Calls for a Revival
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and the position that we as sinners should occupy while this work
of atonement is going forward? If we have any regard for our souls’
salvation, we must make a decided change. We must seek the Lord
with true penitence; we must with deep contrition of soul confess our
sins, that they may be blotted out.
We must no longer remain upon the enchanted ground. We are fast
approaching the close of our probation. Let every soul inquire, How do
I stand before God? We know not how soon our names may be taken
into the lips of Christ, and our cases be finally decided. What, oh,
what will these decisions be! Shall we be counted with the righteous,
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or shall we be numbered with the wicked?
The Church to Arise and Repent
Let the church arise, and repent of her backslidings before God.
Let the watchmen awake, and give the trumpet a certain sound. It
is a definite warning that we have to proclaim. God commands His
servants, “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and
shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins”
(
Isaiah 58:1
). The attention of the people must be gained; unless this
can be done, all effort is useless; though an angel from heaven should
come down and speak to them, his words would do no more good than
if he were speaking into the cold ear of death.
The church must arouse to action. The Spirit of God can never
come in until she prepares the way. There should be earnest searching
of heart. There should be united, persevering prayer, and through faith
a claiming of the promises of God. There should be, not a clothing of
the body with sackcloth, as in ancient times, but a deep humiliation
of soul. We have not the first reason for self-congratulation and self-
exaltation. We should humble ourselves under the mighty hand of
God. He will appear to comfort and bless the true seekers.
The work is before us; will we engage in it? We must work fast,
we must go steadily forward. We must be preparing for the great day
of the Lord. We have no time to lose, no time to be engaged in selfish
purposes. The world is to be warned. What are we doing as individuals
to bring the light before others? God has left to every man his work;
every one has a part to act, and we cannot neglect this work except at
the peril of our souls.