The impression prevails to some extent that he who teaches that Christ is soon coming is acting the rÔle of an alarmist. If so, we have seen that the great Teacher has placed himself at the head of the class. No one has spoken more positively upon this point than he has done. He said, “In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2, 3. There is nothing ambiguous about that language. A child can understand it. It means that Jesus will come again. In the remarkable chapter we have here reviewed, the Saviour takes up the subject specifically, and not only affirms the fact of his coming, but foretells in explicit language the events which he would have us recognize as signs of the near approach of his coming and the end of the world.
But the message of Christ's second coming is not sensational in its essential character. It is a solemn, practical truth. It is full of warning and admonition to sinners and worldly professors, and full of comfort to the faithful followers of Christ. It is spoken of in the Scriptures as a fact, established upon the word which never fails. When speaking [pg 095] of his second advent, the Saviour said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away.” Matt. 24:35. To disbelieve in his coming would be to doubt one of the two great features of the gospel plan. What the harvest is to seed-time, Christ's second advent will be to his first. To doubt that he ever came to earth would be to subvert the gospel. To disbelieve his second coming would nullify in the mind his first coming, and rob the sacrifice of its glorious reward.
At his coming, the dead in Christ will be raised to everlasting life. The righteous living will be changed to immortality. The hand of our Saviour will wipe away all tears; “there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.”
Why should we not rejoice in such a prospect? Who would not welcome such a friend? Who would not rejoice in the prospect of such a consummation?
But it is true that the grand event will not be attended with joy alone. There will be dismay and anguish. For while one prophet records the exclamations of joyful anticipation, another has foreseen and recorded the cry of despair. [pg 096] “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Rev. 6:15-17. A vast number will thus lament. All who cannot join the shout of welcome will unite in the wail of despair. There will be but two classes in that day. And to one of those classes each one living will belong. To which shall I belong? Solemn question. To which party will you belong, reader? No one can wait for Christ who is not prepared for his coming. Only the precious blood of Jesus that cleanses from sin can prepare us to receive him and fit us to dwell in his presence. Have you an interest in his forgiving love? Is your peace made with God? If so, his coming will have no terror to you, for he comes to save his waiting people.
Choice Religious Books.
Any publication in the following list will be sent post-paid to any address in the United States and Canada. See directions on the last page.
PROPHETIC LIGHTS treats of some of the leading prophecies both of the Old and New Testaments, showing the exact fulfillment of the predictions of the Bible concerning Egypt, Tyre, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, also of the prophecies concerning the first advent of Christ, which prove the inspiration of the Bible, and give assurance that other prophecies which are noted will as surely and exactly be fulfilled. Nearly all the illustrations of this book were designed and engraved especially for this work, at great expense, and are a study in themselves. The book contains nearly 200 large octavo pages, and is printed on an extra quality of heavy calendared paper. It is bound in fine English cloth, with beautiful symbolical side stamp in brown and gold, and has gilt edges. $1.00.
MARVEL OF NATIONS, embracing the past, present, and future of the United States, from a historical, political, and religious standpoint; what great men have predicted; what the Scriptures have foretold. This book gives a brief but comprehensive historical review of our country, comparing the past with the present state of religion, education, and science, and calling special attention to the advancement that is being made by Spiritualism, Catholicism, and the National Reform movement, which is rapidly bringing about a union of Church and State in America. These questions are coming to the front; and he who prizes current thought on living issues should give them an examination. The book contains 300 pages, and over 40 illustrations; and has reached its 200th thousand. It needs no other indorsement than a careful reading.
In plain edges $1.00
Gilt edges 1.25
FROM EDEN TO EDEN.—This book is a most interesting study of the more important historic and prophetic portions of the Scriptures. The author traces the world in its career front the time when “God saw everything that he had made and behold it was very good,” on through the period while “the earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof,” to the future glorious time when Christ says to his followers, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” “From Eden to Eden” is printed from new electrotype plates, on heavy calendared paper made especially for this book, and contains 264 pages. It is illustrated with numerous full-page engravings, and furnished in two very attractive styles of binding, at the following prices:—
In a highly ornamental binding $1.50
Plain binding, with marbled edges 1.00
GREAT CONTROVERSY between Christ and Satan during the Christian Dispensation. A companion volume to “Patriarchs and Prophets.” By the same author. This volume presents the most wonderful and intensely interesting history that has ever been written of the great conflict between Christianity and the powers of darkness, as illustrated in the lives of Christian martyrs and reformers on the one hand, and wicked men and persecuting powers on the other. Beginning with our Lord's great prophecy given while viewing Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, this book outlines the history of the whole dispensation down to the time when “sin and sinners are no more; God's entire universe is clean: and the great controversy is forever ended.” This remarkable book contains over 700 pp., and 26 illustrations. The work is handsomely printed and bound.
Bound in five styles, varying in price from $4.50 to 2.25 [pg 098] PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS; or the Great Conflict between Good and Evil as illustrated in the Lives of Holy Men of Old. By Mrs. E. G. White, author of “Great Controversy,” “Life of Christ,” and numerous other works on religious subjects. This book treats upon the themes of Bible history—themes not in themselves new, but so presented here as to give them a new significance. Beginning with the rebellion in heaven, the author shows why sin was permitted, why Satan was not destroyed, and why man was tested; gives a thrilling description of man's temptation and fall; and rehearses the plan of redemption devised for his salvation. This volume traces the great conflict between good and evil from its inception down through the centuries to the time of David's death, and shows God's wonderful love for mankind by his dealings with the “holy men of old.” The book contains over 760 octavo pages. It is printed from clear, new electrotypes on a fine quality of tinted paper. Its pages are adorned with more than 50 engravings, over 30 of which are full-page, and many were designed and engraved especially for this book by an artist in Paris, France.
Furnished in four styles of binding, ranging from $4.50 to 2.25
In plain binding, with 13 illustrations 1.75
HERE AND HEREAFTER, or Man's Nature and Destiny, The State of the Dead, the Reward of the Righteous, and the End of the Wicked. By U. Smith. A thorough canvass of the great question of a future existence, and the nature of man in the present life. Every text in the Bible which has any bearing upon these points, is taken up and carefully explained, thus giving the most comprehensive view of the subject that has yet been presented. The work contains 444 pages. In cloth covers $1.00
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION.—The most complete and comprehensive work on the subject of Christian Education that has ever been published. Starting from the period of infancy, it points out the most successful way of preparing the mind of the child for the work of succeeding years. The importance of proceeding upon Christian principles in the work of education, the nature and kind of studies which are best for children, and the moulding influences of home and associates, are dwelt upon in the most practical and explicit way. Many of the problems that perplex parents are cleared up in this book, and every one who has to deal with children should procure and study it.
256 pages nicely bound in cloth 50 cts. STEPS TO CHRIST.—This little work by Mrs. E. G. White presents in a simple and attractive manner the steps by which the sinner may be made complete in Christ. While the book is an excellent guide for inquirers and young converts, it also contains a wealth of counsel and encouragement for those who are laboring with the difficulties that beset a growing experience. 157 pages. In neat cloth binding 75. cts.
HELPS TO BIBLE STUDY.—A series of Bible readings, simple and easy, designed as an aid to the personal study of the Scriptures, and adapted to the use of individuals or families; also a valuable assistant to Bible workers. The book contains about forty readings, prepared by practical Bible workers and teachers, and covering the most important subjects that pertain to the spiritual welfare of mankind at the present time. 125 pages.
In cloth binding 50 cts.
In paper covers 25 cts.
GOSPEL WORKERS is a very interesting volume of 480 pages. It outlines the qualifications that should be possessed by ministers and all others who would win souls to Christ. It should be in the hands of all Christian workers. This book can be read and studied by all classes with edification and profit.
In plain substantial binding $1.00 MINISTRATION OF ANGELS, and the Origin, History, and Destiny of Satan. A work of great interest upon a subject seldom written upon, yet of great importance to the Christian. Bound in paper covers 20 cts.
[pg 099] FACTS FOR THE TIMES.—Containing historical extracts, candid admissions from authors, ancient and modern, on the live questions of the present hour, political and religious. A book for these times. Revised to 1893. A compilation of facts that are astounding, by students of Biblical and historical research. 340 pages. In fine cloth covers 75 cts.
THE SAINTS' INHERITANCE.—The reader will here find a very interesting pamphlet of 82 pages showing that the future kingdom of Christ, with the family of the redeemed, will be in this earth, renewed, restored, and regenerated, according to numerous scriptures in the Old and New Testaments.
In paper covers 10 cts. THE GOSPEL IN CREATION.—A nicely illustrated work setting forth clearly and simply the relation between God's work in creation and redemption. The signs of power and greatness that mark the handiwork of God in the visible universe are shown to be but indications of the unfailing strength with which he works in the lives of those who submit to his will. The confirmation of the truths of the gospel drawn from the study of the creation will make this book a valuable one to all who are watching with interest the attacks that are now made on the authority of the Bible.
In cloth covers 50 cts. SACRED CHRONOLOGY.—A new and revised edition of a little work published by the late Sylvester Bliss about forty years ago, giving the chronology from creation to the death of the apostle John. Also “The Peopling of the Earth; or, Historical Notes on the Tenth Chapter of Genesis.” By A. T. Jones. A valuable reference book. 298 pp. Cloth covers $1.00
LIFE OF CHRIST AND HIS APOSTLES.—A series of eight pamphlets, under the general title of “Redemption,” portraying the first advent of Christ, his temptation, his miracles, his teachings, his sufferings, and his resurrection, and the teachings and labors of Peter and Paul. Here are 788 pages of most excellent reading.
In paper covers 90 cts. SATAN'S FIRST LIE; or Man in Death. A very fascinating poem of 36 pages by a well-known poet of Michigan. The “Lie” referred to is the one mentioned in the third chapter of Genesis; and though, as the Scriptures tell, the devil is a liar and the father of it, none of his lies have wrought such disastrous consequences to the race as the one here pointed out. The reader will hardly fail of being alike interested in both the poetry and theology of this unique poem. In paper covers 15 cts.
THE CHRISTIAN'S SECRET OF A HAPPY LIFE.—By Hannah Whitall Smith. “To commend this work would seem almost superfluous; and yet to young Christians who may not know it, we cannot refrain from saying, Buy this book, and keep it with your Bible for constant study, until you have thoroughly mastered, in your experience, the secret of which it tells. It will transform the dark days of your life, as it has transformed those of thousands before you into days of heavenly light.”—The Evangelist (N. Y.).
In cloth covers 75 cts. HIS GLORIOUS APPEARING.—An exposition of Matthew XXIV. This is a verse-by-verse explanation of the Redeemer's great prophecy concerning the Gospel Dispensation and his second appearing in glory. 96 pages, with 20 full-page illustrations.
In paper covers, 20 cts.
Board covers, 25 cts.
Cloth covers 40 cts.
THE CHARIOTS OF FIRE AND IRON; or, The Modern Railroad System, treated in the light of sacred prophecy. A very interesting pamphlet of 168 pages. By D. T. Taylor, the well-known author.
In paper covers 25 cts. THE REJECTED ORDINANCE.—A convincing argument to show that our Saviour's remarkable act of humility recorded in the thirteenth chapter of John, should be literally perpetuated among Christians 10 cts.
[pg 100] SCRIPTURE REFERENCES.—A careful compilation of proof-texts on twenty-five different subjects of great importance at the present time. 4 cts.
SPIRITUALISM A SATANIC DELUSION.—This is a scathing arraignment of the system of necromancy known under the name of “Modern Spiritualism.” 4 cts.
IS THE END NEAR?—An 8-page tract of great interest, giving numerous reasons for believing that the Second Coming of Christ is at hand. 1 ct.
CAN WE KNOW?—A tract of 8 pages which proves most conclusively that the numerous predictions concerning the signs of the times and the second advent may be understood. 1 ct.
THE TWO LAWS.—A clear and scriptural argument showing the difference between the Ten Commandments and the ceremonial law or the Hebrews. 2 cts.
THE SUFFERINGS OF CHRIST.—This tract dwells with great force on the agonies of our Redeemer in the garden and on the cross, in order to make the salvation of sinners possible. 4 cts.
THE SECOND ADVENT, showing the nature of the Second Coming, and reasons for believing it near. 4 cts.
BIBLE CONVERSION.—A tract of 16 pages which sets forth very clearly what it is to be born again, and that without a change of heart no one can be saved. 2 cts.
Updated editions will replace the previous one — the old editions will be renamed.
