Volume Two
PUBLISHERS' FOREWORD

Written in 1889, The Time is at Hand has gained widespread acceptance for its credibility. Few books on Bible prophecy have proved accurate under the test of time, but time has been this book's greatest asset. The author forecast the world-wide eruption in 1914 based on Biblical testimony. He foresaw the decline and fall of world church organizations preparatory to the establishment of Christ's kingdom. He spoke of world-wide trouble upon the nations, predicting also the restoration of Israel as a nation in its own land. Indeed, for everything he forecast in 1889, the time was at hand. The forces unleashed in 1914 will not be contained until the whole social order collapses in world-wide anarchy. Only thereafter shall God's kingdom come to earth.

It should be remembered that this book contrasted markedly with the prevailing optimism of contemporaneous Christian writers. Others claimed that science was to solve all the ills of mankind--from disease to hunger; enlightenment was to change the heart of mankind to a brotherhood of nations. Historians now smile at the naiveté of the pundits of progress who heralded the 20th century as one of peace and prosperity for all. The churches of that time proclaimed the 20th century as the "Christian Century"--with scientists, educators and religionists endeavoring to establish the Kingdom of God on earth. In 1901 The Christian Oracle magazine, reflecting the optimism felt then, changed its name to The Christian Century. In 1951 this same publication confessed: "As we come to the halfway point, the contrast between the mood in which men entered the century and that which now envelops them is so complete, irreconcilable, that it is difficult to convince oneself that the optimistic expectations of 1901 were so widely and deeply held as scarcely to be challenged."

The author did challenge the optimism of the time and he gave the Biblical basis for his assertions. Admittedly, he expected the destruction of this social order to terminate more quickly. He also looked for the speedy establishment of Christ's Kingdom and the deliverance of the faithful. However, in his 1916 foreword the author suggests a more gradual fulfillment of these prophecies. With the advantage of retrospect, the reader will easily appreciate the enlarged dimensions of the time of trouble and may be assured that Christ's triumph and Kingdom are at hand.

We heartily commend this book as unexcelled in its creditable coverage of prophecy and in its relating of prophecy to our Lord's return.

THE PUBLISHERS

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