The Close of this Message.
By R. F. Cottrell
THE time is at hand when the message of the third angel will close, and the destiny of the living, moving throngs of earth will be decided forever. The coming of Him who said, “This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled,” cannot be much longer an event of expectation. His word will not fail; he will soon come. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? The final message has been on its way for a quarter of a century; yet its great work is in the future. Very soon it must be done. Something has been accomplished by way of preparation; a little beginning has been made; but the time is come for the work to be greatly enlarged; and we that have long professed to believe the truth will have the opportunity to prove the sincerity of our love. A crisis is before our people. If we do not repent of our lukewarmness, we shall be spewed out. But the Lord’s work will go onward, though our number should be reduced like Gideon’s army. Brethren, let us prepare for the trial of our faith. We have had warnings and reproofs from the Spirit of God. We have assented and professed faith; but how have we acted? Have we heeded the admonitions? Have we walked in the light? Have we corrected the faults of which we have been admonished? With many of you, I can say that I have tried. But how far short I have come! Earnest zeal and perseverance have been wanting. Self-sacrificing devotion, a love of souls, the true missionary spirit have been sadly wanting. But while we regret the past, we may still hope for the future. We have a merciful High Priest. The Lord still speaks to us. Let us prepare ourselves for the testimony that is ripening, which will try and prove us. Let us repent and open the door and receive the Heavenly Guest. And will he deign to come in? He desires to, or he would not stand at the door and knock. Thank God for reproofs and warnings which are given in great mercy in order to save us. My heart is in sympathy with the appeals which come to us from the Rocky Mountains. I am glad to know that while the Lord’s servants there are drawing near to the Lord, the Spirit’s cry is in their hearts for their brethren. And while I am drawing near for myself, it is encouraging to my heart to know that I have the sympathies and prayers of the dear ones whom God has made instrumental of good by leading out in his cause, and who have so deeply felt the burdens and responsibilities of the cause. May God forgive me for coming so far short of taking the responsibilities that I should. God has not forgotten his cause, nor his servants. And it is true, that if there was ever a time when God’s servants should stand together in the work, it is now. Who will be on the Lord’s side? By the grace of God, I will. The Lord is one; his cause is one; and we certainly ought to have learned by this time how to stand together in the work. The Lord has borne long with us, not because we were worthy, but because he is merciful and gracious. Now let us consecrate ourselves to his work, each one in his own sphere, to push it forward till the world are fully warned, the righteous sealed, and our garments are pure from the blood of souls. Our case is urgent. Our opportunities are fast passing. The work is great, and calls for united effort. Be zealous, and repent. We must reform and walk in the light. The willing and obedient shall be partakers of the promises; while the rebellious shall be cut off. It is my heart’s desire and earnest prayer to God that he will give me a part with his people in the work. R. F. COTTRELL.