Chapter 19—History and Prophecy
“Who hath declared this from ancient time?... Have not I the Lord?
and there is no God else.”
The Bible is the most ancient and the most comprehensive history
that men possess. It came fresh from the fountain of eternal truth, and
throughout the ages a divine hand has preserved its purity. It lights up
the far-distant past, where human research in vain seeks to penetrate.
In God’s word only do we behold the power that laid the foundations
of the earth and that stretched out the heavens. Here only do we find
an authentic account of the origin of nations. Here only is given a
history of our race unsullied by human pride or prejudice.
In the annals of human history the growth of nations, the rise and
fall of empires, appear as dependent on the will and prowess of man.
The shaping of events seems, to a great degree, to be determined by
his power, ambition, or caprice. But in the word of God the curtain
is drawn aside, and we behold, behind, above, and through all the
play and counterplay of human interests and power and passions, the
agencies of the all-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the
counsels of His own will.
The Bible reveals the true philosophy of history. In those words
of matchless beauty and tenderness spoken by the apostle Paul to the
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sages of Athens is set forth God’s purpose in the creation and distri-
bution of races and nations: He “hath made of one blood all nations
of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined
the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that
they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find
Him.”
Acts 17:26, 27
. God declares that whosoever will may come
“into the bond of the covenant.”
Ezekiel 20:37
. In the creation it was
His purpose that the earth be inhabited by beings whose existence
should be a blessing to themselves and to one another, and an honor to
their Creator. All who will may identify themselves with this purpose.
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