A Few Considerations by Jos. Clarke

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 14, 1874

A Few Considerations.

By Jos. Clarke

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Daniel 12:4.

That we live in the time of the end, no one versed in Scripture prophecies can doubt. Every evidence we could ask is given us. But to prove this position, is not the object of this article, but rather to look very briefly, at some features of the times.

First, we notice the close of the great prophetic period of 2300 days in 1844, and the general movement of the professed Christian world on that occasion, with all the accumulated evidence brought from the prophecies, to establish the believing student of prophecy in the genuineness of the above-mentioned movement.

Second, the fact that probation continues some considerable time after the close of this prophetic period, as is proved from Rev. 10 and 14:7–14.

Third, the remarkable facilities of our times for the dissemination of knowledge, and the rapid progress of improvement in the practical application of art and science to useful enterprises, in the saving of time and muscle in labor-saving machines, and contrivances for economizing time and labor in travel and transportation, and in the common walks of life; so that time is given for investigation and study of the word of God.

Fourth, that at this time, in the Providence of God, the masses are educated to a great extent; and Bibles are cheap and plenty, and free to the poor; and to this coincidence we would call your especial attention as something before unparalleled in the history of our race.

Fifth, the fact that there is now arising a people who are uniting in their belief and practice the fundamental principles of all the moral law, and at the same time are the only people who explain satisfactorily the prophecies of both Testaments, and justify the government of God by a harmony of both Testaments, upon doctrine and practice, in the Christian life.

Sixth, the fact that God, by his Spirit, is especially aiding this people in drawing near to him, and in purifying themselves from the corrupting doctrines and practices of the times, and in uniting in a consistent effort to enlighten the world upon the great truths of the Bible. (See catalogue of publication.)

Now let us seriously reflect upon these six facts, all of them present with the attendant circumstances, indispensable in the nature of things to their existence; and, say, are they the result of chance? May we not say, God is certainly in this movement.

Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. How truly is this prophecy verified before our eyes. How very interesting and important the consideration that this time is already upon us, and soon the final close must burst upon an astonished and unbelieving world.

Oh! how dark and stupid are we not to see the signs of the times, so plainly are they portrayed before us! How foolish at such a time, or at any time, to set our hearts upon the world, and follow its fashions and its follies, and to lay up in store its treasures! Let us double our diligence and care. Jos. CLARKE.