And this new heavens and new earth, he informs us in the succeeding chapter, shall REMAIN. And that Isaiah was speaking of the millennium, I think none will doubt. The event he speaks of cannot be transferred to any other region than the present earth new made; nor can the scene be withdrawn to a period this side its renovation. The language of the prophet will not bear it. There is another fact settled. The new -heavens and new earth are to be the final abode of the saints. This was the opinion of Mr. Wesley. This was the opinion of ancient fathers; and this the Scriptures confirm. Peter expressly declares, not only that there is to be a new heavens and new earth, but he holds out this as the HOPE of the church, which he could not do unless it were to be her children's, or their abode. "We look for a new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." And Peter wrote his second epistle, that the disciples should not forget this very promise, though that promise seemed to be delayed. John also fully and gloriously points out the new heavens and earth as the final habitation of all the redeemed. And where this abode is to be, we gain additional light from the testimony of the four living creatures who are before the throne, and the four and twenty elders. Their united testimony declares it will be ON THE EARTH-and that it shall be inhabited by the saints, or by those "washed in the blood of Christ, and made priests and kings unto God." This I think unexceptionable testimony. Their exact language is, "And when he had taken the book, the four living creatures, and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having, every one of them, harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof; for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests; and we shall REIGN ON EARTH." Who these living creatures are we may easily learn from the fact that, 1. They worship God; therefore they must be creatures. 2. They were redeemed by the blood of Christ. They could not therefore be angels, for he taketh not hold on the nature of angels. They must therefore be the representatives of human creatures. 3. They will reign on earth. They without doubt represent, with the four and twenty elders, the Jewish and Christian church, and the redeemed from all nations. So they testify. "Thou hast redeemed us from every kindred, tongue and people." And they are to reign on earth. No one would expect them to reign on earth as it now is; nor could they till they obtain their bodies, which would imply, at least, the resurrection of the just. The "departed souls" also, which John "saw," if they differ from the above, (and he may intend to signify the martyrs by them,) are to be on earth also; for they are to live and reign with Christ. But in what sense can a departed soul live, unless it be to come back to life? It already lives with Christ in every sense in which it can without its resurrection body. To live, therefore, and to reign with Christ, implies its resurrection. And to reign with Christ, implies that Christ first reigns; and this he is to do in its full sense on the earth, the uttermost parts of which are his inheritance. If the above two propositions are true, we have ground enough for our present purpose. There is to be a new heaven and a new earth. This cannot take place in time, properly so called. There is but one new heaven and earth spoken of, after time. That one is the abode of the saints. And this must be the one spoken of by the prophets, and by John, because the one they speak of cannot take place in time, and they speak of but one after time. This new heavens and new earth is also identified with the millennium, because the millennium of the prophets includes a new heavens and a new earth. Taking our departure, therefore, here, we are safe, although our light were glimmering in the extreme. The new heavens and new earth is the Christian's heaven. Whatever that heaven contains, this contains. Sure we are, this will contain the "redeemed of all nations." This itself were enough, seemingly, to consummate bliss. But we superadd to it the presence of the Lamb. And it shall be said, too, "Behold the tabernacle of God is with men," and he shall walk with them-dwell with them. And they shall hunger no more-thirst no more; for the Lamb shall feed them, and lead them to living fountains. And they shall never die. Perhaps angels will be there; for these also will God bring with him. But God will be its light, and glory, and joy. Hallelujah, indeed, it shall be said, when the Lord God in this sense reigneth. Something of its blessedness may be shadowed out in the following stirring lines of one of our hymns: "O what a mighty change Shall Jesus's suff'rers know! While o'er the happy plains they range, No ill-requited love Shall there our spirits wound: No base ingratitude above; No sin in heaven is found! There all our griefs are spent! By sin, alas! undone! No father there, in passion loud, No slightest touch of pain, Nor sorrow's least alloy, Can violate our rest, or stain No clouds or tempests rise: I will only add, that Mr. Wesley has an excellent sermon upon the new heavens and earth, with which I can heartily unite, and to which I refer the reader; simply remarking, it will be a place of RIGHTEOUSNESS. All things that offend will be taken from it, or rather not allowed to enter. The wicked shall not be there; yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place—but it shall not be. "Without," in utter darkness, are the "unclean." The next question will be the time. Portland, Jan., 1842. G. F. COX. [No. VI.] DIFFICULTIES IN DATING PROPHETIC TIMES. I MR. EDITOR-I write in great haste. have but little time to devote to the press. For the last four weeks I have scarcely had two hours that I could call my own. I have been out, too, in about every storm during that period. This must be my apology for not furnishing this article earlier. To-day I |