It is an eternal law of Jehovah that he
who accepts the truth that the world needs is to make it his
first work to proclaim this truth. But who is there that makes
the burden of perishing sinners his own? As I look upon the professed
people of God, and see their unwillingness to serve Him, my heart
is filled with a pain that I cannot express. How few are heart
to heart with God in His solemn, closing work. There are thousands
to be warned, yet how few consecrate themselves wholly to the
work, willing to be or to do anything if only they may win souls
to Christ. Jesus died to save the world. In humility, in lowliness,
in unselfishness, He worked and is working for sinners. But many
of those who ought to co-operate with Him are self-sufficient
and indifferent.
Among God's people today there is a fearful
lack of the sympathy that should be felt for souls unsaved. We
talk of Christian missions. The sound of our voices is heard;
but do we feel Christ's tender heart longing for those outside
the fold? And unless our hearts beat in union with the heart
of Christ, how can we understand the sacredness and importance
of the work to which we are called by the words: "Watch
for . . . souls, as they that must give account"? Hebrews
13:17.
God is waiting for men and women to awake
to their responsibilities. He is waiting for them to link themselves
with Him. Let them mark the signal of advance, and no longer
be laggards in working out the will of the Lord.
Do we realize how large a number in the
world are watching our movements? From quarters where we least
expect will come voices urging us forward in the work of giving
to the world the last message of mercy. Ministers and people,
wake up! Be quick to recognize and seize every opportunity and
advantage offered in the turning of the wheel of providence.
God and Christ and the heavenly angels are working with intense
activity to hold in check the fierceness of Satan's wrath, that
God's plans may not be thwarted. God lives and reigns. He is
conducting the affairs of the universe. Let His soldiers move
forward to victory. Let there be perfect unity in their ranks.
Let them press the battle to the gates. As a mighty Conqueror,
the Lord will work for them.
Let the gospel message ring through our
churches, summoning them to universal action. Let the members
of the church have increased faith, gaining zeal from their unseen,
heavenly allies, from a knowledge of their exhaustless resources,
from the greatness of the enterprise in which they are engaged,
and from the power of their Leader. Those who place themselves
under God's control, to be led and guided by Him, will catch
the steady tread of the events ordained by Him to take place.
Inspired with the Spirit of Him who gave His life for the life
of the world, they will no longer stand still in impotency, pointing
to what they cannot do. Putting on the armor of heaven, they
will go forth to the warfare, willing to do and dare for God,
knowing that His omnipotence will supply their need.