p. 143 | The Old Way

California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · Oakland, Cal. · Mar 11, 1875

The Old Way.

For about thirty years we have unwaveringly believed that, in the most emphatic sense, "the end of all things is at hand." This belief has not been founded on the opinions of men, but by much prayerful searching of the Scriptures, comparing Scripture with Scripture.

To expect to know the day or hour, or even the year, of the coming of Jesus in the clouds of heaven, we have never thought to be within the province of other than the great Eternal. But that the humble Bible student may, by a careful reliance on the teachings of the word, and observance of the times, know when the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and is even at the very doors, is a truth too palpable to require comment. See Matt. 24 : 29-33.

That he will come again we know, because there is not a more explicit, uncontrovertible declaration within the lids of the Bible than this. Why should not Christians of the present day be like the Christians of nearly two thousand years since? So greatly did the Christians of Thessalonica long for the speedy coming of their Lord, that instead of putting it off "thousands on thousands of ages hence," as did a teacher in Israel with whom we were conversing, their almost impatient desires inclined them to think it must be immediate.

If the joyous anticipations of the return of the Son of man should so fill the mind's vision of the early church nearly two thousand years ago, how should the vision of the believers of the present day be occupied with the subject.—Guide to Holiness.