Part 10 (2/2)

Henry the Eighth was a vile man, but he was very active in protesting against the Pope because his holiness would not grant him a divorce. G.o.d makes the wrath of man praise him. It will not probably be a great length of time (in the opinion of the writer) before those churches which were defended with the sword will be destroyed by the sword.

It has been further urged that not only the Reformers but most pious Protestants have prayed for the prosperity of the arms of their country, and many have actually fought in the field of battle. All this is likewise admitted. But many pious men have had a mistaken zeal. It is fully believed that Protestants, generally, have been in the habit of considering the Reformation so glorious an event that they have very little inquired whether the means by which it was finally defended were agreeable to the spirit of the gospel or not. They have been taught from their earliest years to consider that the weapons of warfare used by the Reformers were lawful, so that they have not hesitated to follow their example. That the example and prayers of pious people ought to have weight is readily granted, but to place a blind confidence in them, we apprehend, is criminal, for their example is to be imitated no further than it agrees with the spirit and precepts of the gospel. These must forever remain a perfect standard of duty; whereas the practice of real Christians, owing to their imperfect state, is constantly changing and often contradictory. During the American Revolution, doubtless, real Christians were praying and fighting for the success of the American arms, and real Christians in the British service were praying and fighting for the success of his Majesty's arms. The truth is, they ought not to pray for war in any shape, but to pray that wars may cease from under heaven, and that G.o.d's kingdom may come and his will be done on earth as it is done in heaven; and not only to pray, but endeavor to advance the kingdom of heaven and put a stop to wars and bloodshed. The opinions of pious people often vary with the increase of light which s.h.i.+nes upon the church. One century ago most pious people believed in the propriety of the slave trade, but very few can now be found to advocate the abominable practice. The nature of the crime has not changed, nor the evidence against it, but the truth is, that the opinion of pious people has materially changed upon this subject. We ought always to remember that the example of pious people is to be of no weight any further than it agrees with the example of our Lord. It is always unsafe to be looking too much to the fallible example of those whom we have esteemed pious for a rule of duty, while we have the unerring word in our hands to light our way; when any one is depending upon the example of Christians not under the immediate influence of divine inspiration for evidence to support his hypothesis, it is strong presumptive evidence that he has not the word of G.o.d in his favor. By the word of G.o.d and by that _only_ ought every controversy to be tried.

It is further urged that we are commanded to pray for kings and all in authority; it is true we must pray not only for kings but all men, even enemies. This, however, does by no means imply that we are commanded to pray for a blessing upon their unhallowed undertakings; but it only implies that we must pray that they may be translated out of nature's darkness into the light of the gospel, and from the power of Satan unto the living G.o.d.

The great difficulty with the subjects of the Mediator ever has been, and still is, a want of faith in the promises of G.o.d. They are p.r.o.ne to be afraid of consequences. They look nearly as much at consequences as the children of Israel did while journeying from Egypt to Canaan. The truth is, they ought to have nothing to do with consequences, but only duties. ”Thus saith the Lord,” should be their warrant and only guide.

If they implicitly follow the command, consequences are all safe in G.o.d's hand. Had Abraham looked only at consequences, it is not probable he would ever have been styled the Father of the Faithful. It is not uncommon for timid and worldly Christians to be alarmed at consequences and to argue in this manner: they say, ”Shall we stand still and suffer an a.s.sa.s.sin to enter our houses and take our lives and property without ever attempting to resist him?” All this must go upon the supposition that he who has said he will never leave nor forsake his people, and is a very present help in every time of need, will take no care of them. No a.s.sa.s.sin could stand a moment before the prayer of faith which would enter the heavens and reach the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. If faithless Christians cannot be persuaded to look at the precepts and the promises, but only at consequences, they ought, at least, to examine them well. Suppose G.o.d, in his holy providence, should permit an a.s.sa.s.sin to take the life of one of his dear children; the consequence would be, he would immediately be translated to glory; and possibly the a.s.sa.s.sin might become a penitent; but should he take the life of the a.s.sa.s.sin in defending himself, the consequence then would be, he would hurry him into the abyss of the d.a.m.ned where his probation would be eternally ended. He who puts his trust in the Lord shall not fear what man can do to him; he will be like Mount Zion which cannot be moved.

Remember, dear brethren, that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but spiritual, and mighty through G.o.d. ”Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of G.o.d, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against princ.i.p.alities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of G.o.d (here is the equipment of a soldier of Jesus Christ), that ye may be able to withstand in an evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the s.h.i.+eld of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of G.o.d: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” And the very G.o.d of peace shall be with you, and he will shortly bruise Satan under your feet. For yet a little while and the Almighty angel will come down with a great chain in his hand; and he will lay hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, and will bind him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he shall deceive the nations no more until the thousand years are fulfilled. Then wars will cease from under heaven and the implements of death will be converted into the harmless utensils of husbandry, and there will be nothing to hurt nor destroy in all G.o.d's holy mountain.

The stone which was cut out of the mountain without hands will become a great mountain and fill the whole earth. Then will be heard ”a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of G.o.d, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before G.o.d day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them.”

It is, however, very important, dear brethren, that we keep it constantly in mind that the nature and precepts of the gospel are the same now as they will be then, in that glorious reign of righteousness and peace, and that it is our duty constantly to be influenced by the same spirit now which will then be manifested by the followers of the Lamb. The little leaven is of the same nature with whole lump when it is leavened. Let us therefore gird up the loins of our mind and watch unto prayer.

4. If the Mediator's kingdom is not of this world, but spiritual, heavenly, and divine, and if the kingdoms of this world are under the dominion of Satan, and if the subjects of Christ's kingdom are not permitted to use carnal weapons, then we may infer who is the ”great wh.o.r.e that sitteth upon many waters; with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.” A virgin or chaste woman is a familiar symbol in the Scriptures of the true church of G.o.d; and an unchaste woman is as familiar a symbol of an apostate or corrupt church.

As a lewd woman calls herself by the name of her husband, notwithstanding she has constant intercourse with other men, so the corrupt church calls herself by the name of Christ, notwithstanding she has constant illicit intercourse with the kings of the earth.[11] To understand the true nature of spiritual wh.o.r.edom will a.s.sist us in ascertaining the bounds of mystical Babylon.

The children of Israel were separated from all the nations of the earth and set apart to be holy unto the Lord. As they were in covenant with the G.o.d of Israel, he addressed them in the endearing character of a husband. Whenever they made any covenant or formed a confederacy with the nations around them, or imitated their idolatrous abominations, they were charged with spiritual wh.o.r.edom. The church, under the gospel dispensation, is redeemed from amongst men out of every nation, and sanctified and set apart to be a peculiar people to show forth the praises of G.o.d. It is styled the Bride, the Lamb's wife. Its members are not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of the Spirit. They do not belong to any earthly kingdom, for our Lord has said, ”They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world”; but they are citizens of the heavenly Zion and belong to the household of G.o.d; they are members of the same community, with the innumerable company of angels and the spirits of just men made perfect; and are to be governed by the very same spirit and temper which reigns amongst those blessed inhabitants above. G.o.d is an overflowing and unbounded ocean of blessedness and love; love is therefore the fulfilling of the law.

Whenever the subjects of the Redeemer unite themselves to the kingdoms of this world, and engage in their political contentions and fightings, then it appears they commit spiritual wh.o.r.edom, for they forsake the fountain of living waters and hew out to themselves cisterns,--broken cisterns, which can hold no water. When they thus mingle with the world and unite in its pursuits they may spiritually be styled adulterers.

The apostle James, while reproving the twelve tribes, which were scattered abroad, for their wars and fightings and friends.h.i.+p to the world, styles them adulterers and adulteresses. In direct opposition to this representation, the first fruits of the church are styled virgins, as not being defiled with women. ”These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from amongst men, being the firstfruits unto G.o.d and the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of G.o.d.” As virgins are pure and undefiled, so were the disciples of Christ in the first age of the church when they had no impure intercourse with the kingdoms of this world and followed the Lamb in refusing to engage either in its profits, honors, or fightings. They are, therefore, called virgins, without fault, in opposition to those who mingle with the world, who are spiritually styled harlots.

It evidently appears, if what has been said is true, that mystical Babylon, that mother of harlots and abominations of the earth, is just as extensive as the union of the church with the kingdoms of this world; and just in that proportion in which an individual Christian, or a single church, or a number of churches united in one body, engage in the honors, profits, and fightings of the kingdoms of this world, just in that proportion they may be said to be guilty of spiritual wh.o.r.edom.

The writer is well aware that this inference, however just, will be looked upon with contempt by worldly political Christians whose dearest interest is involved in the kingdoms of this world, and especially by those who are clothed in purple and scarlet and have a golden cup in their hands. He has no expectation of being candidly heard by such, but it is G.o.d's own dear children who have ignorantly mingled with the world, having been blinded by their education, from whom he expects a candid hearing. ”If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.”

It is not common for a lewd woman openly to avow to the world her character; neither can it be expected that the mother of harlots will own her name. The writer is of opinion that very few have understood the full dimensions of this mystical city; she appears to him in her greatest extent to be bounded but little short of the whole visible church of G.o.d. She is styled ”the _great City_, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.” ”And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints and of all that were slain upon the earth.” But a dreadful judgment awaits her: ”She shall utterly be burnt with fire: for strong is the Lord G.o.d who judges her.” Being mingled with the nations and supported by their power, when they become like stubble before the devouring fire, she will be consumed with them.

The wh.o.r.e is represented as riding upon a scarlet-colored beast, and upheld by him.[12]

When he, with all his heads, are cast into the lake of fire, she will likewise be given to the burning flame. But before this great and dreadful day of the Lord shall come, which will burn as an oven, when the wh.o.r.e shall be consumed with the nations of the earth, G.o.d will call to his people to come out of her, saying unto them, ”Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” As G.o.d's ancient people were carried captives into literal Babylon, so G.o.d's dear people will be found captives in mystical Babylon, until they hear the command of their Lord to come out of her that they be not partakers of her sins and that they receive not of her plagues. The captive daughters of Zion are very numerous. O that they may soon arise and shake themselves from the dust! ”Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.”

5. If the Mediator's kingdom is not of this world, and the kingdoms of this world are under the dominion of Satan, and if Christ's subjects cannot unite themselves to the kingdoms of this world, without committing spiritual wh.o.r.edom, then we may infer the great impropriety of the subjects of the Mediator's kingdom becoming political Christians and enrolling themselves with the men of this world. They cannot serve two masters: for they will either hate the one, and love the other; or else they will hold to the one, and despise the other.

How humiliating is it to see subjects of the King of Zion engaged in the drudgery of the prince of darkness, laboring and struggling to support his tottering throne! Satan's kingdom is divided against itself and must, therefore, come to an end. But how lamentable is it to see the sons of the living G.o.d, the subjects of the Prince of Peace, taking sides in the cause of the adversary of souls, and actually opposing and fighting each other under his banner! They do it ignorantly and will, therefore, obtain forgiveness, for they know not what manner of spirit they are of. They are commanded to have no fellows.h.i.+p with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Before our Lord departed from this world to go to the Father, he gave laws to his subjects for their rule of life until his second coming. All these laws contemplated their residing as a holy nation in the midst of a wicked and benighted world, to reflect the rays of the Sun of righteousness on the thick darkness which covers the people. They were to be a city set upon a hill and a light to the world. The apostle exhorts them to ”do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of G.o.d, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye s.h.i.+ne as lights in the world.” They must be a peculiar people to show forth the praises of G.o.d. How inconsistent is it, then, for the citizens of the heavenly Zion to be mingling with the politicians of this world and uniting in their processions, feasts, and cabals, when they ought rather to be praying for them, that the very sins they commit in these scenes may be forgiven them! Dear brethren, is it not high time to come out from the world and be separated? ”Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellows.h.i.+p hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial?” ”Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father to you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

6. In view of what has been said, we finally infer that every interest which is not built upon the sure foundation stone which G.o.d has laid in Zion will be swept away when the storms of divine wrath shall beat upon our guilty world. ”For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” ”For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low.” ”The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.” ”The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with their dead bodies; he shall wound the head over many countries.” ”For, behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by his sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many.” ”For the indignation of the Lord is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter. Their slain shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carca.s.ses, and the mountains shall be melted with blood.” ”For this is the day of the Lord G.o.d of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and be made drunk with their blood.” The nations must drink of the wine of the wrath of G.o.d, which shall be poured out without mixture, into the cup of his indignation; and they will be trodden in the great wine press of the wrath of G.o.d Almighty. And the great wh.o.r.e which has drunk the blood of the saints and the blood of the martyrs of Jesus will have blood to drink; for she is worthy.

The sword of the Lord has two edges; it will cut off the offending limbs of the church and destroy her enemies. The fire of the Lord will purify his saints but utterly burn up the wicked. He ”whose fan is in his hand will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Although the earth is thus to be desolated, and the nations destroyed, yet the saints of the Most High shall ”possess the kingdom for ever and ever.” ”And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.”

Dear brethren, these events are rapidly rolling in the fiery wheels down the descent of time; and although the nations must first drink the vials of divine wrath and the battle of G.o.d Almighty must first be fought, yet the time is at hand when we shall no more hear the sound of war, and of garments rolled in blood, for man will cease to be the enemy of man, and every one will sit quietly under his own vine and under his own fig tree; and there will be nothing to hurt or destroy in all G.o.d's holy mountain, and the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the channels of the mighty deep.

Dear brethren, is it not ”high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” And let us pray with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit for all men, not only for ourselves, our families, and our friends, and the church of G.o.d, but for a dying world, that G.o.d would in infinite compa.s.sion cut short these days of dreadful calamity for his elect's sake; and in the midst of deserved wrath remember mercy.

”He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of G.o.d.”

FOOTNOTES:

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