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an important lesson for those who live in the last days. Many Ad-
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ventists have felt that unless they could fix their faith upon a definite
time for the Lord’s coming, they could not be zealous and diligent
in the work of preparation. But as their hopes are again and again
excited, only to be destroyed, their faith receives such a shock that
it becomes well-nigh impossible for them to be impressed by the
great truths of prophecy. The more frequently a definite time is set
for the second advent, and the more widely it is taught, the better
it suits the purposes of Satan. After the time has passed, he excites
ridicule and contempt of its advocates, and thus casts reproach upon
the true time movement of 1843 and 1844. Those who persist in this
error will at last fix upon a date too far in the future for the coming
of Christ. Thus they will be led to rest in a false security, and many
will not be undeceived until it is too late.
Third Message Rejected
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The history of ancient Israel is a striking illustration of the past
experience of the Adventist body. God led his people in the Advent
movement, even as he led the children of Israel from Egypt. In the
great disappointment their faith was tested as was that of the Hebrews
at the Red Sea. Had they still trusted to the guiding hand that had
been with them in their past experience, they would have seen of
the salvation of God. If all who had labored unitedly in the work
in 1844 had received the third angel’s message, and proclaimed
it in the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord would have wrought
mightily with their efforts. A flood of light would have been shed
upon the world. Years ago the inhabitants of the earth would have
been warned, the closing work completed, and Christ would have
come for the redemption of his people.
It was not the will of God that Israel should wander forty years
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in the wilderness; he desired to lead them directly to the land of
Canaan, and establish them there, a holy, happy people. But “they
could not enter in because of unbelief.” [Hebrews 3:19.] Because of their backsliding and apostasy, they perished in the desert, and
others were raised up to enter the promised land. In like ma
was not the will of God that the coming of Christ should be so long
delayed, and his people should remain so many years in this world
of sin and sorrow. But unbelief separated them from God. As they
refused to do the work which he had appointed them, others were
raised up to proclaim the message. In mercy to the world, Jesus
delays his coming, that si
warning, and find in him a shelter before the wrath of God shall be
poured out.
Now, as in former ages, the presentation of a truth that reproves
the errors and sins of the times, will call forth a storm of opposition.
“Every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light,
lest his deeds should be reproved.” [John 3:20.] Those who ca
that it shall be sustained at all hazards, and with a malicious spirit
they attack the character and motives of those who stand in defense
of unpopular truth. Though very unbelieving in regard to the sure
word of prophecy, they manifest the utmost credulity in accepting
anything detrimental to the Christian integrity of those who dare to
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reprove fashionable sins. This spirit will increase more and more as
we near the close of time.
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And what is our duty in view of this? Shall we conclude that the
truth ought not to be presented, since its effect is so often to arouse
men to evade or resist its claims?—No; we have no more reason
for withholding the testimony of God’s word because it excites
opposition than had Martin Luther. Luther declared himself to have
been urged on, compelled by the Spirit of God, to battle against the
evils of his time; and in the same ma
carry forward the work of reform. To the servants of God at this
time is the command addressed, “Lift up thy voice like a trumpet,
and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their
sins.”
The true followers of Christ do not wait for truth to become
popular. Being convinced of their duty, they deliberately accept
the cross, and thus remove the greatest obstacle to the reception
of truth,—the only argument which its advocates have never been
able to refute. It is weak, inefficient world-servers that think it
praiseworthy to have no principle in religious things. We should
choose the right because it is right, and leave consequences with
God. To men of principle, faith, and daring, is the world indebted
for its great reforms. By such men must the work of reform for this
time be carried forward.
Thus saith the Lord: “Hearken unto me, ye that know righteous-
ness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach
of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat
them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool; but
my righteousness shall be forever, and my salvation from generation
to generation.” [Isaiah 51:7, 8.]
Chapter 22—Modern Revivals
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The character and tendency of modern revivals has awakened no
little anxiety in thoughtful minds among all denominations. Many
of the revivals which have occurred during the last forty years have
given no evidence of the work of the Spirit of God. The light which
flames up for a time, soon dies out, leaving the darkness more dense
than before. Popular revivals are too often carried by appeals to the
imagination, by exciting the emotions, by pandering to the love for
what is new and startling. Converts thus gained have no more desire
to listen to Bible truths, no more interest in the testimony of prophets
and apostles, than has the novel-reader. Unless a religious service
has something of a sensational character, it has no attractions for
them. A message which appeals to unimpassioned reason, awakens
no response. The plain warnings of God’s word, relating directly to
their eternal interests, fall as upon the ears of the dead.
The converts are not renewed in heart or changed in character.
They do not renounce their pride and love of the world. They are no
more willing to deny self, to take up the cross, and follow the meek
and lowly Jesus, than before their conversion. In a genuine revival,
when the Spirit of God convicts the conscience, the earnest, anxious
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inquiry will be heard, “What must I do to be saved?” And this not
merely for a day. With every truly converted soul the relation to God