Prophetic Expositions, vol. 1

THE CLOSE OF THE PLAGUES

The conflagration of the heavens and the earth, will close the dreadful scenes of judgment. The heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements melt with fervent heat; the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up. But is the conflagration the conclusion of the plagues? Certainly. “For in them is filled up the wrath of God.” But “the earth is defiled under the inhabitants thereof, because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinances, and broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate. Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.” “The earth is utterly broken down; the earth is clean dissolved; the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and be removed like a cottage; and the transgression shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall and not rise again. Isaiah 24. Until the earth falls, therefore, the wrath of God is not filled up.” PREX1 195.1

Then we look for a new heaven and a new earth; and for Jerusalem a rejoicing. When the new earth appears, and not before, the new Jerusalem will come down from God out of heaven, and the saints enter into it. But we are taught, in Rev. 15, that no man will be able to enter the temple until the seven plagues are fulfilled. When they are fulfilled, then the paradisical earth will come, and the bride appear, the guests enter her gates, and the marriage feast be celebrated for a thousand years. PREX1 195.2

In view of these dreadful plagues, well might the prophet Daniel say, “there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation to that same time.” God is in earnest in these declarations of wrath; and they are made in mercy to a perishing world. But if men will not believe and be moved to seek a refuge from the stormy blast and the windy tempest that will sweep over the earth, they must suffer the consequences. No doubt, to many, the writer of this will seem as one that mocks! So, also, seemed Lot to his friends in Sodom, in the day of their ruin; but their unbelief did not disannul the word of Jehovah, nor will it now. God’s judgments will surely come, perishing mortal, whether you believe or not. O come to Christ, and seek a refuge without delay. Can you still determine to resist God’s proffered grace until his day of vengeance comes, and his wrath is poured out without mixture? Think of that scene of anguish which has been but feebly portrayed in these pages. My heart yearns over you, dear reader. If you are still resisting God’s grace, casting off fear, and restraining prayer, I tremble for your fate! O, forsake your sins, that your soul may live. Like the wise man, build on the rock. PREX1 196.1