OUR Lord gave very definite signs which were to mark the approach of the time when he would return for his redeemed ones. “There shall be signs in sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the billows; men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption draweth nigh.” Over a century has passed since the darkening of the sun and moon, the first of these signs. The ordinary span of a human life has almost been covered since the falling of the stars in 1833. The distress among the nations is growing more and more apparent from year to year, and the roaring of the sea and the billows has been so unusual during this very winter as to attract much attention. The ocean storms seem to increase in severity from season to season. There seems to be a growing premonition in the minds even of those who do not accept it as a Scriptural teaching that some great calamity threatens the world. But while those who reject the truth are fainting for fear, our Saviour encourages those who believe his words to look up with courage and hope in view of a redemption near. How thrilling is the thought that our redemption draweth nigh! That for which a world has waited for six thousand years is just at hand, and we may live to see it. That for which prophets, saints, and
the martyrs have hoped is to be realized in our day. The restoration of all things is to be accomplished in this day of the Lord. O then, let faith be increased and hope renewed and courage revived. The Lord is at hand. We may escape the grave. We may live to witness the coming of our blessed and glorious Lord. What enthusiasm for work there is in this assurance! What an inspiration to renewed zeal and diligence!
“Jesus soon is coming;
This is my song;—
Cheers the heart when joys depart,
And foes are pressing strong.”