SIGNS OF THE COMING KING.
By Augusta W. Heald
"For a Witness unto All Nations."
IN view of all the movements that are on foot for Christianizing the world, and a certain degree of success that is accompanying them, many are anticipating the world's conversion before the Saviour's advent, but there are many passages of scripture tending to prove the falsity of this position. The Saviour said, not that the whole world would be converted by the preaching of the Word, but simply, "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. Clearly the apostle Paul was expecting no temporal millennium, when wars shall cease, and the earth be filled with the knowledge of the Lord; for in writing to Timothy he says: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." 2 Tim. 3 : 1-5. These words of inspiration portray a time of fearful depravity as existing in the last days; the world rioting in pride, selfishness, blasphemy, and unlawful indulgence, while the church of God, which should by precept and a holy example condemn these practises, is herself sunk in the depths of hypocrisy, "having a form of godliness, but denying the power," —observing outward forms and requirements, but not spiritually connected with Christ, the living Head. The dangers of the last days, as described by Paul, are but too truly verified at the present time; forms are multiplied; there are societies, and boards, and branches, and auxiliaries. Money and labor are expended; yet sinners go on in sin, and the church itself languishes for real spiritual food. As Paul says, "They will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Tim. 4 : 3, 4. These false teachers, for filthy lucre's sake or for love of applause, will at the people's bidding speak unto them "smooth things" and "prophecy deceit." Isa. 30 : 10. Do the popular ministers of to-day preach the whole truth? Do they explain the prophecies relating to the Saviour's soon appearing to judge the quick and the dead? —No, they, for the most part, affirm that Daniel and Revelation are sealed books; and those who hear their preaching reason, "If the wise D.D.s do not understand these mysteries, it is useless for us to attempt it." How exactly is this state of things foretold by Isaiah: "And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this I pray thee; and he saith, I can not; for it is sealed; and the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee; and he saith, I am not learned." Isa. 29 : 11, 12. But what does the Lord say to those who thus disregard His truth? —"For as much as this people draw near Me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor Me, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the precept of men; therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." Isa. 29 : 13, 14. And because they received not "the love of the truth," "God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie" 2 Thess. 2 : 10, 11. These prophecies found a fulfilment at the time of the Saviour's first advent, when prophets and rulers, blinded by pride and self-righteousness to the claims of the Messiah, knew not the time of their visitation, and crucified their King. Again, in these latter days, it is fulfilled and fulfilling. The popular pulpit proclaims, "Peace and safety," and a temporal millennium of a thousand years; and the people are well pleased. Scoffers are saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." 2 Peter 3 : 4. God's truth, when faithfully presented, has power to convert and sanctify the heart. Because the truth is withheld and misrepresented, the church is conformed to the world; she can not discern spiritual things; she is powerless to combat sin; she has no sanctifying influence. "Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?" Luke 6 : 39. So great will be the spiritual declension as the time of the end approaches, that the Saviour sadly queried, "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?" Luke 18 : 8. And yet "God hath not cast away His people." Rom. 11 : 2. When in the days of wicked Ahab the lone prophet Elijah fled in fear to the wilderness, thinking himself the sole representative of Israel's God, "what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to Myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. Even so at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace." Rom. 11 : 4, 5. To them the Saviour says, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Luke 12 : 32. "Fear not, ye flock; for your Shepherd, returning,
Shall gather His sheep in His heavenly fold,
Shall lead you in pastures for which you are yearning,
And shelter you safe in the city of gold."
AUGUSTA W. HEALD.