Page:The Last Judgement and Second Coming of the Lord Illustrated.djvu/160

 these words do not refer to the creation of another universe more magnificent than this we now inhabit, but to the creation of a new condition of internal life and duty among mankind. This, of course, implies the bringing into existence of a new Church, to supply the place among men of that which had perished by the perversion of their predecessors. It was to this effect that John wrote, "I beheld, and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, and the heaven departed as a scroll. I saw a great white throne and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away, and there was found no place for them." Who can really doubt that these things are said of the corrupted life and conduct of a perverted Church? Judgment is the subject treated of, as every one may see who will consult the chapter; and as that event cuts off a consummated Church from all connection with the Lord, it is said to perish. So when the apostle subsequently said, "I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away;" the meaning is that a new Church, with a new interior life and faith, would be formed among mankind, and take the place of that which had passed away, in consequence of its corruptions. No one can reasonably suppose such passages to relate to the dissolution of one universe and the creation of another! What use could that promote? Would such a creation display God's "glory more than the preservation of this by which we are surrounded? Could one more beautiful be constructed? Has God made an imperfect thing? Was He indifferent about His work, or did He refuse to put forth all the energies of His wisdom in its production? As these things cannot be admitted, how plain is it that no such destruction as some suppose, is intended.