SIGNS OF THE COMING KING.
By Augusta W. Heald
This Gospel of the Kingdom.
Another sign of the end is found in the Saviour’s words, “This Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matt. 24:14. Let us consider to what extent this prophecy has been accomplished. Scarcely had the great work of the Reformation been inaugurated through the labors of Wycliffe, Huss, and other early reformers, when in the year 1440 the art of printing was invented. It is a suggestive fact that the first book given to the world through this wonderful art, was a superb copy of the Holy Scriptures, and under God’s providence the printing-press has become a most important factor in the work of evangelizing the world. The process of printing was for a long time laborious and expensive. Books were few and costly; and the Bible was entirely beyond the reach of the majority. But knowledge has increased, and the appliances of modern science afford means by which the Gospel may be carried to earth’s remotest bounds, and at this day, so free is the circulation of the Bible that even the poorest may have in their homes a copy of God’s Word. It is not yet one hundred years since the first religious newspaper was published, and now millions of these publications are sent out every week. By the magic power of steam, they are speedily transported over land and sea, and their silent influence permeates every part of the civilized world. Why were the wonderful sciences of steam and electricity hidden for ages, to be thus suddenly developed in the latter half of the nineteenth century?—Because they are now fulfilling the word of prophecy. It would seem that God has enlightened human understanding to search and bring to light at this time all the latent forces of nature, that they may aid in preparing the world for the coming of the King; and obedient to the will of the great Creator, the vanishing vapor and fiery lightning are subject to man’s guidance and control, and aid in fulfilling the divine commission, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.” Matt. 3:3. Not only is the printed page active in the work of God’s preparation, but the hearts of men have been moved to preach the good news of salvation in heathen lands; and with this purpose the devoted missionaries of the cross have gone out in the name of their divine Master. They have fallen at their posts, victims of disease and hardship, or slain at the hands of those they sought to enlighten; but others have stepped into the ranks, and thus the good work goes on. There is at the present time a widespread movement in progress, having for its avowed object the “evangelization of the world in this generation,” and with God’s blessing this grand purpose will no doubt be realized. One who has lately made the circuit of the world in the interest of foreign missions, said, “God has been preparing the way for twenty years; and now there is not a country in all the world where the way is not opening for the truth to go.” Of Africa he says, “With the exception of a narrow central strip of country 150 miles wide, there is no part of the Dark Continent where the influence of Christian missions has not been felt;” and of China, “Only a portion of Tibet remains to be entered by the missionary.” Thus rapidly is the prophecy fulfilling that “this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations.”