Unmistakable Indications.
By Uriah Smith
Those who are best acquainted with the condition and prospects of the cause of present truth, never felt a more lively and heart-cheering confidence in the progress and triumph of the work, than at the present time. The message which we are laboring to promulgate is pointed out in many places on the prophetic page. Inspiration has plainly declared that this work will be done. And that word cannot fail. “Heaven and earth shall pass away,” said Christ, “but my words shall not pass away.” And the evidences of the progress of the work to the present time, and the indications of its rapid growth in the future, are most cheering. They are as encouraging omens as would be the most startling fulfillments of prophecy in the physical world. Should some remarkable sign appear in heaven above or the earth beneath, some unusual occurrence, which, as the accomplishment of a plain prediction, should arrest the attention of the nation, and fill the minds of the people with amazement, it would be to many a spring of new life, filling them with fresh hope and courage. No less significant are new evidences of the stability and increase of a work which the word of God has declared shall be accomplished in the last days, to be immediately succeeded by the complete triumph and everlasting reward of the people of God. And what are some of these indications? 1. A new and larger power press is in operation in the office of publication. 2. In addition to the Danish Advent Tidende, which has been for some time issued, a Swedish monthly Advent journal is to be immediately published. 3. Like works are in contemplation for the French and German people of our own and foreign countries. 4. The True Missionary, designed to quicken, and aid in, the missionary enterprise, the present great auxiliary of the work, is to be published immediately. 5. There is no embarrassment to the cause for lack of means. 6. Funds are freely pledged to meet the long-felt want of a school for the scientific and theological training of those who feel like moving out to do something in this work; and there is reason to believe that many minds in all parts of the land are inclined in this direction. 7. And perhaps more than all, the hearts of those upon whom the burden of the cause has been especially laid, are encouraged, and they feel of good cheer; and there is union of spirit among those who should stand together, such as never has before existed. All these things mean something. They mean strength and prosperity. They mean progress and final triumph. This message is to go before many nations, tongues, and kings, and that speedily. What has been done, is but the preparatory work, the furnishing of a strong foundation, the marshaling of the agencies, the disciplining of the forces, the laying of a broad basis of experience, which shall serve as a reference and a guide in all future contingencies. And of this preparatory work, what more need we? It is our conviction that it is about accomplished; and that the time has come for a forward movement which shall strike with dismay the hearts of all those who would be glad to see the friends of the truth scatter, and the work perish. Then let the hands that hang down be lifted up, and the feeble knees be strengthened, and every heart be brave.