d proved themselves to be as
truly idolaters as were the worshipers of graven images. And the results
of this union were no less pernicious now than in former ages; pride and
extravagance were fostered under the guise of religion, and the churches
became corrupted. Satan continued to pervert the doctrines of the Bible,
and traditions that were to ruin millions were taking deep root. The
church was upholding and defending these traditions, instead of contending
for "the faith which was once delivered to the saints." Thus were degraded
the principles for which the Reformers had done and suffered so much.

17. HERALDS OF THE MORNING.

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One of the most solemn and yet most glorious truths revealed in the Bible
is that of Christ's second coming, to complete the great work of
redemption. To God's pilgrim people, so long left to sojourn in "the
region and shadow of death," a precious, joy-inspiring hope is given in
the promise of His appearing, who is "the resurrection and the life," to
"bring home again His banished." The doctrine of the second advent is the
very key-note of the Sacred Scriptures. From the day when the first pair
turned their sorrowing steps from Eden, the children of faith have waited
the coming of the Promised One to break the destroyer's power and bring
them again to the lost Paradise. Holy men of old looked forward to the
advent of the Messiah in glory, as the consummation of their hope. Enoch,
only the seventh in descent from them that dwelt in Eden, he who for three
centuries on earth walked with his God, was permitted to behold from afar
the coming of the Deliverer. "Behold," he declared, "the Lord cometh with
ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all."(450) The
patriarch Job in the night of his affliction exclaimed with unshaken
trust: "I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the
latter day upon the earth: ... in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall
see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another."(451)

The coming of Christ to usher in the reign of righteousness, has inspired
the most sublime and impassioned utterances of the sacred writers. The
poets and prophets of the Bible have dwelt upon it in words glowing with
celestial fire. The psalmist sung of the power and majesty of Israel's
King: "Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Our God
shall come, and shall not keep si