This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come.
IT is nearly 1800 years since our blessed Lord declared to his Apostle,
“Behold I come quickly.” It, therefore, well becomes his children to be
watching the signs of his appearing, and to be studying with intense
interest the records which he has given for the guidance and warning of
his people. It is not presumption, but sober faith, thus to inquire into
God’s prophetic word. The Book of Revelations was written {71a} “to show
unto God’s servants things which must shortly come to pass;” and our Lord
himself has directed us to observe the appointed signs, to compare and
check them with advancing history, and when we shall see all these things
come to pass, to know that the day is near, even at the doors. {71b}
We purpose, then, to close our present course by carefully examining into
God’s description of the state of the church in the latter days.
We sometimes hear the expression of sanguine and happy hopes that the
Gospel will so prevail throughout the world as to leave no place either
for heresy in religion, or for viciousness in life; that there will
arrive a time before the coming of our blessed Lord, when men will
witness the fulfilment of the prophecy “that righteousness shall cover
the earth as the waters cover the sea.” Yet the smallest glance at the
prophetic Scriptures is sufficient to show that there is no warrant for
such bright anticipations there. Again and again does God declares that
the days immediately proceeding Christ’s coming shall be days of especial
darkness both to the world and to the church. “Upon the earth distress
of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts
failing them for fear; and for looking after those things which are
coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then
shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great
glory.” {72}
With this description the language of our text is in close and complete
accordance. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall
come.”