1901
January 1, 1901
The Work for This Time
We are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Prophecies are fulfilling. Strange, eventful history is being recorded in the books of heaven. Everything in our world is in agitation. Events are changing to bring about the day of God, which hasteth greatly. Already nation is rising against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. But there is not now a general engagement. As yet the four winds are held until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. Then the powers of earth will marshall their forces for the last great battle.AUCR January 1, 1901, par. 1
Satan is busily laying his plans for the last mighty conflict, when all will take sides. After the gospel has been proclaimed in the world for nearly two thousand years, Satan still presents to men and women the same scene that he presented to Christ. In a wonderful manner he causes the kingdoms of the world in their glory to pass before them. These he promises to all who will fall down and worship him. Thus he seeks to bring men under his dominion. Satan is working to the utmost to make himself as God, and to destroy all who oppose his power. And today the world is bowing before him. His power is received as the power of God. The prophecy of the Revelation is being fulfilled, that “all the world wondered after the beast.”AUCR January 1, 1901, par. 2
But the cloud of judicial wrath hangs over it, containing the elements that destroyed Sodom. John saw this multitude. This demon-worship was revealed to him, and it seemed as if the whole world were standing on the brink of perdition. But as he looked with intense interest, he beheld the company of God's commandment keeping people. They had upon their foreheads the seal of the living God, and he exclaimed, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus.”AUCR January 1, 1901, par. 3
When the storm of God's wrath breaks upon the world, it will be a terrible revelation for souls to find that their house is being swept away, because it is built upon the sand. Let the warning be given them before it is too late. We should now feel the responsibility of laboring with intense earnestness to impart to others the light which God has given for this time. We cannot be too much in earnest.AUCR January 1, 1901, par. 4
The heart of God is moved. Souls are very precious in His sight. It was for this world that Christ wept in agony, for this world He was crucified. God gave His only begotten Son to save sinners, and He desires us to love others as He has loved us. He desires to see those who have had great light, flashing that light upon the pathway of their fellow-men. Now is the time for the last warning to be given to the world. There is a special power in the presentation of the truth at the present time, but how long will it continue?—Only a little while. If ever there was a crisis, it is now.AUCR January 1, 1901, par. 5
All are now deciding their eternal destiny. Men need to be aroused to realize the solemnity of the time, the nearness of the day when human probation will be ended. Decided efforts should be made to bring the message for this time prominently before the people. The third angel is to go forth with great power. Let none ignore this work, or treat it as of little importance. God's people are not to cease their labors till they encircle the world. The truth is to be proclaimed to all mankind. All must have an opportunity to see the light.AUCR January 1, 1901, par. 6
No line of truth that has made the Seventh-day Adventist people what they are, is to be weakened. We have the old land-marks of truth, experience, and duty, and we are to stand firmly in defence of our principles in full view of the world. It is essential that men be raised to open the living oracles of God to all nations, tongues, and peoples. Men of all ranks and capacities, with the various gifts, are to stand in their God-given armor, to co-operate harmoniously for a common result. They are to unite in the work of bringing the truth to all nations and peoples, each worker fulfilling his own special appointment.AUCR January 1, 1901, par. 7