"Happy is he, who readeth, and those, who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep the things, written in it: for the season is near." Rev.1:3. Those who teach that the Apocalypse is a "sealed book," most clearly contradict the testimony of Christ respecting it. To discourage the study of it, is to treat with neglect, and to despise what God has spoken in these last days by his Son, Heb.1:2; of whom it is said: "See that ye refuse not him that speaketh; for if they escaped not who refused him who spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven," Heb.12:25. Those who thus neglect it, cannot regard the blessing promised to those who read, hear, and keep its sayings. The Apocalypse is not to be undervalued as unprofitable; for "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works," 2 Tim.3:16, 17. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope," Rom.15:4. "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me," John 5:39. "Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me," Isa.45:11. "Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book," Rev.22:7. |