General Conference Bulletin, vol. 2

“WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT?”

GEO. A. IRWIN

SABBATH, MAY 29.—PART I.

THE question propounded to the prophet by doomed Dumah is one that is being asked by many in our time, and that should be asked even by us who claim to have great light, if we would not become ensnared and taken in Satan’s net. GCB April 1, 1897, page 78.3

The great threefold message that began over half a century ago is now rapidly nearing completion; and, as the end approaches, the enemy redoubles his efforts to have God’s people become overcharged with eating and drinking and the cares of this life, so that day shall overtake them as a thief. GCB April 1, 1897, page 78.4

In speaking of these messages, the Lord gives us this warning: “Satan is constantly seeking to cast his hellish shadow about these messages, so that the remnant people of God shall not clearly discern their import, their time, and their place;” hence it behooves each one of us to ask himself the questions, “What of the night? Do I discern the import of these messages? Do I understand the place they occupy in the closing work of the great remedial system? Am I so familiar with the ‘sure word of prophecy’ that I can see in the events transpiring around me positive evidence that the coming King is even at the door? Do I sense the responsibility that rests upon me, in view of the light God has given? Am I using every talent entrusted to me as his steward, in well-directed effort to rescue the perishing? or am I lukewarm and indifferent, partly mixed up with a wicked world, using the means and ability God has given me, largely in self-gratification, caring more for my own ease and comfort than for the advancement of his cause? Am I by my course strengthening ‘the conviction that has been gaining ground in the world that Seventh-day Adventists are giving the trumpet an uncertain sound, and are following in the path of worldlings’?” These are some of the questions the Spirit of God would raise in our minds at this time, and have us consider in the light of the judgment-day just before us. GCB April 1, 1897, page 78.5

God, in his infinite mercy, is constantly sending us warnings through the spirit of prophecy, that we may know “of the night, ” and call to our fellow watchman and a perishing world, in no sleepy terms, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” I herewith subjoin a few sentences from the most recent testimonies: “We hear the footsteps of an approaching God to punish the world for their iniquity.” “The end of time is close upon us. The world’s inhabitants are being bound in bundles to be burned. Shall you be bound up with the tares?” “Do you realize that every year thousands and thousands and ten times ten thousand souls are perishing, dying in their sins? The plagues and judgments of God are already doing their work, and souls are going to ruin because the light of truth has not been flashed upon their pathway.” GCB April 1, 1897, page 78.6

O, the sad, overwhelming thought as it bursts upon us in all its fearful, crushing meaning, that there is a possibility that the blood of these souls may be found on our garments! God help us each to sense the awful import of these words, and arouse from the death-like slumber that has been gradually stealing upon us, and act as men that wait for their Lord when he will return from the wedding. While souls are perishing all around us, and the Macedonian cry is coming from every quarter, and some devoted souls are saying, “Here am I; send me,” it is sad to be compelled to answer, We cannot send you, because there is no means in the treasury. GCB April 1, 1897, page 79.1

I quote again from the above-mentioned testimonies: “O, if those who profess to know the truth had the spirit of Christ, the self-sacrificing Redeemer, who gave up his riches, and splendor, his high command, and did all that a God could do to save souls, they would deny self, lift the cross, and follow Jesus. How will you who love worldly treasure answer to God in the great day of judgment for your feeble and sleepy efforts to send the truth to regions beyond? The money expended in bicycles and dress, and other needless things, must be accounted for. As God’s people, you should represent Jesus; but Christ is ashamed of the self-indulgent ones. My heart is pained. I can scarcely restrain my feelings, when I think how easily our people are led away from practical Christian principles to self-pleasing ... I would ask all who have means to remember that God has entrusted this means to them to be used in the advancement of the work which Christ came to our world to do. The Lord tells every man that in the sight of God he is not the owner of what he possesses, but only a trustee. Not thine, but mine, saith the Lord. God will call you to account for your stewardship. Whether you have one talent, or two, or five, not a farthing is to be squandered on your own selfish indulgences. Your accountability to heaven should cause you to fear and tremble. The decisions of the last day turn upon our practical benevolence. Christ acknowledges every act of benevolence as done to himself.” Many similar statements might be quoted, but these are sufficient, I trust, to remind us of our obligations in this direction, and how heaven regards our indifference and unfaithfulness. GCB April 1, 1897, page 79.2

The question now confronts us, What are we going to do? be stirred for a little time, and then relapse into our former ways, and go on till the Spirit of God is withdrawn, and we are left in darkness? Or shall we confess our sins, humble our hearts before God, and pray earnestly for forgiveness? To those who would see the King in his beauty when he comes to claim his own, there can be but one answer. So, my brother, my sister, let us arise in our God-given, moral independence, and say, “I will no longer give God a divided heart. I will serve him with undivided affection. I will no longer misrepresent his sacred truth. I will put away the idols from my heart and my home, and let the Lord have his place. I will bind about my wants, that I may have to give to his cause. I will sanctify myself by obeying the whole truth. I will open the door of my heart to welcome the heavenly Guest. I will take God’s word as the man of my counsel, and no longer be guided by men or worldly influences; in fact, by God’s grace I will arise and shine, the glory of God having arisen upon me.” GCB April 1, 1897, page 79.3

May this day mark a new era in our Christian experience; and may the Lord, who has so mercifully forgiven us our sins, grant us his grace to keep us until the last cry, “Watchman, what of the night?” and we be permitted to hear the unfaltering response, “The morning cometh, and also the night,” and see the light gleaming above the mountain tops—a revelation of His glory—the ushering in of endless day to his faithful people, is my most earnest prayer. GCB April 1, 1897, page 79.4

GEO. A. IRWIN.