Who Will Go Through? by Roswell F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 4, 1873

Who Will Go Through?

By Roswell F. Cottrell

Many years have passed since we heard the voice of the third angel, warning of the coming day of wrath, and showing the needed preparation to meet the coming events with joy and not with grief. A people are to be prepared for the event; and their preparation will consist in keeping “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus;” and persecution will be raised against them by those who take part with the dragon, because they “keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Many years have passed since we heard this message and believed it was from Heaven; and the evidences of its divine origin have not diminished, but increased greatly. There is no chance to go back from our position with any show of reason—there is no possibility of an honorable discharge from this warfare until the final victory is won. We have enlisted during the war. We did not expect that the war would last so long; and how little idea did we have, not only of the extent of the work to be done, but of the great work of preparation which was needful to prepare us for the grand event of a translation into the presence and kingdom of Christ. We were warned by the spirit of prophecy that severe tests and trials were before us—that there would be a great shaking, and many would not be prepared to stand every test; but how little was realized of the vast work of purification and sanctification necessary to fit up a people, here in the very dregs of time—in the very culmination of six thousand years of increasing sin, depravity, degradation, and the consequent curse—for the finishing touch of immortality. Oh! how vast the work, and how little realized! How hard to realize it, while the intellect and moral sense are so beclouded and benumbed by sin!

But the work is moving forward, and it will be accomplished; and those that are finally prepared for the advent will thank God in the end for every reform that has been introduced among us and for every test to which they have been called; yes, for all the labor and toil and sacrifice it has been their lot to bear.

My brother, my sister, shall we go through? Will we cheerfully accept of all the Lord in great mercy is doing for us? Will we confess and forsake our sins? Will we cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord? May God help us so to do.

I wish to confess that I have been far behind my duty, and consequently far beneath my privilege. My darkness is the consequence of being too far from God, the fountain of light, and in whom is no darkness at all. I desire the prayers of those who are nearer to God, that I may get into the light, and so be prepared to do my duty, and shine as a light in the world. I feel that I am willing to humble myself and confess my wrongs, in order to draw near to God. I must go through. I cannot bear the thought of coming short. I crave a part with the people of God—a share with them in the labor and suffering, and also in the triumph and glory. God is leading his people. Shall we not cheerfully follow? R. F. COTTRELL.