TheApocalypse ASeriesofSpecialLecturesontheRevelationofJesusChrist

by J.A.Seiss,D.D.

LectureTwentyFifth
THESEVENTHTRUMPETTHEGRANDCLIMACTERIC"DAYS"INCLUDEDTEXTASYNOPSISVOICES INHEAVENEMOTIONOFTHEENTHRONEDELDERSTEMPLEINHEAVENOPENEDARKAPPEARS NATUREAGITATEDGOVERNMENTOFTHEWORLDCHANGEDEARTH'SDESTROYERSDESTROYED THEDEADJUDGEDTHEPROPHETSANDSAINTSREWARDEDALLCONCERNEDINTHESETHINGS.

Rev.11:1519(RevisedText): Andtheseventhangelsounded;andthereweregreatvoicesintheheaven,saying,Thekingdomof theworldisbecomeourLord'sandhisChrist's;andheshallreigntotheagesoftheages.And thetwentyfourelderswhichsitbeforeGodontheirthrones,felldownupontheirfaces,and worshippedGod,saying,Wegivetotheethanks,OLordGodtheAlmighty,whoareandwhowas ["andaretocome"isanadditionwithoutadequateauthorityhere],becausethouhastakento theethygreatpower,andshownThyselfKing.Thenationsindeedwereangry,andThy indignationiscome,andthetime[orseason]ofthedeadtobejudged,and[thetimeorseason]to givetherewardtothyservantstheprophets,andtothesaints,andtothemthatfearthyname,the smallandthegreat,andtodestroythedestroyersoftheearth.Andtherewasopenedthetemple ofGodintheheaven,andtherewasseenthearkofhiscovenantinhistemple;andtherewere[or, ensued]lightnings,andvoices,andthunderings,andearthquake,andgreathail. WehereapproachthegrandclimactericofthisworldandofthejudgmentworkoftheAlmighty One.Theseventhangel,restrainedsolongfromusheringinthefinalsceneswhichseparateus fromthegloriousworldtocome,atlengthpoursouthiswondrousblast.ItistheLastTrumpet, sooftenreferredtobythesacredwritersandbytheSaviorhimselfasbringingwithitthe mightiestscenesandchangesinthewholehistoryofearthandtime,thatheresounds.Andif thereisanythinginalltheroundofhumanthoughttoabsorb,fix,andintensifyinterestand attention,wehaveitinthissubject. Theparticularpassagewehavenowtoconsiderisonlyasynopsisofthematterarehearsalin briefofwhatissubsequentlygivenindetail.Itisanimportantpointtoremark,thattheseventh trumpetdoesnotsoundmerelyforoneinstantorforoneday.Inthatsolemnoathofthecloud robedAngel,whichwewerecalledtoconsiderinchapter10,andinwhichitwassaidthatthe fulfillingofthemysteryofGodshouldbefinishedatthesoundingoftheseventhangel,itis distinctlyimpliedthatthesoundingiscontinuousandextendsthroughaperiodoftime.Itis theresaidthat"inthedaysofthevoiceoftheseventhangel,whenheshallsound,themysteryof Godis[tobe]fulfilled.""Days"areincluded.Whatmeasureof"days,"orhowmanyofthemwe arenottold;butaperiodoftimeisspecificallyindicated.Inthecaseoftheotherwoetrumpets, thereisunmistakablecontinuity"fivemonths"theoneandevidentlynolessatimeintheother. Andthepresenceofthisdistinctnoteofcontinuityhere,takenalongwiththetremendousnessof whatturnsoutunderthistrumpet,isevidenceenoughthatitisamistaketoconfinethislast andgreatwoetrumpettothefewsummarynotationsofthetext,ortocrowditintoaninstantof time.Fromtheplainlyexpressedcharacteroftheevents,andfromtheoathoftheAngel,weare sufficientlyassuredthatthisseventhtrumpetembraceseverythinginvolvedinthecompletingof thewholemysteryofGod,uptotheterminationofallthisjudgmenthistory.Thatfulfillmentis

certainlynotaccomplishedwithoutthesevenvialsofwrath,theharvestandvintageoftheworld, themanifestationofthegreatwhitethrone,andtheestablishmentofthenewheavensandthe newearth.Inthenatureofthecase,thatfulfillmentoverspanseverythingthissideofthe completedredemption;andyetthatfulfillmentismostspecificallylocated"inthedaysofthe voiceoftheseventhangel,whenheshallsound." Thereis,therefore,noalternativebuttotakethetextasonlysynopticalofthistrumpetasort ofsummaryofitschiefcontents,thefulldetailsofwhicharesubsequentlydescribed,andspread overaconsiderableperiod;ananticipativeprogramme,sotospeak,ofthemainelementsand issueofthegreatdrama,givenoutinadvanceofthemorespecialnarrationofcircumstantial particularsandrelatedevents.1Inotherwords,wenowhavetodowithasyllabusofthe fulfillmentorconsummationofthemysteryofGodwithaprelusivesketchofthecontentsofthe LastTrump,inwhichwemaynote: I.THESYMPTOMSWHICHATTENDIT. II.THEITEMSWHICHITEMBRACES. AndmayHewhosentHisangeltodisclosethesewondersopenoureyesandheartsbyHisHoly Spirit,thatwemayrightlyapprehendandponderthesame! I.ThesymptomswhichattendthesoundingoftheLastTrumparethemostremarkable,the mostnumerous,andthemostintense,bothinheavenandonearth,thatareanywheredetailed intheScriptures.Thereweremanymightywondersattendantuponthedeliveranceofthe chosenpeoplefromEgyptandtheirplantinginthepromisedland.Intheairandinthewaters, inthetreesandintherocks,inthecloudsandinthedust,onanimateandinanimatenature thereweremanifestationsthatstandoutamongthegreatestmarvelsofbygonetime.Atthe birth,inthelife,andatthedeathofChristtherewasalsoagreatcommotion,astiramongthe angels,amongthestars,amongtheelements,andamongmenbothlivinganddead,whichmake upahistorysuchashadneveroccurredbefore.AndsowhenJerusalemwasfinallydestroyed thereweresigns,andsounds,andvoices,andportents,whichhavesenttheirreportdown throughtheages,andwhichstilloppressthebreathingofmentohearabout.Butnoneofthese, norallofthemtogether,canatallapproachtheoverwhelmingintensityofthemanifestations whichattendthesoundingoftheLastTrump. 1.Greatvoicesinheavenutterthemselves.Thereisnotonlyastirandgreatactivityexcited there,butagreatoutcry,agivingforthofmightyintimations.Whosevoicestheyareisnothere toldus;butthereistremendouscommotion.Eveneternitycannotkeepquietwhenthiscrisis comes.Theinhabitantsofgloryhaveseentoomuchofearth,itsbehaviortowardGod,andGod's doingsforitnottobeexcitedwhenthefinalterminationisannounced.Theirsilencebreaks,and
1 Bengel takes it as evident "that chapter 12, from its very beginning, refers to the trumpet of the seventh angel; for the voice which was heard immediately under the sound of that trumpet, chap. 11:15, respecting the kingdom, is repeated by Epitasis in chap. 12:10, with a remarkable increase of meaning; nor can that by any means be placed before this trumpet." Bengel in loc. Even Hengstenberg, who, by his method of interpretation, makes a new beginning altogether with chap. 12, is forced to admit against himself, that "what we now, according to chap. 11:15-18, expect the appearance of the Lord, the final victory of God's kingdom, the resurrection of the dead, the last judgment, the glorification of the Church, all this is represented in verse 19 as having entered, but only by way of gentle indication; for the seer would reserve the more particular delineation of the last things for a later part of the book, and by the enigmatical brevity with which he here treats them, would set expectation on the stretch regarding that more particular delineation in reserve." See his Com. in loc. Bengel was unquestionably right when he said that chapters 12-22 are but an exergasia, a further explanation or setting forth of the passage now before us.

heavenringswithmightyvoices. Whatsomeofthesevoicesarewelearnfromthesucceedingnarrative.Oneisthevoiceasthe voiceofmanywaters,andasavoiceofgreatthunder,asthevoiceofharpersharpingwiththeir harps,andpouringforthanewsonginthepresenceofthethrone.Anotheristhevoiceofa mightyangelflyinginmidheaven,callingloudenoughforeverynation,andtribe,andtongue, andpeopletohear.OthersarethevoicesofangelsshoutingthefallofgreatBabylonandthe fateofthemwhoworshiptheBeast.Anotherisavoicecryingtheblessednessofthedead. Othersagainaretheloudvoicescallingforthethrustinginofthesickleforthereapingofthe harvestoftheearthandthegatheringofitsclusters.Stillanotherisagreatvoicecommanding thepouringoutofthebowlsofthewrathofGod;andanotheravoiceoutofthetemple,fromthe throne,crying"Itisdone,"andvoicessaying"Halleluia,""Amen,""Halleluia;"andstillother voices,asitwerethevoiceofagreatmultitude,andthevoiceofmanywaters,andasthevoiceof mightythunderings,sayingHalleluia,becausetheLordGodAlmightyreigns.Andalongwith theseareyetothergreatvoicesfromtheheavenlyworld,eachinitsplaceandalltogether combiningtofillalltherealmofGodwithintensestutterances. WhentheLambtookthebookfromthehandoftheSitteruponthethrone,therewassomething ofacorrespondingcommotionintheholyuniverse.Itwasanactwhichincludedandlookedto theconsummationwhichtheseventhtrumpetbrings;andallalongthetrackofunfolding judgmentwefindthissamecelestialinterestandexcitementcontinued,till,atthesoundingthe lastTrump,everythingbreaksoutwithcries,shouts,songs,andtriumphings. 2.ThetwentyfourEldersfalldownupontheirfaces,andworshipwithsublimestthanks.When themightyGoeltookthebook,theyalsofelldownbeforetheLambandgavetheirsolemnand adoringvotetohisworthiness;butheretheprostrationisstilllowlier.Theynotonlyfallintothe postureofreverentadoration,but"upontheirfaces;"burytheirimmortalcountenancesinthe pavementaroundthethrone;bytheirveryemotionhurledfromtheirgoldenseats,overwhelmed andalmostundone.TheretheyexpressedtheiradoringsenseoftheSavior'sworthiness, exultingintheprospectofwhatwastoresult;butheretheycelebratethewholeissuereached, theblessedconsummationcome,thethingofhopeforalltheseagesnowtranslatingintofact; and,crownedprincesofheavenandanointedcoregentswiththegreatEternalastheyare,they cannotcontainthemselves.Theirglorifiedlimbssinkundertheweightofthecontemplation; theirheadsbowdowntotheplaceoftheirfeet;theirwholebeingmeltsintoonefluxof overwhelmingrealizationofwhatnowiscome,andthegushoftheiradoringsouldissolvingjoy breakslikeaseaofthankfulnessagainstthethrone. WhotheseEldersare,Ihaveelsewheretold.Theyaretherepresentativesofthefirstbornofthe resurrection.Theyaretheseniorsofthecelestialcongregationoftheredeemed.Theyarethe onesaccountedworthyto"escape"thesadscenesandtribulationsofthejudgmenttime,taken awayandhidinthepavilionofGodwhiletheangeroftheAlmightysweepstheguiltyworld,and enthronedinheavenfortheirvaliancyandfaithfulnesswhenyetonearth.Theyarealready glorified,butthatdoesnotdiminishtheirinterestintheongoingandcompletionofthesame processinthecaseofothers.Theyhavetheirgoldencrowns,butthatdoesnotwithdrawtheir heartsandsympathiesfromthosestillinthegravesorfromthestillremainingfulfillmentofall God'sword.Thereisnovanityandselfishnessinheaven;noprideofprivilegeandplace;no vauntingofauthority.ThecrownedEldersontheirthronesareevenmoreconcernedoverthe conflictsstillpendingandthevictoriesyettobeachievedthantheywereinthosethroughwhich theyhadwontheirowncrowns.Thedestroyersoftheearthwerenotyetdestroyed.Thegreat

multitudeofthedeadhadnotyetbeenfinallyjudged.Themassofmenhadnotyetbeen assignedtheirjustdeserts.Therewardhadnotyetfullycometotheprophetsandsaintsand fearersofGod.Thedivinerighteousnessandhonorhadnotyetbeenfullyvindicated.The usurpationofSatanhadnotyetbeenoverthrown.Thegreatredemptionhadnotyetbeenfully wroughtoutintoultimatefact.Butthetrumpetwhichbringsallthiswasnowringingoutits unmistakablenotes,andnoteventheseblessedkingscouldkeeptheirseatsorrestrainthe outpouringoftheirheartsingrateful,adoring,andexultantthanks.2 3.AndthetempleofGodinheavenopened.Thereisaheavenlytempleandworshipfromwhich thetabernacleandtempleoftheJewswascopied.WhenJehovahdirectedthebuildingofthem, HesaidtoMoses:"Lookthatyoumakethemaftertheirpattern,whichwasshownyouinthe mount"(Ex.25:40);andthewriteroftheEpistletotheHebrewscallsthem, copies orlikenessesofthingsintheheavens(9:23).Theheavenlyandtheearthlyworshipwereoncein closeandmanifestunion.Itwassinthatdivorcedthemandseparatedbetweenmanandthe divine,excludinghimfromthesacredcommunionofParadise,andallbuttheconsecratedpriests fromthesanctuary,andallbutthehighpriestfromtheholyofholiesintheJewishtabernacle andtemple,andevenhim,exceptonceinayear,whenalonehemightenteritenvelopedin cloudsofincense. Sinhasobscuredandhiddenfrommanthesacredanddivine.Ithasrepulsedheavenfromhis viewandfellowship,withonlyalingeringraylefthereandthere,andeventhatsoburiedaway astobe,forthemostpart,entirelyunapproachable.Hence,whenChristpaidtheransomprice forhumansinandintroducedanavailingrighteousnessfortherace,thenanewdispensationof mercyandgracereceiveditsfoundationstone;theveilofthetemplewastornandthewayinto theholiestopenedthedivinebegantobevisibleandapproachableagain.Andthisopeningof thetempleinheavenatthelasttrumpetexpressesthesameidea.Knowledgeandvisionof heavenlythings,andcloserfellowshipandintimacybetweentheworshippersonearthandthe worshippersinheavenbelongtothegreatconsummation.AstheSaviorhastaughtustopray, thenitistobe,"Asinheavensoonearth."Onenessisagaintoberestoredbetweentheworship ofbothworlds.Allthisisshowninthetwentyfirstchapter,wherethefinishedmysteryis described.Hence,asthistrumpetbeginstosound,themistsbegintoliftfromsacredthings,the excludingbarriersgiveway,theseclusionyieldstohumangazeandapproach,theveil withdraws,theholybeginstodiscloseitselfagain,andthetempleofheavenopens. 4.Andwiththatopeningoftheheavenlytemple,thearkofGod'scovenantappears.Itisno unholyorprofaneexposure,butahallowedsymptom,settingforthstillfurtherthegloryofthe occasion.AllthecompactsofGodwithHispeopleandallHissolemnpromisestothemarein thatark.AllHisengagements,whetherparticularorgeneral,arelodgedandtreasuredthere.
2 It is noticeable in this adoring thanksgiving that God is no longer addressed as , who is to come. The common text has this addition, but wholly without authority. All critics agree in rejecting it as an interpolation of some copyist who erroneously supposed that it should come in here the same as in chapter 1:4,8. There He is called , because not yet manifested as He should be manifested for the great consummation; but here it is already the time of the last trumpet, in which that manifestation is no longer future, but is already come. Hence, He is no longer addressed as the One who is to come, but as already in actual operation and present in that very respect in which He was previously . So Bengel, who remarks: "Interpreters have long ago seen this." Ansbert says: "They do not here subjoin as they were accustomed, and who art to come, they speak of Him as already present." Haymo, who usually treads in the footprints of Ansbert, says: "It must be observed that he does not add, as before, who art to come, for they show Him already present in the judgment by which all these things are accomplished, and therefore they by no means speak of Him as yet to come." John Purvey, in his commentary, published with the preface of Luther, says: "He does not add the third clause, which he has usually added, namely, and who is to come, for this reason, that the prophet [rather the Elders] then saw God, as it were, already sitting in judgment."--BENGEL, in loc.

Inthatsacredcaskettheyhavelongbeenhiddenaway,asJeremiahissaidtohavehiddenthe JewisharkwhentheChaldeanstookJerusalem(2Maccabees2:48).But,thoughburiedfrom view,itisnotlost,anditsholycontentshaveallbeenpreserved.Notapromiseisobsoleteor dead.Andnow,attheendingoftime,thatgoldenboxreappears.AstheJewsbelievedtheold arkwouldbebroughtoutagaininthedayofIsrael'sblessing,sothearkofGod'scovenantisnow seeninthetempleonhigh.Adivinepotencygoesalongwiththatark.Onearththewatersof Jordanrolledasunderbeneaththeshadowofit.ThewallsofJerichofelldownbeforeit.The enemiesofGodwerescatteredwhereitsetforward.ThemanythousandsofIsraelwereinsafety andblessednesswhereitrested.Anditsappearancehereisatokenoftherecurrenceofall thesewonders,onlyonamorecomplete,grand,andsublimescale.Ittellsofthespeedy fulfillmentofallthatGodhasspoken,andtheputtingintolivingforceofallthatHehas engagedtodo.WhetherasrespectstheseedofAbrahamortheGentiles,friendsorenemies,the livingorthedead,theChurchortheworld,blessingorpunishment,allthattheAlmightyhas covenantedisnowtobefulfilled.Andintokenofthis,thearkthesignandbearerofHis promisesappears.There,couldallnowseethepledgeofGod'sremembranceofHisholy covenantandofHisoathwhichhesworetoAbraham,andofallthatHehasspokenbythe mouthofallHisholyprophetssincetheworldbegan. 5.Andlightnings,andvoices,andthunderings,andearthquakes,andgreathailensued."The daysofthevoiceoftheseventhangel,whenheshallsound,"areterribledays;daysofsore scourgingsandafflictionstothewickeddwellersontheearth,andthebreakingforthuponthem ofsorrowswhichneverend.WhenGodrevealedHimselfonSinai,Hechargedthepeopleto bewarelestHeshouldbreakthroughuponthem;andnowHeisabouttobreakthrough.The skyflasheswithelectricfires.Portentousvoicesringoutinstunningpower.Theairisfilled withthunder.Theearthtremblesandquakes.Thewindsrushinnoisyfury,andgreat hailstonesfallupontheearth.JehovahisnowrisenupfromHisplacetopunishthewicked. Andasthearkofhiscovenantisrevealedtogivejoyandhopetothepartiesofthatcovenant, lowernatureissetindreadcommotiontoharbingertheburstingforthofHisindignationupon hisadversaries. Such,then,arethepredictedsymptomswhichattendthesoundingoftheLastTrump.Letus nowlookat II.THEITEMSWHICHITEMBRACES. 1.Thefirstnamedisaradicalchangeinthegovernmentoftheworld.Thisiswhatallthegreat unidentifiedvoicesthatfirstspeakonthesoundingoftheseventhangelutter,asitisthesumof greatconsummation.Themightyadministratorsintheupperworldexultantlyproclaim,"The kingdom[notkingdoms,asthecommonreadingis,butabstractthesovereignty]of theworld[oftheconstitutedorderontheearth]isbecomeourLord'sandhis Christ's;andheshallreigntotheagesoftheages."Thetenseoftheexpressionisthatpeculiar topropheticlanguage,whichfixesuponaresultyetfuture,oronlybeginningtobe,asifalready accomplished.Itisnotuntilthescenesnarratedinchapters20and21arefulfilledthatthis changeofsovereigntyisfinallycompleted;butwhenGodannouncesathing,andespeciallywhen HeproclaimsHimselfinmotiontodoathing,itisthesametotheheavenlyordersasifitwere alreadywroughtout.ThewordofGodistruth,andwhatitsaysisthesameasfactandverity already,althoughnotyetdistributedoutandlocatedinpresenttime.Hiswordhasvirtueto makeitscontentspresenttothosewhoreallyknowHim.Theseventhtrumpetbringsthis change,andonthefirsttoneofitallheavenseesandcelebratestheworkasalreadydone,and

thekingdomoftheworldbecomestheirLord'sandHisChrist's. NotyethasthesovereigntyofthisworldbecometheLord's.Allearthlygovernments, principalities,andpowersfromthebeginninguntilnowareuniformlyrepresentedinthe Scripturesaswildbeastshavingnolawfulowner,andfullofdestructivesavagenessandoffensive uncleanness.Alionwitheagle'swings,abearcrunchingbonesandflesh,afourwingedand fourheadedleopard,anondescriptwithmanyhorns,dreadfulandterribleandstrong exceedingly,havinggreatironteethtodevourandbreakinpiecesthesearetheprophetic symbolsofthegreatestandmostlaudedofthem.EventhepremiershipofDanielhimselfinone ofthemdoesnotalterisgeneralcharacter. ItisbutfollyandfanaticismformentotalkofChristianstatesandgovernmentsinthisworld. Christianandgoodmenmaybeconcernedintheiradministration,andChristianideasmay sometimestempertheirenactments,butearthlystatesandgovernmentsthemselvesarenot Christian,andinthenatureofthingscannotbe.Theyarealltheproductsofdevastated nature'swilds,andfullofsavagenature'spassionsandungodliness.Fixitaswemay,suchis theresult.Thebestplannedinstitutionsandthewisestlawsareeverdisappointingtheir framers.TheverylawwhichGodHimselfpromulgatedfromSinia'sthundershakenheightswas "weakthroughtheflesh,"anddidnotservetokeeptheJewishcommonwealthfromlikeapostasy tothatofothernationalities. Tothishourthereisnothingsogreatadesideratum[aconsiderednecessity]amongmenasgood andjustgovernment,noranotherdepartmentinwhichthenativeevilnessandGodantagonizing passionsofmenaresopotentanddefiant.True,thekingdomisbyrighttheLord's.All authorityandpoweroriginateswithHimandbelongstoHim.GovernmentisHisownordinance. ButsincetheapostasyoftheracetoSatan'sstandard,usurpation,falsehood,andotherpowers thantherightfulsovereignofmenandnationshaveheldanddirectedtheswayinthisworld. Manyrevolutionshavebeenwrought,andmenhavelaboredandsacrificed,bledanddiedto achievethem,believingthatnowtheywouldsecurethepreciousboonforwhichtheracehas sighedandcriedforages;butitwasonlytheturningofthesickmanonhisbed,whokeepshis painhoweverhemaychangehisplace. Inourdayespeciallypeoplearelookingandlaboringforagrandjubileeofnations,shapedto popularruleandcompactedbycommonlaws,interests,andcreedinwhichenlightenedideas shallbethekingandalltheworldbeone;buttheresultwillbeonlyamorehorriblebeastthan anythatprecededit,aleopardwithbear'sfeetandalion'smouth,fullofheadsandhornsand namesofblasphemy;theveryembodimentofhell,whoseinfamiessooutrageHighHeavenasto bringthegreatdayofGodAlmightyupontheworld.No,no.Yourrevolutions,reforms,progress ofliberalideas,overturningofoldcreeds,grandconventionalitiesinrevisionoftheDecalogue, internationalitiesfortheredemptionoftheworldwithoutChrist,gloriousphilosophiesrulingout apersonalGodandexaltingselfandpassioninHisplace,andallyourglitteringidealstowhich toreconstructsocietyandrelocatethehighestinterestsofman(muchastheymaypromiseand successfullyastheymaydrawtheheartandenergyoftheworldafterthem)arebutthe nurslingsofSatan'sbosominwhichthisworldlies,andtheinspirationsofhisfoulbreath. Dream,prate,preachandgloryasmenmay,thedevilisdefactothegodandkingofthisworld. Hismantlemaybeoftenchangedandeverydaymayexhibitanewgarb,butthepresiding geniuswithinisstillandalwaysthedevil,withallhispride,malice,anddespoilingfalsities. Andsoitwillgoon,"wickedmenandseducerswaxingworseandworse,"tillthelasttrumpet sounds.

Butthenshallcomeanotherorder,notdevelopedfrombelowbutenforcedwithsuddenand resistlesspowerfromabove.How,wewillseewhenwecometoconsiderthedetailsofthe ensuingchapters.Meanwhile,however,thefactitselfissuretotheexultantvoicesinheaven. Godisking,andthesovereigntyhasHegiventoHisSon,JesusChrist.Andhavinggiventhe worldsixthousandyearsinwhichtochooseandsettleuponitsproperallegiance,andfinding afterallonlyamoreintenseandmalignantapostasy,Hecausesthefinaltrumptosound,breaks inwithHisAlmightiness,andenforcesHisrightfuldominion.Akingdomcomeswhichbreaksin piecesandconsumesallotherkingdoms,andstandsforever.Lawsaregiventobechangedno more.AndthetrueAnointedreignsonearthinanempireofsinless,deathlesslifeandpeaceto theagesoftheages.Thegovernmentischanged. 2.Andcloselyconnectedwiththischange,andoneofthethingsinvolvedinit,isthedestruction ofearth'sdestroyers.ThisisannouncedinthethanksgivingoftheElders.Thesamewordis usedtodenoteJehovah'sactthatdescribesthecharacterofthoseonwhomtheactionisinflicted. Whatmenandgovernmentsinthisworldsow,thatshalltheyalsoreap.Theythatareacurseto theworldshallbeaccursed.Theword()meanstospoil,corrupt,ruin,makeaway with,kill,destroy;andthosewhoactinthislineshallbedealtwithinthesameline.Usurpers, liars,tyrants,persecutors,andmurderers,whothusspoilGod'sworld,shallbereacteduponby theviolenceoftheirowndeeds,overwhelmed,andutterlyputoutoftheway. Petergivesitasoneofthegreatobjectstobeachievedbytheawfuldemonstrationsofthedayof theLord,thatthenshallcome"theperditionofungodlymen."Thatdayshallfindwickedness andconfederationininiquityripenedtothefull.Theveryprinceofhellshallthenhave incorporatedhimselfpersonallyinthegovernmentoftheworldspeakingthroughitsheads, dictatingitsreligionanditslaws,controllingitstrade,enforcingtheworshipofhimselfasGod, cuttingofftheheadsofthosewhodissent,fillingtheworldwiththeworstofblasphemies,and compellingallthatwouldlivetoreceivethemarkofallegiancetohim.Allexistingnationson thepropheticearthshallhaveorganicallyjoinedthemselveswithhimastherepresentativeofall authorityandpower,"andallwhodwellupontheearthshallworshiphim."Butwhenthe seventhtrumpetsounds,theendofthisinfamousconfederationhascome.Thenthemaddened nationsshallsuddenlybedashedtoatoms,asavesselofpotterystruckwitharodofiron;and theirarmiesslainbytheblastsofJehovah,astheSyriansofold.Andthegreatbeastthatdid rulethem,andthedeceiverthatwaswithhim,shallbecastaliveintothelakeoffire.Great Babylonshallfall,asamillstonecastintothesea,thedragonshallbeseizedandshutupinhis properhell,anddeathandthegraveshallbeextinguished.Allthedestroyersoftheearthshall bedestroyed! O,gloriousriddanceofourwearyworld,when"theSonofmanshallsendforthhisangels,and theyshallgatheroutofhiskingdomallthingsthatoffend,andtheywhodoiniquity,andshall castthemintoafurnaceoffire!"(Matt.13:41,42.)WellmaytheenthronedEldersfallontheir facesandcrytheirthankstotheLordAlmightyforit. 3.Andstillanotheriteminthegrandscheduleofthelasttrumpetisthejudgmentofthedead. ThisalsoisrecitedinthethanksgivingoftheElders.Whenmendieandtheirbodieswastein theground,itisnottheendofthem.Whatevermaybetheirstatemeanwhile,theyreappear again.Johnseesthem,thesmallandthegreat,givenupbythesea,death,andHades,all standingbeforethegreatwhitethronetobejudged,everyoneofthemaccordingtohisworks. Thereistobearesurrection,evenofthewicked.Theywhoputanendtotheirexistenceon

earth,resolvingnottoliveanymore,muststillliveandtakethejudgmentandsentenceof Heavenforalltheirdeeds.Notoneofalltheracecanescapeit.Andthetimeofthedeadtobe judgedis"inthedaysofthevoiceoftheseventhangel." Thissidethegrave,fulljusticeisneverdone;anduptothegreatday,noonereceivesentirelyall hisdeserts.Thatisreservedfortheperiodofresurrection.Soulandbody,havingworked together,shallreaptogetherofwhattheyhavesown.Onlytheresurrectionlifeisfullretribution life.Incompleteandunequalarealltheadministrationshere.Manyagreatcriminaldies withouthavinghadhisguiltsomuchasknown,whileperchanceinnocentoneshavehadto sufferforhissins.Thewickedgounpunished,areevenhonoredintheircrimes,andpassaway withnoexperiencestomarkhowtheystandintheestimateofGod.Fortunesaremade,enjoyed, andrespected;theirholdersareheldinfavorableesteemtotheendoftheirdays,everydimeof whichisstainedwithblood,corrodedwithcrime,andmarkedwithfraud,oppression,andsoul damningdeedsofinjustice.Somarkedandconstantaretheinequalitiesthatoccurthateventhe holiestofmenhaveoftenbeentemptedtodespondencyanddoubtwhethertheirfaithand godlinessarenot,afterall,amistake. Noristhereanystayforthegoodman'sconfidenceoradequatejustificationofhiscoursebutin thefactthattheendofthematterisnotinthisworld.Beyondisthetheateronwhichfinal settlementistobemade,andthereistheinvinciblethroneofinexorablejustice.Thereshallall earth'swrongsberighted,allpresentinequalitiesadjusted,andtheadministrationsofGod forevervindicated.ThedeadhavenotgonebeyondHisreach.Thegravedoesnotcoverthem fromHissightnorbarthemfromHisapproachandpower.Havingescapedunpunishedfrom thisworld,theirjustportionstillawaitstheminthenext.Peoplemaycallitfableanddream, andreasonitanimpossibility,butthatwillnotalterit.Andwhentheseventhangelsounds, therewillbeexultantthanksgivingsinheaventhat"thetimeofthedeadtobejudged"iscome. 4.Andwiththis,yetoneotherpointthegivingofrewardtotheprophets,andthesaints,andto themwhofearGod,thesmallandthegreat.PietyandthefearofGodarepoorrecommendations forthefavorsofthisworld.Ourreligionisthereligionofthecross,andthatcrosshastobe bornebyallwhoarefaithfulandtrue.Nothingcanabolishit,nothingcanexemptfromit.Since thedaysofAbel,whoseconfidingdevotionandhumbleobediencetohisGodcosthimhislife, therehasbeennoage,nonation,norealmorcountryonearthwheresaintshipandholiness havenotsubjectedthemtolosses,trials,andpains.Theprophetsallwerepersecutedand injuredmen,wholivedmartyrlivesiftheydidnotcometomartyrdeaths.Foralltheseages, thechildrenofGodhavebeenchildrenofafflictionandsorrow.Someweretortured;othershad trialofcruelmockingsandscourgings,ofbondsandimprisonments.Somewerestoned,sawn asunder,tempted,slainwiththesword.Somewanderedaboutinsheepskinsandgoatskins, beingdestitute,afflicted,tormented,compelledtohidethemselvesindesertsandmountains,in densandcavesoftheearth. HewhowouldcomeafterJesusmustdenyhimself.HewhowouldlivegodlyinChristJesus mustsufferpersecution.Thereisnorest,norecompense,nohopeforushere.Forifinthislife onlywehavehopeinChrist,weareofallmenmostmiserable.ButnoChristianlooksforhis compensationinthispresentworld.Solongasheisinthistabernacle,hegroansbeing burdened,troubledoneveryside,distressed,perplexed,alwaysbearingaboutinthebodythe dyingoftheLordJesus.Andtheonlythingthatreconcileshimtosuchalotis,thatGod's servants"looknotatthethingswhichareseen,butatthethingswhicharenotseen."Glorious promiseshavecomeforth,andthesethegoodhaveembracedandarepersuadedofthem,and

confessthemselvesstrangersandpilgrimsontheearth,lookingforabettercountry,believing thatGodisarewarderofthemwhodiligentlyseekHim.Andtherealizationofallthesefond desiresandblessedhopesbelongtothetimeoftheseventhangel,whenheshallsound. Pietymaynotpayasregardsthisworld,butitwillpaythen.Noteventhegiftofacupofwater tothethirstyshallthengounrewarded;neithershallaloss,pain,laboroflove,pangofhardship, nortearofsorrowincurredforJesusorHistruth'ssakefailofitsjustrecompense.Rewards rewardsforthewrongedprophets,forthesufferingsaints,andforallwhofearGod,smalland great,areinreserve.Jesushasgonetomakethemready.Inheaven,inthecounseland purposeofGod,inHiscovenantandpromise,inHishand,securefromallperadventure,theyare storedaway.Faithseesthemthereandwaitsforthemwitheagerhope.Andwhenthelast trumpetsounds,theyshallbegiven.ThenshallPaulgethiscrownofrighteousnessandallthe apostlestaketheireverlastingthrones.ThenshallDanielstandinhislot,andMosespossessthe recompensetowhichhehadrespectwhenhechoserather"tosufferafflictionwiththepeopleof Godthantoenjoythepleasuresofsinforaseason."Andeveryonethathasforsakenhouses,or brethren,orsisters,orfather,ormother,orwife,orchildren,orlandsforthesakeofGodandHis Christshallreceiveahundredfoldandshallinheriteverlastinglife.Nowonder,then,thatthe blessedEldersfallontheirfacesbeforeGodandpraiseandthankHimwithprofoundestsong whenthesignalforsogloriousaconsummationsounds. Norisallthiswithoutthemostintensemomenttous.Weareallconcernedwiththatlast trumpet'ssound.Oursublimesteternalinterestsarewrappedupinwhatitistobring.Bigisit withthedoomanddestinyofeveryone,andeverythingthatis.Beourplace,ourstate,our occupationwhatitmay,ourfateandlot,andeveryquestion,everydoubtshallthencometofinal settlement.Nearorremoteasthosescenesmaybe,weshallallbeinthemandtakefromthence thecharacterofourforever.Believeitornot,weeveryoneshallbethere;thereasvictimsofthe greatdayofAlmightywrath,asprisonersbroughtforthforfinalexecution,orasthefriendsand servantsofJesus,tobeconfessed,rewarded,andglorifiedbyourblessedLord. Aswespendtheseswiftpassingdaysandconductourselvesinthisbrieflife,[this]willbethe characterofourexperienceandportionthen.BuildingonJesusinhumblefaithandlowly steadfastness,wearesafeandourworkissafe.Thenmaywesing,exult,andgivethankswith alltheholyonesofheavenasweseethedayapproaching.Thenmaywerejoiceandbeexceeding glad,forgreatistherewardthatweshallget.Otherwisethereisnodreadersoundthanthatof theLastTrump.Andwhenwethinkofthemillionsofdeadandlivingforwhomithasno blessing,andoftheutterdestructionwhichitshallbringonthemthatknownotGodandobey nottheGospel,istherenotreasonforusalltobemovedwithfearlestthatdayshouldcome uponusunawares?Itwillbetoolatethentoremedypresentmistakes,negligence,and omissions.Ifwearetomeetthatdaywithjoyandescapethehorrorsitbringstothe unprepared,wemustbegettingreadynow;gettingreadybyhonestrepentanceofoursins, joiningourselvestoChristandHispeople,andwithallourheartandenergyseekingtobein accordwithHiswordandwill.Happyaretheywho,whentheLastTrumpetsounds,shallbe foundinsuchacase! Jesus,doThoumineeyesunseal, Andletthemgrowquicktodiscernwhate'erThoudostreveal. SoshallIbedeliveredfromthatwoe, Blindlytostraythroughhopelessnightwhileallaroundisday.