PRACTICAL by R. F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 2, 1879

PRACTICAL

By R. F. Cottrell

The theory is clear, beautiful, and scriptural. The truth is plain to every willing and unperverted mind. All can see it who really desire to know and obey it. We are glad of a faith that is invincible. None can successfully assail our position. It is good to be in such a case, to feel secure from every assault, that our position is impregnable to every foe.

But do we realize the truth which we profess? Are we sanctified through it? Does it have the effect upon our lives it ought to have? Does its divine reality enter into our very being, controlling our thoughts, words, and deeds? This is the important point to us. We may have a theory in our head that does not affect our heart. We may help to publish the truth to others while it does not have its sanctifying, saving influence upon ourselves. We may, like Noah's carpenters, help build the ark to save others, and not get on board ourselves.

Let all take heed, and beware. Let us examine ourselves, our thoughts, our motives. Where is our heart's interest? Let us weigh our thoughts.

‘Which way do they tend? Is the cause of truth and the salvation of men first in our thoughts? Is this our first and highest interest? Or are worldly thoughts and schemes first and most continual in our minds?’

God knows how it is. Angels know it. How often are they grieved, and in sorrow turn from us! To know ourselves and be right before God is the all-important point. How easy to deceive ourselves; but God is not deceived.

Come, let us prove where our affections are. Let us get a deeper interest in the cause of God. Let us bring in all our tithes and offerings and prove the Lord therewith. He invites us to do so. His promise cannot fail. He is waiting and desirous to pour us out a blessing such as we have not received. Let us be in readiness to receive it. R. F. Cottrell.