WHO SHALL BE SAVED? by A. S. Nason

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 30, 1876

WHO SHALL BE SAVED?

By A. S. Nason

We are living in the most grand and solemn time of the world's history. The work of God is rapidly advancing, and soon it will be said, “He that is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still.” Now is the golden opportunity to fit up characters that will stand the test of the Judgment.

The accounts in the REVIEW are very cheering that many are advancing, since the day appointed for fasting, humiliation, and prayer, and that they begin to taste the sweets of pardoning love. It is a thought to occasion the deepest sadness that some will not be benefited by this day of fasting. Oh! that all could realize just what they need to do in order to be saved. If Sabbath-keepers were more firmly united in love, how much good might be accomplished in saving souls. Truly we need to pray that the softening Spirit of God may melt our hearts and subdue our stubborn wills. There is cause for the deepest gratitude that we have a Saviour who can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and who will never turn away any who come to him in the spirit of humility. When he has shown to us such tender compassion, how necessary that we should compassionate each other.

The love of Jesus passes all understanding, and it is free for you and for me. Have any been sad and desolate, feeling that the way was hard, and that no ray of light seemed to penetrate the darkness? Look up! Jesus' hand is extended for the sure relief of all who will grasp it by faith. The thought of being saved in that bright world, where sorrow and sighing will forever flee away, is enough to inspire courage in the faintest heart. We cannot afford to trifle in the solemn work God has assigned us in these last moments of time. Oh! if we fully realized that our Saviour is at the door, how eager would we be in our efforts to rescue perishing souls from the enemy's power. God grant that the spirit of humiliation and repentance which has commenced to work among his people may grow broader and deeper until such a reformation shall take place as we never have witnessed. Then shall we hear the cry on every hand from poor sinners, “What shall I do to be saved?”

All desire eternal salvation, but not all are willing to sacrifice to obtain it. Many, like the young man who came to Jesus, will go away sorrowful, because they are unwilling to give all for Christ. It is those alone who are dead to self, and are entirely consecrated to the Master's service, who will at last be among the saved.

“Self-love dismissed, ’tis then we live indeed; In her embrace, death, only death is found, Come, then, one noble effort and succeed, Cast off the chain of self with which thy soul is bound. “ Oh! I would cry, that all the world might hear, Ye self-torment, love you God alone; Let his unequalled excellence be dear, Dear to your inmost souls, and make him all your

A. S. NASON.

Ipswich, Mass.