Toward the close of Jesus' earthly mission, his disciples asked him this momentous question, "What shall be the sign of thy coming?" The answer was categorical and presented a kaleidoscopic view of mortal history. It seized the conditions of thought then uppermost and showed the inevitable conflict between truth and error, act following act in the mighty drama of the world's redemption.
In spite of a long and dark period of materialistic speculation in science and religion, we find ourselves at this time in a new epoch, when thought turns eagerly to the teachings of the man of Nazareth. The long intervening centuries are soon overleaped, their events are of little moment save as we trace in them the links in the chain of prophetic thought which binds us to that era. The great Teacher had often tried to show his dull disciples what would of necessity follow the uncovering of error, and we need not wonder that they shrank from it. When they were warned of the gathering storm so soon to break upon his devoted head, even of the tragedy of the crucifixion, Peter began to rebuke him, but was himself severely reproved for his shortsightedness, for beyond Gethsemane and Calvary were the Resurrection and Ascension.
Let us for a moment contemplate the remarkable scene described in the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew. Jesus is seated with his disciples upon the Mount of Olives, and like a great general prepares his followers for the conquest of the world. Ere this they had been taught how the foes within were to be cast out,—evil thoughts and desires overcome, and the impenetrable mail of a pure and unselfish purpose put on for the strife without. Had he been a Roman general he would have told his disciples of a glorious fray, of conquered provinces and peoples,—of fame and riches as their reward. Not so, however, did the world's greatest leader prepare his followers for the mortal strife; not a word was spoken of earthly glory or possessions as the guerdon of their toil, but instead, wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes, and pestilences; and then he said, "All these are the beginning of sorrows." After this he tells of abounding iniquity, of hatred and betrayal everywhere, but in the very midst of it all we can fancy him saying, On, brave hearts, the goal is within your reach. And then he said, "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
