The Chinese also believe that "in the latter days" there is to be a millennium upon earth. Their five sacred volumes are full of prophesies concerning this "Golden Age of the Future." It is the universal belief among them that a "Divine Man" will establish himself on earth, and everywhere restore peace and happiness.[237:3]
The ancient Persians believed that in the last days, there would be a millennium on earth, when the religion of Zoroaster would be accepted by all mankind. The Parsees of to-day, who are the remnants of the once mighty Persians, have a tradition that a holy personage is waiting in a region called Kanguedez, for a summons from the Ized Serosch, who in the last days will bring him to Persia, to restore the ancient dominion of that country, and spread the religion of Zoroaster over the whole earth.[237:4]
The Rev. Joseph B. Gross, in his "Heathen Religion,"[237:5] speaking of the belief of the ancient Persians in the millennium, says:
"The dead would be raised,[237:6] and he who has made all things, cause the earth and the sea to return again the remains of the departed.[237:7] Then Ormuzd shall clothe them with flesh and blood, while they that live at the time of the resurrection, must die in order to likewise participate in its advantage.
"Before this momentous event takes place, three illustrious prophets shall appear, who will announce their presence by the performance of miracles.
"During this period of its existence, and till its final removal, the earth will be afflicted with pestilence, tempests, war, famine, and various other baneful calamities."[237:8]
"After the resurrection, every one will be apprised of the good or evil which he may have done, and the righteous and the wicked will be separated from each other.[238:1] Those of the latter whose offenses have not yet been expiated, will be cast into hell during the term of three days and three nights,[238:2] in the presence of an assembled world, in order to be purified in the burning stream of liquid ore.[238:3] After this, they enjoy endless felicity in the society of the blessed, and the pernicious empire of Ahriman (the devil), is fairly exterminated.[238:4] Even this lying spirit will be under the necessity to avail himself of this fiery ordeal, and made to rejoice in its expurgating and cleansing efficacy. Nay, hell itself is purged of its mephitic impurities, and washed clean in the flames of a universal regeneration.[238:5]
"The earth is now the habitation of bliss, all nature glows in light; and the equitable and benignant laws of Ormuzd reign supremely through the illimitable universe.[238:6] Finally, after the resurrection, mankind will recognize each other again; wants, cares, and passions will cease;[238:7] and everything in the paradisian and all-embracing empire of light, shall rebound to the praise of the benificent God."[238:8]
The disciples of Bacchus expected his second advent. They hoped he would assume at some future day the government of the universe, and that he would restore to man his primary felicity.[238:9]
The Esthonian from the time of the German invasion lived a life of bondage under a foreign yoke, and the iron of his slavery entered into his soul. He told how the ancient hero Kalewipoeg sits in the realms of shadows, waiting until his country is in its extremity of distress, when he will return to earth to avenge the injuries of the Esths, and elevate the poor crushed people into a mighty power.[238:10]