Is the Foundation Sure?
By Roswell F. Cottrell
THE wise man seeks a good foundation on which to build. The Word of God is a sure foundation. The building not resting on this foundation will be sure to fall. The storms and floods which will ere long arise will sweep away the refuge of lies, and overflow the hiding place, while that which is built upon the Word of God will stand. Our position in regard to present truth claims as its foundation the “sure word of prophecy.” About a quarter of a century has elapsed, in which to prove the falsity or truth of our position. What has been the result? Has any one disproved it, or shown anything unscriptural in it? Are the evidences of its truth diminishing? Not in the least. On the contrary, time and events continually strengthen it. The signs at present show that the events we have been expecting in connection with the final test and the close of probation, are at hand. Nothing but blind unbelief can doubt, and no one can show any reason why this government is not preparing to do the very work which we have been looking for, on the strength of prophecy. The image of the papal beast is now emphatically called for by the “religious amendment” party; and power to enforce the mark is a prominent part of the proposed amendment. The persecution foretold is sure to follow. My brethren, in view of the increasing strength of our position, is it a time to backslide? Shall we, with the truth which the church and the world need, lose our interest and perish with the blood of souls upon us? Is it possible that we have backslidden, having a full knowledge of such thrilling truths? Yes, it is human to go away from the Lord. Without constant watchfulness and work, we become unguarded; and, such a course pursued, the Lord leaves us to ourselves. The spirit of the world comes in imperceptibly, and we have not strength to resist. Let all take warning. Let us heed the message to Laodicea; be zealous and repent. The lukewarm cannot forever be tolerated. While Christ is knocking, let us open the door. His hand is not shortened. He is ready to bless. The writer asks the prayers of those near the Lord. My determination is to go forward and see the end of the Christian hope. I know the way. I want the Spirit of God to help me to walk in it. I thank God for the light, and pray for grace to walk in it. Our hope is truly blessed and glorious. To gain it is to gain everything; to lose it is to lose all.