A Crisis by J. O. Johnston

Review and Herald Publishing Assn. · Washington, D.C. · Dec 31, 1903

A Crisis

By J. O. Johnston

J. O. JOHNSTON

“If there was ever a crisis, it is now.” These words are found on page 16 of “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI; and within the past few days we have received word from the author of these words, saying, “I have been impressed to call upon the members of our churches to study the last two volumes of ‘Testimonies for the Church.’ . . . In the visions of the night the Lord told me that the truths contained in these books must be brought before the members of our churches, because there are many who are indifferent in regard to the salvation of their souls.” Therefore we are now in a time of crisis; and not only so, but as compared with all other crises of the past, this one stands paramount.

“If there was ever a crisis, it is now.”

Then, why is it that Seventh-day Adventists are not stirred to intense activity in every church in the land? Surely it must be because many are asleep, and do not discern the signs of the times. But all are not asleep. There is heard even now “the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees;” and the Lord calls upon those who do hear to bestir themselves, and seek God most earnestly to awaken his slumbering people before it shall be too late to secure oil in their vessels.

We need to agonize now before God; for we are living in the very midst of the “shaking time.” God’s people are being shaken; the world is being shaken; and soon everything which can be shaken will be shaken. During such times as these shall we be found among those who “can not be shaken”? or shall we be sifted out? This will depend upon how we relate ourselves to God and the special work he has for us to do. God is bidding us to seek his face. He counsels us to seek righteousness and meekness, that we may be hid in the day of his anger. Zeph. 2:3.

Can it be possible that there are Seventh-day Adventists who do not discern the signs of this time? and will they sleep on, making no preparation for the advancing night, until, too late to secure oil in their vessels, they awake to hear the startling cry, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him”?

On page 131 of “Early Writings” is found precious instruction which we should study at this time; for it is present truth: “I saw some, with strong faith and agonizing cries, pleading with God. Their countenances were pale, and marked with deep anxiety, expressive of their internal struggle. Firmness and great earnestness was expressed in their countenances; large drops of perspiration fell from their foreheads. Now and then their faces would light up with the marks of God’s approbation, and again the same solemn, earnest, anxious look would settle upon them. . . . As the praying ones continued their earnest cries, at times a ray of light from Jesus came to them, to encourage their hearts, and light up their countenances. Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resisting the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud. The angels of God left these, and went to the aid of the earnest, praying ones. I saw angels of God hasten to the assistance of all who were struggling with all their power to resist the evil angels, and trying to help themselves by calling upon God with perseverance. But his angels left those who made no effort to help themselves, and I lost sight of them.”

This is the picture of the present hour, and we are either among the “earnest, praying ones” or among those who do not “participate in this work of agonizing and pleading.” Where are we today? Are you, dear reader, among the company who are agonizing before God, and resisting the darkness around you? If not, may you hasten to join them, or

the darkness will soon shut you in, and your lamp will go out. The Lord loves his people, and he will quickly turn unto them, if they will return unto him.