The Second Advent by James White

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · May 10, 1877

The Second Advent.

By James White

The present is a time of great interest on the theme of the second advent of Christ. Probably no man has done as much to wake up the discussion of this question since the days of William Miller as the revivalist Moody. His remarkable sermon at Chicago upon the subject seems to have marked an era of bold and fervent expression from both sides among those who have regarded ours as a work of mistaken zeal.

The editor of the Interior (Presbyterian), in his issue for April 26, speaks of “two remarkably vigorous papers,” in that issue, on the Second Advent. He says: “Dr. Cowles’ second paper has an intensity which is heightened by the compression required in limited space, and which is inspired by a deep conviction that he is dealing for the honor of the Master. Dr. Robert Patterson, author of the Fables of Infidelity, and widely known as one of the most trenchant and able of writers, whose article will be found on the second page, is not less zealous and forceful on the other side of the question. He charges the opponents of the premillennial theory with apostasy—with finding their inspiration in the rationalistics of the age. We should say that neither of these writers knows of the article of the other; it is, therefore, in no sense a debate.”

We have no expectation that such men as Mr. Moody and Dr. Patterson, who are really doing good service in preparing the public mind for our specific work, will ever unite with us in our distinctive message to the world. And more, we fear that when those who “keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ,” Rev. 12: 17, shall feel the wrath of the dragon, these men, borne on by the popular tide, will find themselves on the wrong side in the closing conflict.

Whatever the future may prove in this respect, we have our work, and should attend to it, and let God work out final results by ways and means such as he sees best. “Master,” said a good disciple who was taking too narrow views of Heaven’s broad providential work, “we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not, for he that is not against us is for us.” Luke 9: 49, 50. J. W.