AS YOUR FATHERS DID, SO DO YE.
By R. F. COTTRELL.
CONVERSING with an intelligent young man to-day, I remarked that the study of the prophecies was an interesting study at the present time, while the nations of the earth are in such a state as to exactly fulfill the prophetic description of the last days. And I further remarked that it was safe to believe when prophecy is fulfilled—that our danger is not that we shall too readily believe, but that we shall fail to believe, when the prophetic word has its fulfillment. That even the first disciples of Jesus were too slow, rather than too ready to believe what the prophets had spoken. Hence our Saviour reproved them, saying, “O, fools! and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.” My young friend in reply remarked that in our Saviour’s day, it was the great and the learned, the doctors, lawyers and leading men, those who ought, from their profession, to be able to understand and expound the Scriptures, that did not believe, and consequently rejected Christ; while fishermen and other ordinary men believed, and became chosen instruments to preach the gospel and expound the Scriptures. Said I, Did you ever think it would be just so in relation to the second advent of Christ? that as the learned and popular Jews rejected the true teachings of the Scriptures in relation to his first advent, so the9learned and popular professors of Christianity would reject the truth in relation to his second coming? He had not thought of it in this light before. I told him he would do well to think of it. Human nature is liable to repeat the errors of antiquity. When it imagines it is rich in learning and knowledge, and has need of nothing, then it is that it is poor, and miserable, and wretched, and blind, and naked. The eminent and exalted of the Jewish church rejected the Saviour and persecuted his disciples. When it became popular to embrace Christianity, the papal church was soon developed, a church that rejected the truth and persecuted those who still adhered to the sound doctrines of Christ and his apostles. And now as corrupt Protestantism is relying upon its great and mighty men, it is fast preparing to try its hand at persecution. Poor fallen human nature is the same it ever has been; at least, it has not improved. And when it finds its errors assailed by divine truth, and having popularity and power on its side, it will not fail to resort to force, it being the strongest argument at its command. The conflict is coming. Who will be on the Lord’s side? The last mighty struggle is right before us. One more mighty effort will be made to exterminate those who adhere to God’s word; but they will be delivered and wear the crown of glory.