I. The prophets prophesy falsely.
II. The priests bear rule by their means.
III. The people love to have it so.
IV. What will ye do in the end thereof ?.jpg)
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I. The Lord Jesus Christ has taught us, in his own interpretation of the parable of the tares of the field, that the children of the wicked one, the tares, are to grow together with the children of the kingdom, the wheat, until the harvest, which is the end of this world; when the angels, the reapers, shall gather the wicked as tares and cast them into the fire, and they shall be burned; and that then the righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
II. The priests bear rule by their means. In consequence of this fable of a glorious millennium to this world, which for almost six thousand years has been lying under the curse of God, and bringing forth continually its thorns and thistles-a fable which false prophets have invented; the priests at this time bear rule over the people, and keep them at ease in sin.
By preaching and praying much about this expected time of peace and safety, they turn the attention of men aside from the immense importance of being prepared for the coming of the great and notable day of the Lord.
III. The people love to have it so. This is true of great multitudes who call themselves God's people. Their love to Christ has waxed cold, and consequently they do not love his appearing; but, like Demas, they do love this present world, and therefore any fable, however groundless, which promises them long enjoyment in possessing the trifles of this world, is gladly received: they love to have it so.
IV. And what will ye do in the end thereof ? I know there are many who ask, what will be the result of saying the end of all things is at hand? But I read in my Bible, Isa. lxvi. 5: "Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at His word; your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for My name's sake, said, let the Lord be glorified-but He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." I have learned to tremble at the word of the Lord.
III. The people love to have it so. This is true of great multitudes who call themselves God's people. Their love to Christ has waxed cold, and consequently they do not love his appearing; but, like Demas, they do love this present world, and therefore any fable, however groundless, which promises them long enjoyment in possessing the trifles of this world, is gladly received: they love to have it so.
IV. And what will ye do in the end thereof ? I know there are many who ask, what will be the result of saying the end of all things is at hand? But I read in my Bible, Isa. lxvi. 5: "Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at His word; your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for My name's sake, said, let the Lord be glorified-but He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." I have learned to tremble at the word of the Lord.
Q: O, ye thoughtless, unbelieving ones,
what will ye do in the end thereof?"
Charles Fitch