p. 12 | Our Present Work by Editor

Publishing Committee · Saratoga Springs, N. Y. · Aug 19, 1851

Our Present Work.

By Editor

In laboring to accomplish our whole duty to God and the scattered flock it is important to understand our present work clearly. With pleasure we look back to those happy years when the servants of the Lord were fervently, and with one united voice, proclaiming the coming of the Lord. They were not then running off into views which had no particular bearing upon the main question, but the burden of every called and chosen servant was, "fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come." While they were thus united, God blest their labors everywhere, and the cause moved on gloriously. But during the delay, or tarrying time, in 1844, distracting views sprung up, and fanaticism began to appear. These, however, were swept away by the seventh month cry, like the dew before the sun, and in the closing up of the message of the second angel, every voice was again raised in concert in proclaiming, "Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him."

Many believe that the time has come to swell the loud cry of the third angel, and to sound the last note of warning to the scattered people of God. If it is really so, and we fully believe that it is, then may we not expect to see the same oneness of views, and united effort among those who believe, as was witnessed during the messages of the former angels? We believe that we may. It is true that we have passed through the long dark night of scattering, and the flock has become faint and scattered by a strange diversity of views. And as they are now being gathered to the truth, many will be inclined to hold on to erroneous views received in the time of scattering. Therefore it should be a very important part of the present work of those who teach the truth to lead the minds of the brethren from distracting views, and to show them that they must be united in the third message, as we were in the former ones. Under the present unfavorable circumstances a powerful effort must be made to hold up the truths closely connected with this message, in their clear light and importance, so that precious souls may feed upon them, and rejoice in them, and thus lose sight of the errors and darkness that have so long enveloped them.

Those who gave the two former messages with success, dwelt almost entirely upon the leading ideas expressed by the two angels. Those who are especially called of God to give the third, we think, will not wander far from the leading ideas expressed in the message of the third angel, to dwell on disputed points, not particularly meat in due season. The third angel’s message opens before the mind a wide field of truth, important to our present salvation. The "patience of the saints," the "commandments of God," the faith of Jesus and the awfully solemn warning against the worship, and mark of the beast and his image, are themes perfectly calculated to inspire faith, and lead believers to consecrate themselves and all they have to the Lord. These subjects when investigated open the plan of salvation clearly, and do not fail to show our present work. No other subjects will move the heart, and revive the faith of the fainting flock like these. In fact all others seem to be ineffectual.

The story of "Meshullam" may please the ear, and the "age to come" occupy and divide the mind; but we fail to see that they are accomplishing anything at this time in leading souls to the "commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." In fact, these things are calculated to captivate the mind, and keep some from throwing their whole interest into the present work of salvation. Let those who believe that a good work has been already accomplished by the proclamation of the message of the third angel, for a moment reflect, and they will readily see that the subjects closely connected with this message, have alone accomplished this glorious work. And judging the present and future by the past, we may learn what is "meat in due season" for the household, and also our present work. Said St. Paul to the

Corinthians, "For I determined not to know [or make known] anything among you, save Jesus Christ and him crucified." That was then particularly present truth; for there was the cross, to preach him who had just been condemned and crucified. And Paul preached or made known to them that only which was necessary to their salvation through Jesus Christ. An example truly worthy of our imitation.

We are far from calling any portion of the Bible unnecessary. All scripture is "profitable." But if there are not certain portions of the Word, and certain subjects particularly applicable to any one time more than another, why has our Lord urged upon our consideration the figure of the wise and faithful servant, giving to the household meat in "due season?" Or why does Peter speak of the "present truth?" If we consider these things properly, we shall see that at this time, when all our energies should be employed in spreading the third message, to save souls now that are sinking in the ruin of unbelief, our minds should not be drawn from these truths so necessary to our present salvation.

THE TIME.—It is well known that some of the brethren have been teaching that the great work of salvation for the remnant, through the intercession of our Great High Priest, would close in seven years from the termination of the 2300 days, in the autumn of 1844. Some who have thus taught we esteem very highly, and love "fervently" as brethren; and we feel that it becomes us to be slow to say anything to hurt their feelings; yet we cannot refrain from giving some reasons why we do not receive the time.

1. The proof presented has not been sufficient. It is true that the number seven is used much in the Bible, and that it is also used in connection with some things that may appear to shadow forth the closing work of salvation; yet when we look for positive testimony, and clear proof on this point, we do not find it. The whole matter seems to us to rest on inference. We do not object to inferences when there is good grounds to infer; but we do object to receiving any view in full faith, that has no positive testimony to sustain it, but rests on mere inference. As we have not been interested in this time, only as we have feared its bad result, perhaps we are not prepared to judge of the amount of evidence in favor of the seven-years time; but if there is proof in favor of it, we confess that we have not been able to see it. A brother traced out the number three in the Bible, and concluded that the Second Advent would be in 1847, and his article was published in the "Day Star." The number twelve is also a remarkable number in the Bible. There were the twelve tribes, the twelve loaves of shew-bread, the twelve priests that bore the ark when the waters of Jordan parted and Israel passed over on dry ground, the twelve stones that they took out of the bed of the river, the twelve oxen on which stood the "molten sea," the twelve apostles, the City with twelve gates, twelve foundations, and twelve angels at the gates.—We admit that there seems to be something more remarkable in the number seven than any other number; but we are far from believing that it has any thing to do in marking the time of the cleansing of the Sanctuary.

2. The message of the third angel does not hang on time. Time is not in the least connected with it. The first cry hung on time. The hour [time] of God's judgment was the burden of that message. The second closed up with definite time; but the third is so far the reverse of this, that the angel cries "here is the patience of the saints."

3. We are now emphatically in the waiting time, in the time of the "patience of the saints." This state was introduced by the disappointment, at the termination of the 2300 days. Previous to that we were not in a waiting position, for this reason, we had time that we were running in. Now give us time again, and we cease to be in a waiting position. But we are to wait the return of our Lord from the wedding.

4. Our present position relative to the truths connected with the third message, is based on positive testimony, and is stronger than time can be, or ever has been. If the commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus will not move men to obey God, time never will. Therefore connect time based on inference with the message, and our position is weakened.

5. If it is the purpose of God that time should be embraced we think the brethren generally would be called up to it.—But as far as we have been able to learn, it has not been received only where those who teach it have traveled, and presented it as a subject of importance. If the hand of the Lord is not in this time, and if it is received only where it is pressed upon the brethren, there will be much danger of fanaticism and divisions, which are greatly to be feared.

6. To embrace and proclaim a time that will pass by, would have a withering influence upon the faith of those who should embrace and teach it, and we fear would overthrow the faith of some. What we have witnessed, for more than six years past, of the sad results of setting different times, should teach us a lesson on this point. These are some of the reasons why we do not embrace the seven-years time. We have designed to write in such a manner, on the subject of time, as not to wound the feelings of any. Let us all be patient, a few weeks will settle this question. Let none of us be too set in our views to receive any truth the Lord has for us, or to renounce any error, and retrace any wrong steps taken in the honesty of our souls. We must be humble in order to share largely of the Spirit of truth.

It has been our humble view for the past year that the proclamation of the time was no part of our present work. We do not see time in the present message; we see no necessity for it, and we do not see the hand of the Lord in it. And we have felt it to be our duty to let the brethren know that we have no part in the present movement on time, and that we believe that our present work, and present duty is to strive to be united in presenting those important truths embraced in the third angel's cry.

Many have looked on too long in silence, while they have seen those important truths connected with the present message impiously trampled under foot without making any effort to help vindicate and advance the cause of truth. Now the door is open almost everywhere to present the truth, and many are prepared to read the publications who have formerly had no interest to investigate. Now we may all do something for the Lord who has done so much for us. To those who love, and rejoice in the present truth we would say, there are others who would prize it as highly as you do, if they could have it taught to them in its purity. Efforts, under discouraging circumstances, have been made by self-sacrificing brethren to get the truth before many of you, and you will certainly feel called upon to help others. Often has the poor widow's mite been freely cast into the treasury of the Lord to publish tracts, and to send to you the servants of the Lord, to preach the word to you and to carry to you the publications. And if you love the truth, and love your brethren who do not see the light, as yourselves, it will be your greatest pleasure to help spread the truth to them.

The publications must be scattered judiciously where there is hope of good being accomplished, and to do this, means must be provided. Those who are called to the work of giving the message, must, and will go and bear it to starving souls, and to do this, they must have the means to go. We liked to have said, "If they should hold their peace the very stones would cry out," "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord." Dear brethren, you who are worth your thousands, and who believe that the last work of salvation for souls will very soon close, will, we believe, provide means to advance this work. You will not feel like rejoicing in the truth alone, and let others perish for want of it, and make no effort to spread it before them. Christians will be like Christ. He was a life of benevolence; he then died for us that we might live. "Love one another," said he, "as I have loved you." How close this test of Christian fellowship that requires us to live for the good of others. How few are Christians in deed and in truth.

Those who have but little or none of this world's good can do much toward advancing the cause of truth. Who among us that have his brother as Christ has loved us, he coming to this world to die for us, can not spare from what they used to think necessary for a living, a few dollars for the cause of the Lord? A few may not be able to, but many can. Those who really love the truth, will do all they consistently can for its advancement. "Faith without works is dead."

But none should move rashly. Our enemies are watching us for our haltings, and it becomes us to walk in meekness and wisdom. It is to be feared that some will go with the message before they are sent, and not being right before God, and not being taught especially of God, and not having knowledge in the things of the Spirit, will wound the precious cause. Such trials we may expect all the way along, yet God has set his hand to the work, and he will deliver his people. It seems to us that those who have been in errors and darkness for years should not be encouraged to go out with the message, until they give good evidence that they are called to the work. We do not fear reproach for righteousness' sake; no, let it come; for in this we may "rejoice and be exceeding glad." Those who are reviled for the sake of Christ and the truth, may rejoice, "for great is their reward in heaven." But many will yet mourn that even the wicked have reviled them for their faults. Whatever reproach may fall upon our brethren for believing, and carrying out their faith in the present truth consistently, according to the word of God, we want a share. If we had not the pleasure of sharing with them reproach, trial and toil, we should be unhappy indeed. But we claim no share in reproach that may arise from false excitement and fanaticism. We do not speak of false excitement and fanaticism, as existing to any great extent among those who observe the Sabbath, though we fear that a very few are in danger in this respect. That which is much to be lamented among us is a lack of spirituality and real interest to work for the Lord, and sacrifice for his cause in this important hour. May the Lord guide us all in judgment, and show each of us our present work, that we may be free from the blood of all men, and at last share the inheritance of the saints.