THIS is a question that does not confine itself to the time of the “gospel prophet.” There are many asking it in substance to-day. We are not alarmists. But we would not close our eyes to the condition of things about us, and rush blindly on with the “madding crowd ” to destruction. We would inquire calmly-and earnestly, “Watch-man, what of the night?” What mean this unrest among the nations, the terrible and wide-spread convulsions of nature, the fear and trembling on the part of rulers, the low state of religion? What do all these betoken? Watchman, what of the night?
Listen, pilgrim, we will tell thee. The world is in rebellion against its rightful Ruler, and the sad consequences of that rebellion are rapidly reaching their climax. The King is coming. Do you wish for signs?—They are all around you. Do you ask for proof that these are signs of His coming ?— Read what He Himself said in reply to the question, “What shall be the sign of thy coming?” “And there shall be signs in the sun and in the moon, and in the stars; and 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 that 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.” Luke 21:25-27.
Are not these things so? But, you say, all these have occurred all along in the ages of the past. True, we reply, but not all at one time, not so wide-spread, nor so intense. They have been scattered along the centuries of the past, but they culminate in the last days. Are you watching? The King commanded it. Mark 18:87. Signs in the heavens, in the political world, in the social world, in the religious world, all proclaim the above prophecy, Fulfilled and fulfilling.
What of the night?—”The morning cometh.” The long dark night of sin and sorrow, of want and woe is nearly over. Earth’s travail will soon be finished. Already the golden dawn of the golden day tips the mountain tops with the rosy light. The heralds of the King are proclaiming His coming, and He will soon be ushered in in His glory. He will meet His loved ones. He will take them to Himself. They will dwell with Him forever. The hope, oft darkened by doubt and dimmed by tears, will have changed to glad fruition.
“And also the night.” Yes, night will await those who have rejected the Crucified—a deeper, darker night than this world has ever known. Not a night lighted with effulgent moon, nor by occasional gleams from some lone star breaking through the fitful clouds. It will be a night of “the blackness of darkness forever,”— “everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and the glory of his power,” to “them that know not God, and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
But now Mercy waits. Night has not yet folded her sable doors. The long-suffering and love of the merciful King still plead with thee. In encouraging tones He entreats, “If ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.” Soon He will cease His pleading. His wounded hands and feet, His bleeding side, will avail no longer. It will be said, “It is done.” Turn, sinner, from thy ways. Return, backslider, to thy Father’s house. “Come.” He pleads with thee. He knocks at thy heart’s door for admission. He invites thee to His marriage feast. Dost thou make excuse? He will not compel thee to come, though He plead long. “The Spirit and the Bride say, Come.” “Who come?”—Whosoever will. The morning cometh! The King is near! Are you watching? “Blessed is that servant, whom His Lord when He cometh shall find so doing.”