A Reason of the Hope by R. F. Cottrell

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Aug 5, 1875

A Reason of the Hope.

By R. F. Cottrell

WE are taught to be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh us a reason of the hope that is in us. And certainly if we can give an answer to others, we must be able to know for ourselves on what our faith and hope are grounded. Our faith is to be tried. Each one must be prepared to stand the test for himself. He that endures to the end will be saved. Some have depended too much upon others, and have not studied the reasons upon which our faith is based. Such are in danger of being moved from their foundation. They have moved because others did; and if others fall away, having no root in themselves, are liable to go with them. It is to our interest to know for ourselves why we believe and hope.

If our faith and hope are correct, our all depends upon holding fast; if not, the sooner it is abandoned the better. If it is correct, it must bring believers into unity. It is impossible for it to fail of this end. Then every departure from the spirit of unity is a departure from the truth. Sectarianism is a wicked thing. The heretic or factionist is rejected of God. He is self-condemned. Let all beware of a party spirit. It is not in agreement with the Spirit of God. The gathering call is sounding. "He that gathereth not with me," says Christ, "scattereth abroad." Have you received, as truth, the faith that God is sending out the last message—a message that is to prepare his people for the advent of Christ? How important, then, that you should be laboring to build up this truth in unity! Can you lightly give influence to a party spirit?

Let all who are satisfied with the foundation of our faith and hope hold on to it. Encourage unity for the truth's sake, and for the sake of the salvation of souls. If any doubt the foundation let them inquire till they are satisfied, and then act accordingly. Be prepared with a reason for your position—a reason that will satisfy yourself, at least. The time is coming when you will want a foundation more firm than the ebbing and flowing of the waters, the fluctuations of others who are unsettled, and are turned about by every adverse wind. Have salt in yourselves, and have peace and unity with those who are grounded in the truth. Have you no reason but the fluctuations and caprices of other unstable souls? Then be in haste to find a better one, or give up the ship.

Yes, have a reason at hand that will silence the contending waves of passion and party spirit—a reason that will make you calm in the midst of adverse squalls. If we have taken the right ship it will land us safely, if we remain on board. My advice to all is, "Don't give up the ship." I can give no good reason for forsaking it. Can you? Search and see. Is this the work of God, the work predicted in prophecy? If so, hold fast that no one take your crown. Eternal life and a home in the promised new earth is the prize to be gained or lost. It is all important that our faith and hope are well grounded. Let us know the foundation of our hope. Let us have a reason that will abide the storms and billows of passion and pride. R. F. COTTRELL.