diff options
Diffstat (limited to '54914-8.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | 54914-8.txt | 3559 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 3559 deletions
diff --git a/54914-8.txt b/54914-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 01ffe7d..0000000 --- a/54914-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3559 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of His Glorious Appearing by James Springer -White - - - -This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -http://www.gutenberg.org/license. If you are not located in the United -States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you are located -before using this ebook. - - - -Title: His Glorious Appearing - -Author: James Springer White - -Release Date: June 15, 2017 [Ebook #54914] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO 8859-1 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HIS GLORIOUS APPEARING*** - - - - - - His Glorious Appearing - - An Exposition of Matthew Twenty-Four - - By - - James Springer White - - Revised and Illustrated - - "What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the - world?"--DISCIPLES. - - "When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the - doors."--JESUS. - - Eleventh Edition. - - Review and Herald Publishing Co. - - Battle Creek, Mich. - - 1895 - - - - - -CONTENTS - - -Introductory. -Christ's Prophecy. - Persecution And False Prophets. - Iniquity Abounds. - The End. -When Shall These Things Be? -What Shall Be The Sign Of Thy Coming? - Shortened For The Elect's Sake. - Lo, Here, And Lo, There. - The Signs Of Christ's Coming. - "And The Stars Shall Fall." - "The Powers Of Heaven Shall Be Shaken." - "Sign Of The Son Of Man." - Parable Of The Fig-Tree. - "The Day And Hour." - Noah's Time And Ours. - Peace And Safety. - The Final Separation. - Those Who Watch Will Know The Time. - The Faithful And Wise Servant. - The Evil Servant. -Conclusion. -Choice Religious Books. - - - - - - - [Book Cover] - - - - - - [Illustration] - - The Light of the World - - - - - -INTRODUCTORY. - - -"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his -servants the prophets." Amos 3:7. - -No truth of inspiration can be more clearly demonstrated than that God -reveals his designs to his prophets, that men and nations may be prepared -for their accomplishment. Before visiting with judgments, God has -uniformly sent forth warnings sufficient to enable the believing to escape -his wrath, and to condemn those who have not heeded the warning. This was -the case before the flood. The wickedness of the world had become very -great. Every imagination of the thoughts of the hearts of men was only -evil. It would seem that they had forfeited all claims for consideration. -Violence and corruption filled the earth, and the only way to eradicate -evil was to destroy it with its workers. But before doing so, the world -must be warned of the impending doom; and there was found one man who -would engage in the work. Noah had faith in God, and preached for one -hundred and twenty years the message of warning and salvation. His work -also testified with his words. - - - "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, - moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by - the which he condemned the world." Heb. 11:7. - - -At a later period, when the nations had again become sunken in idolatry -and crime, and the destruction of wicked Sodom and Gomorrah was -determined, the Lord said,-- - - - "Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; seeing that - Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the - nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?" Gen. 18:17, 18. - - -And due notice was given to righteous Lot, who, with his daughters, was -preserved; and none, even in that guilty city, perished without due -warning. Lot evidently warned the people; and in thus communing with them, -was "vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked." 2 Peter 2:7, 8. -His righteous life had been a rebuke to them; and we have every reason to -believe that the holy example of Abraham in his worship of the true God -was known to them. He had at one time been their saviour, and rescued -their captives and spoil from the victorious enemy who was carrying them -away. But when Lot warned his friends of the approaching doom, "he seemed -as one that mocked." Gen. 19:14. They, like the antediluvians, persisted -in sin, and drank of the wrath of God. - -At a subsequent time the sins of Nineveh rose to heaven, and Jonah was -sent to bear to that proud capital the startling message, "Yet forty days -and Nineveh shall be destroyed." The consciences of those sinners told -them the message was true; and from the least of them to the greatest they -humbled themselves, and the overhanging judgment was averted. - -Before Christ commenced his earthly mission, John the Baptist was sent as -the voice of one crying in the wilderness, "Prepare ye the way of the -Lord." By this means the expectation of the people was raised, and -doubtless many were through it led to accept of salvation, while the -generation at large was condemned for rejecting the light. - -Our Saviour in his time saw the destruction of Jerusalem just in the -future of that generation, and faithfully warned the people, foretelling -signs by which it might be known when the desolation thereof was nigh. -Luke 21:21. Such is the testimony of inspiration respecting the dealings -of God with his people in past ages. - -All who accept the Bible as the inspired word of God acknowledge that he -has been very faithful in warning people in past ages of impending -judgments and other events which affected their eternal welfare. Such -having been the divine plan in relation to past events, we would certainly -be justified in anticipating such warnings of Christ's second coming as -would comport with the importance of the event. But when we come to regard -the future, and especially our own immediate future, the incredulity of -very many is at once aroused. - -But what are the facts in the case? Can anything be learned from the Bible -relative to the time of the second advent? This is a grave inquiry; and, -from the very nature of the subject, is worthy of close investigation, and -a candid answer. It is a matter of painful regret that many, under the -influence of popular prejudice, have decided that the period of the second -advent is a secret, hidden with the Lord. While these can scarcely be -reached with this subject, as long as they remain under the influence of -those who denounce all investigation of it as prying into the secrets of -the Almighty, there is still, we believe, a larger class who wait for -evidence before deciding. - - [Illustration] - - Christ Weeping Over Jerusalem - - -We accept the Bible as a revelation from heaven. What God has revealed in -that book, let no man call a mystery, or a secret of the Almighty. "The -secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are -revealed belong unto us and to our children forever." Deut. 29:29. If the -sacred Scriptures, in a most clear and harmonious manner, point out the -signs of the approach of that great event, and if there is evidence that -"it is near, even at the doors," the subject at once assumes great -importance. - -When the disciples inquired, "What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of -the end of the world?" Jesus did not reprove them for inquiring into this -matter, nor tell them that it was purposely hidden from all men; but he -answered their question in the most definite manner. - -The simple fact that the Lord mentions signs of his second advent, is the -best proof possible that his people were not to remain ignorant of the -relative nearness of the event. Add to this his injunctions to -watchfulness, and the blessings which he pronounces upon those who are -awake and watching at his coming, and it becomes a certainty that he would -not leave his people ignorant of the proximity of that event. Paul also -says that "unto _them that look for him_ shall he appear the second time -without sin unto salvation." Heb. 9:28. And that a crown of righteousness -will be given "unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Tim. 4:8. - -With these assurances we may look for plain and emphatic tokens of the -Saviour's second coming. - - - - - -CHRIST'S PROPHECY. - - - [Illustration] - - Jesus on the Mount of Olives - - -Probably no other chapter of the Bible speaks more fully, and more -definitely, upon the subject of the second advent, than Matthew 24, in -Christ's own words. We invite the attention of the candid reader to a -brief explanation of the entire chapter. - - - VERSE 1: "And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple; and - his disciples came to him for to show him the buildings of the - temple." - - -Jesus had been addressing the multitude, in the presence of his disciples. -He had reproved the scribes and the Pharisees for their sins, and had -declared, in the previous chapter, the doom of the Jews, their city, and -their temple. The disciples supposed that the temple would stand forever, -and they called the attention of Christ to its magnificence and strength, -and to the great stones that entered into the structure. On this point the -historian of those times, Josephus, says: "Now the temple was built of -stones that were white and strong, and each of their lengths was twenty- -five cubits, their height was eight, and their breadth about -twelve."--_"__Antiquities,__"__ book xv, chap. xi._ If we compute a cubit -at twenty inches, we shall be able to gain some idea of the size and -"manner" of these stones. - - - VERSE 2: "And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? - Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon - another, that shall not be thrown down." - - VERSE 3: "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples - came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things - be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of - the world?" - - -This statement from the Master could not but deeply interest the -disciples. And it matters not whether they supposed that the destruction -of the temple, the coming of Christ, and the end of the age, would all -occur at the same time, or at different periods, since Christ, in his -answer in this chapter, has distinctly spoken of each separately, and has -given each its place in the prophetic history of events. If it were their -impression that the overthrow of the temple and the end of the world would -occur at the same time, it by no means proves that this would be the case. -As the Scriptures show, up to the time of the out-pouring of the Holy -Spirit on the day of Pentecost, their ideas upon many points were crude -and inaccurate. Take as proof of this the parable which the Lord spake -when he was going into Jerusalem. Luke 19. They thought that the kingdom -of God should immediately appear. To correct this impression, the parable -of the nobleman was spoken. If they understood the parable at the time -when it was spoken, it did not fully eradicate the impression from their -minds, as is proved by what they did when they entered Jerusalem. We -cannot believe that they would have hailed him as the Son of David, and -rejoiced before him as a King in his triumph, if they had realized that he -was going into the city to be condemned and crucified as a malefactor. -Palm branches and shouts of triumph did not attend the steps of the lowly -and the condemned. - -John admits for himself and Peter, after they had seen the empty -sepulcher, that "they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from -the dead." John 20:9. - -Again, after his resurrection, Jesus reproved two of his disciples, who, -though they had trusted that he would redeem Israel, were then sad and -disheartened. They did not then understand that Christ ought "to have -suffered these things, and to enter into his glory." The suffering part -was still a mystery to them. And some of the apostles were so slow to -realize that which he had spoken to them, that they could hardly be -persuaded that he was indeed risen from the dead. And after he had been -with them full forty days, speaking to them of the things pertaining to -the kingdom, they did not yet understand "the times and the seasons," and -therefore asked him, "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the -kingdom to Israel?" - -However the matter may have been entertained in the minds of the -disciples, it is evident that their query consisted of two distinct -questions in the mind of the Saviour. These questions relate, first, to -the destruction of Jerusalem; and, second, to Christ's second coming at -the end of the world or age. They were distinctly answered by our Lord; -not, however, before the promiscuous multitude; but on the occasion of a -private interview with his disciples. Christ here speaks to his disciples; -hence his words in this prophetic discourse are addressed especially to -the church. - - - VERSES 4, 5: "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed - that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I - am Christ, and shall deceive many." - - -Jesus knew the hearts of men, and that many impostors would arise, and -deceive multitudes. He here warns his disciples, and guards them against -the deceptions of corrupt and ambitious men. Such was the general -expectation of the appearance of the Messiah among the Jews, that many -would set up the claim that they were the Christ, to carry out selfish -purposes, or to gain notoriety, and the credulous people would be easily -led into the deception, and then be destroyed for sedition. We are -informed that in the days succeeding those of Christ, impostors arose in -great numbers. Josephus tells us of an Egyptian false prophet who led -30,000 men into the desert to show them signs, and then brought them to -Jerusalem as if to attack the city. He caused great pillage and -destruction in Judea, but in the time of battle, ran away, leaving his -followers to the exasperated Romans.--_"__Wars of the Jews,__"__ book ii, -chap. xiii._ - - [Illustration] - - Ancient Jerusalem - - -In the former part of the second century Cazibee set himself at the head -of the Jewish nation and proclaimed himself their long-expected Messiah. -To facilitate the success of his bold enterprise he changed his name to -that of Barchocheba, alluding to the Star foretold by Balaam. Adrian -raised an army, and sent it against him. He retired into a town called -Bither, where he was besieged. Barchocheba was killed in the siege, the -city was taken, and a dreadful havoc succeeded. The Jews themselves allow -that, during this short war against the Romans in defense of this false -Messiah, they lost five or six hundred thousand souls.--_Buck's -Dictionary._ - -Dr. A. Clarke says, on the authority of Josephus, that "a few years -afterward, under the reign of Nero, while Felix was procurator of Judea, -impostors of this stamp were so frequent that some were taken and killed -almost every day." And at intervals since then the Jews who are all the -time expecting the appearance of the Messiah have been repeatedly the -victims of cruel deception. - - - VERSE 6: "And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that - ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but - the end is not yet." - - -It is proper that we should consider what is meant by the term "the end," -used in this verse; in verse 14, "then shall the end come;" and in verse -3, "the sign of thy coming, and the end of the world." In the first place, -it may be unhesitatingly claimed that the term does not refer to the end -of the Jewish dispensation, which terminated at the crucifixion, nor to -the destruction of Jerusalem, which occurred about forty years later. -Because, first, Jesus treated the question concerning the destruction of -the temple and that referring to his coming and the end of the world as -relating to two distinct events, widely separated in time. Second, the -signs which were to be premonitory of the end did not transpire before the -destruction of the temple. Third, the second coming of Christ, the close -of probation, the judgment, the resurrection, and the end of sin, death, -and mortality, are frequently and prominently associated together in the -Bible as constituting the most important epoch in human history. To limit -this thrilling discourse to the local and long past destruction of -Jerusalem would be to rob it of its force and grandeur. Not only would the -twenty-fourth of Matthew which we are now studying be stultified, but very -much of the life and power of the Scriptures would be sacrificed by such a -course. - -As to the meaning of the phrase, "the end of the world," it may -consistently be translated "the end of the age," and in the margin of the -Revised Bible it is rendered "the consummation of the age." For an -inspired definition of the term, let the reader turn to Matt. 13:38-40 and -its context, where the same words are used and repeated in the original:-- - - - "The tares are the children of the wicked one; the enemy that - sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and - the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered - and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. - The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather - out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them that do - iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall - be weeping and gnashing of teeth." - - -From Rev. 14:14-16 we learn that the harvest of the earth and the second -coming of Christ are identical. So that by no possible means could it be -established that the "end of the world" means the destruction of -Jerusalem. Further evidence is found in Matt. 28:20 where the same -expression, both in the original and in the translation, is used: "Lo I am -with you alway, even unto the end of the world." But no one would have the -audacity to claim that this promise expired in A. D. 70, as it must have -done if those questions of the disciples and the subsequent discourse of -Christ related only to the impending doom of the temple and city. - - - VERSES 7, 8: "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom - against kingdom; and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and - earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of - sorrows." - - -Wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes have occurred all along since -these words were spoken. Therefore, these, as they have ever existed, -cannot be regarded as the especial signs of the end. It may be claimed, -however, with a good degree of consistency, that the Scriptures teach that -these calamities would abound in the last days to such an extent as to -constitute a sign of the approaching Judgment. We wish to keep the -important fact distinctly before the mind, that the sacred Scriptures do -teach when men may not, and when they may, look for the second appearing -of Christ. - -The sacred writers have so uniformly associated such judgments as war, -famine, pestilence, and earthquake, with the last Judgment, that the -disciples would be in danger of concluding that the end would immediately -follow the first appearance of these calamities; hence the caution given: -"These things must come to pass, but the end is not yet." Here the -disciples were clearly taught that they should not expect the end in their -day. This fact is worthy of the candid attention of those who object to -the proclamation of the second advent of Christ in the form of an especial -message. These sometimes assert that it was right for the disciples to -look for Christ in their day, and that it has been scriptural and right -for all Christians to look for the second appearing of Christ in their -time, from the days of the chosen twelve to the present time. And they -decide that no more can be learned and believed upon this subject in our -time than by the Christians of past generations, and that the public mind -should not now be moved upon this great question, any more than in all -past time since the first advent of Christ. - -We have seen that this position is incorrect so far as the early disciples -were concerned. They are directed to the distant future as the time when -their Lord should come. They are assured that they need not be troubled at -hearing of wars and rumors of wars; "for all these things must come to -pass, but the end is not yet." Our Lord then guides the minds of his -disciples, as we shall see in the examination of this chapter, down over -the time of the great apostasy, and the long period of the rule of papal -Rome, before mentioning a sign of his second advent. He does not intimate -that his people during these long periods may expect the end. No, not -once. But when he comes to a later time, the Lord names signs in the sun, -in the moon, and in the stars, and adds: "When ye shall see all these -things, know that it is near, even at the doors." - -Mark this: Our Lord does not mention wars, famines, pestilences, and -earthquakes as signs of his second advent; but rather as events of common -occurrence all the way through the Christian age, which must exist before -the end. And history attests the fact that these calamities have covered -at least seventeen centuries. The following is from a work of Noah -Webster, LL. D., published in 1799:-- - - - "By famine and sword, 580,000 Jews were destroyed between A. D. 96 - and A. D. 180. - - "In Antioch, from A. D. 96 to A. D. 180, earthquakes destroyed 13 - cities and over 100,000 lives. - - "In Rome, A. D. 169, pestilence destroyed 10,000 daily. - - "In Rome, A. D. 187, pestilence appeared and continued three - years. - - "In London, A. D. 310, by famine, 40,000 died. - - "In A. D. 446, September 17, an earthquake shook down the walls of - Constantinople, and 57 towers fell. - - "In Rome, A. D. 539, in one district 50,000 died. - - "In Antioch, A. D. 588, an earthquake killed 60,000. - - "In A. D. 542, the plague killed 10,000 in one day in Turkey. - - "In A. D. 679, a severe famine in England, three years. - - "In A. D. 717, in Constantinople, 300,000 died of plague. - - "In A. D. 1005, earthquakes three months, followed by pestilence, - by which it is said one third of the human race died. - - "In A. D. 1077, in Constantinople, so many died by plague and - famine the living could not bury them. - - "In A. D. 1124, in Italy, there was such famine that the dead lay - in the streets not buried; and in England one third of the people - died of plague. - - "In A. D. 1294, in England thousands died of famine. - - "In A. D. 1346, in London, 50,000 died of plague and famine, and - were buried in one grave-yard; in Norwich, 50,000; in Venice, - 100,000; in Florence, 100,000; in Eastern nations, 20,000,000. It - was called the black death. - - "In A. D. 1352, in China, 900,000 died of famine. - - "In A. D. 1427 in Dantzic, 80,000 died of plague. - - "In A. D. 1570, in Moscow, 200,000 died of plague. - - "In A. D. 1572, in Lyons, 50,000 died of plague. - - "In A. D. 1625, in London, 35,000 died of plague. - - "In A. D. 1656, in Naples, 300,000 died of plague. - - "In A. D. 1665, in London, 68,000 died of plague. - - "In A. D. 1755, an earthquake destroyed the city of Lisbon, - killing 50,000. In Mitylene, and the Archipelago, it shook down - 2000 houses. It shook all the Spanish coast. The plague followed, - which destroyed 150,000 persons in Constantinople." - - -Doubtless the figures in the above list should in some instances be -corrected to correspond with facts. But, taken as a whole, they do not -nearly represent the ravages of death in their enormity. For instance, the -Encyclopedia Britannica states that Hecker estimates the celebrated "black -death" of the fourteenth century in the different epidemics, to have swept -away one fourth of the inhabitants of Europe, or 25,000,000 people! - - - - -Persecution And False Prophets. - - - [Illustration] - - Martyrdom of Huss - - - VERSES 9, 10: "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and - shall kill you; and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's - sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one - another, and shall hate one another." - - -Here is a brief description of the afflictions and martyrdom of the church -of Christ. Thousands of the faithful followers of Jesus were most cruelly -put to death by pagan Rome; yet the prophecy doubtless applies more -particularly to the long period of papal persecutions, in which not less -than fifty millions of Christians were put to death in the most cruel -manner that wicked men and demons could devise. In these verses we are -brought down over the long period of the martyrdom of the church of Jesus -Christ, to near the present generation. These verses being parallel with -verses 21 and 22, this subject will be noticed again. - - - VERSE 11: "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive - many." - - -A true prophet is one who speaks for God. The spirit of prophecy is the -testimony of Jesus. Rev. 19:10. It is Jesus Christ speaking through human -lips or pen to his people. _Pseudo_, or false prophets, speak through the -agency of wicked spirits and the power of Satan. Their work is to deceive. -And while this is true of those who are under the direct inspiration of -superior beings, good or evil, it is true in a more restricted sense that -consecrated teachers of divine truth may be regarded as God's prophets; -and teachers of error may properly be called false prophets. True and -false prophets may be known. - - [Illustration] - - The Crucifixion - - -The prophets of God are teachers of purity, reprovers of sin, and faithful -in warning the people of coming dangers. The duties of those whom God -calls to speak in his great name are clearly expressed by the sacred -writers. We here quote from three of them:-- - - - ISA. 58:1: "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a - trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of - Jacob their sins." - - JOEL 2:1: "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my - holy mountain. Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for - the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand." - - 2 TIM. 4:1, 2: "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord - Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his - appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, - out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and - doctrine." - - -False prophets do not reprove the people for their sins, and do not warn -them of coming danger; but they proclaim peace to the sinner. Their -teachings lead from God and his word, and are such as please the -unconverted mind. The inspired writers have also spoken definitely of the -testimony and work of false prophets. We here give several for example:-- - - - EZE. 13:9, 10: "And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see - vanity, and that divine lies. They shall not be in the assembly of - my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the - house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; - and ye shall know that I am the Lord God. Because, even because - they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no - peace; and one built up a wall, and lo, others daubed it with - untempered mortar." - - JER. 6:13, 14: "For from the least of them even unto the greatest - of them, every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet - even unto the priest, every one dealeth falsely. They have healed - also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, - Peace, peace, when there is no peace." - - JER. 14:13, 14: "Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, the prophets - say unto them, Ye shall not see the sword, neither shall ye have - famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place. Then the - Lord said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name. I sent - them not, neither spake unto them." - - -After stating the duty of the faithful servant of God to preach the word, -to reprove, to rebuke, and exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine, -the apostle says:-- - - - "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; - but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, - having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the - truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Tim. 4:3, 4. - - -That time has now fully come. The people choose pleasing fables, which do -not disturb them in their sins, rather than the reproving, searching -declarations of the word of God. They love to be deceived by the teachings -of false prophets, and "say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, -Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy -deceits." Isa. 30:10. - - - "Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord. Shall not my - soul be avenged on such a nation as this? A wonderful and horrible - thing is committed in the land; the prophets prophesy falsely, and - the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have - it so; and what will ye do in the end thereof?" Jer. 5:29-31. - - -The ears of the people are filled with the pleasing fables of the world's -conversion, a good time coming, and that we are just entering the golden -age. The threatenings of God's word on the proud, the haughty, the vain, -the rich, the sinners in Zion, and those out of Zion, are kept back by the -false teachers of these times. Many of them even dare to teach that the -moral code of the ten commandments is abrogated. And as the result of such -a course, and of such teaching, we see in the professed church of Jesus -Christ, that - - - - -Iniquity Abounds. - - - VERSE 12: "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many - shall wax cold." - - -It is evident that both the abounding of iniquity and the waxing cold of -the love of many, are fulfilled in the professed church of Jesus Christ. -Men must first experience the love of God and of heavenly things before -that love can grow cold. Hence, common, unconverted sinners are not here -referred to as apostatizing. And, again, the prevalence of iniquity in the -unconverted world alone, would stimulate the church to greater diligence, -and more godliness, instead of being a cause of apostasy. Hence, the -iniquity here mentioned is in the very heart of the professed church, -diffusing its chilling influence through the whole body. As the result, -the love of many has grown cold. With this, agree the words of the -apostle:-- - - - "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. - For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, - proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, - without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, - incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, - heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; - having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from - such turn away." 2 Tim. 3:1-5. - - -Here is a catalogue of eighteen sins, all resting upon those having a form -of godliness. These are not infidels and common worldly sinners, for they -have not a form of godliness; but they are men and women professing to be -followers of Jesus Christ. And although they make a profession of piety as -high as heaven, these very sins lie at their doors. And by reason of their -example, and their chilling influence, many are led from the humble path -to heaven, and their love waxes cold. - - [Illustration] - - The Ascension - - - - -The End. - - - VERSE 13: "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall - be saved." - - -As before noted, the word _end_, whenever used in this chapter, refers to -the end of the age, and to nothing else. It is the end associated in the -New Testament with the second appearing of Jesus Christ. If it be urged -that the word "end" has reference to the close of mortal life, then we -reply that the disciples did not ask their Lord (see verse 3) when they -should die; but "what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of -the world?" Neither does the Lord speak of death, when he says (see verse -6), "But the end is not yet." And it would be strange indeed to suppose -that the word "end" (verse 14) meant death. If any think such a position -admissible, let them read it into the text, as follows: And this gospel of -the kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all -nations, and then shall death come. Absurdity! - - - VERSE 14: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached In all - the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end - come." - - -This is the first sign of the end given by our Lord in answer to the -question, "What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the -world?" - -But it is robbed of its distinct power by that interpretation, sometimes -given, by which it is assumed that all men will receive the gospel and be -converted, and that then instead of the end, there will ensue a thousand -years in which all shall know the Lord. After this long period of peace -and safety, the end will come. How much is assumed on this text will -appear when we consider that the text does not say that every individual -will even hear this gospel of the kingdom. It does not state that any one -will be converted and made holy by it. And we find it far from intimating -that the world will be converted and remain so one thousand years. We have -no reason to conclude that greater measure of success is implied in this -text than that which has always attended the preaching of the gospel. -While a few have believed and received it, the great mass of men have -passed it by unheedingly. The text simply states: First, "And this gospel -of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world;" second, "For a witness -unto all nations;" third, "And _then_ [not one thousand years later, but -THEN] shall the end come." - -But to what does the term "gospel of the kingdom" refer? The query -sometimes rises as to whether the gospel in the common acceptation of the -word, or a gospel peculiarly related to the second coming of Christ is -here meant. No such distinction is to be drawn. There neither is, has -been, nor will be more than one gospel. "But though we, or an angel from -heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached -unto you, let him be accursed." Gal. 1:8. - -The gospel, then, in this instance, is the same as Paul preached, which -was the "power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." But in -Rev. 14:6 and 7 we read:-- - - - "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, and tongue, and people, saying - with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour - of his judgment is come; and worship him that made heaven, and - earth, and the sea, and the fountain of waters." - - -The gospel is here called the "everlasting gospel," and must necessarily -be referred to the gospel of Christ. In connection with the preaching of -that gospel, was the proclamation that the judgment hour had come. Not -that this message was appended to the gospel, but the angel who had the -everlasting gospel to preach said, "Fear God ... for the hour of his -judgment is come." - -The gospel of Jesus Christ embraces all truth relating to salvation. The -warnings, counsel, invitations, promises, precepts, prophecies, or -whatever the Lord would have the people hear,--the gospel embraces them -all. In the days of Noah, the gospel included repentance, faith, -obedience, with the promises of grace and mercy; it also included the -warning of the impending judgment. And the only way to escape that -judgment was through the gospel. So here in Revelation we have the gospel -with all it implies, including the message of Christ's second coming and -kingdom and the judgment. Closely associated with this message are two -others as given in Rev. 14:8-12. The first is merged into these. Then -immediately following their proclamation we have the following scene:-- - - - "And I looked and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat - like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and - in his hand a sharp sickle.... And he that sat on the cloud thrust - in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped." Rev. - 14:14-16. - - -In Rev. 14:6-16, then, we learn what is the meaning of the term "gospel of -the kingdom." It is _the_ gospel, and it embraces the admonitions and -instructions relative to the second coming of Christ. And now that we have -reached that time, the complete gospel embraces the good news of the -coming kingdom with appropriate warnings and teachings. Our Saviour says -it "shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations." -The Revelator says the message is to be preached "to every nation, -kindred, tongue, and people." When this shall be done, the end will come. - -The world-wide proclamation of the soon coming of Christ was inaugurated -about 1832. Since that time, the work of extending its warning voice has -gone on. A most remarkable feature of this movement is the fact that in -different countries individuals were moved upon, almost simultaneously, to -study the prophecies and proclaim the nearness of the end, although they -knew nothing of what was being done by others. In the United States and -Canada, in Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and in Asia, a profound -interest in this subject was created, and people were led to expect the -early appearance of Jesus. Since that time clearer light has appeared in -connection with the other messages of Revelation 14, and still the work is -onward. Wherever the light of the Bible has penetrated, the good news of -the coming Saviour is now going. Not only so, but messengers bearing this -gracious warning are rapidly finding their way into the dark portions of -the earth. Evidence of its extent and progress might be expressed in facts -and figures, but the rapid development of the work would soon leave these -in the rear. Let it suffice to say that at present the everlasting gospel -is being preached and published in all the leading languages and countries -of the world. The work has encircled the globe. It is rapidly reaching -every nation. We now wait for the approaching end; for when the purpose of -God in the proclamation of the coming reign of Christ shall be fully -accomplished, then the end will come. - -Thus far in this discourse Jesus has passed over the entire Christian -dispensation. Beginning with a warning against the deceptions that were to -succeed his own times, he next describes wars and disasters, persecutions, -apostasy, the perils of the last days, and closes with a distinct sign of -the end. - - - - - -WHEN SHALL THESE THINGS BE? - - - VERSES 15-20: "When ye, therefore, shall see the abomination of - desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy - place (whoso readeth, let him understand); then let them which be - in Judea flee into the mountains; let him which is on the housetop - not come down to take anything out of his house; neither let him - which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe - unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those - days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither - on the Sabbath day." - - -Our Lord having in verses 5-14, passed over the important events in the -Christian age down to the end, goes back and introduces in verse 15 the -destruction of Jerusalem, in answer to the inquiry, "When shall these -things be?" Luke's version of this language is, "When ye shall see -Jerusalem encompassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof -is nigh." Luke 21:20. By this we know that the term "abomination of -desolation" refers to the Roman army. This desolating power is spoken of -by Daniel as follows:-- - - - "And the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the - city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, - and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.... And for - the over-spreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even - until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon - the desolate." Margin, "desolator." Dan. 9:26, 27. - - - [Illustration] - - Destruction of Jerusalem by Titus - - -Here is a clear prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman -armies. Our Lord referred to the book of Daniel, and taught his disciples -to read and understand it; and when they should see take place what was -there predicted, they must make their escape. - -It would seem to be impracticable to flee from a city after it was -encompassed with armies; but our Saviour did not speak at random. Josephus -tells us that Cestius, the Roman general who first led the attack upon -Jerusalem, became dismayed at the apparent forces and strength of the -city, and after having surrounded the city raised the siege. The historian -says: "He retired from the city, without any reason in the -world."--_"__Wars,__"__ book ii, chap. xix._ And in the first words of the -succeeding chapter he further states: "After this calamity had befallen -Cestius, many of the most eminent Jews swam away from the city, as from a -ship when it was going to sink." - -Dr. A. Clarke, commenting on verse 16, says:-- - - - "This counsel was remembered and wisely followed by the Christians - afterwards. Eusebius and Epiphanius say, that at this juncture, - after Cestius Gallus had raised the siege, all who believed in - Christ left Jerusalem and fled to Pella, and other places beyond - Jordan." - - -The flight of the Christians of Judea to the mountains would be attended -with difficulties. And their subsequent condition would be that of -hardship and suffering. The Lord knew this, and gave them the instructions -and warnings necessary. The statement of verse 19 was given to save them -from the sorrows of unnecessary woe. That was a time of trouble. - -Jesus recognizes the existence of the Sabbath, in verse 20, as late as the -destruction of Jerusalem, as verily as he does the seasons of the year. -_The Sabbath_, is the uniform term of both Testaments to designate the -very day on which Jehovah rested after the creation, the day upon which he -put his blessing, and which he set apart for man. Not only in this -instance does our Saviour show his regard for the sacred day of rest, but -in his life he kept it (see Luke 4:16); in his teaching he upheld it, and -taught its true character (Matt. 12:12); and when he lay in the tomb, the -devout women reverently rested "according to the commandment." He himself -is Lord of the Sabbath, and he declares that it was made for man. Mark -2:27, 28. Jesus does not speak of the Sabbath as being only a seventh part -of time, or one day in seven, and no day in particular. The Sabbath is the -term used, referring to the last day of the first week of time, and to the -last day of each subsequent week. - -It is thus that Jesus answered the question, "When shall these things be?" -He now proceeds to answer the second great question. - - - - - -WHAT SHALL BE THE SIGN OF THY COMING? - - - VERSE 21: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not - since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall - be." - - -It is not surprising, perhaps, that upon a casual reading some should -conclude that this verse had its fulfillment at the siege of Jerusalem by -Titus. It was a time of great suffering, and the verse follows so closely -those which relate to the destruction of the city, that this explanation -suggests itself readily enough. But for good reasons we cannot accept that -application of this verse. Jesus is giving a continuous prophecy. The -narrative proceeds from verse to verse along the line of the entire -dispensation. - -The "great tribulation" mentioned in verse 21 is that of the church of -Christ, and not the tribulation of the Jews at the destruction of -Jerusalem. We offer the following reasons for so deciding:-- - -1. It is a fact that the tribulation of the Christian church, especially -under the reign of the papacy, was greater than God's people had suffered -before "since the beginning of the world." The tribulation of the -Christian church has been greater than it will ever be again. True, a time -of trouble "such as never was," spoken of in Dan. 12:1, is coming _upon -the wicked_; but we find in the same verse this blessed promise, "And at -that time thy people shall be delivered." The tribulation of the Jews at -the destruction of Jerusalem was not greater than the world will ever -witness. The vials of Jehovah's unmingled wrath are yet to be poured out, -not upon the people of one nation only, but upon the guilty people of all -nations. - - - "The slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the - earth even unto the other end of the earth; they shall not be - lamented, neither gathered, nor buried." Jer. 25:33. - - -2. If the tribulation be applied to the Jews, or to any other class of -unbelieving men, it cannot be harmonized with Dan. 12:1, which speaks of -the time of trouble such as never was, when Michael shall stand up. -Certainly there cannot be two times of trouble at different periods, -greater than ever was or ever would be. Therefore the "tribulation" spoken -of in Matt. 24:21, 29, applies not to the Jews, but to the church of -Christ, extending through the 1260 years of papal persecution; and the -"trouble" mentioned in Dan. 12:1, to the unbelieving world, to be -experienced by them in the future. - - [Illustration] - - St. Bartholomew Massacre. - - -3. The period of tribulation was shortened for the elect's sake. This -cannot refer to the Jews, for their house had been pronounced desolate. -They were left of God in their hardness of heart and blindness of mind. -Says Paul, "Lo, we turn to the Gentiles." The elect were the followers of -our Lord Jesus Christ. And where were they when tribulation was upon the -Jews?--They had fled to the mountains. It is absurd, then, to say that the -days of tribulation of the Jews in the city of Jerusalem, were shortened -for the sake of the elect, who had fled from the place of tribulation. -Moreover the tribulation that came upon Jerusalem was not restrained or -modified, but continued until the city was destroyed and its people were -given to the sword and to captivity. - -4. The connection between verses 20 and 21 shows that the tribulation was -to commence with those Christians who were to flee out of the city. "But -pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath-day; -for then shall be great tribulation." Our Lord here speaks of the -tribulation which his people would suffer from the time of their flight -onward. We follow them in their flight to the mountains, and then pass -along down through the noted persecutions of the church of God under pagan -Rome, and we see, indeed, _tribulation_. And when we come to the period of -papal persecutions, we see them suffering the most cruel tortures, and -dying the most dreadful deaths that wicked men and demons could inflict. -This last period is especially noted in prophecy. - -The prophet Daniel saw the papacy, its blasphemy, its ignorance, its work -of death on the saints, and its duration as a persecuting power, under the -symbol of the little horn. - - [Illustration] - - Taking the Pope Prisoner. 1798. - - - "And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall - wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times - and laws; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and - times and the dividing of time." Dan. 7:25. - - -It is generally admitted that "a time and times and the dividing of time" -is 1260 years. The proof of it may readily be seen by comparing Rev. -12:14, 6; 13:5, with the scripture just quoted. In these passages we learn -that "time, times, and the dividing of time" is equivalent to a thousand -two hundred and threescore days, which equals three and one half Biblical -years, or "forty and two months." Applying the scriptural rule of -interpretation, a day for a year (Eze. 4:6), we have 1260 years. - -This period is to cover the supremacy of the papacy. The beginning of it -will be the point of the establishment of the power of the papacy. This -was the year 538 A. D. Justinian, emperor of Rome, with his capital at -Constantinople, espoused the cause of the bishop of Rome; and in 533 A. D. -issued a decree which constituted that prelate head of all the churches. -But the Arian Ostrogoths had possession of Rome, and it was not until they -had been rooted up that the city was accessible to the bishop. This was -accomplished in 538, by Belisarius, Justinian's celebrated general. For a -concise and clear account of this occurrence we refer the reader to the -"Two Republics," by A. T. Jones, pp. 551-553. - -Commencing the 1260 years A. D. 538, they reach to A. D. 1798, when -Berthier, a French general, took possession of Rome. The pope was made a -prisoner and carried with violence away from his palace and out of Italy. -The papacy was stripped of its civil power. Here ended the days of -tribulation spoken of by our Lord, which were-- - - - - -Shortened For The Elect's Sake. - - - VERSE 22: "And except those days should be shortened, there should - no flesh be saved; but for the elect's sake those days shall be - shortened." - - -The papacy was clothed with civil power to punish heretics, which it held -for 1260 years; and had not the period of tribulation of the elect in the -providence of God been shortened, the martyrdom of the church would have -continued to 1798, in which event, no flesh of the elect would have been -saved. But the Reformation under Martin Luther, and those associated with -this great reformer, modified this tribulation, and continued to restrain -the rage and power of the papacy until the suppression of the Jesuits in -1773, since which time, there has been no general persecution waged -against the church. Thus we are brought in this prophetic discourse of our -Lord, down into the eighteenth century, very near the present time. We -would naturally expect, then, that the instructions and warnings which -follow would be applicable to this generation. - - - - -Lo, Here, And Lo, There. - - - VERSES 23-27: "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is - Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false - christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and - wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive - the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they - shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: - behold: he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the - lightning cometh out of the east and shineth even unto the west; - so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." - - -In these verses the great theme of Christ's second coming is again vividly -brought forth. Satan is ever on the alert to contravene by some device or -art, the work of God. His most successful plan is to deceive. By this -means he gains ready access to all such as desire to evade the force of -truth. And having deceived an individual, he not only prevents his -salvation, but gains to himself an adherent if not an active agent. So, as -the time for the second advent draws near, the enemy becomes particularly -active, knowing that he hath but a short time. In the words last quoted -our Lord seeks to prepare the minds of his people for the deceptions that -are to be practiced upon those who live near the time of his second -coming. There will be those who will cry, "Lo, here; or Lo, there," some -will even claim to be Christ. They will purport to represent the truth in -regard to Christ's coming in various plausible or fanatical ways. Others, -in order to reach other minds, will present theories of human device -accounting for the advent of Christ in various so-called rational schemes. -Many sincere people will be led to expect the conversion of the world -through a millennium of peace. Others will be persuaded that the coming of -Christ means death. And even false prophets, showing great signs and -wonders, will appear. All these form an atmosphere of deception, the -miasma of which will stupefy, if it were possible, the elect of God. - -In this fearful work will be engaged the notorious deceiver, the trained -agents of Satan, the worldly philosopher, worldly preachers, popular -ministers, critics of the Bible, and many whose eyes do not discern the -signs of the times. The Mormons call the people to the desert; -Spiritualism invites us to the secret chamber, where Satanic signs and -wonders are wrought to captivate the mind and divert it from the truth. Of -these "false prophets" Paul speaks in 1 Tim. 4:1:-- - - - "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some - shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and - doctrines of devils." - - -In another scripture the apostle places the coming of Christ in connection -with-- - - - "The working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, - and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that - perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they - might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong - delusions, that they should believe a lie." 2 Thess. 2:9-11. - - -These are some of the deceptions of which Christ is speaking in the text. -It is undoubtedly the work of modern Spiritualism. This work, in its -present form, originated in the year 1848, and constitutes and is to -constitute one of the most prominent signs of the end. - -Let no one be deceived by any means. For these are but subterfuges. They -are not the coming of Christ. He has said, "I will come again, and receive -you unto myself." John 14:3. - -The angels said at his ascension,-- - - - "_This same Jesus_, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall - _so come in like manner_ as ye have seen him go into heaven." Acts - 1:11. - - -Paul tells us,-- - - - "The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the - voice of the archangel and with the trump of God." 1 Thess. 4:16. - - -And here our Saviour says:-- - - - "As the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth, unto the - west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." - - -He will come literally, personally, the same Jesus who was here upon the -earth. Not in lowly form as an offering for sin, to be set at naught, -abused, and crucified, but in "all his glory" attended with "all the holy -angels." Matt. 25:31. We shall know when he comes for "every eye shall see -him." Rev. 1:7. - -None of these evasions of the truth will ever be able to counterfeit the -real event. The Roman army did not come to Jerusalem in this way. Death -does not come in this way. The deceptive wonders of Spiritualism cannot -imitate the glory of Christ's second coming. He will come in power and -great glory (verse 30); he will come in the glory of his Father (chapter -16:27); and in the glory of the holy angels (Luke 9:26); all the holy -angels shall come with him. Matt. 25:31. His coming will be as glorious -and resplendent as the lightning. When Jesus revealed himself to Saul of -Tarsus, there was a light above the brightness of the sun (Acts 26:13); of -the angel who appeared at the tomb after the resurrection of Jesus it is -said, "His countenance was like lightning" (Matt. 28:3); and Ezekiel says -of the messengers of the Most High, they "ran and returned as the -appearance of a flash of lightning." Eze. 1:14. - -When Jesus comes in the glory of his Father, with so glorious a train -attendant, his coming will indeed be as the lightning coming out of the -east and shining to the west, and no one will have any more occasion or -opportunity to say to his fellow, "See here," than one would have to call -another to behold a gleam of lightning flashing through the heavens. The -vivid lightning flashing out of the distant east, and shining even to the -west, lights up the whole heavens. What, then, when the Lord comes in -flaming glory, and all the holy angels with him? The presence of only one -holy angel at the sepulcher where Christ lay dead, caused the Roman guard -to shake, and become as dead men. The light and glory of one angel -completely overpowered those strong sentinels. The Son of man is coming in -his own kingly glory, and in the glory of his Father, attended by all the -holy angels. Then the whole heavens will blaze with glory, and the whole -earth will tremble before him. - - - - -The Signs Of Christ's Coming. - - - VERSES 29-31: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days - shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, - and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the - heavens shall be shaken. And then shall appear the sign of the Son - of man in heaven, and then shall all the tribes of the earth - mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of - heaven, with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels - with a great sound of a trumpet; and they shall gather together - his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the - other." - - -We have before seen that our Lord speaks in this chapter of the long -period of tribulation that was to come upon his followers, and we have -also seen how those days of tribulation were shortened for the elect's -sake. Christ says that the sun should be darkened immediately after the -tribulation of those days. Mark in his gospel, gives it as follows:-- - - - "In those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, - and the moon shall not give her light." Mark 13:24. - - -This makes the time in which the sun was to be darkened more distinct and -definite. The days of tribulation were the 1260 years of papal supremacy, -beginning in 538 A. D. and ending with the capture of Rome and the pope by -the French in 1798. But we have already seen that the "tribulation" or -persecution of those days was "shortened" for the elect's sake. That is, -the active persecution of the church by papal power ceased in 1773. Then, -according to Mark's statement, the sun should be darkened between that -date and 1798. It was fulfilled. May 19, 1780, has passed into history as -"the dark day." - -This is a fact of so general knowledge that we need not consume space in -elucidating it. A few references to undoubted authorities will suffice. - -Noah Webster's dictionary, in the edition for 1869, under the head of -Explanatory and Pronouncing Vocabulary of Noted Names, says:-- - - - "_The dark day_, May 19, 1780--so called on account of a remarkable - darkness on that day extending over all New England. In some - places, persons could not see to read common print in the open air - for several hours together. Birds sang their evening songs, - disappeared, and became silent; fowls went to roost; cattle sought - the barn-yard; and candles were lighted in the houses. The - obscuration began about ten o'clock in the morning, and continued - till the middle of the next night, but with differences of degree - and duration in different places. For several days previous, the - wind had been variable, but chiefly from the south-west and the - north-east. The true cause of this remarkable phenomenon is not - known." - - -From another good authority we quote:-- - - - "A solemn gloom of unusual darkness before ten o'clock,--a still - darker cloud rolling under the sable curtain from the north and - west before eleven o'clock,--excluded the light so that none could - see to read or write in the House, even at either window, or - distinguish persons at a small distance, or perceive any - distinction of dress in the circle of attendants; wherefore, at - eleven o'clock adjourned the House till two in the - afternoon."--_Journal of the Connecticut House of Representatives, - Friday, May 19, 1780._ - - -Herschel, the great astronomer, says:-- - - - "The dark day in Northern America was one of those wonderful - phenomena of nature which will always be read with interest, but - which philosophy is at a loss to explain." - - -A contemporary paper contained the following:-- - - - "During the whole time a sickly, melancholy gloom overcast the - face of nature. Nor was the darkness of the night less uncommon - and terrifying than that of the day, for notwithstanding there was - almost a full moon, no object was discernible but by the help of - some artificial light, which seen from the neighboring houses and - other places at a distance appeared through a kind of Egyptian - darkness which seemed almost impervious to its rays. This unusual - phenomenon excited the fears and apprehensions of many - people."--_Mass. Spy, Correspondence, 1780._ - - -From another good authority we take the following:-- - - - "Almost, if not altogether alone as the most mysterious and as yet - unexplained phenomenon of its kind in nature's diversified range - of events during the last century, stands the dark day of May 19, - 1780, a most unaccountable darkening of the whole visible heavens - and atmosphere in New England, which brought intense alarm and - distress to multitudes of minds, as well as dismay to the brute - creation, the fowls fleeing, bewildered, to their roosts, and the - birds to their nests, and the cattle returning to their stalls. - Indeed thousands of the good people of that day became fully - convinced that the end of all things terrestrial had come; many - gave up, for the time, their secular pursuits, and betook - themselves to religious devotions."--"_Our First Century._" - - -An extract from a sermon preached at that time will be of interest:-- - - - "But especially I mention that _wonderful darkness_ on the 19th of - May inst. [1780]. Then, as in our text, the sun was darkened; such - a darkness as probably was never known before since the - crucifixion of our Lord. People left their work in the house and - in the field. Travelers stopped; schools broke up at eleven - o'clock; people lighted candles at noonday; and the fire shone as - at night. Some people, I have been told, were in dismay, and - thought whether the day of Judgment was not drawing on. A great - part of the following night also was singularly dark. The _moon, - though in the full, gave no light_, as in our text."--_From a - manuscript sermon by Rev. Elam Potter, delivered May 28, 1780._ - - -By the remarkable obscuration of the moon on the following night, the next -sign, "And the moon shall not give her light," was fulfilled. Concerning -this it is only necessary to insert a few words:-- - - - "The night succeeding that day (May 19, 1780) was of such pitchy - darkness that, in some instances, horses could not be compelled to - leave the stable when wanted for service. About midnight, the - clouds were dispersed, and the moon and stars appeared with - unimpaired brilliancy."--"_Stone's History of Beverly._" - - -Mr. Tenny, of Exeter, N. H., quoted by Mr. Gage, to the Historical -Society, speaking of the dark day and dark night of May 19, 1780, says:-- - - - "The darkness of the following evening was probably as gross as - has ever been observed since the Almighty first gave birth to - light. I could not help conceiving at the time, that if every - luminous body in the universe had been shrouded in impenetrable - darkness, or struck out of existence, the darkness could not have - been more complete. A sheet of white paper held within a few - inches of the eye was equally invisible with the blackest velvet." - - -Concerning a similar phenomenon in the Old World a reliable work says:-- - - - "Three years later, and Europe with its teeming millions went - under as mysterious a cloud, which, though not so dense, yet - continued longer and awoke a wonder and fear that was widely felt. - A haze, for which no known cause was then assigned (though in - subsequent years it has been supposed by some to have been - volcanic dust), spread through the entire breadth of the - atmosphere over all the continent far into Asia. It appeared in - Denmark, May 29, reached France, June 14; Italy, June 16; Norway, - June 22; Austria and Switzerland, June 23; Sweden, June 24; and - Russia, June 25. By the close of the month it had overspread like - a pall all Syria, and on July 18, had penetrated the heart of Asia - to the Altai Mountains. The obscurity prevailed a greater portion - of the summer, imparting to the sun an unnatural color of a dull, - rusty red, and causing both the days and nights to wear a weird - and gloomy aspect. The atmosphere was highly electric, and nature - was greatly convulsed. - - "Dr. N. Webster in his valuable 'History of Pestilences,' vol. ii. - p. 274, testifies to the general fear. As it was in America on the - occurrence of the 'dark day,' so the churches in Europe were - crowded with alarmed multitudes supplicating mercy of Heaven. - Professor Lalande, the astronomer of France, attempted to quiet - the popular fear by ascribing the darkened heavens to exhalations - arising out of the earth; but both Webster and Humboldt (Cosmos - IV., p. 75) rejected this solution of the mysterious obscurity. - Protestant England shared in the alarm it occasioned; and the poet - Cowper sang that all the elements 'preached the general doom.' It - was to this unaccountable obscuration of light that he refers in - his 'Task:'-- - - " 'Nature seems with dim and sickly eye - To wait the close of all.' " - - --"_Great Consummation._" - - - - -"And The Stars Shall Fall." - - -How this sign can be fulfilled is a query with some people, who, perhaps -captiously, remark that it would be impossible, since the earth itself is -but a small body compared with many of the vast worlds of space. But all -such queries are out of date now since the sign itself has already been -witnessed. On the night of November 13, 1833, the grandest display of -celestial fireworks ever beheld took place. From works of accepted -authority we take the following descriptions of this remarkable event:-- - - - "But the most sublime phenomenon of shooting stars, of which the - world has furnished any record, was witnessed throughout the - United States on the morning of the 13th of November, 1833. The - entire extent of this astonishing exhibition has not been - precisely ascertained; but it covered no inconsiderable portion of - the earth's surface.... The first appearance was that of fireworks - of the most imposing grandeur, covering the entire vault of heaven - with myriads of fire-balls, resembling sky-rockets. Their - coruscations were bright, gleaming, and incessant, and they fell - thick as the flakes in the early snows of December. To the - splendors of this celestial exhibition the most brilliant sky- - rockets and fire-works of art bear less relation than the - twinkling of the most tiny star to the broad glare of the sun. The - whole heavens seemed in motion, and suggested to some the awful - grandeur of the image employed in the Apocalypse, upon the opening - of the sixth seal, when 'the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, - even as a fig-tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken - of a mighty wind.' "--_Burritt's __"__Geography of the - Heavens,__"__ p. 163, ed. 1854._ - - - [Illustration] - - The Falling Stars. - - -A celebrated astronomer and meteorologist, says:-- - - - "Those who were so fortunate as to witness the exhibition of - shooting stars on the morning of Nov. 13, 1833, probably saw the - greatest display of celestial fire-works that has ever been since - the creation of the world, or at least within the annals covered - by the pages of history. - - "In nearly all places the meteors began to attract notice by their - unusual frequency as early as eleven o'clock, and increased in - numbers and splendor until about four o'clock, from which time - they gradually declined, but were visible until lost in the light - of day. The meteors did not fly at random over all parts of the - sky, but appeared to emanate from a point in the constellation - Leo, near a star called Gamma Leonis, in the bend of the - Sickle.... - - "The extent of the shower of 1833 was such as to cover no - inconsiderable part of the earth's surface, from the middle of the - Atlantic on the east to the Pacific on the west; and from the - northern coast of South America to undefined regions among the - British possessions on the north, the exhibition was visible, and - everywhere presented nearly the same appearance. This is no longer - to be regarded as a terrestrial but a celestial phenomenon, and - shooting stars are now to be no more viewed as casual productions - of the upper regions of the atmosphere, but as _visitants from - other worlds_, or from the planetary voids."--_Prof. Olmstead, of - Yale College._ - - "No philosopher or scholar has told or recorded an event, I - suppose, like that of yesterday morning. A prophet 1800 years ago - foretold it exactly, if we will be at the trouble of understanding - stars falling to mean falling stars; or '_hoi asteres tou ouranou - epesan eis teen geen_,' in the only sense in which it is possible - to be literally true."--_Henry Dana Ward, in Journal of Commerce, - Nov. 14, 1833._ - - -Not only here in Matthew 24 is attention directed to these signs as -premonitory of the coming of Christ. The Lord through the prophet Joel -says:-- - - - "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, - before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come." - - -Under the sixth seal, as given in Rev. 6:12-17, we have the following -language:-- - - - "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there - was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of - hair, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell - unto the earth even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs when - she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a - scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island - were moved out of their places." - - -That the fourth and fifth seals apply to the papal persecution there can -be no reasonable doubt. If so, then the great earthquake with which the -sixth seal opens would be that of Lisbon, in 1755, which agitated the -greater part of the earth and destroyed many thousands of lives, 60,000 in -Lisbon alone. - -The darkening of the sun and moon follows in 1780, and the falling of the -stars in 1833. Consequently the next event which we are to expect under -this seal is the departing of the heavens as a scroll. This being future, -we may say that we are living between the thirteenth and fourteenth verses -of Revelation 6. - -In the gospel as written by Luke, however, we have at this point some -additional specifications given, which are of such interest at the present -juncture. And they rightfully belong to this exposition, since both -Matthew and Luke are giving versions of the same discourse. The passage -from Luke to which reference is made is the following:-- - - - "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the - stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; - the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, - and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: - for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." Luke 21:25-27. - - - [Illustration] - - Modern Cyclone. - - -The signs in the sun, moon, and stars are here spoken of less specifically -than by Matthew, while other features of the times, which Matthew does not -notice, are introduced between those signs and the shaking of the powers -of heaven. These are of peculiar interest to us because we are living in -the very days when the things that Luke speaks of are coming to pass. The -signs here predicted consist of violent commotions upon earth which cause -anxiety, perplexity, and distress among nations and in the hearts of men. -We may refer the expression, "the sea and the waves roaring," to unusual -disturbances of the natural elements, and we have the most abundant -evidences of its fulfillment in the storms and convulsions of nature that -are occurring by sea and land, filling the heart with dread at the sight -of every dark cloud that arises. The tidal waves and volcanic upheavals at -sea have, in the last two or three decades, been marked with extraordinary -violence. On land, cyclones and earthquakes have carried on a fearful work -of destruction. Many instances might be cited to substantiate this -statement, but the events are too familiar to require it. Hardly a week -passes but some great calamity of this kind is recorded. - -But the expression referred to is probably susceptible of another -application in which it will be found to be as forcible and pertinent to -the present state of affairs as in the one just noticed. This would be to -give the term "sea and waves" its symbolic meaning. The prophet of old -said: "And behold the four winds of heaven strove upon the great sea." -Dan. 7:2. We are told that the sea represents "peoples, and multitudes, -and nations, and tongues." Rev. 17:15. Taking the words in this sense, the -meaning and fulfillment are still as apparent as before; and the -expression joins its force to that of the remainder of the passage--"upon -the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves -roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear and for looking after those -things which are coming on the earth." In this sense the expression in -question would indicate commotion and violent disturbance in the social -and political world. In this meaning all will at once see the vivid force -of the text as applied to our times. - - [Illustration] - - Assassination of Carnot. - - -The times we live in are anomalous to any that have ever preceded us. For -some years there have been universal and active preparations for war, and -almost universal peace. To secure the greatest efficiency of armed forces -for defensive and offensive purposes, has been the prime consideration of -government, especially so, as far as the Old World nations are concerned. -Europe echoes to the tread of vast hosts of war while the nations are -driven to their wits' end to provide for their support. It is well known -that these costly preparations are not for show; and the hearts of men -quail in view of the culmination which, though delayed, must soon be -reached. - -But while the temple of Janus is closed as far as international strife is -concerned, and angel hands are holding the winds of war (see Rev. 7:1-3), -internal strife and dissension are rending the vitals of the great nations -of earth. Within the confines of its own border, each of these nations is -cherishing elements of the deadliest nature. Trouble is brewing that has -for the people far more terror than foreign complications. For some time -the ominous mutterings of an oncoming storm have been heard in every land, -and it requires no remarkable acumen to discern the rapid approach of the -crisis. - -The apostle James strikes directly at the matter in a prophetic glance and -exhortation in the following language:-- - - - "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that - shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments - are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of - them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as - it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. - Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, - which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth; and the cries of them - which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of - Sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; - ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have - condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you." James - 5:1-6. - - -The apostle locates the circumstances he here refers to in the last days. -He denounces the rich men who have heaped together treasures, the rust and -canker of which will be a witness against them. They live in pleasure and -wantonness while the cries of those whose wages they have kept back enter -into the ears of the Lord of Hosts. - -There is a universal cry of hard times in all the world. It is hard to -obtain money; and yet, there never was so much money as at present. But it -is being collected--gathered in heaps--by the powerful few, while the -limited means of the masses are dwindling lower and lower. The poorer -classes witness the absorption of wealth by the money-kings, with feelings -that are being aroused to the point of desperation by the sense of their -inability to secure what seems to them a more equitable distribution of -the things of this world. The laborers cry, and God hears their cry. - -That these things are taking place to-day as the most prominent feature of -our social life no one will for a moment deny. Such colossal fortunes the -world has heretofore at most but dreamed of. There are men living to-day -who have risen in wealth from obscure stations to become lords of untold -millions. Their wealth passes the bounds of just computation, for it -includes the power of oppression by which it may be indefinitely -increased. The lavish expenditure of these means for selfish pleasure -often amounts to wantonness. - -Well then, what is to be done? It is a difficult and delicate matter to -frame and secure legislation by which this or any other class of men shall -be deprived of the management of their own business as long as that -business is legitimate and is legitimately conducted. Shall anarchy and -violence be resorted to? Shall the laborer seize the torch and the weapons -of death? Shall the country be devastated by strikes, strife, and civil -war? Shall our communities be rent with murder, arson, treason, and -intense personal hatred and enmity? No one possessing the natural -instincts of humanity could contemplate such a condition of affairs except -with horror. There are ghouls of society who gloat in blood; but such are -not true citizens, they are not neighbors, they certainly are not -Christians. - -But what shall we do as citizens, neighbors, and Christians? This is a -question of great importance just now. Inspiration long ago foresaw our -situation. The pitying Saviour long since anticipated the sufferings that -are to come upon this generation; and having, through his servant, -outlined the present condition of affairs so closely, he certainly would -not leave his followers uninformed as to the course he would have them -pursue. We have to read only two verses farther in James's letter to find -the counsel we need. - - - "_Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord._ - Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the - earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early - and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; _for - the coming of the Lord draweth nigh_." James 5:7, 8. - - - [Illustration] - - Chicago Riot. - - -Oppression and revolt, combination and intrigue, strife and bloodshed, -never will cease until the supreme selfishness, which in the absence of -divine grace controls all men, gives place to true philanthropy, and a -brotherhood that is not outlined by class or sectional interests. This -happy time is coming. When Jesus comes, he will take to himself his power -and reign in righteousness. Then will the hills be brought low, the -valleys exalted, the crooked be made straight, and the rough places -smooth. - -Those who are weary of strife, those who through misfortune or oppression -have been made to feel their need of relief will find rest to their souls -in looking for the coming of the Lord. It is vain to match evil with evil -or to try to cure wrong with wrong. The gospel of Christ is the only -remedy for these ills. And all that we can really do to counteract the -annoyances of this life must be done through the gospel of peace. In this -time of perplexity, distress, and fear, let every Christian hold up -Christ. Let his patient suffering be exemplified in whatever circumstances -may come. Just a little beyond, there is relief. - -Strikes, boycotts, lock-outs, trusts, unions, or any other human device or -demonstration only augments the trouble, as the experience of the past few -years shows. For there never was so much of these things as now, and never -was capital so insecure, business so uncertain, and labor in such distress -as at present. The employment of arbitrary force provokes greater efforts -on the opposite side, and thus the breach is widened and the strife -becomes more bitter. We do not argue the merits or demerits of the case. -That there is deep wrong involved, the fruits plainly show. It is our task -only to point out the one remedy available alike to either and all. That -remedy is the gospel of Christ, which is soon to close in a glorious -triumph for those who have patiently and faithfully wrought his will. - - - - -"The Powers Of Heaven Shall Be Shaken." - - -We do not apprehend that this circumstance will occur as a sign of -Christ's coming, but rather that it will constitute one of the events of -his coming, the same as the features mentioned in the next verse. An -evident distinction may be drawn between the _signs_ of the advent and the -circumstances of it. With the falling of the stars, the former cease; and -with the next event the latter commence. This event, the shaking of the -powers of heaven, we must regard as being future. It holds the same place -in the events of this chapter, that the departing of the heavens as a -scroll does in the events of the sixth seal of Revelation 6. Both follow -the falling stars. The Scriptures plainly teach that, prior to the -resurrection of the just by the voice of the Son of God, the voice of God -the Father will shake the heavens and the earth, when will be fulfilled -the shaking of the powers of the heaven. This is not the voice of the Son -of God as he descends to raise the dead. It comes from the throne of God -in the temple of heaven. - - - "The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from - Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth shall shake; but the Lord - will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children - of Israel." Joel 3:16. - - "Therefore will I shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove - out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, and in the - day of his fierce anger." Isa. 13:13. - - -Paul quotes from the words of the Lord by Haggai and comments as follows:-- - - - "Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And - this word, yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things - that are shaken." Heb. 12:26, 27. - - - - -"Sign Of The Son Of Man." - - -Neither is this one of the signs showing that the coming of the Son of man -is near, but "the sign of the Son of man in heaven." It is that which -indicates his position. When Christ ascended from the mount of Olivet, "a -cloud received him" from the sight of his disciples. They still gazed at -the cloud as it rolled upward, bearing the Saviour toward the Father's -throne but they could not see his person. When he comes "in like manner" -as he was taken up to heaven, the cloud will appear, small in the -distance, but as it draws near, it will signify to those who are looking -for his return, that he is there, and soon his presence will fill the -earth with matchless glory. In Rev. 14:14, the holy seer records his view -of the coming Saviour in the following words: "And I looked, and behold a -white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man." - -This is not a mass of vapor but a cloud of resplendent glory. He comes -"with power and great glory." He will "come in the glory of his Father" -(Matt. 16:27); in his own glory, "and all the holy angels with him." Matt. -25:31. The glory of the Father, of the Son, and of all the holy -angels--this glory will comprise the cloud which attends him on the way. Of -its intensity we can form no just conception. In the presence of one angel -the Roman guard "did quake and became as dead men." There are ten thousand -times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of them in this throng. -Above the brightness of their glory is that of the Father and the Son. - -At first the cloud is only perceptible, but as it approaches, it attracts -attention, and at length every eye is fastened intently upon the wonderful -spectacle. The trumpet resounds, the voice of the Archangel awakens the -dead, and they come forth to share in the glorious revelation of their -Redeemer. All nature is convulsed with her coming dissolution. Each moment -the glory draws nearer, and soon the wicked can no longer endure the -sight. - - - "And then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall - see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and - great glory." Verse 30. - - -Again attention is directed to the parallel language of Rev. 6:15-47:-- - - - "And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, - and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bond man, - and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of - the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, - and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and - from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of his wrath is - come; and who shall be able to stand?" - - -The prophet Isaiah describes the same thrilling event from the other -standpoint--that of the waiting people of God:-- - - - "He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord God will wipe - away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall - he take away from off all the earth; for the Lord hath spoken it. - And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have - waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have - waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." - Isa. 25:8, 9. - - -The apostle Paul gives a vivid description of the event with its attendant -circumstances as follows:-- - - - "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning - them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which - have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, - even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. - For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which - are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent - them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from - heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the - trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we - which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them - in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever - be with the Lord." 1 Thess. 4:13-17. - - -The once slighted, insulted, and crucified Saviour, now King of kings and -Lord of lords, is coming near the earth! His glory blazes everywhere! The -saints hope and rejoice with trembling. But what an hour for the wicked! -The tribes of the earth mourn. Amid the ruins of shivered creation they -hold one general prayer-meeting. Kings and great men, rich men, chief -captains and mighty men, free and bond, all, yes, all unite in the general -wail. As the Son of man in the glory of his Father, attended by all the -holy angels, draws still nearer, consternation fills every breast. They -hide in dens and in the rocks of the mountains. Their only hope is to be -concealed from the glory of that scene. They know it is too late to pray -for mercy, that probation for the human family has ended forever. - -But rocks cannot shelter them from the burning glory manifested by the -King of kings, attended by the whole heavenly host. When "the Son of man -shall come in the glory of the Father," "and all the holy angels with -him," no sinner can endure the scene and live. The exceeding brightness of -that vast multitude of angels, brighter than a thousand suns at noonday, -will pierce the sinner's lowest hiding place, and will "make even a speedy -riddance of all them that dwell in the land." Zeph. 1:18. The Son of man -will be seen "coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." -But before his coming a great work will be done for his people. Should he -suddenly burst upon them now, they could not endure "the power and great -glory" of the scene. This subject is well illustrated by the following -words of the prophet:-- - - - "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord; his going - forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the - rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." Hosea 6:3. - - -The morning is a beautiful figure of the opening glory of the day of God. -The day-star first appears, then the dawn of day. And as the light of day -increases, the eyes are enabled to endure it, and view the sun shining in -his strength. But should the light of the sun burst upon the world -suddenly at midnight, no human eye could endure it. - -So will the people of God be prepared to meet their coming King. They must -first break away from the love and cares of this world, and consecrate all -to the Lord. Then will they, in due time, share the outpouring of the Holy -Spirit "as the rain, as the latter and former rain upon the earth." The -day-star will arise in their hearts. 2 Peter 1:19. Those who have taken -heed to the sure word of prophecy through the dark, watching night, then -raise their heads in triumph. They are filled with faith and with the Holy -Spirit. Glory is poured upon them till they can gaze on Christ and angels. -The trumpet sounds. The angels are dispatched to the graves of the -righteous. The voice of the Son of God awakes the sleeping saints of all -ages. They come forth in immortal perfection and, as they leave the earth, -the living saints are changed. The "elect from one end of heaven to the -other," each with an angel bright and strong to lead the way, are caught -up to meet the Lord, who waits in mid-heaven to receive the purchase of -his blood. As language would fail to describe what follows, we leave the -reader to contemplate it, praying that we may be prepared to participate -in the meeting scene. - - - - -Parable Of The Fig-Tree. - - - VERSES 32, 33: "Now learn a parable of the fig-tree; when his - branch is yet tender and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer - is nigh. So likewise ye when ye shall see all these things, know - that it ['he,' R. V.] is near, even at the doors." - - -This parable is probably the most forcible figure that could be used with -which to illustrate this subject. When the trees of the field begin to put -forth their leaves, and the tender grass springs up, and the ground is -being covered with its green velvet carpet, we know that summer is nigh. -It is a certainty with us that summer is coming when we see these signs in -nature. We know that summer is nigh "_So, likewise_," or, with the same -certainty, we may _know_ that Christ's coming is near when the signs in -the sun, moon, and stars are fulfilled. How near?--Even at the doors. How -near may that be? - - - VERSE 34: "Verily I say unto you. This generation shall not pass, - till all these things be fulfilled." - - -It is sometimes claimed that the generation spoken of was the one then -living. If so, it could have been to no greater extent than referring to -the answer of the question relating to the destruction of Jerusalem. But -it would be wholly illogical to limit the application of the statement to -that generation or to place its principal significance there. "All these -things" must include the signs and circumstances of which Christ has been -speaking. In the preceding verses he gives the parable of the fig-tree, -and addresses those who are to be living at that time directly. "So -likewise _ye_, when _ye_ shall see all these things, _know_ that it is -near." And then, "_This_ generation shall not pass." What generation? -Evidently the one which he was addressing, and which saw "these things -come to pass." Not only does such an interpretation do no violence to the -Saviour's meaning, but it is obviously the only one that can be reasonably -entertained in regard to it. - -Paul speaks in the first person of those who will be living when Jesus -comes, for he says, "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, -in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump." 1 Cor. 15:51, -52. Or, "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together -with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air." 1 Thess. 4:17. The -things here mentioned by the apostle did not take place in his day. They -have not yet taken place. Notwithstanding, he speaks of them as though -they would take place in his day, and as if he were to have a part in -them. - -The proclamation of the coming and kingdom of Christ is given to the last -generation. God sent Noah to preach to the last generation before the -flood, not to any preceding one. The very generation which was destroyed -by the waters of the flood saw Noah build the ark, and heard his warning -voice. So God has raised up men to give the solemn warning to the world at -the right time to give force to the warning. And the very generation of -men that live after the three great signs are fulfilled, and who hear and -reject the warning message of Heaven, will drink the cup of the unmingled -wrath of God. And those of this very generation who receive the message, -suffer disappointments, and endure the trials of the waiting position, -will witness the coming of Christ, and exclaim, "Lo, this is our God; we -have _waited_ for him, and he will save us." Isa. 25:9. - -With what emphasis our Lord gave utterance to this sentiment! It is a -rebuke upon our unbelief. As we read it, God help us to believe it: -"Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these -things be fulfilled." And as though this were not enough to lead us to -unwavering faith, he adds these forcible words: "Heaven and earth shall -pass away but my words shall not pass away." - -The word and promises of men may fail; but Christ has given assurance that -his word, and his word in reference to this solemn truth, will stand -though heaven and earth fail. - - - - -"The Day And Hour." - - - VERSES 36, 37: "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not - the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe - were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." - - -This has become a very familiar passage of scripture because of the -frequent use that is made of it to prove that nothing can be known of the -proximity of the second coming of Christ. But if we pause a moment and lay -beside this verse those we have just studied, we shall be able to discover -the exact truth at once. "When ye shall see these things, know that it is -near even at the doors;" and, "This generation shall not pass, till all -these things be fulfilled;" "But of that day and hour knoweth no man." The -line of knowledge, then, lies between the former expressions and the -latter--between "even at the doors" and the definite day and hour. The -former we may know, and every Christian is commanded to know. The latter -no man knoweth. One may consistently say that he knows an event is near, -and yet say that he does not know the hour nor the day when it will take -place. That this is the scriptural teaching upon this point may be readily -proved by a reference to 1 Thess. 5:1-4:-- - - - "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that - I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of - the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall - say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, - as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But - ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake - you as a thief." - - -An evident distinction is here drawn between two classes. Upon one class -the day of the Lord will come as a thief. Those of the other are not in -darkness that that day should come as a thief upon them. The children of -God are children of light. Their heavenly Father knows the end from the -beginning, and he has promised to reveal his secret to his people through -his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7. - -The apostle Peter also bears testimony to the same truth. - - - "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well - that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, - until the day dawn and the day-star arise in your hearts." 2 Peter - 1:19. - - -The dark place here spoken of is the future. The past is lighted up by -history, the present is brought to our knowledge by press and telegraph; -but the future no human art or wisdom can penetrate. Prophecy throws its -gleam into those dark regions, yet unexplored, and marks out the path of -human history centuries and ages before it has echoed to the footsteps of -mankind. When at last we pass along the pathway, we may, if we will, -recognize the waymarks set up here and there, every one of which is a -monument to the wisdom and knowledge of God, and the faithfulness of his -word. Those who have no eyes to discern these things, no ears to hear, nor -hearts to understand their significance, will pass on, and the final event -will come upon them unawares. Not so with those who take heed to the -things God has spoken. - -We would not detract an iota from the force of the verse under -consideration. It means all it says. No man knows the definite time of -Christ's coming. The day and hour, and even the year of the second advent -are purposely hidden. Some of the prophetic periods reach to the time of -the end, while others extend still farther down, very near to the end -itself; yet none of them reach to the coming of the Son of man. The -prophecies clearly point to the period of the second advent, but do not -give the definite time of that event. - -But with this passage before us we may claim that it would be transcending -its meaning to claim upon its authority that nothing should or could be -known of the approach of Christ's coming. More than that, it is not -inconsistent with the text nor improbable that prior to that event the -Lord will in his own way reveal that which has hitherto been withheld. -Those who claim that the text proves that nothing may be known of the -period of the second advent, make it prove too much for their own -unbelief. As recorded by Mark, the declaration reads: "But of that day and -that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in Heaven, neither -the Son, but the Father." If the text proves that men will know nothing of -the period of the second advent, it also proves that angels will know -nothing of it, and also that the Son will know nothing of it, till the -event takes place! This position proves too much, therefore proves nothing -to the point. Christ will know of the period of his second advent to this -world. The holy angels who wait around the throne of heaven to receive -messages relative to the part they act in the salvation of men, will know -of the time of this closing event of salvation. And so will the waiting, -watching people of God understand. An old English version of the passage -reads, "But that day and hour no man maketh known, neither the angels -which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father." This is the correct -reading, according to several of the ablest critics of the age. The word -_know_ is used in the same sense here that it is by Paul in 1 Cor. 2:2: -"For I determined not to know [make known] anything among you, save Jesus -Christ and him crucified." Men will not make known the day and hour, -angels will not make it known, neither will the Son; but the Father will -make it known. Says Campbell:-- - - - "Macknight argues that the term _known_ is here used as a - causative, in the Hebrew sense of the conjugation _hiphil_, that - is, _to make known_.... His [Christ's] answer is just equivalent - to saying, The Father will make it known when it pleases him; but - he has not authorized man, angel, or the Son to make it known. - Just in this sense, Paul uses the term _know_, 1 Cor. 2:2: 'I came - to you _making known_ the testimony of God; for I determined to - _make known_ nothing among you but a crucified Christ.' " - - -Albert Barnes, in his "Notes on the Gospels," says:-- - - - "Others have said that the verb rendered _knoweth_ means sometimes - to _make_ known, or to reveal, and that the passage means, 'that - day and hour none maketh known, neither the angels, nor the Son, - but the Father.' It is true the word has sometimes that meaning, - as 1 Cor. 2:2." - - -When the patriarch's work of warning and building was finished, God said -to him, "Come thou and all thy house into the ark." "For yet seven days -and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights." -So when the waiting, watching, weeping, toiling time shall be finished, -and the saints shall all be sealed, and shut in with God, then, we -conclude, will the voice of the Father from heaven make known the definite -time. See Rev. 16:17; Joel 3:16; Jer. 25:30. - -The present is emphatically the waiting, watching time. It is the especial -period of the patience of the saints. The Lord appeals to us thus:-- - - - "Watch ye, therefore; for ye know not when the Master of the house - cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the - morning; lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say - unto you I say unto all, Watch." Mark 13:35-37. - - -One of the fatal consequences of not watching is distinctly stated in Rev. -3:3:-- - - - "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a - thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee." - - -In consequence of not watching, the people will remain in ignorance of the -approach of that hour. And the unavoidable inference is that by watching -they will be aware of and prepared for its coming. In answer to the -agonizing prayer of the Son of God, "Father, glorify thy name," there came -a voice from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it, and will glorify -it again." The disciples understood these words from heaven, while the -people that stood by said it thundered. John 12:27-29. So will the waiting -disciples of Christ understand the voice of God when he shall speak from -on high. But the unbelieving world will not understand it. In comparing -Noah's days and ours, the Lord continues:-- - - - - -Noah's Time And Ours. - - - VERSES 38, 39: "For as in the days that were before the flood, - they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, - until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until - the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming - of the Son of man be." - - -A picture of the present condition of the mass of mankind is here drawn. -The people of the last generation will be like those before the flood, -while the ark was preparing. While Noah preached, and warned them of the -coming flood, they mocked. He built the ark; and they scoffed and jeered. -He was a preacher of righteousness. His works were calculated to give edge -to, and send home to the heart, what he preached. Every righteous sermon, -and every blow struck in building the ark, condemned a careless, scoffing -world. As the time drew nearer, the people grew more careless, more -hardened, more bold and impudent, and their condemnation surer. Noah and -his family stood alone. And could one family know more than all the world? -The ark was a matter of ridicule, and Noah was regarded as a willful -bigot. - -But the Lord calls Noah into the ark. And by the hand of Providence the -beasts are led into the ark; and the Lord shuts Noah in. This is regarded -at first by the scoffing multitude as something wonderful; but it is soon -explained away by the wiser ones, so as to calm their fears, and they -breathe easier. - -The day of expectation finally arrives. The sun rises as usual, and the -heavens are clear. "Now where is old Noah's flood?" is heard from a -thousand impious lips. The farmer is caring for his herds and lands, and -the mechanic is pursuing his work of building. On this very day, some are -being joined in marriage. With many it is a day of unusual feasting and -sports. And while all are looking to long years of future prosperity and -happiness, suddenly the heavens gather blackness. Fear fills every heart. -The windows of heaven open, and the rain descends in torrents. "The -fountains of the great deep are broken up," and here and there come -gushing up rivers of water. The valleys are fast filling up, and thousands -are swept away in death. Awful death! made still more horrible by being in -consequence of slighted mercy! But where is Noah? Ah! safe in the ark, -borne upon the billows. Safe from the flood, for God "shut him in." - -By some people, the evidences of the soon coming of Christ are considered -insufficient to base faith upon. But the testimony and acts of one man in -the case of Noah, condemned the people destroyed by the flood. The -evidences then were sufficient, otherwise the world would not have been -condemned. But a hundred times more convincing evidences come pouring in -upon us that the day of the Lord is near, and hasteth greatly. We follow -down the several prophetic chains of Daniel and of the Revelation, and we -find ourselves in every instance standing just before the day of wrath. We -see the signs spoken of by prophets, by Christ, and by the apostles, -fulfilling or fulfilled. And at the right time, and in the right manner, -to fulfill certain prophecies, a solemn message arises in different parts -of the world: "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy -mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the -Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand." Joel 2:1. Wherever we look, we see -prophecy fulfilling. While the knowledge of God and the spirit of holiness -are departing, spiritual wickedness, like a flood, covers the land. - -But these evidences are considered insufficient to rest faith upon. Well, -what kind of evidence would the unbelieving have? "When the signs of the -end," says the skeptic, "are fulfilled, they will be so plain that no one -can doubt." But if the signs are of such a nature, and are fulfilled in -such a manner, as to compel all to believe in the coming of Christ, how -can it be as it was in the days of Noah? Men were not then compelled to -believe. But eight believing souls were saved, while all the world besides -sank in their unbelief beneath the waters of the flood. God has never -revealed his truth to man in a manner to compel him to believe. Those who -have wished to doubt his word, have found a wide field in which to doubt, -and a broad road to perdition; while those who have wished to believe, -have ever found an everlasting rock upon which to rest their faith. - -Just before the end, the world will be hardened in sin, and indifferent to -the claims of God. Men will be careless in regard to the warnings of -danger, and blinded by cares, pleasures, and riches. An unbelieving -generation will be eating, drinking, marrying, building, planting, and -sowing. It is right to eat and drink to sustain nature, but the sin is in -excess and gluttony. The marriage covenant is holy, but God's glory is -seldom thought of. Building, planting, and sowing, necessary for -convenient shelter, food, and clothing, are right; but the world has gone -wholly after these things, so that men have no time nor disposition to -think of God, heaven, Christ's coming, and the Judgment. This world is -their god, and all their energies of body and mind are made to serve it. -And the evil day is put far away. - -The faithful watchman who sounds the alarm as he sees destruction coming, -is held up before the people from the pulpits of our land, and by the -religious press, as a fanatic, a teacher of dangerous heresies; while in -contrast is set forth a long period of peace and prosperity to the church. -So the churches are quieted to sleep. The scoffer continues to scoff, and -the mocker mocks on. But that day is coming. Thus saith the prophet of -God:-- - - - "Howl ye; for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a - destruction from the Almighty. Therefore shall all hands be faint, - and every man's heart shall melt. And they shall be afraid; pangs - and sorrows shall take hold of them.... Behold, the day of the - Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the - land desolate; and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of - it." Isa. 13:6-9. - - - [Illustration] - - The Day of Wrath. - - -Most dreadful day! and is it near?--Yes; it hasteth! It hasteth greatly! -What a description given by the prophet! Read it; and as you read, try to -realize how dreadful will be that day:-- - - - "The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth - greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man - shall cry there bitterly. That day is a day of wrath, a day of - trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of - darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, a day - of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against - the high towers. And I will bring distress upon men, that they - shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the - Lord; and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh - as the dung. Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to - deliver them in the day of the Lord's wrath; but the whole land - shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy; for he shall make - even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land." Zeph. - 1:14-18. - - - - -Peace And Safety. - - -The attitude of the religious world toward this most important subject is -worthy of more than passing notice both because of its effect upon the -cause of truth and also because it of itself is a sign of the times. While -it is true that many individuals in the different Christian denominations -recognize with more or less distinctness the fact that we are living in -the last days, with many of these it does not become a practical truth. -Outside of these there are many who ridicule the idea as preposterous and -outlandish; and in opposition to the message that Christ is soon coming, -raise the cry of, "Peace, peace, when there is no peace." Such teaching is -alluded to by the prophet in Eze. 13:10, 11. - -The groundwork of the peace and safety cry is the doctrine of the temporal -millennium. This teaches that the world is now entering, or about to enter -upon a period of universal peace and good will, that the moral tone of the -world is improving, men and nations are learning righteousness; and the -gospel of Christ is about to become the controlling principle in public -and private life. And, further, this happy state will continue for one -thousand years, which period of time the word millennium literally -signifies. At the end of that time, perhaps, the Lord will come. However, -if this doctrine be true, it will make but little difference to this -generation or to the one living at the close of the period whether he does -or not. The verses we have just considered which liken the last days to -those of Noah wholly disprove this position. In addition to what Matthew -states, Luke gives a still more forcible version of our Saviour's words:-- - - - "And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days - of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, - they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into - the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also - as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they - bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day - that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from - heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day - when the Son of man is revealed." Luke 17:26-30. - - -Paul writes in his epistles to Timothy as follows:-- - - - "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some - shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and - doctrines of devils." 1 Tim. 4:1. - - "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. - For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, - proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, - without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, - incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, - heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; - having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from - such turn away." 2 Tim. 3:1-5. - - "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, - and being deceived." Verse 13. - - -In very many scriptures it is plainly declared that when Christ comes, he -comes not only to reward and save his people but also to punish his -enemies. Looking upon the last days he exclaims, "Nevertheless when the -Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8. The idea -of a thousand years of peace and righteousness before Christ comes might -be dismissed as utterly out of the question. But space will be given to -one or two passages supposed to teach it, which will represent the whole -class. The first and chief is found in Isa. 2:2-4:-- - - - "And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of - the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, - and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow - unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go - up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; - and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: - for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord - from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall - rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into - ploughshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not - lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any - more." - - -Almost the same language is used in Micah 4:1-3. It is enough to call -attention to the authorship of the propositions contained in the text. -They come from the people. "Many people shall go and say, Come ye," etc. -Inspiration asserts that in the last days the mountain or power of the -Lord's house or church shall be established in the tops of the mountains, -or civil power. Undoubtedly it will. Everything is tending to the union of -Church and State and the professed church of Christ is riding on a high -tide to civil power in all lands. But farewell to godliness and spiritual -power. When this is accomplished, in a general chorus all will proclaim -the dawning millennium. - -How the Lord regards the people who are saying these things is shown in -the succeeding verses:-- - - - "Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, - because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers - like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children - of strangers. Their land also is full of silver and gold, neither - is there any end of their treasures; their land also is full of - horses, neither is there any end of their chariots: their land - also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, - that which their own fingers have made." Isa. 2:6-8. - - -Now let us see what God says on the same point and concerning the same -time:-- - - - "Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; prepare war, wake up the - mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: - beat your ploughshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into - spears: let the weak say, I am strong. Assemble yourselves, and - come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: - thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O Lord. Let the - heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for - there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Put ye in - the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the - press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. - Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of - the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and the moon - shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. The - Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from - Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord - will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children - of Israel." Joel 3:9-16. - - -Mark, this is not what the people say, but what the Lord says of the very -same time when the people are preaching a good time coming. - -Another verse referred to, and representing quite a numerous class of -similar ones, is found in Num. 14:21. - - - "But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the - glory of the Lord." - - -There is no occasion to modify or limit the meaning of those words; for -their utmost significance will be realized. But when?--When sin and the -curse are wiped away. After the purifying fires of the day of the Lord -have burned up the last work and relic of rebellion, and the earth made -new in Edenic glory comes again from the hand of its Maker, as beautiful, -yea, more beautiful, if possible, than at first. It would not be within -the limits of this pamphlet to follow out this subject, but the reader is -referred to the following scriptures: Isa. 65:17-22; 2 Peter 3:13; -Revelation 21 and 22, and to published works. - -In that state this and all kindred scriptures will meet a fulfillment that -is ample and complete. But for such a condition of things this side of the -coming of Christ neither the Bible nor the trend of events give any -promise whatever. - -Judging of the probability of the conversion of the world from the facts, -it would seem to be far from striking. The following table gives a -comparatively accurate showing of the present religious status of the -world:-- - -Jews and Parsees 15,470,000 -Greek Catholics 84,136,000 -Protestants 114,815,500 -Brahminical Hindoos 120,000,000 -Mohammedans 122,400,000 -Roman Catholics 255,000,000 -Pagans 227,000,000 -Buddhists 482,000,000 -Unclassified 51,050,000 - -Concerning the very small proportion of this number classed in the list of -Christians, Bishop Foster has very aptly said:-- - - - "There are some who too fondly anticipate a millennium. There is a - lack of information on the progress of Christianity. The facts are - misstated daily in pulpits all over the country. Ministers - hesitate to present the worst side for fear of causing - discouragement, and they create hopes that are never realized. We - are not at the dawn of a millennium. Compared with the work to be - done, the past is nothing. Our children's children for ten - generations to come must labor harder than we are doing, to - accomplish the conversion of the world. The world's population is - 1,500,000,000. Of these, Christians number less than a third; and - half of that third belongs to the Roman Catholic Church. The - Protestants number 114,000,000. They are divided into 500 sects. - And this number of their strength includes, also, all the thieves, - ex-convicts, the debased, besotted, and the speckled and streaked - in Christendom."--_Northwestern Christian Advocate of Dec. 2, - 1885._ - - -Farther on in the same article the Bishop said:-- - - - "Before us we have the great problem--the 1,100,000,000 of pagans - to convert to Christianity. That is the solid rock that looms up - in our path. Look at it; see what work has been done in 1800 - years, and how much is yet to be accomplished. In India, after - more than a hundred years of mission work, we have 600,000 native - converts and 2,000,000 Christians among 260,000,000 heathen. Can - we remove that solid boulder that is as old as the hills?... Our - Methodist Church we think the most divine and ineffable. We boast - that we are going to conquer the world, and come from our palaces - and princely farms to subscribe fifty cents a head for the - undertaking! It is a burning disgrace that excites pity and - disgust." - - -And as to the prospects for universal peace, the following recent -statement of the armament of Europe does not indicate that the nations are -really contemplating such a happy consummation:-- - -Russia: 1,519,810 men, 181,000 horses, 2,084 cannon -Germany: 835,000 men, 96,000 horses, 2,022 cannon -Austria: 856,980 men, 58,125 horses, 1,600 cannon -England: 478,800 men -France: 1,850,000 men - -The remaining states of Europe make up with the above a total of about -6,000,000 men. - - - - -The Final Separation. - - - VERSES 40, 41: "Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be - taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the - mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left." - - -This language shows the final separation between the righteous and the -wicked. There is no elaborate explanation as to how the circumstances will -meet their fulfillment, but that is not the essential force of the text. -The line will in some cases be drawn between those who are intimately -related. Some members of the same family will be taken away by the -judgments of God, while others will be left to receive their coming Lord. - - - - -Those Who Watch Will Know The Time. - - - VERSES 42-44: "Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your - Lord doth come. But know this, that if the good man of the house - had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have - watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. - Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not - the Son of man cometh." - - -The injunction to watchfulness is repeatedly given by our Saviour in -connection with his teaching in reference to his second advent. These -injunctions must apply especially to those who live in proximity to that -event. This fact is convincing evidence that the Lord is not displeased -with those who anticipate his coming, and study the word in reference to -it. No one watches for that which he does not expect, and indifference or -aversion toward the coming of Christ is sure evidence of coldness toward -Christ himself. If we love Jesus, we shall love his appearing and if we -love his appearing, we shall be eagerly watching and waiting for it. But -if we knew the hour when he would come, we should not watch for his -coming, nor could we with eagerness expect his coming if we had no -knowledge of its approach. The course of time has been measured off in -definite periods down to the beginning of the present generation. The time -from the end of the prophetic periods to the coming of Christ is -emphatically the waiting, watching time. Those who watch, as our Lord -commands, will eventually know the time. No man will make it known, for it -is not revealed to man in the Scriptures. Angels will not make it known, -though they may minister to, and communicate with, the children of men. -Neither will the Son. But the Father will make it known when he speaks -again from heaven. - -It is undoubtedly true that the unscriptural and irrational course pursued -by many so-called Adventists in repeatedly setting a time of their own for -the Lord to come has had the effect to disgust many with the whole matter. -This is the enemy's work. He will seek thus to obscure each truth by -bringing it into the shadow of reproach. But it is unwise to be thus -misled. Probably there is no prophecy that better describes the present -state of unbelief in the world in regard to the second advent, caused -partly by fanatical time-movements, than the following:-- - - - "Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of - Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? - Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord God: I will make this - proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in - Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of - every vision. For there shall be no more any vain vision nor - flattering divination within the house of Israel. For I am the - Lord: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to - pass; it shall be no more prolonged, for in your days, O - rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith - the Lord God." Eze. 12:22-25. - - -The burden of this prophecy is time; therefore the word here mentioned -that the Lord will speak, will be the time. Rev. 3:3, is also to the -point:-- - - - "Remember, therefore, how thou hast received and heard, and hold - fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come - on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come - upon thee." - - -Those who do not watch, will not know the hour. Those who watch will know -the hour. - -The present watching, waiting position requires much faith and patience. -Says Paul:-- - - - "Cast not away, therefore, your confidence, which hath great - recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye - have done the will of God [in proclaiming the coming of Christ], - ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that - shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live - by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure - in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but - of them that believe to the saving of the soul." Heb. 10:35-39. - - -Says James: "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. -Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and -hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be -ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth -nigh." James 5:7, 8. - -Jesus says: "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will -keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world -to try them that dwell upon the earth." Rev. 3:10. - -The present position and present duty of God's people are defined in Rev. -14:12: "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the -commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." - - - - -The Faithful And Wise Servant. - - - VERSES 45-47: "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his - lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due - season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall - find so doing. Verily I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler - over all his goods." - - -In this figure, Christ is represented as the Lord of the household of -faith (see Mark 13:35; Heb. 3:6), leaving his house, and committing the -work of caring for his church to his servants. A blessing is promised -those servants who are found faithfully discharging this duty when their -Lord comes. They are to feed the flock of God, over whom the Holy Ghost -hath made them overseers. Acts 20:28. They must preach the word. 2 Tim. -4:2. They should watch for souls as they that must give account. Heb. -13:17. They will not only give meat to the household, but they will give -it in due season. They will preach the _present_ truth. - -And meat in due season when Christ's coming draws near, will be the gospel -of the kingdom. Verse 14. It will embrace warnings, instructions, and -encouragements pertaining to a message that is designed and adapted to -prepare the world for so solemn an event. Suppose, for a moment, that when -Noah had received his message of the coming flood to give to the world, he -had reasoned with worldly wisdom that as such a thing never had occurred, -and from all appearances seemed very unlikely to occur, and hence to -preach it would subject him to reproach, it would be better to avoid any -particular allusion to such an unwelcome subject. His preaching seemed to -excite only ridicule. He could retain his own private convictions and -preach the ordinary principles of righteousness, saying, "Do not so, my -brethren." And if the people were only prepared for the flood, that would -be all that would be necessary. Of such a course we can say two things. He -would thus have proved very unfaithful to his trust, and the blood of his -fellow-men would have been upon him; and he would have done just as -thousands are doing now. He certainly would not have represented the -faithful and wise servant. So it is now. A solemn responsibility is placed -upon the watchmen:-- - - - "Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto - them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the - land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: - if when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the - trumpet, and warn the people; then whosoever heareth the sound of - the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take - him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound - of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. - But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. But if the - watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the - people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from - among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I - require at the watchman's hand. So thou, O son of man, I have set - thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt - hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me." Eze. 33:2-7. - - -When Jesus comes, the faithful servants will be found proclaiming his -coming and teaching the necessary preparation. The Saviour speaks of such -as "faithful and wise." - -1. He is faithful. As a faithful watchman, he will give timely warning -when he sees the sword coming. His work just before the end, is seen in -the following scriptures:-- - - - "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy - mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day - of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand." Joel 2:1. - - "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show - my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." - Isa. 58:1. - - "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, - who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his - kingdom, Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; - reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine. For - the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but - after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, - having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the - truth, and shall be turned into fables. But watch thou in all - things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make - full proof of thy ministry." 2. Tim. 4:1-5. - - -2. He is wise. "He that winneth souls is wise." He must be wise. He will -hold forth the truth in its harmony and beauty, and thus expose error and -win men to the truth. When it becomes his duty to "reprove and rebuke," it -will be at a proper time and place, and then with all "long-suffering and -doctrine." He will study to show himself "approved unto God, a workman -that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 -Tim. 2:15. - - - - -The Evil Servant. - - - VERSES 48-51: "But and if that evil servant shall say in his - heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his - fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord - of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, - and in an hour that he is not aware of; and shall cut him asunder, - and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be - weeping and gnashing of teeth." - - -What the evil servant says and does, shows most clearly the position and -work of the faithful and wise servant. The evil servant says, "My lord -delayeth his coming," because the faithful servant is proclaiming the -coming of his lord. The evil servant smites the faithful servant, because -he teaches the soon coming of his Lord. The faithful servant, true to his -commission to preach the "gospel of the kingdom" to a fallen church and a -scoffing world, toils on, and for this the evil servant smites him. Not -with the fist, perhaps, but with the tongue of obloquy and reproach. That -there should be professed servants of Christ engaged in smiting those who -are faithfully warning the world, need not cause surprise in view of the -past, but must cause sorrow in the heart of every lover of truth. The -wicked servant says in heart, and some are saying with their lips, The -Lord is not coming. The world is now just starting out upon its career of -knowledge and enjoyment. Where is the promise or indication of his coming? -Some say, He may come to-night, he may not come in a million years, thus -neutralizing the truth. Such men will be found criticising and discounting -the Scriptures and subjecting them to the tests of human philosophy and -science. The only safety for the people is to look beyond such watchmen. -Let them take the Bible for themselves, and there discerning the truth, -embrace it, and live according to it. - - - - - -CONCLUSION. - - -The impression prevails to some extent that he who teaches that Christ is -soon coming is acting the _rôle_ of an alarmist. If so, we have seen that -the great Teacher has placed himself at the head of the class. No one has -spoken more positively upon this point than he has done. He said, "In my -Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told -you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for -you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, -there ye may be also." John 14:2, 3. There is nothing ambiguous about that -language. A child can understand it. It means that Jesus will come again. -In the remarkable chapter we have here reviewed, the Saviour takes up the -subject specifically, and not only affirms the fact of his coming, but -foretells in explicit language the events which he would have us recognize -as signs of the near approach of his coming and the end of the world. - -But the message of Christ's second coming is not sensational in its -essential character. It is a solemn, practical truth. It is full of -warning and admonition to sinners and worldly professors, and full of -comfort to the faithful followers of Christ. It is spoken of in the -Scriptures as a fact, established upon the word which never fails. When -speaking of his second advent, the Saviour said, "Heaven and earth shall -pass away, but my word shall not pass away." Matt. 24:35. To disbelieve in -his coming would be to doubt one of the two great features of the gospel -plan. What the harvest is to seed-time, Christ's second advent will be to -his first. To doubt that he ever came to earth would be to subvert the -gospel. To disbelieve his second coming would nullify in the mind his -first coming, and rob the sacrifice of its glorious reward. - -The apostle Paul speaks of the second advent as "that blessed hope." Titus -2:13. Jesus says: "And when these things [the signs of his coming] begin -to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption -draweth nigh." The prophet Isaiah anticipates the feelings of God's people -who will witness the event, and expresses them in the following manner: -"And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for -him, and he will save us: This is the Lord; we have waited for him, we -will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." Isa. 25:9. - -At his coming, the dead in Christ will be raised to everlasting life. The -righteous living will be changed to immortality. The hand of our Saviour -will wipe away all tears; "there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, -nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things -are passed away." - -Why should we not rejoice in such a prospect? Who would not welcome such a -friend? Who would not rejoice in the prospect of such a consummation? - -But it is true that the grand event will not be attended with joy alone. -There will be dismay and anguish. For while one prophet records the -exclamations of joyful anticipation, another has foreseen and recorded the -cry of despair. "And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the -rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, -and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the -mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us -from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the -Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to -stand?" Rev. 6:15-17. A vast number will thus lament. All who cannot join -the shout of welcome will unite in the wail of despair. There will be but -two classes in that day. And to one of those classes each one living will -belong. To which shall I belong? Solemn question. To which party will you -belong, reader? No one can _wait_ for Christ who is not prepared for his -coming. Only the precious blood of Jesus that cleanses from sin can -prepare us to receive him and fit us to dwell in his presence. Have you an -interest in his forgiving love? Is your peace made with God? If so, his -coming will have no terror to you, for he comes to save his waiting -people. - - - - - -CHOICE RELIGIOUS BOOKS. - - -Any publication in the following list will be sent post-paid to any -address in the United States and Canada. See directions on the last page. - -*PROPHETIC LIGHTS* treats of some of the leading prophecies both of the -Old and New Testaments, showing the exact fulfillment of the predictions -of the Bible concerning Egypt, Tyre, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and -Rome, also of the prophecies concerning the first advent of Christ, which -prove the inspiration of the Bible, and give assurance that other -prophecies which are noted will as surely and exactly be fulfilled. Nearly -all the illustrations of this book were designed and engraved especially -for this work, at great expense, and are a study in themselves. The book -contains nearly 200 large octavo pages, and is printed on an extra quality -of heavy calendared paper. It is bound in fine English cloth, with -beautiful symbolical side stamp in brown and gold, and has gilt edges. -*$1.00*. - -*MARVEL OF NATIONS*, embracing the past, present, and future of the UNITED -STATES, from a historical, political, and religious standpoint; what great -men have predicted; what the Scriptures have foretold. This book gives a -brief but comprehensive historical review of our country, comparing the -past with the present state of religion, education, and science, and -calling special attention to the advancement that is being made by -Spiritualism, Catholicism, and the National Reform movement, which is -rapidly bringing about a union of Church and State in America. These -questions are coming to the front; and he who prizes current thought on -living issues should give them an examination. The book contains 300 -pages, and over 40 illustrations; and has reached its 200th thousand. It -needs no other indorsement than a careful reading. - -In plain edges *$1.00* -Gilt edges *1.25* - -*FROM EDEN TO EDEN.*--This book is a most interesting study of the more -important historic and prophetic portions of the Scriptures. The author -traces the world in its career front the time when "God saw everything -that he had made and behold it was very good," on through the period while -"the earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof," to the future -glorious time when Christ says to his followers, "Come, ye blessed of my -Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the -world." "FROM EDEN TO EDEN" is printed from new electrotype plates, on -heavy calendared paper made especially for this book, and contains 264 -pages. It is illustrated with numerous full-page engravings, and furnished -in two very attractive styles of binding, at the following prices:-- - -In a highly ornamental binding *$1.50* -Plain binding, with marbled edges *1.00* - -*GREAT CONTROVERSY* between Christ and Satan during the Christian -Dispensation. A companion volume to "Patriarchs and Prophets." By the same -author. This volume presents the most wonderful and intensely interesting -history that has ever been written of the great conflict between -Christianity and the powers of darkness, as illustrated in the lives of -Christian martyrs and reformers on the one hand, and wicked men and -persecuting powers on the other. Beginning with our Lord's great prophecy -given while viewing Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, this book outlines -the history of the whole dispensation down to the time when "sin and -sinners are no more; God's entire universe is clean: and the great -controversy is forever ended." This remarkable book contains over 700 pp., -and 26 illustrations. The work is handsomely printed and bound. - -Bound in five styles, varying in price from *$4.50 to 2.25* - -*PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS*; or the Great Conflict between Good and Evil as -illustrated in the Lives of Holy Men of Old. By Mrs. E. G. White, author -of "Great Controversy," "Life of Christ," and numerous other works on -religious subjects. This book treats upon the themes of Bible -history--themes not in themselves new, but so presented here as to give -them a new significance. Beginning with the rebellion in heaven, the -author shows why sin was permitted, why Satan was not destroyed, and why -man was tested; gives a thrilling description of man's temptation and -fall; and rehearses the plan of redemption devised for his salvation. This -volume traces the great conflict between good and evil from its inception -down through the centuries to the time of David's death, and shows God's -wonderful love for mankind by his dealings with the "holy men of old." The -book contains over 760 octavo pages. It is printed from clear, new -electrotypes on a fine quality of tinted paper. Its pages are adorned with -more than 50 engravings, over 30 of which are full-page, and many were -designed and engraved especially for this book by an artist in Paris, -France. - -Furnished in four styles of binding, ranging from *$4.50 to 2.25* -In plain binding, with 13 illustrations *1.75* - -*HERE AND HEREAFTER*, or Man's Nature and Destiny, The State of the Dead, -the Reward of the Righteous, and the End of the Wicked. By U. Smith. A -thorough canvass of the great question of a future existence, and the -nature of man in the present life. Every text in the Bible which has any -bearing upon these points, is taken up and carefully explained, thus -giving the most comprehensive view of the subject that has yet been -presented. The work contains 444 pages. In cloth covers *$1.00* - -*CHRISTIAN EDUCATION.*--The most complete and comprehensive work on the -subject of Christian Education that has ever been published. Starting from -the period of infancy, it points out the most successful way of preparing -the mind of the child for the work of succeeding years. The importance of -proceeding upon Christian principles in the work of education, the nature -and kind of studies which are best for children, and the moulding -influences of home and associates, are dwelt upon in the most practical -and explicit way. Many of the problems that perplex parents are cleared up -in this book, and every one who has to deal with children should procure -and study it. - -256 pages nicely bound in cloth *50 cts.* - -*STEPS TO CHRIST.*--This little work by Mrs. E. G. White presents in a -simple and attractive manner the steps by which the sinner may be made -complete in Christ. While the book is an excellent guide for inquirers and -young converts, it also contains a wealth of counsel and encouragement for -those who are laboring with the difficulties that beset a growing -experience. 157 pages. In neat cloth binding *75. cts.* - -*HELPS TO BIBLE STUDY.*--A series of Bible readings, simple and easy, -designed as an aid to the personal study of the Scriptures, and adapted to -the use of individuals or families; also a valuable assistant to Bible -workers. The book contains about forty readings, prepared by practical -Bible workers and teachers, and covering the most important subjects that -pertain to the spiritual welfare of mankind at the present time. 125 -pages. - -In cloth binding *50 cts.* -In paper covers *25 cts.* - -*GOSPEL WORKERS* is a very interesting volume of 480 pages. It outlines -the qualifications that should be possessed by ministers and all others -who would win souls to Christ. It should be in the hands of all Christian -workers. This book can be read and studied by all classes with edification -and profit. - -In plain substantial binding *$1.00* - -*MINISTRATION OF ANGELS*, and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. A -work of great interest upon a subject seldom written upon, yet of great -importance to the Christian. Bound in paper covers *20 cts.* - -*FACTS FOR THE TIMES.*--Containing historical extracts, candid admissions -from authors, ancient and modern, on the live questions of the present -hour, political and religious. A book for these times. Revised to 1893. A -compilation of facts that are astounding, by students of Biblical and -historical research. 340 pages. In fine cloth covers *75 cts.* - -*THE SAINTS' INHERITANCE.*--The reader will here find a very interesting -pamphlet of 82 pages showing that the future kingdom of Christ, with the -family of the redeemed, will be in this earth, renewed, restored, and -regenerated, according to numerous scriptures in the Old and New -Testaments. - -In paper covers *10 cts.* - -*THE GOSPEL IN CREATION.*--A nicely illustrated work setting forth clearly -and simply the relation between God's work in creation and redemption. The -signs of power and greatness that mark the handiwork of God in the visible -universe are shown to be but indications of the unfailing strength with -which he works in the lives of those who submit to his will. The -confirmation of the truths of the gospel drawn from the study of the -creation will make this book a valuable one to all who are watching with -interest the attacks that are now made on the authority of the Bible. - -In cloth covers *50 cts.* - -*SACRED CHRONOLOGY.*--A new and revised edition of a little work published -by the late Sylvester Bliss about forty years ago, giving the chronology -from creation to the death of the apostle John. Also "The Peopling of the -Earth; or, Historical Notes on the Tenth Chapter of Genesis." By A. T. -Jones. A valuable reference book. 298 pp. Cloth covers *$1.00* - -*LIFE OF CHRIST AND HIS APOSTLES.*--A series of eight pamphlets, under the -general title of "Redemption," portraying the first advent of Christ, his -temptation, his miracles, his teachings, his sufferings, and his -resurrection, and the teachings and labors of Peter and Paul. Here are 788 -pages of most excellent reading. - -In paper covers *90 cts.* - -*SATAN'S FIRST LIE*; or Man in Death. A very fascinating poem of 36 pages -by a well-known poet of Michigan. The "Lie" referred to is the one -mentioned in the third chapter of Genesis; and though, as the Scriptures -tell, the devil is a liar and the father of it, none of his lies have -wrought such disastrous consequences to the race as the one here pointed -out. The reader will hardly fail of being alike interested in both the -poetry and theology of this unique poem. In paper covers *15 cts.* - -*THE CHRISTIAN'S SECRET OF A HAPPY LIFE.*--By Hannah Whitall Smith. "To -commend this work would seem almost superfluous; and yet to young -Christians who may not know it, we cannot refrain from saying, Buy this -book, and keep it with your Bible for constant study, until you have -thoroughly mastered, in your experience, the secret of which it tells. It -will transform the dark days of your life, as it has transformed those of -thousands before you into days of heavenly light."--_The Evangelist (N. -Y.)._ - -In cloth covers *75 cts.* - -*HIS GLORIOUS APPEARING.*--An exposition of Matthew XXIV. This is a verse- -by-verse explanation of the Redeemer's great prophecy concerning the -Gospel Dispensation and his second appearing in glory. 96 pages, with 20 -full-page illustrations. - -In paper covers, *20 cts.* -Board covers, *25 cts.* -Cloth covers *40 cts.* - -*THE CHARIOTS OF FIRE AND IRON*; or, The Modern Railroad System, treated -in the light of sacred prophecy. A very interesting pamphlet of 168 pages. -By D. T. Taylor, the well-known author. - -In paper covers *25 cts.* - -*THE REJECTED ORDINANCE.*--A convincing argument to show that our Saviour's -remarkable act of humility recorded in the thirteenth chapter of John, -should be literally perpetuated among Christians *10 cts.* - -*SCRIPTURE REFERENCES.*--A careful compilation of proof-texts on twenty- -five different subjects of great importance at the present time. *4 -cts.* - -*SPIRITUALISM A SATANIC DELUSION.*--This is a scathing arraignment of the -system of necromancy known under the name of "Modern Spiritualism." -*4 cts.* - -*IS THE END NEAR?*--An 8-page tract of great interest, giving numerous -reasons for believing that the Second Coming of Christ is at hand. *1 -ct.* - -*CAN WE KNOW?*--A tract of 8 pages which proves most conclusively that the -numerous predictions concerning the signs of the times and the second -advent may be understood. *1 ct.* - -*THE TWO LAWS.*--A clear and scriptural argument showing the difference -between the Ten Commandments and the ceremonial law or the Hebrews. -*2 cts.* - -*THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST.*--This tract dwells with great force on the -agonies of our Redeemer in the garden and on the cross, in order to make -the salvation of sinners possible. *4 cts.* - -*THE SECOND ADVENT*, showing the nature of the Second Coming, and reasons -for believing it near. *4 cts.* - -*BIBLE CONVERSION.*--A tract of 16 pages which sets forth very clearly what -it is to be born again, and that without a change of heart no one can be -saved. *2 cts.* - - - - - -[Transcriber's Note: Obvious printer's errors have been corrected.] - - - - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HIS GLORIOUS APPEARING*** - - - -CREDITS - - -June 15, 2017 - - Project Gutenberg TEI edition 1 - Produced by Richard Hulse, Bryan Ness, David King, and the - Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net. - (This file was produced from images generously made available - by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - -A WORD FROM PROJECT GUTENBERG - - -This file should be named 54914-8.txt or 54914-8.zip. - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - - - http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/5/4/9/1/54914/ - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one -- the old editions will be -renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright law -means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the -Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States -without permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic works to protect -the Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a -registered trademark, and may not be used if you charge for the ebooks, -unless you receive specific permission. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this ebook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use -this ebook for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, -reports, performances and research. They may be modified and printed and -given away -- you may do practically _anything_ in the United States with -ebooks not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to -the trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - - - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE - - -_Please read this before you distribute or use this work._ - -To protect the Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work (or -any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Gutenberg"), -you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} -License (available with this file or online at -http://www.gutenberg.org/license). - - -Section 1. - - -General Terms of Use & Redistributing Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic works - - -1.A. - - -By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic work, -you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to and accept all the -terms of this license and intellectual property (trademark/copyright) -agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the terms of this -agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy all copies of -Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic works in your possession. If you paid a fee -for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic work -and you do not agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement, you may -obtain a refund from the person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set -forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - - -1.B. - - -"Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be used on or -associated in any way with an electronic work by people who agree to be -bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few things that you can -do with most Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic works even without complying -with the full terms of this agreement. See paragraph 1.C below. There are -a lot of things you can do with Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic works if you -follow the terms of this agreement and help preserve free future access to -Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - - -1.C. - - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" or -PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an individual -work is unprotected by copyright law in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative works -based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg are -removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} -mission of promoting free access to electronic works by freely sharing -Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} works in compliance with the terms of this agreement -for keeping the Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} name associated with the work. You can -easily comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} License when you -share it without charge with others. - - -1.D. - - -The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern what you -can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in a constant -state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the laws of -your country in addition to the terms of this agreement before -downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or creating -derivative works based on this work or any other Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} work. -The Foundation makes no representations concerning the copyright status of -any work in any country outside the United States. - - -1.E. - - -Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - - -1.E.1. - - -The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate access -to, the full Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} License must appear prominently whenever -any copy of a Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} work (any work on which the phrase -"Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" -is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, copied or -distributed: - - - This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States - and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use - it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with - this ebook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org. If you are not - located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws of the - country where you are located before using this ebook. - - -1.E.2. - - -If an individual Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic work is derived from texts -not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not contain a notice indicating -that it is posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can -be copied and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying -any fees or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a -work with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on -the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project -Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - - -1.E.3. - - -If an individual Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic work is posted with the -permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution must comply -with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional terms imposed -by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked to the Project -Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} License for all works posted with the permission of the -copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - - -1.E.4. - - -Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} License -terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this work or any -other work associated with Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~}. - - -1.E.5. - - -Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this electronic -work, or any part of this electronic work, without prominently displaying -the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with active links or immediate -access to the full terms of the Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} License. - - -1.E.6. - - -You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, compressed, -marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any word -processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version posted -on the official Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} web site (http://www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other form. -Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} License as -specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - - -1.E.7. - - -Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, performing, -copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} works unless you comply -with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - - -1.E.8. - - -You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing access to or -distributing Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic works provided that - - - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} works calculated using the method you - already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed to - the owner of the Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} trademark, but he has agreed to - donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid within 60 - days following each date on which you prepare (or are legally - required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty payments - should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in Section 4, - "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary - Archive Foundation." - - - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} License. - You must require such a user to return or destroy all copies of the - works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue all use of and - all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} works. - - - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - - - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} works. - - -1.E.9. - - -If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic -work or group of works on different terms than are set forth in this -agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from both the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The Project Gutenberg Trademark -LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} trademark. Contact the Foundation -as set forth in Section 3 below. - - -1.F. - - -1.F.1. - - -Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable effort to -identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread works not -protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic works, -and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Defects," such -as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or corrupt data, -transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual property -infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a computer -virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by your equipment. - - -1.F.2. - - -LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES -- Except for the "Right of -Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} -trademark, and any other party distributing a Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} -electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all liability to you for -damages, costs and expenses, including legal fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE -NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH -OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE -FOUNDATION, THE TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT -WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, -PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY -OF SUCH DAMAGE. - - -1.F.3. - - -LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND -- If you discover a defect in this -electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can receive a refund -of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a written explanation to -the person you received the work from. If you received the work on a -physical medium, you must return the medium with your written explanation. -The person or entity that provided you with the defective work may elect -to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a refund. If you received the -work electronically, the person or entity providing it to you may choose -to give you a second opportunity to receive the work electronically in -lieu of a refund. If the second copy is also defective, you may demand a -refund in writing without further opportunities to fix the problem. - - -1.F.4. - - -Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth in -paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS,' WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - - -1.F.5. - - -Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied warranties or the -exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. If any disclaimer or -limitation set forth in this agreement violates the law of the state -applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be interpreted to make -the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by the applicable state -law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this agreement -shall not void the remaining provisions. - - -1.F.6. - - -INDEMNITY -- You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the trademark -owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone providing copies of -Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic works in accordance with this agreement, and -any volunteers associated with the production, promotion and distribution -of Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs -and expenses, including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from -any of the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of -this or any Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} work, and (c) any Defect -you cause. - - -Section 2. - - - Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} - - -Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} is synonymous with the free distribution of electronic -works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers including -obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists because of the -efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from people in all walks -of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the assistance -they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~}'s goals and ensuring -that the Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} collection will remain freely available for -generations to come. In 2001, the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation was created to provide a secure and permanent future for -Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} and future generations. To learn more about the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations -can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation web page at -http://www.pglaf.org. - - -Section 3. - - - Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the state of -Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service. -The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification number is 64-6221541. -Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at -http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf. Contributions to the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full -extent permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its volunteers -and employees are scattered throughout numerous locations. Its business -office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) -596-1887, email business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date -contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official -page at http://www.pglaf.org - -For additional contact information: - - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - - -Section 4. - - - Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive - Foundation - - -Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} depends upon and cannot survive without wide spread -public support and donations to carry out its mission of increasing the -number of public domain and licensed works that can be freely distributed -in machine readable form accessible by the widest array of equipment -including outdated equipment. Many small donations ($1 to $5,000) are -particularly important to maintaining tax exempt status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United States. -Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a considerable -effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up with these -requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations where we have not -received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND DONATIONS or -determine the status of compliance for any particular state visit -http://www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we have -not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition against -accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who approach us -with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make any -statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from outside the -United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation methods -and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other ways including -checks, online payments and credit card donations. To donate, please -visit: http://www.gutenberg.org/donate - - -Section 5. - - - General Information About Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} electronic works. - - -Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared with -anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} -eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~} eBooks are often created from several printed editions, -all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily keep -ebooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Each ebook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the ebook's ebook -number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, compressed -(zipped), HTML and others. - -Corrected _editions_ of our ebooks replace the old file and take over the -old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. -_Versions_ based on separate sources are treated as new ebooks receiving -new filenames and etext numbers. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - - http://www.gutenberg.org - - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg{~TRADE MARK SIGN~}, including how -to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, -how to help produce our new ebooks, and how to subscribe to our email -newsletter to hear about new ebooks. - - - - - - -***FINIS***
\ No newline at end of file |