ONWARD TO VICTORY! by R. F. Cottrell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 20, 1861

ONWARD TO VICTORY!

By R. F. Cottrell

WE are living in a most solemn and momentous time. The perils of the last days are upon us. But God has graciously pointed out the way of escape. While Spiritualism is doing its work of deception, the third angel's message is pointing out the only way of preparation to meet the coming events. God is as able and willing to save us of this generation as those of any other generation that ever lived.

All things are favorable to the spread of the truth, and the perfecting of the saints. But are there not national troubles and commotions? and will not these be unfavorable to the spread of the truth? These things will cause the thinking and pious to inquire concerning what is coming, and what preparation is needed to be able to stand in the trying times before us. But it is hard times to sustain the cause and send out the truth. This is all right and for the good of the church. It will give us a chance to sacrifice in the cause. If money was easily raised, it would supersede the necessity of the spirit of sacrifice, and the people of God would lose a benefit. All these things are working for our good.

Who will falter here? I hope not I; my brethren, I hope not you. May God give you grace, may he give me grace, to sacrifice and suffer with Christ. We have tried to lay all upon the altar, we have said, to offer our body a living sacrifice. Let us renew our consecration, and keep the offering upon the altar. In the hour of triumphant feeling and spiritual ecstasy we feel that we can suffer for Jesus' sake, that we can run through a troop or leap over a wall. In the hour of trial let us be steadfast and true to our profession, acting upon principle. Though it would be highly desirable that the cup should pass, let us willingly drink it, because it is our Father's will. Do we expect to get safely through without partaking of the sufferings of Christ? Do we expect to be purified as gold without getting into the crucible, and to be refined as silver, without feeling the fire? Let the fire burn up the dross. The precious metal, if there is any about us, will all remain.

May God revive his work in the hearts of his people, and prepare us for the great work that lies just before us. Let us move onward, trusting in the Captain of our salvation, who was made perfect through suffering. The prize lies just before us. Eternal life and joy is for us, if we will accept it on the terms of the gospel. Is the sacrifice too great? Look at our pattern. What did he sacrifice? or, rather, what did he not sacrifice for us? Did we but know the worth of eternal salvation as he knew it, we would gladly follow in his footsteps. Did we value our lives as angels value them, we would not so often grieve away the messengers of heavenly love. Since all heaven is moved for us, shall we not be interested for ourselves? I hear the response, Salvation is cheap enough at the expense of all things. Onward, then, to victory! By the help of God I will meet you in the general assembly. R. F. COTTRELL.