Which Spirit? by I. A. Ford

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 26, 1902

Which Spirit?

By I. A. Ford

The spirit of the message and the spirit of the times are in wide contrast. Never, perhaps, has this been more clearly seen that at the present. The energies of both are being taxed, but with different objects in view. The past few months have been months of general financial prosperity. The spirit of the world—selfishness—is seen in the strenuous efforts of the rich to secure the “gold that perisheth” rather than the “true riches.” Combinations and trusts have been multiplied, and millions of dollars have been “heaped together.”

The laboring classes, seeing the few made rich from their toil, and desiring to have a large share in the increased profits, are binding themselves together in order successfully to cope with their more fortunate brethren. Thus the strife goes on gathering intensity and power with each succeeding day.

What should be the attitude of those who are looking for the Lord’s soon coming? Does not duty demand the most intense earnestness and activity in giving the gospel of salvation to the world? The spirit of prophecy has spoken of this little time of prosperity that would come just before the coming of Christ, and has stated that it is given for the purpose of giving God’s people an opportunity to present the message to the world.

I. A. Ford.