ted; the demands of
justice have been met; and heaven and earth, beholding, declare the
righteousness of Jehovah.

Satan's work of ruin is forever ended. For six thousand years he has
wrought his will, filling the earth with woe, and causing grief throughout
the universe. The whole creation has groaned and travailed together in
pain. Now God's creatures are forever delivered from his presence and
temptations. "The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they [the
righteous] break forth into singing."(1171) And a shout of praise and
triumph ascends from the whole loyal universe. "The voice of a great
multitude," "as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty
thunderings," is heard, saying, "Alleluia; for the Lord God omnipotent
reigneth."

While the earth was wrapped in the fire of destruction, the righteous
abode safely in the holy city. Upon those that had part in the first
resurrection, the second death has no power. While God is to the wicked a
consuming fire, He is to His people both a sun and a shield.(1172)

"I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first
earth were passed away."(1173) The fire that consumes the wicked purifies
the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away. No eternally burning
hell will keep before the ransomed the fearful consequences of sin.

One reminder alone remains: our Redeemer will ever bear the marks of His
crucifixion. Upon His wounded head, upon His side, His hands and feet, are
the only traces of the cruel work that sin has wrought. Says the prophet,
beholding Christ in His glory, "He had bright beams coming out of His
side: and there was the hiding of His power."(1174) That pierced side
whence flowed the crimson stream that reconciled man to God,--there is the
Saviour's glory, there "the hiding of His power." "Mighty to save,"
through the sacrifice of redemption, He was therefore strong to execute
justice upon them that despised God's mercy. And the tokens of His
humiliation are His highest honor; through the eternal ages the wounds of
Calvary will show forth His praise, and declare His power.

"O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee
shall it come, even the first dominion."(1175) The time has come, to which
holy men have looked with longing since the flaming sword barred the first
pair from Eden,--the time for "the redemption of the purchased
possession."(1176) The earth originally given to man as his kingdom,