THE BIBLE—ITS PROPHECIES.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
THIS blessed volume of inspiration has stood the test of ages. It carries the impress of divine authenticity to every candid inquirer after truth. Among the many evidences which recommend it to our faith, its prophecies and their fulfillment are not the least. The common mind can grasp the invincible argument arising from this source, and maintain an unshaken faith independent of the opinion of others, whether friendly or hostile. It is the privilege of every one to know why they believe, and to be able to give a reason of their faith to those who inquire. And the evidence derived from the prophecies is cumulative, increasing with every fresh fulfillment. As empire after empire has arisen upon earth, the prophetic word has been verified more and more. And when, in addition to this, we view the many signs predicted of the last days, which cluster around us, we conclude that none need be infidels through lack of testimony. But, strange as it may appear, infidelity has taken a fresh and unparalleled impetus, right in the midst of these prophetic fulfillments which speak with thunder tones the near approach of the day of God. This does not stagger but confirms the faith of the Christian, for it is distinctly and clearly foretold in prophecy, and that too as immediately preceding the great day. The past history of the world confirms the truth of the prophecies, while present fulfillments unmistakably declare that earth's closing scenes are upon us. And though the Christian mourns the increasing darkness of this moral night, yet he rejoices with the blessed assurance that the morning light is about to dawn upon all who, with constant faith and hope and love, wait, and watch for it. Faith in past and present fulfillment of prophecy is the only anchor that can hold the soul amid the surging billows of these last days. It is the only chart that can safely guide it amid the rocks and whirlpools which are dashing in pieces and swallowing up our race. And oh! the apathy, the heartless indifference of those professed Christians who can look "with brute unconscious gaze," upon the thrilling events which cluster around us as harbingers of the day of God, and calmly see their fellow-men swallowed up in the whirlpool of spiritualism, while they propose to themselves to "attend to the practical part of religion, and let the prophecies alone." And why let the prophecies alone? There seems to be a consciousness that, if they investigate them, they will be forced to the conclusion that the end of all things is at hand; and then all the odium that is attached to those who thus believe, will cleave to them. So they close their eyes to the only truth that can awaken them from their stupor, and sanctify and save them from the awful gulf yawning to receive them. Fellow Christian, where is your influence? Is it on the side of the Bible, its morality, its teachings, its prophecies? While you see the multitudes of mankind rushing madly into the latest form of infidelity, are you holding up the light of prophecy, which predicts these lying wonders as a sign of the last days, and points out the awful ruin that awaits those who are thus led captive by Satan at his will? Are you giving heed to the "sure word of prophecy, as to a light that shineth in a dark place," as an apostle directs, or are you practically making the prophecies of no account—slighting this bulwark of the Christian faith in such a time as this—a time when the emboldened enemies of the Lord are saying with insulting and defiant strains, where is your God? If you do not now rally to the standard of prophetic truth, your influence is on the side of infidelity, whether you are aware of it or not. While you ignore the prophecies, you yield some of the main props of the faith—the pillar and ground of the truth. Will you tamely surrender this part at such a time as this? Oh, says one, I believe the prophecies, but I do not know what they mean; and there is too much uncertainty about them for any one to be fully assured in regard to them. Such a faith in them is no faith at all. It is a cowardly unbelief, which favors the cause of the enemy. Christian, where is your faith, and where is your influence?