THE JUDGMENT by Mrs. C. M. Richardson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 24, 1901

THE JUDGMENT.

By Mrs. C. M. Richardson

MRS. C. M. RICHARDSON.

(Kingston, Jamaica.)

Few realize what the Judgment means to them. The time will come when all will experience its true significance; but for many it will be too late. Oh that we as a people may awake from our slumber, and prepare for the scenes before us! Oh that there might be such a searching of heart as we have never experienced; for one sin, if cherished, will shut us out of heaven. As we begin to search our hearts by the aid of the Holy Spirit, how many things we see unlike the Saviour,—how much of self! And were it not for the fact that we have help promised by One who has all power in heaven and earth, we should despair. But thanks be to God, we can get the victory over every sin, if we appropriate the power that is given us; for we know “He is able to finish the work He has begun in us.”

What an inspiring thought!—the same One who helped our Saviour to overcome is our helper. Is it not time, in view of the help we have, that we were obtaining daily victories?

While many are absorbed in the pleasures and pursuits of this life, their names will come in review in the judgment, and they will be weighed in the balances and found wanting. What a sad revelation when they find it is too late to make their calling and election sure! Do we love these dear souls as we love ourselves? If so, we shall warn them of their danger; we shall take them the word of God that they may see how perishable are the things of earth, and may not set their affections upon them, but look to their Advocate and Saviour. What a privilege is ours to be co-workers with Christ in saving those around us. What a satisfaction to see in the kingdom those to whom we have carried the light, and to know that they are eternally saved. Time is short. Only a little while is left in which to work for the perishing. While many will be absorbed in the things of this world, and the great day find them unprepared, where will it find you, dear reader? It will find some with every sin put away; and these, trusting in the merits of the One who died for them, will be working for the salvation of those around them. God grant that every one who reads these lines may be among this number.

“O solemn thought! and can it be The hour of judgment now is come, Which soon must fix our destiny, And seal the sinner’s fearful doom? Yes, it is so; the judgment hour Is swiftly hastening to its close; Then will the Judge, in mighty power, Descend in vengeance on His foes.”

“O blessed Saviour, may we feel The full importance of this hour. Inspire our hearts with holy zeal, And aid us by thy Spirit’s power, That we may, in thy strength, be strong, And brave the conflict valiantly; Then, on Mount Zion, join the song, And swell the notes of victory.”