Evidences of Truth by R. F. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 13, 1873

Evidences of Truth.

By R. F. Cottrell

The stability of our work has been mentioned as an evidence of the truthfulness of our position. As prophecies are being fulfilled, light is increasing, as foretold, and consequently, there is progress in the cause and work of God. But progress in truth is not made by overturning past positions, but by adding truth to truth. In the divine plan, one event follows another in the prescribed order, and the work of God moves forward, step by step, as light advances; so that those who are in the light, and hold a position in present truth, can look back upon the steps that have led them to their present position, and see a glorious path behind them, made luminous with the light of prophecy fulfilled. “The pathway of the just is as the shining light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” But while it shines more and more as we advance, it shines no less on the past. The light of the present does not make the past darkness.

But there are those who profess to be walking in the increasing light, who leave a dark trail behind them. With them, the light of to-day extinguishes the light of yesterday. The past is repudiated as darkness and error. They were all wrong yesterday, but to-day they are all right. Their present position destroys every position they have occupied in the past. Such are the Timeists. Their work resembles the work of men that would think to build a bridge by taking up the plank behind them and laying it before, or, rather, by taking up the plank they stand on, and standing upon nothing while they lay it in advance.

If we are very near the second advent, it is time for the advent messages of Rev. 14 to be proclaimed; and if it is time they should be proclaimed, they are being proclaimed; for, in the providence of God, they cannot fail of their fulfilment at the proper time. Therefore, those who can truly claim to be Adventists, having a position in present truth, can point out their position in the fulfilment of these messages. The experience and work of the true people of God were here laid down in prophecy 1800 years ago; so that there is no need of a mistake.

The evidences from the prophecies, and their fulfilment, show conclusively that we are in the last days, and, consequently, that the advent is at hand. The three messages have been announced in their order; therefore, all that is necessary in order to know that the last message of probation is being fulfilled, is to believe the word and providence of God. And the steady progress of the work from its small beginning, and its stability, mark it as the work of God. It commends itself to the humble and discerning mind, as bearing the impress of the God of truth, who knows the end from the beginning. The humble seekers after truth will, ere long, see this truth. It does not require a superior order of intellect to apprehend the truth and the evidences on which it is based. Bible truth and salvation are for the common people. The ordinary mind, disposed to believe, can see the evidences, so as to believe for itself, and so obtains that salvation that comes by faith; while the great and the learned are liable to overlook the evidences and die in unbelief. The believer and the obedient shall be saved.

R. F. COTTRELL.