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A Message of Reform

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 26, 1911

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 43.

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A Message of Reform

By W. J. Stone

W. J. STONE
The work in which Seventh-day Adventists are engaged is a work of reform. The proof of this is demonstrated in what it has accomplished. The truths taught by Seventh-day Adventists have done much to revolutionize the world in thought and practise.
The teaching of the Bible truth regarding the Sabbath has brought about a great reform throughout the world, and thousands have returned to the observance of the true Sabbath. On the other hand, because of the preaching and practise of the truth upon this subject, a counterwork of reform is being agitated, which in reality is a work of apostasy from the truth of Christ. Nevertheless, the Sabbath reform is preached, “whether in pretense, or in truth,” and therein do we rejoice; and through the preaching of the truth upon this question the whole world will be stirred until it will be said of us, as it was of the apostles, “These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; . . . and these all do contrary to the decrees of Cæsar.” Acts 17: 6, 7.
Again: the teaching of Seventh-day Adventists regarding the second coming of Christ has so permeated the whole world that there is a general feeling among God-fearing people that we are on the eve of some great revolution, and many who do not profess to be Adventists believe that the signs indicate the soon coming of Christ. To us God has committed the proclamation of the true teaching of the Bible regarding the second coming of Christ; and we are to give it in the setting of the three angels’ messages of Rev. 14:9-12, with the true Sabbath reform. All other teaching of the coming of Christ which is rife everywhere will mystify and lead away from the truth.
Take the subject of health reform. Thirty years ago Adventists were ridiculed for their manner of living. The Lord gave us advanced light for the world, and although we may not have made the best use of this knowledge, yet God has so blessed our efforts that the whole world has to some extent felt the influence of this teaching, and a reform has been brought about regarding the matter of diet and the preparation of healthful foods.
Who can say that the teaching of Seventh-day Adventists has not greatly changed the thought and teaching upon such subjects as the state of the dead and the destiny of the wicked? A great change has been wrought during the last forty years, so that the doctrine of hell fire is seldom preached. We might mention other points in connection with this great work of reform, but these are sufficient to show the power and influence of our work in the world. God intends that the work of the third angel’s message shall in these last days stand at the head of every true reform. Deut. 28:1-14. May we so relate ourselves to the Lord that he can use us in this truly great reform movement.
Richmond, Va.