INDECISION by A. S. Hutchins

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 25, 1860

INDECISION.

By A. S. Hutchins

"How long halt ye between two opinions?" 1 Kings xviii, 21.

To be almost persuaded to be a Christian, and stop here, will never secure to one an entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Were it possible to be almost a Christian, and be almost saved with the ransomed of the Lord, we should then come short of salvation, should lose heaven, should lose all.

How ought this solemn and weighty consideration to lead us to "give all diligence" to make our calling and election sure. To "strive to enter in at the strait gate. To consecrate ourselves fully and unreservedly with all we possess to our heavenly Master; for God requires the whole heart. It is but just and reasonable that he should have it. And then, O then, how small and poor the sacrifice we make!

But how large the number that profess godliness at present, who reserve most of the heart for self, for the world and worldly interests! Present the evidences of the near coming of the dear Redeemer to most people who profess devout love for him, teach the claims of the fourth commandment of the decalogue, and how soon the fact reveals itself that they have but a little relish for those precious truths so clearly taught in the sacred volume of inspiration.

But at this time our mind rests more particularly upon those professors who have heard and read on our position for months and perhaps years, and manifest a tender, affectionate spirit towards us, love our meetings, speak of the good spirit which characterizes them, &c., yet do not take a stand with God's people in favor of the unpopular truths we believe and advocate. The observance of God's holy Sabbath seems too great a cross for them, though they claim not the least argument for Sunday-keeping, but contrarywise, admit that the seventh day is the Sabbath. At times they seem almost persuaded to keep it, almost on the point

of stepping out upon the light and truth of this precept.

Dear reader, is this your position? If so, the matter stands thus: You profess to be God's servant. He instructs you to keep his commandments, if you would enter into life. Matt. xix, 17. One of those commandments is, "Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy." Ex. xx, 8. He informs you that "the seventh day is the Sabbath." The light shines upon your pathway; you know your duty, but do it not. Still you expect salvation—salvation in disobedience!

Hearken to the word of God: "And that servant which knew his Lord's will and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes." Luke xii, 47. See also Matt. v, 19. And again: "Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin; but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth." John ix, 41.

With such declarations from the volume of truth standing out against you, is there no cause of fear? Do you feel safe and secure? Your preacher, your friend, your neighbor may whisper safety in your ear. Your companion, your children and relatives may stand in your way; but will this excuse you in the judgment? What will be your plea then?

"And, what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?" Isa. x, 3. What then will ye do when "God riseth up?" and when he visiteth what will you answer him? Stop! consider well here! Decide now. Decide to-day. Let your decision be in favor of the truth. Let it be to obey God. Let your choice be for heaven, for life, for eternal life. "If the Lord be God follow him."

To-day the sweet voice of mercy invites you. To-day Jesus intercedes with the Father for you. And the Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." To-day the gospel is preached, and the light shines from the pages of inspiration.

But soon the scene will change! The warning notes of mercy are heard no longer. The mediation of our great High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary closes. A voice is heard out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "IT IS DONE."

"And now there is pardon, Sweet pardon, no more."

Dear reader, are you living without an abiding and satisfactory evidence of your acceptance with God? I beseech of you to secure an interest in the atoning blood of the compassionate Redeemer now. Exercise "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." And remember that,

"He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." Prov. xxviii, 9.

A. S. HUTCHINS.