IN THE LAST DAYS by M. Wood

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 17, 1876

IN THE LAST DAYS.

By M. Wood

“This know also, that in the last days, perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away.” 2 Tim. 3:1–5. We are taught that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable. Therefore the scripture above quoted is not without its significance; it is for our instruction, admonition, and warning. And when we see the things come to pass which are recorded by the inspired penman, we are to lift up our heads, knowing that our redemption is near.

The most skeptical will admit that the times in which we live are the most corrupt of any age during the Christian dispensation. Iniquity abounds, and the love of many waxes cold; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. And while the world looks to the church for an example of holiness, the church, in too many instances, strive to see how near they can conform to the fashions and follies of the world without losing their identity with the professed people of God. There is too much pleasure-seeking, and too little seeking after God and a revelation of his will. And I know of no place where this is carried to such excess as at the “Hub.”

Several weeks ago the daily papers heralded to the world a solemn announcement of a holy convocation of about forty clergymen. At the time appointed, this august assembly met in their house of worship, which had been dedicated to the service of God, there to transact business of an ecclesiastical nature. How much good resulted from this meeting of forty ministers and their respective flocks, we have no account. Whether perishing souls were fed with the bread of life, and that spiritual food was administered which it is the duty of God’s servants to administer, we have never learned. But we do know that days and weeks of precious time were consumed in making preparation for this gathering of God’s professed people. Neither time nor expense was spared to make the affair a grand success. And, to all outward appearance, it was a decided success.

But it was not on account of the vast numbers who listened to the eloquent speeches of this combined force of talent, neither was it the solemn prayers nor the heart-searching sermons, to show the congregation their sins, which gave this gathering such notoriety. But it was the grand collation which took place in the house designed for God’s service. It reminded me of Belshazzar’s great feast. The culinary department was furnished with every luxury, the table was spread most sumptuously, and the attendants were drilled for the occasion. When the table was spread, it fairly groaned under the immense weight of roast beef, pork, lamb, mutton, and all kinds of poultry; pastry, tea, coffee, chocolate etc., etc.

These church feasts are becoming more numerous as we near the close of time, and are but additional evidences that we are near the close of probation. After speaking of the signs that should precede his second coming and the end of the world, our Lord says, “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” Luke 21:34. Again, he says, “And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.” Luke 17:26–29. See also Matt. 24:37–39.

But how little the word of the Lord is regarded even by those who profess to love and serve him. How many profess to be Christ’s, but in works deny him. Of such, Jesus says, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matt. 15:8, 9. The words of our divine Lord, in reference to the purpose for which his house should be used, are, “It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Matt. 21:13; Isa. 56:7; Jer. 7:11; Mark 11:17; Luke 19:41. But a worldly church rides right over the words of inspiration, and runs eagerly after worldly fashions. In this they prove themselves lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. The Bible forbids the love of the world. It declares that “if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15.

Speaking of the last days and a fallen church, the prophet says her merchants are the great men of the earth. Rev. 18. Christ says that we cannot serve God and mammon. And James adds, “The friendship of the world is enmity with God.” Jas. 4:4. The Bible everywhere teaches that it is our duty to labor for the salvation of souls. But to be co-workers with Jesus, we must be endowed with his Holy Spirit, and see the necessity of a separation from the world, its spirit, its honors, its pride, and its pleasures. These are not to be sought for by his self-denying people.

We are living in a degenerate age, an age of frivolity, of pleasure-seeking, and even of amusements in the house of God—where the desk is used for the auctioneer’s stand, and the portrait of Jesus is sold to the highest bidder. Upon every hand are lottery tables, grab bags, etc., etc. Such practices as these prevail to an alarming extent, and have become so fashionable in our most popular churches that but little or no notice is taken of them. In fact, many claim to have Bible authority for such unholy practices. But if it exists, I think it must be found in the verse following the one which says that Sunday, or the first day of the week, is the Sabbath. In many instances, people appear willingly ignorant. Said the Lord, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:7. It is a question of vast importance to every one desiring the truth to know what the sacred word does teach. Jesus has said, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39. By so doing, we may ascertain beyond a doubt whether or not we are going astray, or holding on to any of the traditions of the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth.

It cannot reasonably be supposed that the true people of God, at the second coming of Christ, who are to be made immortal, and caught up to meet him in the air, will be following practices of such origin. When probation ceases they will be without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Christ left a pure church when he ascended to Heaven. He will find one when he returns.

The standard of pure doctrine and holy practice has been lowered. The pretensions on which men build themselves a reputation are a sham, and their professions, hypocrisy. They are willing to be deceived, and to deceive others. This is the time spoken of by the prophet when “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” The word of the Lord is, “Sanctify ye a fast [not a feast] call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord.” Joel 1:14. Here is an admonition and an invitation from the Lord, to fast and pray, and to seek God. But what a contrast! Instead of fasting it is feasting; instead of lamentation and prayer and a turning unto the Lord with a broken heart and a tender spirit, many of his professed people have no relish for prayer, nor love for those who seek a constant communion with the Holy Spirit. God’s dear people love prayer. It is a connecting link between Heaven and earth. To pray is to talk with God. When we read his word, God speaks to us. He informs us that the time will come when many will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Tim. 4:3, 4.

Where are the faithful men who cry aloud and spare not, and who show God’s people their transgressions? The popular church is sinking lower and lower, conforming more and more to the world. A lamentable case recently came under my observation—that of a Methodist church fair. Immediately over the main entrance of the house of worship, was posted in large letters, “Oysters and Refreshments.” And within, the church and the world were lulled to sleep by the siren song of “peace and safety.” But God has said, “When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them. . . . and they shall not escape.” 1 Thess. 5:3.

At these banquets and fairs the young are educated to prefer every entertainment of folly and sin to walking in wisdom’s ways. Especially are the young ladies indulged in all soul-destroying vanities. They are trained to seek distinction in elegance of form, gaudy attire, or a splendid appearance, and are fond of levity and dissipation. Luxury and the pride of life are indulged in, as the chief object of life. Is it strange that children are blasphemers, disobedient, unthankful, unholy, and without natural affection? These are facts notorious to all. Let us, dear reader, unite in sounding the solemn cry, till the public conscience is awakened to the fact that we are living in the last days, and a necessity exists for coming back to the humble simplicity of the Bible. M. WOOD.