Thus in expectation of the promised Redeemer, the Christian only sees, in the greatness of the Roman empire, the appointed time, when enriched by the various streams of science, which flowed into it from every part, it was to give the most illustrious proof of a Saviour's advent, by his diffusing over the world a light superior to all collected human wisdom in its brightest glory. In its subsequent decay and dissolution he leaves the Historian to decide on the probable causes of its fall, but observing the fragments into which it was broken, and watching the spirit of Antichrist busy at the work, which it began in the garden of Eden, (and which the Apostle, when he would caution us against it, states as being then already in the world) he beholds it assuming only new forms, employing new devices, and even changing the mark of the beast to suit the temper and disposition of his proselytes; he beholds the malicious destroyer of the human race, from dreading more and more the overthrow of his kingdom, as the danger approaches nearer, drawing into it every opposer of the Christian faith, and then sending them forth in all di rections to falsify the word of God, to corrupt its purity, to blaspheme the name of Christ, or to deny his existence. It is against these subtle machinations that the church of Christ is exhorted to be on her guard. It is in these latter times, when she is told to expect false prophets and false teachers, by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of, and who, with great swelling words of vanity, shall beguile unstable souls from the right way, that she is more peculiarly called upon to watch and pray, lest she enter into temptation. With her is deposited the word of truth; within her holy sanctuary are preserved the covenant of mercy, the privileges of adoption, the right of inheritance, the ministration unto all things pertaining unto God, and the symbols of her eternal and atoning Redeemer. Let her, then, hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Her signs are written from generation to generation, and the Eastern church, debased by corruptions, divided by heresies, and then delivered up to persecution, presents at this moment a monument of woe, on which, if she keep not the word, the Western church. may read the inscription of her own approaching calamities. Be watchful, says the Spirit unto one of them, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before GOD. Remember, therefore, how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast and repent. If, therefore, thou shalt not watch, I will come upon thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. With this admonition before us, waiting for the glorious consummation of the redemption of our purchased possession, may we be found faithful, may we hold fast by that everlasting Saviour without whom man had fallen for ever, who has loved him with an everlasting love, who at all times and in all places has given us tokens of it; who has commanded us to read our signs, and under every discouraging event to trust in Him, who shall redeem his people. NOTES. |