The Signal of Advance
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 responsibil-
ities. 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.
[14]
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
15