THE TURNING POINT by R. F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, November 25, 1884

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 61, No. 47

THE TURNING POINT.

By R. F. Cottrell

In our experiences we meet with things which are adapted to test our characters; and the decision that we make may determine the whole course of our future life, and consequently may decide our future eternal destiny.

I was forcibly struck with a remark of a brother recently. Speaking of raising means to extend the work of God in all the earth, and of appealing to our wealthy brethren and sisters to invest in the cause and so forward the work, he said it was not the money merely which was our object, but the best good of our brethren and sisters; “for,” said he, “the turning point in respect to the eternal salvation of many of them depends upon their sacrificing in the cause of God.” This I, verily, believe to be the truth. He made another remark of equal truth, which comes home to me with much force, and calls forth this writing. The remark was this: “God will hold ministers responsible for the instructions they give, or fail to give, to the brethren in regard to their duty in this respect.”

The wants of the cause at the present time are urgent. They were never more so. Time is short; and the great mass of mankind is yet to be warned of the approaching crisis. Probation will soon close. Some souls may be saved through the use of the means now given to the cause. The question is, Will we have a part in the closing work? My brother, my sister, you who have your thousands, do you wish to know how you can get back so as to feel that lively interest in the cause of present truth which you did years ago? Begin to invest those thousands in the cause of human salvation, and your first love will be enkindled and burn in your heart anew. Jesus has given us the example of sacrifice. He gave all for us; and if we have not the spirit of sacrifice, we are not his followers. It is not merely for money, and it is not only for the salvation of those who sit in darkness; but for your own salvation as well, that I make this appeal. And it is to discharge a duty which I owe to God, to mankind at large, and to you, that I thus speak. Will you taste the joy and peace which come from following Christ in sacrificing in the cause for which he gave his life? I think I can truly say with an apostle, “I seek not yours, but you.”

R. F. COTTRELL.