We Are Not Following Cunningly Devised Fables
By Arthur G. Daniells
It is now more than fifty years since a little company of believers in the great threefold message of Rev. 14: 6-12 united together to proclaim that message to the world. These believers believed in their message. Their views were well defined, and their convictions were positive. In their teaching by voice and pen they gave the trumpet a decidedly certain sound. They believed, and openly and confidently taught, that the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation were all fulfilled except the very last, which can only be fulfilled by the coming of Christ. They believed that the twelve hundred and sixty years ended in 1798, and that then and there began the time of the end, the day of God's preparation. They taught that the twenty-three hundred years of Daniel 8: 14 ended in 1844; that then Christ entered the most holy apartment of the heavenly sanctuary to make an atonement; and that this marked the beginning of the judgment as set forth by the first angel of Rev. 14: 6, 7. They believed, and vigorously taught, that the ten commandments as deposited in the ark of the most holy place of the earthly sanctuary are God's law, and are as binding upon men to-day as ever, therefore they began to observe the seventh day as the Lord's Sabbath. These believers taught that man is mortal, that death ends consciousness, and that the wicked will be destroyed, and be as though they had not been, instead of living forever in torment and inexpressible suffering. They believed that all these truths were embraced in the threefold message of Revelation, and that to them was committed the responsibility of proclaiming these truths to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Believing this, they set about this great work with unbounded confidence that they would accomplish the task, and that then the end of the world would come. There were but few of them to do the work, they had no facilities at hand with which to work, and very little means with which to provide facilities. But they had faith in the message, and to it they gave their all — intellect, strength, and means. Fifty years have passed since that little band of believers obtained a clear view of their message, and entered upon their world-wide work. Their numbers have been increased to many thousands, facilities of every kind have been provided, and the work has been firmly established in nearly all the countries of the world. The light held up by that obscure band in a small corner of the earth, now shines around the world, giving light to all nations. These are facts in the history of this work. Now we ask, What is the original source of this light? What are these views — divine truths or cunningly devised fables? Is this movement from God, or of men? Will it triumph in everlasting glory? or will it end in disappointment and disgrace? Is this the truth in this world of error and delusions? Can we risk all that we are and have in it? Let none think that these questions imply doubts in the mind of the writer. They are put for another purpose — to arouse to greater devotion and achievements. The truths of the third angel's message have stood the test of the ages, for they are nothing less than the everlasting gospel revealed in its fullness. From the first this special movement has steadily advanced in the face of a heavy fire from the enemy. Not one fundamental doctrine has had to be abandoned during the fifty years of test. And although the message, instead of offering indulgence to the flesh, presents crosses and self-denial at every point, it has won its way to the hearts of men and women in all nations. It stands forth a glorious conqueror of evil. Ah, no, brethren, we have not followed cunningly devised fables in being led captives to this message. If there is any spiritual truth in the world, it is this. If there is anything besides our own selves to devote our lives and fortunes to, it is this movement of the third angel's message. If this were not to be depended upon, we should certainly be at sea — altogether stranded and without hope. But, believing as we do that this movement is from heaven, and that it is under the leadership of Christ, what tremendous responsibilities rest upon us. The movement is here, and we are connected with it, not by mere chance, but by divine providence. And we are connected with it to receive from it and to contribute to it. As this cause has grown, opportunities for service have multiplied. Opportunities bring responsibilities. This places us to-day where we must rise up and do a much greater work than we have done in the past, or we must apologize to the world, and retire. What shall we do? I hear the firm, loyal response from sixty thousand believers in this message, saying, We shall stand by this work until it is finished, and the earth is lightened with its glory. We shall enter the open doors of the world. We shall answer the pressing calls for help from all lands. We shall, ah, yes, better still, we do, here and now dedicate our lives and our means to the finishing of this work. Having by hard struggles, much sacrifice, and by God's grace brought this movement to its present place, we shall not now drop nor desert it. We shall go forth “conquering and to conquer.” This is the language of hundreds of young men and women. They are glad to give up every earthly honor, advantage, and selfish ambition that they may proclaim this message where it is not known. They beg to be permitted to go to India, China, Africa, and other countries. Fathers and mothers who have cared for their children from their infancy are solemnly binding their young people upon the altar of service in distant and strange lands. Conference laborers are volunteering for foreign fields, and the conferences are volunteering to let them go, and to support them abroad. Every conference laborer in two State conferences has recently handed in his name for service in the distant, destitute fields. Some conferences are appropriating one half of their annual tithe to the work in foreign lands, while many are devoting from one tenth to one fourth. A change is taking place. A new movement is on foot. What does it mean? That there shall be delay no longer? That the loud cry has begun? That we are soon to see the work close up, and we be gathered home? What else can be the meaning? The appointed time has come. Let the Lord have his way, and we shall soon see the King in his beauty.