An Exciting Doctrine

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · May 22, 1879

An Exciting Doctrine.

IN the Baptist State Convention, held in Oakland last week, Dr. Frost delivered what the report called "an able and instructive address" on the subject of "No Millennium till Christ Comes," in which he spoke of the great utility of the study of prophecy. In the discussion which followed, Dr. Kalloch said, "the doctrine has an exciting, unpleasant, and dividing effect on the church."

If we have been correctly informed, for we were, much against our will, prevented attending the Convention, it proved an exciting theme at the session referred to above. But it is well worthy of remark that the unhealthy excitement, the feeling of unpleasantness and division, is on the side of those who oppose the doctrine. That it is a Bible theme none can deny. That we are commanded to take heed to the sure word of prophecy, is plainly written. But that they who oppose it are stirred so deeply in their feelings at the mention of this Bible theme, this subject of prophetic promise, does not speak well for their professed reverence for the words of inspiration, or for their profession of love for our absent Lord who has promised to return to redeem his waiting people. We are required to "look for him," and to "love his appearing," which is spoken of as "that blessed hope," by one whose inspiration led him to hold it and to present it to the church in its beauty and importance.

But we are not at all disappointed that it has this "exciting" effect, and that strong feelings of opposition to this glorious event (which Jesus spoke of as a sweet assuring promise, John 14: 1-3, and for which his apostles longed and prayed, Rev. 22:20), are manifested by those who have set their hearts against it. This is also a matter of prophecy. When our Saviour discoursed to his disciples concerning his second coming, and pointed out the condition of the world when that coming is near---even at the doors, he said that the evil servant whose heart suggests to him that "my Lord delayeth his coming," "shall begin to smite his fellow-servants," who are watching for his coming, and who are giving the household of faith "meat in due season." Matt. 24:44-51.

There is another Scripture which we will not mention in this connection, which is very explicit on this point. But do not these things go to show the fulfillment of "our Lord's great prophecy?" We are in the last days. "The coming of the Lord draweth nigh." The disposition to smite, and to make the most of this world's pleasures, is manifest wherever men set themselves in opposition to the "blessed hope" of the Lord's coming.