THIS is a peculiarly trying hour for those who claim to be the “remnant” people of God. If God had not determined to cut his work short in righteousness, Rom. 9:28—if the labors of his servants were to progress in no greater ratio—and the increase of piety in the future were only proportionate to that of the past, there would be little ground for hope that a company would ever be prepared for the coming of our Saviour. But “a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.” This is the “day of his preparation,” nor will he fail to accomplish that which he undertakes.
Deep humility and repentance must subdue every feeling of pride and obstinacy. Many confessions will need to be made, and, on account of their imperfection, will have to be renewed. The heart is very deceitful, and will hope to get along with partial and fretful confessions. This will not do. There must be such a deep and cleansing work as will forever debar the return of old sins. Genuine repentance needs not to be repented of.
To attain to this royal standard of excellence is the privilege of every one who will forsake the world and press on toward the mark of eternal life. H. S. ZOILER. Douglas Center, Wis., Feb. 10, 1873.