p. 8 | His Coming Near by Francis M. Fairchild

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 4, 1907

His Coming Near

By Francis M. Fairchild

FRANCIS M. FAIRCHILD

THERE is no subject in the Bible that is of greater interest to the people of God than the second coming of Christ. As often as we hear it, our hearts burn within us.

How many times we have read the text, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come.” Eighteen hundred years have come and gone since the Saviour spoke these words, and not until this present generation could any one hope to be living to see his coming. But from the beginning of the giving of this message, those who have given it have had a right to believe that they might be living to witness the grand and glorious event.

Elders James White, J. N. Andrews, Joseph Bates, Uriah Smith, with the many others who were in this message in its infancy, and who are now sleeping, put their whole lives into this message, and their works are still following them. As we look into the faces of those who were connected with this message from its beginning, and who are still living, as we see their bent forms and watch their feeble steps, the thought comes to us, Shall they also sleep? Then we read with renewed courage and revived hope the words from the Man of Calvary, “This generation shall not pass.” And we thank God for the blessed hope, and say, “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.”

But the question will arise, What of the millions yet unwarned? How long, O how long, will it take to give this message to every nation, tribe, and people? And again we read, “This generation shall not pass till all these things be fulfilled.” Could there be anything more encouraging than such a statement by the Master? If your hopes are growing dim, “look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” There are two things necessary to the finishing of this message—a full surrender of ourselves to God, and a consecration of all that we have.

God’s people are soon to enter the heavenly Canaan. But it will take all to buy the field. All heaven is waiting for this last message to be given to these last people in this world to-day.

Through the spirit of prophecy the Lord has told us that “one dollar is now worth more in this message than ten dollars will be at some future time.” O that we might see the situation as it is, might see and hear the millions who are in darkness, who with longing hearts and outstretched hands, are crying, “Come over and help us. Come, and come quickly, or we perish. Many are

going down in death without a Saviour; bring us the glad tidings that have been given you.”

Let us arise and go into all the world, teaching as Christ gives us power that he is a living Saviour and has come to save all. Satan, knowing that the end is near, is determined to keep our minds on earthly things and away from the heavenly. The world is making a mad rush for gain, pleasure seeking is increasing, men’s hearts are overcharged with surfeiting, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and thousands are perishing, while many of us are sitting at ease, so thankful that we know this truth. Are we thankful? God knows. Our actions show whether we are or not.

Speaking of Israel, God says, “She did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and multiplied her silver and gold.” Hosea 2:8. Let us read God’s Word and know that he has given to us, in order that we might also give of what he has given us, and receive again a hundredfold and eternal life. I am so glad it will not take long to finish this work when we really want it finished.

Mt. Vernon, Ohio.