WHAT ARE WE DOING? by Raymond F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 27, 1880

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

By Raymond F. Cottrell

Oh! for a just appreciation of the thrilling importance of this solemn time of preparation for the coming of Christ! How should we feel, and how should we labor, could we discern, in all its importance, the day of probation just closing, and ourselves and others in danger of losing the priceless boon of eternal life by our lack of zeal and diligence in the cause of human salvation.

We should cultivate faith, faith in the advent, and faith that it is near, even at the doors. These words of Jesus are none too strong, and they have their application now, for the predicted signs are fulfilled, and their record is in the history of the past.

It is by faith that we are to live, and by faith that we are to get the victory. And we who have enjoyed the light of present truth, and have, by past and present fulfillment of prophecy, learned that the last message of probation is due, and has actually come, and is doing its solemn and fearful work—we cannot make a nominal faith in past truths answer the present demand. We cannot go back to merely the faith of those from whom the Advent faith has separated us. It would be death to us. No; we must exercise living faith in the advent at hand, or we are dead though we have a name to live.

Onward in the light of present truth, is our only safe course. To go back, is perdition. But the true will not draw back to perdition, but believe to the saving of the soul.

And our works are the test of our faith. Then let us look and see what we are doing. Are we showing to all that we believe the truth, and are preparing to remove to a better country? Are we cutting loose from earthly moorings, having put all on board for the heavenly country? What are we doing? This is the test of our faith.

R. F. COTTRELL.