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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44941 ***
+
+The Government of God.
+======================
+
+By John Taylor,
+
+One of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
+Saints.
+
+    "O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge
+    the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth."--Psalm
+    lxvii. 4.
+
+Liverpool: Published by S. W. Richards, 15, Wilton Street.
+
+London: Sold at the Latter-Day Saints' Book Depot, 35, Jewin Street;
+and by all booksellers.
+
+MDCCCLII.
+
+London: Printed by W. Bowden 5, Bedford Street, Holborn.
+
+
+Contents.
+------------------
+
+Preface
+
+Chapter I. The Wisdom, Order, and Harmony of the Government of God.
+
+Chapter II. The Government of Man.
+
+Chapter III. On the Incompetency of the Means Made Use of by Man to
+Regenerate the World.
+
+Chapter IV. What Is Man? What Is His Destiny and Relationship to God?
+
+Chapter V. The Object of Man's Existence on the Earth; and His
+Relationship Thereto.
+
+Chapter VI. Man's Accountability to God.
+
+Chapter VII. The Lord's Course in the Moral Government of the World.
+
+Chapter VIII. Whose Right Is It to Govern the World? Who Has Governed
+It?
+
+Chapter IX. Will Man Always Be Permitted to Usurp Authority Over Men,
+and Over the Works of God? Will the World Remain for ever Under a
+Curse, and God's Designs Be Frustrated?
+
+Chapter X. Will God's Kingdom Be a Literal or a Spiritual Kingdom?
+
+Chapter XI. The Establishment of the Kingdom of God upon the Earth
+
+Chapter XII. The Effects of the Establishment of Christ's Kingdom, or
+the Reign of God upon the Earth.
+
+
+
+Preface
+------------------
+
+It was Elder Taylor's intention to superintend the publishing of _The
+Government of God_ in person, previous to his departure for Great Salt
+Lake City last spring; but the numerous cares attending the French and
+German Missions, of which he was President; the translation of the Book
+of Mormon into the French and German languages; the establishment of
+_L'Etoile du Deseret_ at Paris, and _Zions Panier_ at Hamburg; together
+with a multitude of other business connected with the welfare of the
+Kingdom of God, rendered it impossible.
+
+The manuscript was therefore handed to me by Elder Taylor, with a
+request to superintend the printing of the work, which I have done to
+the best of my ability.
+
+Considering the disadvantages arising from the Author's absence during
+the reading of the proofs, I believe it is as correctly rendered, as
+was possible from a manuscript copy.
+
+The Work is now before the Public, and from one portion at least it
+will meet with a cordial reception, treating as it does upon the theme
+most dear to their hearts--the Reign of Righteousness and Peace.
+
+From other portions it will meet with varied reception, but will
+nevertheless lead the minds of all to contemplate the glory of that
+time when the Messiah, even Jesus, shall come with all his holy angels,
+and sit upon the throne of his glory, and govern all nations upon earth.
+
+James Linforth.
+Liverpool,
+August, 1852.
+
+
+
+Chapter I.
+------------------
+
+The Wisdom, Order, and Harmony of the Government of God.
+
+The Kingdom of God is the government of God, on the earth, or in the
+heavens. The earth, and all the planetary systems, are governed by
+the Lord; they are upheld by his power, and are sustained, directed,
+and controlled by his will. We are told, that "by him were all things
+created that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and
+invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or
+powers; all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before
+all things, and by him all things consist."[A] Collos. i. 16, 17. If all
+things, visible and invisible, are made by and for him, he governs and
+sustains all worlds to us known, together with the earth on which we
+live. If he governs them, they are under his dominion, subject to his
+laws, and controlled by his will and power.
+
+[Footnote A: I wish here to be understood, that at present I am writing
+to believers in the Bible. I may hereafter give my reasons for this
+faith; at the present I refer to the Scriptures without this.]
+
+If the planets move beautifully, and harmoniously in their several
+spheres, that beauty and harmony are the result of the intelligence and
+wisdom that exist in his mind. If on this earth we have day and night,
+summer and winter, seed time and harvest, with the various changes
+of the seasons; this regularity, beauty, order, and harmony, are the
+effects of the wisdom of God.
+
+There are two kinds of rule on the earth; one with which man has
+nothing directly to do, another in which he is intimately concerned.
+The first of these applies to the works of God alone, and His
+government and control of those works; the second, to the moral
+government, wherein man is made an agent. There is a very striking
+difference between the two, and the comparison is certainly not
+creditable to man; and however he may feel disposed to vaunt himself of
+his intelligence, when he reflects he will feel like Job did when he
+said, (xlii. 6.) "I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
+
+In God's government there is perfect order, harmony, beauty,
+magnificence, and grandeur; in the government of man, confusion,
+disorder, instability, misery, discord, and death. In the first,
+the most consummate wisdom and power are manifested; in the second,
+ignorance, imbecility, and weakness. The first displays the
+comprehension, light, glory, beneficence, and intelligence of God; the
+second, the folly, littleness, darkness, and incompetency of man. The
+contemplation of the first elevates the mind, expands the capacity,
+produces grateful reflections, and fills the mind with wonder,
+admiration, and enlivening hopes; the contemplation of the second
+produces doubt, distrust, and uncertainty, and fills the mind with
+gloomy apprehensions. In a word, the one is the work of God, and the
+other that of man.
+
+In order to present the subject in a clear light, I shall briefly point
+out some of the leading features of the two governments.
+
+The first, then, is that over which God has the sole control, such as
+the heavens and the earth, for "He governs in the heavens above, and
+in the earth beneath." It may be well here to say a few words on His
+moral government, in the heavens. All we can learn of that is very
+imperfectly set forth in the Scriptures. It would seem, however, that
+all was perfect order, for "He spake, and said, Let there be light,
+and there was light; and He divided the light from the darkness."
+"He spake, and the waters were gathered together, and the dry land
+appeared." And in the creation of the fish, the fowls, the beasts, the
+creeping things, and man, it was done in the councils of God. The word
+was, Let us do this, and it was done. It would seem, then, that that
+government is perfect in its operations, for all the mandates of God
+are carried out with the greatest exactitude and perfection. God spake,
+chaos heard, and the world was formed.
+
+We find also that transgression is punished; when Satan rebelled he was
+cast out of heaven, and with him those who sinned.
+
+Here, then, in these things consummate wisdom was manifested, and power
+to carry it out.
+
+The plan of redemption was also made thousands of years ago. Jesus is
+spoken of by the prophets as being "The Lamb slain from before the
+creation of the world." The future destiny of this earth is also spoken
+of by prophecy; the binding of Satan; the destruction, and redemption
+of the world; its celestial destiny; its becoming as a sea of glass;
+the descent of the new Jerusalem from heaven; the destruction of
+iniquity by a power exercised in the heavens, associated with one on
+the earth; and a time is spoken of where John says--"Every creature
+which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as
+are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and
+honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne,
+and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." Rev. v. 13. But I shall let this
+pass for the present, and content myself with saying on this subject,
+that in the councils of God, in the eternal world, all these things
+were understood: for if He gave prophets wisdom to testify of these
+things, they obtained their knowledge from Him, and He could not impart
+what He did not know; but "known unto God are all his works, from the
+beginning of the world." Acts xv. 18. God, then, has a moral government
+in the heavens, and it is the development of that government that is
+manifested in the works of creation; as Paul says, "The invisible
+things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being
+understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and
+Godhead." Romans i. 20.
+
+But when we speak of the heavens, we mean also the planetary system;
+for the world, and other worlds are governed by principles independent
+of man. The power that causes this earth to roll on its axis, and
+regulates the planets in their diurnal and annual motions, is beyond
+man's control. Their revolutions and spheres are fixed by nature's
+God, and they are so beautifully arranged, and nicely balanced, that
+an astronomer can calculate the return of a planet scores of years
+beforehand, with the greatest precision and accuracy. And who can
+contemplate, without admiration, those stupendous worlds, rolling
+through the immensity of space at such an amazing velocity, moving
+regularly in their given spheres without coming into collision, and
+reflect that they have done so for thousands of years. Our earth has
+its day and night, summer and winter, and seed time and harvest. Well
+may the poet say that they--
+
+    "Proclaim for ever, as they shine,
+    The hand that made us is divine."
+
+And here let me remark how different is this to the works of man.
+We see, then, the power of God manifested in their preservation
+and guidance; but when we reflect a little further, that while our
+planetary system rolls in perfect order round the sun, there are other
+systems which perform their revolutions round their suns; and the whole
+of these, our system with its centre, and other systems with their
+centres, roll round another grand centre: and the whole of those, and
+innumerable others, equally as great, stupendous, and magnificent, roll
+round another more great, glorious, and resplendent, till numbers,
+magnificence, and glory, drown the thought, we are led to exclaim
+with the prophet, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and
+knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgements, and His ways
+past finding out!" Romans xi. 33. Without referring again to the
+motions of our earth, and the beautiful regularity and precision of the
+whole of this elegant machinery, we will turn our attention a little to
+the works of creation as found on the earth. The make, construction,
+and adaptation of each for its proper sphere, are the work of God; and
+they are all controlled by His wisdom and power, independent of man. In
+the conformation of the birds, the beasts, the fishes, the reptiles,
+the grains, herbs, plants, and trees, we see a striking exemplification
+of this fact. No matter which way we turn our attention, the same
+order and intelligence are displayed. The fish in their organization
+are peculiarly adapted to their proper element; the birds and beasts
+to theirs; the amphibious animals to theirs. The nicely organized
+machinery of their bodies; their bones, muscles, skins, feathers,
+scales, or hair; the formation of their bodies, their manner of living,
+together with the nature of their food, and their particular adaptation
+to the various elements and climates which they occupy, are all so many
+marked evidences of skill, forethought, intelligence and power. We will
+here notice a few examples. Plunge bird, beast, or man, into the water,
+and let them remain there, and they will soon die; take a fish out of
+the water, and death ensues; yet all are happy, and move with perfect
+enjoyment in their proper spheres. Elevate a man, beast, or fish, into
+the air, and let them fall, and they will be bruised to death; but the
+bird, with its wings, light bones, and fragile body, is peculiarly
+adapted to the aerial element in which it moves, and is perfectly at
+home; while the brute creation and men feel as much so on the earth.
+Again, their habits, food, coatings, or coverings, digestive powers,
+and the organization of their systems, are all peculiarly adapted to
+their several situations. The same principle is developed in their
+arrangement and position on the earth. Those that inhabit a southern
+climate are peculiarly adapted to that situation; while those that
+inhabit a northern are equally fitted for theirs.
+
+Take the reindeer and polar bear to the torrid zone, and they would
+be out of their proper latitude, and would probably die. Remove the
+elephant, lion, or tiger, to Iceland or Greenland, and leave them to
+their own resources, and they would inevitably perish.
+
+We will notice for a moment the construction of their systems. Each
+one is possessed with muscular strength, or agility, according to
+its position, wants, or dangers, and there is a beauty, a symmetry,
+and a perfection about all God's works, which baffle and defy human
+intelligence to copy. An artist is considered talented if he can make,
+after years of toil, a striking likeness of any of those things,
+either on canvas, or in marble. But when he has done, it is only a
+dead outline; remove a little paint, or tear the canvas, and its
+beauty is destroyed; break the arm of a statue, and we see nothing
+but a mutilated stone. But take a man, for example, and remove the
+skin, there is still order and beauty; remove the flesh, there is
+still workmanship and skill, and the bones, the flesh, the muscles,
+the arteries and veins, and the nerves, and the lungs, not to forget
+the exquisite fineness of the sensitive organs, manifesting a skill, a
+forethought, a wisdom, and a power, as much above that of man as the
+heavens are above the earth.
+
+We see the power, wisdom, and government of God, displayed in the
+amazing strength of some of the largest of the brute creation; as
+also in the fineness and delicacy, of the arrangement of the smaller.
+And while we admire the stupendous power of the elephant, we are
+equally struck with the fineness, delicacy, and beauty of some of the
+smaller insects. The prescience, and intelligence of God, are as much
+manifested in arranging the bones, muscles, arteries, and digestive
+organs of the smallest animaculae, as in the construction of the horse,
+rhinoceros, elephant, or whale. I might touch upon the organization of
+plants, herbs, trees, and fruits; their various compositions, modes
+of nourishment, manner of propagating their kind, &c.; but enough
+has already been said upon this subject. It is one that no one will
+dispute upon; Jew and Gentile, black and white, Christian and Heathen,
+philosopher and fool, all have one faith on this subject.
+
+I have briefly touched upon it for the purpose of presenting in a
+clear light the imbecility and weakness of man; for wherever we turn
+our attention, we see power, wisdom, prescience, order, forethought,
+beauty, grandeur and magnificence.
+
+These are the works of God, and shew His skill, workmanship, glory, and
+intelligence. They reflect His divine power, and shew in unmistakeable
+characters the wisdom of his government, and the order that prevails in
+that part of creation over which He has the sole and unlimited control.
+
+We can perceive very clearly that what God has done, is rightly done.
+It is not governed by instability and disorder, but continues from
+eternity to eternity to bear the impress of Jehovah.
+
+
+
+Chapter II.
+------------------
+
+The Government of Man.
+
+We will now turn our attention a little to the government of man, and
+see how that will compare with the foregoing, for man stands at the
+head of this beautiful creation; he is endued with intelligence and
+capacity for improvement; he is placed as a moral agent, and has the
+materials put into his hands to work with, the works of his Father
+as a pattern, the conduct of many of the inferior creation as an
+example--and might make the earth a garden, a paradise, a place of
+uninterrupted happiness and felicity, a heaven below. And if God had
+not delegated this moral agency and power to man, and thus given him
+the privilege, in part, of being the arbiter of his own destiny, such
+it would have been to this day, like the Eden from which he was ejected
+because of his transgression. For he had everything placed within his
+power, and was made lord of the creation. The beasts, birds, fish,
+and fowl, were placed under his control; the earth yielded plenty for
+his wants, and abounded in fruits, grain, herbs, flowers and trees,
+both to satisfy his hunger, and to please the sight, taste, and smell.
+The fields waved with plenty, and produced a perennial harvest. The
+fruits teemed forth in all their luscious varieties to satisfy his
+most capacious desires. The flowers, in all their gaiety, beauty,
+and richness, delighted the eye; while their rich fragrance filled
+the air with odoriferous perfumes. The feathered tribes, with all
+their gorgeous plumage and variety of song, both pleased the eye, and
+enchanted and charmed the ear. The horse, the cow, and other animals,
+were there to promote his happiness, supply his wants, and make him
+comfortable and happy. All were under his control, to contribute to his
+happiness and comfort, supply his most extended desires, and to add to
+his enjoyment; but with all these privileges what is his situation?
+
+With celestial blessings within his reach, he has plunged down to the
+very verge of hell, and is found in a state of poverty, confusion, and
+distress. He found the earth an Eden--a paradise; he has filled it with
+misery and woe, and has made it comparatively a howling wilderness. And
+let us not blame Adam alone for this state of things; for after his
+ejection from Paradise, the earth was sufficiently fertile to satisfy
+all the desires of man with moderate industry, and is at the present
+day, if it were not for the confusion that exists, and if men were
+properly situated, and its resources developd. But more of this anon.
+
+At present we will examine some of these evils, and then point out
+their cause, and the remedy.
+
+We find the world split up and divided into different nations, having
+different interests, and different objects; with their religious and
+political views as dissimilar as light and darkness, all the time
+jealous of each other, and watching each other as so many thieves;
+and that man at the present day (and it has been the case for ages),
+is considered the greatest statesman, who, with legislation or
+diplomacy, can make the most advantageous arrangement with, or coerce
+by circumstances, other nations into measures that would be for the
+benefit of the nation with which he is associated. No matter how
+injurious it might be to the nation or nations concerned, the measure
+that would yield his nation an advantage, might plunge another in
+irremediable misery, while there is no one to act as father and parent
+of the whole, and God is lost sight of. What is it that the private
+ambition of man has not done to satisfy his craving desires for the
+acquisition of territory and wealth, and what is falsely called _honor_
+and _fame_?
+
+Those private, jarring interests have kept the world in one continual
+ferment and commotion from the commencement until the present time;
+and the history of the world is a history of the rise and fall of
+nations--of wars, commotions, and bloodshed--of nations depopulated,
+and cities laid waste. Carnage, destruction, and death, have stalked
+through the earth, exhibiting their horrible forms in all their
+cadaverous shapes, as though they were the only rightful possessors.
+Deadly jealousy, fiendish hate, mortal combat, and dying groans, have
+filled the earth, and our bulwarks, our chronicles, our histories,
+all bear testimony to this; and even our most splendid paintings,
+engravings, and statuary, are living memorials of bloodshed, carnage,
+and destruction. Instead of men being honoured who have sought to
+promote the happiness, peace, and wellbeing of the human family, and
+greatness concentrating in that, those have been generally esteemed
+the most who produced the most misery and distress, and were wholesale
+robbers, ravagers, and murderers.
+
+And from whence come these things? Let the apostle James answer: "From
+whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even
+of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not--ye
+kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye
+have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask
+amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." James iv. 1-3. Here is
+evidently a lack of that consummate wisdom, that moral and physical
+control, that parental power which balances the universe, and directs
+the various planets. For let the same recklessness, selfishness,
+individuality, and nationality there be manifested, and we should see
+the wildest confusion.
+
+Man has come in contact with man, morally, physically, religiously,
+and nationally, from the foundation of the earth. If God's works had
+done so, what tumult and ruin there would have been in the immensity
+of space! Instead of the order that now prevails, man would have
+been sometimes frozen to death, and at other times burned up; one
+or two seasons of irregularity, even in climate, would depopulate
+the earth. But what if the planets, irrespective of the power by
+which they are controlled, were to rush wildly through space, and,
+with their mighty impetus dash against each other? "What fearful
+consequences would ensue." There would be "system on system wrecked,
+and world on world." What terrible destruction and ruin! We have read
+of earthquakes destroying countries, of wars depopulating nations--of
+volcanoes overwhelming cities, and of empires in ruin; but what would
+the yawning earthquake, the bellowing volcano, the clang of arms, or
+a nation's distress, be in comparison to a scene like this? System
+would be shattered with system; planet madly rush on planet; worlds,
+with their inhabitants, would be destroyed, and creations crumble into
+ruins. There would be truly a war of planets, "a wreck of matter and
+a crash of worlds." These, indeed, would be fearful results, and shew
+plainly the distinction between the beautiful order of God's work,
+and the confusion and disorder of man's. God's work is perfect--man's
+imperfect. The one is the government of God, and the other that of man.
+
+We notice the same mismanagement in the arrangement of cities and
+nations. We have large cities containing immense numbers of human
+beings, pent up, as it were in one great prison-house, inhaling a
+foetid, unwholesome atmosphere, impregnated with a thousand deadly
+poisons; millions of whom, in damp cellars, lonely garrets, and pent up
+corners, drag out a miserable existence, and their wan faces, haggard
+countenances, and looks tell but too plainly the tale of their misery
+and wretchedness. A degenerate, sickly, puny race tread in their steps,
+inheriting their fathers' misery and distress.
+
+If we notice the situation of the nations of Europe at the present
+time, we see the land burthened with an overplus population, and
+groaning beneath its inhabitants, while the greatest industry,
+perseverance, economy, and care, do not suffice to provide for the
+craving wants of nature. And so fearfully does this prevail in many
+parts, that parents are afraid to fulfil the first great law of
+God, "Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth;" and by
+desperate circumstances are almost forced to the unnatural wish of
+not propagating their species; while, corrupted with a correspondent
+depravity with that which reigns among nations, they are found using
+suicidal measures to prevent an otherwise numerous progeny from
+increasing their father's misery, and inheriting his misfortunes. And
+yet, while this is the case, there are immense districts of rich soil,
+covering millions of square miles, inhabited only by a few untutored
+savages, or the wild beast of the forest; and such is the infatuation
+of man that in many districts of country, which were once the seats
+of the most powerful empires, and where flourished the mightiest
+nations, there is nothing but desolation and wildness. Such are Nineveh
+and Babylon, on the Asiatic Continent; and Otolum, and many others
+discovered by Stephens and Catherwood, in Central America; and recently
+discovered ruins--unequalled in the old world--a little above the head
+of the California Gulf. Not only their cities, but their lands are
+desolate, deserted, and forsaken, and the same evils that once existed
+there are transferred to another soil, all bespeaking plainly that we
+want a great, governing, ruling principle to regulate the affairs of
+the world, and assist poor, feeble, erring humanity.
+
+Again, if we examine some of the details of these evils, we shall
+see more clearly the importance and necessity of a change. Nearly
+one-third, speaking in general terms, of the inhabitants of the earth
+are engaged in a calling that would be entirely useless if the world
+were set right.
+
+If men and nations, instead of being governed by their unruly passions,
+covetous desires, and ambitious motives, were governed by the pure
+principles of philanthropy, virtue, purity, justice, and honor, and
+were under the guidance of a fatherly and intelligent head, directed
+by that wisdom which governs the universe, and regulates the motions
+of the planetary systems, there would be no need of so many armies,
+navies, and police regulations, which are now necessary for the
+protection of those several nations from the aggressions of each other,
+and internal factions. Let any one examine the position of Europe
+alone, and he will find this statement abundantly verified. Look at the
+armies and navies of France and England; and the confusion of Germany,
+also of Austria, Turkey, Russia and Spain, not to mention many of the
+smaller nations, and let their armies, their navies, and police be
+gathered together, and what an abundant host of persons there would
+be. They would be sufficient to make one of the largest nations in
+the world! And what are they doing? To use the mildest term, watching
+each other, as a person would watch a thief for fear of being imposed
+upon, and robbed, or killed; but generally strolling around as the
+world's banditti, robbing, plundering, and committing aggressions upon
+each other; and if they have peace, acquiring it by the sword; and if
+prevented from aggression and war, it is generally, not that they are
+governed by just, or virtuous principles, but because they are afraid
+that aggression might lead to combinations against them which would
+result in their overthrow and ruin.
+
+In the city of Paris alone, at the present time, and its immediate
+environs, there are one hundred thousand soldiers, besides police to
+a very great number, not to mention the vast number of custom-house
+officers and others. Suppose we add to these their families, where
+they have any, and where they have not, notice the vast amount of
+prostitution, misery, degradation, and infamy, that such an unnatural
+state of things produces. I give the above as an example of the whole,
+but here the navies are not included. I say again, What are these all
+doing? They do not raise corn to supply the wants of men, nor are they
+occupied in any useful avocation; but they _must_ live, and their
+wants must be supplied by the products of the labour of others. There
+has to be an immense amount of legislation for the accomplishment of
+this thing, and instead of having one government of righteousness and
+the world obeying, we have scores of governments, all having to be
+sustained in regal pomp, to be equal to their neighbouring nations;
+and all this magnificence and national pride having to be supported
+by the labour of the people. Again, all these legislatures have to
+provide immense hosts of men, in the shape of custom-house, excise, and
+police officers, to carry out their designs, all of whom, and their
+families, help to increase the burden, till it becomes insupportable.
+That, together with the unnatural state of society, before referred
+to, in regard to the situation of the inhabitants of cities and the
+nations, plunges millions of the human family into a state of hopeless
+destitution, misery, and ruin, for they are groaning under all these
+hopeless burdens without having sufficient land to till to meet their
+demands, and as natural means fail they are obliged to have recourse
+to those that are unnatural. Hence, in England a great majority of
+the inhabitants are made slaves of, virtually to supply the wants of
+the greatest part of the world, and are forced to be their labourers.
+Thousands of them are immured in immense factories, little less than
+prisons, groaning under a wearisome, sickening, unhealthy labour;
+deprived of free, wholesome air; weak and emaciated, not having a
+sufficiency of the necessaries of life. Thousands more from morning
+till night are immured in pits, shut out from the light of day,
+the carol of the birds, and the beauty of nature, sickly and weak,
+in many instances for want of food; and yet, in the midst of their
+wretchedness, gloom, and misery, you will sometimes hear them trying to
+sing in their dungeons and prison-houses, in broken, dying accents,
+
+"Britons never shall be slaves."
+
+I will here give, as one example, an iron works that I visited lately
+in Wales. One of the proprietors informed me that they employed fifteen
+thousand persons, and paid them L5,000 per week. Most of these people
+laboured under ground, in the pits, digging for iron ore and coal; the
+remainder were employed principally about the furnaces, in rolling
+the iron, &c., at heavy, laborious, fatiguing work. And who were they
+toiling for? Principally for the Americans and Russians, at that
+time, to furnish them with railroad iron. And what did they get for
+their labour? The riches of those countries? No. L5,000 a week among
+about fifteen thousand persons. I suppose, however, a number of these
+were boys and girls. The average wages of men was from ten to twelve
+shillings per week. And this is their pay for that labour; and yet the
+masters are not to be blamed, that I can learn, for they are forced by
+competition to this state of things, and by the unnatural, artificial
+state of society. If they did not do this their workmen must be out
+of employ, and ten times worse off, if that were possible, than they
+are now. In the State of Pennsylvania, in America, where the railroads
+run through coal and iron mines both, they leave them untouched, and
+come to England for iron to make the rails of, that they cannot afford
+to make at home, because of higher wages, and an _outlet_ to society,
+which prevents them from being coerced into bondage. If the world was
+right, the labour would be done there, and not here, and the labour of
+carriage saved.
+
+The situation of the peasantry and workmen in France, Germany, Prussia,
+Austria, and Russia, and in fact I may say of Europe generally, is
+worse even than that of the same class in England; and wherever we
+turn our attention, we see nothing but poverty, distress, misery, and
+confusion; for if men do not copy after the good and virtuous, they
+generally do after the evil. When nations and rulers set the pattern,
+they generally find plenty to follow their example; hence covetousness,
+fraud, rapine, bloodshed, and murder, prevail to an alarming extent.
+If a nation is covetous, an individual thinks he may be also; if a
+nation commits a fraud, it sanctions his acts in a small way; and if
+a nation engages in wholesale robbery, an individual does not see
+the impropriety of doing it in retail; if a strong nation oppresses
+a weak one, he does not see why he may not have the same privilege;
+corruption follows corruption, and fraud treads on the heels of fraud,
+and all those noble, honourable, virtuous, principles that ought to
+govern men are lost sight of, and chicanery and deception ride rampant
+through the world. The welfare, happiness, exaltation, and glory of
+man, are sacrificed at the shrine of ambition, pride, covetousness
+and lasciviousness. By these means nations are overthrown, kingdoms
+destroyed, communities broken up, families rendered miserable, and
+individuals ruined. I might enter into a detail of the crimes,
+abominations, lusts, and corruptions that exist in many of our large
+cities, but I shall leave this subject, and conclude with the remarks
+of the prophet Isaiah, who gazed in prophetic vision on this scene:
+"Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste,
+and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants
+thereof... The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof,
+because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinances, and
+broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the
+earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate." Isaiah xxiv. 1, 5 and
+6.
+
+Iniquity of every description goes hand in hand; vice, in all its
+sickening and disgusting forms, revels in the palace, in the city,
+in the cottage; depravity, corruption, debauchery, and abominations
+abound, and man, that once stood proudly erect in the image of his
+Maker, pure, virtuous, holy, and noble, is vitiated, weak, immoral,
+and degraded; and the earth, which was once a garden, not only brings
+forth briars and thorns, but is actually "defiled under the inhabitants
+thereof."
+
+Those great national evils of which I have spoken are things which at
+present seem to be out of the reach of human agency, legislation, or
+control. They are diseases that have been generating for centuries;
+that have entered into the vitals of all institutions, religious and
+political; that have prostrated the powers and energies of all bodies
+politic, and left the world to groan under them, for they are evils
+that exist in church and state, at home and abroad; among Jew and
+Gentile, Christian, Pagan, and Mahomedan; king, prince, courtier, and
+peasant; like the deadly simoon, they have paralyzed the energies,
+broken the spirits, damped the enterprize, corrupted the morals, and
+crushed the hopes of the world.
+
+Thousands of men would desire to do good, if they only knew how;
+but they see not the foundation and extent of the evil, and
+long-established opinions, customs and doctrines, blind their eyes,
+and damp their energies. And if a few should see the evil, and try a
+remedy, what are a few in opposition to the views, power, influence,
+and corruption of the world?
+
+No power on this side of heaven can correct the evil. It is a world
+that is degenerated, and it requires a God to put it right.
+
+
+
+Chapter III.
+------------------
+
+On the Incompetency of the Means Made Use of by Man to Regenerate the
+World.
+
+I purpose in this Chapter to shew the incompetency of the means made
+use of by man for the accomplishment of the purposes of God--the
+establishment of His Kingdom, or Millennial reign.
+
+Now, if it is the kingdom of God, that is to be established, it must be
+introduced by God. He must not only be the originator of it, but the
+controller also, and any means short of these must fail of the object
+designed.
+
+The great evils that now exist in the world are the consequences of
+man's departure from God. This has introduced this degeneracy and
+imbecility, and nothing but a retracing of his steps, and a return to
+God can bring about a restitution.
+
+God gave to man a moral agency, as head of the world, under himself.
+Man has usurped the sole authority, and taken upon himself to reign
+and rule without God. The natural consequence is, that we have
+inherited all the evils of which I have spoken, and nothing but
+the wisdom, goodness, power, and compassion of God, can deliver us
+therefrom, restore the earth to its pristine excellence, and put man
+again in possession of those blessings which he has forfeited by
+his transgression. Emperors, kings, princes, potentates, statesmen,
+philosophers, and churches, have tried for ages to bring this state of
+things about; but they have all signally failed, not having derived
+their wisdom from the proper source. And all human means made use of at
+the present time to ameliorate the condition of the world must fail, as
+all human means have always done.
+
+There are some who suppose that the influence of Christianity, as it is
+now preached and administered, will bring about a Millennial reign of
+peace. We will briefly examine the subject.
+
+First, we will take the Greek and Catholic Churches as they have
+existed for ages--without an examination of their doctrines, whether
+right or wrong--for they form two of the largest branches of the
+Christian Church. They have, more or less, governed a great portion of
+Europe at different times; and what is the situation of the people and
+nations where they have held sway? We have noticed the effects, and
+already briefly touched upon the evils that prevail in those countries;
+and if Greece and Russia, or any other country where the Greek Church
+has held sway, be a fair specimen of the influence of that church, we
+have very little prospect, if that religion were more widely diffused
+or extended, that the results would be more beneficial, for if it
+has failed in a few nations to ameliorate their condition, it would
+necessarily fail to benefit the earth if extended over it. Nor do we
+turn with any better prospect to the Catholic religion. Of what benefit
+has it been to nations where it has prevailed the most? Has there been
+less war, less animosity, less butchery, less evil of any kind under
+its empire? It cannot be said that it has been crippled in its progress
+or its operations. It has held full sway in Spain, Rome, and a great
+portion of Italy, in France and Mexico for generations, not to mention
+many smaller states. Has it augmented the happiness of those nations
+of the world? I need not here refer to the history of the Waldenses,
+and Albigenses, and Huguenots, to that of the Crusades, wherein so many
+Christian kings engaged; nor to the unhappy differences, the wars and
+commotions, the bloodshed and carnage, that have existed among these
+people, for their history is well known. And the present position
+of both the Greek and Roman churches, presents a spectacle that is
+anything but encouraging to lead us to hope, that if the world were
+under their influence, a Millennial reign of peace and righteousness
+would ensue.
+
+And let not any one say that these churches have not had a fair
+opportunity to develop themselves, for their religion prevailed and was
+cherished in those nations. They have held universal sway, at different
+times, for generations. The kings, councils and legislatures, have
+been Catholic or Greek. In Rome, the Pope has ruled supreme, and also
+for some time in Lombardy, Ravenna, and other States. In Greece, the
+Patriarch of Constantinople, and in Russia, the Emperor, is head of the
+church.
+
+But, methinks I hear the Protestants say, we fully accord with you thus
+far, but we have placed Christianity on another footing. Let us examine
+this subject for a moment.
+
+The question would naturally follow, What have the reformations of
+Calvin, Luther, and other reformers, done for the world? We may notice
+that Denmark, Sweden, Prussia, with a great part of Germany, Holland,
+and Switzerland, as also England and the United States, are Protestant.
+What can we say of them? That they are a part of the disorganized
+world, and have manifested the same unhappy dispositions as other
+portions. Reform has not altered their dispositions or circumstances.
+We see among them the same ambitious, grasping, reckless disposition
+manifested, and consequently the same wars, bloodshed, poverty, misery,
+and distress; and millions of human beings have been sacrificed to
+their pride, ambition, and avarice, and thirst for national fame and
+glory.
+
+The Reformation of the Church of England is anything but creditable to
+that church. I refer to Henry VIII., and the vacillating course taken
+by some of its early reformers; and its persecution of those who were
+opposed to it in religious faith.
+
+I might here refer to the religious intolerance of Calvin of Geneva,
+and Knox of Scotland, and other reformers; but, as these are mere
+individual affairs, I pass over them. If we look at Christian nations
+as a whole, we see a picture that is truly lamentable, a miserable
+portrait of poor, degenerated, fallen humanity. We see Christian
+nations arrayed against Christian nations in battle, with the Christian
+ministers of each Christian nation calling upon the Christian's God
+to give them each the victory over their enemies! Christians! and
+worshippers of the same God!!
+
+Hence, Christian England has been arrayed against Christian France;
+Christian Russia against Christian Prussia; Christian Spain against
+Christian Holland; Christian Austria against Christian Hungary;
+Christian England against Christian United States; and Christian
+United States against Christian Mexico. Not to mention the innumerable
+aggressions and conquests of some of the larger nations, not only upon
+their Christian brethren, but against other nations of the earth.
+
+Before those several nations have engaged in their wars, their
+ministers have presented their several prayers before the same God; and
+if He had been as infatuated as they, and listened to their prayers,
+they would long ago have been destroyed, and the Christian world
+depopulated. After their prayers they have met in deadly strife; foe
+has rushed against foe with mortal energy, and the clarion of war,
+the clang of arms, and the cannon's roar have been followed by dying
+groans, shattered limbs, carnage, blood, and death; and unutterable
+misery and distress, desolate hearths, lonely widows, and fatherless
+children. And yet these are all Christian nations, Christian brethren,
+worshippers of the same God. Christianity has prevailed more or less
+for eighteen hundred years. If it should still continue and overspread
+the world in its present form, what would it accomplish? The world's
+redemption and regeneration? No, verily. Its most staunch supporters,
+and most strenuous advocates would say, _No_. For like causes always
+produce like effects: and if it has failed to regenerate the nations
+where it has had full sway for generations, it must necessarily fail
+to regenerate the world. If it has failed in a small thing, how can it
+accomplish a large one?
+
+There are some of the Evangelical Churches, and modern reformers who
+will tell me that the above is not Christianity; only a form, not
+the spirit and life. But it is national Christianity; and it is the
+nations--the world and its redemption--that we are speaking of. But,
+lest they should think me unfair in making this application, I will
+briefly examine their position. Which of the sects or parties is it
+that is good, evangelical, and pure? The Church of England, Methodists,
+Presbyterians, Independents, Baptists, Universalists, or which of the
+hundreds of sects that flood Christendom? For they do not agree; there
+exists as much unhappy difference among them as there does among the
+nations. They have not power, of course, to act nationally; but, as
+individual sects, there is as much virulence, discord, division, and
+strife among them as among any other people. There is sect against
+sect; party against party; polemical essay against polemical essay;
+discussion after discussion; and hard words, bitter feelings, angry
+disputes, wrangling, hatred, and malice, prevail to an alarming extent:
+and it is enough, in many instances, for a member even of a family to
+be of a different religious persuasion, no matter how honest, to cause
+his expulsion from the family.
+
+In fact, if we look at Christianity, as exhibited among the evangelical
+societies of England, and the United States, where Protestantism
+bears rule unchecked, what do we see? Nothing but a game at hazard,
+where a thousand opinions distract the people, each clamoring for his
+own peculiar form of worship, and, like the Athenians, clinging with
+tenacity to their own favorite god, no matter how absurd or ridiculous
+his pretensions. I would remark, however, both to Catholic and
+Protestant, that there is much good associated with both their systems,
+in the teaching of morality, virtue, faith in God, and our Lord Jesus
+Christ; that there are thousands of sincere, honest, good, and virtuous
+people among them, as also among the nations; that these evils have
+been the growth of ages. "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the
+children's teeth have been set on edge."
+
+It is unnecessary here to say anything of missionary societies, tract
+societies, and evangelical societies; for if the fountain is impure,
+the stream must be impure; if the tree is bad, the fruit will be bad
+also. It is certainly a praiseworthy object to spread the Bible, and
+all useful information, and to do good as far as we can; but to talk of
+this evangelizing the world, is folly.
+
+We will now turn our attention for a short time to another society,
+which has been formed lately in Europe, called a "Peace Society,"
+and which has lately held several congresses in London, Berlin, and
+elsewhere, with representatives from many of the European nations, and
+the United States. Their object is, to ameliorate the condition of the
+world, and bring about universal peace; but, with all deference to
+their feelings, and fervent desires that such a happy event might be
+consummated, I must beg leave to differ from them in their views. Peace
+is a desirable thing; it is the gift of God, and the greatest gift
+that God can bestow upon mortals. What is more desirable than peace?
+Peace in nations, peace in cities, peace in families. Like the soft
+murmuring zephyr, its soothing influence calms the brow of care, dries
+the eye of sorrow, and chases trouble from the bosom; and let it be
+universally experienced, and it would drive sorrow from the world, and
+make this earth a paradise. But peace is the gift of God. Jesus said to
+his disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you, not
+as the world giveth give I unto you." John xiv. 27. Moral suasion is
+always good, and the most happy that man can employ; but without the
+interposition of God, it will be useless.
+
+The nations of the world have corrupted themselves before God, and
+we are not in a position to be governed by those principles without
+regeneration. If they were pure, and living in the fear of God, it
+would be another thing; but the world at the present time is not made
+of the proper materials to submit to a congressional interposition,
+of a kind similar to the one now established. The materials will not
+combine, and no power, short of the power of God, can accomplish it. We
+have got into the feet and toes of Daniel's national image; they are
+composed of iron and clay, which will not mix; there is no chemical
+affinity between the bodies. As it has been in generations past, the
+strong nations feel independent, and capable of taking care of their
+own affairs; and if the weak unite, it is to protect themselves against
+the strong. The principles of aggression and protection still rule as
+strong in the human bosom as ever they did. The world is as belligerent
+now as it ever was, and as full of commotion and uncertainty.
+
+The dispositions of the nations, of kings, rulers, and people, are
+the same. The late revolutions in Europe, and present uncertain state
+of political affairs, are an evident proof of this. The political
+atmosphere of the European nations is full of combustion, and only
+needs igniting to set the whole in one common blaze. Talk of peace!
+there is war in the councils and cabinets, uncertainty and distrust
+with emperors, kings, presidents, and princes; war in the churches,
+clubs, cabals, and parties that now distract the world. It is whispered
+in the midnight caucus, and proclaimed in open day. The same spirit
+enters into the social circle, and breaks up families: father is
+arrayed against son, and son against father; mother against daughter,
+and daughter against mother; and brother against brother: it presides
+triumphant at the assemblies of the "Peace Society," and spreads
+confusion, discord, and division there. A moral, deadly, evil has
+infused itself throughout the world, and it needs a more powerful
+restorative than the one proposed to ameliorate its condition. If the
+root of the evil be not eradicated, in vain we regulate the branches;
+if the fountain be impure, in vain we strive to purify the streams. The
+means used are not adequate to the end designed, and in spite of all
+those weak, puny efforts, the world will continue in its present sickly
+state, unless a more powerful antidote be applied.
+
+Another principle has many advocates on the Continent of Europe at the
+present time; a principle of Socialism. Like everything else, it is
+possessed of different phases, and has been advocated in its various
+branches by Fourier, Robert Owen, Cabet, Pierre Leroux, and Proudhon,
+in Europe, and Fanny Wright in America. The leading object of many of
+these people is to have a community of goods and property. Some of them
+discard Christianity altogether, and others leave every one to do as
+they please; others attach a little importance to it. I would briefly
+remark on the first of those, that if scepticism is to be the basis
+of the happiness of man, we shall be in a poor situation to improve
+the world. It is practical infidelity that has placed the world in its
+present position; how far the unblushing profession of it will lead
+to restoration and happiness, I must leave my readers to judge. It is
+our departure from God, that has brought upon us all our misery. It
+is not a very reasonable way to alleviate it by confirming mankind in
+scepticism. I am aware that there is much in the world to induce doubt,
+and uncertainty on religious affairs, and religious professors have
+much to answer for; but there is a very material difference between
+the religion of God, and our Lord Jesus Christ, and that of those who
+profess His name.
+
+As regards Communism, in the abstract, or on the voluntary principle,
+we will examine that briefly. Pick out a number of men in Paris,
+London, Berlin, or any other city, associated with all the evils and
+corruptions of those cities, and organize them into a community. Will
+the mere removal of them from one place to another make them better?
+Certainly not. If they were corrupt before, they will be after their
+removal; and if they were unhappy before, they will be after. This
+temporary change will not make a difference; for men in possession
+of different religious, and political, and moral views, never can
+be united in harmony. The difficulties that exist in the world on a
+large scale, would exist there in miniature; and though prudence,
+forbearance, and policy, in smaller circles, might operate for a time,
+the evils would still exist; and though they might smoulder and be pent
+up, like a volcano, they would only rage with greater fury when they
+did burst out.
+
+I have conversed with some who seem to think that all that is necessary
+to promote the happiness of man, is, that he have sufficient to eat and
+drink, and that through this means it would be obtained. I grant that
+the comforts and happiness of men are in a great measure augmented by
+these things; but to place them as the root and foundation, is wrong.
+In the present situation of Europe, where so much squalid poverty,
+wretchedness, and distress abound, it is not to be wondered at that
+such feelings should obtain. But, if we cast our eyes abroad in the
+world, we shall find that unhappiness is not always associated with
+the poor: it revels in the church and state; among kings, potentates,
+princes, and rulers: it follows the haunts of the libertine and
+profligate, and gnaws in many instances the conscience of the minister:
+it rides with lords and ladies in their carriages and chariots, and
+revels in splendid saloons and in banquet halls. Many a pleasant
+countenance covers an aching heart, and many a gorgeous costume hides
+the deadly worm; jealousy, disappointed ambition, blasted hopes, cold
+neglect, and conjugal infidelity, produce many a miserable heart; and
+rage, envy, malice, and murder, lurk in many instances under the cover
+of pomp, splendor, competency, or magnificence; not to mention the
+care, anxiety, and trouble of officers of state in these troublous
+times. If the poor knew the situation of many of those in different
+circumstances, they would not envy their situations.
+
+Again, if we notice the position of some of the southern and western
+States of America. They have abundance to eat and to drink, their lands
+bring forth bountifully. But does this make them happy? Verily, no. The
+same false state of society exists there; men are awfully under the
+influence of their depraved passions; men are frequently put to death
+by what is called "Lynch law," without judge or jury. The pistol, the
+bowie knife, the rifle, and the dirk, are in frequent requisition, and
+misery and unhappiness prevail.
+
+In Mexico, where they possess one of the richest countries in the
+world, a salubrious climate, a rich soil, abounding also with the most
+valuable mineral resources, yet the people are unhappy. Guerillas
+plunder the traveller, their streets are crowded with beggars; its men
+are without courage or energy, and the country is left a prey to any
+nation, who has covetousness or power to oppress it. The Scriptures
+say, that "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that
+proceedeth from the mouth of God;" and as they do not exist in this
+way, another Scripture tells the story in plain terms, for it says,
+"Where there is no vision the people perish." Proverbs xxix. 18.
+
+There is also another political party, who desire, through the
+influence of legislation and coercion, to level the world. To say the
+least, it is a species of robbery; to some it may appear an honorable
+one, but, nevertheless, it is robbery. What right has any private man
+to take by force the property of another? The laws of all nations would
+punish such a man as a thief. Would thousands of men engaged in the
+same business make it more honorable? Certainly not. And if a nation
+were to do it, would a nation's act sanctify a wrong deed? No; the
+Algerine pirates, or Arabian hordes, were never considered honorable,
+on account of their numbers; and a nation, or nations, engaging in
+this would only augment the banditti, but could never sanctify the
+deed. I shall not, here, enter into the various manners of obtaining
+wealth; but would merely state, that any unjust acquisition of it
+ought to be punished by law. Wealth is generally the representation of
+labour, industry, and talent. If one man is industrious, enterprising,
+diligent, careful, and saves property, and his children follow in his
+steps, and accumulate wealth; and another man is careless, prodigal,
+and lazy, and his children inherit his poverty, I cannot conceive upon
+what principles of justice, the children of the idle and profligate
+have a right to put their hands into the pockets of those who are
+diligent and careful, and rob them of their purse. Let this principle
+exist, and all energy and enterprise would be crushed. Men would
+be afraid of again accumulating, lest they should again be robbed.
+Industry and talent would have no stimulant, and confusion and ruin
+would inevitably follow. Again, if you took men's property without
+their consent, the natural consequence would be that they would seek to
+retake it the first opportunity; and this state of things would only
+deluge the world in blood. So that let any of these measures be carried
+out, even according to the most sanguine hopes of the parties, they
+would not only bring distress upon others, but also upon themselves;
+certainly they would not bring about the peace of the world.
+
+One thing more upon this subject, and I have done. In Europe, there
+has been of late years a great mania for revolutions--a strong desire
+to establish republican governments; but let me remark here, that the
+form of government will not materially affect the position of the
+people, nor add to the resources of a country. If a country is rich and
+prosperous under a monarchy, it will be so under a republic, and _vice
+versa_. If poor under one, it will be under another. If nations think
+proper to change their form of government, they of course have a right
+to do so; but to think that this will ameliorate their condition, and
+produce happiness, is altogether a mistake. Happiness and peace are
+the gifts of God, and come from Him. Every kind of government has its
+good and evil properties. Rome was unhappy under a kingly government,
+and also under a republican form. Carthage as a republic was no more
+happy than many of its monarchial contemporaries; nor was Corinth,
+Holland, or Venice; and republican Genoa has not manifested anything
+very much in favor of these principles. France was unhappy under her
+emperor, she was unhappy under her kings, and is unhappy as a republic.
+America is perhaps some little exception to this; but the difference
+lies not so much in her government, as in the extent of her country,
+the richness of her soil, and abundance of her resources; for, as I
+have already mentioned, "Lynch law" prevails to an alarming extent in
+the south and west. In the state of New York, in the east, there are
+mobs painted as Indians resisting the officers of the law, and doing it
+with impunity; and it is a matter of doubt whether persons having paid
+for property, shall own it, or be dispossessed by their tenants, not in
+law, for the constitution and laws are good, but in practice defective,
+through popular clamor and violence. I refer to the estates of Van
+Ranseller and others; and, in the west, to Joseph and Hyrum Smith, who
+were murdered in Carthage jail, without any redress, although their
+murderers were known to the officers of state; and to the inhabitants
+of a city, ten thousand in number, together with twenty thousand
+others, principally farmers, labourers, and mechanics, occupying a
+country about ten miles wide, and thirty long, most of which was
+well cultivated and owned by the occupants,--who were all forced by
+continual harassing by lawless mobs, to leave a country in which they
+could not be protected, and seek an asylum in a far off desert home,
+there being no power in the government to give redress.
+
+It is altogether an infatuation to think that a change in government
+will mend the circumstances, or increase the resources, when the whole
+world is groaning under corruption. If there are twenty men who have
+twenty pounds of bread to divide amongst them, it matters but little
+whether it is divided by three, ten, or the whole, it will not increase
+the amount. I grant, however, that there are flagrant abuses, of which
+we have mentioned some, associated with all kinds of governments,
+and many things to be complained of justly; but they arise from the
+wickedness of man, and the corrupt and artificial state of society. Do
+away with one set of rulers, and you have only the same materials to
+make another of; and if ever so honestly disposed, they are surrounded
+with such a train of circumstances, over which they have no control,
+that they cannot mend them.
+
+There is frequently much excitement on this subject; and many people
+ignorant of these things, are led to suppose that their resources will
+be increased, and their circumstances bettered; but when they find,
+after much contention, struggling, and bloodshed, that it does not rain
+bread, cheese, and clothing; that it is only a change of men, papers,
+and parchment, chagrin and disappointment naturally follow. There is
+much that is good, and much that is bad in all governments; and I am
+not seeking here to portray a perfect government, but to show some of
+the evils associated with them, and the utter incompetency of all the
+plans of men to restore a perfect government; and as all their plans
+have failed, so they will fail, for it is the work of God, and not of
+man. The moral agency of man without God, has had its full development;
+his weakness, wickedness, and corruption, have placed the world where
+it is: he can see as in a glass his incompetency, and folly, and
+nothing but the power of God can restore it.
+
+It is not to be wondered at, that those various plans should exist, for
+the world is in a horrible situation. Jesus prophesied of it, and said,
+there should be upon the earth "distress of nations, perplexity, men's
+hearts failing them, for fear, and for looking after those things which
+are coming upon the earth," Luke xxi. 25, 26. Men see these things,
+and their hearts fear; confusion, disorder, misery, blood, and ruin,
+seem to stare them in the face; and in the absence of something great,
+noble, and magnificent, suited to the exigency of the case, they try
+the foregoing remedies, as a sailor, in the absence of a boat, would
+cling with tenacity to any floating piece of wreck, to save him from a
+watery grave.
+
+Neither can men be blamed for trying to do good; it is certainly a
+laudable object; and with all the selfishness, ambition, and pride,
+associated with the foregoing, it must be admitted that there is much
+uprightness, sincerity, and honest zeal.
+
+There are very many philanthropists who would gladly ameliorate the
+condition of men, and of the world, if they knew how. But the means
+employed are not commensurate with the end; every grade of society is
+vitiated and corrupt. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart
+faint." Our systems, our policy, our legislation, our education, and
+philosophy, are all wrong, neither can we be particularly blamed, for
+these evils have been the growth of ages. Our fathers have left God,
+his guidance, control, and support, and we have been left to ourselves;
+and our present position is a manifest proof of our incompetency to
+govern; and our past failures make it evident, that any future effort,
+with the same means, would be as useless. The world is diseased, and it
+requires a world's remedy.
+
+
+
+Chapter IV.
+------------------
+
+What Is Man? What Is His Destiny and Relationship to God?
+
+Having shewn in the foregoing chapters, that the rule of God is perfect
+where he governs alone, that the rule of man is imperfect, and has
+introduced confusion and misery, and that the plans of men are not
+competent to restore the world to happiness, and the fulfilment of the
+object for which it was created; it now devolves upon us to investigate
+the way that this thing can, and will be accomplished; for there is
+a time spoken of in the Scriptures, when there will be a reign of
+righteousness.
+
+First, then, we will enquire who and what is man? and what is his
+destiny, and what his relationship to God? For before we can define
+government correctly, it will be necessary to find out the nature of
+the being that has to be governed.
+
+What, then, is man? Is he a being temporal and earthly alone, and
+when he dies, does he sink into forgetfulness? Is he annihilated? or
+has he a spirit as well as a body? If the first be the case, he alone
+has a right to regulate his own affairs, to frame his own government,
+and to pursue that course which to him seems good; if not, the case
+is different. I do not here wish to enter into a philosophical
+disquisition on the subject, but, as I am writing at present to
+believers in the Bible, I shall confine myself more to that. I will
+state, that man is an eternal being, composed of body and spirit: his
+spirit existed before he came here; his body exists with the spirit
+in time, and after death the spirit exists without the body. In the
+resurrection, both body and spirit will finally be reunited; and it
+requires both body and spirit to make a perfect man, whether in time,
+or eternity.
+
+I know there are those who suppose that the spirit of man comes into
+existence with his body, and that intelligence and spirit are organized
+with the body; but we read, that when God made man, he made him of the
+dust of the earth; he made him in his own likeness. Man was then a
+lifeless body; He afterwards "breathed into him the breath of life, and
+man became a living soul."
+
+Before that spirit was given, he was dead, lifeless; and when that
+spirit is taken away, he is again lifeless; and let not any one say
+that the body is perfect without the spirit; for the moment the spirit
+leaves the body, no matter how perfect its organization may be, the man
+is inanimate, and destitute of intelligence and feeling: "it is the
+spirit that gives life." Hence we find that when Jarius's daughter was
+dead, his servant came and told him, saying, "Thy daughter is dead,
+trouble not the master;" but when she was restored, it is said "her
+spirit _came again_, and she arose straightway." Luke viii. 55. When
+her spirit was absent, the body was dead; when it returned, the body
+lived. "Moses spake unto the Lord, and said, let the Lord, the God of
+_the spirits of all flesh_, set a man over the congregation." Num.
+xxvii. 16. Again, the Lord in speaking to Jeremiah, said, "Before I
+formed thee in the belly, I knew thee," i. 5. I would ask, What part
+of Jeremiah did he know? It could not be his body, for it was not
+in existence; but he knew his spirit, for "he was the father of his
+spirit." The Lord speaks to Job and says, "Where wast thou when I laid
+the foundations of the earth? declare if thou hast understanding, who
+hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched
+the line upon it. Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened?
+or who laid the corner stone thereof? when the morning stars sung
+together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" xxxviii. 4, 6.
+Again, John says, "They that dwell on the earth, shall wonder, whose
+names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the
+world." Rev. xvii. 8.
+
+This spirit proceeds forth from God, and is eternal; hence Solomon
+says, in speaking of death, "Then shall the dust return to the earth as
+it was, and the spirit unto God who gave it." Eccles. xii. 7. That the
+spirit is eternal, is very evident, from the Scriptures; Jesus prayed
+to his father, and said, "O Father, glorify thou me, with thine own
+self, with the glory which I had with thee _before the world was_."
+John xvii. 5. Here Jesus speaks of an existence before he came here,
+of a glory he had with his Father before the world was. Christ, then,
+existed before he came here and took a body. Again Jesus says, "I have
+manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world:
+thine they were, and thou gavest them me." John xvii. 6.
+
+Let us see what the Apostle Paul says on the subject: "Blessed be the
+God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all
+spiritual blessings, in heavenly places, in Christ; according as he
+hath chosen us in him, before the foundation of the world." Ephes. i,
+3, 4. Christ, then, existed with his Father before the world was, and
+the Saints existed in, or with him. What part? their bodies? no, their
+spirits. Again, man exists after he leaves here. It is unnecessary to
+say anything about the life of the spirit, after the death of the body,
+or of the resurrection, as the subjects are so generally known and
+believed. Paul says, "If in this life only, we have hope in Christ, we
+are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead,
+and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came
+death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. ... The trumpet
+shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall
+be changed; for this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this
+mortal must put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the
+saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory." 1 Cor. xv.
+19-21, 52-54.
+
+If man, then, is an eternal being, came from God, exists here for a
+short time, and will return, it is necessary that he know something
+about God, and his government. For he has to do with him not only in
+time, but in eternity, and whatever man may be disposed to do, or
+however he may vaunt himself of his own abilities, there are some
+things he has no control over. He came into the world without his
+agency, he will have to leave it, whether he desires it or not; and
+he will also have to appear in another world. He is destined, if he
+improves his opportunities, to higher and greater blessings and glory
+than are associated with this earth in its present state: and hence
+the necessity of the guidance of a superior power, and intelligence,
+that he may not act the part of a fool here, and jeopardize his
+eternal interests; but that his intelligence may be commensurate
+with his position; that his actions here may have a bearing upon his
+future destiny; that he may not sink into the slough of iniquity and
+degradation, and contaminate himself with corruption; that he may
+stand pure, virtuous, intelligent, and honourable, as a son of God,
+and seek for, and be guided and governed by his Father's counsels.
+Having said so much on this subject, we will continue our investigation
+still further, and enquire next, What is our relationship to God? In
+answering this, I would briefly remark, that the position that we stand
+in to him, is that of a son. Adam is the father of our bodies, and God
+is the father of our spirits. I know that some are in the habit of
+looking upon God, as a monster only to be dreaded, known only in the
+earthquake, the tempest, the thunder, and the storm, and that there
+is something gloomy and dismal attached to his service. If there is,
+it is the appendage of man, and not of God. Is there anything gloomy
+in the works that God has made? Turn where we will, we see harmony,
+loveliness, cheerfulness, and beauty.
+
+The blessings of providence were made for man, and his enjoyment;
+he is placed as head of creation. For him the earth teems with the
+richest profusion; the golden grain, the luscious fruit, the choicest
+vines; for him, the herbs, and flowers, bedeck the earth, shed their
+odoriferous perfumes, and display their gorgeous beauty; for him, the
+proud horse yields his back, the cow gives her milk, and the bee its
+honey; for him, the sheep yields its fleece, the cotton-tree its down,
+and the worm its silk. For him, the shrub and vine bloom and blossom,
+and nature clothes herself in her richest attire; the rippling stream,
+the pure fountain, the crystal river flow for him, all nature spreads
+her richest charms, and invites him to partake of her joyousness,
+beauty, and innocence, and to worship her God.
+
+Talk about melancholy, in the fear of God, and in his service! It
+is the corruption of the world, that has made men unhappy; and the
+corruption of religion that has made it gloomy: these are the miseries
+entailed by men, not the blessings of God. Talk about gloom! is there
+gloom in the warbling of the birds, in the prancing of the horse, in
+the playfulness of the lamb, or kid; in the beauty of flowers, in any
+of Nature's gifts, or rich attire, or in God, that made them, or in his
+service?
+
+There are others, again, who would place the Lord at an immense
+distance, and render our approach to him almost impossible; but this
+is a superstitious idea, for our Father listens to the cries of his
+children, numbers the hairs of their heads; and the Scriptures say,
+"a sparrow cannot fall to the ground, without his notice." He speaks
+to his elect, and says, "He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of
+his eye." Zech. ii. 8. He is our Father; and hence the Scriptures tell
+us to pray, "Our Father, who art in heaven." Paul says, "We have had
+fathers of our flesh, which corrected us, and we gave them reverence;
+shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits,
+and live?" Heb. xii. 9. We have, then, both a temporal and a spiritual
+Father; and hence his solicitude for our welfare, and his desire for
+our happiness. Says Jesus, "If a son ask bread, will he for bread give
+him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent. If ye,
+then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how
+much more shall your Father which is in heaven, give good things to
+them that ask him."
+
+What a delightful reflection for his servants, to draw nigh to their
+Father, as to an endearing parent, and ask for blessings, as a son
+would ask for bread, and be confident of receiving. Hence the faithful
+in the Apostles' days received a spirit, whereby they could say, "Abba,
+Father," or Father, Father. What an endearing relationship! and if the
+world could comprehend, how gladly would they throw themselves upon
+his guardianship, seek his wisdom and government, and claim a father's
+benediction; but Satan has blinded the eyes of the world, and they know
+not the things which make for their peace.
+
+
+
+Chapter V.
+------------------
+
+The Object of Man's Existence on the Earth; and His Relationship
+Thereto.
+
+We next enquire, What is the object and design of man's existence
+on the earth; and what is his relationship thereto? for all this
+magnificent world, with its creation, life, beauty, symmetry, order,
+and grandeur, could not be without design; and as God existed before
+man, there must have been some object in man's creation, and in his
+appearance on the earth. As I have before stated, man existed before
+he came here, in a spiritual substance, but had not a body; when I
+speak of a body, I mean an earthly one, for I consider the spirit is
+substance, but more elastic, subtle, and refined than the fleshy body;
+that in the union of the spirit and flesh, there is more perfection
+than in the spirit alone. The body is not perfect without the spirit,
+nor the spirit without the body; it takes the two to make a perfect
+man, for the spirit requires a tabernacle, to give it power to develop
+itself and to exalt it in the scale of intelligence, both in time
+and eternity. One of the greatest curses inflicted on Satan and his
+followers, when they were cast out of heaven, was, that they should
+have no body. Hence, when he appeared before the Lord, and was asked
+from whence he came, he answered, "From going to and fro in the
+earth, and from walking up and down in it." Job i. 7, and ii. 2. For
+this reason he is denominated "The Prince of the power of the air,
+the Spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience." Ephes.
+ii. 2. Hence he exerts an invisible agency over the spirits of men,
+darkens their minds, and uses his infernal power to confound, corrupt,
+destroy and envelope the world in confusion, misery, and distress;
+and, although deprived personally of operating with a body, he uses
+his influence over the spirits of those who have bodies, to resist
+goodness, virtue, purity, intelligence, and the fear of God; and
+consequently, the happiness of man; and poor erring humanity is made
+the dupe of his wiles. The Apostle says, "The God of this world hath
+blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the
+glorious gospel of Christ who is the image of God, should shine unto
+them." 2 Cor. iv. 4. But not content with the ravages he has made, the
+spoliation, misery, and distress, not having a tabernacle of his own,
+he has frequently sought to occupy that of man, in order that he might
+yet possess greater power, and more fully accomplish the devastation.
+We read, that in our Saviour's days, there were persons possessed
+with devils, who were tormented by them; and Jesus and his disciples
+cast them out. Mary Magdalene was dispossessed of seven. A legion had
+entered one man, and when commanded to leave, rather than have no
+bodies, they desired permission to enter those of swine, which they
+did, and the swine were destroyed. Man's body to him, then, is of great
+importance, and if he only knew and appreciated his privileges, he
+might live above the temptation of Satan, the influence of corruption,
+subdue his lusts, overcome the world, and triumph, and enjoy the
+blessings of God, in time and in eternity.
+
+The object of man's taking a body is, that through the redemption of
+Jesus Christ, both soul and body may be exalted in the eternal world,
+when the earth shall be celestial, and to obtain a higher exaltation
+than he would be capable of doing without a body. For when man was
+first made, he was made "a little lower than the angels," Heb. ii.
+7; but through the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ, he
+is placed in a position to obtain an exaltation higher than that of
+angels. Says the Apostle, "Know ye not that we shall judge angels?" 1
+Cor. vi. 3. "Jesus descended below all things, that he might be raised
+above all things." He took upon him a body, that he might die as a man,
+and "that through death, he might destroy him that had the power of
+death, that is, the Devil." Heb. ii. 14. Having conquered Death, then,
+in his own dominions, burst the barriers of the tomb, and ascended with
+his body triumphant to the right hand of God, he has accomplished a
+purpose which God had decreed from before the foundation of the world,
+"and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers." Hence man, through
+obedience to the Gospel, is placed in a position to be an adopted son
+of God, and have a legitimate right to his Father's blessings, and to
+possess the gift of the Holy Ghost. And the Apostle says, that "If
+the spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead, dwell in you,
+he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal
+bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." Rom. viii. 11. Thus, as
+Jesus vanquished death, so may we; as he overcame, so may we; and, if
+faithful, sit with him upon his throne, as he has overcome, and sat
+down upon his Father's throne. Rev. iii. 21. Thus, man will not only
+be raised from degradation, but will also be exalted to a seat among
+the intelligences which surround the throne of God. This is one great
+object of our coming here and taking bodies.
+
+Another object that we came here for, and took bodies, was to propagate
+our species. For if it is for our benefit to come here, it is also for
+the benefit of others. Hence the first commandment given to man was,
+"Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it."
+Gen. i. 28. And as man is an eternal being, and all his actions have a
+relevancy to eternity, it is necessary that he understand his position
+well, and thus fulfil the measure of his creation. For as he, and his
+offspring are destined to live eternally, he is not only responsible
+for his own acts, but in a great measure for those of his children, in
+framing their minds, regulating their morals, setting them a correct
+example, and teaching them correct principles; but more especially
+in preserving the _purity_ of his own body. And why? Because, if he
+abuses his body, and corrupts himself, he not only injures himself, but
+his partner and associates, and entails misery incalculable upon his
+posterity, who are doomed to inherit the father's misery; and this is
+not only associated with time, but with eternity. Hence the Lord has
+given laws regulating marriage and chastity of the strictest kind, and
+entailed the severest punishment upon those, who, in different ages
+have abused this sacred ordinance. For example, the curse of Sodom and
+Gomorrah: and the terrible judgements pronounced against those who
+should corrupt and defile their bodies, let any one read Deut. xxii.
+13-30. And Paul says, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and
+that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple
+of God, him shall God destroy." 1 Cor. iii. 16, 17. Whoremongers and
+adulterers shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 1 Cor. vi. 9,
+10; and Heb. xiii. 4. And why? Because man being made a free agent over
+his own body, that he might exalt himself and posterity, both in time
+and in eternity, if he abuses that power, he not only affects himself,
+but unborn bodies and spirits, corrupting the world, and opening the
+flood gates of vice, immorality, and estrangement from God. Hence the
+children of Israel were told not to marry with the surrounding nations,
+lest their seed should be corrupted, and the people turned to idolatry,
+which would lead to the forgetfulness of God, to an ignorance of his
+purposes and designs, and cause them to lose sight of the object of
+their creation, and corrupt themselves; and to the introduction of
+every other evil, as a natural consequence. But where the order of God
+is carried out, it places things in a lovely position.
+
+What is more amiable and pleasant than those pure, innocent, endearing
+affections which God has placed in the hearts of the man and woman, who
+are united together in lawful matrimony? With a love and confidence
+pure as the love of God, because it springs from him, and is his gift;
+with bodies chaste, and virtuous; and an offspring, lovely, healthy,
+innocent, and uncontaminated; confiding in each other, they live
+together in the fear of God, enjoying nature's gifts uncorrupted and
+undefiled as the driven snow, or the crystal stream. But how would this
+enjoyment be enhanced, if they understood their destiny; could unravel
+the designs of God, and contemplate an eternal union, in another state
+of existence; a connexion with their offspring, commenced here to
+endure for ever, and all their ties, relationships, and affections
+strengthened! A mother feels great delight in beholding her child,
+and gazing on its lovely infant form. How would her bosom swell with
+ecstacy at the contemplation of that child being with her for ever!
+And if we only understood our position, this was the object for which
+we came into the world. And the object of the kingdom of God is, to
+re-establish all those holy principles.
+
+Chastity and purity are things of the greatest importance to the
+world. Hence the Prophet says, "Because the Lord hath been witness
+between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt
+treacherously; yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.
+And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the Spirit. And
+wherefore one? that he might _seek a godly seed_. Therefore take heed
+to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his
+youth." Mal. ii. 14, 15. Here, then, the object of purity is pointed
+out clearly; and what is it? that God might preserve a godly seed. St.
+Paul says, "What? know ye not that he who is joined to an harlot is
+one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.... Flee fornication.
+Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth
+fornication, sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your
+body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have
+of God, and ye are not your own." 1 Cor. vi. 16-20. And in the next
+chapter he speaks of the same things which Malachi does concerning a
+pure seed. "For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife,
+and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband, else were your
+children unclean; _but now are they holy_."
+
+The legislators of all civilized nations have seen the necessity of
+sustaining these things, and consequently have passed, generally,
+very rigid laws for the protection of female virtue, and the support
+of the marriage contract. Hence Acts have been passed and enforced,
+disinheriting those who were not born in wedlock. This, in some
+instances, has produced a salutary effect. Ministers of the various
+churches have also used their influence, in a great measure, in support
+of virtuous principles. These have had their effect in assisting to
+stem the torrent of iniquity. But as the nations themselves have
+forsaken God, how can they expect to stop this crying evil; for the
+very legislators who pass these laws are in many instances guilty
+themselves; and when kings, princes, and rulers, corrupt themselves,
+how can they expect the people to be pure? for no matter how rigid
+law may be, corrupt persons will always find means to evade it. And,
+indeed, so far have these abominations gone, that it seems to be an
+admitted fact, that these things cannot be controlled; and, although
+there are laws relative to matrimonial alliances, yet there are some
+nations, called Christian, who actually give licence for prostitution,
+and all the degradation and misery associated with it. Nor are these
+things connected with the lower ranks of life only; wantonness and
+voluptuousness go hand in hand, and revel unchecked in courts, among
+the nobles and kings of the earth. The statesman, the politician,
+and the merchant, the mechanic and the labourer, have all corrupted
+themselves. The world is full of adultery, intrigues, fornication,
+and abominations. Let any one go to the masked balls in the principal
+theatres in Paris, and he will see thousands of people of both sexes,
+impudently, shamelessly, and unblushingly, manifesting their lewd
+dispositions. Indeed, debauch and wantonness bear full sway, not
+to speak of the dens of abomination that exist elsewhere. London
+abounds with unfortunate beings, led on by example, seduction, and
+misery, to their fallen, degraded condition. The same thing exists
+throughout England, France, the United States, and all nations. Hence
+millions of youth corrupt themselves, engender the most loathsome
+diseases, and curse their posterity with their sin, who, in their
+turn, rise up and tread in the corrupt steps of their fathers. Not
+to say anything of the thousands of lovely beings whom God designed
+for companions of man in time and in eternity, and for raising up
+a pure offspring, who are corrupted, degraded, polluted, fallen,
+poor, miserable wretches; outcasts of society, insulted, oppressed,
+despised, and abused; dragging out a miserable existence; led on from
+one degree of degradation to another, till death, as a friend, closes
+their wretched career, and yet without hope. Thus, man that was made
+pure, in the image of his Maker, that could stand proudly erect as the
+representative of God, pure, and uncontaminated, is debased, fallen,
+corrupt, diseased, and sunk below the brute creation; a creature of
+lust and passion, and a slave to his unbridled appetites. I write
+plainly on this subject; and I do it because it is a curse to the
+world, and God will have a reckoning with the nations for these
+things. In vain, then, men legislate on these matters: the nations
+have corrupted themselves, and these things are beyond their control.
+Men must be governed by higher, and purer motives than merely human
+enactments. If the world understood its true position, and the eternal
+consequences to them and their seed, they would feel different. They
+would feel that they were eternal beings; that they were responsible
+to God, both for their bodies and spirits. Nothing but a knowledge of
+man's fall and true position, and the development of the kingdom of
+God, can restore him to his proper state, restore the order and economy
+of God, and place man again in his natural position on the earth.
+
+Having spoken of man as an eternal being, we will now examine what
+relation he has to this earth; for it is the government of God that we
+wish to keep our minds upon. This earth is man's eternal inheritance,
+where he will exist after the resurrection, for it is destined to be
+purified and become celestial. I know that this position is considered
+strange by many, because it is generally supposed that we are going to
+heaven; that heaven is the final destination of the righteous; and that
+when we leave this world, we never return. Hence Wesley says--
+
+    "Beyond the bounds of time and space,
+    Look forward to that heavenly place,
+    The Saints' secure abode;"
+
+and this is an opinion generally believed by the Christian world.
+
+We shall therefore commence by enquiring, Where is heaven? Can any one
+point out its location? I would remark, that it is a word of almost
+unlimited signification; nevertheless we will investigate the matter
+a little. We read, that in the beginning "God created the heavens and
+the earth;" and furthermore, that he called the "firmament heaven."
+From the above we learn, that the heavens were created by the Lord,
+and that the heavens were created at, or about the same time as the
+earth, and that the firmament is called heaven. We are further told
+concerning the firmament, that "God separated the waters that were
+below the firmament, from those that were above the firmament." Hence,
+when God destroyed the world with a flood, "He opened the windows of
+heaven;" when the rain ceased, he "shut the windows of heaven." Now,
+a word on this firmament; Where is it? "And God said, Let the waters
+bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl
+that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven." We find
+out, then, from the foregoing, that the firmament is called heaven,
+viz., the heaven associated with this earth; and that the firmament is
+the place where the birds fly, and the rain falls from heaven; and the
+scriptures say, that Jesus will come in the clouds of heaven. Matt.
+xxiv. 30. Mark xiii. 26. But there are other heavens: for God created
+this heaven, and this earth; and his throne existed before this world
+rolled into existence, or the morning stars sang together for joy; for
+"Heaven is God's throne, and the earth is his footstool." Solomon says,
+"The heaven of heavens cannot contain thee." This heaven is veiled from
+mortal vision; spirits abound, but we cannot see them; and angels hover
+there, but to us are invisible, and can only be known or seen by the
+revelation of God. Hence Paul says, he "was caught up into the _third_
+heaven." Stephen "saw the heavens opened, and Jesus sitting on the
+right hand of God." Where this revelation exists, there exists without
+the removal of the body a perfect knowledge of things as they are known
+to God, so far as they are revealed. Thus, when John was on the Isle
+of Patmos, he says, "I was in the spirit on the Lord's day, and heard
+behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega,
+the first and the last, and What thou seest write in a book." Rev.
+i. 10, 11. Then commenced the revelation. It was the same also with
+Stephen. From this we gather, that there is a veil that obscures the
+heavens from our sight; but when that veil is removed, and our vision
+is enlightened by the spirit of God, then we can gaze upon the glories
+of the eternal world, and heaven is opened for our view.
+
+When persons are taken from the earth, and hid from our view, it is
+said they are gone to heaven. Hence it is said, that Elijah went by a
+whirlwind into heaven, 2 Kings ii. 11. And it is also said of Jesus
+that "while he blessed them he was parted from them, and carried up
+into heaven." Luke xxiv. 51. But it is the destination of the Saints
+that we have to do with; and on this I would remark, that there are
+many glories, and man will be judged according to his deeds. "There is
+one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory
+of the stars; for as one star differeth from another star in glory, so
+also is the resurrection." 2 Cor. xv. 41, 42.
+
+It would not comport with my object at the present time to enter into
+the whole of the details of this subject. I would briefly remark,
+however, inasmuch as I am now talking of man's body, that there is a
+place called "Paradise," to which the spirits of the dead go, awaiting
+the resurrection, and their reunion with the body. This was an old
+doctrine of the Jews. Paul, too, "was caught up into paradise and heard
+unspeakable words." 2 Cor. xii. 4. John says, "to him that overcometh
+will I grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the
+paradise of God." Rev. ii. 7. This Paradise, however, is not the place
+for resurrected bodies, but for departed spirits: for Jesus said to the
+thief on the cross, "To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise." Luke
+xxiii. 43. Two days after this, and after the resurrection of his body,
+Mary was looking for the Lord, and he appeared to her: he said to her
+"Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my
+brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father;
+and to my God, and your God." John xx. 17. We learn here, then, that
+Jesus went to Paradise, with the thief on the cross, in spirit; but
+that he had not been with his body to his Father.
+
+We will now speak of heaven, as a place of reward for the righteous.
+Daniel, in speaking of the resurrection, says, "Many of them that sleep
+in the dust of the earth shall awake; some to everlasting life, and
+some to shame and everlasting contempt." Dan. xii. 2. Jesus says, those
+who have forsaken all and followed him, "shall inherit everlasting
+life" Matt. xix. 29.
+
+There is also a Book of Life spoken of. Paul speaks of some whose
+names were written therein. Phil. iv. 3. John also refers to the same
+things: he says "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white
+raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the Book of Life."
+Rev. iii. 5. Again, John, in speaking of the New Jerusalem, says, There
+shall not enter into it anything that worketh abomination, or maketh a
+lie; but they which are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Rev. xxi.
+27. From this it would appear, that those who obey all the commandments
+of God, and have their names written in the Lamb's Book of Life, shall
+finally enter into the New Jerusalem. Jesus again says, "To him that
+overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also
+overcame, and am sat down with my Father in his throne." Rev. iii. 21.
+This, then, is the heaven, as far as I can conceive, that people expect
+to go to.
+
+We will now try to find out its location. Above we have noticed that
+the saints are to have everlasting life, that they are to be with
+Jesus, and also in the New Jerusalem. We have now to enquire, Where
+Jesus's kingdom will be, and Where will be the place of the New
+Jerusalem. Daniel says, "I saw in the night visions, and behold one
+like the son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the
+Ancient of Days, and they brought him near before him. And there was
+given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations,
+and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting
+dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall
+not be destroyed." Dan. vii. 13, 14. Here, then, we find Jesus coming
+to establish a kingdom. Where is that kingdom? The Scriptures say, that
+all nations, languages, and tongues shall serve and obey him. Where
+do those nations, languages, and tongues exist? The answer is, on the
+earth. We will next enquire, Where the saints will be. Daniel says,
+in the 27th verse, "And the kingdom, and dominion, and the greatness
+of the kingdom under the _whole heaven_ shall be given to the people
+of the saints of the Most High." Here, then, we find Jesus reigning
+under the whole heaven with his saints, and all nations, dominions, and
+powers, serving him. I noticed above, that those who overcame would be
+with Jesus, and with him have everlasting life. Zechariah speaks of a
+time when there will be a great assemblage of people against Jerusalem;
+after God's ancient people, the Jews, shall have been gathered there,
+and the Lord himself shall come forth to their defence. He says, "Then
+shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he
+fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon
+the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east; and the
+Mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof, toward the east and
+toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of
+the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the
+south. And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley
+of the mountains shall reach unto Azal; yea, ye shall flee, like as ye
+fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah:
+and the Lord my God shall come and all the saints with thee. And the
+Lord shall be king _over all the earth_: in that day there shall be one
+Lord, and his name one." xiv. 3, 4, 5, 9. Here we find that Jesus is to
+come, and _all his saints_ are to come with him. And that the Lord is
+to be King over _all the earth_. The question again arises, Where will
+Jesus reign with his saints? the answer is, _upon the earth_. Again,
+we will refer to the revelations of John. He says, "I saw the souls of
+them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of
+God .... and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years," Rev.
+xx. 4. And if we wish to know Where they will reign, we will again let
+John speak: "For thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy
+blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. And
+hast made us unto our God kings and priests, and we shall reign _on
+the earth_." Rev. v. 9, 10. It is not necessary to quote more on this
+subject; it is so plain that he that runs may read. I know that there
+are those who will tell us that this is not the final destination of
+the saints. I would here remark, that a great many events will take
+place in regard to the renovation of the earth, which it would be
+foreign to my subject at the present time to detail. I would state,
+however, that when the earth shall have become pure, if people suppose
+that they will then inhabit a heaven, not on the earth, they are
+mistaken; for if we have the good fortune to have our names written in
+the Lamb's Book of Life, and to enter into the New Jerusalem, we shall
+in that very New Jerusalem have to descend to the earth. Methinks I
+hear persons saying, What! shall we not, then, stay in heaven? Yes--in
+heaven; but that heaven will be on the earth; for John says, "And I saw
+a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth
+were past away (purified by fire and become celestial), and there was
+no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down
+from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
+And I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold the tabernacle
+of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his
+people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God
+shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more
+death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more
+pain; for the former things are passed away." Rev. xxi. 1-4. Here,
+then, we find man's final dwelling place is the earth; and for this
+purpose it was first created, and it never will fulfil the measure of
+its creation until this shall take place. Nor will man ever attain to
+the end for which he was created, till his spirit and his body are
+purified, and he takes his proper position on the earth.
+
+The prophets of God, in every age, have looked forward to this time;
+and while many considered them to be fools, they were laying for
+themselves an eternal foundation: they looked with scorn upon the gaudy
+baubles that fascinated foolish and corrupt man: they could not yield
+to his chicanery and deception; but with the fear of God before their
+eyes, and a knowledge of the future, they stood proudly erect, in a
+consciousness of their innocence and integrity; despised alike the
+praise and powers of men, endured afflictions, privations, and death;
+wandered in sheep skins and goat skins, destitute, tormented, and
+afflicted, for "they looked for a city which hath foundations, whose
+builder and maker is God." Heb. xi. 10. Hence Job says, "I know that
+my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day _upon
+the earth_; and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in
+my flesh shall I see God." xix, 25, 26. Man naturally clings to this
+earth; there seems to be something inherent in his nature that draws
+and binds his affections to the earth; hence he strives all that lays
+in his power to possess as much land as he can reasonably obtain; and
+not always honestly, but wars have been waged for the acquisition of
+territory, and the possessions of the earth. But what avails it all
+without God! So far from benefiting man, it is an injury, if obtained
+by fraud; for he has got to pass that test which none can avoid. And
+if circumstances here give him the power over his brother, when he
+leaves this world and appears before God, he goes to be judged for that
+very act of oppression; and the thing that he so anxiously desired to
+obtain in this world is his curse in the next. An honourable desire for
+property is not wrong; but no man can have a lasting claim unless it is
+given him of God. Lands, properties, possessions, and the blessings of
+this life, are of use only as they are sanctified, and have a bearing
+on the world to come. There have been hereditary laws established in
+England, and I believe in other countries, securing landed possessions
+to the eldest son, or heir. This has originated from the above feeling;
+and partly from the customs of the ancient Israelites, as recorded in
+the Scriptures; and families through this means seek to perpetuate
+their names. They may do this for a season; but if man rightly
+understood his true position, he would have a brighter object in view.
+The Scriptures tell us, "that every good and perfect gift comes from
+God;" that a man can receive nothing but what is given him from above.
+Men have conquered, and taken, bought and sold, the earth without God.
+But their possessions will perish with them; they may perpetuate them
+by law for a season to their descendants, but the Saints of God will
+finally inherit the earth for ever, in time, and in eternity. Abraham
+held his possessions on a very different footing from the above. The
+Lord appeared unto him, and made a covenant with him, and said, "And
+I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein
+thou art a stranger. All the land of Canaan for an _everlasting
+possession_." Gen. xvii. 8. This covenant was an eternal one; yet
+Abraham did not possess the land, for Stephen says, "he gave him none
+inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on." Acts vii.
+5. And Paul says, "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into
+a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and
+he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the
+land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with
+Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he looked
+for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."
+Heb. xi. 8-10. Here, then, we find land given to Abraham by promise,
+a land that he did not possess; but he will do so, "for he looked for
+a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." He
+looked forward to the redemption of his seed, the establishment of the
+kingdom of God, and the inheritance of those blessings eternally. If
+any one doubts this, let them read the xxxi. chapter of Jeremiah, and
+the xxxvi. to xxxix. chapters of Ezekiel; wherein it is stated that
+Israel is to be gathered to their own land, that it is to become as
+the Garden of Eden, and to be no more desolate. Ezekiel speaks of the
+resurrection of the dead, and the coming together of the bones, flesh,
+sinews, and skin, of a living army; of the uniting of the nations of
+Judah, and Israel, in one; and in consequence of the great development
+of the powers of God, the heathen would be filled with astonishment;
+and finally, that God's tabernacle should be planted in their midst
+for evermore. Then let them read from the xlvii. to the last chapter
+of Ezekiel; and they will find an account, not only of the restoration
+of the Jews, and ten tribes, but that the land is actually divided
+to them by inheritance, in their different tribes, according to the
+promise made thousands of years before to Abraham. In the 13th and 14th
+verses of the xlvii. chapter, he refers to this, and says, "Thus saith
+the Lord God, This shall be the border whereby ye shall inherit the
+land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two
+portions. And ye shall inherit it, one as well as another; concerning
+the which _I lifted up mine hand to give it unto your fathers_; and
+this land shall fall unto you for an inheritance." Thus we find that
+the promise unto Abraham concerning territory will be literally
+fulfilled. Again, I would refer my readers to the fourteenth chapter
+of Zechariah. I would then turn their attention to the sealing of the
+twelve tribes mentioned in the seventh chapter of Revelations, where
+there are twelve thousand out of every tribe sealed; and then ask,
+Where are these to reign? The answer is, _on the earth_; together with
+those who have "washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of
+the Lamb, out of every nation, and kindred, and people, and tongue."
+Jesus says, "Abraham saw my day and was glad." What! was he glad to
+see his people scattered, dispersed, and peeled; Jerusalem trodden
+under foot, the Jewish nation, temple, and polity destroyed, and his
+seed cursed upon the face of the earth; or was it the second coming
+of Jesus, when they would be restored, Satan bound, the promises made
+to him, and to his seed fulfilled, and misery and sorrow done away;
+for according to the testimony of Paul, "all Israel shall be saved."
+Abraham's views concerning land and possessions were not the same as
+those entertained by men in our day; they were not only temporal, but
+eternal; and if the world was under the guidance of the same God as
+Abraham, they would be governed by the same principle; and anything
+short of this is transient, temporary, short lived, and does not
+accomplish the purpose of man's creation.
+
+I cannot conclude this subject better than by giving a quotation from
+P. P. Pratt's "Voice of Warning." "By this time we begin to understand
+the words of the Saviour, 'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit
+the earth.' And also the song which John heard in heaven, which ended
+thus: 'We shall reign on the Earth.' Reader, do not be startled:
+suppose you were to be caught up into heaven, there to stand with the
+redeemed of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, and join them
+in singing, and to your astonishment, all heaven is filled with joy,
+while they tune the immortal lyre, in joyful anticipation of one day
+reigning on the earth; a planet now under the dominion of Satan, the
+abode of wretchedness and misery, from which your glad spirit had taken
+its flight, and as you supposed, an everlasting farewell. You might
+perhaps be startled for a moment, and enquire within yourself, Why
+have I never heard this theme sung among the churches on earth? Well,
+my friend, the answer would be, because you lived in a day when people
+did not understand the Scriptures. Abraham would tell you--you should
+have read the promise of God to him, Gen. xvii. 8, where God not only
+promised the land of Canaan to his seed for an everlasting possession,
+but also to him. Then you should have read the testimony of Stephen,
+Acts vii. 5, by which you would have ascertained that Abraham never had
+inherited the things promised, but was still expecting to rise from
+the dead, and be brought into the land of Canaan to inherit them. Yes,
+says Ezekiel, if you had read the xxxvii. chapter of my Prophecies,
+you would have found a positive promise that God would open the graves
+of the whole house of Israel, who were dead, and gather up their dry
+bones, and put them together, each to its own proper place, and even
+clothe them again with flesh, sinews, and skin, and put his spirit in
+them, and they should live; and then, instead of being caught up to
+heaven, they should be brought into the land of Canaan, which the Lord
+gave them, and they should inherit it. But, still astonished, you might
+turn to Job; and he, surprised to find one unacquainted with so plain
+a subject, would exclaim, did you never read my xix. chapter, from the
+23rd to the 27th verses, where I declare, I wish my words were printed
+in a book, saying, that my Redeemer would stand on the earth in the
+latter day, and that I should see him in the flesh, for myself, and not
+another; though worms should destroy this body! Even David, the sweet
+singer of Israel, would call to your mind his xxxvii. Psalm, where he
+repeatedly declares that the meek shall inherit the earth for ever,
+after the wicked are cut off from the face thereof. And last of all, to
+set the matter for ever at rest, the voice of the Saviour would mildly
+fall upon your ear in his Sermon on the Mount, declaring emphatically,
+'Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.' To these
+things you would answer, I have read these passages, to be sure; but
+was always taught to believe that they did not mean so, therefore I
+never understood them until now. Let me go and tell the people what
+wonders have opened to my view, since my arrival in heaven, merely
+from having heard one short song. It is true, I have heard much of the
+glories of heaven described, while on earth, but never once thought of
+their rejoicing in anticipation of returning to the earth. Says the
+Saviour, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; if they will not believe
+them, neither would they believe, although one should rise from the
+dead.'"[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Pp. 48-50. Seventh Edition; Liverpool: F. D. Richards.
+This is an excellent work, and well worthy of any one's perusal.--J. T.]
+
+
+
+Chapter VI.
+------------------
+
+Man's Accountability to God.
+
+This is a subject which it may be necessary for us to inquire into, in
+order that we may find out how far man is responsible. For if man be
+not a moral agent, he cannot be responsible for the present position of
+the world; and it would be unjust in God to punish him for acts that
+were not his, and for circumstances over which he had no control.
+
+By a careful examination of the Scriptures, we shall find that man has
+had certain powers vested in his hands, which he holds subject to the
+control and guidance of the Lord; and that if he has acted without
+the counsel, guidance, or instruction of God, he has gone beyond the
+limits assigned him by the Lord, and is as much culpable as a minister
+plenipotentiary of any nation would be who should exceed the limits of
+his instructions; or a man holding a farm, or vineyard, by a certain
+lease, if he should disregard the conditions of that lease, and destroy
+the farm, or vineyard; for the earth is the Lord's, and man was put
+on it by the Lord. It is not man's possession, only as he holds it
+from God. Man's body was given him by God, and also his spirit, for
+the purpose heretofore mentioned. God had his object in view in the
+creation of the world and of man (which it is not necessary here to
+investigate); and if man is placed as an agent to act for the Lord, and
+also for himself, and then should neglect the Lord, he would certainly
+be held responsible to his Creator. That God had an object in view in
+regard to the creation of the world, is evident. Or, why was there a
+consultation in heaven about it? Why the beautiful regulation of sun,
+moon, and stars? Why the provision made for the redemption of man
+before he came here? For Christ was "the Lamb slain from before the
+foundation of the world." Why the arrangement of the resurrection?
+the New Jerusalem, and the reign of Jesus on the earth? Will any one
+say that all these things were done, and all nature organized in its
+present beauty, and order, without a design? It would be preposterous.
+If God has a design in those things, and man by his wilfulness,
+wickedness, corruption, and rebellion, should thwart the design of God,
+and yield himself to another influence, even that of Satan, will he not
+be held responsible? And whether God has a particular design or not,
+does not affect the question particularly; for the earth is the Lord's,
+and man also, and God has a perfect right to dictate what laws he
+pleases. That the Lord looks upon the world in this manner is evident
+from the words of our Saviour. "There was a certain householder which
+planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a wine-press
+in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into
+a far country. And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his
+servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.
+And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another,
+and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first;
+and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his
+son, saying, They will reverence my son. But when the husbandmen saw
+the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us
+kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and
+cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the Lord, therefore,
+of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? They say
+unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out
+his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits
+in their seasons. Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the
+Scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become
+the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous
+in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be
+taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits
+thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken; but
+on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder." Matt. xxi.
+33-44. Here, then, the thing is clearly developd: man's agency; the
+abuse of that agency; the punishment inflicted for that abuse, together
+with the awful consequences of resistance to the proper authority. "On
+whomsoever it shall fall, it shall grind him to powder." God never
+gave man unlimited control of the affairs of this world; but always
+speaks of man as being under his guidance, inhabiting his territory,
+and responsible to him for his acts. The world is His vineyard, and
+man is the agent. Hence, when God made man, "God blessed him, and God
+said unto him, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and
+subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the
+fowl of the air, and every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
+This, then, was man's dominion, _given him by the Lord_. And the word
+continues: "_And God gave them_ every herb bearing seed, and every tree
+in which is the fruit of a tree." These things were given by God; but
+to show his power, and his right to be obeyed, and in order to test
+man, he forbid his eating of a certain tree; and when he did eat of it,
+and thus broke the commandment of God, he thrust him out of the garden,
+and decreed that he "should eat his bread by the sweat of his brow."
+
+Again, God demanded worship and sacrifices, and when Cain and Abel
+offered them, he received one and rejected the other; and further, when
+Cain was wroth on account of his sacrifice not being accepted, the Lord
+said to him, "Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
+If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not
+well, sin lieth at the door." Gen. iv. 5-7. After the destruction of
+the world, which was in consequence of the people sinning against God,
+he blessed Noah, and spake to him, and gave him the same dominion
+which had been given before to Adam; and Noah offered sacrifices to
+him. The same recognition of the Almighty's power and authority was
+manifested by Abraham, Moses, the Children of Israel, and the Prophets;
+by Jesus also, and the primitive Christians. Man was left as a free
+agent with power to act, and vested with certain powers by his Father,
+and responsible to him for his acts, as a son, servant, or agent
+would be to his father, master, or employer. Perhaps it would be more
+correctly conveyed thus:--a man lets or rents a vineyard or farm, the
+man occupying it has a certain agency and discretionary power vested
+in his hands, but always subject to certain conditions imposed by the
+owner of the property. Hence God made a covenant with Noah, Abraham,
+the Children of Israel, and the primitive saints. The making of a
+covenant naturally implies two parties: in such cases, God is one,
+the people the other. If the people fulfil their covenant, the Lord
+is bound to fulfil his; but if man transgresses then the Lord is not
+bound to fulfil his engagement. For instance, in speaking to ancient
+Israel, he said, "And it shall come to pass if thou shalt hearken
+diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all
+the commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God
+will set thee on high above all nations of the earth." Deut. xxviii.
+1. He then describes what those blessings are; and further states,
+that if they do not observe his statutes they shall be cursed. The
+Lord set before them blessings and cursings; blessings if they obeyed,
+but cursings if they disobeyed. Man, then, acts as a moral agent, to
+improve upon the blessings which God puts within his power, or not, as
+he pleases; and it is the abuse of this moral agency, which has filled
+the world with misery and distress.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: This part of the subject is fully explained in the remarks
+on the Government of Man, chap. ii.]
+
+Man has lost sight of the object of his creation, and his future
+destiny; and losing sight of his origin, his relationship to God,
+and his future destiny, he has fallen into the mazes of ignorance,
+superstition, and iniquity, and is groping in the dark, and knows
+not how to conduct himself in this world, or how to prepare for the
+world to come. For, instead of being governed by the Spirit, Wisdom,
+and Revelations of God, he is governed by the spirit of the Evil One,
+"the god of this world, who rules in the hearts of the children of
+disobedience." They have left God, and submitted themselves to his evil
+sway, and used that agency which God has given to them, not only in
+rejecting God, but in obeying Satan; and furthering his designs, which
+are in opposition to those of God, the happiness of mankind, and the
+salvation of the world. I know there are many who will ridicule this
+idea but it is a thing which is plain in the Scriptures. The Apostle
+Paul says, "The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which
+believe not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is
+the image of God, should shine unto them." 2 Cor. iv. 4. And if any man
+thinks he is wise, he has his moral agency and the world before him;
+and if he can improve the situation of the world without God, he has
+ample opportunity to display his intelligence.
+
+I would remark, further, that so far from Satan not exercising this
+power over man, he exercises it to such an extent, and he possesses
+such an unbounded influence over the human family, that God's purposes
+relative to man, and the earth, never can be carried out until Satan
+is bound, and cast into the bottomless pit. John says, "And I saw an
+angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit, and
+a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the Dragon, that old
+serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
+and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal
+upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand
+years should be fulfilled." Rev. xx. 1-3. Here, then, he is described
+as _deceiving the nations_, and his power is curtailed for a season,
+that he shall not possess it. It is a difficult thing to persuade men
+that they are deceived; because that very power that deceives them,
+inflates the mind with self-sufficiency and assurance: but who, that
+looks abroad in the world, and sees the confusion, distress, and misery
+that abound, will say that man has acted wisely?
+
+Man, then, is a moral agent, possessing the power to do good or to do
+evil; if he does well, he fulfils the measure of his creation, and
+secures his happiness in time and in eternity. If he does not well,
+and is involved in difficulties and misery, it is his own fault, and
+he may blame himself. There are many circumstances over which man
+individually has no control; but I am speaking more particularly of
+nations and the world, and man's moral agency associated with them:
+concerning individuals, the Lord will make his own arrangements.
+The Jews are cursed nationally, on account of their fathers'
+transgression, and cannot remove that curse, as a nation, until the
+time come. As individuals they can receive the Gospel as well as
+others. Their fathers committed grievous national offences against
+God for some length of time, and finally filled up the measure of
+their iniquity, in rejecting, and crucifying the Son of God. If
+they killed the prophets, and stoned those whom God sent, how could
+he treat with them? He could act no other way consistently than to
+"destroy those husbandmen, and give the vineyard to others." For if
+God be the proprietor of the vineyard, and has a right to confer
+national blessings for obedience, he has also a right to visit them
+with national curses for disobedience. A nation rejecting God and
+his ordinances, and killing his prophets, and still professing to
+be his people, act hypocritically, and impose a great curse upon
+posterity. And if men will not acknowledge God, how can they expect
+him to acknowledge and bless them? Again. There are heathen nations
+enveloped in idolatry; and if millions of people came into the world
+in those places surrounded with idolatry and superstition, it would
+be unjust for them to be punished for what they did not know. Hence,
+if they have no law, they will be judged without law; and God in his
+own wisdom will regulate their affairs, for it is their misfortune,
+not their individual offence, that has placed them in their present
+position. If, however, we could trace their history, we should find,
+as with the Israelites, so with them. Their present darkness and
+misery originated in a departure from God; and as their fathers did
+not desire to retain God in their knowledge, he gave them up to their
+present darkness, confusion, and wretchedness. See Paul's remarks on
+this subject, Rom. i. 21-25, 28. For nationally, the conduct of fathers
+has a great influence over their children, as well as in a family
+capacity. Hence the Jews will be blessed as a nation, in consequence
+of the promises made to Abraham, for as I have said before, these
+are eternal principles; man is an eternal being, and all his actions
+have a relevancy to eternity. The actions of fathers have a bearing
+and influence on their children, both as families and nations, in
+time and in eternity. And those great principles that God has his eye
+upon in relation to the nations, and to the world, will certainly be
+accomplished. Hence the stimulus to excite men to tread in the steps
+of Abraham, that like him they may obtain blessings for themselves
+and their posterity. And hence the choice of Abraham by the Lord.
+The Lord said, "I know him that he will command his children and his
+household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord." Gen.
+xviii. 19. And why did the Lord feel anxious about this? Because of
+his own purposes in relation to the earth, and because of his parental
+care of the bodies and spirits of man. For there are matters of great
+importance associated with these things, as before referred to; and the
+Lord has felt very anxious, for the perpetuation of correct principles.
+So strong were his feelings in relation to this matter, that he gave
+the following law to the children of Israel: "If thy brother, the son
+of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom,
+or thy friend which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying,
+Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor
+thy fathers; namely, of the gods of the people which are round about
+you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee; from the one end of the
+earth even unto the other end of the earth; thou shalt not consent unto
+him, nor hearken unto him; neither shalt thine eye pity him, neither
+shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him; but thou shalt surely
+kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him, to put him to death, and
+afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt stone him with
+stones, that he die, because he hath sought to thrust thee away from
+the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from
+the house of bondage." Deut. xiii. 6-10. Here, then, it is stated,
+that if brother, son, wife, or any one, wish to lead thee from God,
+thou shalt destroy them; and why? Because in forsaking God, they lose
+sight of their eternal existence, corrupt themselves, and entail misery
+on their posterity. Hence it was better to destroy a few individuals,
+than to entail misery on many. And hence the inhabitants of the old
+world and of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, because
+it was better for them to die, and thus be deprived of their agency,
+which they abused, than entail so much misery on their posterity, and
+bring ruin upon millions of unborn persons. And having thus deprived
+them of their agency to act upon the earth, and punished them for their
+transgressions, Jesus went "and preached unto the spirits in prison;
+which sometime were disobedient, when once the long suffering of God
+waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing." 1 Peter
+iii. 19, 20.
+
+It is upon this principle that the world will be punished in the last
+days for their transgressions, because they have abused their agency,
+and broken the covenant that God made with them. They have yielded to
+the influence of Satan, perverted the designs of Jehovah, and brought
+upon themselves and posterity a curse, misery, and ruin. If any thing
+further is desired upon this subject, Isaiah has described it plainly,
+and has shewn the awful effects of an abuse of this moral agency and
+departure from God, and the breaking of this covenant. To him I refer
+the reader as a conclusion on this subject. "Behold, the Lord maketh
+the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and
+scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. And it shall be, as with the
+people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master;
+as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the
+seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of
+usury, so with the giver of usury to him. The land shall be utterly
+emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the Lord hath spoken this word. The
+earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away,
+the haughty people of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled
+under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws,
+changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath
+the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate:
+therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left."
+xxiv. 1-6.
+
+
+
+Chapter VII.
+------------------
+
+The Lord's Course in the Moral Government of the World.
+
+We will now enquire, What part the Lord has ever taken in the moral
+government of the world. In the last chapter I shewed that man has a
+moral agency; acting under the Lord, and is, consequently, responsible
+to him for his acts, as a moral agent. But does he leave him alone and
+unassisted to carry out his designs? No. Looking upon man as his son,
+he has from time to time offered his services and instructions, as a
+father. He has given revelations, instructing and warning his people.
+He has given promises to the obedient, and threatened the disobedient.
+He has instructed kings, rulers, and prophets. He has also protected
+the righteous, and punished, by judgments, the wicked. He has promised
+to Abraham and others lands and possessions. He has held out promises
+of eternal life to the faithful; but has never coerced or forced the
+human mind. He destroyed the inhabitants of the old world because they
+had corrupted themselves. He did not govern their minds; they might
+forget God, "and every thought of their hearts be only evil, and that
+continually;" but the earth was the Lord's, and he was the Father of
+our spirits; and although man had an agency to propagate his species,
+it was given him by God; and if he was so blind as to corrupt himself,
+and entail misery upon millions of unborn beings, the God of the
+universe, "the Father of Spirits," had a right to prevent him. And if
+he was prostituting the use of those faculties given him by God, to
+the service of Satan, and abusing the liberty which his Creator had so
+liberally given, although the Lord could not control the free action
+of his will, he could destroy his body, and thus prevent him from
+cursing posterity. Hence, if a man transgresses the laws of the land,
+he is considered a bad member of society, and is punished accordingly;
+sometimes imprisoned; sometimes banished; and sometimes put to death.
+Legislators assign as a reason for these things, that such persons are
+injurious to society; that if crime was not punished, the virtuous and
+good would be abused; the wicked would triumph; character, life, and
+property would be insecure; and anarchy, confusion, and desolation
+would inevitably ensue.
+
+I would here ask, If man acts upon this principle, has not God a right
+to do so with the affairs of his government? Or should we arrogate
+to ourselves privileges that we will not allow the Lord to possess?
+Upon this principle the Devil and his angels were cast out of heaven.
+The devil having his agency, as well as man, came here, and sought
+to destroy the works of God; and succeeded so far as to obtain an
+influence over man's spirit, and bring his body into subjection to
+his agency; and if man was so ungrateful and corrupt as to yield to
+his influence, and obey his agency, God had as much right to punish
+him as he had the Devil; and as he cast the Devil and his angels out
+of heaven, he also cut man off from the earth, and thus punished
+the "spirits that were disobedient in the days of Noah." Satan, in
+heaven, had no power over those spirits; but when they came to earth,
+he gained an ascendency over them, and not having a body himself,
+made use of their bodies to corrupt the world, and thus thwart the
+designs of Jehovah; they must therefore bear the consequences of
+their disobedience. And if I am asked by a sceptic why God destroyed
+so many human beings, I answer, this was God's government, they had
+transgressed his laws, were traitors to him, and he had a right to
+punish them, as I before stated, to prevent them from bringing ruin
+upon others, and perpetuating this misery of the human family, in time,
+and in eternity.
+
+The Lord has given laws, and although he has not forced man to keep
+them, nor coerced his will, yet he has punished him for disobedience,
+as a father would a son. A father of a child can teach that child
+correct principles; but unless he controls or confines the body,
+he cannot force that child to observe them; he can punish him for
+disobedience, however, and thus exert a moral or physical influence
+over him. Our Father does the same. He punished the inhabitants of
+Sodom and Gomorrah, Babylon, Ninevah, Jerusalem, and many other cities,
+and will punish the world on the same principle.
+
+Again: he has offered rewards, and given them to the faithful, such as
+Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; he protected the Children of Israel,
+and blessed them with temporal and national prosperity, when they
+served him, and punished their enemies; and he would have extended his
+blessings to the world, if they would have been obedient to him. The
+Lord has used these influences; but never coerced the will. Hence Jesus
+said to the Jews, "How often _would I_ have gathered you together as a
+hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and _ye would_ not." God
+would have benefitted them, but they would not be benefited. Again,
+the Prophet says, "Because _I have called_, and ye _refused_, I have
+stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought
+all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your
+calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh." Prov. i. 24-26. These
+things clearly prove that man is a free, moral agent, and that God
+never has controlled the human mind, and that, consequently, if man is
+found in a state of wretchedness, degradation, and ruin, he has himself
+to blame for it, and not the Lord. The Lord would have given him his
+counsel if he had sought it; for he _did_ instruct men of God formerly,
+and gave them laws, and ordinances; and he told his people that if
+they called upon him "in the day of trouble, he would hear them;" and
+James says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth
+to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him."
+i. 5. When the Children of Israel served God and obeyed him, they
+acknowledged his authority, and said, "The Lord is our judge; the Lord
+is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us." Isaiah xxxiii.
+22. If the Children of Israel had been obedient, and this principle
+had extended over the earth, we should have had the Kingdom of God
+established on the earth, and universal peace and happiness would have
+prevailed. But man's corruption and degeneracy have destroyed the
+world, and nothing but the wisdom, power, and blessings of God can
+restore it.
+
+
+
+Chapter VIII.
+------------------
+
+Whose Right Is It to Govern the World? Who Has Governed It?
+
+Having traced out in the preceding chapters the nature of man, his
+destiny and parentage, spiritual and temporal; what his object is in
+being here; what his relation to this earth is; his moral agency; and
+shown that God has never controlled his actions; we will next enquire
+a little about the earth; whose right it is to govern it; and who has
+governed it.
+
+It will not be necessary to say a great deal here about the earth,
+and its organization, for we have touched on this subject before, and
+it is one about which there should be no dispute among believers in
+the Bible. I will briefly state, that Paul says, "For by him were all
+things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and
+invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or
+powers: all things were created by him and for him." Colos. i. 16. This
+being the case, without further investigation, we will examine whose
+right it is to govern it. If the world be the Lord's, he certainly
+has a right to govern it; for we have already stated that man has
+no authority, except that which is delegated to him. He possesses a
+moral power to govern his actions, subject at all times to the law of
+God; but never is authorized to act independent of God; much less is
+he authorised to rule on the earth without the call and direction of
+the Lord; therefore, any rule or dominion over the earth, which is
+not given by the Lord, is surreptitiously obtained, and never will be
+sanctioned by him. I am aware that kings and queens are anointed and
+set apart by their different ministers, according to the different
+forms and creeds of the several countries over which they reign. There
+are two things necessary, however, to make their authority legal, and
+to authorize them to act as God's representatives on the earth. The
+first is, that they should be called of God; and the second, that
+the persons by whom they are anointed are duly authorised to anoint
+them. First, then, it may be necessary to observe, that, if kings
+and queens are of God's selection, and are his representatives, they
+must themselves be appointed by him; for if not so, how can they be
+considered his representatives? The prophet Hosea complains, that "they
+have set up kings, but not by me; they have made princes, and I knew
+it not." viii. 4. If they are sent by him, they must understand their
+office and calling, and the designs of the Lord concerning the people
+whom they govern, the same as a governor of a province, or a minister
+plenipotentiary, receives his credentials from the prince or court
+whom he serves. If, then, we examine the position of kings, and their
+relationship to their divine Sovereign, we shall find that there are
+only two ways for this calling to be legal. It must have been given,
+either by God, through revelation to the ancestors of the reigning
+kings, and handed down in an unbroken descent to the present time;
+or, otherwise, given by direct revelation, and they set apart by a
+prophet of the Lord God. But no nation, kingdom, or king in existence
+will acknowledge either of these ways. All the kingdoms that are now
+in existence were founded by the sword, without any respect to God. In
+relation to their anointing, the question would naturally arise, Who
+authorised the ministers to anoint those kings and queens? For if the
+persons officiating have not the authority thus to anoint, and set them
+apart, to execute God's law and reign over the nations, their anointing
+will avail them little: it will be merely the anointing of man without
+the direction and sanction of God.
+
+Authority to anoint kings and queens, in order that they may be the
+anointed of the Lord, must be given in one of three ways. It must
+first, have been given by revelation to the primitive Christian Church,
+authorising them to administer in this ordinance, and empowering their
+successors to do it; secondly, by direct revelation; or, otherwise,
+it must have been transmitted from the ancient Jews, through a lineal
+descent. In regard to the first, we find no such record in the New
+Testament; neither Jesus, nor his Apostles, nor any of the seventies,
+nor elders, ever administered in this ordinance, or spoke of it as
+being associated with the powers of their ministry. Consequently, no
+power can come from there.[A]
+
+[Footnote A: I am aware that the Roman Catholic ministry will tell
+us, that they have traditionary authority to anoint kings, and to
+perform many ordinances that are not contained in the Scriptures.
+Without, however, arguing the point of their authority here, I would
+briefly remark, that in order for the administration to be legal, it is
+necessary that the kings themselves be called of God; that this call is
+requisite, as well as the anointing; and that, if they possessed all
+the power they claim, they have no more right to anoint a man to be
+king, who is not called by God, in one of the two mentioned ways, than
+any officer of state would be authorised to confer an office of trust
+or honor on any individual, the gift of which was vested in the king
+alone, if the king had never appointed the individual. All intelligent
+persons must see that either appointment is illegal, and consequently
+null and void. The following from a French History, is interesting, and
+needs no comment: it shows clearly the design of its usage first in
+France:--
+
+"La ceremonie du sacre etait-elle connue en France avant l'inauguration
+de Pepin?
+
+"R. Non; elle n'avait jamais ete employee: mais Pepin se servit de
+cette ceremonie empruntee des Juifs, inconnue jusqu' alors, pour
+imprimer a la royaute un caractere plus auguste; cette coutume s'est
+perpetuee depuis pour tous les Rois de France. II commenca a regner,
+752, A.D.
+
+_Nouvelle Histoire de France, par Louis Ardent, p. 47. Paris: chez
+Corbet, Libraire Quai des Augustins._]
+
+In regard to the second position, all Christendom deny present
+revelation; and thus from their own confession they have not obtained
+their authority from that source; and in regard to the third, if
+there was authority associated with the Jews to ordain kings, the
+Christians certainly could not claim a Jewish rite; for the Jewish
+nation and authority were all destroyed: "they were broken off because
+of unbelief." Rom. xi. 17, 19, 20. The Christians obtained all their
+authority to officiate from Jesus Christ, and not from the Jews.
+Whichever way you look at it, there is no foundation for any such
+authority, and consequently the anointing is all a farce, for it does
+not originate with God.
+
+But here let us enquire a little further, Does God set up Christian
+kings to fight against Christian kings? and Christian subjects to
+destroy Christian subjects? I know they call upon God; but what to
+do? In their wars they ask him to destroy one another. This patchwork
+dominion, and mongrel Christianity, although they may be quite feasible
+in the dark, yet they present a curious spectacle when brought into the
+light of Truth.
+
+It may be asked, Has not the Lord given authority to kings to reign?
+Yes; he has, to two kinds: to one, to accomplish certain purposes that
+he had in view relative to the nations; to the other, to rule over his
+people--these were legally called and anointed by him. Of the first
+kind, was Nebuchadnezzar; he had a kingdom and dominion given to him,
+so say the Scriptures, but certainly not to govern God's people, for
+he made, and caused to be worshipped, a large golden Image; and put
+Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego into a furnace for not doing so. What,
+then, was his calling? First, it was to govern a wicked and idolatrous
+people; and secondly, to fulfil the will of God, in the punishment
+of his people. As the people over whom he ruled had given themselves
+up to idolatry, they had an idolatrous king given to them for their
+ruler, for the Lord, never having given up his right to govern the
+world, gives the people kings according to their deserts; and although
+he may not give them _legal authority as His representatives_, yet
+by his overruling Providence, he places wicked men in a position
+that they may have power over a wicked nation, both to trouble that
+nation and themselves. Such was the case with Pharaoh, king of Egypt;
+and also with Salmanaser, king of Assyria, when he defied the God of
+Israel. Such was the case with some of the kings of Israel, in the
+rebellions of that people; and with Belshazzar, king of Babylon, who
+was eating and drinking with his wives and concubines in the palace
+at Babylon, when the handwriting was seen on the walls, "God hath
+numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. Thou art weighed in the balances
+and art found wanting." Dan. v. 26, 27. Babylon was destroyed; and
+so fully have the purposes of God been accomplished in relation to
+that magnificent city, that the place where it then stood is now a
+desert. And such also will be the case with the nations and kings of
+the earth, in the last day, as spoken of by Zechariah. "Behold, the
+day of the Lord cometh . . . . . For I will gather all nations against
+Jerusalem to battle . . . . . then shall the Lord go forth and fight
+against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle." xiv.
+1-3: also read the 39th chapter of Ezekiel. Here, then, is a slaughter
+the most terrible that could be conceived: the armies actually cover
+the land, and so dreadful is the slaughter, that they cannot bury the
+dead, so that their stench shall stop the noses of the passers by. The
+fowls of the air are commanded also to assemble, that they may eat the
+flesh of kings, captains, and mighty men; and yet those kings, princes,
+and rulers will, by the providence of God, be given to the people as a
+chastisement, that the Lord may punish both kings and people on account
+of their iniquities. Daniel clearly exemplifies this subject in the
+following words, in speaking of the judgements that should come upon
+Nebuchadnezzar. He states, that these judgements were "to the intent
+that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of
+men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the
+basest of men." iv. 17. Another duty that wicked kings have to perform
+on the earth is, that of being used by the Almighty as a scourge or
+rod to punish nations that are corrupt. Hence when Israel had sinned
+against God, and the Lord determined to chastise them, he told them,
+through his prophets, that he would punish them by Nebuchadnezzar, King
+of Babylon. Accordingly, Nebuchadnezzar came against Jerusalem, and
+took the Children of Israel captive to Babylon, with the vessels of
+silver and gold belonging to the Temple. And God afterwards punished
+Babylon for its transgressions; Cyrus, king of Persia was raised up by
+the Lord to chastise it.
+
+But did either of these kings govern God's people? or were they
+ordained by the Lord? No, only as his sword to execute his judgements
+on the nations. Such, also, were Alexander, Caesar, and others; and
+hence Paul tells the Christians in his day to submit themselves to
+kings and rulers. And why? These men were ordained for a certain
+purpose, and it was not for the Christians to set in order the affairs
+of God's kingdom, nor to regulate the world. The Lord would do that
+in his own time and way; it was for them to wait for the time "of the
+restitution of all things."
+
+Another order of kings were those that were anointed to reign over
+God's people, the children of Israel. Such was Saul, who was anointed
+by Samuel; such also were David and Solomon, and many of the kings
+of Israel. Those kings that were anointed and acknowledged of the
+Lord were not only kings but priests. Hence, Saul, when he had sinned
+against God, and the Spirit of the Lord was withdrawn, "enquired of the
+Lord, and the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim,
+nor by prophets." 1 Sam. xxviii. 6. David also acted as a priest, and
+could obtain knowledge or revelation from God also, for when Saul was
+rejected, and sought David's life, David called for the ephod, used
+by the priests: see Exodus xxviii. "And David said to Abiathar the
+priest, bring hither the ephod. Then said David, O Lord God of Israel,
+thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah
+to destroy the city for my sake. Will the men of Keilah deliver me up
+into his hand? Will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard, O Lord
+God of Israel? I beseech thee tell thy servant. And the Lord said, He
+will come down. Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and
+my men up into the hand of Saul? And the Lord said, They will deliver
+thee up." 1 Sam. xxiii. 9-12. Here we find David actually enquiring of
+God for direction, and obtaining information. The Lord had forsaken
+Saul, and would not answer him; but he would and did answer David: see
+also the xxiii. 2; and xxx. 8; and 2 Sam. ii. 1; v. 19-25; xxi. 1; 1
+Chron. xiv. 10-14. From the whole of the above we learn, that David
+took no step without enquiring of the Lord. Solomon also, acted as a
+priest as well as a king; and it is said of him, that Solomon loved
+the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father. And the Lord
+gave him wisdom, and instructed him in the affairs of his kingdom. When
+he prayed unto the Lord, and asked of him wisdom, God granted him the
+desire of his heart, and gave him with wisdom, riches and honor. "And
+Judah and Israel dwelt in safety, every man under his vine and fig
+tree, from Dan to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon;" and when he had
+finished the temple, he offered his sacrifices, and acknowledged the
+God of Israel; and he prayed for the nation over which he ruled, not by
+proxy, but himself. "And Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in
+the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his
+hands towards heaven;" and then he uttered a prayer for himself, his
+people, and nation: see 1 Kings viii. 22. And we read that afterwards
+the Lord appeared to him, and said unto him, "I have heard thy prayer
+and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed
+this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and
+mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And if thou wilt
+walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and
+in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and
+wilt keep my statutes and my judgements: then I will establish the
+throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David
+thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne
+of Israel. But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your
+children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I
+have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:
+then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them;
+and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of
+my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:
+and at this house, which is high, every one that passeth by it shall be
+astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the Lord done
+thus unto this land, and to this house? And they shall answer, Because
+they forsook the Lord their God, who brought forth their fathers out
+of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold upon other gods, and have
+worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath the Lord brought upon
+them all this evil." 1 Kings ix. 3-9.
+
+Thus, then, these men, delegated and appointed of God, acted as his
+representatives on the earth. They received their kingdoms from him.
+They were anointed by prophets of God, who received the word of the
+Lord concerning them, as in the case of Saul and David; and if they
+departed from God, he chastised, or removed them, as in the case of
+Saul and David, and of which the history of the Kings of Israel is a
+striking example, and faithful commentary. Those that were faithful
+among them sought to know the mind of God, and to carry out his
+designs. The greatest, most powerful, and prosperous rule that ever
+existed among them, as a nation, was that of Solomon, who asked, and
+obtained wisdom from God; and that wisdom as a necessary consequence
+brought honour, happiness, security, riches, magnificence, and power.
+Thus those kings that were righteous, who received their kingdoms from
+the Lord, went to war, or proclaimed peace by his directions; they
+were his representatives on the earth, and governed his people as the
+Lord's anointed. Yet even the monarchy of the House of Israel was
+not in strict accordance with the will of God; but originated in the
+rebellion and pride of the children of Israel, who, wishing to be like
+the nations around them, being dissatisfied with their judges, desired
+of the Lord a king. The following are their words, and the Lord's
+answer: "Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together,
+and came to Samuel unto Ramah, and said unto him, Behold thou art old,
+and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like
+all the nations. But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give
+us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the Lord. And the Lord
+said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that
+they say unto thee; for they have not rejected thee, but they have
+rejected me, that I should not reign over them. According to all the
+works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of
+Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they have forsaken me, and served
+other gods, so do they also unto thee. Now therefore hearken unto their
+voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner
+of the king that shall reign over them. And Samuel told all the words
+of the Lord unto the people that asked of him a king. And he said,
+this will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: he will
+take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to
+be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots. And he will
+appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and
+will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make
+his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots. And he will
+take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be
+bakers. And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your
+oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. And
+he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to
+his officers, and to his servants. And he will take your menservants,
+and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses,
+and put them to his work. He will take the tenth of your sheep; and
+ye shall be his servants. And ye shall cry out in that day because of
+your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the Lord will not hear
+you in that day. Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of
+Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; that we
+also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and
+go out before us, and fight our battles. And Samuel heard all the words
+of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord. And the
+Lord said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king.
+And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city."
+1 Sam. viii. 4-22.
+
+We find that this thing was displeasing to the Lord; they resisted the
+counsel of God; but as they were the Lord's people, he listened to
+their requests, and gave according to their desires; he felt bound to
+fulfil his engagements, and, if they would not walk fully by the rule
+that he required, to give a government of their own asking, which, if
+not so good as the one he proposed, was nevertheless sanctioned by him;
+and that order once established, those kings set apart, and anointed by
+him, had a perfect right to look to him for his guidance, which they
+did, and inasmuch as they performed his will, as his representatives,
+were blessed of him. For kings could not be blamed for the order that
+existed, they did not originate the government; it was the people, all
+they could do was to rule according to the direction of the Lord. But
+this was not a perfect government. The Lord had his eye on something
+yet more glorious, something in which the salvation, and happiness of
+the world were concerned; a rule of righteousness, when, not only one
+nation, but the kingdoms and dominions of the whole earth, should be
+given to the Son of God; and when all nations, kindreds, people, and
+tongues should serve and obey him; and as the earth belonged to him,
+and the people also, that he should govern them. Such will be the case
+as we shall hereafter show, and a system be introduced that will not
+only benefit one nation, but that will govern all nations, bless the
+whole of the human family, and exalt and happify the world. All these
+things that have existed, are merely temporary arrangements, adapted
+to the weakness, ignorance, and wickedness of the human family, in
+the times of darkness, and power of Satan. If the above is the case,
+in regard to the best of these governments, even that of the House of
+Israel, what is the situation of those who are governing, without even
+any pretensions to have received their government and authority from
+God! It may be asked, What is to be done in this state of things? how
+are they to be regulated? This is worthy of our attention, but as we
+shall devote some time to this hereafter, we will content ourselves
+with saying, this is God's work, and not man's. He has these things in
+his hands, and he must arrange them; confusion, revolt, rebellion, is
+not the way to bring these things about; for if the world is already
+evil, this will only make it worse. Besides, the kings and rulers of
+the present day are no more responsible than others; they did not make
+the nations as they are, they found them so; neither are they appointed
+to govern the world, nor do any of them profess it. According to their
+most extended calculation, their power would be confined to their own
+nations. Some of the kings and queens of the earth seem to be actuated
+by a desire to promote the happiness of the nations with which they
+are associated, and over which they rule. The Queen of England is
+almost universally beloved by her subjects, and that deservedly; she
+has been mild and pacific in her course, and her rule and dominion
+have been as near right as it is possible for a government to be under
+existing circumstances. If there are evils, she did not originate
+them, she found them so. She has kept her covenant that she made with
+the nation, and sought the welfare of her subjects, and they owe her
+fealty, and ought to render to her obedience. And as she, nor no
+monarch, is set to build up the kingdom of God, or establish universal
+rule, as a monarchy without authority from God, it is perhaps as good
+a form as could exist. The Emperor of Russia, with all his faults of
+government, nevertheless possesses many good traits; at any rate he
+seems to reverence the Lord. Some time ago, when the cholera broke out
+in St. Petersburgh, the inhabitants supposed that their wells had been
+poisoned; a large number of people assembled for the purpose, as they
+thought, of finding out, and punishing the aggressors. The excitement
+was very great. The Emperor, hearing of the tumult, rushed into their
+midst and said, "My children, you are mistaken in supposing that the
+wells have been poisoned, and this is the cause of our affliction, this
+is a judgement that has come from God, let us fall down before him,
+and ask him to remove his scourge from our midst;" whereupon he fell
+upon his knees in the midst of the people, and prayed to the Lord to
+remove the plague from among them. He has a strong impression that God
+has a work for him to do on the earth; and in this he may be right.
+Although he is not delegated to establish the kingdom of God, he may
+nevertheless be appointed as Caesar, Nebuchadnezzar, and others, as a
+scourge to the nations, and so fulfil his destiny, for as we are on
+the eve of great events, and a fearful doom awaits the nations, some
+powerful means must be made use of, in this as well as in other ages,
+to bring these things about.
+
+Some may remark on the foregoing, Does not Paul say, that "the powers
+that be, are ordained of God?" Yes, and so say I; but all powers
+that are ordained of God, do not rule for his glory, nor are they
+all associated with his government and kingdom. Nebuchadnezzar and
+Belshazzar were ordained of God, but they were both idolaters. Cyrus
+was ordained of God; but he was an heathen. God regulates his own
+affairs; and while the world is in a state of idolatry, apostacy, and
+rebellion, he, by his providence, overrules the affairs of the nation,
+as Daniel says, "to the intent that the living may know that the Most
+High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will,
+and setteth up over it the basest of men." Dan. iv. 17. But others will
+say that Paul tells us "to be subject to the powers that be." So say I.
+God will establish his own government: the cavillings, rebellions, and
+contentions of men will not do it; and it is proper for well disposed
+persons to wait the Lord's time, to be peaceable and quiet, and to pray
+for kings, governors, and authorities. This was what Jeremiah taught
+the children of Israel to do, "And seek the peace of the city wherein I
+have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for
+it, for in the peace thereof shall you have peace." xxix. 7. It is very
+evident, from what has been shown, that there is no proper government
+nor rule upon the face of the earth; that there are no kings who are
+anointed, or legally appointed of God; and that, however much disposed
+any of them may feel to benefit the world, it is out of their power, it
+exceeds the limits of their jurisdiction, it requires a power, spirit,
+and intelligence, which they do not possess. We see, moreover, that
+tumults, commotions, rebellions, and resistance are not the way to do
+it. It requires more wisdom than that which emperors, kings, princes,
+or the wisest of men possess, to bring out of the wild chaos, the
+misery, and desolation that have overspread the world, that beautiful
+order, peace, and happiness portrayed by the prophets as the reign of
+the kingdom of God.
+
+
+
+Chapter IX.
+------------------
+
+Will Man Always Be Permitted to Usurp Authority Over Men, and Over the
+Works of God? Will the World Remain for ever Under a Curse, and God's
+Designs Be Frustrated?
+
+The above are grave questions, and will necessarily require
+examination, for they concern the earth and its inhabitants. Their true
+solution will affect man in time and in eternity. The world cannot
+remain as it is, for the following reasons:--
+
+First. It would be unreasonable.
+
+Secondly. It would be unjust.
+
+Thirdly. It would be unscriptural.
+
+Fourthly. It would frustrate the designs of God, in regard to the
+spirits of the righteous; the dead; the progression of the world, and
+its final exaltation; and also the exaltation of man.
+
+First.--It would be unreasonable for man to continue his usurped
+authority. If God is interested in the welfare of his creatures, he
+certainly never would permit, without some just cause, the destruction
+of his works, and the misery of his creatures; and we have fully
+demonstrated, that the world is full of abominations, and evils, and
+that those evils can only be removed by the interposition of the Lord;
+that the assumed authority of men, and the Devil, can only be checked
+by a superior power. God holds that power in his hands; he holds the
+life of the human family in his hands; and the world, notwithstanding
+its rebellion and iniquity, has to be sustained by him from day to
+day. Let him but withdraw his governing and controlling power from the
+earth, and it would wander wildly through space, unblest by the genial
+influences of the sun, or clash against some other system, involving
+all creation in ruin: let some slight variation take place in its
+diurnal motion, and the sea would leave its proper bounds, overflow the
+earth, and millions of the human family would perish. Let even some
+slight variation take place in the atmosphere, and the Lord withdraw
+the sanitory influences that preserve the earth in its present healthy
+state, and the murky atmosphere would contain contagion, and disease;
+the pestiferous air would spread desolation, and death; plague and
+pestilence would fill the earth; and millions of foetid loathsome
+beings would be living, and dying examples, of man's impotency and
+weakness. Even a small insect sent to destroy the grain, accompanied
+with the blight of the potatoes, such as has already been witnessed,
+would produce incalculable evil; let these things become more
+universal, and the death of the human family must ensue. Even so slight
+a thing as too much, or too little rain would produce uncalculated
+misery.
+
+When we contemplate man as he is, a poor worm dependent upon God for
+his daily bread, and upon how many slight contingencies the brittle
+thread of life is continued, and that the least variation in the
+economy of God might, in numberless ways, involve the human family in
+ruin, and then notice his arrogance, pride, conceit, and rebellion; it
+seems to us mysterious that the mercy of God should be so long extended
+to him; and we can only account for it upon this principle, that God is
+too great, wise, powerful, and magnanimous to be moved to anger by the
+impotent ravings, the empty pride, the little meanness, the swelling
+pusillanimity, and the utter helplessness, of the erratic, puerile,
+insignificant creature, man. He lets him wallow in his corruptions,
+gloat in his misery, and permits him to become a prey to Satan, for
+a season, that he may feel the greatness of his fall, the extent of
+his degeneracy, and the utter ruin that his own course, instigated
+by the powers of the adversary, has brought upon him; that he may
+afterwards learn to appreciate the mercies of God, see and understand
+the delusion, and be enabled eternally to appreciate the mercies and
+government of God, after having first atoned for his own acts and
+transgressions. For like a wayward and disobedient child, he will be
+glad to return to his father's house and friendship; and when the
+vision of his mind shall be opened, which, if not done in this world,
+will be in the world to come, he will be thoroughly disgusted with
+himself and his acts, and will be glad on any conditions to find an
+asylum with his Father.
+
+This state of things, then, is merely permitted for a season, to
+develop the designs and influences of Satan, and their effects; to
+develop the weakness of man, and his incompetency to rule and govern
+himself without God; to manifest the mercy of God, in bearing with
+man, in the midst of his rebellion; to show man his ingratitude, and
+the depth of his depravity, in order that he may appreciate more fully
+the mercy and long-suffering of God, and the purity and holiness
+that reign in the eternal world. Man has tasted the misery of sin
+and rebellion, and drunk of the cup of sorrow, in order that he may
+appreciate more fully the joy and happiness that spring from obedience
+to God, and his laws. But to think for a moment that man here will
+always be permitted to subvert the designs of God, and the world be
+for ever under the dominion of Satan, is the height of folly, and
+only develops more fully the pride, littleness, and emptiness of man.
+For notwithstanding man is a weak creature, in comparison to God, yet
+he has within him the germs of greatness and immortality. God is his
+Father, and though now wandering in darkness, sunk, degraded, and
+fallen, he is destined, in the purposes of God, to be great, dignified,
+and exalted; to occupy a glorious position in the eternal world, and
+to fulfil the object of his creation. Will this design be frustrated
+by the powers of darkness, or the influence of wicked and ungodly men?
+Verily, no. To suppose such a thing, manifests the greatest absurdity,
+which can only be equalled by the weakness and ignorance from whence
+it springs. What! God, the author of the universe, and of all created
+good, suffer his plans to be frustrated by the powers of the Devil?
+Shall this beautiful world, and all its inhabitants, become a prey to
+Satan and his influences, and those celestial, pure, principles that
+exist in the eternal world, be for ever banished? Shall the earth still
+be defiled under the inhabitants thereof, when God is our Father? Shall
+iniquity, corruption, and depravity always spread their contaminating
+influences, and this earth, that ought to have been a paradise, be a
+desolate miserable wreck? Shall tyranny, oppression, and iniquity for
+ever rule? Shall the neck of the righteous always be under the feet of
+the ungodly? No, says every principle of reason, for the Almighty God
+is its maker. No, echoes the voice of all the prophets, there shall
+be a restitution of all things. No, say the Scriptures of all truth,
+"The earth shall become as the Garden of Eden," the wicked shall be
+rooted out of it; the time shall come when the Saints shall possess
+the kingdom, and the earth shall become as the garden of the Lord.
+No, responds the voice of all the dead Saints, we died in the hope of
+better things, etc. No! say our later revelations--
+
+"The Lord hath brought again Zion;
+
+"The Lord hath redeemed his people, Israel,
+
+"According to the election of grace,
+
+"Which was brought to pass by the faith
+
+"And covenants of their Fathers.
+
+"The Lord hath redeemed his people,
+
+"And Satan is bound, and time is no longer:
+
+"The Lord hath gathered all things in one;
+
+"The Lord hath brought down Zion from above;
+
+"The Lord hath brought up Zion from beneath;
+
+"The Earth hath travailed and brought forth her strength;
+
+"And truth is established in her bowels:
+
+"And the heavens have smiled upon her;
+
+"And she is clothed with the glory of her God;
+
+"For he stands in the midst of his people,
+
+"Glory, and honor, and power, and might,
+
+"Be ascribed to our God, for he is full of mercy,
+
+"Justice, grace, and truth, and peace,
+
+"For ever, and ever. Amen."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Doctrine and Covenants, Section 84: 99-102.]
+
+It is therefore contrary to every principle of reason and intelligence
+to suppose such a thing.
+
+Secondly.--It would be unjust: and "shall not the Judge of all the
+earth do right?" But what right would there be in thus permitting
+Satan to usurp the dominion for ever? It would be giving in the first
+place to Satan that which belongs to God. This earth is not Satan's
+inheritance; it is the Lord Jesus Christ's, he is the rightful owner
+and proprietor. If Satan be indeed the God of this world, and rules in
+the hearts of the children of disobedience, he is only an usurper. It
+is not his rightful dominion, for all things were created by Christ,
+and for Christ, whether they be principalities, or powers, or thrones,
+or dominions, all these were created by him, and for him, and he only
+has a right to rule; but Satan has subverted the ways of God, deceived
+the human family, introduced misery, and confusion, and blighted
+this beautiful creation with his contaminating curse. As an usurper,
+it would be unjust to permit him to rule; it would be unjust to the
+government of God, for, if God has a right to rule, no other power can
+have that right, unless it is delegated, and if delegated, still the
+right is vested in the power that delegates.
+
+It is therefore derogatory to God, for the world to be yielding
+obedience to another power. For while God, not the Devil, provides
+for, feeds, sustains, and beautifies the Universe, and nourishes the
+millions of people who inhabit the earth, with his beneficent hand and
+fatherly care;--for him to be neglected and despised, or forgotten, is
+the height of injustice, and the very climax of perverse ingratitude.
+But again, it would be unjust to the good and virtuous; this earth is
+properly the dwelling place, and rightful inheritance of the Saints.
+Inasmuch as it belongs to Jesus Christ, it also belongs to his servants
+and followers, for we are told, "The earth is the Lord's and the
+fulness thereof," and that, when things are in their proper place,
+"the Saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the
+kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall
+be given to the saints of the Most High." Dan. vii. 18 and 27. It is
+therefore their righful inheritance, and the usurpation before referred
+to, while it is unjust to God, is also as unjust to his Saints. Who
+can contemplate the position of the world, as it has existed, without
+being struck with this fact, Where has God ever had a people but they
+have been persecuted? The testimony of God has always been rejected,
+and his people trodden under foot. Paul tells us that they "were
+tempted, tried, sawn asunder, that they wandered about in sheep skins,
+and goat skins, being destitute, afflicted, and tormented." Heb. xi.
+37. And to such an extent had this prevailed among the ancient Jews,
+that Stephen gravely asks the question, "Which of the prophets have
+not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them, which shewed
+before, of the coming of the Just One, of whom ye have been now the
+betrayers and murderers." Acts vii. 52. What did they do with Jesus!
+and what with his followers! We may here ask, Is it right, is it
+proper, is it just, for this state of things to continue? It is true
+that the saints have had a hope of joys to come, and this state of
+trial has been permitted for their ultimate good; but although this
+is the case, it does not make the thing the more just. "It must needs
+be," says Jesus, "that offences come, but woe to that man by whom the
+offence cometh. It were better for him that a millstone were hanged
+about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea," than
+that he should offend one of those little ones. Matt, xviii. "They
+that touch you, touch the apple of mine eye." He has cried all along,
+"Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." The saints
+have suffered and endured, but they have done it in the hopes of a
+better resurrection; and as they have always looked upon this earth as
+their inheritance, to deprive them of this, would be to falsify the
+promises of God unto them, disappoint all their hopes, render inutile
+their sufferings and fidelity on the earth; and be to them an act,
+not only of temporary, but also of eternal injustice. For men of God
+in former days were just as much actuated by the prospect of a reward
+as a merchant, a warrior, a statesman, or any other person in search
+of wealth, honor, or fame. The only difference is, the one sought it
+in this life, the other in the life to come; the one looked for his
+reward here, the other expected it hereafter; the one had no hope
+concerning the future, the other had; the one was blinded by the God of
+this world, and knew not his position, or possessed not a nobility of
+soul sufficient to make him brook the world, and the scorn of men, in
+search of a better inheritance; the other understood by revelation his
+relationship to God, the position of the world, and his high calling,
+and glorious hope; he sought the nearest way to eternal life, scorned
+to be captivated by the world's tinsel show, despised the short-lived
+pleasures offered by the god of this world, and possessed magnanimity
+of soul sufficient to lead him to acknowledge the God of the Universe,
+and to brook the scorn of empty fools, and ephemeral philosophers.
+If persecution's deadly shafts, and superstition's craven hate, were
+levelled against him, he dared to brook death in all its horrid forms,
+and live and die an honourable man, a true philosopher, a servant of
+God, and endure as seeing him who is invisible, in the hopes of a
+better resurrection. Deprive him of this hope, and you rob the just of
+his reward, dishonour God, and perpetuate misery and corruption in the
+world.
+
+Thirdly.--As it would be unjust, so also it would be unscriptural. The
+Scriptures are full and clear on this subject; they represent Christ as
+being the rightful heir, and inheritor of this world; they represent
+him as having come once to atone for the sins of the world; but that
+he will afterwards come as its ruler, judge, and king; they represent
+him as the "Lord of the vineyard, the rightful heir" to the earth, and
+as having hitherto been dispossessed; but they again represent him
+as coming to claim his rights, to dispossess the usurpers; to take
+the authority, to rule, and reign, and to possess his own dominions.
+They represent the earth as labouring under a curse; but speak also
+of its deliverance therefrom; of its being blighted because of the
+transgression of man; but that it shall again yield its increase and
+become as the Garden of Eden. They represent the whole creation as
+groaning and travailing in pain, but that the creature also shall be
+delivered. That the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon all flesh; that
+the wolf shall lie down with the lamb, the lion eat straw with the ox,
+and finally, every creature that is in the heavens, on the earth, or
+under the earth, shall be heard to say, glory and honor, and power,
+etc. That the law shall go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord
+from Jerusalem. That Jerusalem shall become the throne of the Lord,
+and that the dead saints shall live, and reign with Christ, no longer
+deprived of their rightful inheritance; but as Jesus said when here,
+"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
+
+If, then, the Scriptures are not idle phantoms, if their visions, and
+prophecies were not mere phantasies, and written to deceive, we have as
+much right to look for these things as we have to believe in any event
+that has taken place; but lest any of my readers should be ignorant of
+the Scriptures relative to these subjects, I will give a few passages
+which are in themselves as clear and pointed, as any other portion of
+the word of God.
+
+Concerning Christ being the rightful heir, it is written, "All things
+were created by him, and for him, and without him was not anything made
+that is made." He is the "Mighty God, the everlasting Father," &c. "For
+of him, and from him, and to him are all things." "Thou sayest that I
+am a king, for this end was I born, etc." "Then the Lord shall be king
+over all the earth."
+
+The Jews made a great mistake concerning the coming of Christ before;
+the Gentiles have made as great a mistake in regard to his second
+coming. The Jews expected him to come as a temporal deliverer alone,
+and overlooked his sufferings, trials, persecution, and death; the
+Gentiles having believed in his sufferings, have lost sight of his
+second coming; the promises of God made to the fathers; the redemption
+of the earth, and the kingdom of God. Both are wrong; both believed in
+part; neither in the whole. The Jews, in consequence of their unbelief,
+were cut off; but when Christ comes again, he will come in the way that
+their fathers looked for him, as a King, with power, and authority.
+The Gentiles having fallen into darkness, have lost sight of the great
+purposes of God, in regard to the redemption of man, and of the world;
+the restitution of all things, and the coming of Christ to reign. They
+have so far forgotten themselves, that they are actually fulfilling
+the prophecy of Peter: "There shall come in the last days scoffers,
+walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his
+coming?" 2 iii. 4. But to return: the Scriptures represent Christ as
+the lord of the vineyard, as the "heir" that was killed; as the "sower
+of the seed" in the world; as the "destroyer of the wicked husbandmen;"
+as coming to "rule the nations with a rod of iron," etc.; and to take
+possession of the kingdom. Daniel says, "I saw in the night visions,
+and behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven,
+and came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him near before
+him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that
+all people, nations, and languages, should serve him; his dominion is
+an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom
+that which shall not be destroyed." Dan. vii. 13, 14. Zechariah says,
+"And his feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which
+is before Jerusalem on the East; and the Mount of Olives shall cleave
+in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there
+shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove
+toward the north, and half of it toward the south. And ye shall flee
+to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall
+reach unto Azal; yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the
+earthquake in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah: and the Lord my God
+shall come, and all the saints with thee." . . . . "And the Lord shall
+be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and
+his name one." xiv. 4, 5, 9. These and many other things must be
+fulfilled if the Scriptures be true. These designs of God, which were
+the hope of the ancient Saints, and of which poets sung, and prophets
+wrote, were the consolation of all the faithful Saints, Prophets, and
+Patriarchs,--Jews and Christians. Take these away, and the world, to
+the Saints, is a miserable blank; the hope of the righteous futile, and
+the Word of God a farce.
+
+Fourthly.--It would frustrate the designs of God, in regard to the
+spirits of the righteous, the dead, the progression of the world, and
+its final exaltation; and also the exaltation of man.
+
+When the Lord created this world, as we have already stated, he had
+an object in view, not only in regard to the world, and its future
+destiny, but also as it regards the spirits which were then in
+existence. Those great and eternal purposes which our heavenly Father,
+in his consummate wisdom, had in view, when he issued his Divine
+Mandate, and this world was created, cannot be frustrated unless he
+cease to be God. And those enlivening hopes which cheered his sons;
+those spirits that lived with him, when they saw this beautiful orb
+fashioned, this earth made as the place for their habitation, as
+their possession, as the place where they should take bodies, where
+they should live, rule, and reign, not only in time, but in eternity,
+must not, cannot be destroyed. And yet what avails it all to them, if
+Satan triumph, the wicked rule, and God's kingdom be not established!
+They could not "have shouted for joy" at the prospect of this world
+continuing under the dominion of Satan; at the blight, degradation,
+misery, and ruin that have overspread it. But if we trace the matter
+still further, and look at the righteous dead, their position would
+be any thing but enviable under those circumstances. It was the
+hopes of the resurrection that made them endure, and it was God that
+implanted them in their bosoms; but if they are not raised, and if
+Christ's kingdom is not established, and they do not reign with him,
+their hopes are vain, their sufferings useless, and the purposes of
+God are frustrated. In vain did they bear a faithful testimony in
+opposition to a depraved world; in vain they endured, as seeing him
+that is invisible; in vain they wandered about in sheep skins, and in
+goat skins; in vain they looked for a city which hath foundations, as
+a recompense of reward; and false and deceptive are the testimonies of
+all the prophets who have testified of the restitution of all things,
+from the foundation of the world. Take away this, and our highest, and
+most exalted hopes are blighted; we live like fools, and die like dogs.
+If the world is always suffered to continue as it is, then is the hope
+of the righteous vain, the promises of God fail, Satan triumphs, and
+God's purposes are frustrated.
+
+All the designs of God concerning this world and the work of creation,
+were perfected in his mind before this world rolled into existence, or
+"e'er the morning stars sang together for joy." When this world was
+formed, God intended it as the final dwelling place of those bodies
+which should inhabit it. And when "the sons of God shouted for joy,"
+it was at the prospect of that exaltation, that they would be capable
+of obtaining, in consequence of this creation, which they then saw
+come into existence. And if, as Jesus, they had to descend below all
+things, in order that they might be raised above all things; still
+this was the medium, or channel, through which they were to obtain
+their ultimate exaltation, and glorification. It was by the union
+of their spirits, which came forth from the Father as the "Father
+of Spirits," with earthly bodies, that perfect beings were formed,
+capable of continued increase and eternal exaltation; that the spirit,
+quick, subtle, refined, lively, animate, energetic, and eternal, might
+have a body through which to operate, that might be compared to the
+steam, to an engine; the electric fluid to the telegraphic wire; for,
+notwithstanding that spirit, steam, or electricity are the powerful,
+quickening, energetic principles, employed; yet without the engine,
+the telegraphic wire, or the matter, they would be comparatively
+useless; these elements might wander in empty space; spend their force
+at random, or remain dormant, or useless, without those more tangible,
+material objects, through which to exercise their force. When steam
+was first applied to practical purposes; when the operation of the
+magnetic needle, and the mode of communication through the electric
+telegraph, were discovered; when railroads and steam boats were first
+invented, something of importance was discovered, and of great value to
+the human family. The men who made these discoveries and applications
+are deservedly looked upon at the present time as men of great genius,
+and as the benefactors of the world; but what was it they did? They
+did not create the elements, those already existed: steam, magnetism,
+electricity, iron, coals, water, existed before, and had existed from
+the beginning of creation. What was it these geniuses discovered? It
+was simply a method of organizing this matter, the making use of gross
+inanimate materials to confine the more subtle, refined, elastic,
+energetic, and powerful, that their combined power and energy might
+be brought into effect; and that through the union of two powerful
+agencies, which had lain dormant, their forces might be united, and be
+brought into active and powerful operation. Thus, then, was the body
+formed as an agent for the spirit. It was made of grosser materials
+than the spirit, which proceeded from God, but was necessary as an
+habitation for it that, it might be clothed with a body, perfect in
+its organization, beautiful in its structure, symmetrical in its
+proportions, and in every way fit for an eternal intelligent being;
+that through it, it might speak, act, enjoy, and develop its power,
+its intelligence, and perpetuate its species. Hence as the discoveries
+of those geniuses already referred to, were hailed with pleasure by
+the inhabitants of the world, on account of the benefits conferred
+upon men, so when God created this earth, and organized men upon it,
+"the morning stars sung together for joy;" they looked upon it as God
+looked upon it, as a work perfect, magnificent, and glorious, through
+which they saw their way to exaltation, glory, thrones, principalities,
+powers, dominions, and eternal felicity. They had the intelligence
+before, but now they saw a way through which to develop it. Through the
+world's great Architect, their Father, they discovered a plan fraught
+with intelligence and wisdom, reaching from eternity to eternity,
+pointing out a means whereby, through obedience to celestial laws, they
+might obtain the same power that he had. And if, in fallen humanity,
+they might have to suffer for a while, they saw a way back to God, to
+eternal exaltations, and to the multiplied, and eternally increasing
+happiness of innumerable millions of beings. And if, as Jesus, they had
+to descend below all things, it was that they might be raised above all
+things, and take their position as sons of God, in the eternal world;
+that overcoming the world they might sit down with Christ upon his
+throne, as he overcame and sat down upon the Father's throne. Rev. iii.
+21.
+
+But again; this creation is unlike the works of man, which, however
+excellent, and useful, all bear the marks of humanity, all are more
+or less imperfect in their structure, and liable to a thousand
+contingences, are more or less clumsy, cumbrous, and unwieldy, and must
+be governed by numerous very limited laws; as for instance, you can
+convey intelligence, but it must be exactly on the line of the electric
+wire, you cannot go beyond its limits; you can make an engine work,
+but it must be stationary; or if moving, must be confined to rails,
+depth of water, and a thousand other contingences. None of these things
+possess intelligence, nor the principles of life within themselves,
+neither can they impart, nor perpetuate it to others, they are merely
+machines, to be acted upon by man, and without man they cease to exist;
+when one is worn out, or broken, another must be made at the same
+toil and labour; possessing not the principles of life, they cannot
+impart their likeness; whereas man, beasts, fish, fowl, and all the
+animate works of God can. Man's works in comparison with God's, are
+like comparing a child's wooden horse to the beautiful creature God has
+made, or rather his penny whistle to the music of heaven, or the larger
+boy's billiards to the motions of the planetary system. They possess no
+intelligence, no powers, no reflection, no agency. The works of man are
+merely made to be acted upon; are short lived, temporary, perishable
+things. Man, however, bears the impress of Jehovah, is made after his
+image, in his likeness, and possesses the principles of intelligence
+within himself, and the medium of conveying it to others. He possesses
+also, power to perpetuate his species, as also to communicate his
+thoughts, his intelligence, genius, and power to others, that are
+formed like him. He received his intelligence, his spirit, from God, he
+is a part of himself,
+
+    A spark of Deity
+    Struck from the fire of his eternal blaze;
+
+he came from God as his son, he bears the impress of Jehovah, even
+in his fallen degenerate corrupted state. His powerful intellect,
+his stately genius, his grasping ambition, his soaring, and in many
+instances, exalted hopes, display, though he be fallen, the mark of
+greatness; he bears the impress of Deity and shows that he is of divine
+origin.
+
+Unlike the works of man, the work of God in relation to this earth was
+destined to be eternal, not subject to be controlled by any little
+contingences; nor was it dependent upon fluctuation, or change. Man's
+works might fluctuate, change, or be destroyed, but not so with God's,
+they were, and are eternal; eternal mind, and eternal matter; organized
+and created according to the unsearchable intelligence of that eternal
+unfathomable mind; that fountain of intelligence, forethought, wisdom,
+and energy, that dwells with God. And this earth, and man in their
+destination, and all the works of this creation, are as unchangeable
+as the sun, moon, or stars, and as unalterable as the throne of God.
+Satan may deceive men, for a season; their minds may be blinded by the
+god of this world, but God's purposes will be unchanged. Who is Satan?
+A being powerful, energetic, deceptive, insinuating; and yet necessary
+to develop the evil, as there are bitters, to make us appreciate the
+sweet; darkness, to make us appreciate light; evil and its sorrows,
+that we may appreciate the good; error that we may be enabled to
+appreciate truth; misery, in order that we may appreciate happiness.
+And as there are in the works of creation opposing, mineralogical
+substances which in chemical processes are necessary to develop certain
+properties of matter, and produce certain effects; as fire is necessary
+to purify silver, gold, and the precious metals, so it is necessary to
+instruct, and prepare man for his ultimate destiny--to test his virtue,
+develop his folly, exhibit his weakness and prove his incompetency
+without God to rule himself or the earth; or to make himself happy or
+exalt himself in time, or in eternity. But again, who is Satan? He is a
+being of God's own make, under his control, subject to his will, cast
+out of Heaven for rebellion; and when his services can be dispensed
+with, an angel will cast him into the bottomless pit. Can he fight
+against and overcome God? Verily, No! Can he alter the designs of God?
+Verily, No! Satan may rage; but the Lord can confine him within proper
+limits. He may instigate rebellion against God, but the Lord can bind
+him in chains.
+
+Shall the purposes of the Lord be frustrated? Verily, No! The nations
+of the earth may be drunken, and rush against each other like
+inebriates; but the Lord's purposes are unchanged. Thrones may be cast
+down, kingdoms depopulated; and blood, sword, and famine may prevail,
+yet the Lord lives, and will accomplish his own designs. Man may
+forget God, but God does not forget man: man may be ignorant of his
+calling, but not so with God. Man may not reflect upon the designs of
+God, in relation to this earth, but God must and does; and if in man's
+madness, his infidelity, his hypocrisy, or his ignorance, he cannot
+find time here to reflect upon these things, he will find ample leisure
+hereafter, and the purposes of God will roll on; and perhaps when he
+shall be preached to, as the rebellious Antediluvians, after receiving
+the punishment of his deeds, he may know something more of the power,
+justice, and purposes of God, and be glad to hear the Gospel in prison
+which he rejected on this earth. But to suppose that the purposes of
+God will be frustrated in relation to his designs in the formation of
+this earth, is altogether folly. They will roll on as steadily as the
+sun or moon in their courses. And as surely as we look in the east for
+the rising of the sun in the morning to display his gorgeous glory,
+light up the beauties of creation, and waken sleepy man; so surely
+will "the sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings," so
+surely will the sleeping dead burst from their tombs, and the glorified
+bodies with their spirits re-unite, so surely will a reign of justice,
+truth, equity, and happiness--the reign of God, supersede the barbarous
+oppression, and corrupt governments of this world, so surely will that
+long night of darkness, ignorance, crime, and error be superseded
+by the glorious day of righteousness; and so surely will this earth
+become as the Garden of the Lord, the kingdom and reign of God be
+established, and the Saints of the Most High take the kingdom and
+possess it for ever and ever. The time of the restitution of all things
+will be ushered in; the earth resume its paradisiacal glory, and the
+dead and the living Saints possess the full fruition of those things
+for which they lived, and suffered, and died. These are the hopes that
+the ancient Saints enjoyed; they possessed hopes that bloomed with
+immortality and eternal life; hopes planted there by the Spirit of
+God, and conferred by the ministering of Angels, the visions of the
+Almighty, the opening of the Heavens, and the promises of God. They
+lived and died in hopes of a better resurrection. How different to the
+narrow, conceited, grovelling views of would-be philosophers, of sickly
+religionists, and dreaming philanthropists!
+
+Therefore, as we have said, anything short of this would render inutile
+the hopes of the Saints; would fail to accomplish the expectation of
+millions of spirits; and cause Satan to triumph, and frustrate the
+designs of God. This earth, after wading through all the corruptions
+of men, being cursed for his sake, and not permitted to shed forth
+its full lustre and glory, must yet take its proper place in God's
+creations; be purified from that corruption under which it has groaned
+for ages, and become a fit place for redeemed men, angels, and God to
+dwell upon. The Lord Jesus will come and dispossess the usurper; take
+possession of his own kingdom; introduce a rule of righteousness; and
+reign there with his Saints, who, together with him, are the rightful
+proprietors.
+
+
+
+Chapter X.
+------------------
+
+Will God's Kingdom Be a Literal or a Spiritual Kingdom?
+
+It would be almost unnecessary to answer such a question as the
+above, were it not for the opinions that are entertained in the world
+concerning a purely spiritual kingdom, particularly as in a preceding
+chapter I have clearly pointed out a literal kingdom, rule, and reign.
+But I have introduced this merely to meet some questions that exist
+in the minds of many, relative to a spiritual kingdom, arising from
+certain remarks of our Saviour's, where he says, "My kingdom is not of
+this world;" and again, the "kingdom of heaven is not meat and drink,
+but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost;" and again,
+"the kingdom of God is within (or among) you."
+
+The kingdom of God, as I have already stated, is the government of
+God, whether in the heavens, or on the earth. Hence Jesus taught his
+disciples to pray, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as
+it is done in heaven." And when the kingdom of God is established on
+the earth, and prevails universally, then will the will of God be done
+on earth, and not till then; then will the reign of God exist on the
+earth, as it now does in heaven. It is this reign we are speaking of,
+a reign of righteousness. But whenever God's laws are established,
+or his kingdom is organized, and officers selected, and men yield
+obedience to the laws of the kingdom of God; to such an extent does
+God's kingdom prevail. John preached the kingdom of God, or, heaven
+nigh at hand. Jesus said, the kingdom of heaven is within you. Jesus
+compared the kingdom of heaven to a husbandman who sowed wheat, and
+when he went to his field, he found tares also. Matt. xiii. Now what
+was this field? The field was the world, or in other words, God's
+rightful possession, where he ought to govern; the good seed are the
+children of the kingdom, or those who receive and obey the laws of the
+kingdom of heaven. The tares are the children of the wicked one; or
+those who rebel against God and his laws. The tares are to be gathered
+out of his kingdom, and burned; and then are the righteous to shine as
+the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Again, the kingdom of Heaven
+is likened unto a treasure that a man found in a field, and sold all
+his possessions, in order that he might possess himself of that field
+and treasure; and a pearl of great price, for which a man did likewise;
+thus Abraham, Noah, Lot, Moses, and many of the Prophets purchased this
+treasure at the sacrifice of all things. And why? They discovered the
+pearl, the treasure, and had respect unto the recompense of reward;
+enduring as seeing him who is invisible. And what was it all for? For
+the purpose of obtaining present blessings, earthly enjoyments, the
+pleasures of sense? No! they all died in faith _not having_ received
+the promises; but having seen them afar off; they knew of the treasure,
+and sold all for it; they "looked for a city which hath foundations,
+whose builder and maker is God." Wherefore it is said, God is not
+ashamed to be called their God, for he hath prepared for them a city.
+They looked for a reign of righteousness--the government of God--they
+were inspired with the same hope as that of all the Prophets who had
+prophesied since the world begun, viz., the hope of the restitution
+of all things. John the Baptist, and Jesus would have introduced the
+kingdom; but the people would not have it; still, as the apostle John
+says, to as many as did believe, "to them gave he power to become the
+Sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." John i. 12. They
+became sons of God. Yes, say some spiritually, and I say literally
+too. They made a literal covenant with God to keep his laws; they were
+administered to literally by officers of the kingdom of God; they
+believed literally; were baptised literally, and received the gift of
+the Holy Ghost literally; and became literally the servants or sons of
+God. But what was their hope? Was it in this world? Yes, but not at the
+present. They expected the promise of Jesus to be fulfilled to them:
+"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." And they
+looked, with Peter, and all the ancient Saints, for a new Heaven and a
+new Earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. They looked with Paul, and
+the Saints to whom he wrote, for a kingdom, not ariel or visionary, but
+one "which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."
+
+The world, as we have before stated, although it belongs to God, has
+never been under his control. His vineyard has brought forth briars
+and thorns; tares have been sown in his field; but there has been some
+wheat, and that wheat represents the children of the kingdom, who
+have kept his laws and observed his ordinances; and wheresoever the
+laws of his kingdom have been observed, in the same proportion has
+his kingdom prevailed. Christ, therefore, organized his kingdom with
+Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists, etc.; officers and
+administrators of his laws, which laws were given by the Lord; they
+baptized for the remission of sins, laid on hands for the gift of the
+Holy Ghost, and introduced members into the kingdom of God on earth,
+and as they were empowered to bind on earth, and in heaven, to seal on
+earth, and in heaven, these persons, not only became members of the
+Church here, but also of the kingdom of heaven, and participators in
+all its blessings here and hereafter. They were now Sons of God; but
+it did not fully appear yet what they should be, only they should be
+like him. If he conquered death, so should they; if he overcame, so
+should they; if he sat down upon his Father's throne, he would give to
+them that overcame, power to sit down upon his throne, as he overcame
+and sat down upon his Father's throne. And if Jesus comes to reign on
+the earth, he will also bring his Saints with him, and they shall live
+and reign with him. These things are spiritual, but they are literal;
+they are temporal, but they are also spiritual and eternal. Hence with
+God all things are temporal; all things are spiritual; and all things
+are eternal. These are only our phrases to specify certain ideas,
+which ideas in themselves are very often incorrect: we have bodies and
+spirits, but it takes both to be a perfect man. We talk about time and
+eternity,--what is time? A portion of eternity; eternity was, before
+time was, and will continue to exist when time shall be no more.
+Spiritual and temporal things are only so, as we form ideas of them.
+What is our body?--temporal, material? Yes, matter; but the matter of
+which it is made is eternal, and it will yet be spiritual like unto
+Christ's glorious body. What is our spirit?--material, spiritual and
+eternal also? But more subtle and elastic than our corporeal bodies.
+
+Having said so much on this subject, we now come to some of our
+questions. "The kingdom of Heaven is not meat and drink, but
+righteousness, and peace, and joy, in the Holy Ghost." What are
+we to understand by this? that righteousness composes a kingdom?
+Righteousness is an attribute, a principle, a state of being, not a
+government; peace and joy are the result of this attribute. God is
+righteous, and consequently righteousness flows from him. There may
+be also a righteous man; but we do not say that God is a kingdom,
+or that a righteous man is a kingdom, but that the kingdom of God
+is a righteous kingdom. You can say a righteous kingdom, a kingdom
+of righteousness; but you cannot say righteousness is a kingdom. A
+kingdom may be governed by righteous laws; its laws may be righteous,
+its administrators righteous, its people righteous; but to say
+righteousness is a kingdom, is nonsense. The kingdom of God is a
+righteous kingdom; it is made up of higher enjoyments than eating
+and drinking; it is more refined and elevated; it is a kingdom of
+holiness, virtue, purity; of "righteousness, and peace, and joy in the
+Holy Ghost,"--principles that exist in part now, as far as the kingdom
+extends. When the kingdom of God is universal, it will, like the
+kingdom in the heavens, be all "righteousness, peace, and joy in the
+Holy Ghost;" yet, it will have its laws, officers, and administrators,
+and will be a literal, tangible thing. The Spirit of the Lord shall be
+poured upon all flesh; the will of God will be done on earth as it is
+in heaven, and the joy and peace which result from righteousness, will
+be experienced by all the world. What did Jesus mean, then, when he
+said, "The kingdom of Heaven is within you," or "among you" (marginal
+reading.) Luke xvii. 20, 21. There certainly must be some mistake
+here, for Jesus was speaking to Pharisees, whom he had denounced as
+corrupt men, hypocrites, whited walls, painted sepulchres, etc. Now,
+who will say they had the kingdom of God within them? The kingdom of
+God was among them. And it did not come with observation, nor with
+ostentation or pomp; they might have seen it, but their eyes were
+blinded, that they could not see; their ears were stopped that they
+could not hear. Many of us suppose that if we had lived in their day,
+we should have recognized it among the miracles, signs, and powers that
+were manifested by him. But Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and
+know me, and follow me, but others do not." If any man do his will,
+says Jesus, "he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, or
+whether I speak of myself." John vii. 17. But if they do not, what
+then? They have eyes, but see not; ears, but hear not. The God of this
+world blinds their eyes, lest the light of the gospel should shine in
+upon them. Jesus says, "Except a man be born again; he cannot see the
+kingdom of God." And "except he is born of water and the spirit, he
+cannot enter into it." John iii. 3 and 5. It therefore cometh not with
+observation; the Scriptures are clear on the point, and show to the
+last that when God's kingdom shall be more fully established on the
+earth, the inhabitants of the earth will be as ignorant of it as the
+Jews were, that Jesus was the Messiah; for the nations of the earth,
+with their kings, will yet be gathered together against the people of
+the Lord, to battle, when the Lord himself will go and fight against
+them, and there will be one of the most terrible slaughters that ever
+took place on the earth. It cometh _not with observation_. It is a
+righteous kingdom, and righteous men can see it, and appreciate it, and
+those only.
+
+I have demonstrated, in a preceding chapter, to which I refer my
+readers, more fully on this subject, that the kingdom of God would be
+literally established on the earth; it will not be an ariel phantom,
+according to some visionaries, but a substantial reality. It will be
+established, as before said, on a literal earth, and will be composed
+of literal men, women, and children; of living saints who keep the
+commandments of God, and of resurrected bodies who shall actually come
+out of their graves, and live on the earth. The Lord will be king over
+all the earth, and all mankind literally under his sovereignty, and
+every nation under the heavens will have to acknowledge his authority,
+and bow to his sceptre. Those who serve him in righteousness will have
+communications with God, and with Jesus; will have the ministering of
+Angels, and will know the past, the present, and the future; and other
+people, who may not yield full obedience to his laws, nor be fully
+instructed in his covenants, will, nevertheless, have to yield full
+obedience to his government. For it will be the reign of God upon the
+earth, and he will enforce his laws, and command that obedience from
+the nations of the world which is legitimately his right. Satan will
+not then be permitted to control its inhabitants, for the Lord God
+will be king over all the earth, and the kingdom and greatness of the
+kingdom under the whole heaven will be given to the saints. This may
+properly be called the day of reckoning, the time when the world's
+accounts will be settled; when things that have been going wrong for
+ages, will be put right; when injustice and misrule will no more be
+permitted; when the usurper shall be cast out; when the rightful heir
+shall possess the kingdom; when unrighteousness will be banished, and
+justice and judgement bear sway; when the wicked shall be rooted out
+of the earth, and the saints possess it; when God's designs shall be
+accomplished on the earth, and men resume their proper position. It
+is the fulfilment of the promises of the Lord to his people, or in
+scriptural words, "The dispensation of the fulness of times, when God
+will gather together all things in one." Satan has had his dominion,
+and has deceived, corrupted, and cursed the human family; but then his
+dominion will be destroyed, and he will be cast into the bottomless
+pit; men will no longer be under the influence of his spirit, be
+decoyed by his wiles, or imposed upon by his deceptions. Religion, and
+the fear of God, will no longer be painted in dismal colours, or be
+dressed in the sable drapery of sanctimonious priests, or sacerdotal
+gloom; nor yet in the forbidding costumes of hermits, monks, and
+nuns. But, stript of all this religious masquerade, and superstitious
+mummery, the fear of God, and the observance of his laws, will be
+looked upon in their proper light. God will be seen, feared, and
+worshipped as our Father, Friend, and Benefactor; his laws will be kept
+as being those framed by infinite wisdom, and the most conducive to
+the happiness of the human family. Virtue, truth, and righteousness,
+will appear in their native loveliness, beauty, simplicity, glory, and
+magnificence, for God alone will be exalted in that day.
+
+
+
+Chapter XI.
+------------------
+
+The Establishment of the Kingdom of God upon the Earth.
+
+How will the kingdom of God be established? We have already shown
+very clearly, that none of the means which are now used among men are
+commensurate with the object designed, and that all the combined wisdom
+of man must, and will fail, in the accomplishment of this object; that
+the present forms of political and religious rule cannot effect it;
+that philosophy is quite as impotent; and that as these have all failed
+for ages, as a natural consequence they must continue to fail. We have
+portrayed the world broken, corrupted, fallen, degraded and ruined; and
+shown that nothing but a world's God can put it right.
+
+The question is, what course will God take for the accomplishment of
+this thing? and as this is a matter that requires more than human
+reason, and as we are left entirely to Revelation, either past,
+present, or to come, it is to this only that we can apply. We will
+enquire, therefore, what the Scriptures say on this subject. It is
+called the kingdom of God, or the kingdom of heaven. If, therefore, it
+is the kingdom of heaven, it must receive its _laws, organization,_
+and _government,_ from heaven; for if they were earthly, then would
+they be like those on the earth. The kingdom of heaven must therefore
+be the government, and laws of heaven, on the earth. If the government
+and laws of heaven are known and observed on the earth, they must be
+communicated, or revealed from the heavens to the earth. These things
+are plain and evident, if we are to have any kingdom of heaven, for
+it is very clear, that if it is not God's rule, it cannot be his
+_government,_ and it is as evident that if it is not revealed from
+heaven it cannot be the _kingdom of heaven_. That such a kingdom will
+be set up is evident from the following, "And in the days of these
+kings shall the God of Heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be
+destroyed, and the kingdom shall not be left to other people." Dan. ii.
+44; and again, "I saw in the night visions, and behold one like the Son
+of man came with the clouds of Heaven, and came to the Ancient of Days;
+and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion,
+and glory, and a kingdom that all people, nations, and languages,
+should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall
+not pass away; and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed."
+Dan. vii 13, 14. From the above we learn two things: First--that God
+will set up a kingdom which shall be universal; and, that that kingdom
+shall not be given into the hands of other people; and secondly--that
+the Saints of God shall take possession of that kingdom. The Angel
+which announced to Mary the birth of Jesus said, "He shall be great,
+and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give
+unto him the throne of his Father David; and he shall reign over the
+house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end."
+Luke i. 32, 33.
+
+It may not be improper here to notice an opinion that has very
+generally prevailed throughout the Christian world, that Christ's
+kingdom was a spiritual kingdom; that it was set up at the time our
+Saviour was upon the earth; and that Christianity as it now exists,
+is that kingdom. After what I have already written on the subject of
+a literal reign and kingdom, this would seem superfluous; but as this
+opinion is almost universal in the Christian world, my readers must
+excuse me, if, in this instance, I digress a little. Several writers in
+the Catholic church, as well as the Rev. David Simpson, M. A., Bishop
+Burnett, the Rev. John Wesley, and many others among the Protestants,
+have advocated the above opinion. The substance of their ideas is as
+follows: that Daniel, by the figure of an image of gold, silver, brass,
+iron, clay, in chap. ii.--and by the figures of the four beasts, in
+chap, vii., represented a spiritual kingdom; that this kingdom was set
+up in the days of the Saviour, and his disciples; that Christianity, as
+it now exists, is that kingdom, and that it will become universal over
+all the earth. They state that the four great empires, the Babylonian,
+Persian, Grecian, and Roman, are represented by the head, breast,
+belly, and legs of the Image, and by the four Beasts, in chapter vii;
+and that the kingdom of God was to be set up under the dominion of the
+fourth, which, as they correctly state, was the Roman. They state,
+moreover, that the declaration and prophecy of the Angel to Mary,
+above quoted, were also fulfilled in the first coming of the Messiah;
+in his preaching, in his gospel, and in the organizing of the church,
+etc. Many other passages are made to bear the same signification,
+which it would be foreign from my present purpose to notice. I have
+referred to the above, as some of the most prominent. Now, with all
+deference to the gentlemen who have written on this subject (and
+education, respectability, and talent, entitle their opinions to some
+respect) I must beg leave to differ from them, and consider, that in
+trying to support a favorite dogma, they have been led into error;
+for it seems to me that nothing can be more foreign to the meaning
+of these scriptures than the above interpretation. Now concerning
+the four great monarchies being represented as above, I consider it
+is perfectly correct; but to state that the kingdom was to be set up
+under the fourth monarchy, or under the dominion of the fourth beast,
+is stretching the thing too far; and putting a construction upon it
+which it evidently will not bear. The text reads, "in the days of those
+kings shall the God of Heaven set up a kingdom." The question is, What
+kings? I am answered, during the reign of one of the four; and that
+as Christ came during the reign, and dominion of the Roman empire, it
+evidently refers to that. But let me again ask a question, Under the
+reign of what kings was this kingdom to be set up? Under the reign of
+the fourth? Verily, No. Let Daniel speak for himself. After describing
+the fourth kingdom, which was the Roman, which is compared to iron,
+and which in the Image was represented by the legs, he then refers to
+other kingdoms and powers, as being compared to iron and clay. There
+were also feet and toes, as well as a _body_, which were compared to
+powers or kings. This is clearly exemplified in the seventh chapter of
+Daniel, for after speaking of the four kings, he describes ten horns,
+of which the ten toes in the Image above referred to, are typical.
+Those ten horns, he says, are ten kings. It was, then, in the days of
+those kings, or while those kingdoms should be in existence, that the
+God of Heaven should set up a kingdom; and not during the power of the
+fourth kingdom; to which, with any degree of truthfulness, the figure
+could not apply in either case. But again, it could not apply to the
+first coming of our Saviour for the following reasons:--
+
+First.--The stone hewn out of the mountain without hands was to smite
+the Image on the toes; whereas, according to the interpretation of the
+divines before referred to, the toes were not yet in existence, for
+they state that this kingdom was set up during the fourth monarchy,
+which was the Roman, and which is represented in the legs of the Image.
+Now, as the powers composing the feet and toes were not yet formed,
+how could the little stone smite that which was not in existence? For
+it will be observed that after the whole Image was made, the stone was
+hewn out of the mountains without hands which smote it.
+
+Secondly.--When this kingdom is set up, it is stated "it _shall not be
+left to other people;_" but we are told in Dan. vii. chap., that after
+the fourth monarchy which was the time, according to the aforesaid
+interpretation, for the setting up of the kingdom of God, a certain
+"horn," or king, should make war with the Saints, and prevail against
+them; and that "he should think to change times and laws--and that
+they should be _given into his hand_." Nothing can be more obvious than
+this; for this power, after the first coming of the Messiah, not only
+thinks to change times and laws, but "they" are actually "given into
+his hand," which will not be the case, when the kingdom above referred
+to is set up.
+
+Thirdly.--When the kingdom of God was to be set up, it was to be
+"given to the Saints of the Most High;" and all nations, kindreds,
+people, and tongues, were to obey the Lord, which has not taken place,
+and never can under the present state of things.
+
+Fourthly.--There is no more similarity between Christianity, as it now
+exists, with all its superstitions, corruptions, jargons, contentions,
+divisions, weakness, and imbecility, and this KINGDOM OF GOD, as spoken
+of in the Scriptures, than there is between light and darkness; and it
+would no more compare with things to come, than an orange would compare
+with the earth, or a taper with the glorious luminary of day.
+
+Fifthly.--The kingdom of God, as spoken of by Daniel, was to become
+universal, which Christianity has not, and cannot, as it now exists.
+
+Sixthly.--The Angel's testimony to Mary has not yet been fulfilled. It
+is stated, that "The Lord shall give unto him the throne of his father
+David, and he shall reign over the House of Jacob for ever, and of his
+kingdom there shall be no end;" whereas he did not sit upon David's
+throne, nor does he now; he did not reign over the house of Jacob, nor
+does he now, for the ten tribes are yet outcasts; "the house of Judah
+is scattered and without a king," and Jesus himself, when asked to
+divide an inheritance, demanded, "Who made me a ruler or king." He,
+indeed was a king; "but in his humiliation his judgement was taken
+away."
+
+From the whole of the above it is very evident that the kingdom, of
+which these divines speak, was not, and could not be the one referred
+to by Daniel, or by the angel to Mary; as we have before stated, it was
+a literal kingdom, and not a spiritual one only. I would further remark
+here, that a certain power was to "make war with the Saints, and to
+prevail against them until the Ancient of Days came;" and then, and not
+till then, was "judgement given to the Saints of the Most High."
+
+We will now return from our digression, and after stating that the
+kingdom of God is a literal kingdom; that it will be great, powerful,
+glorious, and universal, and that it will extend from sea to sea, and
+from the rivers unto the ends of the earth; that all kingdoms will
+be in subjection to it, and all powers obey it, we will proceed to
+examine how it will be established. It is compared to a small stone
+"hewn out of the mountain without hands," and yet the God of Heaven
+is to set up this kingdom. Isaiah, in his eleventh chapter, to which
+I refer my readers, in speaking of the establishment of this kingdom,
+says, "In that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand
+for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek, and his
+rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the
+Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant
+of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and
+from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from
+Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. And he shall set up an ensign
+for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather
+together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth."
+10-12. From the above it would seem, that an ensign or standard is to
+be raised to the nations; that the Gentiles shall seek to it; and that
+the ten tribes return, as well as the Jews to their land; that the
+dispersed of Judah, and the outcasts of Israel are to return. Now, a
+standard, or ensign, is a nation's colours, flag, or rallying point;
+it is one of those appendages to a kingdom that is always respected by
+its inhabitants. It is used in a variety of ways, and for different
+purposes; sometimes by the emperor, king, governor, or general, to
+signify his presence; sometimes by vessels to specify their nation;
+and sometimes by estates, cities, corporations, or clubs: and always
+by armies and navies, to represent whom they belong to. If a king had
+a proclamation to make, and wished to rally his subjects, or try their
+fidelity, he might send a flag, or standard, and all that rallied to it
+would be considered his liege subjects.
+
+But here the God of Heaven sets up a standard. The world, as we have
+before stated, is his; it is his right to possess it. Satan has held
+the dominion for some time, and the Lord now comes to dispossess
+him, to take possession of his rightful inheritance, and to rule
+his own kingdom. In order to do this, he issues his mandate, makes
+a proclamation, lifts up a standard, and invites all to join it.
+Those who do may be considered as his servants, as the citizens of
+his kingdom; those who do not, as being in opposition to him, his
+government, and laws. As the Father of the human family, as the prince
+and king, he lifts up an ensign, and calls the world's attention. Now
+the only rational way for the Lord to accomplish this, is to form a
+communication with man, and to make him acquainted with his laws. We
+cannot conceive of him thundering from the heavens and terrifying the
+inhabitants of the earth, nor yet sending angels with flaming swords
+to coerce obedience. This would be using physical power to control the
+mind; but as man is a free agent, he uses other means to act upon his
+mind, his judgement, and his will; and by the beauty and loveliness
+of virtue, purity, holiness, and the fear of God, to captivate his
+feelings, control his judgement, and influence him to render that
+obedience to God which is justly his due; not until these means fail,
+will others be exercised.
+
+As the world are ignorant of God and his laws, not having had any
+communication with him for eighteen hundred years; and as all those
+great and important events must transpire, and as the Lord says he
+will "do nothing but what he reveals to his servants the Prophets,"
+it follows, that there must be revelations made from God; and if
+so, as a necessary consequence, there must be prophets to reveal
+them to. How did God ever reveal his will, and purposes to Enoch,
+Noah, Abraham, Moses, the Prophets, Jesus, and his Disciples, and
+they to the people? God's messengers made known his will, and the
+people obeyed, or rejected it. If they were punished by floods, fire,
+plagues, pestilence, dispersions, death, etc., it was in consequence
+of their disobedience. As God has dealt in former times, so will he
+in the latter, with this difference, that he will accomplish his
+purposes in the last days; he will set up his kingdom; he will protect
+the righteous, _destroy_ Satan, and his works, purge the earth from
+wickedness, and bring in the restitution of all things. The above,
+while it is the only rational way, is evidently the only just, and
+scriptural way. Some people talk about the world being burned up, about
+plagues, pestilence, famine, sword, and ruin, and all these things
+being instantaneous. Now it would not be just for the Lord to punish
+the inhabitants of the earth without warning. For if the world are
+ignorant of God, they cannot altogether be blamed for it; if they are
+made the dupes of false systems, and false principles, they cannot
+help it; many of them are doing as well as they can while, as we have
+before stated, it would be unjust for the world to continue as it is.
+It would at the same time be as unjust to punish the inhabitants of
+the world for things that they are ignorant of, or for things over
+which they have no control. Before the Lord destroyed the inhabitants
+of the old world, he sent Enoch and Noah to warn them. Before the Lord
+destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, he sent Lot into their midst. Before
+the Children of Israel were carried captive to Babylon, they were
+warned of it by the Prophets; and before Jerusalem was destroyed,
+the inhabitants had the testimony of our Lord, and his Disciples.
+And so will it be in the last days; and as it is the world that is
+concerned, the world will have to be warned. We will therefore proceed
+to examine the scriptural testimony on this subject. John says in the
+Revelations, "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of Heaven,
+having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them, that dwell on the
+earth; and to every nation, and kindred, tongue, and people, saying
+with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him, for the hour of
+his judgement is come, and worship him that made heaven and earth, the
+sea, and the fountains of waters. And there followed another angel,
+saying, Bahylon the great is fallen." xiv. 6-8. Here, then, a light
+bursts forth from the heavens; a celestial messenger is deputed to
+convey to men tidings of salvation; the everlasting gospel is again
+to be proclaimed to the children of men; The proclamation is to be
+made to "every nation, kindred, people, and tongue." Associated with
+this, was to be another declaration, "Fear God, and give glory to him,
+for the hour of his judgement is come." Thus, all were to have a fair
+warning, and afterwards Babylon falls--not before. From the above it is
+evident, that the everlasting gospel will be restored, accompanied with
+a warning to the world. Now, if the everlasting gospel is restored,
+there must be the same principles, laws, officers, or administrators,
+and ordinances. If, before, they had Apostles, they will again have
+them; the same laws and ordinances will be introduced, and the same
+method for receiving members into the kingdom. They will also have
+Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, and Evangelists. If they baptised by
+immersion for the remission of sins, and laid on hands for the gift of
+the Holy Ghost, they will again do the same things. If the gift of the
+Holy Ghost formerly brought things past to the saints' remembrance, led
+them into all truth, and showed them things to come, it will do the
+same again, for it is the everlasting gospel. If formerly it caused
+men to dream dreams, and to see visions, it will do the same again; if
+to one was given the gift of tongues, to another the gift of healing,
+to another power to work miracles, to another the gift of wisdom, the
+same will exist in latter days, for it is the everlasting gospel which
+is to be restored. If it put men in possession of a knowledge of God,
+and of his purposes, and brought life and immortality to light in
+former days, it will do the same again. If it dispelled the clouds of
+darkness, unveiled the heavens, put men in possession of certainty, and
+gave them a hope that bloomed with immortality and eternal life, it
+will do the same again. If it caused men to know the object of their
+creation, their relationship to God, their position on the earth, and
+their final exaltation and glory, it will do the same again, for it
+is the everlasting Gospel. In short, it is the will of God to man,
+the government of God among men, and a portion of that light, glory
+and intelligence, which exist with God and angels, communicated to
+mortals, and obtained through obedience to his laws and ordinances. If
+the Gospel formerly was to be proclaimed to all nations, so it is now,
+with this difference associated with it, there is to be a cry, "Fear
+God, and give glory to him, for the hour of His judgement is come."
+From this, then, we may expect a proclamation to be made to all people;
+messengers to go forth to every nation, and the same principles which
+once existed to be again restored in all their fulness, power, glory,
+and blessings. The above is the way pointed out in the Scriptures, and
+is the only just and rational way to deal with rational, intelligent
+beings; for intelligence must be appealed to by intelligence, and it
+would be unjust to punish the world indiscriminately, without first
+appealing to their reason, judgement, and intelligence. But not only
+will the everlasting Gospel be again restored, and be preached in
+its fulness as formerly, and go as a messenger to all the world; not
+only will there be a spiritual kingdom and organization; but there
+will also be a literal kingdom, a nation, or nations, a Zion, and the
+people will gather to that. We will here insert a prophecy of David
+on this subject: "But thou, O Lord, shalt endure for ever; and thy
+remembrance unto all generations. Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon
+Zion: for the time to favor her, yea, the set time, is come. For thy
+servants take pleasure in her stones, and favor the dust thereof. So
+the heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the
+earth thy glory. When the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear in
+his glory. He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise
+their prayer. This shall be written for the generation to come: and
+the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord. For he hath
+looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord
+behold the earth; to hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those
+that are appointed to death; to declare the name of the Lord in Zion,
+and his praise in Jerusalem; when the people are gathered together, and
+the kingdoms to serve the Lord." Psalm cii. 12-22. Here we find, First,
+that a literal Zion is to be built up; Secondly, that when that Zion
+is built up, the Lord will come--will appear in his glory; Thirdly,
+that it is something which concerns the nations of the earth, and the
+whole world, for there shall the people be gathered together, and the
+kingdoms to serve the Lord.
+
+It may be proper here to remark, that there will be two places of
+gathering, or Zions; the one in Jerusalem, the other in another place;
+the one is a place where the Jews will gather to, and the other a mixed
+multitude of all nations. Concerning the house of Israel, Jeremiah
+says, "Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall
+no more be said, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of
+Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, the Lord liveth, that brought up
+the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the
+lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into
+their land that I gave unto their fathers," xvi. 14, 15. According to
+this passage, and many others, there will evidently be a great display
+of the power of God manifested towards the house of Israel in their
+restitution to their former habitations. Another Scripture says, that
+"Jerusalem shall be inhabited in her own place, even in Jerusalem."
+Here I would remark, that there was a Zion formerly in Jerusalem;
+but there is also another spoken of in the Scriptures. Hence, in
+the passage which we quoted from the Psalms, the Kingdoms are to be
+gathered together in Zion, and the people to serve the Lord; and not
+only the Jews, but the Heathens are to fear the name of the Lord, and
+all the kings of the earth his glory. The law is to issue from Zion,
+and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. Again--"The Lord God that
+gathereth the outcasts of Israel, says, yet will I gather others unto
+me besides these." It is very evident from these passages that there
+are two places of gathering, as well as from many others that might
+be quoted. For example, Joel, in speaking of the troubles of the last
+days, says, There shall in the last days be deliverance in Mount Zion,
+and in Jerusalem. Now, he never could say with propriety in Mount Zion,
+and in Jerusalem, if these were not two places. The ancient Zion was
+in Jerusalem. It would not be proper to say in London, and in London;
+but you could say in London and in Edinburgh, in New York and in
+Philadelphia, in Frankfort and in Brussels; and so you can say in Zion
+and in Jerusalem. But again, the Jews are to be gathered to Jerusalem
+in unbelief, as spoken of in Zechariah; and when the Messiah appears
+among them, being ignorant of Jesus, they shall ask, "What are these
+wounds in thy hands?" Then he shall answer, "Those with which I was
+wounded in the house of my friends." xiii. 6. And then a fountain shall
+be opened for the house of David, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and
+they will enter into the covenant by baptism, xiii. 1. But the people
+of Zion the Lord will take them one of a city, and two of a family,
+and bring them there, and give them pastors after his own heart, that
+shall feed them with knowledge and understanding. Jer. iii. 14, 15.
+The people there are to be all righteous. It is the last Zion that we
+wish more particularly to speak of at present, as associated with the
+kingdom of God; and, as we are now searching out the manner in which
+the kingdom of God will be established, it is to us a matter of great
+importance. There are very great judgements spoken of in the last days,
+as the consequence of man's departure from God; these we have already
+referred to in part; but as we have mentioned, the Gospel must again
+be preached as a warning unto all nations, and accompanied with it is
+to be a proclamation, "Fear God, and give glory to him, for the hour
+of his judgement is come." Rev. xiv. 7. But the people would very
+reasonably be heard to enquire, what can we do? What hope have we?
+If war comes, we cannot either prevent or avoid it. If plague stalks
+through the earth, what guarantee have we of deliverance. You say you
+have come as messengers of mercy to us, and as the messengers of the
+nations. What shall we do? Let Isaiah answer: he has told the tale of
+war, and defined the remedy. This shall be the answer of the messenger
+of the nations, that "the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of his
+people shall trust in it." xiv. 32. Yes, says Joel, when this great and
+terrible day of the Lord comes, there shall be deliverance in Mount
+Zion, and in Jerusalem, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom
+the Lord shall call. ii. 32. Yes, says Jeremiah, He will take them
+one of a city, and two of a family, and bring them to Zion, and give
+them pastors after his own heart, that shall feed them with knowledge
+and understanding, iii. 14, 15. The proclamation to the world will be
+the means of establishing this Zion, by gathering together multitudes
+of people from among all nations. For there are multitudes among all
+nations who are sincerely desirous to do the will of God, when they
+are made acquainted with it; but having been cajoled with priestcraft
+and abominations so long, they know not which course to steer, and are
+jealous of almost everything. As it was formerly, so will it be in the
+latter times. Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice, and know me, and
+follow me, and a stranger they will not follow, for they know not the
+voice of strangers." Those who love truth, and desire to be governed by
+it, will embrace it, and enter into the covenant which the Lord will
+make with his people in the last days, and be gathered with them; they
+will be taught of the Lord in Zion, will form his kingdom on the earth,
+and will be prepared for the Lord when he comes to take possession of
+his kingdom. For "when the Lord shall build up Zion, he shall appear
+in his glory," and not before. But if Zion is never built up, the Lord
+never will come, for he must have a people, and a place to come to. The
+prophets hailed this day with pleasure, as the ushering in of those
+glorious times, which were to follow. Micah says, "But in the last days
+it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall
+be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted
+above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall
+come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and
+to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and
+we will walk in his paths; for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the
+word of the Lord from Jerusalem." iv. 1, 2. Isaiah with rapture gazed
+upon the scene, and in ecstacy cried out, "Who are these that fly as a
+cloud, and as the doves to their windows? Surely the isles shall wait
+for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from afar,
+their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the Lord thy
+God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. And
+the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall
+minister unto thee." lx. 8-10. You will find by reading the 14th verse,
+that this place is to be called "The City of the Lord; the Zion of the
+Holy One of Israel." Here then we find, that the Lord will have a house
+built; that it shall be upon the tops of the mountains, and be exalted
+above the hills; that many nations shall go there, to learn the will of
+the Lord, and that the law shall go forth from Zion. That the people
+shall come as clouds to it; that they shall take their silver and gold
+with them. That God's worship will be known, and the religion of the
+Lord will lose its forbidding aspect. And God, and his religion, be
+popular among the nations of the earth.
+
+This brings us to another means that will be made use of, for the
+establishment of the kingdom of God; for, before this, he will rebuke
+strong nations that are _afar off. And before they "beat their swords
+into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks, and nations
+shall have war no more._"[A] there will be a time of terrible trouble,
+and distress, of war and calamity, such as never has been before on
+the earth. Having noticed in the above that a standard will be raised
+to the nations, that the Gospel will be preached again to all people
+and a proclamation be made to all nations; that a literal Zion will be
+built; that the righteous will flock to that Zion, and be taught of
+the Lord, and be prepared for his coming; that great multitudes will
+flow to Zion, and the blessing of God dwell there; we now come to point
+out another way that the kingdom of God will be established, viz.,
+by judgements, that the nations may be purified and prepared for an
+universal reign.
+
+[Footnote A: If any one wish further information on this subject, I
+refer them to O. Pratt's "New Jerusalem."--Liverpool: S. W. Richards.]
+
+Before the Lord destroyed the old world, he directed Noah to prepare an
+ark; before the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, he told
+Lot to "flee to the mountains;" before Jerusalem was destroyed, Jesus
+gave his disciples warning, and told them to "flee out of it;" and
+before the destruction of the world, a message is sent; after this, the
+nations will be judged, for God is now preparing his own kingdom for
+his own reign, and will not be thwarted by any conflicting influence,
+or opposing power. The testimony of God is first to be made known, the
+standard is to be raised; the Gospel of the kingdom is to be preached
+to all nations, the world is to be warned, and then come the troubles.
+The whole world is in confusion, morally, politically, and religiously;
+but a voice was to be heard, "Come out of her, my people, that you
+partake not of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." John
+saw an angel having the everlasting Gospel to preach to every nation,
+kindred, people, and tongue. And afterwards there was another cried,
+"Babylon is fallen." Isaiah, after describing some of the most terrible
+calamities that should overtake that people, says, "The noise of a
+multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous
+noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the Lord of hosts
+mustereth the host of the battle .... Pangs shall take hold of them,
+and they shall be in pain, as a woman that travaileth." That "the day
+of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the
+land desolate, and shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it; for the
+stars of heaven, and the constellations thereof, shall not give their
+light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth; and the moon shall
+not cause her light to shine. And I will punish the world for their
+evil, and the wicked for their iniquity, and I will cause the arrogancy
+of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the
+terrible. I will make a man more precious than fine gold." xiii. 4-12.
+After enumerating many other things concerning Babylon and Assyria,
+as types of things to come, he says, "This is the purpose that is
+purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched
+out upon all the nations." xiv. 26. He says again, "Behold the Lord
+maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside
+down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. And it shall be,
+as with the people so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his
+master.... The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for
+the Lord hath spoken this word... The earth also is defiled under the
+inhabitants thereof, because they have transgressed the laws, changed
+the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant." xxiv. 1-5. From the
+above, it would seem that terrible judgements await the inhabitants of
+the world; that there will be a general destruction; the world will be
+full of war, and confusion, the nations of the earth will be convulsed,
+and the wicked hurled out of it. Jesus said, when on the earth, "For
+nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and
+there shall be famines and pestilences and earthquakes in divers
+places; men's hearts shall fail them for fear of those things that are
+coming on the earth." Jesus came first as the babe of Bethlehem; he
+will come again, "and rule nations with a rod of iron, and dash them in
+pieces like a potter's vessel." Isaiah says, "There shall come forth
+a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his
+roots. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of
+wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit
+of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make him of quick
+understanding in the fear of the Lord; and he shall not judge after the
+sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears; but
+with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for
+the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his
+mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked, and
+righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the
+girdle of his reins." xi. 1-5. The first of this was fulfilled when our
+Saviour came on this earth before; the second will be when he comes
+again, "he will smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the
+breath of his lips will he slay the wicked." The spirit of the Lord
+will be withdrawn from the nations, and after rejecting the truth, they
+will be left in darkness, to grope their way, and being full of the
+spirit of wickedness, they will rage and war against each other, and
+finally, after dreadful struggles, plagues, pestilence, famine, etc.,
+instigated by the powers of darkness, there will be a great gathering
+of the nations against Jerusalem, for they will be infuriated against
+its inhabitants, and mighty hosts will assemble, so that they will be
+like a cloud to cover the land, and the Lord will appear himself to the
+deliverance of his people and the destruction of the wicked. Zech xiv.
+Let any one compare this chapter with Ezekiel xxxviii. and xxxix., and
+he will find one of the most terrible destructions described, that is
+possible to conceive of; and then turn to the second Psalm, where David
+describes the kings of the earth taking counsel against the Lord, and
+against his anointed. He says, He that sitteth in the heavens shall
+laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision.... That he will set his
+king upon his holy hill in Zion, that he will give him the heathen
+for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his
+possession.... That he will break them with a rod of iron, and dash
+them in pieces like a potter's vessel; and then he concludes by saying,
+Be wise, therefore, O ye kings; be instructed, ye judges of the earth,
+serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling; kiss the son,
+lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled
+but a little.
+
+In making a brief summary of what we have said before in relation to
+the means to be employed for the establishment of the Kingdom of God,
+we find the following:--
+
+1st.--That it will be not only a spiritual kingdom, but a temporal and
+literal one also.
+
+2nd.--That if it is the Kingdom of Heaven, it must be revealed from the
+heavens.
+
+3rd.--That a standard is to be lifted up, by the Lord, to the nations.
+
+4th.--That an Angel is to come with the everlasting Gospel, which is
+to be proclaimed to every nation, kindred, people, and tongue; that
+it is to be the same as the ancient one, and that the same powers and
+blessings will attend it.
+
+5th.--That not only will the Ancient Gospel be preached, but there will
+accompany it a declaration of judgement to the nations.
+
+6th.--That there will be a literal Zion, or gathering of the Saints to
+Zion, as well as a gathering of the Jews to Jerusalem.
+
+7th.--That when this has taken place, the Spirit of God will be
+withdrawn from the nations, and they will war with and destroy each
+other.
+
+8th.--That judgements will also overtake them, from the Lord, plague,
+pestilence, famine, etc.
+
+9th.--That the nations, having lost the Spirit of God, will assemble
+to fight against the Lord's people, being full of the spirit of
+unrighteousness, and opposed to the rule and government of God.
+
+10th.--That when they do, the Lord will come and fight against them
+himself; overthrow their armies, assert his own right, rule the
+nations with a rod of iron, root the wicked out of the earth, and take
+possession of his own kingdom. I might here further state, that when
+the Lord does come to exercise judgement upon the ungodly, to make an
+end of sin, and bring in everlasting righteousness, he will establish
+his own laws, demand universal obedience, and cause wickedness and
+misrule to cease. He will issue his commands, and they must be obeyed;
+and if the nations of the earth observe not his laws, "they will have
+no rain." And they will be taught by more forcible means than moral
+suasion, that they are dependant upon God; for the Lord will demand
+obedience, and the Scriptures say, time and again, that the wicked
+shall be rooted out of the land, and the righteous and the meek shall
+inherit the earth. The Lord, after trying man's rule for thousands of
+years, now takes the reins of government into his own hands, and makes
+use of the only possible means of asserting his rights. For if the
+wicked never were cut off, the righteous never could rule; and if the
+Devil was still suffered to bear rule, God could not, at the same time;
+consequently after long delay, he whose right it is, takes possession
+of the kingdom; and the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under
+the whole heavens, shall be given to the Saints of the Most High God;
+and the world will assume that position for which it was made. A King
+shall rule in righteousness, and Princes shall decree judgement. The
+knowledge of the Lord will spread, and extend under the auspices of
+this government. Guided by his counsels, and under his direction, all
+those, purposes designed of Him, from the commencement, in relation to
+both living and dead, will be in a fair way for their accomplishment.
+
+
+
+Chapter XII.
+------------------
+
+The Effects of the Establishment of Christ's Kingdom, or the Reign of
+God upon the Earth.
+
+Having said so much pertaining to the Kingdom, we come to our last
+proposition, and enquire, What will be the effects of the establishment
+of Christ's kingdom, or the reign of God on the earth?
+
+This is, indeed, a grand and important question, and requires our
+most serious and calm deliberation. If, after all this distress,
+tribulation, war, bloodshed, and sacrifice of human life, the condition
+of the world is no better, man is certainly in a most unhappy, hopeless
+situation. If it is nothing more than some of the changes contemplated
+by man, from one species of government to another, and we must still
+have war, bloodshed, and disorder, and be subject to the caprices of
+tyrants, or the anarchy of mobs, our prospects are indeed gloomy, and
+our hopes vain; we may as well "eat and drink, for tomorrow we die;"
+for, as we have already proven, under the most improved state of human
+governments we should still be subject to all the ills which flesh
+is heir to, without any redeeming hope. But this is not a transient,
+short-lived change; it is something decreed by God in relation to
+the earth and man, from before the commencement of the world; even
+the dispossessing of Satan, the destruction of the ungodly, and the
+reign of God; or in other words, putting the moral world in the same
+position in which the physical world is--under the direction of the
+Almighty. It is the doing away with war, bloodshed, misery, disease,
+and sin, and the ushering in of a kingdom of peace, righteousness,
+justice, happiness, and prosperity. It is the restoration of the earth
+and man to their primeval glory, and pristine excellence; in fact, the
+"restitution of all things spoken of by all the prophets since the
+world began."
+
+Now, restoration signifies a bringing back, and must refer to something
+which existed before; for if it did not exist before, it could not
+be restored. I cannot describe this better than Parley P. Pratt has
+done in his "Voice of Warning," and shall therefore make the following
+extract:--
+
+"This is one of the most important subjects upon which the human mind
+can contemplate; and one perhaps as little understood, in the present
+age, as any other now lying over the face of prophecy. But however
+neglected at the present time, it was once the ground-work of the
+faith, hope, and joy of the Saints. It was a correct understanding
+of this subject, and firm belief in it, that influenced all their
+movements. Their minds once fastening upon it, they could not be shaken
+from their purposes; their faith was firm, their joy constant, and
+their hope like an anchor to the soul, both sure and stedfast, reaching
+to that within the veil. It was this that enabled them to rejoice in
+the midst of tribulation, persecution, sword, and flame; and in view
+of this, they took joyfully the spoiling of their goods, and gladly
+wandered as strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they sought a
+country, a city, and an inheritance, that none but a Saint ever thought
+of, understood, or even hoped for.
+
+"Now, we can never understand precisely what is meant by restoration,
+unless we understand what is lost or taken away; for instance, when we
+offer to restore any thing to a man, it is as much as to say he once
+possessed it, but had lost it, and we propose to replace or put him
+in possession of that which he once had; therefore, when a prophet
+speaks of the restoration of all things, he means that all things have
+undergone a change, and are to be again restored to their primitive
+order, even as they first existed.
+
+"First, then, it becomes necessary for us to take a view of creation,
+as it rolled in purity from the hand of its Creator; and if we can
+discover the true state in which it then existed, and understand
+the changes that have taken place since, then we shall be able to
+understand what is to be restored; and thus our minds being prepared,
+we shall be looking for the very things which will come, and shall
+be in no danger of lifting our puny arm, in ignorance, to oppose the
+things of God.
+
+"First, then, we will take a view of the earth, as to its surface,
+local situation, and productions.
+
+"When God had created the heavens and the earth, and separated the
+light from the darkness, his next great command was to the waters,
+Gen. i. 9,--'And God said, let the waters under the heaven be gathered
+together into _one place_, and let the dry land appear: and it was
+so.' From this we learn a marvellous fact, which very few have ever
+realized or believed in this benighted age; we learn that the waters,
+which are now divided into oceans, seas, and lakes, were then all
+gathered together, into _one_ vast ocean; and, consequently, that
+the land, which is now torn asunder, and divided into continents and
+islands, almost innumerable, was then _one_ vast continent or body, not
+separated as it is now.
+
+"Second, we hear the Lord God pronounce the earth, as well as every
+thing else, very good. From this we learn that there were neither
+deserts, barren places, stagnant swamps, rough, broken, rugged hills,
+nor vast mountains covered with eternal snow; and no part of it was
+located in the frigid zone, so as to render its climate dreary and
+unproductive, subject to eternal frost, or everlasting chains of ice,--
+
+    Where no sweet flowers the dreary landscape cheer,
+    Nor plenteous harvests crown the passing year;
+
+but the whole earth was probably one vast plain, or interspersed
+with gently rising hills, and sloping vales, well calculated for
+cultivation; while its climate was delightfully varied, with the
+moderate changes of heat and cold, of wet and dry, which only tended
+to crown the varied year, with the greater variety of productions,
+all for the good of man, animal, fowl, or creeping thing; while from
+the flowery plain, or spicy grove, sweet odours were wafted on every
+breeze; and all the vast creation of animated being breathed nought but
+health, and peace, and joy.
+
+"Next, we learn from Gen. i. 29, 30,--'And God said, Behold, I have
+given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the
+earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree, yielding seed;
+to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to
+every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth,
+wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it
+was so.' From these verses we learn, that the earth yielded neither
+nauseous weeds nor poisonous plants, nor useless thorns and thistles;
+indeed, every thing that grew was just calculated for the food of man,
+beast, fowl, and creeping thing; and their food was all vegetable;
+flesh and blood were never sacrificed to glut their souls, or gratify
+their appetites; the beasts of the earth were all in perfect harmony
+with each other; the lion ate straw like the ox--the wolf dwelt with
+the lamb--the leopard lay down with the kid--the cow and bear fed
+together, in the same pasture, while their young ones reposed, in
+perfect security, under the shade of the same trees; all was peace and
+harmony, and nothing to hurt nor disturb, in all the holy mountain.
+
+"And to crown the whole, we behold man created in the image of God,
+and exalted in dignity and power, having dominion over all the vast
+creation of animated beings, which swarmed through the earth, while,
+at the same time, he inhabits a beautiful and well-watered garden, in
+the midst of which stood the tree of life, to which he had free access;
+while he stood in the presence of his Maker, conversed with him face
+to face, and gazed upon his glory, without a dimming veil between. O
+reader, contemplate, for a moment, this beautiful creation, clothed
+with peace and plenty; the earth teeming, with harmless animals,
+rejoicing over all the plain; the air swarming with delightful birds,
+whose never ceasing notes filled the air with varied melody; and all in
+subjection to their rightful sovereign who rejoiced over them; while,
+in a delightful garden--the capitol of creation,--man was seated on the
+throne of his vast empire, swaying his sceptre over all the earth, with
+undisputed right; while legions of angels encamped round about him, and
+joined their glad voices, in grateful songs of praise, and shouts of
+joy; neither a sigh nor groan was heard, throughout the vast expanse;
+neither was there sorrow, tears, pain, weeping, sickness, nor death;
+neither contentions, wars, nor bloodshed; but peace crowned the seasons
+as they rolled, and life, joy, and love, reigned over all his works.
+But, O! how changed the scene.
+
+"It now becomes my painful duty, to trace some of the important
+changes, which have taken place, and the causes which have conspired to
+reduce the earth and its inhabitants to their present state.
+
+"First, man fell from his standing before God, by giving heed to
+temptation; and this fall affected the whole creation, as well as
+man, and caused various changes to take place; he was banished from
+the presence of his Creator, and a veil was drawn between them, and
+he was driven from the garden of Eden, to till the earth, which was
+then cursed for man's sake, and should begin to bring forth thorns and
+thistles: and with the sweat of his face he should earn his bread, and
+in sorrow eat of it, all the days of his life, and finally return to
+dust. But as to Eve, her curse was a great multiplicity of sorrow and
+conception; and between her seed, and the seed of the serpent, there
+was to be a constant enmity; it should bruise the serpent's head, and
+the serpent should bruise his heel.
+
+"Now, reader, contemplate the change. This scene, which was so
+beautiful a little before, had now become the abode of sorrow and
+toil, of death and mourning: the earth groaning with its production
+of accursed thorns and thistles; man and beast at enmity; the serpent
+slily creeping away, fearing lest his head should got the deadly
+bruise; and man startling amid the thorny path, in fear, lest the
+serpent's fangs should pierce his heel; while the lamb yields his blood
+upon the smoking altar. Soon man begins to persecute, hate, and murder
+his fellow; until at length the earth is filled with violence; all
+flesh becomes corrupt, the powers of darkness prevail; and it repented
+Noah that God had made man, and it grieved him at his heart, because
+the Lord should come out in vengeance, and cleanse the earth by water.
+
+"How far the flood may have contributed, to produce the various
+changes, as to the division of the earth into broken fragments, islands
+and continents, mountains and valleys, we have not been informed; the
+change must have been considerable. But after the flood, in the days of
+Peleg, the earth was divided.--See Gen. x. 25,--a short history, to be
+sure, of so great an event; but still it will account for the mighty
+revolution, which rolled the sea from its own place in the north, and
+brought it to interpose between different portions of the earth, which
+were thus parted asunder, and moved into something near their present
+form; this, together with the earthquakes, revolutions, and commotions
+which have since taken place, have all contributed to reduce the face
+of the earth to its present state; while the great curses which have
+fallen upon different portions, because of the wickedness of men, will
+account for the stagnant swamps, the sunken lakes, the dead seas, and
+great deserts.
+
+"Witness, for instance, the denunciations of the prophets upon
+Babylon, how it was to become perpetual desolations, a den of wild
+beasts, a dwelling of unclean and hateful birds, a place for owls; and
+should never be inhabited, but should lie desolate from generation
+to generation. Witness also the plains of Sodom, filled with towns,
+cities, and flourishing gardens, well watered: but O, how changed! a
+vast sea of stagnant water alone marks the place. Witness the land
+of Palestine; in the days of Solomon it was capable of sustaining
+millions of people, besides a surplus of wheat, and other productions,
+which were exchanged with the neighbouring nations; whereas, now it is
+desolate, and hardly capable of sustaining a few miserable inhabitants.
+And when I cast mine eyes over our own land, and see the numerous
+swamps, lakes, and ponds of stagnant waters, together with the vast
+mountains and innumerable rough places; rocks having been rent, and
+torn asunder, from centre to circumference; I exclaim, Whence all this?
+
+"When I read the Book of Mormon, it informs me, that while Christ was
+crucified among the Jews, this whole American continent was shaken
+to its foundation, that many cities were sunk, and waters came up in
+their places; that the rocks were all rent in twain; that mountains
+were thrown up to an exceeding height; and other mountains became
+vallies: the level roads spoiled; and the whole face of the land
+changed.--I then exclaim, These things are no longer a mystery; I have
+now learned to account for the many wonders, which I everywhere behold,
+throughout our whole country; when I am passing a ledge of rocks, and
+see they have all been rent and torn asunder, while some huge fragments
+are found deeply imbedded in the earth, some rods from whence they
+were torn, I exclaim, with astonishment, These were the groans! the
+convulsive throes of agonizing nature! while the Son of God suffered
+upon the cross!
+
+"But men have degenerated, and greatly changed, as well as the earth.
+The sins, the abominations, and the many evil habits of the latter
+ages, have added to the miseries, toils, and sufferings of human life.
+The idleness, extravagance, pride, covetousness, drunkenness, and other
+abominations, which are characteristics of the latter times, have
+all combined to sink mankind to the lowest state of wretchedness and
+degradation; while priestcraft and false doctrines, have greatly tended
+to lull mankind to sleep, and caused them to rest, infinitely short of
+the powers and attainments which the ancients did enjoy, and which are
+alone calculated to exalt the intellectual powers of the human mind,
+to establish noble and generous sentiments, to enlarge the heart, and
+to expand the soul to the utmost extent of its capacity. Witness the
+ancients, conversing with the Great Jehovah, learning lessons from
+the angels, and receiving instruction by the Holy Ghost, in dreams by
+night, and visions by day, until at length the veil is taken off, and
+they permitted to gaze, with wonder and admiration, upon all things
+past and future; yea, even to soar aloft amid unnumbered worlds;
+while the vast expanse of eternity stands open before them, and they
+contemplate the mighty works of the Great I AM, until they know as they
+are known, and see as they are seen.
+
+"Compare this intelligence, with the low smatterings of education
+and worldly wisdom, which seem to satisfy the narrow mind of man in
+our generation; yea, behold the narrow-minded, calculating, trading,
+overreaching, penurious sycophant, of the nineteenth century, who
+dreams of nothing here, but how to increase his goods, or take
+advantage of his neighbour; and whose only religious exercises or
+duties consist of going to meeting, paying the priest his hire,
+or praying to his God, without expecting to be heard or answered,
+supposing that God has been deaf and dumb for many centuries, or
+altogether stupid and indifferent like himself. And having seen the two
+contrasted, you will be able to form some idea of the vast elevation
+from which man has fallen; you will also learn, how infinitely beneath
+his former glory and dignity, he is now living, and your heart will
+mourn, and be exceedingly sorrowful, when you contemplate him in his
+low estate--and then think he is your brother; and you will be ready
+to exclaim, with wonder and astonishment, O man! how art thou fallen!
+once thou wast the favourite of Heaven; thy Maker delighted to converse
+with thee, and angels and the spirits of just men made perfect were
+thy companions; but now thou art degraded, and brought down on a level
+with the beasts; yea, far beneath them, for they look with horror and
+affright at your vain amusements, your sports and your drunkenness,
+and thus often set an example worthy of your imitation. Well did the
+apostle Peter say of you, that you know nothing, only what you know
+naturally as brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed. And thus you
+perish, from generation to generation. While all creation groans under
+its pollution; and sorrow and death, mourning and weeping, fill up the
+measure of the days of man. But O my soul, dwell no longer on this
+awful scene: let it suffice, to have discovered in some degree, what is
+lost. Let us turn our attention to what the Prophets have said should
+be restored.
+
+"The Apostle Peter, while preaching to the Jews, says, 'And he shall
+send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you, whom the
+heavens must receive, until the times of restitution (restoration)
+of all things which God hath spoken, by the mouth of all the holy
+prophets, since the world began.' It appears from the above, that all
+the holy prophets from Adam, and those that follow after, have had
+their eyes upon a certain time, when all things should be restored to
+their primitive beauty and excellence. We also learn, that the time of
+restitution was to be at or near the time of Christ's second coming;
+for the heavens are to receive him, until the times of restitution, and
+then the Father shall send him again to the earth.
+
+"We will now proceed to notice Isaiah xl. 1-5. 'Comfort ye, comfort
+ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and
+cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is
+pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand, double for all her
+sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the
+way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
+Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be
+made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places
+plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall
+see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.'
+
+"From these verses we learn, first, that the voice of one shall be
+heard in the wilderness, to prepare the way of the Lord, just at the
+time when Jerusalem has been trodden down of the Gentiles long enough
+to have received, at the Lord's hand, double for all her sins, yea,
+when the warfare of Jerusalem is accomplished, and her iniquities
+pardoned; then shall this proclamation be made as it was before by
+John, yea, a second proclamation, to prepare the way of the Lord, for
+his second coming; and about that time every valley shall be exalted,
+and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be
+made straight, and rough places plain, and then the glory of the Lord
+shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth
+of the Lord hath spoken it.
+
+"Thus you see, every mountain being laid low, and every valley exalted,
+and the rough places being made plain, and the crooked places straight,
+that these mighty revolutions will begin to restore the face of the
+earth to its former beauty. But all this done, we have not yet gone
+through our restoration; there are many more great things to be done,
+in order to restore all things.
+
+"Our next is Isaiah 35th chapter, where we again read of the Lord's
+second coming, and of the mighty works which attend it. The barren
+desert should abound with pools and springs of living water, and should
+produce grass, with flowers blooming and blossoming as the rose, and
+that, too, about the time of the coming of their God, with vengeance
+and recompense, which must allude to his second coming; and Israel is
+to come at the same time to Zion, with songs of everlasting joy, and
+sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Here, then, we have the curse taken
+off from the deserts, and they become a fruitful, well-watered country.
+
+"We will now inquire whether the islands return again to the
+continents, from which they were once separated. For this subject
+we refer you to Revelation vi. 14,--'And every mountain and island
+were moved out of their places.' From this we learn that they moved
+somewhere; and as it is the time of restoring what had been lost, they
+accordingly return and join themselves to the land whence they came.
+
+"Our next is Isaiah xiii. 13, 14, where 'The earth shall move out of
+her place, and be like a chased roe which no man taketh up.' Also,
+Isaiah lxii. 4, 'Thou shalt no more be termed forsaken; neither
+shall thy land any more be termed desolate; but thou shalt be called
+Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the Lord delighteth in thee, and
+thy land shall be married.'
+
+"In the first instance, we have the earth on a move like a chased roe;
+and in the second place, we have it married. And from the whole, and
+various Scriptures, we learn, that the continents and islands shall be
+united in one, as they were on the morn of creation, and the sea shall
+retire and assemble in its own place, where it was before; and all
+these scenes shall take place during the mighty convulsion of nature,
+about the time of the coming of the Lord.
+
+    "Behold! the Mount of Olives rend in twain;
+    While on its top he sets his feet again,
+    The islands at his word, obedient, flee;
+    While to the north, he rolls the mighty sea;
+    Restores the earth in one, as at the first,
+    With all its blessings, and removes the curse.
+
+"Having restored the earth to the same glorious state in which it first
+existed; levelling the mountains, exalting the valleys, smoothing
+the rough places, making the deserts fruitful, and bringing all
+the continents and islands together, causing the curse to be taken
+off, that it shall no longer produce noxious weeds, and thorns, and
+thistles; the next thing is to regulate and restore the brute creation
+to their former state of peace and glory, causing all enmity to cease
+from off the earth. But this will never be done until there is a
+general destruction poured out upon man, which will entirely cleanse
+the earth, and sweep all wickedness from its face. This will be done
+by the rod of his mouth, and by the breath of his lips; or, in other
+words, by fire as universal as the flood. Isaiah xi. 4, 6-9, 'But with
+righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for
+the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of
+his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
+The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie
+down with the kid; and the calf, and the young lion, and the fatling
+together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the
+bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the
+lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play
+on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on
+the cockatrice's den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy
+mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as
+the waters cover the sea.'
+
+"Thus, having cleansed the earth, and glorified it with the knowledge
+of God, as the waters cover the sea, and having poured out his Spirit
+upon all flesh, both man and beast becoming perfectly harmless, as
+they were in the beginning, and feeding on vegetable food only, while
+nothing is left to hurt or destroy in all the vast creation, the
+prophets then proceed to give us many glorious descriptions of the
+enjoyments of its inhabitants. 'They shall build houses and inhabit
+them; they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine of them; they
+shall plant gardens and eat the fruit of them; they shall not build
+and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for as the
+days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long
+enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring
+forth in trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and
+their offspring with them; and it shall come to pass, that before they
+call I will answer, and while they are yet speaking I will hear.' In
+this happy state of existence it seems that all people will live to the
+full age of a tree, and this too without pain or sorrow, and whatsoever
+they ask will be immediately answered, and even all their wants will be
+anticipated. Of course, then, none of them will sleep in the dust, for
+they will prefer to be translated; that is, changed in the twinkling
+of an eye, from mortal to immortal; after which they will continue to
+reign with Jesus on the earth." Pp. 110-122.
+
+A great council will then be held to adjust the affairs of the world,
+from the commencement, over which Father Adam will preside as head
+and representative of the human family. There have been, in different
+ages of the world, communications opened between the heavens and the
+earth. Those powers have been separated, and have acted in different
+spheres, until the present. The kingdom of God on the earth has been
+small, weak, unpopular, trampled under foot of men, and none but men
+of noble minds, firm hopes, and daring resolution, have advocated its
+principles. These men, being possessed of intelligence from the heavens
+by the ministering of angels, the communications of the spirits of the
+just, and the manifestation of eternal things, knew of the approaching
+day of glory, the reign of God on the earth; they understood their
+destiny, and lived, and died, in the hopes of inheriting these things.
+Those communications from the heavens developd the purposes of God to
+them; and in all their moves, they were regulated by the prospect of
+the future. In the Mosaic Dispensation they had to make earthly things
+according to the pattern of heavenly. Hence it was said to Moses, "See
+that thou make all things according to the pattern shewn thee in the
+Mount." The ark was made, therefore, after a heavenly pattern, and so
+was the Temple of Jerusalem. Jerusalem was a figure of the heavenly.
+The sacrifices of the Aaronic Priesthood referred to the expiation of
+Christ, who appears as the earthly High Priest of the Jews, and as our
+eternal High Priest and Intercessor in the heavens. His Priesthood
+was an eternal one, and is after the order of Melchisedek, and
+Melchisedek's was after his order, and they both were after the order
+that exists in the heavens. This priesthood with the Gospel, brought
+life and immortality to light, put men in possession of certainty, and
+unveiled the future; they knew the divine laws and ordinances, and
+acted with a reference to them; and being commissioned of God, they had
+power to bind and loose, etc.
+
+Then they will assemble to regulate all these affairs, and all that
+held keys of authority to administer, will then represent their earthly
+course. And, as this authority has been handed down from one to another
+in different ages, and in different dispensations, a full reckoning
+will have to be made by all. All who have held keys of Priesthood,
+will then have to give an account to those from whom they received
+them. Those that were in the heavens, have been assisting those that
+were upon the earth; but then, they will unite together in a general
+council to give an account of their stewardships, and as in the
+various ages men have received their power to administer, from those
+who had previously held the keys thereof, there will be a general
+account. Those, under the authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ
+of Latter-day Saints, have to give an account of their transactions
+to those who direct them in the Priesthood; hence the Elders give an
+account to Presidents of Conferences; and Presidents of Conferences
+to Presidents of Nations. Those Presidents and the Seventies give an
+account to the Twelve Apostles; the Twelve to the First Presidency;
+and they to Joseph, from whom they, and the Twelve, received
+their Priesthood. This will include the arrangements of the last
+dispensation. Joseph delivers his authority to Peter, who held the keys
+before him, and delivered them to him; and Peter to Moses and Elias,
+who endued him with this authority on the Mount; and they to those from
+whom they received them. And thus the world's affairs will be regulated
+and put right, the restitution of all things be accomplished, and the
+Kingdom of God be ushered in. The earth will be delivered from under
+the curse, resume its paradisiacal glory, and all things pertaining to
+its restoration be fulfilled.
+
+Not only will the earth be restored, but also man; and those promises
+which, long ago, were the hope of the saints, will be realised. The
+faithful servants of God who have lived in every age, will then come
+forth and experience the full fruition of that joy, for which they
+lived, and hoped, and suffered, and died. The tombs will deliver up
+their captives, and re-united with the spirits which once animated,
+vivified, cheered, and sustained them while in this vale of tears,
+these bodies will be like unto Christ's glorious body. They will then
+rejoice in that resurrection for which they lived, while they sojourned
+below. Adam, Seth, Enoch, and the faithful who lived before the flood,
+will possess their proper inheritance. Noah and Melchisedek will stand
+in their proper places. Abraham, with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him
+of the same promise, will come forward at the head of innumerable
+multitudes, and possess that land which God gave unto them for an
+everlasting inheritance. The faithful, on the continent of America,
+will also stand in their proper place; but, as this will be the time
+of the restitution of all things, and all things will not be fully
+restored at once; there will be a distinction between the resurrected
+bodies, and those that have not been resurrected; and as the Scriptures
+say that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, neither
+doth corruption inherit incorruption; and although the world will
+enjoy just laws--an equitable administration, and universal peace and
+happiness prevail as the result of this righteousness; yet, there will
+be a peculiar habitation for the resurrected bodies. This habitation
+may be compared to Paradise, from whence man, in the beginning, was
+driven.
+
+When Adam was driven from the Garden, an angel was placed with a
+naming sword to guard the way of the tree of life, lest man should
+eat of it, and become immortal in his degenerate state, and thus be
+incapable of obtaining that exaltation, which he would be capable of
+enjoying through the redemption of Jesus Christ, and the power of the
+resurrection, with his renewed and glorified body. Having tasted of the
+nature of the fall, and having grappled with sin and misery, knowing
+like the gods both good and evil, having like Jesus overcome the evil,
+and through the power of the atonement, having conquered death, hell,
+and the grave, he regains that Paradise, from which he was banished,
+not in the capacity of ignorant man, unacquinted with evil, but like
+unto a god. He can now stretch forth, and partake of the tree of life,
+and eat of its fruits, and live and flourish eternally in possession of
+that immortality which Jesus long ago promised to the faithful: "To him
+that overcomes, will I grant to sit with me in my throne; and eat of
+the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."
+
+
+Production Credits
+------------------
+
+This electronic edition was produced by the Mormon Texts Project.
+Volunteers who helped with this book include: Tanya Ross, Meridith
+Crowder, Tod Robbins, Ben Crowder, Bryce Beattie, Stephen Cranney,
+Tyler Thorsted, Eric Heaps, Jason Barron, Jean-Michel Carter, David
+Willde, and Tom Nysetvold. Special thanks to Trevor Nysetvold for his
+complete proof of the final version.
+
+It was produced using scans generously made available by Archive.org.
+
+Email Tom Nysetvold (tomnysetvold@gmail.com) to report errors or to
+participate in proofreading similar early books of The Church of Jesus
+Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Government of God, by John Taylor
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44941 ***