God's Peculiar People by R. F. Cottrell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 15, 1885

God's Peculiar People.

By R. F. Cottrell

God has a peculiar people, and a specific work to which he has called them. This has been the case in past ages of the world, and it will be to the end. In the development of the great plan of redemption and salvation, the people of God have been called to maintain their peculiarity; and their worst enemies, those from whom have arisen their greatest danger, have been false religionists, who have ever sought to lure them from their high calling, as witnesses for the truth, and bring them down to a level with themselves.

In ancient times the worshipers of the true God were beset round about with idolaters. These professed religion, as well as themselves. All they asked was charity. Men might worship Jehovah if they would not be exclusive, but would put him on a level with their gods. They would invite them to the sacrifices which were offered to the idols, and if they would consent to be present, they would soon see that "other folks had religion as well as themselves;" the object of false religion was gained, the truth was degraded, for its professors no longer maintained their peculiarity as witnesses for the truth.

Similar dangers beset us in these last days. God has given his people a testimony to bear and a work to do. Their only safety is in attending to the work that is given them to do—proclaiming the last message of the gospel to mankind. The worst enemy of God and men is a corrupt church, which, with high professions of charity, is ready to seduce the unwary from their peculiar character and work. They have religion; but if it will not bear the test of the "commandments of God and the faith of Jesus," it is not of the right kind; and weak souls in their association with them are sure to be the losers through their influence.

R. F. COTTRELL.