p. 159 | Light Not Lived Out by C. Lawton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 2, 1871

Light Not Lived Out.

By C. Lawton

WHILE reflecting on the clear evidences we are having, following each other in swift succession, that the time of trouble is just before us, and the work of our great High Priest is nearly closed up in the inner sanctuary, I felt my heart oppressed with grief in view of the state of many in the church who have but little, if any, sense of the dangerous position they occupy. I thought, Will not God soon give another testimony that will more effectually arouse the church? But while again looking over Testimony No. 18, I read part of the appeal given to the church, October, 1868. Here I saw were light, close, searching, startling truths, that never have been fully heeded, or lived out by many, yes, a great majority, in the church; and can we reasonably expect more light direct to be given on this point until what we have is lived out? But during these two years and a half, the work has been steadily advancing, and those who have kept pace with the work, have been rising with it; and is not this one feature enough to cause alarm and consternation to rest upon those on the background? Are we not living in the very time which was seen and pointed out by sister White, in Vol. 1, Spiritual Gifts, of those who did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading? “They seemed,” she says, “indifferent and careless.” They were not resisting the darkness around them; and it shut them in like a thick cloud, and the angels of God left them, and went to the aid of those earnest, praying ones, and she lost sight of them.

And again she says in Testimony No. 18, “I have said startling things, I have stated according to what I saw, but few of the Seventh-day Adventists would be saved, not because they could not be, but because they would not be in God’s appointed way.” God in love and mercy gives these testimonies to the church, to point out their wrongs, stir them to action, that they may overcome, and be ready to receive the refreshing and be fitted for translation; but what more can be said than has been already? Oh! my heart yearns over the lukewarm, and those who are at ease in Zion. O brethren and sisters, have you no feelings on the subject? So much the more reason to be alarmed! If you have any feeling, cherish it as you would your life. Oh! for strength to get free from the snares of Satan! Life, eternal life, is just before us. Oh! will we not put forth a mightier effort to obtain it? A few more struggles, a little more earnest, faithful laboring, and we enter our glorious reward.

C. LAWTON.