ALONE WITH GOD     

  We will now turn to Rev. 20 :1-3—"And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the ~bottomless pit, . . . and after that he must be loosed a little season." Upon this scripture theological speculators have sat until the world is full of opposing theories. Most Millennial teachers admit that the book of Revelations is highly symbolic, but when they come to the twentieth chapter they all contend it must be interpreted literally. "Observe, dear reader, how closely Rev. 20:1-3 agrees with Rev. 12:7-10. It was the dragon that was bound by the angel—the dragon with seven heads and ten horns. Rev. 12:3, 4. There is but one dragon spoken of throughout the book of Revelation, and that dragon represents Pagan Rome. The appellations "old serpent," "Devil," and "Satan," in these texts have already been considered. The casting down of the dragon in Rev. 12 is identical with his binding in Rev. 20. The angel which came down from 'beaven and bound the dragon was Michael the archangel, i. e., Jesus Christ. He has the keys of death and hell. Rev. 1:18. The great chain with which he bound the dragon was the gospel of the kingdom. Christ with the eternal truths which he advocated, both in person and through his apostolic ministry, bound the religion of Paganism, and hurled it from its lofty position to the great abyss from which it emanated.

  "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."—Verses 4-6. The thousand years in these texts, like the one hundred and forty and four thousand in Rev. 7 :4; 14 :1, and the twelve hundred and sixty days in Rev. 12 :6; 11:3, are not to be understood literally. They signify a long period of time. "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them"—the glory of Christ's kingdom before the apostasy. Through the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit multitudes were raised up from a dead state in sins to life in Christ. This great host thus quickened into life in the clear morning of the Christian era composed the first great spiritual resurrection. Through full salvation they were made kings and priests unto God; and sitting upon thrones of love they reigned "in life" over sin, Satan, and disease. "And judgment was given unto them." The righteous judgments of God executed by the apostolic church against the works of darkness. This caused Satan's kingdom to fall "like lightning." But soon the apostasy came. The clear light of truth was largely extinguished by the darkness and superstitions that filled the earth. An awful beast power reigned for twelve hundred and sixty years. This was Popery. During her reign about fifty-five millions of God's people who would not "worship the beast," namely, submit to her doctrines, were put to death. Next came the religion of Protestantism, when an image to the first beast was made.

  During this long period of time the kingdom of God was largely hid under the human rubbish of men. The reign on earth ceased, and the only reign enjoyed by God's people during that "thousand years"—long period of time —was enjoyed with Christ in Paradise. The thousands who had taken part in the first resurrection, before the great apostasy, together with those mentioned in the fourth verse who lived true to God during the reign of the beast (Popery) and his image (Protestantism) many of whom were "beheaded for the witness of Jesus," as soon as they died were caught up unto God and to his throne and reigned with him in a disembodied state. While on earth the reign of God's people ceased, they still continued during that thousand years to reign with Christ in Paradise. But, thank God, the time has come that God's people again reign upon earth. Daniel with prophetic eye looked down to the end of the apostasy and saw the "ancient of days"—the old apostolic times—returning. And he said that "judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom."—Dan. 7 :21, 22. Hallelujah! That time has come. A mighty host is being gathered out of the apostasy; while thousands of the "rest of the dead" are being quickened into life. These stand upon the sea of glass (pure word and holiness of God), and have victory over ~e beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name. Rev. 15:2.

  Thus at both ends of the great apostasy God's kingdom triumphs upon earth, and a glorious reign of righteousness is enjoyed "in life" by the people of God; while spring the long period of apostasy, the only reign enjoyed by the people of God was with Christ in Paradise. The time has now come when the human rubbish of sectism, which for centuries past has hid from clear view the true church or kingdom of God, is being cleared away and consumed by the burning judgments of his truth. The church is again shining forth in power and unity. Every honest soul is fleeing out of the midst of Babylon confusion, and is coming to Zion with songs and everlasting joy. Isa. 35:10. Upon the plain of Armageddon the Lord is assembling his "mighty ones"—sanctified host. Read Isa. 13 :2-4; Rev. 16:16. "The Lord of hosts mustereth the hosts of the battle., God's holy messengers are "blowing the trumpet in Zion which calls together the elect from the four winds—Babylon confusion. Joel 2:1; Matt. 24: 30-33; Zech. 2:6, 7. Here the artillery of heaven is planted, and from the heights of Zion the gospel truths fall upon the partition walls of Babylon like "great hailstones." Ezek. 13:1015. This redeemed host of saints is already advancing against the "strongholds" of darkness, and the weapons of their warfare are "mighty through God" to the pulling down of the same. "A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth." This fire which devours is the word sent forth by the Spirit. "Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them." —Jer. 5:14. The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen so shall they run. Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array. Before their face the people shall be much pained. All face' shall gather blackness. [We see this today wherever the straight word is preached.] . . . And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army [All his sheep hear and know his voice, and they follow him. John 10.]: for his camp is very great; for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible, and who can abide it?"—Joel 2:-11.

  A description of the triumphs of Christ's kingdom in this evening time is given in Rev. 19:11-17—"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse and he that sat upon it was called Faithful and True: and in righteousness he cloth judge and make war.... He was clothed with vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called the Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, and out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: . . . and he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. And I saw an angel standing in the sun and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God."

  By turning to Rev. 6:1, 2 the reader will observe that about the same description of this white horse and his rider is given there. At the opening of the first seal John "saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow, and a crown was given unto him; and he lent forth conquering, and to conquer." This represents the kingdom of God as established by Christ in the beginning of this age. "White horse" denotes its purity and holiness. Jesus Christ enthroned universal king goes forth conquering the nations through his pure apostolic ministry, "leading captivity captive." This represents the triumphs of Christ's kingdom in the morning of the Christian era, while Rev. 19 describes its triumphs in the evening i the same. Jesus Christ is again riding forth in the realness of his strength executing his righteous judgments upon the works of darkness, and making war against all false religions. The armies which follow him are his sanctified saints, who are raised up in "heavenly places." these are clothed in fine linen, which represents their righteousness. See Verse 8. Upon the bridles of their horses is "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD."—Zech 14:20. The sharp sword that smites the nations is the word of oaf. Heb. 4:12. Those who are smitten are the thousands who refuse to walk in all the light, but reject and oppose the straight word. This includes the multitudes in Babylon today. The slain of the Lord are many. Isa. 66:15, 16. A great slaughter is now going on. Just lay down this book and carefully read the following scriptures: Jer. 3:12; Isa. 33:1-3, 5, 6, 8; Ezek. 39:4,17-20. The thousands ws slain by the word become a great spiritual "carcass" preyed upon by evil spirits. Matt. 24:28; Ezek. 39:4, 17; 19:17. Feathered fowls and birds of prey, in these texts, signify the deceptive spirits of devils that swarm in Babylon today. Rev. 18:2-4. These feast upon the dead carcasses of the Babylon professors. This feast is called "the supper of the great God." The word "supper" proves that this was to take place in the evening of time. Beloved reader, we are in that very time.

God is sweeping through the nations,
With an awful searching eye;
Ev'ry spot of imperfection
Must be purged, or hope must die.

Jesus gave himself to purchase
Him a pure and spotless bride;
In this evening time, he cleanseth
Her beneath the crimson tide.

For his church he now must suffer
This unwilling sacrifice:
Give to evil spirits' supper,
All who give to sin a place.

See "his sword is bathed in heaven"
And the mountains strewn with dead;
"All ye birds and beasts' assemble,"
Lo! a feast for you is spread.

Hear the angel loudly crying,
Standing in the blazing sun,
Wake, O man! while time is flying,
And the judgment has begun.

God is coming, O my brother;
Can you face the solemn day?
All the pure his angels gather,
The defiled become a prey.

—Selected.

  This great war against the false religions of earth is incurring the united opposition of the sectarian world. Multitudes of its deceived professors are rising in opposition to the truth. All counterfeit religions are uniting in confederation. This may culminate in a bloody persecution against the true church before the end. "And I saw the beast, and kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army."—Rev. 19:19. This brings us to consider the loosing of the dragon. It is said that after the expiration of the thousand years "he must be loosed a little season."—Rev. 20:3. "And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea."— Ver 8. The loosing of the dragon is the revival of the old Pagan religion in these last days. This is fulfilled in ~e devil-worship called Spiritualism, and in several other forms at the present time. Ever since the Congress of Religions held at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893, teachers of the religions of India and the Orient have been at work in this country and many converts have been made. Free Masonry is but a form of Paganism. We here give proofs from the pens and publications of this vast body, who are founded on what they call the "Ancient Mysteries." The following was compiled by Fred Husted.

  "Warburton says: 'Each of the Pagan gods had (beside the public and open) a secret worship paid unto him, to which none were admitted but those who had been elected by preparatory ceremonies called initiation. This secret worship was called "The Mysteries".

  "Mackey, another member of this order, says, "These mysteries existed in every country of heathendom, in each under a different name, and to some extent under a different form, but always and everywhere with the same design of inculcating (teaching) by allegorical and symbolical teachings the great Masonic doctrines of the unity of God and the immortality of the soul. This is one important proposition and the fact which it enumerates (states) must never be lost sight of, in any inquiry into the origin of Free Masonry; for the Pagan mysteries were to the spurious Free Masonry of antiquity precisely what the Masters' lodges are to the Free Masonry of the present day."

  "This is certainly a frank statement, coming as it does from a man who is an acknowledged and highly esteemed authority in matters pertaining to the craft. Daniel Sickles says, 'In Egypt, Greece, and among other ancient nations Free Masonry, that is, the Mysteries, was one of the earliest agencies employed to effect the improvement and enlightenment of man.' Pierson says, 'The identity of the Masonic institutions with the ancient Mysteries is obvious,' which means, clearly to be seen, manifest to any and all.

  "Masons say that the order is founded on the Bible— that is unlearned Masons say so. Geo. Wingate Chase, in the 'Digest of Masonic Law,' says, 'The Jews, the Turks, each reject either the New Testament or the Old or both, and yet we see no good reasons why they should not be made Masons. In fact, Blue Lodge [first three degrees] Masonry has nothing whatever to do with the Bible. It is not founded on the Bible. If it were, it would not be Masonry; it would be something else.' Sickles says in speaking of the third, or Master Mason's degree, 'There are characters impressed upon it which can not be misttaken. It is thoroughly Egyptian.' He further says that the tradition is older by a thousand years than Solomon. 'That our [Masonic] rites embrace all the possible circumstances of man, moral, social, and spiritual, and have a meaning high as the heavens, broad as the universe, and profound as eternity.'—Sickles in 'Gen. Chiman Rezon.' The writer was informed when the charges were given him 'that our ancient brethren worshipped in high hills or in low vales and that guards were placed to keep off cowans or eavesdroppers.' By referring to scriptures we at once find the character of those who worshipped on high hills and in low vales, and why they needed a guard to keep off eavesdroppers. 'Thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.'— Jer. 2:20; 3:6. 'Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree.'—Deut. 12:2. 'Enflaming your selves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the cliffs of the rocks.... Even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice.'—Isa. 57:5-7. They were not afraid of Ahab and Jezebel (2 Kings 7:10; 1 Kings 14 :23), and they grew and multiplied in their reigns, and in the reigns of all those of whom it is recorded that 'they did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord.' Some of the kings of Israel and Judah destroyed their high places for them and were highly favored of God for so doing.

  "Again, 'The precepts of Jesus could not have been made obligatory upon a Jew. A Christian would have denied the sanction of the Koran. A Mohammedan must have rejected the law of Moses, and a disciple of Zoroaster would have turned from all, to the teaching of his ZendAvesta. The universal law of nature, which the authors of the old charges have properly called the moral, is therefore the only law suited in every respect to be adopted as the Masonic code.'—Mackey's Text-book, 'Masonic Jurisprudence.' If the statements just quoted do not place the secret society of Masonry on a footing decidedly Pagan, it is difficult to say just where it does stand. Masons in opening and closing their lodges still look to the east, where the sun rises. Ezek. 8:1 And he brought me into the inner court of the Lord's house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the Lord, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.'

  "Tammuz or Osiris of Egypt, who is declared to be the original of Hiram Abiff the temple-builder, is still mourned for. Ezek. 8:14. See Young's Analytical Concordance or any standard Greek Mythology. Now see Pierson's 'Traditions of Free Masonry.' 'The Masonic legend stands by itself, unsupported by history, or other than its own traditions. Yet we readily recognize in Hiram Abiff the Osiris of the Egyptians, the Mithras of the Persians, the Bacchus of the Greeks [god of drunkenness, or feasts and the like], the Dionysis of the fraternity of artificers, and the Atys of the Phrygians, whose passions, deaths, and resurrections were celebrated by these people respectively.' Thus it is clearly shown that each one of these ancient nations had its counterfeit savior and redeemer, and it is here proved by the words of Masonic Grand Masters, authors, and authorities, that Masonry is of Pagan origin."

  At the present time there are several millions of devotees of this form of Paganism in this western or New World, and also many in the Old World. The spirit of old heathen Rome is reviving everywhere, and today it is uniting Gog and Magog against the saints, "and the beloved city [pure church]." Ver. 9. A careful study of Ezekiel 38 and 39 will convince you that by the terms "Gog and Magog" are meant the two forms of the great apostasy—Popery and Protestantism. It is an undeniable fact that the feelings between Catholics and Protestants are becoming more friendly. It is no uncommon thing today for a Catholic to approach Protestant people for means to erect houses of worship, and receive the same. The present Pope and bishops of Rome have frequently expressed themselves in favor of a union of all Christians(?). Cardinal Gibbons in several public addresses has expressed himself decidedly in favor of such a union. This desire has not only been expressed by the bishops of Rome, but by many Protestant divines. An article some time ago in "The Christian Advocate," a leading Methodist journal, strongly advocated a union with the Roman Catholic sect. There is today an almost universal cessation among the Protestants to protest against Catholicism. Hear the words of Bishop R. S. Foster of the M. E. sect before the New York conference, Nov. 9, 1886: "The popular idea is that the church of Rome is Antichrist. I do not agree with the popular belief. I regard that wonderful institution as a grand Christian camp." Thus we could multiply proofs of a union of all false religions, which is now well under headway, and must be apparent to all.

  The world's Parliament of Religions at Chicago in '93 marked an important epoch in this latest shift infernal. The dragon, beast, and false prophet met in "mutual confidence and respect ;" a "brotherhood" of religions. Theism, Judaism, Mohammedanism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Sintoism, Zoroastrianism, Catholicism, the Greek Church, and Protestantism in many forms, were all represented; and the chief devotees of all these religions met, as they said "to unite all religion against all irreligion; to make the golden rule the basis of this union; and to present to the world substantial unity of many religions." We here insert a few extracts from addresses made before the Parliament.

  President Charles Carroll Bonney in the opening address said: "Worshipers of God and lovers of man: Let us rejoice that we have lived to see this glorious day; . . . that we are permitted to take part in this solemn and majestic event of a World's Congress of Religions. The importance of this event cannot be overestimated. Its influence on the future relations of the various races of men, cannot be too highly esteemed. If this congress shall faithfully execute its duties with which it has been charged, it shall become the joy of the whole earth, and stand in human history like a new Mount Zion, crowned with glory, and marking the actual beginning of a new epoch of brotherhood and peace. For when the religious faiths of the world recognize each other as brothers, children of one Father, whom all profess to love and serve, then, and not till then, will the nations of the earth yield to the spirit of concord and learn war no more.... We meet on the mountain height of absolute respect for the religious convictions of each other.... This day the sun of a new era of religious peace and progress rises over the world, dispelling the dark cloud of sectarian strife. It is the brotherhood of religions."

  Chairman John Henry Barrows in his address said: "We are here not as Baptists and Buddhists, Catholics and Confucians, Parsees and Presbyterians, Methodists and Moslems; we are here as members of a Parliament of Religions, over which flies no sectarian flag, . . . but where for the first time in a large council is lifted up the banner of love, fellowship, brotherhood.... Welcome, one and all, thrice welcome to the world's first Parliament of Religions! Welcome to the men and women of Israel, the standing miracle of nations and religions! Welcome to the disciples of Prince Siddartha, the many millions who cherish their Lord Buddha as the light of Asia! Welcome to the high priests of the national religion of Japan! This city has every reason to be grateful to the enlightened ruler of 'the Sunrise Kingdom.' Welcome to the men of India, and all faiths! Welcome to all the disciples of Christ.... It seems to me that the spirits of just and good men hover over this assembly. I believe the spirit of Paul is here. I believe the spirit of the wise and humane Buddha is here, and of Socrates the searcher after truth. . . . When a few days ago I met for the first time the delegates who have come to us from Japan, and shortly after the delegates who have come to us from India, I felt that the arms of human brotherhood had reached almost around the globe."—"World's Parliament of Religions," Chap. III.

  We deem the foregoing sufficient proof that the "gathering together" in union of Paganism, Popery, and Protestantism has begun. The next World's Fair will show further developments of this great union. "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon [Paganism!, and out of the mouth of the beast [Popery], and out of the mouth of the false prophet [Protestantism]. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty."—Rev. 16 :13, 14. This great conflict is now on. It is clear that this confederation of Antichrist religions will become tyrannical, and wage a bitter persecution against the true saints of God. But when they shall "compass the camp of the saints about," to destroy them with one bloody stroke of martyrdom, fire shall come down from heaven and devour them (see Rev. 20:9); namely, "the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe . . . in that day."—2 Thess. 2:7-10 Then shall the dragon, beast, and false prophet be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever. Rev. 20:10; Rev. 19:20.