The Prophetic Conference.
By R. F. Cottrell
The conference recently held in New York on the second coming of Christ was attended by ministers of various denominations, and from various parts of the United States, more than a hundred being present; and the resolutions embodying their views on the subject were passed unanimously. Holding to the supreme authority of the scriptures, and believing that the prophecies concerning the second coming will be fulfilled in the same literal manner as were those concerning the first advent, they were agreed that the Bible does not teach that the world will be converted and the millennium ensue before the coming of Christ; but that his coming is imminent, and may be looked for at any moment, though the day and the hour are reserved to God alone, and therefore unknown. It was held that this view of the subject was consistent with the most intense missionary efforts, so that believers will not be induced to wait in idleness, but to work with zeal till the end come. It is cheering to see that some of the religious press indorse the sentiments of the conference, though some oppose. The New York Weekly Witness indorsed fully the doctrine of the pre-millennial advent as held by the conference, saying of the conference that it “was the event of the season, and one that will leave a permanent impression.” We are glad that this subject is being agitated. It will tend to remove prejudice from many minds, and prepare them to hear what the Scriptures do teach on this all-important subject; but we do not flatter ourselves with the idea that all that acknowledge that which was set forth by the conference will embrace all the truth which God has revealed concerning the coming of this glorious event and the neccessary preparation for it. But the way is opening for the last message to be proclaimed, as set forth in prophecy, “with a loud voice.” See Rev 14:9. Though we, Seventh-day Adventists, are in harmony with the conference, or rather, they are in harmony with us, in almost all which they set forth, yet there is one point which they have yet to learn. They speak of the coming of Christ as an impending event which may occur at any moment. Now “that day cannot come,” till every prophetic event which is to precede his coming shall be fulfilled. This is self-evident. Paul did not believe that the day of Christ might come at any moment. He told his brethren not to be deceived into the expectation that the day of Christ was at hand; that it would not come “except there come a falling away first.” See 2 Thess, 2:1-4. There were prophecies in the book of Daniel which must be fulfilled in this dispensation, before the second advent could take place. So now there is a preparatory work to be done before the coming of that day. The world will be faithfully warned concerning the “great day of his wrath,” before it actually comes. “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7. God has promised a solemn warning to be given when that day “is nigh at hand.” Joel 2:1. He warned the people in the days of Noah of the coming flood, and he has promised always to do in like manner. Jesus said, “As it was in the days of Noah,” and, “as it was in the days of Lot,” “Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.” Those had a special warning, so will these have. This special warning is described in Rev 14:6-12. Have the warning messages been announced to the world? If not, we may expect them first, before that day shall come. If they have been announced and are now doing their work of warning and testing the people, where are they, if not with those who believe they are proclaiming the third and last of these warning all over the world? R. F. COTTRELL.