The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1911-07-04


Se1RQalttA lASs3dl4S specific text, but
tlIaSlG)R RUSSEll)I relied wholly upon
Bible testimony,
quoting the same frequently. lie said
IN part
For centuries Bible Students have
observed that many of the strong ex-
pressions OF the Old Testament re-
specting Babylon found their parallels
IN tile New Testament, used in respect
TO Mystic Babylon, Many OF these
Satements Of the Old Testament seem
Tar too vivid aud too strong to be APP
piled 90 Literal Babylon. Hence II was
surnlised that Mystic Babylon was
more particularly referred TO than the
Literal. II was noticed also that as
Israel and Judah went into captivity
70 Litoral Babylon, so apparently the
Book Of lleyelatlon teaches that spir-
itual Israel would have drastic expert
ences in a captivity TO Mystic or Sym
holic "Babylon the Great, the Mother
OF Hnflois" Gtevelaiion xvii b.
Within the past Gfty years, under
the blighuug Influence Of the Eyolu
lion theory and the destructive Higher
Criticism Of The Bible. these parallels
have bceu lost sight OF. Indeed, aside
from international Sunday School les
sons Bible study has been very large
ly neglected. even in theological semi
narlos And the Sunday School les
sons, under the guidance OF worldly
wisdom have sought 90 avoid every
thing cxcuIt the "milk OF The Word
Cthe simple doctrines) 20 avoid contro
versles
Only very recently IS true Bible study
being revived in conjunction with the
international Bible Students Associa
ton, a branch of which I have Che
honor to address today We may well
congratulate each other. dear friends,
that In Gods providence we have es-
capped the falth-desIroying influence of
Higher Criticism and Evolution We
may well congratulate ourselves also
nn the degree Of liberty we have at
tained in IAe. study M. GoQ'an Word
neebom from The confusing creeds
manufactured for us IN darker age
freedom from some of the rank super,
stitions aud false theories which. for n
time, fcttered our reason and made
Ebe Divine plan to appear ignoble-m-
worthy of Just and loving man, much
more OF an AllWise. Just and Loving
Creator.
Great Babylon Of Old.
Briefly we remind you that ancient
babylon was built on the river Eu-
NNrates; that she had impregpnblc
walls; that the river ran through the
1ntast OF the city. and the great gates
Gf brass spanRed tile river M pro-
section against assaults of an enemy
from that quarter. The name OF the
city was attached 20 n large area of
vonntry outside OF II. for which 1t
segved MS the capital Indeed. at Its
seSith Babylon was mistress OF the
then civilized world-the first Uni
Vegsal Empire
we remind you OF The captivity, first
az the Yea tr,hes Ss'aNNe', and later
on OF the remaining two tribes or king.
dom called Judah. The method OF
Babylon wns 60 scatter the Israelites
amongst the Babylonians, and through
their earthly interests 10 amnigamate
shofn as part and parcel OF Bnbylonia
This condition os thises tasted until
the fail OF Babylon before its con
querOr Cyrus.
The General gained his victory In a
remarkahle manner. while the Baby
lanians, assured OF their security. were
revealing nt banquet. Although the
crisis came suddenly, the preparation
had been long IN progress, The sol
dlera OF CyruB, under his direction
had dlgged canal OF considerable
Gepth ready TO druin or the water OF
the river as soon Ms the necessary con
nnctlon was made When the cana
was IN Nreadlncss the connection Will
the river was speedily anade aud thu
water Slowed rapidly into the new
channel. leaving The bed OF the rive
/. nnucr the great brazen gates. on botl
sides OF the city. an open roadway
through which marciIcd the army o
Cyrus. Suddenly. at an unexpected
,yBsment, the boastfu city. the prou'
BdEeaon, wns captured.
Thrn II was that Cyrus. the vlcto
Tious general, gave the command whicl
gtahted liberty 10 every israellte cal
sied captive thi,her, 10 return 20 hi
'ewh land Additionally. assistance wa
rendered so MI who desired 60 returI
aud the golden vessels pertaining I
the worship of God In the temple wer
Rnt back. But strange TO say. out Q
MI the millions who had constitute
'5sraei and Judah before the cnptlvit!