By Rev. James H. Brookes, D. D. Former editor of “ The Truth", and widely known as Preacher and Author
ceeding generation to believe that He will certainly return in their time, for He does not desire our faith and our practice to be founded on an error, as, in that case, the1faith and practice o f all generations except the last would be. But it is a neces sary element o f the doctrine concerning the second coming o f Christ, that it should be possible at that time, that no generation should consider it impossible in theirs.” In like manner the Westminster Confes sion o f Faith as wisely and truly says: “ So will He have that day unknown to men, that they may shake off all carnal security, and be always watchful, because they know not at what hour the Lord will come; and may be ever prepared to say, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen.” (Chap. 33). It is certain, therefore, that those whose theory makes it necessary to postpone His coming until the manifestation o f the anti christ, cannot intelligently accept this statement. - A glance at the teachings o f our Lord will be sufficient to show that He expects His
W ILL NOT be denied by (ft- any who read the gospels with impartial judgment and ™ unprejudiced mind, that our y 'rjsfi Lord represents His second
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coming as possible at any moment. There arp occasional intimations in His discourses that the time o f His return might be delayed beyond the expectation o f His first disciples, as when He says, “After a long time the Lord o f those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them” (Matt. 25:19) ; and “the Son o f man is as a man taking a far journey” (Mark 13:34). But as Archdeacon Trench wisely remarks: “It was a hint and no more; if more had been given, if the Lord had said plainly that He would not come for cen turies, then the first ages o f the church would have been placed in a' disadvantage ous position, being deprived o f that power ful motive to holiness and diligence sup plied to each generation o f the faithful, by the possibility of the Lord’s return in their time. It is not that He desires each suc
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