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Progress of the Cause

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 3, 1874

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 43, No. 8.

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Progress of the Cause.

By Charles P. Whitford

It is with gratitude to God that we hail the present indications that this great work in which we are engaged is soon to close up in mighty power. It is not difficult for those best acquainted with the progress of the cause to see that the last notes of warning are about to go to peoples, nations, tongues, and kings, and that by it a people will be made ready for the coming of the Son of man. The third angel's message of Rev. 14:9-12, warning us against certain sins, and bringing with it the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, is now sounding forth to the inhabitants of the world. God, by his Spirit, is stirring up the minds of the people to investigate the claims of his holy law, and in a special manner is it calling loudly upon all to cease trampling upon his authority by violating his holy rest-day.
The true and loyal people of God, those who have decided that Mount Zion shall be their future home, are, with renewed earnestness and zeal, taking hold of the solemn and responsible work of warning the world as never before. Books and tracts, bearing the last solemn message of mercy, are being scattered like the leaves of autumn, in every direction through the land. The REVIEW AND HERALD is finding its way into thousands and tens of thousands of homes where the light of present truth has never before penetrated. Honest souls are reading. God's Spirit is striving, and many are embracing the truth. Plans for the publication of papers in the French and German languages have already been laid, and soon there will be going forth from our Office of publication not less than eight periodicals, filled with the solemn and important truths pertaining to the age of the world in which we live.
And what do all these things mean? They mean strength and prosperity. They mean progress and final triumph. They mean that the third angel's message of Rev. 14:9-12, is to go before many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings (Rev. 10:11), and that it is now in full process of accomplishment, and will culminate in the revelation of our Lord from Heaven in flaming fire, to take vengeance on his foes, and to reward his saints.
Yes, this message is now sounding. Do you believe it? Have you faith in it? Or do you ignore this most solemn and awful message of the word of God, and expect the advent daily without a fulfillment of this prophecy? Let me assure you that this is the word of God and must be fulfilled. If the work now being done to restore the breach made in the law of God (Isaiah 58:12) is not the fulfillment of prophecy, what is? You should show us the fulfillment of this portion of the word of God, or else not claim to be expecting the Lord immediately, for it must be fulfilled before his coming, and it will not be done and nobody know it. Where is your faith? faith in prophecy, faith in what the Lord is now doing, faith in present truth?
If God is leading this people, go with us with all your heart. If not, be decided against us. Have faith in God. He lives, and is fulfilling his word.
CHARLES P. WHITFORD.
Berkshire, Vt., Jan. 10, 1874.