The Coming of the Lord.
By C. R. Austin
WHAT ideas are formed in our minds, when we read or think of this phrase? To many, this coming of Christ is nothing more than the passing away of a soul from the busy scenes of this life, to the quiet rest of the grave. To others, it is the mere quickening of the inward man to more earnest action in the service of God, and an increasing desire to be conformed to the image of Jesus. But how is it with us whose pathway has been enlightened by present truth, whose attention has been arrested, and hearts cheered by the solemn cry, “Behold the bridegroom cometh,” and by the angel bearing the banner on which is inscribed the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, who has long been calling on the children of God to rally round the standard, and join in sounding forth the last call of mercy. Those whose hearts beat in unison with Jesus in his closing ministration for poor perishing mortals, cannot look with any degree of indifference upon the fact that his second coming with all its fearful scenes for the wicked, and its untold glories for the righteous, will be witnessed by the present generation, and the knowledge that but few of the last sands of probationary time are left in which we can make any preparation for this sublime event, should awaken us to renewed and earnest action in securing for ourselves that meekness and righteousness, with which those must be clothed whom the Lord will hide in that day. Oh! glorious thought, that the number to be saved is almost complete, and the place Jesus has gone to prepare is nearly ready, and to them that look for him he will appear the second time without sin unto salvation. He is not coming to arouse his people to a more laborious effort for their own and others’ salvation, nor to lay away his loved ones in silence and darkness; but he is coming to gather to himself his chosen and faithful ones, the pure and good of all ages, and they shall stand before him an exceeding great army, and his own right hand shall bestow upon each a crown of eternal life. May all the readers of the REVIEW and a host of those within their influence be among the redeemed in the day of his second coming. Berkshire, Vt. C. R. AUSTIN.