1873: Unity Among Adventists and the Gifts
By C. P. Whitford
My attention recently has been arrested by reading the “Evidences for the coming of the Lord in 1873,” as presented by N. H. Barbour, in the World’s Crisis, of Oct. 16 and 23. And while reading the many views advocated by the above named paper, I have been enabled to more fully realize the division and lack of unity existing, even among those who profess to be looking for the speedy return of their Lord and Master; and it has also occurred to my mind that it is not so strange a thing after all that the masses are disgusted with everything going under the name of Adventism. I have also been led to feel a sense of gratitude to God that there is a people where peace, union, and harmony exist. A people who have at least tried to heed the exhortation of Paul to “all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” This exhortation of Paul was given in connection with the statement, “That ye come behind in no gift, waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Hence we believe that right here comes in the operation of the gifts to unite and prepare the waiting ones for the coming of Jesus Christ. The object of the gifts is stated in Eph. 4:11-14. They are having their designed effect in the remnant church. The saints of God are being perfected, the church edified, and there is unity of faith. In looking over the past Advent movement, we can see the hand of the Lord leading his people. He has ever been mindful of them, warning them of dangers, and pointing out a way of escape for all who would listen to and heed his commands. Light has been steadily increasing, and there have ever been a few zealous ones, who were ready to embrace it and move forward in the work of the Lord. Regardless of opposing influences, they have ever stood in defense of the truth. Their trust has been in the Lord and he has blessed them abundantly. And still he leads them on. The light of the third angel’s message now shines upon our pathway. The last and crowning truth which will ever be proclaimed to sinful and rebellious man is steadily increasing in power. The Lord is now preparing a people for his coming who will be found keeping all the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Such will have a right to the tree of life. But they are to be purified by obeying the truth. The servants of the Lord are now proclaiming the last message of mercy to the world. Soon it will go with a loud voice. God’s people are being fitted and prepared to stand the trying scenes which are but just in the future, and to reign with Jesus in his kingdom. Jesus will soon come and his people be saved. Oh! glorious day, soon may it dawn. Our trials will then be ended, our sorrows all over and past. Dear reader, Jesus invites you to come to him. Come now while mercy lingers. Delay not. “Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation.” Oh! may our hearts be filled with the love of God, we be more devoted to his cause, overcome every sin, and endure to the end, that we may receive a crown of glory reserved in Heaven for the faithful. Let none be discouraged. The trials of life will soon be over. Look up! Lift up your head, for redemption is near. Yes, we are nearing home. Oh, blessed hope! “Almost to the beautiful land!
Shall we lose courage, then? Never!
Lift up the faltering hand,
Strengthen the feeble endeavor.
Only a few more mornings
Allotted to laboring here,
Only a few more warnings
To fall on the sinner’s ear.
Only a few more conflicts
To wage in the struggle of life,
Then the sweet victory cometh,
That endeth the toilsome strife.”