TO THE HALF BROTHERS by J. D. Hull

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 7, 1868

TO THE HALF BROTHERS.

By J. D. Hull

That there is a class, who believe the truth, stand up for it, read the publications and the Review, that do not even so much as keep the Sabbath, is undoubtedly true, whom a brother designates as being half-brothers; for, says he, they fight for the truth. If asked why they do not obey the truth, they will say, The way is too narrow; or I should lose my reputation among my unbelieving friends, and my family would come to want; or I must first get out of debt, &c. But the most general objection is, I am not good enough. Wait until I am a better man.

These objections show conclusively that you have no confidence in yourself, you choose the ease of the world, because the ways of the truth are narrow. Let me ask you, is the way so narrow that you cannot even try to walk in it? Have you anything to lose even if you fail? You are bound to be lost if you do not try, and you can no more than be lost if you do try. And what is there you can even hope to gain if you continue in disobedience to what you confess to be God's truth? Is not eternal life of more value than your reputation and worldly honor? And is not the Lord who provides for every one, more willing to keep your family from coming to want if you obey his truth than if you do not?

You promise the Lord, when you are out of debt you will then serve him. Can you believe the Lord will prosper you better if you live in open violation of his commandments, than if you should obey him? can you consistently ask God to prosper you in doing this? If you resolve to do this I fear you will not be out of debt until Satan has you in his folds.

You then say you are not good enough, &c. How do you expect to become better and continue in open violation of the commandments of God? Thus you have resolved that at some future period you will serve the Lord: or in other words, you will serve the Devil a little longer until you have a more convenient season; then you will serve the Lord. Thus you tempt the Lord. Serve the Devil nearly all your life, and spend a few of your last days in serving the Lord; if you do this you do it at your own risk and perhaps at the peril of your own soul; for that convenient season may never come. Then don't put it off any longer; but resolve at once to be a servant of the Lord while he may be found. The door of mercy will soon be closed forever, and then you will hear with terrible distinctness the words, "Too late."

Then let me entreat you in the language of Moses to Hobab, "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good; for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel." J. D. HULL. Marshall Co., Ill.