THE LAST RESORT by J. Clarke

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 15, 1862

THE LAST RESORT.

By J. Clarke

MAN is a strange and infatuated being. Born amid evil influences, blinded by education to his highest interests, debased by evil passions, corrupted by his associations, crippled by excesses, shackled by selfishness, enchanted by the glitter of the world, and deceived by Satan, he forgets the chief end of his life, ridicules, or at least neglects, his duty to his Creator, and finally becomes so callous to all sense of right that the most eloquent and forcible appeals are lost upon him, and often the sweet, but powerful, influence of the good Spirit of God is resisted and grieved away.

It is wonderful, when we consider the matter, what stupid apathy pervades the public mind on moral subjects. The wonders of the natural world, the display of creative power, skill, and energy; the magnificence and infinitude of the universe above, the variety, utility, excellence, and beauty of those objects within our observation and control, all these fail to remind man of his allegiance to God.

Even the good man who has tasted of the good word of God is in danger from this lethargy, which, like the death-stupor of the opium-drugged Chinese, deadens and stupefies the best powers of the mind. What shall wake us? Can it be that the striking fulfillment of the prophecies, and the ominous sounds of war, and the development of Satan's power all around, fail to startle us from our sleep? Shall we wait, like some profane, weather-beaten mariner who retains his profanity till hope expires, and then with his last breath, too late, cries out, "Lord, save me?" God is his last resort, but alas, too late.

Why should not God be our first, as well as last, resort? "They that seek me early shall find me." Early will I seek thee, O my God. Thou shalt be now my refuge; then when the hour of trial comes for all men thou wilt not forsake me. J. CLARKE.