The Last Days by Charles P. Whitford

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 23, 1873

The Last Days.

By Charles P. Whitford

It seems that no careful student of the prophecies can fail to understand that we are living in the last days. The advent messages have been announced in the order laid down in prophecy, Rev. 14:6–12. The first and second were proclaimed by William Miller, and his associates. The third and last is now in full process of accomplishment, and culminates in the revelation of our Lord from heaven in flaming fire to take vengeance on his foes and to reward his saints. Not only so, but we have come so near its accomplishment that the very next link in the chain is this crowning and momentous work. It is this fact which gives the third angel’s message, now going forth, its unusual degree of solemnity and importance. Indeed, it is the most solemn announcement that can be found anywhere in the word of God; for it threatens the wine of the wrath of God without any mixture of mercy upon all such as do not heed the warning contained in the message.

From the language in which it is expressed, we understand that it is designed to warn men against the worship of the beast and his image, and also the reception of his mark—sins which must be most heinous and Heaven-daring in the sight of God, because no warning more terrible is found in all the Bible. And will the world never know what this sin is? Impossible! God does not so deal with his creatures. He does not punish the wicked without their knowing, or having full opportunity to know, for what cause the punishment is inflicted. And as he has given us, in his word, a most solemn warning against the reception of the mark of the beast, and accompanied with the most awful threatening of his unmingled wrath against all who do not heed the warning, we inquire if it would not be unjust in God thus to threaten men, while it is impossible for them to ascertain the meaning of the terms of the warning? Most certainly it would.

Now if it is the truth that the warning is for those to whom the message is given, and if we are not to be left in darkness in respect to what the “worship of the beast and the reception of his mark” represents, is it not logical to conclude, with the full assurance of the justice and reasonableness of all God’s requirements and threatenings, that we can and do understand what the mark of the beast is? The message containing this warning is the last to be given before the revelation of the Lord from heaven. And as all Adventists agree that we have reached the last days, and the two preceding messages have been fulfilled in the past, and as facts compel us to admit that the third and last message is now being proclaimed, we are forced to the conclusion that the time has come when it is not only our privilege, but our duty, to understand what the mark of the beast is. No matter if your learned minister can give you no light on this subject. He may possibly be of that class of shepherds described by the prophet Isaiah—“Shepherds that cannot understand;” or, as Paul expresses it, “Ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Tim. 3:7.

But the angel declared to Daniel concerning these last days, “The wise shall understand.” Chap. 12:10. “The time of the end” has arrived, and the warning voice of the third angel (Rev. 14:9, 12) is already being heard. Consequently the time has come for us to know what the mark of the beast is, that we may avoid it, and escape the threatened wrath.

And now, dear reader, if you have become interested in the question, “What is present truth?” and desire to know what the mark of the beast is, for a full discussion of this subject we would cite you to such works as these; viz., “Mark of the Beast and Seal of the living God,” “The Three Angel’s Messages,” &c., published at the REVIEW AND HERALD Office, Battle Creek, Mich.

It is evident that the proclamation of the message of the third angel is being attended with the special blessing of the Lord. This is no small evidence in favor of the correctness of our position; yet it would be extremely unsafe for us to settle down on this evidence alone, without being able to give from the Bible the reasons of our faith. Those that heed the warning which is now being given to the world against worshiping the beast and his image, and receiving his mark, will soon realize a mighty deliverance, be sheltered from the seven last plagues, in which is filled up the wrath of God, and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb on Mount Zion.

In view of an eternal life of glory in the kingdom of God, saved from sin and all its consequences, we beseech you, dear fellow-mortals, to heed the warning voice of the last message of mercy to poor fallen man. Despise not this warning. Its last notes will soon die away, and then will

“Stern justice lift the avenging sword To slay the mockers of God’s word.”

Oh! then improve the present, for yet a little while and the voice of sweet mercy will be heard no more. Fear not the reproach or reviling of men, but be willing to suffer persecution. Be wise, and sacrifice all for glory, and do it now. Let the signs of the times admonish you to make no delay. The days are evil, therefore redeem the time.

CHARLES P. WHITFORD.

Berkshire Center, Vt.