Delaying the Lord's Coming by H. B. Moore

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 4, 1914

Delaying the Lord's Coming

By H. B. Moore

H. B. MOORE

We are rapidly nearing the close of time. Soon the edict will go forth, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: . . . and he that is holy, let him be holy still." We are doing our final work, such as it may be, and each moment counts now. The perils of the last days will soon be upon us, and it is safe to say that if present times and conditions do not cause us to bestir ourselves, nothing will. Signs of the end are thickening on all sides, and all omens point to that quick work in righteousness which God will make in the earth.

There is much occasion for concern now because of the fact that many of our brethren are clinging to their extra property. This is especially evident in America. "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." The world is famishing for the Word of God, and we are largely responsible for this condition. It is dangerous to hold on to anything that should be sold and placed in the treasury of the Lord. Much of this property will be lost entirely to the Lord's service if not very soon placed there. Soon it will be too late to do anything whatever with it. Our actions in this matter, which speak louder than our words, say, "My Lord delayeth his coming;" and by these acts we certainly are delaying his coming. If those who have extra property of any kind would place it upon God's altar as they should, they would lose no time in its disposal and in placing its value in this blessed cause. If every one in the denomination would dispose of all property that it would be consistent to dispose of, and place the means in the cause, missionaries could be sent by the score to every benighted land, the work would soon end, and the great reign of sin forever cease. Such a course would be merely exchanging property in this perishing world for property in the eternal world.

It is no crime to be rich, but those who have means will certainly have to unload before they ever enter the portals of heaven. Beyond mistake God requires this, as is taught by the lesson that "a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven." Such an investment as this is meant for no other purpose than to give each of us the privilege of proving his faith by his works. Because faith works, it does not shrink from duty. "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead." We are blessed only according to our faith expressed. If we have not the faith to make such an investment, we certainly need not look for great blessings; but upon those who sacrifice everything, laying all upon God's altar, will surely come the outpouring of the latter rain, which is worth more than all the treasures of earth. Why need we pray for or look for the latter rain in any more marked manner than that in which we express our faith by our works? For if our works are dead, then our faith is dead, and the latter rain is dead to us. But some one is to receive it, and many are receiving it.

Are we each receiving this blessing? If not, let us examine our own hearts to see if we are in the faith. We are either hastening or delaying the Lord's coming.

San Diego, Cal.