Facts for the Times

PREFACE

The design of this work is to undeceive the honest, and remove the prejudice that everywhere exists against such truths as the “Second Advent near,” “Man’s Mortality,” “Perpetuity of the true Sabbath,” etc. Those who will examine these pages will find that we have in favor of these great truths, not only the testimony of Scripture, but also that of great and good men, both of the past and present, who have testified in favor of that which the world and nominal churches now term “Infidelity,” “Heresy,” “New Things,” “Novelties,” “Winds of Doctrine,” etc. But notwithstanding this false alarm which is designed to frighten the timid, and keep them in the beaten track of popular tradition, there are those who will, like the noble Bereans, search the scriptures, that they may know for themselves whether these things are so; and we hope the scripture references in this work may assist them in arriving at the truth. FT v.1

The Bible testimony on any point of doctrine is sufficient for any unbiased mind; but there are many who have so long drank at the fountain of Tradition, that even a plain “thus saith the Lord” will not wholly satisfy them, when it is opposed to some favorite and long-cherished theory. Such will find ample scope for their predilections in the copious extracts we make from the saying of some of the most noted and pious of the past, as well as the most popular of the present. FT v.2

There is in the religious world a gross departure from first principles—“departing from the faith.” Pride an popularity have not only prevented advancement, but have gradually led to a neglecting, if not to an open rejection, of truths before generally received. In proof of this, and for illustration, take the following, spoken in 1842 in relation to the soon coming of Christ. FT v.3

The Boston Recorder (Orthodox Congregationalist) said: “It must needs to acknowledged that our faith is greatly shaken in the interpretations on which, in common with most of our own brethren, we have heretofore relied, etc.” FT vi.1

The Christian Advocate and Journal says, “If his Prof. Chase’s) views in regard to the prophecies of Daniel be correct, the long-established opinion, that the Roman empire is the fourth kingdom of the prophet, must give way to the more successful researches of Dr. Chase. Some other opinions which have been thought to be settled beyond a doubt, are terribly shaken.” FT vi.2

The testimonies in these pages concerning the fallen condition of the churches, and the iniquity that generally abounds, speak in thunder tones to all who read them, to awake and prepare for the great and terrible day of the Lord. FT vi.3

We have prepared this work with an earnest desire that it might prove beneficial to many, and be the means of leading them to a careful and prayerful investigation of the solemn and important truths of the Bible relating to the present time. M. E. C. Battle Creek, May 12th, 1858. FT vi.4