The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 4

VIII. Livingston-Prophetic Outline Nearing Consummation

A 1799 exposition was made by Dutch Reformed minister, and later president of Queen’s (Rutgers) College, JOHN HENRY LIVINGSTON, ³⁴ in an impressive sermon before the newly formed interdenominational New York Missionary Society. His topic was “The Glory of the Redeemer,” and was indicative of the growing prophetic emphasis that marked many a missionary discourse of the day. Dr. Livingston was pastor of the well-known Dutch Reformed Church in New York City at the time. He declared that the prophecies testify of Christ, who came historically at the time predicted. Adverting to the prophetic outline of the nations in Daniel 2, and Christ’s kingdom of limitless duration to be established thereafter, he then declared, “Every empire and nation have a date fixed for their rise, continuance and dissolution.” But this kingdom of God will defy all assaults and “foil the power of Christ’s enemies.” ³⁵ PFF4 70.2

All the great nations of prophecy, from Babylon to Rome, have “vanished like empty visions of the night” or “like ghosts of fallen empires.” And the pomp and power of present rulers (in 1799) will soon be crumpled into dust. In contrast, Christ’s kingdom is to fill the uttermost parts of the earth, and is to stand forever. It is destined to pass from its “stone” phase, which is small and can be easily moved about, to the “mountain” phase, which will fill the earth, and stand forever. This fact is established by the sure word of prophecy. ³⁶ PFF4 71.1

Turning then to the rise of Antichrist, irrespective of the precise date of its rise, Livingston asserted: “It is evident his usurpations and tyranny are drawing to a close.” That pretentious power, which has been “gradually consuming” away, will “soon be destroyed by the brightness of the Redeemer’s coming.” Then, in the light of the French Revolution, he explained, “the last struggles of the monster may be violent, and his expiring agonies protracted, but he is certainly dying.” ³⁷ And he added that the vials of wrath are “now being poured out upon the nations that gave it support.” The current revolution, terror, and commotion all “announce the approach of some period, new and appealing.” We know Christ’s coming is near, even at the door. Then comes the end, when the kingdom shall be delivered to the Father. ³⁸ PFF4 71.2

Though not extensive, this glimpse is sufficient to show the concept of the times, widely held by thoughtful leaders, and the great consummation that was expected soon. PFF4 72.1