We continue with extracts from Benjamin Wills Newton’s book, Prospects of the Ten Kingdoms, the chapter 6 — THOUGHTS ON THE HISTORY OF PROFESSING CHRISTIANITY, AS GIVEN IN THE PARABLES OF MATTHEW XIII.
I would commend a close reading of these extracts for they deal with the very issue of ‘decay within Christendom’ that we see all around.
Here is Part 4, which covers pages 160-165.
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But it may be asked, Why should not the “mustard seed” grow ? Does it not in growing, merely fulfil the law of its nature? Why then may not the Church, which like its Master is well suited to rule, and to rule supremely, why should it not rise into greatness here? The answer is, Because of the character of this present age. So long as it pleases God to permit that Satan should continue the “prince of this world;” “the ruler of the darkness of this present age,” so long must it be true that Christ’s kingdom “is not from hence,” and therefore abasement, not “the reigning as kings,” must now be the characteristics of His servants on the earth. It is a question of time. Accordingly, every principle given to the Church in its present standing below, must necessarily check its growth as to all that could promote its exaltation in the earth. The taking up our cross daily and so losing our lives in this world, the spending and being spent for others, the following Jesus of Nazareth, are principles sufficient to deprive the Church, while it adheres to them, of all governmental influence now. Besides which, the active agency of Satan is against those who really cleave to the Truth of Christ. No wonder, therefore, that they should be blighted; no wonder· that in their measure, they · should be like Him, who, although He was indeed a tender plant, worthy of being cherished under every kindly influence, yet flourished not in the earth, but was “as a root out of a dry ground.” No plant that remains in the spot where God’s Truth would keep it, can flourish here. The nourishment that God gives is for the new creation-heavenly, and not of earth. If therefore it do flourish here, it can only be by having been transplanted into other circumstances, where “the prince of this world” can foster and direct its growth, and use it when grown, for his own purposes of evil. (more…)
