Ye and We by R. F. Cottrell

California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · Oakland, Cal. · Apr 15, 1875

Ye and We.

By R. F. Cottrell

BECAUSE our Saviour said, “When ye shall see these things,” it is claimed that the disciples then present were to see the predicted signs, and consequently that all was fulfilled in their day. But the signs did not appear in their days; consequently the ye is addressed to those living at the present time, when they have been seen.

Speaking of the second advent and the resurrection of the just, Paul says, “We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord,” the simple meaning of which is those Christians that shall be alive at that time.

But to excuse themselves for not believing that the advent is near, now since the signs of it have appeared, it is claimed that the apostles and primitive church expected it in their day. Why? Because Paul says, “We which are alive,” etc. The objector will not see that Paul cautioned the church of that day not to believe that it would come in their day, because the apostasy and the man of sin must come first. They cannot understand that the apostles were the prophets, and that some of their writings are to have their fulfillment long after their generations should have passed away.

To be consistent with themselves, they must hold that Isaiah who prophesied seven hundred years before Christ, had a personal participation in the things that he describes thus: “When we shall see him,” “We hid as it were our faces from him,” “He was despised, and we esteemed him not.” But Isaiah did not live to take a personal part in rejecting and crucifying the Christ. These predictions were fulfilled by the Jews when Christ appeared. Even so the words of Paul are about to be fulfilled: “We which are alive and remain to the coming of the Lord,” etc. R. F. COTTRELL.