p. 150 | The Gathering Call by S. Elmer

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 7, 1863

The Gathering Call.

By S. Elmer

As we realize the solemn time in which we live, and the duties devolving upon us in order that we may be ready to be offered without spot and blameless, we truly feel that there is need of continual watchfulness and perseverance, relying wholly upon the Lord that we may be kept in the narrow way, the way in which our blessed Saviour and his followers walked. We look back to the ascension of our Lord. There we behold a little band firm in the truth. How becoming their zeal! how fervent their desires! what oneness of sentiment! how pure their principles! what undying love for their Master characterized the followers of the meek and lowly Jesus Would it were so at the present time.

But there has been a falling away. As we follow the church down through the dark ages, the time when the papal power bore rule, we discover one great cause of the apostasy. Then was he revealed who set at defiance God's holy law, he who made kingdoms to fear and kings to tremble; and in exalting himself above the Most High, he strove to tear the seal from that law that God in his infinite love gave to man. He changed the decalogue (see Dan. vii, 25), trampled the true Sabbath under his feet, and, instead, instituted the pagan Sunday.

But the time has fully come when the breach must be repaired. The Lord is jealous of his holy law. He will magnify and make it honorable. His children have been like lost sheep wandering upon the mountains in a dark and cloudy day; but the Lord has promised to gather them, and the gathering call is now sounding in the message of the third angel, which brings to light the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

It is reasonable to suppose that, as the scattering of God's people was occasioned by neglecting to obey all the commandments and the requirements of the gospel, the gathering would consist in due obedience to the same. Much is learned by the dealings of God with his ancient people. If they disobeyed, the curse followed them. They were forsaken by the Lord, driven before their enemies. Thus they were scattered and destroyed; but when they sought him with all their heart, and turned their feet into the way of his commandments, he was entreated of them, and they were delivered from their enemies. This is the means by which they were gathered.

It is generally admitted that nine of the commandments are binding; but, say they, the fourth commandment is not binding now because the Saviour said nothing about it. Now we will make a comparison: A certain king makes a law. It is sealed. He gives his word that his law never shall be altered. In process of time he gives all power into the hands of his Son. The Prince knows the law his Father made is unalterable; for so the record shows: and to still further confirm it, he adds (for he always acts in unison with the will of his Father), Think not that I am come to destroy the law. He also declares that one jot or tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all is fulfilled. Now as there is no document ever found to show that this law is, or was, altered, of course no one has reason to suppose it will ever be changed.

Thus it is with the law of God. His word declares that all his commandments stand fast for ever and ever. Alas! how much misery has been brought upon mankind in consequence of disobeying the just commands of God. How many desolate families has it made! How many lonely and disconsolate hearts might now have been rejoicing, were it not for this!

And now I would say to those who are still trampling the law of God beneath their feet, Make haste to turn your feet into the way of his testimonies; heed the gathering call; for soon, very soon, it will be too late. Come then while mercy lingers. Come while the Saviour pleads, while angels beckon, while the servants of God are entreating. Come ere the storm which is already gathering breaks with redoubled fury. Oh seek a shelter! Make the Lord your refuge, and thus be saved from the doom of the ungodly. O come, ye weary and disconsolate, oppressed with care, who sigh in vain for that rest which is denied you here. The day of deliverance is near. Soon the pearly gates will open and bid the faithful enter, where they will ever be secure in the city of their God.

S. ELMER.