Present Truth and Present Duty.
By Raymond F. Cottrell
THE Lord is soon coming, as numerous prophecies of the Bible testify. The world is in dire confusion; infidelity, and apostasy from the faith of revelation, abound. The last message of the gospel is being preached, and is spreading over the earth, to many people, and nations, and tongues, and kingdoms. A few are endeavoring to heed this last warning, by keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. But there are thousands upon thousands to be warned; and the responsibility of giving them the warning and of becoming instrumental in their salvation, is laid upon those whom the Lord has enlightened with the truth for our times. The Lord has said, "Ye are the light of the world." The light which he gives to his people they are to reflect upon others. The example of Christ in giving himself a sacrifice for us, calls upon us to make a sacrifice of time, strength, mental ability, and substantial means to carry forward the great and glorious work of saving souls for whom he died. He calls upon us, every one of us, to become co-laborers with himself, in the cause for which he gave himself, his all, even life itself. Christ has placed a value upon humanity which we do not comprehend. The worth of eternal life to a human soul we cannot compute. Life to ourselves is beyond our powers to estimate; and it is as dear to others as it is to us. If we may be the means of saving men, great is our reward; but if we neglect our duty, and do not put forth earnest and continuous efforts to save our fellows, great will be our condemnation. Are we awake to the responsibilities of the hour? May God give us a part in his work while the day lasts. R. F. COTTRELL.