in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain
[unto the coming of the Lord] shall be caught up together with them in the
clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Christ will then be revealed from heaven, “taking vengeance on them that
know not God, and that obey not the gospel.”
These momentous events are nigh at hand, yet many who profess
to believe the truth are asleep. They will surely be numbered with the
unfaithful servant who saith in his heart, “My Lord delayeth His coming,”
if they remain in their present position of friendship with the world. It is
only to those who are waiting in hope and faith that Christ will appear,
without sin unto salvation. Many have the theory of the truth who know
not the power of godliness. If the word of God dwelt in the heart, it would
control the life. Faith, purity, and conformity to the will of God would
testify to its sanctifying power.
Responsibility of Ministers
A solemn responsibility rests upon the watchmen. How careful should
they be rightly to understand and explain the word of God. Blessed is he
that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those
things which are written therein.” Says the prophet Ezekiel: The word
of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, speak to the children of
thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if
the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their
watchman: if when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the
trumpet, and warn the people; then whosoever heareth the sound of the
trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away,
his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet,
and took not warning; his blood shall be upon
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him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman
see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not
warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is
taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s
hand. So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house
of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them
from Me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely
die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked
man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do
not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered
thy soul.”
The responsibility of the watchmen of today is as much greater than
in the days of the prophet as our light is clearer and our privileges and
opportunities greater than theirs. It is the minister’s duty to warn every
man, to teach every man, in all meekness and wisdom. He is not to
conform to the practices of the world, but, as God’s servant, he must
contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Satan is constantly at
work to break down the strongholds which debar him from free access to
souls; and, while our ministers are no more spiritually minded, while they
do not connect closely with God, the enemy has great advantage, and the
Lord holds the watchman accountable for his success.
I would, at this time, sound the note of warning to those who shall
assemble at our camp meeting. The end of all things is at hand. My
brethren, ministers and laymen, I have been shown you must work in a
different manner from what you have been in the habit of working. Pride,
envy, self-importance, and unsanctified independence have marred your
labors. When men permit themselves to be flattered and exalted by Satan,
the Lord can do little for them or through them. To
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what unmeasured humiliation did the Son of man descend, that He might
elevate humanity! Workers for God, not the ministers only, but the people,
need the meekness and lowliness of Christ if they would benefit their
fellow men. As God, our Saviour humbled Himself when He took upon
Him man’s nature. But He went lower still. As a man, He humbled
Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
Would that I could find language wherewith to present these thoughts
before you. Would that the veil could be rent away and you could see
the cause of your spiritual weakness. Would that you could conceive
of the rich supplies of grace and power awaiting your demand. Those
who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled. We must exercise
greater faith in calling upon God for all needed blessings. We must strive,
agonize, to enter in at the strait gate.
Says Christ: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden,
and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for
I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” I
testify to you, my dear brethren, ministers, and people, you have not yet
learned this lesson. Christ endured shame and agony and death for us.
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Bear reproach
and abuse without retaliation, without a spirit of revenge. Jesus died,
not only to make atonement for us, but to be our pattern. Oh, wondrous
condescension! matchless love! As you look upon the Prince