PROPHECY.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume I, Issue 2, 1 February 1855, Page 31

PROPHECY.

The minds of men in general, for the last few years, have been led to consider the sublime subject of prophecy, and the researches of eminent divines, especially of the Church of England, have thrown such a halo of light around the sacred record, that many of the public journals of the day have taken up the theme, to the no small gratification of their readers. | Knowing, so fully, the minds of the Natives, on this very important topic, it would be improper to apologize for introducing to their notice, what they are too eager to learn, namely, some explanations relative to the prophetical announcements of "the times of the end." Of course, a mere outline only, can be given, in a periodical like the present; and the difficulty we feel, is, as to the particular subject we should select, for the simple reason, that all the heavenly visions, are fraught with the most glowing interest, and in reference to their study it is emphatically declared, —"Blessed is he that readeth [i.e. draweth out the meaning] and they that hear [keep in mind and memory] the words of this prophecy." Our space being very limited, perhaps it will be as well to pass on at once, to the great climax of coming wonders, —the advent of the world's Redeemer, for the purpose of establishing his glorious kingdom on this earth, which has been devastated by sin, for nearly six thousand years. The enrapturing melodies of the inspired Hebrew poets seem to converge here; and in all their happy flights, they appear unwilling to unstring their harps until the centre of attraction is dwelt upon, —"Zion's King." Throughout the writings of the Apostles, the glowing theme is ever kept in view ; and, the Saviour himself, in his incomparable prayer, has taught us, that we are daily to petition for its fulfilment in the following words, —"Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven." The promise given to Adam and Eve, in the garden of paradise, relative to the bruising of the serpent's head, is yet to be fulfilled, for it is a lamentable truth, that the majority of the human race, are at this moment, the servants of the "serpent" or "god of this world," and no such power as this could be asserted by that monster, if the bruising or breaking to pieces, had been effected.

It is quite clear too, that St. Paul did cot look upon the declaration in question, as a prophecy already fulfilled, for, in the believers of his day, he says, "The G-oi of peace shall bruise satan under your feet shortly." We conclude, therefore, that the first great promise given to man, is to be accomplished when the Lord Jesus comes to'reign on the restored earth. We are informed that one period of Christ's Kingship on earth will be "a thousand years" and during this term satan "will be "bruised," that is he will be perfectly powerless, being confined to his own dark domain; and then, and not till then, shall "The kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ."