1885 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

that the love of many would wax cold; that the trial would be toosevere for some, but he that should endure to the end would besaved. Can we imagine that such things are permitted without apurpose? The apostolic age was rife with them; is it a marvel if wehave our share? There is but one answer on the part of enlightenedreason, and that answer will help us to stand in the midst of the eviland to hold fast unmoved the hope of the gospel, looking to Christ,who lives, distrusting ourselves, who die. Our life is fleeting away;the battle will soon be over. Be strong and of good comfort. Standfast; quit you like men. Keep close to the word in daily reading,and the peace of God will rule your hearts and minds and preserveyou amid all chafes and tumults, unto his glorious kingdom, whichwill heal all sores, and chase all darkness for ever away.Your fellow-sufferer, fellow-soldier, fellow-pilgrim and fellowsuppliantof the mercy of God unto eternal life.R763 : page 4====================--Robert Roberts.THEN, THE END."Then, the End, when he shall give up the kingdom to the Godand Father; when he shall have abrogated all government and allauthority and power. For he must reign till he has placed allenemies under his feet." 1 Cor. 15:24,25.It is a blessed privilege which the Church of Christ may nowenjoy, to trace the plan of God for human salvation clear through toits consummation, and then to read with joyful satisfaction --Finis.So we find it foretold. Six thousand years of man's suffering anddying experience is ended, and we are in the beginning of theseventh (thousand year) day of human existence. This seventhmillennium is to be the most marked and eventful day in the historyof the race, a day to be specially remembered throughout themultiplied ages to follow. For six thousand years death has beenswallowing up the human race as fast as it came into existence.The elements of decay, both physical and moral, are at work at theheart of every opening bud of human life. But the now dawningseventh day shall witness the reversing of this order, the undoing ofall this work of destruction.It is variously designated in the Scriptures as the Day of Judgment,the Times of Restitution, the Resurrection Day, and the Day ofChrist. In the dawn of this day the kingdom is to be set up, and sothorough will be its work that when this seventh day shall close, noforce or governmental power will be necessary to secure obedienceto God's will; for his will shall then be done on earth as it is done inheaven, without compulsion, freely, and from choice.