Awake and Repent by Allie L. Church

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 5, 1872

Awake and Repent.

By Allie L. Church

Is it not high time? Have we a moment to spare? I think all will quickly answer, No. They who compose the jewels of God at last will have to be pure, cleansed from all sin. He will not have one to dwell with him which has the least remains of sin. Should he allow one such to enter there, that individual would forever mar the peace and happiness of Heaven. He knows the thought, act, and motive, of each one. And could he ever permit us to enter the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem, walk its golden streets, associate with angels and the pure of earth, and, more than all, permit us to see his own lovely face, if there was the least remains of sin in our characters? Never. He will not suffer the happiness of saints and angels to be disturbed.

Careless sinner, is it not time for you to awake? Think for a moment. You are enjoying the pleasures of earth which are as fleeting as morning dew. You do not feel happy in the pursuit of these; for as soon as they are in the past, conscience whispers, “You have committed a great sin in doing as you have. God does not approve of the course you have taken.” The still, small voice continues to warn you, but you will not listen. You must give an account of every act and word which is not in accordance with God's will. He longs to see you break away from the follies and pleasures of earth and receive him as your Saviour. He still lingers, waiting to see if you will accept his gracious invitation. If you will listen to his voice, and obey, pleasures and blessings are in waiting for you which you do not realize.

I once heard a friend say, one who had tasted of the joys of the world to come, that he would serve God if he did not expect to receive any reward hereafter except the peace of mind and joy he experienced in so doing while here. But this is not all we shall receive. Think of beholding Him who has redeemed us by his blood, of seeing saints and angels, of the crown of life, and of living forever and enjoying all these. The reward is great enough, it seems to me, to allure us from the scenes of earth. Luke-warm professor, think of these things. Are you setting the example and casting the influence your profession requires? Does the world point at you, and say, “That man's example is one worthy of being imitated by others”? Or do they say, “He makes great pretensions to goodness, but he is no better than I am”?

Watch and pray, for much more is required of you than as though you had never named the name of Christ. Oh! that I could say something to arouse you, and make you feel the peril of your situation. Christ's command to one and all is, “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Time is short, and you have not a moment to lose. You know not how soon you may be called upon to render up life. After that, you have no chance to repent. You will be brought before the bar of God and will have to bear the frown of the Saviour, and hear the awful sentence, “Depart from me, I never knew you.” My friend, whoever you are, repent ere it is too late, and make this last resolve that, by the grace of God assisting you, you will live out the truths of God and finally stand on Mount Zion. You can do it if you strive aright, and seek him with all your heart. May God help you to obey him is my prayer.

ALLIE L. CHURCH.

Steele Co., Minn., Oct. 13, 1872.