WHO SHALL STAND? by Roswell F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 31, 1878

WHO SHALL STAND?

By Roswell F. Cottrell

The perils of the last days are upon us. Infidelity and iniquity abound. War threatens, and famine and pestilence are abroad in the earth. Crimes and casualties are on the increase; and discontent and disorder are threatening the social system. Earthquakes, storms, floods, and tornadoes are also frequently doing their work of devastation, and are a prelude of woes to come.

The prophecies of Scripture show that the last days are here; and the last warning of the gospel is being proclaimed. The hour of God’s judgment is come; the inhabitants of the earth are being tested, and very soon will the cases of all living be decided; the filthy will be filthy still, and the holy will be confirmed in holiness and sealed for immortality; then Jesus will come quickly to reward every one according to his deeds. Rev. 22: 12.

The last message is calling the attention of the people to the law of God, by which they are to be judged, and multitudes are being called upon to decide whether they will be found loyal to the King of Heaven. We may borrow the expression of the prophet Joel, “Multitudes, multitudes, in the valley of decision;” though that doubtless applies to the valley of cutting off or of the slaughter of the wicked in the “valley of Jehoshaphat,” where the wicked will be gathered and slain in the battle of the great day.

The people are being stirred; many are being convinced of their duty, and are almost persuaded to obey God; but still they halt between two courses of action. Some embrace the truth but to backslide and apostatize. Some who have long professed obedience will be tested out and will turn back. Many will experience the truth of the saying, “Almost saved is wholly lost.”

Now is the time to inquire, “Is it I?” now to inquire, “Who shall be able to stand?” while a preparation is possible. My brothers and sisters, my friends, crucify self; let go of earth and lay hold on Heaven. Be determined to win eternal glory at the expense of all things. We cannot afford to lose eternal life. Earth and earthly possessions will soon look very small to us; they will look like things not worth striving so hard for. Let us strive for life in the world to come.

We are under obligation, not to ourselves alone, but to our fellow-men. The world is to be warned; and all who have a knowledge of the truth are called upon to labor to enlighten and save others. This is God’s great plan; he makes those to whom the gospel comes the channels through which he conveys it to others, and thus gives us the unspeakable honor of being co-laborers with God. And those who neglect this work, and refuse to engage in it, cannot have it said to them, “Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

Reader, think of these things, and let your thoughts lead you to action. The things here suggested will prove true, whether the writer is saved or lost. All desire and mean to be saved; but some will be self-deceived, and so disappointed when it will be too late for remedy. I do not mean to be of that number, you do not. Now is the time to make our calling and election sure. There is danger to many who do not realize it; but let not the timid despair. The Lord loves us; and by his help, which he has promised and is willing to give, we may be saved. R. F. COTTRELL.