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Decision

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 7, 1870

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 35, No. 25.

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Decision.

By R. F. Cottrell

It is well to decide questions of importance, and not have them perpetually coming up in the mind as subjects of debate. Indecision is a great fault of fallen, unbelieving humanity. It prevents one from serving God acceptably, as it divides the mind—giving only a part to God. Our duties to God are plainly expressed. Hence there is no occasion for hesitating. There is something wanting in that heart that delays obedience to a plainly-expressed command.
Men are now being called upon to decide in regard to one of the plainest duties of the moral law; but when convinced, they are slow to obey. As it has been expressed, there are “multitudes in the valley of decision;” though I do not think that scripture (Joel 3: 14) has its application at the present time, but to the actual “concision,” or cutting off of the people in the valley of Jehoshaphat in the day of the Lord. But those who will escape that doom must come to a decision now.
How important to have a plain question of duty decided at once and forever! It is dangerous to delay obedience under the excuse of waiting for more light. It is dangerous to do as Balaam did—to ask God again concerning that which he has plainly and expressly spoken. We need no sign from Heaven, and we shall have none, to convince us that we ought to obey the written word. Has God spoken? Is it his word? Then obey. Do not insult Heaven with the question whether it is right to obey. If one gets an answer to such prayers, it will be more likely to be a permission to have his own chosen way and continue in the way of disobedience, the end of which is death.
Do you believe God? Then you have no occasion to hesitate. Do what he says. He will not revoke it, nor grant you a special dispensation or indulgence. And the sooner you decide to believe and obey his word, the better. “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” Ps. 119: 59, 60.
R. F. COTTRELL.