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Speedy Preparation for Work
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how soon the crisis will come. It is stealing gradually upon us, as a
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thief. The sun shines in the heavens, passing over its usual round,
and the heavens still declare the glory of God; men are pursuing
their usual course of eating and drinking, planting and building,
marrying and giving in marriage; merchants are still engaged in
buying and selling; publications are still issuing one upon another;
men are jostling one against another, seeking to get the highest place;
pleasure lovers are still attending theaters, horse races, gambling
hells, and the highest excitement prevails; but probation’s hour is
fast closing, and every case is about to be eternally decided. There
are few who believe with heart and soul that we have a heaven to
win and a hell to shun; but these show their faith by their works.
The signs of Christ’s coming are fast fulfilling. Satan sees that he
has but a short time in which to work, and he has set his agencies to
work to stir up the elements of the world, that men may be deceived,
deluded, and kept occupied and entranced until the day of probation
shall be ended and the door of mercy be forever shut.
The kingdoms of this world have not yet become the kingdoms
of our Lord and of His Christ. Do not deceive yourselves; be wide
awake and move rapidly, for the night cometh in which no man
can work. Do not encourage students who come to you burdened
with the work of saving their fellow men, to enter upon course after
course of study. Do not lengthen out to many years the time for
obtaining an education. By so doing you give them the impression
that there is time enough, and this very plan proves a snare to their
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souls.
Many are better prepared, have more spiritual discrimination and
knowledge of God, and know more of His requirements, when they
enter upon their course of study than when they are graduated. They
become inspired with an ambition to become learned men and are
encouraged to add to their studies until they become infatuated. They
make their books their idol and are willing to sacrifice health and
spirituality in order to obtain an education. They limit the time which
they should devote to prayer and fail to improve the opportunities
which they have to do good. They fail to put to use the knowledge
which they have already obtained and do not advance in the science
of winning souls. Missionary work becomes less and less desirable,
while the passion to excel in book knowledge increases abnormally.