An Examination of the Scripture Testimony

THE KINGDOM OF GOD

The first question, and one that is very properly asked in investigating the subject before us is, Where are the saints to be rewarded! With those that hold to the immortality of the soul, the sentiment has been taught according to the language of the poet, that the inheritance of the saints is MPC 144.2

“Beyond the bounds of time and space;
Look forward to that heavenly place,
The saints’ secure abode.” MPC 144.3

If we had found it to be a fact, that the man to be rewarded was an immaterial soul, of course we should have to claim that the saints’ inheritance was as immaterial as that which was to be rewarded. And, without doubt, beyond the bounds of time and space, is just that which would reward an immaterial soul; viz., nothing. MPC 144.4

In this investigation we have found that the Bible treats men as a unit, and as a literal being. In the resurrection he is to be literally raised, with a body of flesh and bones. Such a being cannot be rewarded with immateriality, or with what has been commonly described as heaven. Says God, [Proverbs 8:29, 21,] “I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: that I may cause those that love me to inherit SUBSTANCE.” The testimony of Christ is, in Matthew 5:5, when pronouncing blessings upon different characters, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” MPC 144.5

Perhaps the objector may be ready to claim, that this text applies to this life. If we believed the sentiments which are taught by some at the present time, that this earth is to be burned up at Christ’s second advent, and that the saints are not to exist on this earth after this life; we should be obliged to claim that the above promise of Christ referred to this life. We know of none that receive any inheritance here simply because they are meek. Well says the objector, the meek are prospered here in the things of this world. Christ’s testimony to his saints concerning their condition here is, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” Solomon in Ecclesiastes 8:14, speaking of the events of earth says, “There be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked: again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous.” MPC 145.1

If it was a fact that Christ meant by his testimony to teach simply, that the righteous should be prospered in the things of this life, then there should be no exception like the above, (the righteous receiving what the wicked should.) Christ does not say, the meek are blessed, because they do inherit the earth; but, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” David testifies six times in Psalm 37, that the meek shall receive the land, or earth. In verse 11 he says, “But the meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of PEACE.” This text cannot have its fulfillment in this life; for, Paul says of the saints in this life, [2 Timothy 3:12,] “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” But when the meek inherit the earth, they are to have “ABUNDANCE of peace.” MPC 145.2

The principle objection urged against the inheritance of the earth being future, is, that this earth is to be burned up when Christ makes his second advent. We now inquire, Was it the plan of God concerning the creation of this earth, to have it remain in the hands of the wicked until the plan of salvation was completed, and then burn it up? Whatever he designed us to know concerning his plan in this matter, he has revealed in his word. What says the Word concerning the object of God in creating the earth! Isaiah says, [Chap 45:18;] “For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited.” MPC 146.1

But we still inquire, Was it the plan of God that the earth should be peopled by a race of rebels! Who is the earth to be inhabited by? We read in Genesis 1:26, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” From these testimonies we learn that God’s plan was, that the earth should be inhabited by man in an upright state; for when he gave Adam the earth he had pronounced him, and all the work of his hand very good. And Solomon says, “God made man upright.” MPC 146.2

To the minds of some, it might look as though the plan of God was frustrated; for the Apostle says, “The whole world lieth in wickedness.” But we understand that although sin has entered the world and apparently frustrated, for a time, God’s work, his original plan will yet be carried out, and the earth will be peopled by men in an upright state. “Blessed are the meek: they SHALL inherit the earth.” There must then be a future inheritance of this earth which is promised to the people of God. MPC 147.1

But says the objector, Does not Peter say, “The earth, and the works therein shall be burned up?” We will look at his testimony a little, and see how the subject is introduced. 2 Peter 3:10. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night: in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein shalt be burned up.” This text does not say, (if rightly understood,) that the earth is to be burned up: but, “The elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also.” Also what? Also melt with fervent heat. You will see by the language, that “also,” refers to something that had been previously said. Understanding it in this manner makes the “burned up,” in the text, simply refer to the works in the earth. MPC 147.2

That the above text does not teach that the earth itself is to be burned up, is confirmed by verse 11: “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.” Here, he claims not, that the earth is to be burned up, but dissolved. As this is the only testimony quoted to prove that the earth is to be burned up, and this makes no such statement, we fell confident that it is not to be burned up; but, that God’s plan respecting it will be carried out. MPC 148.1

We shall now claim, that there must be a future inheritance of this earth, for the following reason: God has made promises respecting this earth which have not been fulfilled, and according to the testimonies of his word cannot be fulfilled in the present state, or prior to Christ’s second advent. The first we will notice is the testimony in Numbers 14:21. The Lord says, “But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be FILLED with the glory of the Lord.” Here God has pledged his own life, that the earth shall be filled with his glory. Has such a state of things existed in the past? No. Will there be such a state before Christ comes? No; for Paul says, [2 Timothy 3:13,] “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” Then we may look for no fulfillment of Numbers 14:21, in the present state of things. MPC 148.2

Again the Lord says in Habakkuk 2:14, “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Has the glory of the Lord thus filled the earth since the above testimony was given by the prophet? MPC 148.3

Never. When that prophecy is fulfilled, sin and wickedness must be out of the earth. Will this prophecy be fulfilled before the return of the Messiah? The popular church of the present time would answer us like this: “Christ is coming spiritually; that is, his Spirit will go forth to accompany the preaching of his truth, the whole world will become converted, and then ‘the knowledge of the Lord will fill the earth as the waters fill the sea,’ and this will be the reign of Christ spoken of in the Scripture which is to last one thousand years.” MPC 149.1

The word of God talks of no spiritual coming of Christ. The testimony of Christ to the disciples, when giving them their commission to preach the gospel, was, “Lo! I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” By these words we understand him to pledge to the disciples, that his Spirit shall accompany them in preaching, till the end of the world. We know of no testimony of the Word which represents that Christ is coming spiritually. When Christ had given the disciples commission to preach the gospel, he ascended up before them literally, and bodily, into heaven. See Acts 1:9, 11. “And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” Jesus’ coming is to be as literal and visible as his Ascension into heaven. MPC 149.2

But, is the glory of God to “fill the earth as the waters fill the sea,” before that literal appearing of Christ takes place? Is the world to become converted, as the teachers of the temporal millennium claim? Says Christ in parable, [Matthew 13:30,] speaking of the wheat and the tares, “Let both grow together until the harvest.” Verse 38. “The good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one.” Here is positive testimony that the world is not to be converted before Christ’s second advent; for the righteous and wicked are to be on earth together till that time. MPC 149.3

Paul describes the state of things that will exist just prior to Christ’s second advent, in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come; for men shall be lovers of their own selves,” etc. Verse 5. “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” MPC 150.1

Instead of the world becoming converted in the last days, according to the sad picture which Paul draws, professing christians will merely have “a form of godliness,” while they deny the power thereof.” MPC 150.2

Paul speaks concerning the state of things just prior to Christ’s coming in 1 Timothy 4:1. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” Then, instead of the church’s approximating so near the world’s conversion as to teach the pure principles of the gospel alone in the latter times; the devil’s doctrine will be taught by seducing spirits, and many will give heed to them. We have shown on another page that the doctrine the Devil taught in the garden was, “Ye shall not surely die.” This is the sentiment the seducing spirits of the present time teach. The question was asked of what professed to be the spirit of W.E. Channing, MPC 150.3

“Ques. What do the spirits propose to accomplish by their new manifestations? MPC 151.1

“Ans. To unite mankind, and convince skeptical minds of the immortality of the soul.” MPC 151.2

The testimonies we have adduced are sufficient to show that the promise that “the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea,” cannot be fulfilled prior to Christ’s second advent. MPC 151.3

But we wish now to call attention to a promise which the Lord has made respecting the earth itself. MPC 151.4

THE PROMISE TO ABRAHAM. We will commence with Genesis 13:14, 15. “And the Lord said unto Abram,...All the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed FOREVER.” Here is a positive promise, that Abraham, also his seed, should receive the land. Now read Chap 15:13-15. After the Lord had made a covenant with Abraham, and is about to confirm it he says, “Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs....But thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace, thou shalt be buried in a good old age.” MPC 151.5

We are told by some, that those promises which were made to Abraham were concerning the temporal possession of the land of Canaan. But God told him in Chap. 12, “I will give the land to thee and to thy seed FOREVER. Can it be possible that it was a temporary possession of the land that was promised? We will see as we advance. We would inquire here however, How can it be that it was a temporary possession, when God told him he should have it FOREVER? MPC 151.6

In Chaps. 17, the Lord mentioned to Abraham conditions which he and his seed should keep. Verse 1. “Walk before me and be perfect.” (Margin, upright, or sincere.) Verse 8, “And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession.” MPC 152.1

What was this everlasting covenant, the keeping of which would secure them an everlasting inheritance. See 1 Chronicles 16:15-17. “Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac; and hath confirmed the same to Jacob, for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant. Here the same covenant is mentioned that God made with Abraham. He says it is “The word which he commanded.” You will find by reading Deuteronomy 4:13, and Chap 5:22, that these words were the ten commandments. MPC 152.2

The promise made to Abraham was renewed to Isaac, as we read in Genesis 26:1-5. The reason assigned of God, why he renewed the promise was, “Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” Thus we see, God made Abraham this promise on condition that he walked in his commandments. But we shall have occasion to refer to this again. MPC 152.3

We will now trace the promise itself. Was this promise simply that Abraham should have a temporal possession of the land of Canaan? If it was it failed; for, as God told him, he died without receiving it. See Stephen’s testimony on the subject in Acts 7:5. “And he gave him none inheritance in it, no not so much as to set his foot on.” We see then, that whatever it was that God promised to Abraham, he did not receive it. We shall not claim that he did not receive it because God failed to fulfill on his part; but we shall incline to the position that God promised Abraham a future possession of the land, which is yet to be realized. Paul says, the promise was, “that he should be heir of the world.” MPC 152.4

We will look at some of Paul’s testimony further concerning this promise. Galatians 3:16. “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” Then the promise was made to Abraham through Christ. In Christ all nations are to be blessed. We shall now inquire, Who were the heirs of this promise that was made to Abraham? Some have supposed that the Jews after the flesh were the heirs. Says Paul, [Galatians 3:29,] “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” If the promise was simply that the Jews should have a temporal possession of the land, how is that we are heirs according to the promise? MPC 153.1

The Jews after the flesh were not the heirs, but only the true Israel are heirs. Paul says, [Galatians 3:9,] “So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.” According to this, those that had faith were Israel. As we have already quoted on another page, Paul claims in Hebrews 11, that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, with the worthies of that dispensation, received not the promise. MPC 153.2

How did Paul view himself in connection with that promise? Read Acts 26:6-8. “And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?” Paul considered himself an heir of that promise, but his testimony plainly shows that it is to be realized beyond the resurrection. Then there must be a future inheritance of this earth, after the second advent of Christ. MPC 154.1

But we will present further testimony to prove that the earth is the territory where the people of God are to receive their eternal reward. Says Paul, [Ephesians 1:13, 14,] “Ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” In this text, there is a possession spoken of which has been purchased, and it is also to be redeemed. We inquire, What is this possession that is to be redeemed? Heaven, says the objector. If it is heaven, then heaven has passed from the hands of the original possessor, or else it is not to be redeemed. To take this view would also oblige us to claim that heaven had been purchased; for it is the purchased possession that is to be redeemed. MPC 154.2

What possession has passed out of the hands of its original possessor? I answer, the earth. Psalm 115:16. “The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s but the earth hath he given to the children of men.” To man was given the earth; but he has lost even the dominion that God gave him. Where is it? We shall claim that man delivered up his dominion to the tempter. The Devil is therefore represented in the New Testament scriptures as the God of this world. Not that he is rightfully possessor of the earth. God gave man the earth for a possession, but, by intrigue, the Devil usurped man’s dominion. The Devil said to Christ, as recorded in Luke 4, that the kingdoms of the world had been delivered to him. MPC 154.3

Adam was tempted and overcome by the Devil. He forfeited his life. Christ proffered to pay that forfeit for man, and in the act of paying that forfeit he obtained power to conquer the Devil and take the kingdom again. See Hebrews 2:14. By an ignominious death upon the cross he expected to obtain power to redeem the kingdom. Said the Devil, You need not die to get the kingdom; “fall down and worship me, and I will give it to you.” There was a temptation. MPC 155.1

God gave to Israel a temporary possession of the land until they defiled themselves by disobeying his commandments; then the scepter was taken from them, and passed into the hands of the wicked kings of earth. Zedekiah was the last king that reigned over Israel. Ezekiel 21:25-27. The one whose right it is, is Christ, as we have shown from Paul’s comments on the promise to Abraham. In the above text, God promised Christ the scepter of the earth. MPC 155.2

When Zedekiah the high prince was abased and the low prince of Babylon was exalted to rule, the scepter had passed from the hands of Israel. Daniel, one of the captives of Israel which were carried to Babylon, received instruction from the Lord in regard to the course of empire until the time the scepter should pass into the hands of Christ. In the visions of Chaps. 2, and 7, the Lord showed him that three more kingdoms must bear sway over the earth besides Babylon, which was then ruling, before the scepter should pass again into the hands of his people. But in all the instruction he gives Daniel, he assures him that the kingdom shall finally pass into the hands of the saints of God. After tracing the four kingdoms down to their divided state, (ten divisions,) as represented by the ten toes of the image, he says, [Chap 2:44,] “And in the day of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, ... and it shall stand FOREVER.” MPC 155.3

In Chap. 7 Daniel has another view of these four great empires. Four beasts are presented before him. The angel says of them, [verse 17, 18,] “These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even FOREVER AND EVER.” We may understand from this language that the kingdom which the saints of God are to have, is the same territory over which Babylon, Medo Persia, Grecia and Rome, have ruled. MPC 156.1

In verse 27 of this chapter, Daniel says, “And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom (‘behind the bounds of time and space?’ No, but) under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.” MPC 156.2

Certainly, a kingdom that is under the whole heaven must be the whole earth. But there are some who will have it that the kingdom is the gospel, and is established by souls’ being converted to Christ. If that was the case, the testimony should read, “And the time came for sinners to possess the kingdom. ” Daniel says, [verse 22,] “And the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.” MPC 157.1

The testimony of Christ is, as represented in the parable of Matthew 25:34, “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you (before the foundation of the world? No, but) from the foundation of the world.” What, we inquire, was prepared from the foundation of the world as a kingdom for the saints, but the earth itself? The disciples said to Christ after his resurrection, [Acts 1:6,] “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” He had before taught them in parable, that he must go away; that he was like a nobleman going into a far country to receive a kingdom, and to return. Here he plainly taught that he was coming again to establish his kingdom. MPC 157.2

But it is said, Christ said the kingdom of God is within you. Within whom is the kingdom of God? The people of God, says one. What! did Christ mean to teach that the kingdom, and dominion, and greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven is within his people? We think not. If so, what shall we make of those texts that speak of the saints’ entering the kingdom? Christ did not tell his people the kingdom of God was within them, but the Pharisees. What! is the reign of grace, which you call the kingdom, in the hearts of the wicked? No. MPC 157.3

We will look at the testimony of Christ, and see what idea he teaches. Luke 17:20, 21. “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: (outward show-margin:) neither shall they say, (when the kingdom of God comes,) Lo here! or Lo there! for behold, the kingdom of God is within you,” (margin-among you.) When? Now? No, but when it comes. The idea taught is, when the kingdom of God comes, it will not be in a secret manner, but all will know it, and there will be no opportunity, or necessity, for any to say, “Lo here! or Lo there! MPC 158.1

But, says the objector, am I to receive nothing better than this earth as a reward for obeying God? Yes, the earth is to be restored to its primeval beauty and glory. The earth is now cursed. See Genesis 3:17-19. This earth is to be purified by fire, when the wicked works of the Devil and the curse will be removed. MPC 158.2

Peter speaks of the work of purifying the earth. 2 Peter 3:7, and onward. “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” Here Peter describes the destruction of the old world by a flood. According to his testimony, the present heavens and earth are to undergo a change by fire. Verses 10, 13. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night: in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise; and the elements shalt melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” MPC 158.3

The above testimony clearly shows the manner in which the curse is to be removed from the earth. MPC 159.1

Peter does not claim here, that this earth is to be destroyed as matter, and a new one formed; but this earth is to be melted, the dross (works therein) burned up, and a new heavens and a new earth will be the result. David says, [Psalm 102:26,] speaking of the heavens and the earth, “Yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed.” Says Peter, “We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” This promise is recorded in Isaiah 65:17, 20: “For, behold, I create new heavens, and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner, being an hundred years old, shall be accursed.” Paganini gives us the following rendering: “There shall be no more carried out thence to burial an infant of days, or a youth, or an old man who hath not filled his days; for the man of a hundred years shall be as a youth.” MPC 159.2

I quote this rendering of the above text, from the fact, that it produces a harmony in the testimony of Isaiah. There is no evading the point that the above text applies in the new earth, where there is to be no death. MPC 159.3

Verses 21, 22. “And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit.” The above must apply to a people who are not to die and leave their possessions; if they were to die, then one would build and another inhabit. MPC 160.1

Well, says one, do you believe the above is a description of the saints’ inheritance? Yes. What! are the saints going to eat and drink in the new earth? Yes. See Christ’s testimony. Luke 22:29, 30. “And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me: that ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Read also Luke 12:37. MPC 160.2

We will return to the testimony of Isaiah. Chap 65:25. “The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord.” MPC 160.3

The beasts in that state will be perfectly harmless, and under the dominion of man. God gave Adam dominion over the beasts as well as the earth. Micah testifies concerning Christ, [Chap 4:8,] “And thou, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion.” MPC 160.4

Isaiah in Chap. 11, describes the reign of Christ. Verses 6, 9. The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. MPC 160.5

“They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” MPC 161.1

From this verse we learn that the time when the knowledge of the Lord fills the earth, as the waters fill the sea, is after the Lord has slain the wicked, with the breath of his lips. Isaiah describes the saints’ inheritance in Chap 35:1-7. MPC 161.2

“The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. MPC 161.3

Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing; for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water; in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.” MPC 161.4

The great Sahara, the deserts of Arabia, where the weary traveler now plods his way, scorched with the rays of the sun, and faint with thirst, will abound with beautiful springs. MPC 161.5

We will now notice the testimony of John, who was permitted to look forward in vision, and view the restitution state of the earth. See Revelation 21:1-5. MPC 161.6

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. MPC 161.7

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold I make all things new.” MPC 161.8

If we believe the above testimony to be literal, it certainly describes a glorious state. If it does not mean what it says, who can tell what it does mean? Why, says one, this is a description of the church. God has not told us in His word that the new heavens and new earth mean the church; but he has spoken by the mouth of Peter of a literal new heavens and earth, to be formed from the dissolved elements. John continues, [verse 7.] “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; (margin—these things,) and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” MPC 162.1

From verse 10-27 he describes the city, New Jerusalem, “And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. Having the glory of God, and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper-stone, clear as crystal; ... and he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.—And the city lieth four-square, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs.” MPC 162.2

At eight furlongs to the mile, it would be 1500 miles. Some suppose this to be the length of each side. Probably it was the measure around the whole city; for by the measurement it seems it was ascertained that all sides were alike. If this is the case, it would make the city about 375 miles square. MPC 162.3

Verses 18-23, “And the building of the wall of it was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. MPC 163.1

And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl; and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. MPC 163.2

In Chap. 22, John describes the river of life, etc., which you may read. MPC 163.3

Says the objector, Christ said, “Great is your reward in heaven.” True there is a rich reward reserved for us, but we have just quoted from John, that the reward, (city of foundations) is coming down. But it is objected to this view, Paul said, “We have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.” True the building is eternal, but he does not say it will eternally remain there. That city, will all its dazzling splendor is to be upon the restored earth, the capitol of the kingdom of heaven. MPC 163.4

The saints of God will be allotted their vineyards and fields, on the beautiful plains of the new earth. MPC 163.5

“And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to anther, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.”—Isaiah 66:23. MPC 163.6

Dear reader, is not the inheritance God has promised the saints good enough? In the midst of the earth restored, man will stand forth perfected, beauteous in form, free from pain, the stain of sin all washed away from his heart, and his lips speaking forth the praises of Him who has thus wrought for him. Methinks your better feelings say, It’s glorious. Yes, and the best of all is, that state will never end. The countless ages of eternity will roll on, and yet (as expressed by the poet,) MPC 163.7

“When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days, to sing God’s praise,
Than when we first begun.” MPC 164.1

Dear reader, do you not feel a longing desire in your heart to be a partaker of the saint’s inheritance? Don’t you want to go to glory, and dwell with angels hear their rapturous songs, and sing with them? The Spirit calls you, there is yet room. The heavenly city with all its charms welcomes you to come. The way is easy, if you seek it through Christ. He says, [Revelation 22:14,] “Blessed are they, that do His (the Father’s) commandments, (the condition of inheritance given Abraham,) that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Then leave the trifles of earth. Come away. Why will ye linger and die? While mercy lingers, why will ye dally with the vanities of earth, and neglect the preparation for that rich inheritance which you may obtain? MPC 164.2