p. 275 | Have You Faith? by R. F. Cottrell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 8, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 18.

Have You Faith?

By R. F. Cottrell

THE great event of earth's history is at hand. The closing message of the everlasting gospel is being heard in many nations; and the watching, faithful ones are obeying its voice by keeping "the commandments of God"—not excepting the one so long trodden under foot by almost the whole Christian world—"and the faith of Jesus," a faith which embraces his coming again according to his promise. Rev. 14: 9-12.

And yet how few accept and appreciate this solemn truth! Said Jesus, "When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" The truth is being proclaimed with many infallible proofs from prophecy and history; and yet professed believers in the Bible look on "with brute unconscious gaze," almost entirely destitute of that living faith which relies on the testimony of God's word and providence as an infallible guide. Preachers still preach, ignoring, if not opposing, the present work of the Lord in fulfillment of his promises contained in prophecy; and souls are said to be converted, who are kept, if possible, as really ignorant of these thrilling truths as their teachers seem to be. I say seem to be; for it seems impossible that learned men of extensive travel and acquaintance, as these "revivalists" are, should really be ignorant of the great questions of the day concerning Bible truth. The Lord's work, though it may appear small, is "not done in a corner;" and though they may avoid saying anything of it to the uninformed multitudes, when the subject is forced upon their attention they will be found armed and equipped with traditions of men with which to oppose the truth of God. Oh, the infidelity of the professed church! Yet the Heaven-sent message will be heard and obeyed by some. It is even now being widely spread among men. True hearts are responding to the call in many countries, and true faith shall be victorious. Those that believe and endure shall be saved. May Heaven speed on the work.

How is it with us who have for years accepted this closing message as the truth of God? Is our faith active and our zeal fervent? Have we a faith that works? Do we appreciate the sacred truth for our times, and the high and holy work to which we are called? Do earthly treasures look extremely small, and are our affections for them diminishing as rapidly as we are approaching the end? "Take heed, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares."

Every heart will be tested. We who have long enjoyed the light are held responsible for the way in which we let our light shine. Is our interest increasing, or decreasing? Do we love the truth? Are we doing our best to advance it? It is well to think of these things; for the gospel net has always taken fishes of different kinds, but when it is brought to land, the good are put in vessels and the bad thrown away. Let us be co-workers with God, while he has a work to do. R. F. COTTRELL.