Untitled article by W. C. G.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, October 1, 1867.

THE PROSPECT.

By W. C. G.

It is not of the prospect of our existence and prosperity as a nation, nor of this or that political party, that we propose to write, but of the hopeful future that just now lies open before the great cause of present truth, and particularly the question of the Sabbath. Not that we suppose any believer in present truth doubts the final issue of this question, for that is plainly revealed in the word of God; but we desire to speak of some of the encouraging features connected with this work. Prominent among these, we may consider,

1. The impregnability of our positions. Like all other great reforms, the progress of the third angel's message has been gradual. But as the work has been slowly but steadily increasing in magnitude, the light has also been increasing, and shining brighter and

brighter, until the harmony of our positions is such that the man is yet to be found who can successfully cope with the Sabbath question. This is no idle boast, but has been repeatedly demonstrated, both by public debates and by the steady, onward progress of the work, even under the most discouraging circumstances and against the most violent opposition. This position has not been reached in a day, nor without agonizing prayer and much earnest thought and study; but in the providence of God it has been reached, and the humble child of God, well entrenched and fortified with the Bible truth, is a host against the efforts of opposers.

2. The state of the public mind relative to the subject. The Sabbath question is being agitated; not so much with a view of enforcing the true Sabbath, as to preserve the institution of Sunday. Honest, conscientious men and women are shocked at the increasing “Sabbath [Sunday] desecration,” and are making strenuous efforts to prevent it. This brings to view a class of opposers, who, although they do not claim to be Bible Christians, base their opposition on the fact that Sunday is only a human ordinance, and as such its obligation binds the consciences of those who do not choose to observe it. This agitation cannot fail to expose, in some degree at least, the rottenness of its foundation, and the weakness of the arguments used in its support. The honest seeker after truth will get some rays of light, and thus the mind be prepared for the reception of the truth when presented in all its clearness and beauty.

3. The weakness of our opponents. This may perhaps be considered as a necessary consequent upon the establishment of our first position. The point from which we wish to view it, however, is not the weakness of their positions, but the futility of their efforts against the truth.

An error becomes dangerous in proportion as those who hold it become united in sustaining it. Unity of action is a principle of strength in any cause, and the chief weakness of the opposition to the Sabbath is lack of unity. The arguments of one class of opponents completely overthrow those of another. Especially is this true of that class who at the present time are taking the most active part in opposition to our work. We allude to the first-day or no-Sabbath Adventists. Seemingly determined that the Sabbath agitation shall be silenced, they are yet disagreed as to the best means of accomplishing so desirable an end. To use a familiar expression, their biggest guns have been fired and have failed to do the execution demanded.

We believe there are many in their ranks who would gladly embrace the third angel's message upon a fair and candid hearing of its claims, and the agitation of the question in their midst accompanied with a thorough examination, would inevitably lead to such a result.

Now with all these encouraging features, what is there to hinder or retard the rapid progress of this work? Manifestly nothing, except the blessing of God be withheld from it, and this is possible, even while we hold the mightiest and most solemn truths the world has ever heard. It becomes the people of God to see to it that they are not at fault in this matter, as a backwardness on the part of the church will block the wheels and retard the onward march of the truth. Let us move out in the advancing light of the message, carrying out every reform, taking up every cross, and moving in the counsel of God. Then the blessing of God will descend upon us, our prayers will be heard, and the prospering hand of God will be felt in all the work. W. C. G.