Believest Thou This? by M. Wood

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 14, 1875

Believest Thou This?

By M. Wood

“THE great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord.” Zeph. 1:14. Yes, I believe this, say my brethren and sisters. I believe that we are nearing the close of probation, and that the vials of God’s wrath will soon be poured out upon the defenseless heads of those who transgress his holy law. But we ask, What are you doing toward saving precious souls from this merciless storm? Do you truly believe that the day is fast drawing to a close? that the shadows of evening are fast lengthening? and that time for labor in the vineyard of the Lord will soon be among the things that were? Do you know that members of our own families are gliding down the stream of time unconscious of their peril, and unwarned of the approaching judgments of God?

In view of the calamities about to fall upon our world, what is the duty of every member of the Tract and Missionary Society? Let the great apostle answer: “Now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” Rom. 13: 11, 12. The apostle would have us realize the importance of immediately engaging in the work connected with the cause of God. If we have greater light than those around us, then we should disseminate that light that it may shine upon the pathway of the weary pilgrim and lead him to Christ.

The third angel’s message is to go with a loud cry. It is no local affair. Had it been the work of man it would have come to naught long ago; but it is the work of God which man cannot overthrow. It is his truth. It is not to be locked within our own breast—to be shut up in secrecy. The truth never has been confined to individuals. It is for the world. And it is not reasonable to suppose that the closing work is an exception to this rule. It courts publicity. It invites all to come to the light, and accept of proffered mercy. And the command from the Captain of our salvation is, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” It is not necessary that we should all be preachers in order to obey this divine command; for if all were preachers where would be the hearers? But we can go out into the white harvest field, and gather sheaves for the Master’s garner.

Now is the time for us to work energetically. Soon it will be too late; do not wait for a special manifestation of God’s Spirit upon you, and think, because you are not what you ought to be that you have no burden to bear, no part assigned you in the cause of truth. There is room and work enough for all, if we will avail ourselves of the opportunities which the Tract and Missionary Society offers. It may to some persons seem like a very small thing to be a colporteur. But to be engaged in the service of God—to be a servant to the most high God, exceeds all earthly honors. Instead of shrinking from the duties naturally devolving upon Christians, especially those making such a high profession as S. D. Adventists, we should deem it a privilege to be co-workers with the Son of God—no matter how humble the sphere in which we move. Oh, for more courage in God, and more faith in his work!

My heart is made glad from week to week by a perusal of the Signs, especially the page devoted to the Tract and Missionary work; for scarcely a week passes that we do not read of some precious soul that has embraced the third angel’s message, simply from reading our publications. And while the work is moving with such alacrity upon the Pacific coast, we must not settle back, and rest content upon the laurels already gained in the Tract and Missionary enterprise. We should buckle on the armor anew, and re-enlist for life under the banner of King Jesus. Why is it that some cannot see the importance of entering upon the work of tract distribution as though it was ordained of God? I believe God is willing to bless the labors of those who will consecrate themselves to him. We are not doing one twentieth that we ought to do. Still, with all our indifference in this glorious cause, we expect to hear it said, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” M. Wood.