Finishing the Voyage by A. T. Robinson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 10, 1912

Finishing the Voyage

By A. T. Robinson

A. T. ROBINSON

“In the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” Rev. 10:7.

THERE is always something inspiring about the finishing of any great enterprise in this world. When the great ocean liner, with her cargo of human freight on board, plowing her way across the mighty, trackless ocean, having perchance battled for days and nights with storms and tempests, nears her destined port, the scene on board is always one of animation, excitement, and commotion. Games and pastimes indulged in during the voyage are put aside and forgotten. All are on deck. Field-glasses are brought into requisition, and every eye eagerly scans the horizon to catch the first glimpse of the outline of approaching land. Hearts beat in glad anticipation of soon clasping hands with loved ones from whom, perchance, they have been separated for years. The experienced pilot comes on board to guide the ship safely into the harbor.

The Old Ship Zion

For six thousand years a ship has been sailing across the great ocean of time. She has encountered many storms and tempests on the voyage. Her every beam and timber has creaked and groaned beneath the stress of the raging billows. She has weathered every gale, and is destined to outride every storm and tempest. She has made many ports of call to take on passengers.

“She has passed the coast of Babylon, The Medo-Persia line, She has left the realm of Grecia far behind; She’s been sailing down the Roman shore For near two thousand years, And her chart declares the port we soon shall find.”

Yes, the old ship Zion has reached her last port of call. The last call is now being sounded to earth’s remotest bounds. The last loving invitation, “Come into the ark of safety,” is now being extended. The old weather-beaten ship is nearing port. Her Pilot is on board, and will guide her safely past

the dangerous reefs and shoals, into the haven of eternal rest and safety.

With the field-glass of prophecy adjusted to the eye, we can almost discern the outlines of approaching land, “the promised land.” The lights of God, streaming out across the troubled waters, beckon us onward to the haven of the redeemed. Our ears almost catch the strains of heavenly music coming to us from the “gates ajar.” Our hearts beat with emotion in anticipation of soon clasping hands with the loved ones whom death’s icy hand had snatched from us for a time.

Some are becoming weary of the voyage, and are taking passage on vessels more to their liking, declaring that the old ship has been side-tracked and will never carry her passengers into port. The voice of the faithful Pilot warns all such that “except these abide in the ship,” they can not be saved. Surely it is not a time now for God’s people to be half-hearted or indifferent. Everything in our world is moving at lightning speed. This world is rushing madly and unthinkingly on to her fearful and final doom.

The finishing message of the gospel must be a message adapted to such an age of the world as this. The people giving such a message were represented to the seer of Patmos under the symbolism of three mighty angels flying swiftly through mid-heaven, proclaiming with a loud voice the final message of the everlasting gospel in the ears of humanity. The glad notes of this blessed message have been heard in nearly every corner of the earth, and more than one hundred thousand souls are rejoicing in its saving power. Soon it will have garnered out of this world that company which will be ready and waiting for translation at the coming of the Son of man.

College View, Nebr.