Faithful Preaching

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 8, 1901

Faithful Preaching.

To a large congregation, in the Tabernacle, Sabbath, October 5, the word of life was faithfully expounded by Elder A. G. Daniells. He first called attention to a striking peculiarity of the present time. We are in the time pointed out by the prophet, when darkness was to cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but while such unprecedented darkness prevails, rays of gospel light are shining upon the world with greater clearness than ever before in the history of the world—greater darkness; but for our benefit greater light! As setting forth the attitude which the Church should maintain toward the Lord and His truth and work in the earth, the sixty-second chapter of Isaiah was read entire, and a close and searching application of all its statements made to our own personal experience and purity of life. The burden on the speaker’s mind seemed to be similar to that of others who have recently spoken in the Tabernacle,—the necessity of that intense personal consecration to the work of the Lord, on our part, which will enable Him to establish the relation between us so graphically described in verses 4 and 5, and fulfill the promises of verses 2 and 3. Those who receive the light of truth will recognize that they have been set as watchmen on the walls, and feel under obligation to hold not their peace day nor night, and keep not silence, but go through the gates and prepare the way of the people. Such will not be spewed out of the mouth of the faithful and true Witness, as lukewarm servants (Rev. 3:14–18), but will proclaim to the daughter of Zion, “Behold, thy salvation [Christ] cometh; behold, His reward is with Him;” and they shall be called, “The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord,” and “be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken.” Verses 11 and 12. These people are prepared to fulfill Isa. 33:14–16. They can dwell with the devouring fire and with everlasting burnings. Having assimilated the character of God, who is a “consuming fire” (Heb. 12:29), they are prepared to endure His presence. They can abide the day of His coming, and stand when He appeareth. Mal. 3:2. The whole exposition proceeded on the ground that we are approaching a grand crisis in the work of the Lord, which will bring its conclusion in this generation—a consummation devoutly to be wished. It was calculated to promote hope, confidence, and courage in all who heard.