LET US AWAKE by R. F. Cottrell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 17, 1861

LET US AWAKE.

By R. F. Cottrell

WHO realizes the importance of the great work which the Lord is doing at the present time? Every predicted sign in heaven and earth, fulfilled, proclaims the day of Christ at hand. Human probation is about to close—the decisions of the judgment now in session in the most holy place of the temple of God in heaven are about to be passed upon the last, the living generation, when mercy will cease to plead for the guilty, and vengeance will unsheath his glittering sword, and wrath unmingled will be poured out upon those that have rejected the sweet, the gentle, and the melting offers of salvation, until it is too late! In the commencement of that awful day of wrath, how gladly would they bow, who are now too stubborn to yield to the commandments of God. How eagerly would they fly to the ends of the earth to seek the word of the Lord, who are now too indolent and careless to embrace offered mercy. But, alas! alas! it is too late! The inexorable fiat has gone forth: "He that is filthy, let him be filthy still." O, my soul! contemplate the dread realities of that awful day! and let thine efforts to save thyself and others, be commensurate to the all-exceeding, everlasting interests which are at stake.

Blessed be the Lord! probation still continues. Our great High Priest still lingers in the heavenly sanctuary. Mercy's sweet, melting voice is yet heard, pleading in thrilling tenderness for those whose hearts are susceptible of divine impressions. In the plenitude of his mercy God is sending forth the third and final warning message, promised in his word—a message, though fraught with threatened wrath unutterable and overwhelming, yet superabundant in mercy to all who heed its timely warning, communicating to them the seal of the living God—a shield in the day of trouble, and a passport into the celestial city. O praise the Lord! that sinners may yet be saved! that those who will may ground the weapons of their rebellion against God and his holy law, that the indifferent and indolent may yet awake from their dreams of heaven on flowery beds, which so temptingly invite the travelers in the broad road, to heedless repose. Will you, my friend, now embrace the offered mercy? O, bestir thyself at once!

"Sinners, haste to mercy's gate! Strive, O strive to enter there; Hasten! lest ye come too late, Lest in vain shall be your prayer."

The last gathering call is being sounded, the last great sanctifying work of preparation for God's people is being done. And who realizes it? Who is drawing near to God, and humbling himself in his presence? Who are seeking that meekness and righteousness so necessary to be hid in the day of the Lord's anger? Zeph. ii, 3. Who among us that have embraced the present truth, have that spirit of consecration, and that zeal to labor, which we ought to have? Let us arouse ourselves and strive, not as those who would obtain a mastery over flesh and blood, but as those who would bring ourselves, our every thought, into obedience to Christ, and by all the gentleness of the Spirit of Christ, and by all the zeal of those that believe what they profess, win souls to the love and obedience of the truth.

May God pour his Spirit upon us, help our weakness, assist in the work of humbling ourselves before him, inspire us with zeal and courage in the great work before us, and give us the victory over every foe, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, thank God! the victory will soon be won. The prize will soon be given. Let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due time we shall reap if we faint not. Who will awake? Who will strive in earnest for the incorruptible crown? The response comes from many a true heart, "I will arise; by the help of God I will be a victor!" Amen! By his grace I will conquer, too, and with you bear the palm of victory when the battle is over.

R. F. COTTRELL.