Admonitory by R. F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 19, 1870

Admonitory.

By R. F. Cottrell

We have reached an important point in the history of the third message. At our late General Conference we were deeply impressed that a crisis was upon us. The time had come when a higher stand must be taken on the part of those “that keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ;” that we must now arise and come fully up to the work, take a firm position upon the whole truth, wrestle and prevail in prayer, and engage with earnestness in the work of the Lord, or be shaken off and have our places supplied with those who will appreciate the goodness of God and the benefits of the light which we have so long enjoyed.

We need not fall if we will heed the warnings and admonitions which have been given. But God has borne with our lukewarmness and half-heartedness long enough, so that, should he cast us off, we shall be without excuse. We have been favored with light in advance of others, that we might give it them. We cannot be used to bear the truth to others, till it has had its sanctifying effect upon us. God has called us to be light-bearers. We must get our own souls illuminated, and then we can let the light shine to others. The number is increasing of those who are ready to receive the truth. Are we ready to bear it to them? Are we united in faith and spirit and purity, and ready to receive those whom the loud voice is about to call forth?

Let us gird ourselves for the work. Let the work of the Lord be the first business of our lives. Those who fight the fight of faith shall overcome. Those who run with patience the race shall win the prize. An exceeding responsibility is laid upon us. Shall we feel it and act? Shall we work with a zeal commensurate with our privileges, or shall we be dismissed from the service and be given over to the love of the present world? Spare thy people, Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach.

R. F. COTTRELL.