THE END COMETH by H. M. Kenyon

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 18, 1859

THE END COMETH.

By H. M. Kenyon

SOLEMN indeed are the moments in which we live. Three of the signs spoken of in Matt. xxiv, 29 have been fulfilled. Soon the powers of the heavens will be shaken, and then will be seen the sign of the Son of man. But these are not all we have that portend the coming of our Lord. We look abroad over the land, and see that sin and iniquity abounds, and the love of many of God's professed people has waxed cold. God and his truth are hardly thought of by the mass; but as it was in the days of Noah, the thoughts and imaginations of their hearts are evil continually.

In the political world also we see that the mighty men are being stirred up, preparing for the last great struggle, and is it not time that God's people were aroused, that they gird on the armor anew, and put forth an effort that will secure the favor of God, that when the storm which is now impending shall burst forth, we may have the covering of God drawn over us?

The latter rain is about to be poured out upon God's faithful ones, which will fit them up for the conflict which is before them. There are some that act as though they thought they could live along without making any special effort on their part, because they have a name with the people of God, and that when they shall receive the refreshing they will share it with them. But that is not in the order of God. Says God by the mouth of the prophet, "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy, break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you." Hosea x, 12. When we have taken this step, when we have sought the Lord with all our heart, been zealous and repented of our lukewarmness, and applied for the gold that is tried in the fire, then we can consistently ask for the latter rain; and it will be bestowed upon us. "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Mal. iii, 10. Also Joel, speaking of the coming of the day of the Lord, says, "For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it? Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him?" Joel ii, 11-14.

May the Lord help us to set about the work, and put on strength, and make our calling and election sure while probation lingers, realizing that our salvation is nearer than when we believed.

H. M. KENYON.

Allegan, Mich.