Posted on 09/24/2001 11:11:46 AM PDT by Scythian
I am a Christian but I am still afraid, especially for my young children. I know that it is difficult to find the US in biblical prophecy, especially in the end times. Could it be that we simply don't exist? I fear that is the answer.
Maybe the beast that rises out of the sea in revelation is not the UN but Terrorism, different from the others beasts is it not? There is no way the US can protect itself from biological, chemical or nuclear weapons, we haven't the will to fight political correctness and evict our enemies.
As terrible as this sounds, I'm afraid, I mean really afraid, it's effecting my ability to concentrate and work. Forgive me for posting this.
Yea, your fear's a very serious one; but quite manageable.
You'll (undoubtably) have no trouble eating, sleeping, or most importantly, posting.
While this one's obviously teetering on the precipice of an abyss.
Geshhhh.
I can't believe this is the 21st century.
Put your concerns to work for your family, yourself, your Nation, and the civilized world. Find a way to support the effort to beat back the evil that is our enemy and as you do the good work your fear will change to a firm resolve. Your fear is a victory for evil, your resolve is a victory for good.
Do you have a year's supply of food?
Do you have an emergency preparedness kit.?
Do you have coins and cash in case their are no ATMS?
Do you have a network of friends that can help in a time of tragedy?
Do you know the best escape route out of your town or city?
Are you eating right, and sleeping right? Are you getting plenty of excercise (including strength training)?
Do you know how to exist in the mountains or forests?
Do you have a gun and plenty of ammo and do you know how to use it?
Is your car full of gas?
Do you have an alternative source of power and water and batteries?
Are you reading your scriptures?
Being proactive takes away the fears that satan has so deftly put into your mind and heart.
To the Christian, Faith in God through Christ overcomes all fear. We know where we're going, we don't know when, but even that ultimately does'nt matter.
Leave the 'interpretation' of prophecy up to those who would waste their time on speculation and work on strengening your faith. God is in charge, He knows the outcome, and that really is enough.
It's in the terrorists job description to instill fear. Terror. Terror-ists. Don't let them succeed with you. You're not a victim, you're a survivor. All of us are except those in the buildings. Please WALK out of your funk and do something. On 9/11 I went to church and then the hardware store. The hardware store was even more healing than church because it put life back into perspective.
Not exactly. Jesus said that we will not know the day or time, but we would know that it is near by the signs. The signs are fairly apparent, to me.
And He meant, watch and be ready, not watch in fear!
Leni
We are told that all have sinned and are guilty before God. And that there is only one way to be "justified" in God's sight (through His Son, Jesus Christ).
Romans 3:20-26
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will
be justified in His sight, for by the law is the
knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the
law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the
Prophets,
22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in
Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For
there is no difference;
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory
of God,
24 being justified freely by His grace through the
redemption that is in Christ Jesus,
25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His
blood, through faith, to demonstrate His
righteousness, because in His forbearance God had
passed over the sins that were previously committed,
26 to demonstrate at the present time His
righteousness, that He might be just and the
justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
We are told there is no other name given by which we are saved.
Acts 4:12
12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no
other name under heaven given among men by which we
must be saved."
And we see in Romans 10:9-13
9 [ ... ] that if you confess with your mouth the
Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has
raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart one believes unto
righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made
unto salvation.
11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him
will not be put to shame."
12 For there is no distinction between Jew and
Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who
call upon Him.
13 For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall
be saved."
And then if these things are really true with you, then you'll surely read God's word and find out more of what He has to say to you and to your kids and family. Getting into God's word and having a good church to go to (which teaches and preaches the honest-to-goodness Word of God) is important.
And with that, then you can depend upon these things --
Romans 8:15-39
15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage
again to fear, but you received the Spirit of
adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit
that we are children of God,
17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and
joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with
Him, that we may also be glorified together.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this
present time are not worthy to be compared with the
glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creation
eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not
willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in
hope;
21 because the creation itself also will be
delivered from the bondage of corruption into the
glorious liberty of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation groans and
labors with birth pangs together until now.
23 Not only that, but we also who have the
firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan
within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption,
the redemption of our body.
24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is
seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for
what he sees?
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly
wait for it with perseverance.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.
For we do not know what we should pray for as we
ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for
us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the
mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession
for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for
good to those who love God, to those who are the
called according to His purpose.
29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be
conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be
the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also
called; whom He called, these He also justified; and
whom He justified, these He also glorified.
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is
for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered
Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also
freely give us all things?
33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It
is God who justifies.
34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died,
and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the
right hand of God, who also makes intercession for
us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or
famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed
all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the
slaughter."
37 Yet in all these things we are more than
conquerors through Him who loved us.
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things
present nor things to come,
39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created
thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of
God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
And especially here --
28 And we know that all things work together for
good to those who love God, to those who are the
called according to His purpose.
So, count on it and depend upon it.
I am a Christian but I am still afraid, especially for my young children. I know that it is difficult to find the US in biblical prophecy, especially in the end times. Could it be that we simply don't exist? I fear that is the answer.
Well, a good dose of "caution" in normal everyday life is good for anyone. I wouldn't dispense with that. However, fear for a Christian, with the "thought of things spinning out of control" is a really more unbelief (not believing God). God says that nothing happens without either His direct permission or direct intervention. That means that nothing happens to you without Him being intimately invovled in whatever it is. It's a sin to distrust God and fear that things are out of His control. They're not and they're certainly not with you as an individual and certainly not with your kids and/or any of your family. That doesn't mean that bad things won't happen, but rather that God will only allow what is in His permissive or direct will -- and you know that He's looking directly after every last single Christian -- without a doubt.
If it's time for you or anyone else to leave this world -- then God chooses that to be so. If that's what it is with you, then so be it and you'll be with the Lord. We're immediately with the Lord if we leave this present world. We don't live in fear in this world.
As far as where the U.S. is in Bible prophecy, well..., in the Tribulation period every nation will be judged, including Israel (and the U.S., too). Not a single nation is spared. The Christians, however, will be taken out of this world, at the time of the Rapture and they will be spared the "wrath of God" upon this world.
And so, during that time, it will be a time of judgement and destruction upon the U.S. -- like it will be upon the rest of the world. However, there still will be people (who are "left behind") who will survive this holocaust of judgement from God. And they will make it to the time of the return of Christ (with all the believers with Christ, who were taken out during the Rapture).
So, no..., I don't think it will be that the U.S. will not exist -- but it may be *severely judged* and damaged during this time. However, I believe it will survive. There is something further here with an "angelic visitation" to George Washington, which may shed some light on this. I'll look for it later and post it here.
Maybe the beast that rises out of the sea in revelation is not the UN but Terrorism, different from the others beasts is it not? There is no way the US can protect itself from biological, chemical or nuclear weapons, we haven't the will to fight political correctness and evict our enemies.
The beast out of the sea is the one-world power of the Tribulation time, that one world government and "final empire" that the Bible describes, from the previous world empires listed in the Bible. It's a "world empire" that is being described. The beast out of the land is the Antichrist, who is given a "mouth to speak" and speak in the presence and power of the first beast (that one-world government). And yes, the U.S. will be part of that one-world government (because the Bible says it covers the "whole world").
But, yes, the U.S. can protect itself -- if, and only if -- it turns to God. It is only by God's protection and will that the U.S. exists at all. So, that is where people need to turn.
And God always protects His own. And when one of His own is killed and/or taken out of this world -- He also chooses that to be so, and it's only by His direct permission.
As terrible as this sounds, I'm afraid, I mean really afraid, it's effecting my ability to concentrate and work. Forgive me for posting this.
Look to God and not to the circumstances. It's a sin to not trust God and to doubt His care and His ability to see you through whatever the circumstances may be. Trust Him and He will not let you down.
But for you to "see" this (i.e., to really "understand it") you should make sure you read His word faithfully and regularly to see what He says, and to gain understanding from His Spirit guiding you.
Have no fear, for God is with His own, at all times.
I'm not an expert on Biblical end-time events, nor do I think Jesus required that of us. A brief reading of the scripture will leave you exactly the question you are asking. (Where is America in prophecy?) There are only 2 existing theories that hold any weight as far as I've read.
One is that WE are mystery Babylon/Beast etc.. and the other is we either don't exist as a nation or that we are irrelevant.
Now based on the first assumption, that WE are the beast...etc., you have to understand that one of the requirements is 'being drunk with the blood of the saints'. That's not US. I repeat: America is NOT drunk with the blood of the saints. We are a nation of the opposite.
(Now for those of you lurking and saying, "oh yeah, what about abortion...?" Stop it. There is no biblical evidence that puts forth evidence that EVERY aborted child goes to heaven. Try and find it- it's not there (key term here is: EVERY). BESIDES the fact that CHINA is using abortion at a MUCH greater rate than we are. Who is MORE guilty of abortion USA or China? Abortion is not a relevant subject in this case- we don't CELEBRATE it and CHEER for it....)
So that leaves but one other theory: We are gone or irrelevant. So yes, that's "scary". It frightens me also. Jesus sweat BLOOD the night before he was crucified...talk about being ANXIOUS! So don't let people tell you that being anxious is not biblical. PAUL WORRIED about his brethren in many of his letters. IT's OK. Phillipians 4:6,7 recognizes anxiety and offers a relief from it. It does not deny it will come, it offers a SOLUTION.
The Bible recognizes that we, as Christians will SEE danger and death. The Psalmest in #23 was not oblivious to the 'valley of the shadow of death', he knew EXACTLY where he was.
So where does this leave us, as christians? I don't know. I believe the 'stage' is being set for the end. My gut feeling,(that's all: just a gut feeling-not prophecy), is that our President is aware of this also. IF he IS, as he claims, born-again, (and I believe he is..), then HE will have about the same amount of information that you and I have. I would not want to be in his shoes.
With all this in mind, please comfort yourself with this: God KNOWS that you don't know what's going on. As he sets the stage, he is aware of your ignorance...and mine also. He PLANNED it that way. ON PURPOSE. I have a few theories on why it's this way....but they aren't relevant here. Just realize that Hebrews defines faith clearly as 'the substance of things hoped for and evidence things not seen'. If you 'knew' exactly what He was doing, and could 'see' it, it's not faith anymore, is it?
Scythian, you will read 'prophecy experts' and they will contradict one another. The BEST ones are those who are willing to step up to the plate, right now, and state that they are clueless as to what's being played out. If they were honest with you. But most 'experts' would have TOO MUCH to lose by saying that, and should be dismissed. God is not a respector of persons, and places very little on things that are 'greatly esteemed among men.' As CHILDREN we approach Him. Not as His advisor.
It's GOOD to talk about these things, it's GOOD to read the Bible, and gain understanding of these times. It's GOOD to feel helpless (2 tim. 3:12, 1st Corith 2:1-16...for there is the STRENGTH of God. It's GOOD to know what the Bible says. (2 Thess. 2). Dwell on these, and Phil. 4:6,7 have their effect, as promised.
You should be ashamed to take the name 'Scythian' and post this:
There is no way the US can protect itself from biological, chemical or nuclear weapons, we haven't the will to fight political correctness and evict our enemies.
As terrible as this sounds, I'm afraid, I mean really afraid, it's effecting my ability to concentrate and work.
What would those ancient, noble horsemen of the Asian steppes say to this kind of defeatist, selfish whining!?
I am getting really sick of the response of a lot of 'Christians' to this latest attack on America: "Woe is me--This is The End of Days!" Find you no succor now in the words of Our Savior!? Find you no comfort in Psalms!?
Yeah, Mr. Beamer and the rest of the those valiant fellows on Flight 93 were Christians. They found such comfort and hope in their faith that they had the confidence to fight the hi-jackers to their death to save other Americans.
Where can I find these kind of Christians?
Ummm...this is incorrect, and one of the problems with translations outside of the KJV.
The verse states "4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming?" It's the PROMISE that is being questioned, not his coming. The scoffers mentioned in the earlier verse, believe in creation, say their fathers are 'asleep'(not dead), in short, they believe PARTS of the Bible, but not all. The scoffers question where the PROMISE is, in the Bible.
In that sense, it would not be unusual for some miraculous things to have happened, and I believe they certainly did -- as the reputation of George Washington being supernaturally protected was well-known at the time (having also been attested to by the Indians of the area (from reports that I've seen), during some Indian wars. Washington was also very cognizant of God's dealings in the affairs of mankind and in the formation of this country.
The following is an account of Washington's angelic visitation, in which he was told of three major events in the coming history of the United States (the country not having been formed yet). The current one that Washington was in, was told about, then two others in the future -- for a total of three "life-threatening events" for the country.
The second one (after the Revolutionary War, that being the first one) was the Civil War.
The third one, described below, has not yet happened. BUT, it may be in the process of happening now (just at the beginning stages). The description is a frightening one, even worse than we saw in New York and Washington DC. However, the "resolution" of it is comforting and also *instructive*.
Now, this can be argued as to whether it's true or not -- but it's definitely documented as having come from a time period before the Civil War. So, it has a long history of being recorded in the United States Archives -- in the Library of Congress. So, it's documented that way. It's not any more thoroughly documented as having come from George Washington -- other than the original teller of the account. It goes no further back than that.
However, it has a definite "ring of truth". And having considered the content of the message, it is not "unlikely" to be true -- but rather, more likely to fit into the plan of God.
So, although this doesn't rise to the level of Scripture, from which we take all guidance (as the Bible says), there are other things that we are given in this world in which we can gain further insight to things coming. This may be one of them.
The narrator of this story said (as recorded by the original article) --
"'Such, my friends,' the venerable narrator concluded, 'were the words I heard from Washington's own lips, and America will do well to profit by them.'"
It's the third event in that "angelic visitation" -- of course -- that's of the most interest right now. It probably portends events in the end times, just before the coming of Christ. Whether it will be prior to the Rapture or not, is unknown. So, many here may actually see it come to pass.
These events are probably most definitely linked to the end times, because the Antichrist would probably most definitely not be able to rule the world (via the Western Powers, as shown in Revelation) unless the U.S. comes under this kind of attack, as is explained below. The "new world order" under the Antichrist cannot come into being unless the U.S. is under control of that world dictator (or "too occupied" to be relevant), and this may be the event that does it -- "for a time".
There will be a massive invasion and attack upon the United States and upon its land and the people who live here. And they will be nearly overcome -- but -- just as God has guided from the beginning the affairs of all nations, so He guides the affairs of the United States (especially so), as He has always.
And in the darkest moments of the coming, major third event, foretold -- the angel who is charged with overseeing these affairs -- appears --
"Instantly a LIGHT AS OF A THOUSAND SUNS shone down from above me, and pierced and broke into fragments the dark cloud which enveloped America. At the same moment the angel upon whose head still shone the word 'Union,' and who bore our national flag in one hand and a SWORD in the other, DESCENDED FROM THE HEAVENS ATTENDED BY LEGIONS OF WHITE SPIRITS. These immediately joined the inhabitants of America, who I perceived were WELL-NIGH OVERCOME, but who immediately taking courage again, closed up their broken ranks and renewed the battle.
and it is said --
"Then once more, I beheld the villages, towns and cities SPRINGING UP where I had seen them before, while the BRIGHT ANGEL, planting the azure standard he had brought in the midst of them, cried with a loud voice: 'While the stars remain, and the heavens send down dew upon the earth, SO LONG SHALL THE UNION LAST.' And taking from his brow the CROWN on which blazoned the word 'Union,' he placed it upon the standard while the people KNEELING DOWN said, 'Amen.'
The "union" which was formed from God's superintending guidance -- and according to His will -- remains to the end, still under His providential care.
The coming events are probably not too far away..., maybe only a matter of months or a few years. Christ's return is not too far beyond that.
It's time for people to prepare for the coming events. May Christ come quickly... Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. (Matthew 23:39)
----------
Taken from this web page (but this exists from many other sources) --
http://www.thekingsnetwork.com/heritage/washington.htm
Editors log; I ran across Washington's vision several years ago. The original source was the forerunner to today's Star's and Stripes magazine (published for our men and women in the armed forces).
Originally called The National Tribune, the newspaper was billed as a "Monthly Journal devoted to the Soldiers, Sailors, and Pensioners of the United States, and the instruction of the Family Circle."
However, at the time I came across this, I was skeptical and decided to track down the original source some time later. I finally verified the authenticity of the article by obtaining a copy of the magazine on microfilm film reel from the Library of Congress. I then made photocopies of which I now have in my possession.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
George Washington's Vision
"The last time I ever saw Anthony Sherman was on the fourth of July, 1859, in Independence Square. He was then 99 years old, and becoming very feeble. But though so old, his dimming eyes rekindled as he gazed upon Independence Hall, which he had come to visit once more.
"'Let's go into the hall,' he said. 'I want to tell you of an incident of Washington's life -- one which no one alive knows of except myself; and if you live, you will before long see it verified. Mark the prediction, you will see it verified.
"'From the opening of the Revolution we experienced all phases of fortune, now good and now ill, one time victorious and another conquered. The darkest period we had, I think, was when Washington after several reverses, retreated to Valley Forge, where he resolved to pass the winter of 1777. Ah! I have often seen the tears coursing down our dear commander's careworn cheeks, as he would be conversing with a confidential officer about the condition of his poor soldiers. You have doubtless heard the story of Washington's going into the thicket to pray. Well, it was not only true, but he used to pray often in secret for aid and comfort. And God brought us safely through the darkest days of tribulation.
"'One day, I remember it well, the chilly winds whistled through the leafless trees, though the sky was cloudless and the sun shone brightly. He remained in his quarters nearly all the afternoon, alone. When he came out I noticed that his face was a shade paler than usual, and there seemed to be something on his mind of more than ordinary importance. Returning just after dusk, he dispatched an orderly to the quarters of an officer, who was presently in attendance. After a preliminary conversation of about half an hour, Washington, gazing upon his companion with that strange look of dignity which he alone could command, said to the latter:
"I do not know whether it is owing to the anxiety of my mind, or what, but this afternoon, as I was sitting at this table engaged in preparing a dispatch, something in the apartment seemed to disturb me. Looking up, I beheld standing opposite me a singularly beautiful being. So astonished was I, for I had given strict orders not to be disturbed, that it was some moments before I found language to inquire the cause of the visit. A second, a third, and even a fourth time did I repeat the question, but received no answer from my mysterious visitor except a slight raising of the eyes.
"But this time I felt strange sensations spreading over me. I would have risen but the riveted gaze of the being before me rendered volition impossible. I assayed once more to speak, but my tongue had become useless, as if paralyzed. A new influence, mysterious, potent, irresistible, took possession of me. All I could do was to gaze steadily, vacantly at my unknown visitor.
"Gradually the surrounding atmosphere seemed to fill with sensations, and grew luminous. Everything about me seemed to rarefy, the mysterious visitor also becoming more airy and yet more distinct to my eyes than before. I began to feel as one dying, or rather to experience the sensations which I have sometimes imagined accompany death. I did not think, I did not reason, I did not move. All were alike impossible. I was only conscious of gazing fixedly, vacantly at my companion.
"Presently I heard a voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn,' while at the same time my visitor extended an arm EASTWARD. I now beheld a heavy white vapor at some distance rising fold upon fold. This gradually dissipated, and I looked upon a strange scene. Before me lay, spread out in one vast plain, all the countries of the world -- Europe, Asia, Africa and America. I saw rolling and tossing between Europe and America the billows of the Atlantic, and between Asia and America lay the Pacific. 'Son of the Republic,' said the same mysterious voice as before, 'Look and learn.'
"At that moment I beheld a dark, shadowy being, like an angel, standing, or rather floating in midair, BETWEEN EUROPE AND AMERICA. Dipping water out of the ocean in the hollow of each hand, he sprinkled some UPON AMERICA with his right hand, while with his left he cast some OVER EUROPE. Immediately a cloud arose FROM THESE COUNTRIES, and joined in mid-ocean. For a while it seemed stationary, and then it moved slowly WESTWARD, until it ENVELOPED AMERICA in its murky folds. Sharp flashes of lightning gleamed through it at intervals, and I heard the smothered groans and cries of the American people.
"A second time the angel dipped water from the ocean and sprinkled it out as before. The dark cloud was then DRAWN BACK to the ocean, in whose heavy billows it sank from view.
"A third time I heard the mysterious visitor saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' I cast my eyes upon America and beheld villages and towns and cities SPRINGING UP ONE AFTER ANOTHER UNTIL THE WHOLE LAND FROM THE ATLANTIC TO THE PACIFIC WAS DOTTED WITH THEM. Again, I heard the mysterious voice say, 'Son of the Republic, the END OF THE CENTURY cometh, look and listen.'
"And this time the dark shadowy angel turned his face SOUTHWARD. From AFRICA I saw an ill-omened specter approach our land. It flitted slowly and heavily over EVERY town and city of the latter. The inhabitants presently set themselves in BATTLE ARRAY AGAINST EACH OTHER. As I continued looking I saw a bright angel on whose brow rested a crown of light, on which was traced the word 'UNION.' He was bearing the American flag. He placed the flag between the DIVIDED NATION and said, 'Remember, ye are BRETHREN.'
"Instantly, the inhabitants, casting down their weapons, became friends once more and UNITED around the National Standard.
"Again I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' At this the dark, shadowy angel placed a TRUMPET to his mouth, and blew three distinct blasts; and taking water from the ocean, he sprinkled it upon Europe, Asia and Africa.
"Then my eyes beheld a fearful scene. From each of these continents arose thick black clouds that were soon joined into one. And through this mass there gleamed a DARK RED LIGHT by which I saw HORDES OF ARMED MEN. These men, moving with the cloud, MARCHED BY LAND AND SAILED BY SEA TO AMERICA, which country was enveloped in the volume of the cloud. And I dimly saw these VAST ARMIES DEVASTATE THE WHOLE COUNTRY and burn the villages, towns and cities which I had seen springing up.
"As my ears listened to the thundering of the cannon, clashing of sounds and the shouts and cries of MILLIONS in mortal combat, I again heard the mysterious voice saying, "Son of the Republic, look and learn." When this voice had ceased, the dark shadowy angel placed his TRUMPET once more to his mouth, and blew a long and fearful blast.
"Instantly a LIGHT AS OF A THOUSAND SUNS shone down from above me, and pierced and broke into fragments the dark cloud which enveloped America. At the same moment the angel [?] upon whose head still shone the word 'Union,' and who bore our national flag in one hand and a SWORD in the other, DESCENDED FROM THE HEAVENS ATTENDED BY LEGIONS OF WHITE SPIRITS. These immediately joined the inhabitants of America, who I perceived were WELL-NIGH OVERCOME, but who immediately taking courage again, closed up their broken ranks and renewed the battle.
"Again, amid the fearful noise of the conflict I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' As the voice ceased, the shadowy angel for the last time dipped water from the ocean and sprinkled it upon America. Instantly the dark cloud rolled back, together with the armies it had brought, leaving the inhabitants of the land victorious.
"Then once more, I beheld the villages, towns and cities SPRINGING UP where I had seen them before, while the BRIGHT ANGEL, planting the azure standard he had brought in the midst of them, cried with a loud voice: 'While the stars remain, and the heavens send down dew upon the earth, SO LONG SHALL THE UNION LAST.' And taking from his brow the CROWN on which blazoned the word 'Union,' he placed it upon the standard while the people KNEELING DOWN said, 'Amen.'
"The scene instantly began to fade and dissolve, and I at last saw nothing but the rising, curling vapor I at first beheld. This also disappeared, and I found myself once more gazing upon the mysterious visitor, who in the same voice I had heard before, said, 'Son of the Republic, what you have seen is thus interpreted. THREE GREAT PERILS will come upon the Republic. THE MOST FEARFUL FOR HER IS THE THIRD. But the whole world united shall not prevail against her. Let every child of the Republic LEARN TO LIVE FOR HIS GOD, his land and Union.' With these words the vision vanished, and I started from my seat and felt that I had seen a vision wherein had been shown me the birth, the progress, and the destiny of the United States.
"'Such, my friends,' the venerable narrator concluded, 'were the words I heard from Washington's own lips, and America will do well to profit by them.'"
Jesus said 'take no thought for the morrow' and yet you tell him to prepare. Your advice is not Biblical. (except the portion where you suggest READING the scripture, but even then you forget to say: ...and APPLY them)
100% agreed - I was focused on the scoffer part, and should have used a better translation. Thanks.
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