Who believe the Truth?
By R. F. Cottrell
A PERSON may be converted to any theory of philosophy or science, and yet but little change be wrought in his character. He may, for example, adopt some new mode of practical agriculture, and the effect on his heart and conversation be but slight. But when a person is converted to the belief of the truth, on which depends his hope of eternal life, how great the change! Especially at a time when God's people expect in a very short time to see the salvation of God. And yet, strange as it may seem to every feeling mind, there is such a thing as assenting to the theory of the present truth, from the clearness of the arguments which support it, and yet the heart and life be unaffected. Yes, a man may even attempt the advocacy of the truth, thinking that he believes it, before it has had effect enough on his own heart to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. Such would do well to wait till they are sure they believe the truth themselves, before they attempt to teach it to others. What! Believe the soul thrilling truths that the Lord is at hand; that the last merciful warning is being given, to call out and prepare God's servants to stand in the battle of the great day of God Almighty; to prepare them to be redeemed from among men—caught up, without seeing death, to meet the Lord in the air; and set about the advocacy of these glorious truths, with all the coolness with which you would give your views of the best method of pruning a peach tree! I assure you, brother, that the truth, fully believed, produces such a breaking down of soul, such consecration to God, and such a weaning of affections from the world, as you have not yet experienced. O, brother, pray to God for a realizing sense of the present truth, of what you are, and of what you must be in order that you may stand in the day when Jesus shall come in the glory of his Father, in his own glory, and in that of all the holy angels. O! My Father! Prepare me for the scenes of that all-important day. Mill-Grove, N. Y., Dec. 1852.