The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1915-06-17

ESs$ q Il cOmDlna-
ssaA ton of Biblical IL
I%S Illustrations com
Sce3-eeA%.es-@9 se9z.Sl p / t t Z ~ outlines
(SYA9lGlK klS9tLLJl the Scriptures and
lays Il good foun-
datlOn for intelligent Bible study.
Pastor Russell's topic today was
from the text. Then Shall appear the
sign of the Son of Man in heaven: and
then shall the tribes Of the earth mourn
and they shall see the Son of Man com
ing in the clouds Of heaven with power
and great glory. MATTHEW 24:3O
The speaker pointed out various sug-
gestiOns made by scholars respecting
the import Of this prophecy-some
guessing that the sign would be- a cross
in the sky; others, that it would be
Christ Himself, appearing in some
wrathfuI form to humanity, causing
dismay. etc. He surmised that his
audience had read published reports of
his recent sermon respecting ChriStS
Second Coming in its two phases-the
ParOusia, or invisible presence, follow
ed by the Epiphania. or bright-shining
in flaming fire. or judgment. He could
not say that the Sign of the Son OF
Man would be His Parousia: for
Christ's Parousia will not be known
except to the most sanity of His
Church. Consequently it must stand
related to His Epiphania. or shining
forth in judgments. which the whole
world will recognize.
The hearers were reminded that a
sign is merely an indication: for in
stance, crepe is a sign of mourning.
the cross represents Christianity. the
crescent Mohammedanism. So the
sign of the Son of Man in heaven
would properly be some indication that
He has taken His great power and be-
gun to reign.
Mourning Because of Him.
To the question, How could such a
sign appear in the sky, the heavens?
the Pastor replied that this is not the
thought He reminded his audience
that the Bible repeatedly uses the
words heaven, earth, mountain. sea.
in a symbolic sense-the earth repre-
senting organized society, mountains
representing kingdoms, seas the rest
less classes of humanity. Then he
Showed that il the same symbolic
usage the heavens represent ecclesiasti-
cal pOwers-churchi anity. The sign In
the heavens, he believes. signifies that
the flaming fire of judgments viii first
manifest itself in ecclesiastical circles
Gradually mankind will realize that
a new government is in control. and
that justice will be laid to the line and
righteousness to the plummet. Since
unrighteOusness is everywhere preva-
lent because Of mans fallen condition,
the consciences of the whole world
will be awakened, the speaker declar-
ed. Fear VIII come upon men every
where. not only because they will see
Christs righteous judgments in re-
ligious circles, but because they will
see Him coming and will recognize that
shortly they. too, must be involved
The Pastor reminded his audience
that mankind have very crude and in
correct views Of the object of Mes
siah's Second Coming and Kingdom
Doctrines Of devils" brought into the
creedS during the Dark Ages, have
made so void the Word of God that
the majority of mankind dread God
as their Almighty Foe, instead of rs.
alizing Him to be the Father Of mer-
cies. Not knowing of the glorious
blessings which the Kingdom will
bring mankind, they will be apprehen-
sive as they perceive Christs righteous
judgments encircling the earth.
1.-THE Heavens Being on Fire"
Next was discussed at length St Pc
ter's words, The heavens being on
fire." and the earth and the works
therein viii be burned up" These the
Pastor believes describe the sign of
the Son of Man. He warned has hear
ers against making the mistake Of our
forefathers in supposing that these
words refer to literal burning Of the
literal earth and sky, and explained
that while the symbolic heavens and
earth will catch fire" and pass away
with great commotion. the physical
earth Will remain practically as it is.
and begin TO undergo the transforming
influences Of Restitution.
The speaker then demonstrated that
the flaming fire of Divine judgments
will appear in the heavens-ecciesias-
ticism-and subsequently reach the
earth, purifying society from every
thing sinful, selfish, unjust, and pre-
pairing mems hearts for Divine bless
ings. The elements will melt with
fervent heat" We see the capitalistic
and the laboring element separating.
We see preparations for the great Time