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Why Probation Lingers, March 25
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count
slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should
perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9
.
I was shown our danger, as a people, of becoming assimilated to the
world rather than to the image of Christ. We are now upon the very borders
of the eternal world, but it is the purpose of the adversary of souls to lead
us to put far off the close of time. Satan will in every conceivable manner
assail those who profess to be the commandment-keeping people of God
and to be waiting for the second appearing of our Saviour in the clouds of
heaven with power and great glory. He will lead as many as possible to put
off the evil day and become in spirit like the world, imitating its customs. I
felt alarmed as I saw that the spirit of the world was controlling the hearts
and minds of many who make a high profession of the truth....
In consideration of the shortness of time we as a people should watch
and pray, and in no case allow ourselves to be diverted from the solemn
work of preparation for the great event before us. Because the time is
apparently extended, many have become careless and indifferent in regard
to their words and actions. They do not realize their danger and do not see
and understand the mercy of our God in lengthening their probation, that
they may have time to form characters for the future, immortal life. Every
moment is of the highest value. Time is granted them, not to be employed
in studying their own ease and becoming dwellers on the earth, but to be
used in the work of overcoming every defect in their own characters and
in helping others, by example and personal effort, to see the beauty of
holiness. God has a people upon the earth who in faith and holy hope are
tracing down the roll of fast-fulfilling prophecy and are seeking to purify
their souls by obeying the truth, that they may not be found without the
wedding garment when Christ shall appear....
The signs foretold in prophecy are fast fulfilling around us. This should
arouse every true follower of Christ to zealous action.
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