GEO. O. STATES by GEO. O. STATES

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 21, 1907

GEO. O. STATES

By GEO. O. STATES

Lessons from Past Experiences — No. 13

GEO. O. STATES

More than fifty years ago I remember listening to my mother as she talked about the soon coming of Christ. The coming of the Lord was a living reality in those early days. It was the theme of conversation when we met together, for we believed that in a few years we should witness the Saviour coming in the clouds with all the holy angels.

While time has continued much longer than any of us expected, yet if we had known it would be so long, we no doubt would have lost our interest in that glad theme, become absorbed in the speculations of the world, and so would not have been in a condition to do the work of proclaiming the message.

As I compare those days with the present, I can see a change. In 1879 we were told: “We are now upon the very borders of the eternal world; but it is the purpose of the adversary of souls to lead us to put far off the close of time. Satan will in every conceivable manner assail those who profess to be the commandment-keeping people of God, and to be waiting for the second appearing of our Saviour in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. He will lead as many as possible to put off the evil day, and become in spirit like the world, imitating its customs. I felt alarmed as I saw that the spirit of the world was controlling the hearts and minds of many who make a high profession of the truth. . . . In consideration of the shortness of time, we as a people should watch and pray, and in no case allow ourselves to be diverted from the solemn work of preparation for the event before us. Because the time is apparently extended, many have become careless and indifferent in regard to their words and actions. They do not realize their danger, and do not see and understand the mercy of our God in lengthening their probation, that they may have time to form characters for the future, immortal life. Every moment is of the highest value. Time is granted them, not to be employed in studying their own ease and becoming dwellers on the earth, but to be used in the work of overcoming every defect in their own characters, and in helping others, by example and personal effort, to see the beauty of holiness. God has a people upon the earth who in faith and holy hope are tracing down the roll of fast-fulfilling prophecy, and are seeking to purify their souls by obeying the truth, that they may not be found without the wedding-garment when Christ shall appear.”—Vol IV, and page 306.

It is nearly thirty years since this counsel was given, and if it was needed then, it is needed much more at this time.

I was forcibly impressed with this in reading the article by the editor in the REVIEW of December 6, “The World and the Message.” It is true that we are living in a remarkable time. The people of the world realize that great changes are now taking place, and the only work that should occupy our time is the giving of the only message that can explain what all these things mean.

While I have believed the coming of the Lord was near for so many years, yet I want to say that I am not losing my confidence in the final triumph of this grand message.

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Heb. 10: 35, 36.

To my older brethren and sisters, who with myself have been looking for the coming of the Lord for so long, I want to say, Be of good courage, for this message is fast doing what we have known all along it would do, and soon will swell into the loud cry and the work will be cut short in righteousness, and we shall see him for whom we have waited so long.

Cedaredge, Colo.