EXTREMES by R. F. Cottrell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 29, 1868

EXTREMES.

By R. F. Cottrell

God loves unity and order. Satan delights in division and disorder; and since man has fallen under his power and influence, there is a tendency in men to take extreme positions, and thus perpetuate discord and confusion. The truth generally lies somewhere between two extremes.

Some are of a desponding, and others of a hopeful, turn of mind. The former see themselves so vile that they can scarcely hope in God's mercy; while the extreme hopefulness of the latter tends to presumption. Now Satan does not care which way he ensnares them, whether in fearfulness and unbelief, or in presumptuous confidence and spiritual pride. If he can discourage the one and flatter the other, his object is gained. If he can make the desponding think that it is impossible for him ever to attain to the sanctification and righteousness required in the word of God, he is satisfied, as long as he can hold him there; and if he can make the hopeful imagine that he has attained to a state of such perfection that there is no danger of falling, he has him in a snare which, if not broken, will prove his ruin. The one is condemned for fearing to trust God's word of promise, and consequently making no earnest effort to overcome; the other for a presumptuous confidence that renders such effort unnecessary.

“It is a wily, artful scheme, It suits the Serpent well, If he can make the sinner dream That he is doomed to hell. Or if he can persuade a man Decrees are on his side, Then he will say without delay, This cannot be untied. The one he bindeth fast in pride, The other in despair; If he can only keep them tied, Which way he does not care.”

He that would overcome, must steer his vessel clear of the whirlpool on the one hand, and the rocks on the other. R. F. COTTRELL.