An Oft-Misquoted Scripture.
How many times we hear it said of something which is thought to be easily understood, "It is so plain that he that runneth may read." But the text of Scripture does not read this way. Here it is: "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." Hab. 2: 2. The prophecy is a double one, looking forward to the great advent movement of the last days. The writer of Hebrews quotes verses 3 and 4, and applies them to the second coming of Christ. See Heb. 10: 37, 38. The prophet declares that he would stand on the watch, and set him on the tower, that he might have the wherewith to answer when he was "reproved" or "argued with" (margin). The Lord answers: "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." The idea is that he who reads God's message therein set forth may carry the tidings to others. This very thing is set forth as a characteristic of the last days by Daniel. "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Dan. 12: 4. And this is what has been taking place in the world for the last fifty years, with ever-increasing effect. God's seal upon his prophecies has been broken, and we may now know that "yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry." Let us read aright the vision, and run with it to the waiting thousands.