Untitled article by H. F. PHELPS

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, October 22, 1867

THE LATTER RAIN: WHAT IS IT?

By H. F. PHELPS

In Scripture we find the terms “early” and “latter,” used in reference to the falling of rain; the former in seed time, the latter to ripen the grain. We often hear these terms used in reference to an especial outpouring of the Spirit of God upon his people. James uses this as an illustration, and says: “Behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.” Chap. v, 7. In the next verse he locates the patient waiting here illustrated down near the coming of the Lord, or near the great harvest. “Be ye also patient, stablish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” And again, “Behold the Judge standeth at the door.” Verse 9. As we are exhorted to patience in expectation of the fruit of the earth, surely the early rain must have fallen. Jesus says, “My Father is the husbandman,” Jno. xv, 1; and he says that the Son of man is the one who sowed the seed. Matt. xiii, 37. Then the early rain must have fallen when the seed was sown, or in other words, when the plan of salvation was completed by the death and resurrection of our Lord. When Jesus gave the commission to preach the gospel, he says, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matt. xxviii, 20. But the presence of Jesus being vouchsafed to them is not enough. They must wait till they are baptized anew into the work, receive a double portion of that good Spirit. “But tarry ye in Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke xxiv, 49. These were the words of Christ just before he left his sorrowing disciples, and were in effect as follows: “Do not be hasty, as your zeal may lead you to be. The Comforter shall be sent. I have called you to preach, but have not yet sent you; you must be baptized with the Holy Ghost, receive power from on high, and then you can preach. ”

Fifty days this side of the ascension of Jesus, we find the disciples all together, of one accord, in one place. Acts ii. And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven, “and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” An immense number of laborers, suddenly rose up to preach Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And, as if to leave no chance of doubt as to whether this speaking with tongues was genuine or a mere gibberish, or effect of excitement, there happened to be at that time, “dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven,” “and every man heard them speak in his own language.” And what was the effect of all this? Why, “the same day were added unto them about three thousand souls.” And why was it thus? The seed was watered by the Spirit, and it was taking root. Jesus sowed the good seed, it was watered by the good Spirit, and God gave the increase. Here was the ‘early rain.’

The ‘latter rain’ just precedes the harvest; the harvest is the end of the world. And just so sure as the early rain fell in his season, so sure the latter rain will not fail in his appointed time. The harvest of earth is nearly ripe; it only requires the gentle rain of the Spirit of God upon his people, the aid of his hand to accomplish the work. As the Spirit fell upon the apostles, it qualified them for the work: they “spake as the Spirit gave them utterance.” So, methinks it will be in the end, when the refreshing Spirit of God falls upon his people, like dew upon the grass; it will prepare them for the work. Men whom he has called, will then be qualified, and will open their mouths boldly in defence of truth. Then will be answered the prayer to the “Lord of the harvest to send forth more laborers.” Do we realize it? Are we not praying for the latter rain, when we offer that prayer? It seems so to me.

Let us awake; sleep no longer. The Judge standeth at the door. Let us do what God requires of us, in order to receive the blessing of his Spirit, “Cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.” Get ready for the work that is before us. Let us walk in the light while we have it. The blessing is ready and waiting, but we are not ready. Shall we miss of the blessing? I pray we may not.

H. F. PHELPS.

Pine Island, Minn.