Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

But how many of you, should another year roll round from today, will
be alive? Many may be snatched away in a few months. Here was one of
your number, Brother Morrison, who came here to attend our college and
become able to enter the gospel ministry, and a few weeks has ended his
career in this life. Only a few weeks and you followed him to his grave in
Oakhill cemetery, there to rest until the morning of the resurrection.
How long is the extent of your life? Who of you have the assurance that
you will live until the next term of school? How many of you have any
surety of your life? But if you had a life-time before you, if you knew that
you should live your three-score years and ten, what is that little span of life?
Is it too much for you to give to God? What do you give to him? What does
he require? Does he require you to give anything that is for your interest or
happiness to retain? Oh no. What are the claims that God has upon you? It is,
my son, or my daughter, give me thine heart. It is to come out from among
the world, and to be separate, "and touch not the unclean, and I will receive
you." Who is the "I?" It is the great "I AM;" he who holds the worlds in his
hands; he who gives you life, and gives you health. "And I will be a father
unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters." Oh what a relationship is
this! How can any feel as though they were making a sacrifice, to be adopted
into the family of the King of kings; the Lord who reigns in the heavens;
know you not that it is the highest exaltation to become children of God,
"sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty?"
Ever since I was eleven years old I have been in the service of this
heavenly King. I can speak from experience. He has asked me to give him
nothing that was for my best interest to retain. Precious Jesus; precious
Saviour; I love him; and I love his service. Oh! that my poor name can be
registered in the Lamb's book of life. Let it stand there; let it be honored
among the holy angels; let it remain there when this earth shall pass away;
and when the King of kings shall come in his majesty, and in his glory, to
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