Homilist Revelation 18:1-8 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.… I. This rule COMMENDS ITSELF TO OUR SENSE OF JUSTICE. That those of the wicked who in this world live in affluence, and have more than heart can wish, possess abundant opportunities for intellectual and moral improvement, and means of doing good, should in future retribution fare alike with those who have none of these blessings or advantages, would be an outrage on our sense of right. Justice requires a balancing of human affairs, a kind of compensation for existing discrepancies, and this mankind will have in the great retributive future. II. This rule ANSWERS TO BIBLICAL TEACHING. Throughout the whole Scripture record it is taught that sinners, after they have passed through their probationary period, will be dealt with according to the mercies they have abused, the opportunities they have neglected, and the advantages they have wasted. "He that knoweth his Master's will and doeth it not," etc. "It will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah," etc. "Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime didst receive," etc. III. This rule AGREES WITH UNIVERSAL EXPERIENCE. Conscious contrast between a propitious past and a distressing present is and must ever be an element in mental suffering. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. |
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