that does not search the Scriptures for their precious pearls. Truth or God's Word changes not, even though man does. nineteen hundred years ago, and in the still "What sayeth the Scripture?" was a question put to the people by St. Paul almost more remote ages of the past the same question was sounded, and it shall continue to sound and resound until the end of time. We are by nature dying, religious and social beings. The most vital and interesting question of each human heart has ever been and shall continue to be, "Where shall I spend eternity?" The counter-question of Jesus points the seeking world to the eternal fountain of life, "How readest thou?" or "What sayeth the Scripture ?" This humble little messenger, freighted with Holy Scripture and thus made a living thing by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, is prayerfully sent forth with the blessed hope that it shall be the means of opening the understanding of, and guiding many unto the acceptance of, the plain and everlasting words of truth concerning the last things, as sayeth the Scripture. DES MOINES, Iowa. P. J. G. CONTENTS Comment The Resurrection of Jesus- Belief in His Resurrection Necessary for Our Salvation-There Shall Be a Difference Clear Teaching of the Old Comment-Its Certainty-The Purify- ing of the Earth-Eternal Separation— INTRODUCTION Ar any time the discussion of any phase of the subject of Eschatology, or the doctrine of the Last Things, as treated in Theology, awakens curiosity, if it does not arouse genuine interest. Other divisions of Dogmatics, such as Anthropology, Christology, etc., have acquired a more or less fixed form and reduced the field of controversy within the Church to minor details. But not so with questions that pertain to Eschatology. The answer to many of these is dependent upon the interpretation given to the Apocalyptic literature of the Bible, which is so varied that uniformity of treatment is largely wanting. In consequence, no department of theology has lent itself so frequently to fanciful speculation and profitless controversy. Recent events have greatly stimulated interest in this literature. The awful catas trophe that has fallen upon the nations of the earth has led many to seek an explanation of the crisis that will satisfy the head, heart and conscience of man, and thus justify the ways of God to those who reflect. Hence many devout men have begun to study their Bibles with increased interest, and especially the book of Revelation and other portions of the apocalyptic literature. Those who see in these writings an outline of the political history of the world from the time of the first Advent to the end of the world are looking for the consummation of all things and the inauguration of Christ's universal reign as the issue of the great war. There are others who do not anticipate any such result of the gigantic struggle. It is, therefore, of first importance to know exactly what the Scriptures do contain concerning things to come. Moreover, the practical bearing of the doctrines involved always invite attention. They have fostered the wildest fanaticism in some, and nourished a sane and profound piety in many others. They have been the moving cause of the most impractical schemes and arrogant sectarianism, |