We begin the study of a new line of prophecy, another part of God's great drama of the ages, filled with vital truth, potent for eternal good. It is not confined to the fourth chapter; it continues to and includes the first verse of chapter 8. Chapter 7 is not essential to the main prophecy; it does, however, present a feature, a prophecy, a movement, of vast importance. It will be considered in its proper setting when it is reached in our regular study.
In chapters 2 and 3 God has set before us the spiritual condition of His entire Gospel church in its seven stages, from the first to the second advent. Her trials, her duties, her transgressions, are vividly but briefly indicated. The prophecies which follow develop and broaden the picture. God's wonderful workings through world conditions, and despite world conditions, are set forth oftentimes in highly wrought symbols and figures and signs. The great controversy between good and evil deepens as we proceed. The prophecy of the seven-sealed book, the study of which we begin this week, is of intense interest in showing God's care, supervision, nay, even directing in the affairs of men.
The student will note its likeness to some of the revelations of God to the prophets Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Isaiah.
The Answer of the Text
[The answers to the questions are from the American Revised Version. Omitting questions, and disregarding sometimes the capital at the beginning and the period at the close of an answer, the text may be read continuously. In notes and comments both versions are used without designation.]
1. After the vision of the seven churches, what vision was given John?
After these things I saw, and behold, a door opened in heaven.
2. What did he hear?
And the first voice that I heard, a voice as of a trumpet speaking with me.
3. What did the voice say to John?
One saying, Come up hither, and I will show thee the things which must come to pass hereafter.
4. What followed the call?
Straightway I was in the Spirit.
5. What did he see?
And behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and One sitting upon the throne.
6. What description is given of the One on the throne?
And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper stone and a sardius: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, like an emerald to look upon.
7. Who were round about the throne?
And round about the throne were four and twenty thrones: and upon the thrones I saw four and twenty elders sitting, arrayed in white garments; and on their heads crowns of gold.
8. What came from the throne?
And out of the throne proceed lightnings and voices and thunders.
9. What was before the throne?
And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
10. What else did he see before the throne?
And before the throne, as it were a sea of glass like unto crystal.
Note and Comment
After these things.—Not that the things which John saw were to come after the events of the seven churches; but the view of chapters 4 to 8 was a new vision, covering the same time, but in which new events are revealed, new phases disclosed. I "saw" (A.R.V.) is better than I "looked." Not only was the prophet's attention directed, but he received the vision. A door opened.—It had once been closed. It was not a door opened into heaven; it was not heaven opened; but it was a door in heaven which had been opened. Light upon this is given in Heb. 9:8: "The Holy Spirit this signifying, that the way into the holy place [literally, "holies"] hath not yet been made manifest, while the first tabernacle is yet standing." That is, during the Levitical dispensation the typical offerings were made on earth. Christ had not then entered upon His antitypical priesthood in the heavenly sanctuary. See Heb. 8:1, 2. It is the door opening to this place of ministry which John sees, as our Lord is about to begin His priesthood. In this vision is seen the antitype of the earthly altar, candlestick, assistants, etc. This will develop more fully as we proceed.
2. The first voice, the voice of our Lord Jesus Christ. See chapter 1:10, 12. It was the voice of the Conquering One, who had a right to call and to command; the voice which will wake the dead. John 5:28, 29.
3. Come up hither.—In the first vision John was upon the earth; now he is called up in vision to the habitation of the King. I will show thee.—God did not call the prophet up to show him things in heaven, to satisfy human curiosity; but to enable him to see, just as far as human limitations would permit, as God sees. See Eze. 1:1; 8:3; 40:2—"I saw visions of God." A vision is a seeing, and therefore "visions of God" are "seeings of God." In the visions of God, Ezekiel was taken to Jerusalem, where in God's seeing he beheld the awful iniquities of his people. Once he was taken to a high mountain, above the limited vision of the great city or fog-covered plain. But John is caught up in the Spirit to the very throne of God Himself, where he is to see with undimmed vision the things which must come to pass, the events of earth's long history of travail and pain and trouble till the final triumph of God's children.
4. In the Spirit.—In holy vision, seeing through Spirit-illuminated eyes. See Rev. 1:10. There he saw Christ with His church in the world; here he looks from the high table-land of heaven.
5. A throne.—God has a throne as surely as He has a kingdom. He is a personal God, and tho everywhere present by His Holy Spirit, the great Father is somewhere as He is nowhere else. "I saw Jehovah sitting on His throne." 1 Kings 22:19. "I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up." Isa. 6:1. "One that was ancient of days did sit." Dan. 7:9. "Jehovah hath established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom ruleth over all." Ps. 103:19. From that center of infinite power radiates all the power of the universe. One sitting, the Father; for, later, the Son comes before Him. From the time that the Son of God, in the beginning, gave Himself, the rulership of the universe was vested in the Father till the great crisis had passed, revealing the right of the Son to reign. The Lord Jehovah reigns; the Son of God is a priest at His right hand.
6. A jasper stone.—It is impossible to say just what these stones are, or their color. Jasper may mean diamond. It is a foundation stone in the wall of the heavenly city (Rev. 21:18, 19), clear as crystal (verse 11). It is a good illustration of God's character of justice and truth, a good emblem of His Word of truth. Sardius, a highly valued, precious stone used for sig7net-rings and seals, ranging from fiery red, through cherry, orange, yellow, brown, deep coffee color, and black, and sometimes sparkling white. The prevailing color is red. It is symbolic of mercy and love. The covenant breastplate, with its twelve precious stones, worn over the priest's heart, had sardius for the first and jasper for the last (Ex. 28:17-20), these two stones symbolizing in Revelation 4 all that the breastplate signified, the merciful remembrance of God for all His people, the infinite blending of justice and mercy, truth and love, righteousness and peace. A rainbow.—We see but part of the beautiful bow here, a segment of a complete circle around the throne, God's covenant of mercy on every side. "Carbuncle," we are told, is a better word than "emerald," red, the basic color of the beautiful iris; representing also the blood of Christ, through which God's mercy comes to the needy.
7. Four and twenty thrones.—Of the elders, assistants in the heavenly sanctuary, answering to the twenty-four courses of priests in the earthly temple. 1 Chron. 24:1-19. These elders occupied lesser thrones or seats. Their white garments indicate that they have been cleansed, and their crowns show that they have conquered in the warfare. They are saved humans, representative of the entire race. Whence came they? These scriptures may help us: Matt. 27:52, 53; Eph. 4:8; Ps. 24:7-10. The first text records the fact that many rose from the dead when Jesus arose; the second, that when He ascended to heaven He led those who had been death's captives, in glorious, blessed captivity to life—"a multitude of captives," the margin reads; the third passage is the song of welcome at the gates of the city of God. What more reasonable than that these twenty-four saved ones should be assistant ministers in Christ's work for the salvation of souls? The crowns are not diadems of rulership, but stephanos, the crown of victory.
8. Lightnings and voices and thunders.—See 8:5; 11:19; 16:18; Ex. 19:16. Lightnings, the Lord's terrible and swift actions; voices, His warnings faithfully given, and commands; thunders, the majesty and awe of His judgments. Note the different order in 8:5. Notwithstanding God's wonderful mercy, nay, His character demands, that sure judgment must be executed against sin.
9. Lamps of fire.—See Zech. 4:2; Ex. 25:37. God has explained their meaning; they are emblematic of the fulness of God's Spirit, the fulness of His presence and power to accomplish His work. As the seven lamps burned perpetually in the earthly sanctuary, so God's presence is ever with His children. "Lo, I am with you alway."
10. Sea of glass.—See 15:2; Eze. 1:22; Ex. 24:10; 30:17-21. Was the laver in the ancient service the type of the sea? At the laver the priests cleansed. All God's children are a royal priesthood. 1 Peter 2:9; Rev. 1:6. Does the sea of glass represent the "washing of water by the Word" (Eph. 5:26), the cleansing in the crystal clear depths of the fountain of God's power and grace? It was before the throne; but John was at the throne of God in vision, whence he looked out upon all God's work for all His children; and He is not far from every one of us. We well believe that the crystal cleansing sea of grace divine is co-equal in extent to the fulness of the influence of the sevenfold Spirit. They are immediately before His throne in their representative Jesus Christ; and in the bonds of His life, His seeings, all are near.
1. After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter.
2. And immediately I was in the Spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.
3. And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.
4. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.
5. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
6. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal.
Confidence in Prayer
By Augusta C. Bainbridge
By Augusta C. Bainbridge
IT seems as if man's need and God's abundant supply should unite and form a perfect whole; but just here came sin, the fall, and the curse; and man needed a Saviour. So a way was opened for man to choose God's will, and let God give him according to His own holy desire, or to choose his own will, and thus hinder God from giving him the beautiful things He has for him.
A communicating door was opened, a ladder let down, an invitation given; and man was told that God's plan for him was yet to be fulfilled. God will not be disappointed, and He will not disappoint His children. "For the Lord taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation." The meek will receive the invitation, and all that it includes. Here we find prayer.
While in prayer, we may tell the Lord of our needs, yet we must realize that this does not inform Him. He knows our needs as we know them; and yet, infinitely beyond this He sees deeper needs, that we, perhaps, do not know at all.
While in prayer, we may ask the Lord for what we desire, according to the best of our knowledge, and yet fall far short of the real desire that He is longing to have us express. He can not give us things which are not good; and He would have us know His will, that we may ask for the things He has in His plan for us.
The Spirit of God knows the mind of God; and may we not listen to the Spirit, and thus learn what to ask for that it will please God to grant? Just as earthly parents are grieved to be obliged to say "No" to their children, so our Father is grieved when we ask Him for things He must refuse to give. The desire of the Lord is that we may have "Christ formed within," the heavenly character developed, the divine nature partaken of; and all that may come into our lives must yield or bend to that one aim, that one end. So when we ask for things which would hinder that beautiful purpose, the answer must be "No."
If we are willing, tho ignorant, patiently, step by step, to choose His way, the Lord will lead us, until we lose the desire that once filled our minds, and let His desire bear sway. Then shall we understand Ps. 37:4: "He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Not that He will gratify all our ignorant or foolish wishes, but He will teach us to abide in Him, then we shall have His desires. Our prayers will then all be in harmony with His will, and hence be answered as both He and we desire. Nothing in earth or heaven can hinder the fulfilling of God's will in a submissive heart; hence nothing can hinder the answers to such prayers as these. Then prayer, by faith, will be praise.
Sometimes, looking beyond, to blessings greatly to be desired, we ask our Father for that which we are in no condition to receive; so He must reply, "Wait a while, My child; you are not ready yet." Hence there are no unanswered prayers, for "No" and "Wait" are answers just as truly and as lovingly given as "Yes."
Purgatory
By Leslie Littell
A CATHOLIC, who lived near us in Ontario, Canada, died, and the priest came and told his wife that the bottom had fallen out of purgatory, and that her husband was clinging on the rim. If it was not fixed, he would fall down through into the lake of fire, and burn, and burn, and burn. He said five dollars would fix it and save her husband from the dreadful torture of the flames.
She did not have the money, so she sent her little boys over to her neighbor whom they were working for to borrow it. They told him that if he would loan the money to them they would work hard and pay it back.
He was short of money, and told them that if they needed food or clothing he would make arrangements for them at the store. But the little boys began to cry and plead so hard, that finally he told them that if they would tell him just what they wanted to do with it perhaps he could borrow the money for them.
So they told him what the priest had said, and began to cry worse than ever. He told them to go back and tell the priest, that if he would show him where purga8tory was, he would take his hired men and fix the bottom of it.
The boys ran home as happy as could be, and told the priest, who was waiting in his buggy for the money. He called down curses on their neighbor, and then cursed her and her children for working for such a man, and drove away in a passion.
She went to her neighbor to find out what the trouble was, and he took his Bible and showed her that there was no such place as purgatory.
LESLIE LITTELL.
The Babe of Bethlehem
By Amos E. Flint
By Amos E. Flint
UPON a midnight long ago,
While faithful shepherds watched their flocks,
Seraphic fires set skies aglow
And lit Judea's hills and rocks.
Down through the wide expanse of sky
The herald angels' echo rolled;
The song, the tidings from on high,
Were more than heav'n alone could hold.
The joyful chorus we repeat,
"Glory to God, our God most high,
Salvation, peace, and joy complete
Through David's Son who came to die."
"Good-will to men, on earth be peace!"
How sweeps the song in lofty strains
O'er Judah's hills, on slumb'ring breeze,
And bursts upon her stilly plains!
In Bethlehem to-day is born
A Son of David's royal line;
Lowly His birth, humble, forlorn,
He swathed lies where feed the kine.
Celestial hosts their homage bring,
And marvel at the wond'rous sight,—
A virgin's arms contain a King
Who once held sway in courts of light.
With healing in His wings He came,
To seek a lost, rebellious race,
To bring salvation in His name,
And joyful news of saving grace.
That we may rise to heav'n from earth
He humbly came in sin's midnight;
And born to give us second birth,
He turned our darkness into light.
He bids the trembling souls be still,
And to their sorrows say farewell;
He offers peace, to all good-will,
And mansions bright where He will dwell.
All this His love for us hath done;
For this we tune our grateful song;
And when at last the viet'ry's won,
Our tongues shall endless praise prolong.
Granger, Washington.
Little Acts of Kindness
By Frederic William Farrar
LITTLE self-denials, little honesties, little passing words of sympathies, little nameless acts of kindness, little silent victories over favorite temptations—these are the threads of gold which, when woven together, gleam out so brightly in the pattern of life that God approves.—Canon Farrar.
The Christian Race
By J. M. Warwick
By J. M. Warwick
Its Course, Hindrances, and Rewards
IN various places in ancient Greece, races and other tests of skill and endurance had been practised for centuries when the Christian era opened. The most celebrated and ancient were those held quadrennially on the plain of Elis in honor of Olympian Jove, and called Olympiads. Second to these were the Isthmian games, held the first and third years of the Olympiads, near the city of Corinth, established, according to legend, in honor of Theseus after his famous victories over the enemies of Attica.
These games brought together Greeks from the different provinces, usually antagonistic and often at war in the years between. Heralds proclaimed throughout the country the truce of the gods, which put a stop to all warfare and insured a safe-conduct throughout the sacred month. The judges were carefully instructed in their duties, and the contestants trained for ten months. The latter must prove themselves free from impiety, blood-guiltiness, and grave violation of the laws, before they were allowed to enter the lists. When all preliminaries had been finished, the heralds proclaimed in the stadium, "Let the runners put their feet to the line," and the race was on.
An Illustration
Paul, the great missionary apostle, who had visited both Athens and Corinth, must often have seen the olive-crowned victors and heard the plaudits of admiring throngs. A passage in his first letter to the church in this same city of Corinth shows his familiarity with the Isthmian games. Instead of fighting the evil through political channels, he used it as an illustration, and thus drew the thoughts of his readers away from any allurement it might possess for them, to higher things.
He draws an analogy between the games and the Christian's course, but shows also the inevitable contrasts. 1 Cor. 9: 24-27. In the epistle to the Philippian church he writes of the mark toward which he presses for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3: 13, 14. The writer of Hebrews also uses the same figure. Heb. 12: 1.
Essentials to Victory
Self-control in all things, perseverance to the end, keeping the goal in sight, and single-hearted endeavor! These are the points which both writers emphasize. We can not lose sight of one and succeed, any more than ancient or modern racers. The two points in which there is contrast rather than analogy between Christians and the gamesters are found in the Corinthian letter: they ran or fought or wrestled in emulation, one only to receive the reward, a perishable crown; we run the race in no spirit of rivalry, but rather of encouragement to others, for we can say with the great apostle, "There is laid up for me"—and not for me only—"a crown of righteousness." The race is open to all; and the crown bestowed at the end is not of perishable leaves, but one that is eternal and undefiled. Not only is the race open to all, but it can be entered upon at any time, and the reward is the same to him who begins it late as to his fellow who entered while the dew of his youth was still upon him. Did not our Lord teach the same lesson under a different figure in the parable of the laborers in the vineyard? Matt. 20: 1-16. The question is not, How long have you been running? but, Did you enter at the right gate, and are you proceeding toward the right goal?
There are obstacles and stumbling-blocks in the way, many and difficult; but the promises still hold good. When one who is running in the course falls by the way, he is a cause of stumbling to those who are weak, unless we and they keep our eyes fixed on the Captain of our salvation, who went safely past all obstructions, and has promised to be our Guide even to the end.
Causes of Stumbling
Sometimes our stumbles are caused by our failure to get rid of the weights which we were commanded to drop at the beginning of the course; sometimes by looking at our fellow racers instead of at Jesus, who led us into the course, and is waiting at the goal for us; and the great enemy of souls is ready to provide as many causes of stumbling as possible. Oftentimes it may be said, as of the tare-sown field, "An enemy hath done this."
He tempts us to pause and turn aside to look at the kingdoms of this world, and the glory of them; to desire place and power; to look at our companions, and flatter ourselves that we are running better than they; to hope that others are admiring us; to look back with self-gratulation to the time when we entered the race, or with discouragement and fear at the way yet before us. There is as much danger in one temptation as the other. There is no time for either. There is no time for self-admiration or the plaudits of others, and really no occasion. If we keep our eyes fixed on the Master, and remember the race He ran, there will be little enough cause for anything but shame at the progress we are making. Our feet are neither swift nor sure.
Our Bible Reading
What the Coming of Christ Means to the Wicked
1. In what favored condition does this world often find the wicked?
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay-tree. Ps. 37: 35.
2. What do the finally impenitent say by their actions regarding Christ?
We will not have this Man to reign over us. Luke 19: 14.
3. What is said of the glory of one angel, and how did it affect wicked men?
And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. Matt. 28: 2-4.
And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. 2 Kings 19: 35.
4. What then will be the glory of the second coming of Christ, and how will it likely affect the wicked?
For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to his works. Matt. 16: 27.
5. How did the glory of God's presence affect those who identified themselves with sin in times past?
And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. Lev. 10: 1, 2.
6. How will the overpowering glory of Christ affect the wicked when He comes?
And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power. 2 Thess. 1: 7-9.
NOTE:—The only thing in all this universe with which God is at enmity is sin. Sin can not abide in the glory of His presence. Because of sinful men God has for centuries veiled that glory and dimmed the human vision. During this time He appeals to the human to separate from sin and to become identified with Eternal Righteousness. All who thus stand when His transcendent glory shall be revealed, will be made immortal physically. All who by choice are identified with sin, will perish with the sin. Choose now, reader, the righteousness and the life, that you may know the clean universe.9
Necessary Qualifications
Let us look in detail at the necessary qualifications for a successful race, as outlined above: self-control in all things, perseverance to the end, keeping the goal in sight, and single-hearted endeavor.
Temperance, or self-control—for that is the meaning of the word—is placed last in the catalog of the fruit of the Spirit. Gal. 5: 22, 23. That is no mistake of the writer. It is not an anticlimax, but a true climax, the greatest of all placed last. It means the tempering of the whole character into something strong and true, like finely wrought steel, able to bear any strain, without bending or breaking.
Perseverance to the end, keeping the goal in sight! The reward is bestowed at the end of the race. Can we expect anything short of that? The goal may be reached, but it will be by devious ways unless the eyes are kept on the point we wish to reach—not on our own stumblings, or those of others; not on those who may be observing us; not on the allurements presented by the enemy; but first, last, and all the time on the goal.
And what is the goal?—The perfect stature of full manhood found in Christ Jesus, to be built up in us as we run the race, feeding upon that bread from heaven which is our perfect food.
In the Appointed Way
The last point, single-hearted endeavor, scarcely needs comment, so intimately is it bound up in the one just discussed. It is Paul's "One thing I do," all else subservient to that. If we are on the road which is our Lord's appointed way, let us run as tho we were really interested in it, and expected to reach the end some day.
The Mosaic law made merciful provision that one under the ban of blood-guiltiness could flee to a city of refuge; but he must flee for his life, for the avenger was close upon his track. He was not likely to waste time by taking the wrong road, by waiting for admiration or sympathy, no, not even by stumbling. He kept his gaze straight ahead, where the hospitable gate stood open to receive him.
The accuser of the brethren is close upon the track of every son of man; and it behooves us all not to pause in our running, or he will overtake us.
As the reward at the end is one, so is the gate of entrance at the beginning. He who is called the Author and Finisher of our faith called Himself both the Door into the right road, and the Way itself. The wrong entrance does not lead to the right way; and he who enters in any other way than through that open Door, is unprepared for the difficulties he will encounter. Paul shows in the Roman letter that he who has entered the way of holiness through Christ, has all the help he needs for every difficulty and every trial he meets in that way. If we enter that Door, if we follow that Way, we need have no fear of the end, for "Even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you." Isa. 46: 4.
The Isthmian races of old were established in honor of Theseus' victories over the Minotaur, that evil beast who demanded and received an annual tribute of seven youths and maidens from Athens. The way is open to all into this heavenly race, because our Champion won a great and final victory over our "adversary" who seeks to devour us.
The ancient contestants swore that they were free from impiety, blood-guiltiness, and grave violation of the laws. Can we? Nay, rather, we must plead guilty to every charge. Impiety? "Covetousness is idolatry." Blood-guiltiness? "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer." 1 John 3: 15. Violation of the laws? There is not one that we have kept perfectly, and to offend in one point is to be guilty of all. James 2: 10. What then? Is the race hopelessly closed against us? Instead of swearing that we are free from sin, we acknowledge our guilt; and then we can gain through our Sacrifice that righteousness which we can not obtain for ourselves, for our God is just, and yet the Justifier of those who believe in Jesus. The race is open to all who come with hearts sprinkled with the blood of Christ from an evil conscience, and their bodies washed with pure water. Heb. 10: 22.
Let us provoke one another "unto love and to good works," "exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Heb. 10: 24, 25.
Christ’s Promise to Come Quickly
AND, BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY; AND MY REWARD IS WITH ME, TO GIVE EVERY MAN ACCORDING AS HIS WORK SHALL BE. Rev. 22: 12.
Do You Wish to Know?
Reader, do you wish to know the truth? Do you wish to know Christ as a personal Saviour? Do you wish to understand the teachings of the Word of God? But do you wish to know all this and still remain unsubmissive to His will; still be disobedient to His will; still be disobedient to His requirements? If so, God will not reveal to you His treasures of truth. Says our Lord, "If any man willeth to do His [God's] will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself." John 7:17, Revised Version. Try it, reader; this is God's rule.
There Is Power in God
By S. O. James
By S. O. James
O, half-hearted Christian, so used to transgressing,
Complaining of God, and bemoaning your fate,
Why not live in touch with the truth you're professing,
Leave off your conjecture, have done with your guessing,
And freely rejoice in your happy estate?
There is power in your God—just the power you are lacking;
But in conflicts severe and temptations the most,
When great hosts of evil you're nobly attacking,
Remember all Heaven is pledged for your backing,
If you are but willing to die at your post.
Then pray for the power that bringeth salvation;
And while you are praying, believe you receive
The precious anointing, the great transformation.
With Christ in your heart, what a sweet revelation!
No longer His good, tender Spirit you'll grieve.
Yes, cease to do evil, and never be frightened,
Tho compassed about by the legions of hell;
With conscience enlightened, the dark pathway brightened,
And joy in His service continually heightened,
You'll cease to do evil, and learn to do well.
Wrong Living Cannot Be Hidden
"No AMOUNT of looking right can make up for wrong living."
Our Lord Is Coming Again
By Joseph A. Seiss
T is no mere fancy,—no poet's dream, no mere fabulous device,—but immutable reality, as sure as the desolations which have been upon Mount Zion for these eighteen hundred years. Tho men may think but little of it, and put it far away from them, it is one of the infallible verities of almighty God. As the angels at His ascension said, so we may be satisfied, that "THIS SAME JESUS, WHICH IS TAKEN UP INTO HEAVEN, SHALL SO COME IN LIKE MANNER AS YE HAVE SEEN HIM GO INTO HEAVEN." Henceforward, therefore, could His followers say: "THE LORD HIMSELF SHALL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN." "Our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." "Behold, HE COMETH WITH CLOUDS; and every eye shall SEE Him, and they also which pierced Him." Henceforward could the disciples go forth, "looking for that blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of the great God our Saviour Jesus Christ," and beseech men "by the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together unto Him," and exhort their fellow believers "to wait for His Son from heaven," and proclaim the glad "rest, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels," and encourage the fond hopes of the persecuted and desponding with the assurance that "when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall SEE HIM AS HE IS."
No, no; "we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." As certainly as the words of Jesus are true, as surely as the pillars of the eternal throne are steadfast, Jesus Himself, in glorified humanity, shall return again to this very world of ours. All the prophets have predicted it. All the pious, from the foundation of the world, have in some shape expected it. Jesus declared it, both before His death and after His resurrection. And the very last words in the holy Testament which He left us are, "He that testifieth these things saith, SURELY I COME QUICKLY. AMEN."
Even apart from what the Scriptures contain upon the subject, with the account of His humiliation before us, reason itself might almost anticipate His return. We can not suppose that such a glorious Personage will always remain under the reproach and stigma of the cross. Natural justice seems to demand that He should come again, in the majesty that appertains to Him, in order to sweep away the infamy which wicked men in every age have sought to heap upon Him. As He whose right it is to reign, will reign; and as He whose "is the kingdom, the power, and the glory," will not forever leave His enemies to usurp His place; so we are driven to expect Him yet to come, "glorious in His apparel, and triumphing in the greatness of His strength." —From "The Last Times," by Joseph A. Seiss, D.D.
