The Prophetic Times

Editorial.

"THE LAST TIMES, AND THE GREAT | CONSUMMATION.”

We present a brief notice of the contents of this interesting volume to our readers, in the hope that such a short review as comports with the limited pages of The Prophetic Times" may induce many of its readers to

THIS is the popular title of a revised and enlarged edition of a volume from the pen of Joseph A. Seiss, D.D., of Philadelphia, pub-possess the work and give it a serious and lished in that city, and for sale at our office. The estimable character and high standing and influence of the lecturer among the people of his numerous and respectable congregation and the inhabitants of the city generally where he resides and is best known, are sufficient to bespeak for this work a respectful and serious attention. It is a neatly-printed 12mo volume, and contains an amount of varied information on the subjects treated of, seldom to be found in so compact a form. The style is perspicuous and pleasing, well adapted to the author's design to give increased currency to the views which he so ably advocates.

The author is deeply in earnest in his descriptions relative to matters of faith, which, though extensively ridiculed, misrepresented, and calumniated both in the past and at the present day, have nevertheless been embraced and inculcated by the earnest hearts and eloquent tongues of many of the best, most learned and devout men in all ages and sections of the Church of Christ. It has been the common faith of apostles, evangelists, martyrs, and saints, in all nations where Christianity has prevailed and access been allowed to the study of an unrestricted and open Bible. It is the common faith of many ministers and people in all the evangelical denominations of Protestant nations, that our Lord Jesus Christ, according to his promise, will so come again to earth in like manner as he was seen by his apostles and brethren, at his ascension, to go up into heaven. This is the hope of Israel, and the remedy for all the woes and wretchedness, the crimes and commotions, in this fallen world.

careful perusal. The first discourse presents the general topic,-viz. the personal, visible coming of our glorious Redeemer; and by the numerous arguments taken from the Scriptures the author irresistibly proves it to be premillennial. Nothing but a preconceived theory, assumed as the interpreter of the plain language of the Bible—which language is intelligible to the child—can resist the force of his arguments. The second discourse corroborates the conclusion in the first by grouping and harmonizing the events predicted to be cotemporaneous with the Saviour's Advent. In the third discourse, which is on the Restitution of all Things, the author examines the popular, though very vague and fanciful, idea of the annihilation of the earth, and exposes its fallacy and absurdity.

The text in 2 Peter iii. 10 lends it no countenance, as one acquainted with the Greek idiom cannot fail to perceive. The author troubles not the reader with criticisms appropriate to the scholar, his design being to address the English reader. But we may remark that a simple change of punctuation in accordance with the Greek idiom wrests this verse, as found in our English version of the New Testament, from the hands of imaginative poets who have misled thousands. The heavens shall pass away with a great noise; and the elements shall melt with fervent heat; the earth also; and the works that are therein shall be burned up." In all these great geological changes here described so tersely, there is no intimation whatever of the total flux, much less the evaporization, of this globe. In the fourth discourse the author, after an examination

We hail this fifth edition of Dr. Seiss' Discourses, and assure our readers that they can find nowhere, within so short a compass, so much valuable and practical aid for the investigation, and understanding, of what forms the warp and woof of the whole Bible, —viz. the coming of the Lord, though now, as

of the different hypotheses in relation to know the truth, and willing to investigate a "the first resurrection," corroborates his in-matter of such infinite importance as the terpretation of Rev. xx. 4-6, as understood glorious hope of the Christian and the secuaccording to the uniform sentiment of those rity of the world's future. who, in all ages, believed in the personal coming of Christ, showing that the resurrection of the dead will take place in two great epochs,—the first, that of the just at his appearing again, when the martyrs, and those who have not worshipped the beast, &c., shall be raised to reign with him a thousand years. In the fifth discourse the lecturer shows it was predicted, made the theme of scoffers that the Messiah's reign or kingdom is not and blasphemers, both in the pulpit and the present evangelical or New Testament [out of it,-whose ignorance alone palliates dispensation, but is one to be ushered in at their guilt.

the second Advent, and for which the gospel

is preparatory.

G. D.

In the sixth and seventh discourses the DESTINY OF OUR EARTH AND RACE.

author shows "THE JUDGMENT DAY" to be progressive, a dispensation of itself,-and unfolds the results of its administration upon the nations of the earth. In the eighth discourse you have the subject of the Restoration of the Jews, with the objections urged against it considered and refuted, and the New Testament teachings in relation to it ably presented. His illustration of "the world to come," suggested by the light of the transfiguration of the Saviour, ,—as contained in the ninth discourse,―cannot fail to commend and exalt the glories of the world's Millennium, in the estimation of all who look for the blessed hope, even the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, and enhance the spirituality which true faith in him produces. In his tenth discourse the author gives a summary of testimony on the subject from the days of the apostles and fathers, and from the Reformation to the present time, showing how they contrast with those current among modern professors whose ideas of the Millennium have been formed in the mould of Whitby's "theory," avowed to be such by its primogenitor, and under the influence of Origen's plan of allegorically interpreting Scripture. In the eleventh and twelfth discourses the reader will find discussions on the time and signs of Christ's coming, and in the Appendix notes and additions, authorities and books referred to, which will be of much value to those earnestly seeking to

I. THE ANTECEDENT PROBABILITY.

WHAT is to be the final destiny of our earth and the race that peoples it? This cannot fail to be a question of great interest to all serious, thoughtful dwellers on our globe. In regard to the earth itself there is but little room for difference of opinion. That it will emerge from the purifying conflagration of the latter days, with the rays of its longlost loveliness restored to it, to enter on an unending course of blessedness and glory, is settled by the apostle, when, after his sublime description of the baptism of fire that yet awaits this material creation, he says, "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens, and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." (2 Pet. iii. 13.)

With all who acknowledge the paramount authority of God's word, this passage is conclusive. It fixes the destiny of the earth. It leaves no room for two opinions on that subject. But nothing is determined here as to the destiny of the race who people the earth. The question, What is to become of this race? remains an open question. As the earth itself is to be renewed and continued forever, it would seem most natural to expect that there will be some connection kept up between it and the race which now peoples it. We propose now to consider, in the light which Scripture throws upon the subject, what this connection will be.

Of the different views held upon this sub

ject we shall only speak of two. In the opinion of some students of prophecy, the further increase of the race will be cut off after the second resurrection and the final judgment. Then the wicked will be cast into the pit of perdition, and the earth, in its renewed and glorified form, will become the everlasting abode of the righteous.

In the opinion of others, there will be no cutting off of the increase of the race. They believe that the design of God, through the gospel, is, so far as concerns the stock of the race, to purge out from it the taint of corruption-the virus of original sin—and make it pure and holy. They believe that the judgments of the last days, and the regenerating and educational influences to be brought to bear upon the race during the long, happy period of the millennial reign, will be instrumental in securing this blessed result. They will "bring a clean thing out of an unclean." They will produce such a change in the character of this race that the prophet's declaration will be true of it, where he says, "The people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land [or the earth] forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified." (Isa. lx. 21.) The race thus purified will not attain unto the resurrection state, but be still partakers of flesh and blood. They will marry and be given in marriage, and thus will people and possess the earth, in successive generations, forever, even for ever and ever. And the people of this purified race, thus possessing the earth, will constitute the subjects of that kingdom promised to "the people of the saints of the Most High,”—“the children of the resurrection,”—who are to be "kings and priests unto God and the Lamb." This " royal priesthood,"—this "Church of the first-born," this happy company "elect according to the foreknowledge of God,"-will constitute "the bride, the Lamb's wife," and, made "equal unto the angels," will dwell with their glorified Redeemer in the "holy city, the heavenly Jerusalem," and thence, with him, will administer the affairs of that kingdom which is to "fill the whole earth,”—a kingdom which "shall not be left to other people, and which shall never be destroyed."

This is the view of the destiny of our race, and its final connection with the earth, which it is now proposed to consider in the light of Scripture. In the view here taken, the undersigned desires to be considered as expressing only his individual opinions, and not as speaking for the brethren whose names are associated with his own in this periodical.

In subsequent articles the testimony of various passages of Scripture upon this subject will be considered. The antecedent probability of the view here taken is the only point to which attention is now asked.

Now, let us suppose that sin had never entered our world. Suppose that, without the strange dislocation occasioned by the fall, our first parents had retained their innocency, and had gone on in the course then opened before them: what would the destiny of their race have been? Can there be a doubt on any one's mind in reference to the matter? The history of the race then would have been a history of uninterrupted happiness and glory, continued on through everlasting ages. The race, all holy, would have possessed the earth to its utmost limits, and would have continued so to possess it, in successive generations, forever. If the question of a surplus population arises as a difficulty, all that need be said is, that, though that would be a difficulty to us, it would be no difficulty in the way of Omnipotence. Translation to other scenes could easily have done for the world in innocence what death has done for the world under sin, in providing an outlet for the overflow of its population.

And if such would have been the destiny of our race on the supposition that sin had not entered the world, then we are fairly warranted in assuming that such was the original purpose or design of God respecting our race and our world. If that was God's purpose originally, it must be his purpose still; for he never changes his plan. His solemn and emphatic declaration is, "My purpose shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure." The entrance of sin has not interfered with that purpose or set it aside. It has only interrupted it. It has caused a delay in the execution of that purpose.

This delay has given an opportunity for

the introduction of the plan of redemption. | ral truth it may be said that thus far, at least, This plan contemplates the accomplishment the work of Satan is destroyed. But if you say of two great objects. One of these is the gathering of an elect remnant out of the different nations of the earth, while the race is under the dominion of sin. This elect company, when their number is completed, are to be a "peculiar people" unto God their Saviour. They are to occupy a relation to him, as "kings and priests," which no other creatures of his hand will occupy. They will be "to the praise of the glory of his grace" in a very special sense. But this is only one of the objects contemplated by the plan of redemption. The other object which it aims to secure is the restoration of the race to a condition of purity like that in which it was originally created. When this is done, the original purpose of God will be carried out. The race which he created pure will be brought back to the purity of its creationstate, and will then go on to possess and people the earth forever.

Very many Christians never regard the work of redemption as contemplating any thing more than the first of these objects. But this is greatly to circumscribe the glory of redemption. It is to put the part of a thing, and that, too, a minor part, in the place of the whole. It is to regard the preservation of the fragments chipped off from a great diamond by the lapidary, in his work of polishing it, and carefully gathered up by him, as the whole design of his labor; losing sight of the glory that will accrue to him from the precious stone itself, when the polishing and setting of it are finished, and it is seen shining forth, in peerless beauty, the admiration of all who behold it.

The purpose of Christ's manifestation was, we are told, that "he might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John iii. 8.) Now, the chief work of Satan was, corrupting and deteriorating our nature. He infused the virus of sin into the stock of our race; and, however many individuals may be saved from among the descendants of Adam, it never can be said that the work of Satan is destroyed while that virus remains working in the race. But let that virus be purged out, let that race be cleansed and made pure, and then in lite

the gospel does not contemplate the securing of this result,-if you admit that it only designs the salvation of a chosen number of individuals, taken out from successive generations, and if when this result is secured the race is to be cut off and become extinct,—then it is clear that Satan will have accomplished a work that can never be destroyed. That extinct race will be an enduring monument of his triumph. He will have it to boast that he so far succeeded in his work as to bring Jehovah under the necessity of changing his purpose, of altering or modifying his original design. This is a thought not for a moment to be indulged. And, this being so, we are compelled to admit the idea of the restoration of the stock of the race to a condition of purity. When this result is secured, and the race, made holy, is in possession of the restored earth, peopling it with successive generations of holy, happy beings, just as we must suppose would have been the case if sin had never entered the world, then we shall see that the remedy introduced by the gospel is a full and sufficient remedy. It will fairly meet and repair the ruin wrought by sin. It will bring the world and the race back to a position analogous to that they would have occupied if sin had never darkened the world, and the curse had never made it

groan, being burdened." Thus, the history of our race while under the power of sin, instead of being all the history contemplated for it, is but a parenthetical interruption of its history. When this parenthesis is completed, the stream which sin had disturbed and polluted, with the disturbing element removed, will be brought back to its original channel, and flow on, through unmeasured ages, in peace, in purity and blessedness unspeakable.

Thus far the destiny of our earth and race has been looked at from a single point of view,-viz. that which is afforded by the antecedent probability of the case. In subsequent articles it will be examined in the light of Scripture.

R. N.

Vol. I.

error.

The Prophetic Times.

SEPTEMBER, 1863.

Special Contributions.

[For the Prophetic Times.] MODERN CIVILIZATION.

No. 9.

are not founded upon the kingdom of Christ, and therefore must be taken down and removed. They are the final experiments of man to become his own Messiah, his last efforts to work out the problem of his destiny, without the coming and kingdom of the great Restorer.

WE hear a great deal in these days about our present "Christian civilization." If by the term it is meant that Christianity has done much to modify the present aspect of the world, And herein we discover the necessity for that there can be no objection to it; but so far as it great tribulation which is to precede that comidentifies Christianity with the present forms of ing. In all the ideas and institutions which the world's culture, it embodies a grievous characterize the age, there is more or less compromise between Christ and the world, an artful It seems to have been forgotten in these last interweaving of the false with the true. In times, that there is no fellowship or compromise times of persecution the line between the possible between Christ and the world. We Church and the world was more distinctly need to go back to the first principles of the drawn. Now, no man can trace it. Those doctrine of Christ, and to be taught anew the gifted with spiritual insight to discern between essential truth that "all that is in the world, light and darkness are few. Hence, when he the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, shall come, whose fan is in his hand, to thorand the pride of life, is not of the Father, but oughly purge the world's threshing-floor, what is of the world." We might also learn from the wonder if he smite the earth with a heavy flail. sure word of prophecy," that in these last Nothing less can separate the chaff from the times this outward garb of Christianity is wheat. Where the miner finds ingots of gold merely assumed by the world in order to de- lying around loose, the process of collection is ceive the Church. It is Satan's endeavor to easy; but where the metal is fused and cryssubstitute a Christianized worldly culture for tallized into the rock, the ore must be first the Gospel of Christ. It is his last and most bruised and washed and tried by fire. successful effort to palm off upon the world, So, although the ore of the world contains and alas, too, upon the Church, his artful sub-much true gold, yet it is not separate from the stitute for that divine kingdom "of which God earthy mass around. Hence, when the Great hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy pro- Refiner comes to gather the gold to adorn and phets since the world began," enrich his kingdom, it must be with fire and hammer.

And this reveals the true character of what are called "Christian states." They are the Hence, too, Gentile Christendom must be reforms in which this latest phase of the power jected, as were the Jews, from occupying the and culture of this world is expressed. They field of the kingdom of heaven, and for subdoubtless subserve a most important purpose stantially the same reasons. Whatever its pro in the economy of God's providence, but they fession, its language practically has been, "We

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