Thoughts Concerning the Present Time.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
THE LORD is soon coming. The world lies in wickedness. Iniquity increases and abounds, and the love of many grows cold. Professors and those who make no profession are unprepared for the events that are before us in the near future. The servants of God are not sealed with the sign of God in their foreheads, and the winds of the last great strife are about to be loosed, and find them with the mark of the beast where the seal of the living God, the Creator of the heavens and earth, should be. The church is asleep and sinners are unprepared and unwarned; while the great and terrible day of God's wrath is about to come upon them as a thief. A great work is to be done. The world and the professed church are to be warned. God has promised them a warning, to be given before the day of his vengeance comes; and he is fulfilling his word. He has sent the last message into the world; but the great work is not yet done. He has enlightened many with the light of present truth; and it is his design to work by human means. He has commissioned men to preach the gospel. His word still is, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He lays a responsibility upon those who have the light to convey it to others; and a work is now demanded which calls for self-sacrificing labor. Who among us who have the light are ready to respond to the call? Who are saying from the heart, Here am I; send me? It is true, we may exclaim, Who is sufficient for these things? for indeed no one is of himself; but “our sufficiency is of God.” He gives his spirit to those who love him and with all the heart seek his aid. Let us arouse, seek the divine aid, and engage in the work. The work is vast; and the time is short in which to do it. No time should be lost. The last of the last days is at hand. Upon a little span of time tremendous and eternal consequences are suspended. God is proving his people to whom he has given the light. He has waited long years with many of us; and still, through his long-suffering and tender mercy, we may be saved, if we will realize and take the responsibilities we should. Will we do it, and do it now? Will we be zealous, and repent? or shall we be spewed out? The work, though great, will be accomplished. It is not by might nor by power of man that it is to be done, but by the Spirit of the Lord of hosts. The question with us as individuals is, Will we discharge our responsibility? or will we let another take our crown? Faith, my brethren, living faith, is what is wanted; and a zeal commensurate to our opportunities. To trust in God and do what we can, will be acceptable to God. All can share in the work. And the reward will be glorious. Soon the faithful laborers will hear the chief Shepherd say, Well done. The way is open for all to take part in spreading the truth for the time—the gospel of the everlasting kingdom soon to be established. By God's providence the printing press has been invented; and he designs it to be a powerful agent in spreading the truth and warning the world of approaching doom. Through tracts and other publications all may help proclaim the message. Faithfulness in this work will not lose its reward. “Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Will we have this welcome addressed to us? R. F. COTTRELL.