Deceiving and Being Deceived.
A correspondent sends us a copy of the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom, and asks us if the people who issue it are sincere or crazy. Doubtless they are both. Certainly, the leader is deluded. The principal part of the paper is a sermon by Mr. Sanford, a rival Elijah to Mr. Dowie. In this sermon he sets forth the everlasting kingdom of Daniel as already established and proclaimed, himself is “David their king” of the latter days, the one shepherd, the rider on the white horse, the “branch of righteousness,” the king who shall rule over Israel forever, and will hold the kingdom till Christ comes. So, in addition to his headquarters in Maine, Mr. Sanford has established headquarters in Jerusalem. And he will deceive thousands who will follow him into the wilderness of error to perish. God’s last message to warn the world of Christ’s coming will go forth and close in the Spirit and power of Elijah; but no one of those who bear it will ever set himself forth as Elijah, or his reincarnation, any more than did John the Baptist. When men asked him, “Art thou Elijah?” he replied, “I am not.” Yet Jesus said, “If ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, that is to come.” Matt. 11:14; 17:10-12. The boasting of God’s true prophets is not in themselves, but Christ.