Page:The Last Judgement and Second Coming of the Lord Illustrated.djvu/320

 events which they relate, as having occurred in the spiritual workd, in due time had their influence with men on earth. The judgment which the Lord executed in the world of spirits at His first advent, was followed, in the first place, as before remarked, by calamities among mankind; of this the Jewish wars afford sufficient example: but that region of spiritual existence having been reduced to order, we find that beneficial influences were brought to bear upon mankind, and that a new condition of humanity was then commenced. What a change did the establishment of Christianity effect among the nations? The external teachings of the apostles, if they had not been accompanied by an internal influence from on high, would not have been adequate to produce such results. External teaching and internal influence were both necessary for their accomplishment. Hence we read that the disciples "went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following." From these considerations it seems evident that whenever the Lord fulfils His promise to come again, it will be indicated by some similar results among mankind. Thus, when the Lord comes personally into the world of spirits to establish a new condition of order there, He will also come influentially into the world of men, to bring about a new state of intelligence with them. Surely a state of order in the one must be followed by some advantages in the other. The Lord does not clear the way and then refuse to send by it the blessings He is wishful to bestow. The ultimate purpose of the Divine coming must be to benefit the world by communicating to men some superior information, especially concerning His Word, the Lord working with it, and raising society unto a higher platform of practical and