride in our good name, our standing in the community, or because sin has become loathsome and its ways undesirable?

Says the apostle:—

“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” Heb. 3:12-14.

We need in this time of danger and alarm, of unrest and disquietude, a living connection with the living God. We cannot depend upon the experiences of the past. The blessing we received at conversion or at our baptism or at the last camp meeting will not suffice for today. We need a fresh unction from on high, a new baptism of power, a daily infilling of the Spirit of God. Let every reader, whatever may be his name or the position he occupies, be he minister or layman, teacher or pupil, know for himself that he is accepted in the Lord Jesus Christ. We have assurance of this day only. Today, while the Spirit calls, is the time to make sure that our names are written in heaven and that we are accepted in the Beloved. In this confidence we may securely rest our future in God’s keeping. He will not disappoint our faith and confidence.

F. M. W.