p. 24 | Perilous Times

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Apr 22, 1902

Perilous Times

It must be evident to all who give the matter any serious thought that we have already entered upon those perilous times which are to precede the coming of the Lord. The intensity of the conflict in our individual experiences, the evident effort of the enemy to deaden the spiritual life of the church, and to bring in a spirit of division and confusion, and the general political situation, with the widespread expectation of impending conflicts among the leading nations, all emphasize this fact. And it is clear that there will be no general change for the better, but rather that “evil men and seducers will wax worse and worse.”

And yet there is help for every individual who is willing to receive it, and there is a message of hope to impart to all. The light never shone so clearly as now, and the wonderful principles of truth which the Lord has made known to us are just what are needed to bring encouragement to many troubled hearts. Let each one who has received a knowledge of saving truth realize his high calling to be a witness for that truth, and the light will shine forth in many dark places.

There are many encouraging indications of the Lord’s willingness to bless in the work, but there needs to be a greater willingness to receive and to impart, according to the Lord’s own plan, the gifts which he has provided so freely. It is the time of power now, power for individual victory, and power for success in the work. It is also a time of great responsibility. Character is being rapidly developed, marked changes may be expected, and successes or failures will be more positive than ever before. While the peril is greater, the provision to meet it is ample, but there must be an earnestness in appropriating the offered help. “Be filled with the Spirit,” and thus be equipped for successful service.