The Coming of Christ is Near.
By John Matteson
“Behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Rev. 22:12. Many years have passed away since our dear Saviour blessed the world with his divine presence, and caused “the true Light” to shine. “A little while” he abode with his own, instructed them in the heavenly truths, gave them power over all the devices and attacks of Satan, and strength to patiently endure the persecutions of a frowning world. And not only did he do this, but he promised them, before he returned to his Father, that he would come again and receive them unto himself, that they might dwell with him where he is. John 14:2, 3. And this blessed promise he has not only given to the apostles, but also to all those who through their word should believe in him. “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.” John 17:22. 1. But it appears that there is now more strife and division on religious subjects than ever before. People care less to understand the true import of the sacred word. They do, indeed, say Lord, Lord! but are not careful to do the will of our Heavenly Father. They preach much concerning faith, but often use the same as a hypocritical cover for iniquity. The world, the world! has filled the heart. Ministers and people grasp after riches and honor, worldly enjoyments and comforts. And when the soon coming of Christ is urged upon them, then we hear, “My Lord delayeth his coming.” Ridiculing and opposing those who wait for their Lord, they continue “to eat and drink with the drunken.” But thus they themselves become a “sign of the times.” For when this takes place, then “the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of.” The evidences that we are living in the last days, and that the second coming of Christ is near, are numerous, plain, and increase in number as the end draws nearer. Are not wars, pestilences, and earthquakes, being multiplied? Matt. 24:7. Have not many false prophets appeared and deceived many? Verse 11. Are they not now crying, “Peace and safety,” more efficiently than ever? 1 Thess. 5:3. Prophets, whose greatest skill and strength lie in crying, Heretic! when they neither will nor can prove their own mistaken theories from the word of God. Prophets, who are strong to speak evil of others in their absence, but who will not meet a man face to face. Who win the hearts of men with sweet words and a flattering tongue, but who neglect to declare that “the great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly.” Zeph. 1:14. Prophets, who can joke and jest while the wrath of God is about to be poured without mixture into the cup of his indignation, and thousands of poor deceived souls soon must weep and wail for pain and anguish of soul when the plagues fall upon their unsheltered heads. Blessed be God that some are waking up and preparing to meet the coming King. May many more be aroused before it is too late, “and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.” Zech. 14:12. 3. Has not the love of many waxed cold because iniquity is abounding? Matt. 24:12. Read the news of the day. Here is a throng of records of iniquity which no man can number—records of fraud, theft, murder, fornication, and concupiscence. Surfeiting and drunkenness fill the land. The very atmosphere is poisoned with oaths and curses. And the churches; oh! what has become of the love of Christ in the churches? There many a minister is dearly paid to speak of love, while hearts are as cold as ice. How many love God more than the world, and seek to advantage their neighbor as well as themselves? Few, very few. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15. Yet these poor slaves of the world and of fashion are called members of the body of Christ! Oh, height of pretension! Well may Satan laugh, and angels weep. 4. Do not multitudes now exhibit a “form of godliness, but deny the power thereof”? 2 Tim. 3:5. Many preachers have a whole week to prepare their Sunday sermon, and yet it is so dry that it can hardly stick together. But few, comparatively, attend the meetings, and of these some sleep, and most go away just as worldly-minded, proud, fretful, covetous, and unbelieving as they came in. Many who once tasted the love of Christ, and were moved by the Holy Spirit, have gone to sleep on the enchanted ground. “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of Man.” Luke 17:26. People will eat and drink, sing and dance, until heaven bursts over their heads, and the earth opens beneath to swallow them up. Then shall they gnaw their tongues for pain, when the time for repentance is past. Rev. 16:10, 11. 5. The “glorious appearing” of Jesus “is that blessed hope” which is set before us in God’s word. Titus 2:13. “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Col. 3:4. “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” 1 Thess. 2:19. “And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 1 Pet. 5:4. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2. 6. Dear reader, do you have fellowship with God? Do you live and walk in the light of his countenance? Do you watch and pray always? Do you diligently read the word of God? Do you seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness? Or do the things of this world concern your heart the most? Does the love of money fill your soul; or has the love of Christ penetrated your inmost heart? Has not God given unto you life, and health, and food, and raiment? Is it then unreasonable that he commands you to love him again? Has he not given his only begotten Son to die for you? and will you return unto him ingratitude and disobedience? Will you follow the world and perish with it; or serve the Lord and wait for the glorious appearing of Christ? God calls you. Jesus calls: “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matt. 11:28. He points to the glorious crown of life. Will you turn away? Oh, come! Come to your Saviour. Repent of your sins, bend your knees in the name of Jesus. Confess your sins to your Saviour. Enter into thy closet, shut thy door, and “pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matt. 6:6. “Prepare to meet thy God.” Look to the bleeding Lamb of God. His blood cleanses from all sin. Walk in his footsteps, whether your friends will go with you or no. Satan will lead you into the lake of fire. Sin will sink you into everlasting destruction. But Jesus will save you as a brand from the fire. Come, oh, come! Follow Christ. “Keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:12. Soon Jesus will be revealed in the clouds of heaven, with his mighty angels, and will give you a mansion in the Father’s house, an everlasting name that shall not be blotted out, a crown of glory that can never fade. Then the world must weep and wail, when the triumphant songs of victory, from the people of God, fill the new Jerusalem with rejoicing, and their glad hallelujahs roll through Heaven’s bright dome like the voice of many waters and mighty thunders, mingled with the sweet music from the heavenly harpers. Dear reader, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate.”