p. 6 | The Prospect by Roswell F. Cottrell

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Jun 6, 1878

The Prospect.

By Roswell F. Cottrell

Dear Signs: It is more than a quarter of a century since I became connected with those who believe from prophecy and its fulfillment that the second coming of Christ is at hand, and that some of the present generation will remain alive to see the event.

During these years, prophecy and its fulfillment have been my principal study. The present fulfillments of prophecy constitute the signs of our times. I often review these things, and every review of them only strengthens my faith that the time is come for the last warning, that of Rev. 14:9-12, to be given to mankind, and that it is even now, being preached to the nations of the earth. Things which from prophecy, we have been expecting are being done in our own country, and more than we dared hope for in other nations, in the proclamation of the message, is being accomplished. Consequently we are shut up to the position to which we have been led. There is no way of retreat, but in a denial of God's word and providence.

How solemn and important is the present time! The decisions of the judgment for all the living of the earth will soon be past. There is but little time to work in the cause of the salvation of men. Shall we labor together with God? or shall we sleep to these things, and be drunken with the cares of this world, and so have the day of the Lord come upon us as a snare?

For one I am determined to go onward till I see the end of the race and the open gates of the golden city of our God. Onward, my friends, to victory! The Lord has a work yet to be done; and we may as individuals, have a part in it. It is my constant prayer, Give me a part in the work of the Lord!

R. F. Cottrell.