An Important Anniversary
By Uriah Smith
WE take pleasure in calling the attention of our readers to the anniversary of the twenty-second day of October, 1844. To Seventh-day Adventists that was the most important day in the world's history since the resurrection of Christ; and its anniversary which occurs October 22 of the present year, should be, and we trust will be, a point of great interest with the people referred to. What made the day named so worthy of note?—Answer: Because it marked a great era in the fulfillment of prophecy. Under the impulse of the startling doctrine of the soon return of Christ to this earth, to complete the work of redemption, much attention was given by Adventists to the study of prophecy. The date of Christ's birth, the years of his earthly ministry, the time of his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension to heaven, to enter upon his mediatorial work, became clearly established dates. There was another date—the close of his ministry—more practically important to us; and the date of this was also fixed by prophecy. It was prefigured in the cleansing of the sanctuary, of the typical system. This was a service which showed in figure the putting away of sin. It was accomplished on the tenth day of the seventh month, Jewish time. Reduced to our English calendar, this fell on the twenty-second of October. Then was the time for Christ to enter into the most holy place of the heavenly temple, and begin the final work of mediation for the removal of the sins of his people. See “Looking Unto Jesus.” This date thus becomes one of infinite importance to men. It is a more important date than any one's birth, or any national or public memorial day, ever celebrated. And it is worthy to be marked among us by denominational regard, and individual repentance by all the people.