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Losing Time

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Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Oct 18, 1883

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 9, No. 39.

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Losing Time.

By Raymond F. Cottrell

TIME is too precious to be lost. This has ever been the case; but as we near the close of our probation, the value of the few fleeting moments that remain seems to be greatly enhanced. A great work is to be done; and the time is short in which it may be done. Evil tempers are to be subdued, and a perfect victory over selfishness, self-will, and sin is to be gained, and a work of benevolence and philanthropy to be done.
Are we improving our time? Are we doing the work necessary to be done, to make our calling and election sure? That brother or that sister that is filled with the spirit of fault-finding, murmuring, grudging, and rebellion, is losing time—precious time, that cannot be recalled. This bitterness must be got out of your heart, or you are lost. The time you spend in nursing your own evil disposition, by magnifying the faults of others, real or supposed, is worse than lost; instead of advancing, you are drawing back to perdition. The doubts of the truth and work of God which you cherish, while you murmur against his chosen instrumentalities, are sinking you down, and disqualifying you to do the work so necessary to be done for your own salvation. You are drawing off your sympathy from the cause and work of God. Satan is pleased; for you are giving yourself over to his influence and becoming his willing servant. Oh, that I might arouse you before it is too late to retrace your steps and make your peace with God. While you remain in your present condition, the chances against you are increasing. You are losing time! Be entreated to at once set about the work of redeeming the time. Humble yourself. "Have faith in God," Have faith in his work. Gather with Christ, and not scatter abroad. God will do his work right; and he is the judge of all. Bring yourself into harmony with the work of God; rejoice in its increase and extension in all the earth; and make a determined and persevering effort to do the work God has given you to do, now, while it is called to-day.
R. F. COTTRELL.