It is to me a matter of no little surprise, that the name "Advent" is considered by some of those who look for the soon coming of Christ, a term of reproach, so much so that they even would deny its application, and reject the name.
A little investigation and sober reflection will soon set this matter right; for there is a peculiar propriety in the name; and its application is so fitting, that for one I rejoice in it. A purer word, and one more significant and applicable, is not to be found.
As well might the farmer be ashamed of the name agriculturist; the man who builds ships may as well deny the name shipwright; the dealer in dry goods try to change the name merchant; or the joiner at his bench deny his connection with mechanics; as he who believes in the near coming of Christ to reject the name, Advent.
There is a necessity that every individual, and body of individuals, have some name to distinguish them; and there is no wrong in this. We may see an illustration of the innocence of this proceeding, in the act of bringing the animals to Adam, for the purpose of seeing what he would call them. See Gen. ii, 19.
The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch, and the name has clung to them ever since; and who is ashamed of the name Christ-ian? In like manner (the word "Advent" signifying "to come to, or arrive at") who is troubled at the word (Christ's) "Advent?"
Names are of some consequence; and a fitting and appropriate name is a good thing. Sabbatarian is a name which has for a long time distinguished those who kept holy the true Sabbath. "Sabbatti" was the name applied to the Waldenses, who kept and venerated the precepts of the decalogue; and of course the name has been applied to those who have embraced the third message; and this, too, is a fitting and appropriate name; it is a pure name, from the word Sabbath which name was applied by God himself to the seventh or rest (Sabbath) day: and who could wish for a more honorable name?
Taking into consideration these names, their origin, and meaning, and appropriateness, their peculiar bearing upon our own eventful times; it must be conceded, that as to the name Advent Sabbatarians, we are the most fortunate of all people, in having a name beautiful, significant, appropriate, natural and becoming. O that none of us bring disgrace upon so pure a title.
But says one, the world despise the name. Very well; they despised Emanuel and his chosen followers. It is the fashion in this world to despise all that pertains to purity and holiness; all that reproves the world, all that leads to God and his holy law is held in disrepute by the world, and always has been, since the fall of Adam; and doubtless the Antediluvians despised Noah's title, whatever it was, as much as the world now hate the term "Advent."