Part 15 (2/2)
”In 1800 the foreign missionary societies numbered seven. In 1900 they numbered over 500.
”In 1800 the income of seven societies amounted to about $50,000. In 1900 the income was over $15,000,000.
”In 1800 the number of native communicants enrolled in Protestant mission churches was 7,000. In 1900 there were 1,500,000 native communicants.
”In 1800 the adherents of Protestant churches in heathen lands were estimated at 15,000. In 1900 they numbered 3,500,000.
”In 1800 only one fifth of the human family had the Bible in languages they could read. In 1900 nine tenths of the people of the world had the Word of G.o.d in languages and dialects known to them.”
Since 1900 the missionary movement has remarkably increased in extent and activity. It is estimated that now there are about 22,000 foreign missionaries in the fields, with many thousands of trained native evangelists and helpers.
The prophecy is fulfilling before our eyes. It is not the conversion of the world that Christ's words foretold, but the evangelization of the world; and when all the world has heard the gospel of the kingdom, ”then shall the end come.”
Another prophecy--that of Rev. 14: 6-14--shows that the closing phase of this world-wide missionary movement is to be the proclamation of the special gospel message of preparation for the coming of the Lord, calling all men to wors.h.i.+p G.o.d and keep His commandments, and warning them against following the traditions of men that make void the Word of G.o.d.
[Ill.u.s.tration: THE SUNSET HOUR
”The work that centuries might have done Must crowd the hour of setting sun.”]
With the coming of this generation there has come just such a message, in the rise and progress of the advent movement, the burden of the message being expressed in the very language of the prophecy--”Fear G.o.d, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.” Rev. 14: 7. And the movement is spreading rapidly ”to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” Thus in vision the prophet on Patmes heard the message given; and when its warning cry had reached all nations, he saw Christ coming in the clouds of heaven to reap the harvest of the earth.
”Even at the Doors”
Of the beginning of the special signs of the last days, Christ said:
”When these things begin to come to pa.s.s, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21: 28.
But of the time when these signs should all be seen fulfilled or in process of fulfilment, the Saviour said:
”Now learn a parable of the fig tree: When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pa.s.s, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pa.s.s away, but My words shall not pa.s.s away.” Matt. 24: 32-35.
In this generation we see these things. All about us the signs have appeared. We know, then, by the word that shall not pa.s.s away, that the generation has at last appeared that is to see the Saviour coming in power and great glory. ”Of that day and hour knoweth no man,” but we may know ”that it is near, even at the doors”--the day for which the saints of G.o.d have hoped through all the ages.
[Ill.u.s.tration: PHILIP AND THE EUNUCH
”Understandest thou what thou readest?” Acts 8:30.]
[Ill.u.s.tration: THE ROYAL PALACE OF BABYLON
”The G.o.d of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.” Dan. 2:37]
THE HISTORIC PROPHECY OF DANIEL 7
FOUR GREAT UNIVERSAL EMPIRES
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