The Soon-Coming Kingdom.
By J. Clarke
Many centuries ago, Christ taught that the kingdom of Heaven was nigh at hand, Matt. iv, 17, that is, in the order of great events, the fifth kingdom would succeed the fourth or Roman kingdom then existing. He also taught that it would not immediately appear, in Luke xix, 11. Paul also taught that the day of Christ did not immediately impend; thus indicating that in the order of great events, the day of Christ was then at hand, but in the order of years, it was distant. Many years must transpire, many changes take place, and the man of sin be developed ere the end. Many centuries have elapsed, the man of sin, the blasphemous papal power, has done as was predicted of him, has called himself God, has thought to change times and laws, and they have been given into his hand for a time, times and half a time, or 1260 days; and multitudes of witnesses have arisen to record his wicked deeds. Thus he is not only revealed as to his true character, not only developed, but these writers and speakers have revealed or published the facts to the world. Now the papal power stands out before the world in its real character. All have heard of the inquisition, with its machinery of torture; all have heard or read of the sale of indulgences, and pardons of sin, purchased with money. Ever since the days of Huss and Luther, have the blasphemies and impurities, and cruelties and errors of the Roman Catholic church been published to the world, until all are to a greater or less degree informed as to the character of this church. To us the case is widely different from that of the Christian church in the days of Paul. Then the man of sin was in the future; now it is in the past. Then there began to develop in the church, heresy and division. Paul saw, in this, the seeds of apostasy, and recorded the inspired warning. As we survey our position at this late period in the world's history, now that the prophecies have been mostly fulfilled, and we behold around us marks of earth's decay, evidences of the complete ruin of man's moral and physical powers, we turn from the wisdom of man, to the word of God, and earnestly inquire, Watchman what of the night? All around in the thick moral darkness of the night of the nineteenth century, we hear different answers given to this question. One says, It is not night now, but light is beaming from the spirit world, and unseen spirits of the dead converse in distinct raps, and that in the circles, great wonders are performed. Another answers in a confident tone, that the millennium166is close at hand, and that soon the whole earth is to be spiritually cleansed, and all will become holy. Another will have it, that all, good and bad will be saved. And a fourth does not believe that a book teaching so many different creeds, can be from God, and disbelieves it all. And so confused murmurs arise from a multitude of voices, each clamorous for his own sect and creed. The votary of truth, groping his way amid the noise and bustle and tumult and din of voices, and in the darkness, raises his eyes to Heaven for light, satisfied to this, that no light or knowledge from the crowd around him can clear the way, and make his path light about him. He stops and considers. Meanwhile the giddy throng press down the great highway of nations, regardless of him as they are of the milestones along the way. He turns to release himself from the crowd, that he may have a moment to reflect. Amid the jostling and tumult he presses to the right, until he is free from the current, and finds a place of rest and reflection, on the hillside a little out of the broad path. Upward he presses toward the hill-top, and now he hears the distant crowd he has left behind, and the murmur of their voices sounds to his ear as the roaring of the distant river to one who has just escaped a watery grave. Downward press the infatuated multitude, not asking for the ocean into which this mighty tide of humanity is tending, but each one is satisfied to go with the multitude. Not so with him who has paused to reflect, and who now is climbing the hill toward the east, over the brow of which, he already sees the ruddy tints of morning, gleaming in beauty and splendor. Here and there on the hillside he sees in the morning light others, who like himself have become wearied with the jargon, and tumult and confusion, of the multitude left behind in the darkness. As one who is rescued from a cruel foe, or as one who has escaped the gloom of hades, so he rejoices to find it no uncertain light, which he beholds, and no common ruin which he has escaped. And now clear and silvery voices proclaim a distinct and certain response to his question, Watchman what of the night? Hope and joy spring up in his heart where despair had endeavored to erect her throne, as evidences of his great deliverance accumulate, and as he finds others who have preceded him in the search for light, and their union and harmony appear, and as the light of the rising sun increases, he is fully decided to get farther and farther from the confusion and the tumult of the infatuated multitude, and nearer to the light. What a scene now appears to our view? Just when we most need light, behold a church arising, and pointing out the way. Here is light as to the past, and present, and future. Here is kind care for the body, and mind, and estate. Here is a church preparing herself for translation, freeing herself from error and pollution. Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Let us rejoice that we have found this people, and go with them in their journeys.
J. CLARKE.
Portage, Ohio.