Unbelief and the Approaching Day of the Lord
By I. D. Van Horn
BRO. WHITE: I believe in present truth, and I also believe it a duty to bear testimony in its favor. I know by the little experience I have had, that God is in the work, moving out a people that will give honor and glory to his name. For nearly six thousand years God has stretched out his merciful arm to save, and, by message after message, and warning after warning, has been inviting fallen man back to a place of safety; yet we find that in all ages of the world the great majority of the human race have slighted the invitation. Unbelief in what God has said, is the broad channel in which Satan is leading the multitude. He entered the garden of Eden, and by enticing words and flattering tongue, caused Eve to doubt the word of God. In Noah's day the Lord sent a warning to the inhabitants of the earth; but Satan, ever ready to oppose, filled their hearts with unbelief, and thus they doubted until it was "too late," and were all cut off, but faithful Noah and his family. Our Saviour tells us, "As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man." It has been over eighteen hundred years since the Saviour uttered this, and yet mercy lingers. Truly can we say, "The Lord is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." But we find, by carefully searching the Scriptures, that we are approaching very near the great day of the Lord, when he will plead with all flesh; not in the entreating tones of mercy, but by pouring out his wrath upon them in the valley of decision. There will be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. By carefully examining the word of God, we see that a great event is about to take place on the earth. The gospel age is closing. The Lord is giving the last solemn warning to the world; but how few heartily believe it. Satan is filling the hearts of the people with unbelief. We must have living faith to overcome his power, or we too shall be led captive by him at his will. Some may raise the question, How are we to obtain living faith? The most of us have been enlisted in the cause long enough to know that we individually have a work to do. And I believe that it is high time that we begin active service, and "bring forth fruits meet for repentance." Then the Lord will let his blessing rest upon us, our faith will increase, and we shall grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth from day to day. May the Lord help the doubting ones, that they may believe to the saving of the soul. I for one want a deeper work of grace in my heart I want all my actions to accord with the high standard of truth, that I may be where I can receive the counsel of God, and be ready to act in his service. Brethren, let us gird on the whole armor, act out our faith, and the Lord will bless us abundantly. Yours striving for the victory.