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The Fundamentals. such great length, or with such clearness as in others, for the simple reason that it is not the specific subject with which he is dealing. In the Thessalonian letters we have most clearly set forth Paul’s teaching concerning this matter. In the very cen ter of the first letter we have a passage which declares in un mistakable language that “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” James writing to those who were in affliction said, “Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” Peter with equal clearness said to the early disciples, “Be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” John, who leaned upon his Master’s bosom, and who wrote the most wonderful of all mystic words concerning Him, said, “We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” Jude said to those to whom he wrote, “Ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Every New Testament writer presents this truth as part of the common Christian faith. Belief in the personal actual sec ond advent of Jesus gave the bloom to primitive Christianity, and constituted the power of the early Christians to laugh in the face of death, and to overcome all forces that were against them. There is nothing more necessary in our day than a new declaration of this vital fact of Christian faith. Think what it would mean if the whole church still lifted her face
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