THE SPREAD OF THE TRUTH.
By R. F. Cottrell
It is a matter of the deepest interest to every believer in the truth which God promises for the closing up of his work on earth, and is now fulfilling before our eyes, that it is rapidly spreading throughout the earth. The commandments of God, as written by himself, and the faith of Jesus, unmixed with the traditions of men, are being speedily brought to light in all the earth. With Christiana, Norway, for its central fort, the glad tidings are speedily spreading throughout the three Scandinavian countries; from Bale, Switzerland, it is being sent out to the European countries, speaking the French, German, and Italian languages; and Alexandria, Egypt, the city anciently celebrated as the seat of learning and philosophy, bids fair to be another great center from which the truth is being scattered, not only in Egypt and adjoining countries of Africa, but among the Greeks, Jews, and Arabians; while Australia is stretching out one hand toward this station and the other toward Oakland, California; and thus the earth is being encompassed with a girdle of light. And the last I mention, not the least in importance, is the mission in England, from which the English speaking people throughout the entire British Empire can be speedily reached. Who that loves God cannot see his hand in this work? True believers in all the earth are being aroused by this last message of warning and mercy, and are seeking a preparation for the coming of their King. They are rallying to the Bible standard—its commandments and its faith. How long ere all lovers of God will see and acknowledge this truth? The Lord speed the day, is my prayer. Now, brethren in America, you who have for years enjoyed this light, how is it with you? Is your interest in this work waxing, or waning? Are you dead to the world and alive to God and his cause? Are you doing what you ought for the advancement of the truth and the salvation of men? Are you walking in the light as God has given it to you? When you see what God is doing, are you inspired with new zeal to be a co-worker with God and always found at your post? Can it be that any are so indifferent as not to read the good news from week to week? Are any so filled with the cares of this life as to neglect such privileges? Remember the words of Jesus, “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” Have you turned back in your affections to the world and worldly wealth? “Remember Lot’s wife.” There is still opportunity to turn to God; but it must be improved speedily and heartily. Oh, that backsliders knew their condition and would repent! While the truth is spreading in the earth, numerous calamities are abounding. The goodness of God ought to lead men to repentance, but this failing, sore judgments are sent. Many will admit that God sent plagues upon Egypt; but do not recognize his hand in the calamities being sent before the final deliverance of the Israel of God. Fires, floods, earthquakes, famines, pestilence, and plagues are abounding, carrying off the inhabitants of the earth. The nations are angry, and are preparing to drench the earth in blood. And who are walking in the light, and thus preparing “to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man”? My brethren, walk in the light, lest darkness come upon you. R. F. COTTRELL.