Light of Prophecy by Rev. Edward Bickersteth

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Aug 30, 1910

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 34.

Light of Prophecy

By Rev. Edward Bickersteth

The prophetic interpretation may be despised by the world, and be neglected as a chaos by one part of the church, and perplex another part who may not now have light enough to rescue it out of its apparently chaotic state; yet there is solid ground to walk upon, and there is also light to show that ground (2 Peter 1:19), and to leave those inexcusable who do not take heed to that light till that fulness of time arrive, when the day will shine out, and the day-star arise in our hearts.

The bearing of prophecy on the present state of the world, and of our country; on the visible church of Christ, and the true church subsisting in that visible church, is deeply interesting to the Christian patriot.

Amidst the present shaking and rocking to and fro of the political heavens, every principle is trying to the very uttermost; nothing but what is divine will remain immovable: our Lord’s words must be fully realized, “Every plant, which My heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” Matt. 15:13. Nothing will stand the shock of these days, but that which is above nature, and has infallible truth, almighty power, and divine grace for its origin and support. . . .

If the wicked go on casting away all the restraints of divine and human laws, unaffected by all the increasing light and love of the Gospel, manifested in the revival of the church, and hardening their hearts from the very forbearance of God; and, one side high-minded and trusting in riches, and the other, lawless and ungodly, seeking only to overturn everything established; the clashing of their opposing interests, and the growing zeal and piety of the church withstanding more and more all that is evil, and maintaining more and more boldly all that is true, and righteous, and holy, must produce an energy and intenseness of conflict, and bring out God’s truth in a degree far beyond anything yet witnessed; and call for that divine interposition prophecy so distinctly leads to expect. We see all the preparations for those tumultuous last scenes in which everything shall be shaken (Ps. 46:2, 3; Heb. 12:27). But in that day God is in the midst of His people; their city shall not be moved; and the chorus of their song shall be, “The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” Ps. 46:5, 11.—Rev. Edward Bickersteth, 1844.