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ARE WE IN LAODICEA?

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 8, 1857

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 9, No. 10.

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ARE WE IN LAODICEA?

By R. F. Cottrell

If there is sufficient evidence to prove that the seven churches in Asia, are used symbolically to represent seven states of the church during the gospel dispensation, there can be no doubt, I think, in the minds of believers in the Third Message, that we are in the seventh and last state—the Laodicean. The only question in regard to the matter, seems to be, are the churches used symbolically? If they are, it is high time to look for the seventh in the fulfillment. But if this view is incorrect, and this portion of the book of Revelation is not prophetic, still I cannot deny that the church professing faith in the Third Message, are in the very condition described in this portion of Scripture. And yet our mouths need not be stopped, in the advocacy of the truth, as some suggest, but while we acknowledge the mortifying truth as it is, we can say to all, in the language of inspiration, if the righteous scarcely be saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear? If this is the state of those whom God acknowledges as his people, because they are trying to keep his commandments, what will become of those whom his word and providence has designated as fallen Babylon? All will do well to remember, that while God rebukes and chastens his own people whom he loves, he calls upon all that have ears, to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. All who hope for salvation have an interest in it.
We have nothing to boast of, though God has enriched us with the present truth. We have no occasion to say that we are rich and increased in goods, and have need of nothing; but in view of our lack of zeal corresponding to the solemn and awful truths we profess, and our destitution of the gifts and graces of the Spirit, it becomes us to humble ourselves before God, confess our lukewarmness, and begin anew to be zealous in the cause of truth.
It will do us no harm to crucify the old man by confessing the truth in regard to our present condition. And when he is so dead that no living remnant of pride lingers about us, it will not be a hard thing to acknowledge that we are poor, and miserable, and wretched, and blind, and naked. This, it seems to me, is our true condition, and will be till we feel it, and get in a place where God can bestow upon us the gifts of the Spirit, and grants that signs and wonders may again be done in the name of Jesus. Those who were early in the message can witness that the Lord has, in these last days, stretched out his hand to heal; and greater and more glorious things are for the faithful in the future. The work is the Lord's; and it will terminate gloriously. Let us be workers together with God, and, having overcome, we shall be seated with Christ in his throne.
R. F. C.