ComingEventsandPresentDuties:BeingMiscellaneousSermonson PropheticalSubjects(1867)

by J.C.Ryle

PREFACE
Thevolumenowinthereader'shandsrequiresafewintroductorywordsofexplanation. Itcontainslittlethatisentirelynew.Itconsistsofsevensermons,deliveredonpublicoccasions,at variousintervalsduringthelasttwentyyears,andafterwardspublishedintheformoftracts.Ofthese sermons,oneortwohaveperhapsobtainedagreatercirculationthantheydeserved,whileoneortwo, inmyhumblejudgmentofmorerealworth,havereceivedcomparativelylittlenotice.Theyarenow broughttogetherintheirpresentformfortheconvenienceofthosewhowishtohaveamanualofmy viewsofprophecyinacompactshape. AttheveryoutsetIwarnthereaderofthesepagesthathewillfindherenothingdeeporabstruse.I havepurposelyavoidedeverythingthatcanbecalledspeculativeorconjectural.Ihavestrictly confinedmyselftoafewgreatpropheticalprinciples,whichappeartomewrittenasitwerewitha sunbeam.IhavenotattemptedtoexpoundsuchportionsofGod'sWordasEzekiel'stempleorthe symbolicalvisionsofRevelation.Ihavenotventuredtofixanydates.Ihavenottriedtosettlethe preciseorderormannerinwhichpredictionsofthingstocomearetobefulfilled.ThereisnothingI dislikesomuchinpropheticalinquiryasdogmatismorpositiveness.Muchofthediscreditwhichhas fallenonpropheticalstudyhasarisenfromthefactthatmanystudentsinsteadofexpoundingprophecy haveturnedprophetsthemselves. Ifanyoneasksmewhatmypropheticalopinionsare,Iamquitereadytogivehimananswer.Cautious anddoubtfulasIfeelonsomepoints,therearecertaingreatprinciplesaboutwhichIhavefullymade upmymind.Ihaveheldbythemfirmlyformorethantwentyfiveyearsandhaveneverhadmy opinionshakenaboutthem.Ihavelivedinthebeliefofthemforaquarterofacentury,andinthe beliefofthemIhopetodie.TheolderIgrow,themoredoIfeelconvincedoftheirtruth,andthemore satisfiedamIthatnootherprinciplescanexplainthestateoftheChurchandtheworld. OnethingonlyIwishtopremisebeforemakingmystatement.Thereadermustdistinctlyunderstand thatIdonotputforthmypropheticalviewsasarticlesoffaithbutonlyasmyprivateopinions.Ido notsaythatnobodycanbesavedwhodoesnotagreewithmeaboutprophecy.Iamnotinfallible.I amverysensiblethatholierandbettermenthanmyselfdonotseethesesubjectswithmyeyesand thinkmeutterlymistaken.Icondemnnobody;Ijudgenobody.Ionlyasklibertytoholdandstate distinctlymyownviews.Thedaywilldecidewhoisright.ItisthenewheartandfaithinChrist's bloodwhichareabsolutelynecessarytosalvation.Themanwhoknowsthesetwothings experimentallymaybewrongaboutprophecy,buthewillnotmissheaven. Thefollowing,then,arethechiefarticlesofmypropheticalcreed: 1.IbelievethattheworldwillneverbecompletelyconvertedtoChristianitybyanyexistingagency beforetheendcomes.Inspiteofallthatcanbedonebyministers,churches,schools,andmissions,the wheatandthetareswillgrowtogetheruntiltheharvest;andwhentheendcomes,itwillfindtheearth inmuchthesamestatethatitwaswhenthefloodcameinthedaysofNoah.(Matt.13:2430;24:37 39.)

2.Ibelievethatthewidespreadunbelief,indifference,formalism,andwickednesswhicharetobeseen throughoutChristendomareonlywhatwearetaughttoexpectinGod'sWord.Troubloustimes, departuresfromthefaith,evilmenwaxingworseandworse,lovewaxingcold,arethingsdistinctly predicted.SofarfrommakingmedoubtthetruthofChristianity,theyhelptoconfirmmyfaith. Melancholyandsorrowfulasthesightis,ifIdidnotseeitIshouldthinktheBiblewasnottrue.(Matt. 24:12;1Tim.4:1;2Tim.3:1,4,13.) 3.Ibelievethatthegrandpurposeofthepresentdispensationistogatheroutoftheworldanelect people,andnottoconvertallmankind.Itdoesnotsurprisemeatalltohearthattheheathenarenot allconvertedwhenmissionariespreach,andthatbelieversarebutalittleflockinanycongregationin myownland.ItispreciselythestateofthingswhichIexpecttofind.TheGospelistobepreached"as awitness,"andthenshalltheendcome.Thisisthedispensationofelection,andnotofuniversal conversion.(Acts15:1;Matt.24:13.) 4.IbelievethatthesecondcomingofourLordJesusChrististhegreateventwhichwillwindupthe presentdispensation,andforwhichweoughtdailytolongandpray."Thykingdomcome,""Come, LordJesus,"shouldbeourdailyprayer.Welookbackward,ifwehavefaith,toChristdyingonthe cross,andweoughttolookforwardnoless,ifwehavehope,toChristcomingagain.(John14:3;2 Tim.4:8;2Peter3:12.) 5.IbelievethatthesecondcomingofourLordJesusChristwillbeareal,literal,personal,bodily coming;andthatasHewentawayinthecloudsofheavenwithHisbody,beforetheeyesofmen,soin likemannerHewillreturn.(Acts1:11.) 6.IbelievethatafterourLordJesusChristcomesagain,theearthshallberenewed,andthecurse removed;thedevilshallbebound,thegodlyshallberewarded,thewickedshallbepunished;andthat beforeHecomesthereshallbeneitherresurrection,judgment,normillennium,andthatnottillafter HecomesshalltheearthbefilledwiththeknowledgeofthegloryoftheLord.(Acts3:21;Isa.25:69; 1Thess.4:1418;Rev.20:1,etc.) 7.IbelievethattheJewsshallultimatelybegatheredagainasaseparatenation,restoredtotheirown land,andconvertedtothefaithofChrist.(Jer.30:10,11;31:10;Rom.11:25,26.) 8.IbelievethattheliteralsenseofOldTestamentprophecieshasbeenfartoomuchneglectedbythe Churches,andisfartoomuchneglectedatthepresentday,andthatunderthemistakensystemof spiritualizingandaccommodatingBiblelanguage,Christianshavetoooftencompletelymissedits meaning.(Luke24:25,26.) 9.IdonotbelievethatthepreteristschemeofinterpretingtheApocalypse,whichregardsthebookas almostentirelyfulfilled,orthefuturistscheme,whichregardsitasalmostentirelyunfulfilled,areeither ofthemtobeimplicitlyfollowed.Thetruth,Iexpect,willbefoundtoliebetweenthetwo. 10.IbelievethattheRomanCatholicChurchisthegreatpredictedapostasyfromthefaith,andis BabylonandAntiChrist,althoughIthinkithighlyprobablethatamorecompletedevelopmentofAnti Christwillyetbeexhibitedtotheworld.(2Thess.2:311;1Tim.4:16.) 11.Finally,Ibelievethatitisforthesafety,happiness,andcomfortofalltrueChristians,toexpectas littleaspossiblefromChurchesorGovernmentsunderthepresentdispensation,toholdthemselves readyfortremendousconvulsionsandchangesofallthingsestablished,andtoexpecttheirgoodthings onlyfromChrist'ssecondadvent.

ThestudentofprophecywillseeataglancethattherearemanysubjectsonwhichIabstainfrom givinganopinion.Abouttheprecisetimewhenthepresentdispensationwillend,aboutthemanner inwhichtheheathenwillbeconverted,aboutthemodeinwhichtheJewswillberestoredtotheir ownland,abouttheburningupoftheearth,aboutthefirstresurrection,abouttheraptureofthe saints,aboutthedistinctionbetweentheappearingandthecomingofChrist,aboutthefuturesiege ofJerusalemandthelasttribulationoftheJews,aboutthebindingofSatanbeforethemillennium begins,aboutthedurationofthemillennium,abouttheloosingofSatanattheendofthethousand years,aboutthedestructionofGogandMagog,abouttheprecisenatureandpositionofthenew Jerusalem,aboutallthesethingsIpurposelydeclineexpressinganyopinion.Icouldsaysomething aboutthemall,butitwouldbelittlebetterthanconjecture.Iamthankfulthatothershavemorelight aboutthemthanIhave.Formyself,Ifeelunableatpresenttospeakpositively.IfIhavelearned anythinginstudyingprophecy,IthinkIhavelearnedthewisdomofnot"makinghaste"todecidewhat istrue. IamwellawarethattheviewsIhavelaiddownappeartomanypersonsverygloomyand discouraging.TheonlyanswerImaketothatchargeisthis:AretheyScriptural?Aretheyin accordancewiththelessonsofhistoryandexperience?Tomymindtheycertainlyare.Iseehuman failureandhumancorruptionstampedontheconclusionofalldispensationsprecedingourown.Isee muchinthepresentstateoftheworldtomakemeexpectthatthepresentdispensationwillnotend betterthanthosewhichhavegonebefore.Inshort,thereseemsaninherenttendencytodecayin everythingthatmantouches.Thereisnosuchthingascreatureperfection.Godisteachingthatlesson byallHissuccessivemodesofdealingwithmankind.TherewillbenoperfectiontilltheLordcomes. ThePatriarchal,theMosaic,andtheChristiandispensationsalltendtoprovethis.Thosewordsof Scriptureshallyetbeverified,"Iwilloverturn,overturn,overturnit:anditshallbenomore,untilHe comewhoserightitis;andIwillgiveitHim"(Ezek.21:27).WhentheLordJesuscomesbacktoearth, andtheTabernacleofGodiswithmen,thenwilltherebeperfection,butnottillthen.Godwillhave allthegloryatlast,andalltheworldshallconfessthatwithoutGodmancandonothing.Godshallbe "allinall"(1Cor.15:28). TheonepointonwhichIdesiretofixtheeyesofmyownsoulisthesecondpersonalcomingofmy LordandSaviorJesusChrist.TothatblessedhopeandgloriousappearingIwish,byGod'shelp,to directallwhoreadthisvolume.Godforbidthatanyoneshouldneglectpresentduties!Tositidly waitingforChristandnottoattendtothebusinessofourrespectivepositionsisnotChristianitybut fanaticism.LetusonlyrememberinallourdailyemploymentsthatweserveaMasterwhoiscoming again.IfIcanonlystiruponeChristiantothinkmoreofthatsecondcomingandtokeepitmore prominentlybeforehismind,Ifeelthatthevolumewillnothavebeenpublishedinvain. IfanyoneaskmewhyIhavechosenthisparticularperiodfortherepublicationoftheseprophetical tracts,Ithinkitissufficientanswertopointtothetimesinwhichwelive.Idonotforgetthatweare poorjudgesofourowndaysandareveryapttoexaggeratetheirimportance.ButIdoubtmuch whetherthereeverwasatimeinthehistoryofourcountrywhenthehorizononallsides,bothpolitical andecclesiastical,wassothoroughlyblackandlowering.Ineverydirectionweseemen'shearts "failingforfear,andforlookingforthosethingsthatseemcomingontheearth."Everythingaroundus seemsunscrewed,loosened,andoutofjoint.Thefountainsofthegreatdeepappeartobebreaking up.Ancientinstitutionsaretotteringandreadytofall.Socialandecclesiasticalsystemsarefailingand crumblingaway.ChurchandStateseemalikeconvulsedtotheirveryfoundations,andwhattheendof thisconvulsionmaybe,nomancantell. WhetherthelastdaysofoldEnglandhavereallycome,whetherherpoliticalgreatnessisabouttopass away,whetherherProtestantChurchisabouttohavehercandlestickremoved,whetherinthe comingcrashofnationsEnglandistoperishlikeAmalek,oratlengthtobesaved,andescape"soasby

fire,"allthesearepointswhichIdarenotattempttosettle;averyfewyearswilldecidethem.ButI amsurethereneverwasatimewhenitwasmoreimperativelyneedfultosummonbelieversto"cease fromman,"tostandontheirwatchtowers,andtobuildalltherehopesonthesecondcomingofthe Lord.HappyishewhohaslearnedtoexpectlittlefromParliamentsorConvocations,fromStatesmen orfromBishops,andtolooksteadilyforChrist'sappearing!Heisthemanwhowillnotbe disappointed. J.C.RYLE StradbrokeVicarage, August,1867. P .S.Thereaderofthisvolumewillprobablyobservethatsomeofthethoughtsandideasare occasionallyrepeated.Theywillkindlyrememberthatthisarisesfromthesermonswhichcompriseit havingbeendeliveredatdifferentplaces,andatlongintervals.Ihavethoughtitbestandwisest,for manyreasons,toreprintthemwithoutalteration.

ComingEventsandPresentDuties:BeingMiscellaneousSermonson PropheticalSubjects(1867)
by J.C.Ryle

Sermon2 OCCUPYTILLICOME
Nowastheyheardthesethings,Hespokeanotherparable,becauseHewasnearJerusalemand becausetheythoughtthekingdomofGodwouldappearimmediately.ThereforeHesaid:Acertain noblemanwentintoafarcountrytoreceiveforhimselfakingdomandtoreturn.Sohecalledten ofhisservants,deliveredtothemtenpounds,andsaidtothem,OccupytillIcome."(Luke19:11 13) Thesewordsformanintroductiontotheparablewhichiscommonlycalled"TheParableofthe Pounds.TheycontainmatterwhichdeservestheprayerfulconsiderationofeverytrueChristianinthe presentday. TherearesomeparablesofwhichMatthewHenrysays,withequalquaintnessandtruth,Thekey hangsbesidethedoor.TheHolyGhosthimselfinterpretsthem.Thereisnoroomleftfordoubtasto thepurposeforwhichtheywerespoken.Ofsuchparables,TheParableofthePoundsisanexample. St.LuketellsusthatourLordJesusChrist"addedandspokeaparablebecausehewasnighto Jerusalem,andbecausetheythoughtthatthekingdomofGodshouldimmediatelyappear.These wordsrevealthesecretthoughtsofourLordsdisciplesatthisperiodofHisministry.Theywere drawingnightoJerusalem.TheygatheredfrommanyoftheirMasterssayingsthatsomething remarkablewasabouttohappen.Theyhadastrongimpressionthatonegreatend[purpose]ofHis comingintotheworldwasabouttobeaccomplished.Sofartheywerequiteright.Astotheprecise natureoftheeventabouttohappen,theywerequitewrong. Reader,therearethreesubjectsopenedupinthispassageofScripturewhichappeartometobeofthe deepestimportance.UponeachoftheseIwishtoofferafewthoughtsforyourprivatemeditation.I purposelyabstainfromtouchinganypartoftheparableexceptthebeginning.Iwanttodirectyour attentiontothethreefollowingpoints. 1.Iwillspeakofthemistakeofthedisciples,referredtointheversesbeforeus. 2.IwillspeakofthepresentpositionoftheLordJesusChrist. 3.IwillspeakofthepresentdutyofallwhoprofesstobeJesusChrist'sdisciples. MayGodblessthereadingofthispapertoeveryoneintowhosehandsitmayfall.Mayeveryreaderbe taughttopraythattheSpiritwillguidehimintoalltruth. Iwillfirstspeakofthemistakeintowhichthediscipleshadfallen.Whatwasthismistake?Letustry tounderstandthispointclearly.WithwhatfeelingsoughtChristiansinthepresentdaytoregardthis mistake?Letustrytounderstandthisclearlyalso.

OurLordsdisciplesseemtohavethoughtthattheOldTestamentpromisesofMessiahsvisible kingdomandglorywereabouttobeimmediatelyfulfilled.TheybelievedrightlythatHewasindeed theMessiah,theChristofGod.ButtheyblindlysupposedthatHewasgoingatoncetotaketoHimself Hisgreatpowerandtoreigngloriouslyovertheearth.Thiswasthesumandsubstanceoftheirerror. TheyappeartohaveconcludedthatnowwasthedayandnowthehourwhentheRedeemerwould buildupZionandappearinHisglory(Ps.102:16),whenHewouldsmitetheearthwiththerodofhis mouth,andwiththebreathofHislipsslaythewicked,whenHewouldassembletheoutcastsofIsrael andgatherthedispersedofJudah(Isa.11:4,12),whenHewouldtaketheheathenforHisinheritance andtheuttermostpartsoftheearthforHispossession,breakHisenemieswitharodofironanddash theminpieceslikeapotter'svessel(Ps.2:8,9),whenHewouldreigninmountZionandinJerusalem, andbeforeHisancientsgloriously(Isa.24:23),whenthekingdomanddominion,andthegreatnessof thekingdomunderthewholeheavenwouldbegiventothesaintsoftheMostHigh(Dan.7:27).Such appearstohavebeenthemistakeintowhichourLord'sdiscipleshadfallenatthetimewhenHespoke theparableofthePounds. Itwasagreatmistakeunquestionably.Theydidnotrealizethatbeforeallthesepropheciescouldbe fulfilled,itbehoovedChristtosuffer(Luke24:46).Theirsanguineexpectationsleapedoverthe crucifixionandthelongparenthesisoftimetofollow,andboundedonwardtothefinalglory.Theydid notseethattherewastobeafirstadventofMessiahtobecutoff,"beforethesecondadventof Messiahtoreign.TheydidnotperceivethatthesacrificesandceremoniesofthelawofMoseswere firsttoreceivetheirfulfillmentinabettersacrificeandabetterHighPriest,andthesheddingofblood morepreciousthanthatofbullsandgoats.TheydidnotcomprehendthatbeforethegloryChristmust becrucifiedandanelectpeoplegatheredoutfromamongtheGentilesbythepreachingoftheGospel. Theygraspedpartofthepropheticword,butnotall.TheysawthatChristwastohaveakingdom,but theydidnotseethatHewastobewoundedandbruised,andbeanofferingforsin.Theyunderstood theendofthesecondPsalmandthewholeoftheninetyseventhandninetyeighth,butnotthe beginningofthetwentysecond.TheyunderstoodtheeleventhchapterofIsaiahbutnotthefiftythird. Theyunderstoodthedispensationofthecrownandtheglory,butnotthedispensationofthecrossand theshame.Suchwastheirmistake. Itwasamistakewhichyouwillfindpartiallyclingingtothedisciplesevenafterthecrucifixion.You seeitcreepingforthinthefirstdaysoftheChurchbetweentheresurrectionandtheascension.They said,"Lord,willyouatthistimerestoreagainthekingdomtoIsrael?"(Acts1:6). 1Youfinditreferred tobySt.Paul,"Benotsoonshakeninmind,orbetroubled,neitherbyspirit,norbyword,norbyletter asfromus,asthatthedayofChristisathand.Letnomandeceiveyoubyanymeans:forthatday shallnotcomeexcepttherebeafallingawayfirst"(2Thess.2:2).Inboththeseinstancestheold Jewishleavenpeepsout.InbothyouseethesametendencytomisunderstandGod'spurposes,to overlookthedispensationofthecrucifixionandtoconcentrateallthoughtonthedispensationofthe kingdom.Inbothyouseethesamedispositiontoneglectthedutiesofthepresentorderofthings. ThosedutiesaretobearthecrossafterChrist,totakepartintheafflictionsoftheGospel,towork,to witness,topreach,andtohelptogatheroutapeoplefortheLord. Itwasamistake,however,whichIfranklysay,IthinkweGentilebelieversareboundtoregardwith
1 "Christ did never absolutely deny His having such a visible glorious kingdom upon earth, as that which His disciples looked for; only He corrected their error as to the time of this kingdom appearing. Christ did not say to them that there never should be any such restoration of the kingdom to Israel as their thoughts were running upon; only He tells them the times and seasons were not for them to know; thereby acknowledging that such a kingdom should indeed be, as they did from the holy prophets expect. Herein was their error,--not in expecting a glorious appearance of the kingdom of God, but in that they made account that this would be immediately."--The Mysteries of Israel's Salvation by Dr. Increase Mather. 1669. p. 130.

muchtendernessandconsideration.ItwillnotdotorundownourJewishbrethrenas"carnal"and earthlymindedintheirinterpretationofprophecy,asifweGentileshadnevermadeanymistakeatall. Ithinkwehavemadegreatmistakes,anditishightimethatweshouldconfessit. IbelievewehavefallenintoanerrorparallelwiththatofourJewishbrethren,anerrorlessfatalinits consequencesthantheirs,butanerrorfarmoreinexcusable,becausewehavehadmorelight.Ifthe JewthoughttooexclusivelyofChristreigning,hasnottheGentilethoughttooexclusivelyofChrist suffering?IftheJewcouldseenothinginOldTestamentprophecybutChristsexaltationandfinal power,hasnottheGentileoftenseennothingbutChristshumiliationandthepreachingoftheGospel? IftheJewdwelttoomuchonChristssecondadvent,hasnottheGentiledwelttooexclusivelyonthe first?IftheJewignoredthecross,hasnottheGentileignoredthecrown?Ibelievetherecanbebut oneanswertothesequestions.IbelievethatweGentilestilllatelyhavebeenveryguiltyconcerninga largeportionofGodstruth.Ibelievethatwehavecherishedanarbitrary,recklesshabitofinterpreting firstadventtextsliterally,andsecondadventtextsspiritually.Ibelievewehavenotrightly understoodallthattheprophetshavespokenaboutthesecond,personaladventofChristanymore thantheJewsdidaboutthefirst.Andbecausewehavedonethis,Isaythatweshouldspeakofsuch mistakesasthatreferredtoinourtextwithmuchtendernessandcompassion. Reader,IearnestlyinviteyourspecialattentiontothepointonwhichIamnowdwelling.Iknownot whatyouropinionsmaybeaboutthefulfillmentofthepropheticalpartsofScripture.Iapproachthe subjectwithfearandtrembling,lestIshouldhurtthefeelingsofanydearbrotherintheLord.ButI askyouinallaffectiontoexamineyourownviewsaboutprophecy.Ientreatyoutoconsidercalmly whetheryouropinionsaboutChrist'ssecondadventandkingdomareassoundandscripturalasthose ofHisfirstdisciples.Ientreatyoutotakeheed,lestinsensiblyyoucommitasgreatanerrorabout ChristssecondcomingandgloryastheydidaboutChristsfirstcomingandcross. IbeseechyounottodismissthesubjectwhichInowpressuponyourattentionasamatterofcurious speculationandoneofnopracticalimportance.Believeme,itaffectsthewholequestionbetween yourselfandtheunconvertedJew.Iwarnyou,thatunlessyouinterpretthepropheticalportionofthe OldTestamentinthesimple,literalmeaningofitswords,youwillfinditnoeasymattertocarryonan argumentwithanunconvertedJew. YouwouldprobablytelltheJewthatJesusofNazarethwastheMessiahpromisedintheOldTestament Scriptures.TothoseScripturesyouwouldreferhimforproof.YouwouldshowhimPsalm22,Isaiah 53,Daniel9:26,Micah5:2,Zechariah9:9,and11:13.YouwouldtellhimthatinJesusofNazareth thoseScriptureswereliterallyfulfilled.Youwouldurgeuponhimthatheoughttobelievethese ScripturesandreceiveChristastheMessiah.Allthisisverygood.Sofaryouwoulddowell. ButsupposetheJewasksyouifyoutakeallthepropheciesoftheOldTestamentintheirsimpleliteral meaning.SupposeheasksyouifyoubelieveinaliteralpersonaladventofMessiahtoreignoverthe earthinglory,aliteralrestorationofJudahandIsraeltoPalestine,aliteralrebuildingandrestoration ofZionandJerusalem.SupposetheunconvertedJewputsthesequestionstoyou.Whatanswerare youpreparedtomake? WillyoudaretotellhimthatOldTestamentpropheciesofthiskindarenottobetakenintheirplain literalsense?WillyoudaretotellhimthatthewordsZion,Jerusalem,Jacob,Judah,Ephraim,and Israeldonotmeanwhattheyseemtomean,butmeantheChurchofChrist?Willyoudaretotellhim thatthegloriouskingdomandfutureblessednessofZion,sooftendweltuponinprophecy,mean nothingmorethanthegradualChristianizingoftheworldbymissionariesandGospelpreaching?Will youdaretotellhimthatyouthinkitcarnaltotakesuchScripturesliterally,carnaltoexpecta literalrebuildingofJerusalem,carnaltoexpectaliteralcomingofMessiahtoreign,carnaltolook

foraliteralgatheringandrestorationofIsrael?Oh,reader,ifyouareamanofthismind,takecare whatyouraredoing!Isayagain,takecare. DoyounotseethatyouareputtingaweaponintothehandoftheunconvertedJew,whichhewill probablyusewithirresistiblepower?Doyounotseethatyouarecuttingthegroundfromunderyour ownfeetandsupplyingtheJewwithastrongargumentfornotbelievingyourowninterpretationof Scripture?DoyounotseethattheJewwillreplythatitiscarnalforyoutotellhimthattheMessiah hascomeliterallytosufferwhenyoutellhimthatitiscarnaltoexpectMessiahwillcomeliterallyto reign?DoyounotseethattheJewwilltellyouthatitisfarmorecarnalinyoutobelievethat Messiahcouldcomeintotheworldasadespised,crucifiedManofSorrowsthanitisforhimtobelieve thatHewillcomeintotheworldasagloriousKing?Beyonddoubthewilldoso,andyouwillfindno answertogive. Reader,Icommendthesethingstoyourseriousattention.Ientreatyoutothrowasideallprejudice andviewthesubjectIamdwellinguponwithcalmanddispassionatethought.Ibeseechyoutotake upanewthepropheticalScripturesandtopraythatyoumaynoterrininterpretingtheirmeaning. Readtheminthelightofthosetwogreatpolestars,thefirstandsecondadventsofJesusChrist.Bind upwiththefirstadventtherejectionoftheJews,thecallingoftheGentiles,thepreachingofthe Gospelasawitnesstotheworld,andthegatheringoutoftheelectionofgrace.Bindupwiththe secondadventtherestorationoftheJews,thepouringoutofjudgmentsonunbelievingChristians,the conversionoftheworld,andtheestablishmentofChristskingdomuponearth.Dothis,andyouwill seeameaningandfullnessinprophecywhichperhapsyouneveryetdiscovered. IamquiteawarethatmanygoodmendonotseethesubjectofunfulfilledprophecyasIdo.Iam painfullysensiblethatIseempresumptuousindifferingfromthem.ButIdarenotrefuseanything whichappearstomeplainlywritteninScripture.Iconsiderthebestofmenarenotinfallible.Ithink weshouldrememberthatwemustrejectProtestanttraditionswhicharenotaccordingtotheBible,as muchasthetraditionsoftheChurchofRome. IbelieveitishightimefortheChurchofChristtoawakeoutofitssleepaboutOldTestamentprophecy. FromthetimeoftheoldFathers,JeromeandOrigen,downtothepresentday,menhavegoneonina pernicioushabitofspiritualizingthewordsoftheProphetsuntiltheirtruemeaninghasbeenwell nighburied.Itishightimetolayasidetraditionalmethodsofinterpretationandtogiveupourblind obediencetotheopinionsofsuchwritersasPool,Henry,Scott,andClarke,uponunfulfilledprophecy. ItishightimetofallbackonthegoodoldprinciplethatScripturegenerallymeanswhatitseemsto mean,andtobewareofthatsemiskepticalargument,"suchandsuchaninterpretationcannotbe correctbecauseitseemstous'carnal!'" ItishightimeforChristianstointerpretunfulfilledprophecybythelightofpropheciesalready fulfilled.ThecursesontheJewswerebroughttopassliterally;soalsowillbetheblessings.The scatteringwasliteral;soalsowillbethegathering.ThepullingdownofZionwasliteral;soalsowill bethebuildingup.TherejectionofIsraelwasliteral;soalsowillbetherestoration. ItishightimetointerprettheeventsthatshallaccompanyChristssecondadventbythelightofthose accompanyingHisfirstadvent.Thefirstadventwasliteral,visible,personal;soalsowillbeHis second.Hisfirstadventwaswithaliteralbody;soalsowillbeHissecond.AtHisfirstadventtheleast predictionswerefulfilledtotheveryletter;soalsowilltheybeatHissecond.Theshamewasliteral andvisible;soalsowillbetheglory. ItishightimetoceasefromexplainingOldTestamentpropheciesinawaynotwarrantedbytheNew Testament.WhatrighthavewetosaythatJudah,Zion,Israel,andJerusalemevermeananythingbut

literalJudah,literalZion,literalIsrael,andliteralJerusalem?WhatprecedentshallwefindintheNew Testament?Hardlyany,ifindeedanyatall.Anadmirablewriteronthissubjectwellsays:Thereare reallyonlytwoorthreeplacesinthewholeNewTestament(Gospels,Epistles,andRevelation)where suchnamesareuseddecidedlyinwhatmaybecalledaspiritualorfigurativestate.Theword 'Jerusalem'occurseightytimes,andallofthemunquestionablyliteral,savewhentheoppositeis expresslypointedoutbytheepithets'heavenly,'or'new',or'holy.''Jew'occursonehundredtimes,and onlyfourareevenambiguous,asRomans2:28.'Israel'and'Israelite'occurfortytimes,andallliteral. 'Judah'and'Judea'abovetwentytimes,andallliteral."(BonarsPropheticalLandmarks,p.300) Itisnoanswertoallthistotellusthatitisimpossibletocarryouttheprincipleofaliteral interpretationbecauseChristwasnotaliteraldoor,noraliteralbranch,norwasthebreadinthe sacramentHisliteralbody.IreplythatwhenIspeakofliteralinterpretation,Irequirenomanto denytheuseoffigurativelanguage.Ifullyadmitthatemblems,figures,andsymbolsareusedin foretellingMessiahsglory,aswellasinforetellingMessiahssufferings.IdonotbelievethatJesuswas aliteralrootoutofdryground,oraliterallamb(Isa.53).AllImaintainis,thatpropheciesabout ChristscomingandkingdomdoforetellliteralfactsastrulyastheprophecyaboutChristbeing "numberedwiththetransgressors."AllIsayis,thatpropheciesabouttheJewsbeinggatheredwillbe asreallyandliterallymadegoodasthoseabouttheJewsbeingscattered. ItisnogoodargumenttotellusthattheprincipleofliteralinterpretationdeprivestheChurchofthe useandbenefitofmanypartsoftheOldTestament.Idenythejusticeofthechargealtogether.I considerthatallthingswrittenintheProphetsconcerningthesalvationofindividualsoulsmaybeused byGentilesasfreelyasbyJews.TheheartsofJewsandGentilesarenaturallyjustthesame.Theway toheavenisbutone.BothJewsandGentilesneedjustification,regeneration,sanctification.Whatever iswrittenconcerningsuchsubjectsisjustasmuchthepropertyoftheGentileastheJew.Moreover,I holdIsraeltobeapeoplespeciallytypicalofthewholebodyofbelieversinChrist.Iconsiderthat believersnowmaytakethecomfortofeverypromiseofpardon,comfort,andgracewhichisaddressed toIsrael.SuchwordsIregardasthecommonportionofallbelievers.AllImaintainis,thatwhenever GodsaysHeshalldoorgivecertainthingstoIsraelandJerusaleminthisworld,weoughtentirelyto believethattoliteralIsraelandJerusalemthosethingswillbegivenanddone. ItisnovalidargumenttosaythatmanywhothinkasIdoaboutprophecyhavesaidandwrittenvery foolishthingsandhaveoftencontradictedoneanother.Allthismaybeverytrue,andyetthe principlesforwhichwecontendmaybescriptural,sound,andcorrect.Theinfideldoesnotoverturn thetruthofChristianitywhenhepointstotheexistenceofAntinomians,Jumpers,andShakers.The worldlymandoesnotoverturnthetruthofrealevangelicalreligionwhenhesneersatthedifferences ofCalvinistsandArminians.Justinthesameway,onewriteronprophecymayinterpretRevelationor Danielinoneway,andanotherinanother.Onemanmaytakeonhimselftofixdatesandproveatlast tobequitewrong.Anothermayapplypropheciestolivingindividualsandproveutterlymistaken.But allthesethingsdonotaffectthemainquestion.Theydonotintheleastprovethattheadventof ChristbeforethemillenniumisnotaScripturaltruth,andthattheprincipleofinterpretingOld Testamentprophecyliterallyisnotasoundprinciple. Reader,Isayoncemore,weoughttoregardthemistakesofourLord'sdiscipleswithgreattenderness andconsideration.WeChristiansarethelastwhooughttocondemnthemstrongly.Greatastheir mistakeswere,ourownhavebeenalmostasbad.Wehavebeenveryquickindiscoveringthebeamin ourJewishbrother'seyesandhaveforgottenalargemoteinourown.Wehavebeenlongputtinga greatstumblingblockinhiswaybyourarbitraryandinconsistentexplanationsofOldTestament prophecy. Reader,letusdoourparttoremovethatgreatstumblingblock.Ifwewouldhelptoremovetheveil

whichpreventstheJewsseeingthecross,letusalsostripofftheveilfromourowneyesandlook steadilyandunflinchinglyatthesecondadventandthecrown.2 ThesecondquestionIwishtoconsideristhis:WhatisthepresentpositionofourLordJesusChrist? Theparableappearstoanswerthatquestiondistinctlyinthetwelfthverse:Acertainnoblemanwent intoafarcountrytoreceiveforhimselfakingdomandtoreturn.ThisnoblemanrepresentstheLord JesusChrist,andthatintworespects. Likethenobleman,theLordJesusisgoneintoafarcountrytoreceiveforhimselfakingdom.Hehas notreceivedityetinpossession,thoughHehasitinpromise.Hehasaspiritualkingdom unquestionably.HeiskingovertheheartsofHisbelievingpeople,andtheyareallHisfaithfulsubjects. Hehasacontrollingpowerovertheworldwithoutcontroversy.HeisKingofkingsandLordoflords. ByHimallthingsconsist,andnothingcanhappenwithoutHispermission.ButHisreal,literal, visible,completekingdomtheLordJesushasnotyetreceived.TousethewordsofHeb.2:8,Wesee notyetallthingsputunderHim.TousethewordsofPsalm110:1,Hesitsontherighthandofthe FathertillHisenemiesaremadeHisfootstool. Thedevilistheprinceofthisworldduringthepresentdispensation(John14:30).Thevastmajority oftheinhabitantsoftheearthchoosethethingsthatpleasethedevilfarmorethanthethingsthat pleaseGod.Littleastheymaythinkit,theyaredoingthedevilswill,behavingasthedevilssubjects, andservingthedevilfarmorethanChrist.ThisistheactualconditionofChristendomawellasof heathencountries.After1800yearsofBibleandGospelpreaching,thereisnotanation,oracountry, oraparish,oralongestablishedcongregationwherethedevilhasnotmoresubjectsthanChrist.So fearfullytrueisitthattheworldisnotyetthekingdomofChrist. TheLordJesus,duringthepresentdispensation,islikeDavidbetweenthetimeofHisanointingand Saulsdeath.Hehasthepromiseofthekingdom,butHehasnotyetreceivedthecrownandthrone(1 Sam.22:1,2).Heisfollowedbyafew,andthoseoftenneithergreatnorwise;buttheyareafaithful people.HeispersecutedbyHisenemiesandofttimesdrivenintothewilderness;andyetHispartyis neverquitedestroyed.ButHehasnoneofthevisiblesignsofthekingdomatpresent:noearthlyglory, majesty,greatness,obedience.ThevastmajorityofmankindseenobeautyinHim.Theywillnothave thisMantoreignoverthem.HispeoplearenothonoredfortheirMasterssake.Theywalktheearth likeprincesindisguise.Hiskingdomisnotyetcome.Hiswillisnotyetdoneonearthexceptingbya littleflock.ItisnotthedayofHispower.TheLordJesusisbidingHistime. Reader,Ientreatyoutograspfirmlythistruth,fortruthIbelieveittobe.Greatdelusionaboundson thesubjectofChrist'skingdom.Takeheedlestanymandeceiveyoubypurelytraditionalteachings aboutpropheticaltruth.HymnsarecomposedandsungwhichdarkenGod'scounselonthissubjectby wordswithoutknowledge.Textsarewrestedfromtheirtruemeaningandaccommodatedtothe presentorderofthings,whicharenotjustlyapplicabletoanybuttheperiodofthesecondadvent. Bewareofthemischievousinfectionofthishabitoftextwresting.Bewareofthesappingandmining effectofbeautifulpoetryinwhichunfulfilledpromisesofgloryaretwistedandadaptedtothepresent dispensation.SettleitdowninyourmindthatChrist'skingdomisyettocome.Hisarrowsarenotyet sharpintheheartsofHisenemies.ThedayofHispowerhasnotyetbegun.Heisgatherinigouta peopletocarrythecrossandwalkinHissteps.ButthetimeofHiscoronationhasnotyetarrived.
2 The reader who wishes to see this subject more fully discussed, is strongly advised to read H. Bonar's "Prophetical Landmarks," A. Bonar's "Redemption Drawing Nigh," Ogilvy's "Popular Objections to the Premillennial Advent Considered," "M'Neile on the Second Advent," and "On the Jews," and "Bickersteth on Prophecy." It is matter for deep regret that no good Commentary on Old Testament prophecy has yet been written. "Keith on Isaiah" is a step in the right direction. But a complete exposition of the Psalms and Prophets is yet wanting. The Lord grant that this gap in our theological literature may yet be filled up.

ButjustastheLordJesus,likethenobleman,"wenttoreceiveakingdom,"solikethenobleman,the LordJesusintendsoneday"toreturn." Thewordsoftheangels(Acts1:11),shallhaveacompletefulfillment:ThissameJesuswhichwas takenupfromyouintoheaven,shallsocomeinlikemannerasyehaveseenHimgointoheaven.As Hisgoingawaywasarealliteralgoingaway,soHisreturnshallbearealliteralreturn.AsHecame personallythefirsttimewithabody,soHeshallcomepersonallythesecondtimewithabody.AsHe camevisiblytothisearthandvisiblywentaway,sowhenHecomesthesecondtimeHeshallvisibly return.Andthen,andnotuntilthen,thecompletekingdomofChristshallbegin.HeleftHisservants asanobleman;HereturnstoHisservantsasaKing. ThenHeintendstocastoutthatoldusurperthedevil,tobindhimforathousandyearsandtostrip himofhispower(Rev.20:1). ThenHeintendstomakearestitutionofthefaceofcreation(Acts3:21).Itshallbetheworldsjubilee day.Ourearthshallatlastbringforthherincrease.TheKingshallatlengthhaveHisownagain.At lasttheninetyseventhPsalmshallbefulfilled,andmenshallsay,TheLordreigns.Lettheearth rejoice! ThenHeintendstofulfillthepropheciesofEnoch,JohntheBaptist,andSt.Paul,"Toexecutejudgment uponalltheungodly"inhabitantsofChristendom"toburnupthechaffwithunquenchablefire"and "inflamingfiretotakevengeanceonthemwhoknownotGod,andobeynottheGospel"(Jude15; Matt.3:12;2Thess.1:8). ThenHeintendstoraiseHisdeadsaintsandgatherHislivingones,togathertogetherthescattered tribesofIsrael,andtosetupanempireonearthinwhicheverykneeshallbowtoHim,andevery tongueconfessthatChristisLord. When,how,where,inwhatmannerallthesethingsshallbe,wecannotsayparticularly.Enoughforus toknowthattheyshallbe.TheLordJesushasundertakentodothem,andtheyshallbeperformed. TheLordJesuswaitsforthetimeappointedbytheFather,andthenshalltheyallcometopass.As surelyasHewasbornofapurevirginandlivedonearththirtythreeyearsasaservant,sosurelyHe shallcomewithcloudsingloryandreignontheearthasaking. Reader,Ichargeyoutoestablishinyourmindamongthegreattruthsofyourreligion,thatChristis onedaytohaveacompletekingdominthisworld,thatHiskingdomisnotyetsetup,butthatitwill besetupinthedayofHisreturn.Knowclearlywhosekingdomitisnow:notChrist's,buttheusurper Satan's.Knowclearlywhosekingdomitistobeoneday:notSatantheusurper's,butJesusChrist's. Knowclearlywhenthekingdomistochangehandsandtheusurpertobecastout:whentheLord Jesusreturnsinperson,andnotbefore.KnowclearlywhattheLordJesusisdoingnow:Heissittingat therighthandoftheFather,intercedingasaHighPriestintheholyofholiesforHispeople,addingto theirnumbersuchasshallbesavedbythepreachingoftheGospel,andwaitingtilltheappointed"day ofHispower,"whenHeshallcomeforthtoblessHispeople,andsitas"apriestuponHisthrone"(Zech. 6:13).Knowthesethingsclearly,andyouwilldowell. Knowthesethingsclearlyandthenyouwillnotcherishextravagantexpectationsfromanychurch, minister,orreligiousmachineryinthispresentdispensation.Youwillnotmarvel[besurprised]tosee ministersandmissionariesnotconvertingalltowhomtheypreach.Youwillnotwondertofindthat whilesomebelievetheGospel,manybelievenot.Youwillnotbedepressedandcastdownwhenyou seethechildrenoftheworldineveryplacemany,andthechildrenofGodfew.Youwillrememberthat

"thedaysareevil"andthatthetimeofgeneralconversionhasnotyetarrived.YouwillthankGodthat anyareconvertedatall,andthatwhiletheGospelishidtothewiseandprudent,itisyetrevealedto babes.AlasforthemanwhoexpectsamillenniumbeforetheLordJesusreturns!Howcanthis possiblybeiftheworldinthedayofHiscomingistobefoundasitwasinthedaysofNoahandLot? (Luke17:2630). Knowthesethingsclearlyandthenyouwillnotbeconfoundedandsurprisedbythecontinuanceof immenseevilsintheworld.Wars,tumults,oppression,dishonesty,selfishness,covetousness, superstition,badgovernment,andaboundingheresieswillnotappeartoyouunaccountable.Youwill notsinkdownintoamorbid,misanthropicconditionofmindwhenyouseelaws,reforms,and educationnotmakingmankindperfect.Youwillnotrelapseintoastateofapathyanddisgustwhen youseeChurchesfullofimperfections,andtheologiansmakingmistakes.Youwillsaytoyourself,"The timeofChrist'spowerhasnotyetarrived,thedevilisstillworkingamonghischildrenandsowing darknessanddivisionbroadcastamongthesaints,thetrueKingisyettocome." KnowthesethingsclearlyandthenyouwillseewhyGoddelaysthefinalgloryandallowsthingsto goonastheydointhisworld.ItisnotbecauseHeisunabletopreventevil,itisnotbecauseHeis slackinthefulfillingofHispromises,buttheLordistakingoutforHimselfapeoplebythepreaching oftheGospel(Acts16:14;2Pet.3:9).HeislongsufferingtounconvertedChristians."TheLordisnot willingthatanyshouldperish,butthatallshouldcometorepentance."Onceletthenumberofthe electbegatheredoutoftheworld,onceletthelastelectsinnerbebroughttorepentance,andthenthe kingdomofChristshallbesetupandthethroneofgraceshallbeexchangedforthethroneofglory. Knowthesethingsclearlyandthenyouwillworkdiligentlytodogoodtosouls.Thetimeisshort. "Thenightisfarspent.Thedayisathand."Thesignsofthetimescallloudlyforwatchfulness,and speakwithnouncertainvoice.TheTurkishempireisdryingup.TheJewsarecaredforastheynever havebeenforeighteenhundredyears.TheGospelisbeingpreachedasawitnessinalmostevery corneroftheworld.Surelyifwewouldpluckafewmorebrandsfromtheburningbeforeitistoolate, wemustworkhardandlosenotime.Wemustpreach,wemustwarn,wemustexhort,wemustgive moneytoreligioussocieties,wemustspendandbespentfarmorethanwehaveeverdoneyet. KnowthesethingsclearlyandthenyouwillbeoftenlookingforthecomingofthedayofGod.You willregardthesecondadventasagloriousandcomfortabletrutharoundwhichyourbesthopeswillall beclustered.YouwillnotmerelythinkofChristcrucified,butyouwillthinkalsoofChristcoming again.YouwilllongforthedaysofrefreshingandthemanifestationofthesonsofGod(Acts3:19; Rom.8:19).Youwillfindpeaceinlookingbacktothecross,andyouwillfindjoyfulhopeinlooking forwardtothekingdom. Oncemore,Irepeat,knowclearlyChrist'spresentposition.Heislikeonewhois"goneintoafar countrytoreceiveakingdom,andthentoreturn." ThethirdandlastquestionIwishtoconsideristhis:WhatisthepresentdutyofallChrists professingdisciples?WhenIspeakofpresentduty,Imean,ofcourse,theirdutybetweentheperiodof Christsfirstandsecondadvents.AndIfindananswerinthewordsofthenobleman,inthisparable, tohisservants:"Hedeliveredthemtenpounds,andsaiduntothem,OccupytillIcome. Reader,Iknowfewwordsmoresearchingandimpressivethanthesefour:OccupytillIcome.They arespokentoallwhoprofessandcallthemselvesChristians.Theyaddresstheconscienceofeveryone whohasnotrenouncedhisbaptismandformallyturnedhisbackonChristianity.Theyoughttostirup allhearersoftheGospeltoexaminethemselveswhethertheyareinthefaith,andtoprovethemselves. ListentomeforafewminuteswhileItrytoimpressthemonyourattention.Foryoursake,remember,

thesewordswerewritten:"OccupytillIcome." TheLordJesusbidsyouoccupy.BythatHemeansthatyouaretobeadoerinyourChristianity,and notmerelyahearerandprofessor.HewantsHisservantsnotonlytoreceiveHiswages,eatHisbread, dwellinHishouse,andbelongtoHisfamily,butalsotodoHiswork.Youaretoletyourlightsoshine beforementhattheymayseeyourgoodworks(Matt.5:16).Haveyoufaith?Itmustnotbeadead faith;itmust"workbylove"(Gal.5:6).Areyouelect?Youareelectunto"obedience"(1Pet.1:2).Are youredeemed?Youareredeemedthatyoumaybe"apeculiarpeople,zealousofgoodworks"(Tit. 2:14).DoyouloveChrist?ProvetherealityofyourlovebykeepingChrist'scommandments(John 14:15).Oh,reader,donotforgetthischargeto"occupy."Bewareofanidle,talking,gossiping, sentimental,donothingreligion.Thinknotbecauseyourdoingscannotjustifyyouorputawayone singlesinthatthereforeitmattersnotwhetheryoudoanythingatall.Awaywithsuchadelusion! Castitbehindyouasaninventionofthedevil.Thinkofthehousebuiltuponthesandandits miserableend(Matt.7:2427).Aseveryouwould"makeyourcallingandelectionsure,"beadoing Christian. ButtheLordJesusalsobidsyou"occupyyourpound."BythisHemeansthatHehasgiveneachoneof HispeoplesomeopportunityofglorifyingHim.Hewouldhaveyouunderstandthateveryonehasgot hisownsphere,thepoorestaswellastherichest.Everyonehasanopendoorbeforehimandmay,if hewill,showforthhisMasterspraise.Yourbodilyhealthandstrength,yourmentalgiftsand capacities,yourmoneyandyourearthlypossessions,yourrankandpositioninlife,yourexampleand influencewithothers,yourlibertytoreadtheBibleandheartheGospel,yourplentifulsupplyofmeans ofgracealltheseareyourpounds.Allthesearetobeusedandemployedwithacontinualreference tothegloryofChrist.AlltheseareHisgifts."OfHimcomerichesandhonor"(1Chron.29:12)."Hisis thesilverandHisisthegold"(Hag.2:8)."HisisyourbodyandHisisyourspirit"(1Cor.6:20)."He appointsyourhabitation.Hegivesyoulifeandbreath"(Acts17:25,26)."Youarenotyourown.You areboughtwithaprice"(1Cor.6:20).SurelyitisnogreatmatterifHebidsyouhonorHimandserve Himwithallthatyouhave.Breathestherethemanorwomanamongthereadersofthispaperwho hasreceivednothingattheLord'shand?Notone,Iamsure.Oh,seetoitthatyoulayoutyourLord's moneywellandhonestly!Takeheedthatyoudonotburyyourpound! ButtheLordJesusbidsyoualsotooccupytillHecomes.BythatHemeansthatyouaretodoHis workonearth,likeonewhocontinuallylooksforHisreturn.Youaretobelikethefaithfulservant, whoknowsnotwhathourhismastermaycomehome,butkeepsallthingsinreadinessandisalways prepared.YouaretobelikeonewhoknowsthatChristscomingisthegreatreckoningday,andtobe readytorenderupyouraccountatanymoment.Youarenottosupposethatyouhaveanyfreeholdin thisworld,norevenalease.ThegreatestandtherichestofmankindisonlyGod'stenantatwill.You arenottoneglectanysocialdutyorrelationoflifebecauseoftheuncertaintyoftheLord'sreturn.You aretofillthestationtowhichGodhascalledyouinagodlyandChristianway;andyouaretobeready togofromtheplaceofbusinesstomeetChristintheair,iftheLordshallthinkfit.Youaretobelikea manwhoneverknowswhatadaymightbringforth,and,therefore,youaretoputoffnothingtilla "convenientseason."Youaretoriseandgoforthinthemorningready,ifneedbe,tomeetChristat noon.Youaretoliedowninbedatnightready,ifneedbe,tobeawakenedbythemidnightcry "BeholdtheBridegroomcomes."Youaretokeepyourspiritualaccountsinastateofconstant preparation,likeonewhoneverknowshowsoontheymaybecalledfor.Youaretomeasureallyour waysbythemeasureofChrist'sappearing,andtodonothinginwhichyouwouldnotlikeJesustofind youengaged.Thisisto"occupy"tillJesuscomes. Think,reader,howcondemningarethesewordstothousandsofprofessingChristians!Whatanutter absenceofpreparationappearsintheirdailywalkandconversation!Howthoroughlyunfitaretheyto meetChrist!Theyknownothingofoccupying[using]thegiftsofGodasloansforwhichtheymust

giveaccount.TheyshownottheslightestdesiretoglorifyHimwithbodyandspiritwhichareHis. Theygivenosignofreadinessforthesecondadvent.OldGurnallhaswellsaid,Itmaybewrittenon thegraveofeveryunconvertedman,HereliesonewhoneverdidforGodanhourswork."Ina worldlikethis,whocanwonderifaministeroftencriestohiscongregation,Yemusthebornagain." "Exceptyebeconverted,andbecomeaslittlechildren,yeshallnotenterintothekingdomofheaven. (John3:7;Matt.18:3.) Thinkagainhowarousingthesewordsoughttobetoallwhoarerichinthisworldbutdonotknow howtospendtheirmoneyrightly.Alas,therearemanywholiveonasifChristhadneversaidanything aboutthedifficultyofrichmenbeingsaved!Theyarerichtowardstheirownpleasures,ortheirown tastes,ortheirownfamilies,butnotrichtowardsGod!Theyliveasiftheywouldnothavetogivean accountoftheiruseofmoney.TheyliveasiftherewasnoreckoningdaybeforethebarofChrist. TheyliveasifChristhadneversaid,"Itismoreblessedtogivethantoreceive"(Acts20:35)."Sellthat yehaveandgivealms.Provideyourselvesbagswhichwaxnotold,atreasureinheaventhatfailsnot" (Luke12:33).Oh,ifthispapershouldbychancefallintothehandsofsuchaone,Idobeseechyou, consideryourwaysandbewise.CeasetobecontentwithgivingtoGod'scauseafewshillingsoran occasionalguinea.Givefarmoreliberallythanyouhavedoneyet.Givehundredswhereyounowgive tens.Givethousandswhereyounowgivehundreds.Then,andnottillthen,Ishallbelieveyouare "occupying"asonewholooksforChrist'sreturn.Alas,forthecovetousnessandnarrowmindednessof theChurchofthesedays!MaytheLordopentheeyesofrichChristians. Thinkagainhowinstructivearethesewordstoallwhoaretroubledbydoubtsandminglingwiththe world,andtakingpartinitsvainamusements.Itisuselesstotellusthatraces,balls,theaters,operas, andcardsarenotforbiddenbynameinScripture.Thequestionweshouldaskourselvesissimplythis: "AmIoccupyingasonewholooksforChrist'sreturnwhenItakepartinthesethings?ShouldIlike Jesustoreturnsuddenlyandfindmeontheracecourse,orintheballroom,oratthetheater,oratthe cardtable?ShouldIthinkIwasinmyrightplaceandwheremyLordwouldhavemetobe?"Oh,dear reader!Thisisthetruetestbywhichtotryallourdailyoccupationsandemploymentsoftime.That thingwhichwewouldnotdoifwethoughtJesuswascomingtonight,thatthingweoughtnottodoat all.ThatplacetowhichwewouldnotgoifwethoughtJesuswascomingthisday,thatplaceweought toavoid.ThatcompanyinwhichwewouldnotlikeJesustofindus,inthatcompanyweoughtnever tositdown.Oh,thatmenwouldliveasinthesightofChristnotasinthesightofman,orofthe Church,orofministersbutasinthesightofChrist!Thiswouldbe"occupyingtillHecomes." ButthinkhowencouragingarethesewordstoallwhoseekfirstthekingdomofGodandlovetheLord Christinsincerity.Whatthoughthechildrenoftheworldregardthemasrighteousovermuch!What thoughmistakenfriendsandrelationstellthemtheypaytoomuchattentiontoreligionandgotoofar! Thosewords,OccupytillIcome,arewordswhichjustifytheirconduct.Theymaywellreplytotheir persecutors,"IamstrivingtolivesoastobereadywhentheLordcomes;'ImustbeaboutmyFather's business.'" Letmeconcludethisaddresswithafewwordsofgeneralapplication. First,letmedrawfromthewholesubjectawordofsolemnwarningforeveryoneintowhosehands thisaddressmayfall.Thatwarningis,thatthereisagreatchangeyettocomeonthisworld,anda changeweoughttokeepconstantlybeforeourmindseye. ThatchangeisachangeofMASTERS.Thatoldrebel,thedevil,andallhisadherentsshallbecast down.TheLordJesusandallHissaintsshallbeexaltedandraisedtohonor.Thekingdomsofthis worldshallbecomethekingdomsofourLordandofHisChrist"(Rev.11:15).

Thatchangeisachangeofmanners.Sinshallnolongerbemadelightofandpalliated.Wickedness shallnolongergounpunishedandunreproved.Holinessshallbecomethegeneralcharacterofthe inhabitantsoftheearth."Thenewheavenandnewearth"shallbethedwellingof"righteousness"(2 Pet.3:13). Thatchangeisachangeofopinion.ThereshallbenomoreSocinianism,orDeism,orScepticism,or Infidelity.AllnationsshalldohonortothecrucifiedLambofGod.AllmenshallknowHim,fromthe leasttothegreatest."TheearthshallbefulloftheknowledgeofHim,asthewaterscoverthesea"(Isa. 11:9). Isaynothingastothetimewhenthesethingsshalltakeplace.Iobject,onprinciple,toalldogmatism aboutdates.AllIinsistuponisthis,thatthereisagreatchangebeforeusallachangefortheearth,a changeforman,and,aboveall,achangeforthesaints. Iacceptthepredictionthat"thereisagreatimprovementanddevelopmentofhumannatureyetto takeplace."Iacceptitwithallmyheart.Buthowandwhenshallitbebroughtabout?Notbyany systemofeducation!Notbyanylegislationofpoliticians!Notbyanythingshortoftheappearingof thekingdomofChrist.Then,andthenonly,shalltherebeuniversaljustice,universalknowledge,and universalpeace. Iacceptthecommonphraseofmany,"Thereisagoodtimecoming."Iacceptitwithallmyheart.I dotrulybelievethereshallonedaybenomorepoverty,nomoreoppression,nomoreignorance,no moregrindingcompetition,nomorecovetousness.Butwhenshallthatgoodtimecome?Never,never tillthereturnofJesusChristatHissecondadvent!Andforwhomshallthattimebegood?Fornone butthosewhoknowandlovetheLord. Iacceptthecommonphrase,"Thereisamancomingwhowillsetallrightthatisnowwrong.We waitforthecomingman."Iacceptitwithallmyheart.IdolookforOnewhoshallunravelthe tangledskeinofthisworld'saffairsandputeverythinginitsrightplace.Butwhoisthegreatphysician foranold,diseased,wornoutworld?Itis"theManChristJesus,"whoisyettoreturn. Oh,reader,letusrealizethispoint!Thereisbeforeusallagreatchange.Surely,whenamanhas noticetoquithispresentdwellingplace,heoughttomakesurethathehasbeforehimanotherhome. Next,letmedrawfromthewholesubjectasolemnquestionforallintowhosehandsthisaddressmay fall.Thatquestionissimplythis:AREYOUREADYFORTHEGREATCHANGE?Areyoureadyforthe comingandkingdomofChrist? Remember,Idonotaskwhatyouthinkaboutcontroversialpointsinthesubjectofprophecy.Idonot askyouropinionaboutpreterismandfuturism.Idonotaskwhetheryouthinkrevelationisfulfilledor unfulfilled,orwhetheryouconsidertheManofSintobeanindividual,orwhetheryouhold propheticaldaystobeyears.AboutallthesepointsyouandImayerrandyetbesaved.Theonepoint towhichIwanttopinyoudownisthis:"AreyoureadyforthekingdomfoChrist?" ItisuselesstotellmethatinaskingthisIputbeforeyoutoohighastandard.Itisvaintotellmethata manmaybeaverygoodmanandyetnotbereadyforthekingdomofChrist.Idenyitaltogether.I saythateveryjustifiedandconvertedmanisready,andthatifyouarenotreadyyouarenotajustified man.IsaythatthestandardIputbeforeyouisnothingmorethantheNewTestamentstandard,and thattheApostleswouldhavedoubtedthetruthofyourreligionifyouwerenotlookingandlongingfor thecomingoftheLord.IsayaboveallthatthegrandendoftheGospelistopreparementomeetGod. WhathasyourChristianitydoneforyouifithasnotmadeyoumeetforthekingdomofChrist?

Nothing!Nothing,nothingatall!Oh,thatyoumaythinkonthismatterandneverresttillyouare readytomeetChrist. Inthenextplace,letmeofferaninvitationtoallreaderswhodonotfeelreadyforChristsreturn. Thatinvitationshallbeshortandsimple.IbeseechyoutoknowyourdangerandcometoChrist withoutdelaysothatyoumaybepardoned,justified,andmadereadyforthingstocome.Ientreatyou thisdaytofleefromthewrathtocome,tothehopesetbeforeyouintheGospel.Iprayyouin Christsstead,tolaydownenmityandunbelief,andatonce"tobereconciledtoGod"(2Cor.5:20). ItremblewhenIthinkoftheprivilegeswhichsurroundyouinthiscountry,andoftheperilinwhich youstandsolongasyouneglectthem.ItremblewhenIthinkofthepossibilityofChristcomingagain andofyourbeingfoundunpardonedandunconvertedinthedayofHisreturn.Betterathousand timeswillbehislotwhowasbornaheathenandneverheardtheGospelthanthelotofhimwhohas beenamemberofaChurchbutnotalivingmemberofChrist.Surelythetimepastmaysufficeyouto havedelayedandlingeredaboutyoursoul.Awakethisday!"Awakeyouwhosleeps,andChristshall giveyoulight"(Eph.5:14). LayasideeverythingthatstandsbetweenyouandChrist.Castawayeverythingthatdrawsyouback andpreventsyoufeelingreadyfortheLord'sappearing.Findoutthebesettingsinthatweighsyou downandtearitfromyourheart,howeverdearitmaybe.CrymightilytotheLordJesustoreveal Himselftoyoursoul.Restnotuntilyouhaveareal,firm,andreasonablehope,andknowthatyour feetareontheRockofAges.Restnottillyoucansay,"TheLordmaycome;theearthmaybeshaken; thefoundationsoftheroundworldmaybeoverturned.ButthankGodIhavegottreasureinheaven andanadvocatewiththeFather,andIwillnotbeafraid." Dothisandyoushallhavegottensomethingfromreadingasimplepropheticalpaper. Lastofall,letmedrawfromthesubjectanexhortationtoallwhoknowChristindeed,andloveHis appearing.Thatexhortationissimplythis,thatyoustrivemoreandmoretobeadoingChristian (James1:22).LabormoreandmoretoshowforththepraisesofHimwhohascalledyououtof darknessintomarvelouslight.ImproveeverytalentwhichtheLordJesushascommittedtoyour chargetothesettingforthofHisglory.Letyourwalkdeclareplainlythatyou"seekacountry."Let yourconformitytothemindofChristbeunquestionableandunmistakable.Letyourholinessbea clearplainfactwhicheventheworstenemiesoftheGospelcannotdeny. Aboveall,ifyouareastudentofprophecy,Ientreatyounevertoletitbesaidthatpropheticalstudy preventspracticaldiligence.Ifyoudobelievethatthedayisreallyapproaching,thenlaboractivelyto provokeothersuntoloveandgoodworks.Ifyoudobelievethatthenightisfarspent,bedoubly diligentto"castofftheworksofdarknessandputonthearmoroflight."Neverwasthereagreater mistakethantofancythatthedoctrineofthepersonalreturnofChristiscalculatedtoparalyze Christiandiligence.Surelytherecanbenogreaterspurtotheservant'sactivitythantheexpectationof hismaster'sspeedyreturn. Thisisthewaytoattainahealthystateofsoul.Thereisnothingliketheexercisesofourgracesfor promotingourspiritualvigor.Alas,therearenotafewofGod'ssaintswhocomplainthattheywant spiritualcomfortintheirreligionwhilethefaultisaltogetherinthemselves."Occupy,""Occupy,"I wouldsaytosuchpersons.LayyourselvesoutmoreheartilyforthegloryofGodandthese uncomfortablefeelingswillsoonvanishaway. Thisisthewaytodogoodtothechildrenoftheworld.Nothing,underGod,hassuchaneffecton unconvertedpeopleasthesightofareal,thoroughgoingliveChristian.Therearethousandswhowill

notcometoheartheGospel,anddonotknowthemeaningofjustificationbyfaith,whoyetcan understandanuncompromising,holy,consistentwalkwithGod."Occupy,""Occupy,"Isayagain,ifyou wanttodogood. Thisisthewaytopromotemeetnessfortheinheritanceofthesaintsinlight.Therewillbenoidleness inthekingdomofChrist.ThesaintsandangelsshalltherewaitontheirLordwithunweariedactivity andserveHimdayandnight.ItisafinesayingofBernard,thatJacobinhisvisionsawsomeangels ascending,andsomedescending,butnonestandingstill."Occupy,""Occupy,"Isayagain,ifyouwould bethoroughlytrainedforyourglorioushome. Oh,brethrenbelievers,itwouldbewellindeedifwedidbutseeclearlyhowmuchitisforourinterest andhappinesstooccupyeveryfarthingofourLord'smoneytoliveveryneartoGod. Solivingweshallfindgreatjoyinourworkgreatcomfortinourtrialsgreatdoorsofusefulnessinthe worldgreatconsolationinoursicknessesgreathopeinourdeathleavegreatevidencesbehindus whenweareburiedhavegreatconfidenceinthedayofChrist'sreturnandreceiveagreatcrownin thedayofreward.

ComingEventsandPresentDuties:BeingMiscellaneousSermonson PropheticalSubjects(1867)
by J.C.Ryle

Sermon3 WHATTIMEISIT?
"Thenightisfarspent,thedayisathand.Letusthereforecastofftheworksofdarkness,andlet usputonthearmoroflight."(Rom.13:12) YouprobablyknowthestoryofSt.Paul'sshipwreck(Acts28).YourememberhowtheApostleandhis companionswereexceedinglytossedwithatempestforthirteendays.Neithersunnorstarsinmany daysappeared.Allhopethattheyshouldbesavedwastakenaway.Butdoyourecollectthatwhenthe fourteenthnightwascome,aboutmidnight,thesailorsdeemedthattheydrewneartosomecountry? Theysounded,andfounditwastwentyfathoms.Whentheyhadgonealittlefurthertheysounded again,andfounditfifteenfathoms.Then,fearinglesttheyshouldhavefallenuponrocks,theycast fouranchorsoutofthestern,andwishedfortheday.Thinkwhatananxiousnightthatmusthave been!HowoftensomeofthetwohundredandseventysixsoulsonboardthegreatAlexandriancorn shipmusthavesaid,Howgoesthenight?Whattimeisit? YouhaveprobablyheardofthebattleofWaterloo.YouknowthattheDukeofWellingtonfoughtthat battleontheunderstandingthatthePrussianswouldcomeupontheleftofhisarmyandhelphim againsttheFrench.Butthewaywaslong.Theroadswerebad.Theeveningwasdrawingonbefore thePrussianscouldappearonthefield.Inthemeantimethebattleincreased.Hourafterhourour forceswerethinnedbythefuriousattacksoftheenemy.Onegallantmanafteranotherwasslainor carriedawaywounded.Thinkwhatananxiousafternoonthatmusthavebeen!Howoftenthesunand theshadowsmusthavebeenobserved!Howoftenthewatchmusthavebeenconsulted,andthe general'seyeturnedtotheleft!Howoftentheanxiousquestionmusthaveriseninmen'sminds,What timeisit? Youhaveprobablyattendedthesickbedofsomewhomyoutenderlyloved.Youhaveseenthem hoveringbetweenlifeanddeath,andhavepassedweeksofpainfulsuspense.Youhavesatbyand watchedthestrugglebetweenthebodyanditsinfirmities,andfeltthemiserablehelplessnessofnot beingabletodoanythingbutlookon.Anddoyounotknowhowslowlythehoursrollroundatatime likethis?Havenottheclocksandwatchesseemedtostandstill,andthesunappearedtohave forgottentorise?Haveyounotoftensaid,Whenwillthephysiciancomeagain?Willthemorning nevercome?Whattimeisit? Reader,youandIareinaworldwhichisrapidlyrollingontowardsthedayofjudgment.Thereisan hourbeforeusallwhentheearthanditsworksshallbeburnedup,andtheinhabitantsthereofshallall standbeforethebarofChrist.Thereisadaytocomewhoseissuesareoffarmoreimportancethan thoseofshipwreck,battle,ordisease.Surelyitbecomesustothinkofthatday.Arewereadyforit?Is itpossiblethatwemaylivetoseeit?Isitnear,orisitfaroff?Whattimeisit? ComewithmethisdayandconsiderthethoughtsofaninspiredApostleonthissolemnsubject.He says,"Thenightisfarspent,thedayisathand.Letusthereforecastofftheworksofdarkness,andput

onusthearmoroflight."Thesewordsoughttocomehometoourconsciencesliketheblastofa trumpet.Theyoughttorouseoursleepingmindstoasenseoftheeternalrealitieswhicharebeforeus. Theycalluponustolayasidealltrifling,lingering,andcarelessnessaboutourChristianity.They summonustoaclosewalkwithGod. Therearefourthingsbroughtbeforemymindbythewordsjustquoted. 1.YouhaveherethepresentconditionoftheworldItisnight. 2.YouhavetheconditionoftheworldwhichisyettocomeItwillbeday. 3.YouhavetheparticulartimeinwhichourlotiscastThenightisfarspent,andthedayisathand. 4.YouhavethedutyofallbelieverswhoknowthetimeTheyoughttocastofftheworksofdarkness andtoputonthearmoroflight. UponeachofthesefourpointsIhavesomethingtosay. Firstofall,letusconsiderthepresentconditionoftheworld.TheApostlePaulcallsit"night.""The night,"hesays,"isfarspent." Ihavenodoubt,thatwordseemsstrangetosomepersons.Theythinkitwonderful[surprising]that theyear1867shouldbecalled"night."Theyarelivingindaysoflearning,science,civilization, commerce,freedom,andknowledge.Theyseearoundthemthingswhichtheirforefathersnever dreamedofrailways,manufacturingplants,gas,electricity,steamengines,educationforall,andcheap [inexpensive]books.Iknowitall,andamthankfulforit.NeverthelessIsaythatinthethingsofGod theworldisstillinastateof"night." IbelievethatGodlooksdownonthisglobeofoursasitrollsroundthesun,andasHelooksuponit, Hepronouncesit"verydark." Ibelievethattheangelsgotoandfro,andmakereportofalltheyseeonourearth,andtheirconstant reportis,"verydark." AndIamsurethatbelieversintheLordJesusineverylandareofonemindonthissubject.Theycry andsighfor[becauseof]theabominationstheyseearoundthem.Tothemtheworldappears"very dark." Isitnotdarkinheathenlands?TherearetwothirdsofthewholeworldinopenrebellionagainstGod andHisChrist.TwooutofeverythreeinhabitantsoftheglobehavenoBible,noGospel,no knowledge,nofaith,nohope.Theyarecruel,deceitful,immoral,unclean,earthlysensual,devilish, idolatrous,superstitious.Surelythatisnight. IsitnotdarkinmanyprofessedlyChristiancountries?Therearetwothirdsofalltheprofessing Christiansonearthwhoareunsoundinthefaith.TheirreligionsimplyisnotScriptural.Theyhave addedtoitmanythingswhicharenottobefoundintheBible.Theyhaveleftoutofitmanythings whichtheBiblehasplainlycommanded.TherearemillionswhogivehonortotheVirginMaryand deadsaintsinsteadofChrist.TherearemillionsofbaptizedpeoplewhoknownothingoftheBible, andhavenottheslightestideaofthesalvationcontainedintheGospel.Surelythatisnight. Isitnotdarkinourowncountryatthispresentday?HowmuchofsinthereisinProtestantBritain,

andhowlittleofGod!Howmuchofopeninfidelity,heathenishignorance,drunkenness,Sabbath breaking,swearing,cheating,lying,covetousness,isweeklycryingagainstusbeforetheLordofHosts! HowmanypeopleinGreatBritaingotonoplaceofworshipatall!Howmanygotochurchandchapel merelyasamatterofform!Howfewarereallyinearnestaboutthesalvationoftheirsouls!Howfew haveanyevidencetoshowofasavingfaithinChristandarealworkoftheSpiritintheirhearts! Surelyevenamongourselvesitisnight. Istherenotmuchdarknessundertheeyesofeverytruebeliever?Gotothemostgodly,quiet,andorderly parishinourlandatthismoment.AskanywellinformedchildofGodresidinginithowmanytrue Christiansitcontains,andwhatistheproportionoftheconvertedtotheunconverted.Markwellthe answerhewillgive.IdoubtifyouwillfindaparishinGreatBritainwhereonethirdofthepeopleare converted.Andifsuchbethereportofparisheswhicharelikethegreentree,whatmustbethestate ofthingsinthedry?Surelyitisnight. Reader,itisuselesstodenythesethings.Humblingasitmaybetotheprideofhumannature,the wordoftheApostleisstrictlytruethetimepresentisnight.Anunconvertedmanmaynotperceiveit. Agracelessmanmaynotcomprehendit.Theblindeyeseesnodifferencebetweennoonandmidnight. Thedeafearmakesnodistinctionbetweendiscordandsweetmusic.Themortifiedlimbhasnofeeling eitherofheatorcold.ButIdobelievethatGod'schildrencanenterintothemeaningofthe expression.ThepeopleoftheLordJesusChristfindbyexperiencethatitisnight. Itisacoldtimetobelievers.Theymeetwithmuchtochillanddampentheirzeal,andlittletocheer andwarmtheirhearts.Theyhavetoputupwithmanycrossesanddisappointments.Theyseeiniquity abounding,andtheirownloveisapttobecomecold.Andwhy?Itisnight. Itisalonelytimetobelievers.Theyfindlittlecompanyonthewaythatleadstoheaven.Hereand theretheyfallinwithonewholovestheLordJesusandlivesbyfaith.AfewofGod'schildrenmaybe foundinonetownandafewinanother.Butonthewholethechildrenoftheworldseemlikethe Syrianarmy,whichfilledandcountry,andthechildrenofGodarelikeafewscatteredsheepina wilderness.Andwhy?Itisnight. Itisadangeroustimetobelievers.Theyoftenstumbleandscarcelydiscerntheirpath.Theyoften standindoubtandknownotwhichwaytoturn.Theysometimesseenottheirtokensandlosesightof theirlandmarks.Atbesttheytravelonincontinualfearofenemies.Andwhy?Itisnight. Reader,Iaskyoutoponderthesethings.Iftimepresentbenight,youwillnotwonderifweministers warnChristianstowatchandpray.Youwillcountitnostrangethingifwetellyoutolivelikesoldiers inanenemy'scountry,andtobealwaysonyourguard. Reader,sitdownandaskyourselfwhetheryoufindthisworldinwhichyoulivetobenightorday.Is timepresentatimeofconflictoratimeofease?Doyoufeelthatyourbestthingsarehereinthislife orthatyourbestthingsareyettocome?Iofferthesequestionstoyouasatestofyourspiritualstate. Iplacethembeforeyouasagaugeandmeasureofyoursoul'scondition.Itellyouplainly,ifyounever foundthisworldawildernessandplaceofdarkness,itisanevilsignofyourstateinthesightofGod. ThetruebelieverwillfindthewordsofhiscrucifiedLordtobestrictlytrue,"Intheworldyeshallhave tribulation"(John16:33).Thetruebeliever,likehisLordandMaster,willbemade"perfectthrough sufferings."Thetruebelieverwillmournovertheworldhelivesin,asaworldinrebellionagainstits rightfulking.Sinwillgrievehim.Ungodlinesswillmakehimheavyofheart.LikeLotinSodom,his righteoussoulwillbedailyvexedwithmuchthatheseesandhears.Hewilllongforthetimewhen thedayshalldawnandtheshadowsfleeaway.Forthepresenthewillfeelitisnight.

Reader,isityournightorday? Letusconsider,inthesecondplace,theconditionoftheworldwhichisyettocome.TheApostlePaul callsit"day.""Thedayisathand." ThetimeherespokenofisthetimetowhicheverytrueChristianoughttolookforwarditisthetime whentheLordJesusChristshallcomeagain.ThepresentstateofthingsintheChurchofChristshall undergoamightychangeachangesogreatthatitshallbeliketheturningofnightintoday. Theworldweliveinisnottogoonalwaysasitdoesnow.Thedarknessofsin,ignorance,and superstitionisnotalwaystocovertheearth.Thesunofrighteousnessshallonedayrisewithhealing inhiswings.TheLordJesusshallcomeagainwithpowerandgreatglory.Heshallreturnasa morningwithoutclouds,andthenitshallbe"day." Thereisatimecomingwhenthedevilshallbeboundandshallnolongerruleinthisworld(Rev. 20:1,&c).Sinandallitsconsequencesshallbecastout.Thegroaningcreationshallatlengthbe refreshed(Acts3:19).Thewickedshallbeshutupforeverintheirownplace.ThesaintsoftheMost Highshallatlengthpossessthekingdom.Thereshallbeanewheavenandanewearth,whereinshall dwellrighteousness.Surelythatwillbe"day." Thereisatimecomingwhenbelieversshallhavejoyandgladness,andsorrowandsighingshallflee faraway.Everytearshallbewiped,everycrosslaiddown,everyanxietyremoved,everybittercup takenaway.Persecution,temptation,sickness,mourning,parting,separation,anddeathshallbeat end.Surelythatwillbesunshine.Itwillbe"day." ThereisatimecomingwhenthewholefamilyofChristshallbegatheredtogether.Theyshallrisefrom theirnarrowbedsandeachputonagloriousbody.Theyshallawakefromtheirlongsleeprefreshed, strengthened,andfarmorebeautifulthanwhentheylaydown.Theyshallleavebehindthemintheir graveseveryimperfection,andmeetwithoutspotorwrinkle,topartnomore.Surelythatwillbea joyfulmorning.Itwillbe"day." Thereisatimecomingwhenbelieversshallnolongerseethroughaglassdarkly,butfacetoface.They shallseeastheyhavebeenseen,andknowastheyhavebeenknown.Theyshallceasetowrangleand disputeaboutoutwardmatters,andshallthinkofnothingbuteternalrealities.Theyshallbeholdtheir crucifiedLordandSaviorwiththeeyeofsense,andnolongerfollowHimbyfaith[alone].Theyshall seeoneanotherfreefromallcorruption,andmisunderstandoneanother'smotivesandconductno more.Surelythatwillbe"day." IseeheregreatcomfortforeverybelieverinChristwhoreadsthesepages.Thereisadaybeforeyou,a gloriousday.Yousometimesfeelnowasifyouwalkedindarknessandhadnolight.Youhaveoftena hardbattletofightwiththeworld,theflesh,andthedevil.Yousometimesfancyyouwillneverwin yourwayhomeandmustfaintbytheway.Yourfleshandheartarereadytofail.Youaresorely temptedtogiveupandtositdownindespair.Buttakecomfortinthethoughtofthingsyettocome. Thereisagoodtimebeforeyou.Yourdayhasyettodawn. IseeheregreatreasonwhymanyprofessingChristiansshouldtrembleandbeafraid.Therearemany, toomanyIfear,towhomthetimetocomewillbeanythingbutday.Therearemanywhosehappiness isevidentlyallbelow,whosetreasureisallonearth,whosebrightesttimeisnow,andwhosegloomiest prospectsarehereafter.Thefurthertheylookon,thedarkereverythingappears.Oldagelooksdark; sicknesslooksdarkerstill;deathandjudgmentlookdarkestofall!

Belovedreader,ifthisbeyourcase,Iwarnyouplainlytheremustbeachange.Yourviews,yourtastes, yourinclinations,youraffectionsmustberenewedandtransformed.Youmustlearntoviewtheworld thatnowisandthatwhichistocomeinaverydifferentlight.GoandsitatthefeetofJesusandask Himtoteachyouthislesson.AskfortheenlighteningSpirittoanointyoureyesthatyoumaysee.Ask fortheveiltobetakenaway,thatyoumaybeholdeverythinginitstruecolors. IknowwellthatSatanlaborshardtopreventmenthinkingofabetterworldthanthatinwhichwe nowlive.Hestrivestoturnawaytheireyesfromthecomingday.Hewouldfainpersuadethemthatit isimpossibletodotheirdutyinthislifeandatthesametimetosettheiraffectionsonthingsabove. Hewhisperstopeoplethatweministerswantthemtobecomegloomyhermits,orfanatical misanthropes[hatersofmankind],andthatiftheylistentoustheywillbecomeunfitforallthe relationsoflife.AgainstallsuggestionsofSatanIwarneveryreadertobeonhisguard. IbidnooneneglectthedutiesofhisstationorforsakethepostwhichGodhascalledhimtofill.I encouragenooneinmorosenessandchurlishness,asiftherewasnothingtobethankfulforinthis world.Ipraisenoonewhorefuseshisaffectionstothosewithwhomheisunitedbylove,friendship, andrelationship.IonlyaskthatthebelieverintheNewTestamentshouldlivebyaNewTestament standardthatheshouldlookforthecomingofthedayofGod,andwaitfortheSonofGodfrom heaven,andlovehisLord'sappearing. Reader,Iabhorallextravaganceandfanaticismonthesubjectofthingstocome.Ihaveno[good] opinionofanyreligionwhichmakesamanneglecthisbusinessorceasetolovewife,children, relatives,andfriends.Ionlyaskthatweshouldtakescripturalviewsofthingsastheyare,andthings astheyyetwillbe.Iaskthatweshouldseeourpresentevilsandmournoverthem,thatweshouldsee ourfuturegoodthingsandlongforthem.Letushonestlyconfessthatsinisaroundus,andlongtobe deliveredfromitspresence.Letushonestlyconfessthatholinessisonedaytospreadovertheearth, andlongforittocome.Letusneverbeashamedtoallowthatitis"night"andthatwewantittobe "day." Tellme,canthatmanreallyhatesinwhodoesnotdesiretoseeitsweptawayfromtheearth?Can thatmanloveholinesswhodoesnotlongforthetimewhenallshallknowtheLord?Canthatmanbe trulyunitedtoChristbyfaithwhodoesnotwishtoseeChristandtobewithHim?Canthatmanbea saintwhodoesnotthirstaftertheunmixedcompanyofjustmenmadeperfect?Canthatmanbein earnestwhodailyprays"Thykingdomcome"andyetiscontentthattheworldshouldgoonasitis withoutanychange?Oh,no!no!Thesethingsareimpossible.God'struechildrenwillwanttobeat home.Theywillwishfortheday. Reader,ifyoumeantobesaved,youmustlearntoviewtimepresentas"night"andtimetocomeas "day."YoumustlearntoregardtheothersideofJordanasthehomeofyoursoulandthissideasa desertland.Timepresentmustbeyourwilderness,yourbattlefield,yourplaceoftrial;timetocome mustbeyourCanaan,yourrest,yourFather'shouseorelseyouhadbetterneverhavebeenborn. Inthethirdplace,letusconsidertheparticulartimesinwhichourlotiscast.TheApostlePaultellsus, whenhesays,"Thenightisfarspent,andthedayisathand." Ibelievethesewordsmeanthatthelastorderofthingshasarrivedthelaststageinthehistoryofthe Churchhascome.Thelawandtheprophetshavedonetheirwork.TheMessiahpromisedatthefall hasappearedandprovidedacompletesalvation.ThelastrevelationofGod'swillhasbeenmade.The wayoflifehasbeenlaidopentoallmankind.Nofurthermessagefromheaventoearthistobe expectedbeforetheend.NomorebooksofScripturearetobewritten.Wehavereachedthelast watchofthenight.Wehavenothingtoexpectnowbutthesunriseandthemorning.

Reader,thesewords,whichweretrueeighteenhundredyearsago,are,ifpossible,moretrueatthe presenttime.TheyarewordswhichshouldcomehomewithincreasingpowertotheChurchofChrist everyyear"Thenightisfarspent;thedayisathand." Iamoneofthosewhothink"theday"maynotbesofaroffassomeseemtosuppose.Iamunableto putawaytheideaoftheLord'sreturningloryasaneventwhich"ofcourse"cannotbeinourtimes,as somemensay.IratherthinkIseetokensofthesunbeingnearthehorizon.Atallevents,Idesireto keepinspecialremembranceSt.James'words,"TheJudgestandsbeforethedoor,""thecomingofthe Lorddrawsnigh,"andSt.Peter'swords,"theendofallthingsisathand"(James5:8,9;1Peter4:7). Iamnoprophetandmayeasilybemistaken.Imaydie,andyoumaydie,beforeChristcomesandthe daydawns.ButIappealtoeverythinkingmanwhethertherearenot"signsofthetimes"which deserveseriousattention.Iaskhimtonoticethethingsgoingonintheworld,andtoconsiderwell whattheyareintendedtoteach. DoesanyreaderaskwhatImeanby"signsofthetimes"?Lethimweighwellthesixfollowingpoints, andhewillseewhatImean. 1.Whatshallwesaytothemissionstotheheathenwhichhavebeensetonfootintheselatterdays? SeventyyearsagotheProtestantChurchesseemedthoroughlyasleeponthesubjectofmissions.There washardlyasinglemissionarysentforthtotheheathenfromthewholeofGreatBritain.Theideaof preachingtheGospeltosavagesandidolaterswasridiculed.Thefirstpromotersofmissionswere treatedcoldlybymanywhooughttohaveknownbetter.Butnowthefeelingiscompletelychanged. Weareemployinghundredsofmissionariesineveryquarteroftheglobe.AndwhatsaystheScripture? "TheGospelofthekingdomshallbepreachedinalltheworldforawitnessuntoallnations;andthen shalltheendcome"(Matt.24:14). 2.WhatshallwesaytothesurprisinginteresttakenintheJewishnationintheselatterdays?Seventy yearsago,tobeaJewwasatauntandabyewordandaproverb.Nomancaredforthesoulsofthe childrenofAbraham.Theywereapeopledespised,andscorned,andtrampledunderfoot.Itmight trulyhavebeensaid,"ThisisZion,whomnomanseeksafter"(Jer.30:17).Butnowthefeelingis completelychanged.ThespiritualinterestsofJewsareasubjectofdeepconcerntotrueChristians. ThecivilrightsofJewsarecaredforeventoanextreme.TheverycityofJerusalemhasweightinthe councilsofkings.AndwhatsaystheScripture?"ThoushaltariseandhavemercyuponZion,forthe timetofavorher,yeathesettimeiscome.Forthyservantstakepleasureinherstones,andfavorthe dustthereof.SotheheathenshallfearthenameoftheLord,andallthekingsoftheearththyglory. WhentheLordshallbuildupZion,HeshallappearinHisglory"()Ps.12:1316). 3.Whatshallwesaytothewonderfulspreadofknowledgeandcommunicationbetweennationsinthese days?Seventyyearsago,tofindapoormanwhocouldreadwasratheranuncommonthing.Inafew yearsamanwhocannotreadwillbeararesight.Seventyyearsagotherewerefewwhoevertraveled beyondtheboundsoftheirowncounty.Noweveryonecanmoveineverydirection,andour populationislikeaswarmofbeesdisturbed.Steamnavigationandrailwayshavealteredthecharacter ofsociety.Timeandspacearemadenothingof.Seas,mountains,andriversarenolongerobstacles. GodseparatedthenationsinthedayofBabel.Manisworkinghardtomakethemalloneagain.And whatsaystheScripture?"Shutupthewordsandsealthebook,eventothetimeoftheend.Many shallruntoandfro,andknowledgeshallbeincreased"(Dan.12:4). 4.Whatshallwesaytothewarsandshakingsofnationswhichwehaveseenintheselastseventy years?Themightiestempiresonearthhavebeenshakentotheirveryfoundations.Kings,andprinces,

andgreatmenhavebeendrivenfromtheirhighpositionbyscoresandbeenmadewanderersonthe faceoftheearth.Therehasbeennoaccountingforitbyanyhumanreasoning.Thesemovements havetakenplaceinthefaceofincreasedknowledge,civilization,anddesireofpeace.Theshockcame frombeneath.AndwhatsaystheScripture?"Nationshallriseagainstnation,andkingdomagainst kingdom,andthereshallbefaminesandpestilencesandearthquakesinvariousplaces.Alltheseare thebeginningofsorrows"(Matt.24:7,8). 5.WhatshallwesaytothedrivingupoftheMahometanpower?Twohundredandfiftyyearsagomen doubtedwhethertheTurksmightnotoverrunallEurope!Noarmyseemedabletoresistthem. Provinceafterprovincefellintotheirhands.WhenMartinLutherinhissermonswantedanillustration ofboundlessworldlypower,hewouldchooseforhisexample"theTurkishempire!"Butnowallis changed.WithoutmuchoutwardviolencetheMahometanstrengthhasgraduallydwindledaway. Therehasbeenacollapse,aconsumption,awormattheheartofalltheirmight.Inspiteofallthe helpoftheChristianallies,theTurkishempireislikeamansickofasoredisease.Hemayrallyfora timebythehelpofstrongremedies,andbytheadmissionofnewelementsintohisconstitution,buthe willneveragainbeanexclusive,persecuting,purelyMahometanpower.Thedaysofpure,intolerant Mahometanismseempastandgoneforever.AndwhatsaystheScripture?Iquotesymbolicalprophecy withreverence,andreadilyallowImaybewronginitsapplication;butthepassageIrefertoisvery remarkable:"ThesixthangelpouredouthisvialontheriverEuphrates;andthewatersthereofwere driedup,thatthewayofthekingsoftheEastmightbeprepared.AndIsawthreeuncleanspiritslike frogscomeoutofthemouthofthedragon,andoutofthemouthofthebeast,andoutofthemouthof thefalseprophet.Fortheyarethespiritsofdevils,workingmiracles,whichgoforthuntothekingsof theearthandofthewholeworld,togatherthemtothebattleofthatgreatdayofGodAlmighty. BeholdIcomeasathief.Blessedishethatwatchesandkeepshisgarments,lesthewalknaked,and theyseehisshame"(Rev.16:1215). 6.Whatshallwesaytotheincreasedattentiontounfulfilledprophecy,whichhasappearedinthese latterdays?Seventyyearsagotherewerefewwhopaidanyattentiontothesubject.Thepassagesin Scripturewhichspeakofthingstocomewerecomparativelyneglected,orpervertedwithcurious ingenuityfromtheirsimplemeaning.Now,onthecontrary,thecurrentofpublicfeelingrunsstrongly infavorofpropheticalstudy.Booksonthesubjectareeagerlyboughtup.Lecturesonthesubjectare listenedtowithincreasedattention.Inspiteofthedivisionswhichpreterismandfuturism 1have created,inspiteofthediscreditwhichMilleritesinAmericaandIrvingitesinEnglandhavebrought uponthewholesubject,thestudyofunfulfilledprophecystillholdsitsground.Butwhatsaysthe Scripture?"Thewordsareclosedupandsealedtillthetimeoftheend"(Dan.12:9).Thewordsseem unfolding.Thesealseemsbreaking.Cantheendbefaroff? Reader,Iplacethesepointsbeforeyouandaskyourseriousattentiontothem.Iknowweareallpoor judgesofourowntimes.Weareapttoexaggeratetheimportanceofeventsthattakeplaceunderour owneyes.IdaresayifwehadlivedinCromwell'sdays,orunderthefirstFrenchrevolution,weshould havethoughttheendofallthingswascloseathand.Butstill,aftereveryallowance,Ithinkthepoints Ihavementioneddeservesolemnconsideration.Iregardthemassignsofourtimes. Iamfarfromsayingthattheremaynotbewonderfulchangesyetbeforetheend.Ithinkitpossible theremaybeatimeoftroubleandconflictyet,"suchasneverwassincetherewasanation"(Dan. 12:1).IbelievetheremayyetbetribulationforthepeopleofGod,"suchaswasnotsincethe beginningoftheworld"(Matt.24:21).Butcomewhatwill,Iseeadeepmeaninginthewords,"the nightisfarspent,andthedayisathand."
1 Preterism is the system of prophetical interpretation held by those who consider the greater part of the prophecies in Revelation as fulfilled and past already. Futurism is the system of those who consider the same prophecies to be as yet unfulfilled.

Iseeinthesewordsthestrongestmotivefordiligenceintheworkofdoinggoodtosouls.Letusmake morehastetospreadtheGospelovertheworld.Letustakemorepainsinendeavoringtosowtruthat home.Letuslabor,ifpossible,topluckmorebrandsfromtheburning.Thetimeisshort.Thenightis farspent.Thedayisathand. IseeinthesewordsthestrongestconsolationforthebelieverinChristJesus.Oh,forthehearttolay holdonitmoreandmore! Yetalittlewhileandbelieversshallpartforeverwithdisease.Thesickandweariedoneswhohave mournedovertheirseeminguselessnesstotheChurch,theweakandinfirmwhohavehadthewillto laborbutnotthepower,thefeebleandbedriddenwhohavewaitedlongdrawnyearsinquiet chamberstilltheireyesknoweverycrackandspeckontheirwallsall,allshallbesetfree.Theyshall eachhaveagloriousbodyliketheirLord's. Yetalittlewhileandmourningbelieversshallpartforeverwiththeirtears.Everywoundintheirheart shallbecompletelyhealed.Everyemptyplaceandgapintheiraffectionsshallbeentirelyfilledup. TheyshallfindthatthosewhohavediedintheLordwerenotlostbutgonebefore.Theyshallseethat infinitewisdomarrangedeverybereavementbywhichonewastakenandanotherleft.Theyshall magnifytheLordtogetherwiththosewhowereoncetheircompanionsintribulation,andacknowledge thatHedidallthingswellandledthembyarightway. Yetalittlewhileandbelieversshallnomorefeelthattheyarealone.Theyshallnolongerbescattered overtheearth,afewinoneplaceandafewinanother.Theyshallnolongerlamentthattheyseeso fewtospeakto,asamanspeakswithhisfriendsofewwhoareofonemindandtravelwiththemin theonenarrowway.TheyshallbeunitedtothegeneralassemblyandChurchofthefirstborn.They shalljointheblessedcompanyofallthebelieversofeveryname,andpeople,andtongue.Theireyes shallatlengthbesatisfiedwithseeing.Theyshallseeamultitudeofsaintsthatnonecannumberwith notonewickedpersonamongthem. Yetalittlewhileandworkingbelieversshallfindthattheirlaborwasnotinvain.Theministerswho havepreachedandseemedtoreapnofruit,themissionarieswhotestifiedoftheGospelandnone seemedtobelieve,theteacherswhopouredintochildren'smindslineuponlineandnoneseemedto attendall,allshalldiscoverthattheyhavenotspenttheirstrengthfornothing.Theyshallfindthat theseedsowncanspringupaftermanydays,andthatsoonerorlaterinalllaborthereisprofit. Ah,reader,whenshallthesethingsbe?Trulywemaysay,"Lord,God,thouknowest."Athousand yearsinHissightareasoneday,andonedayasathousandyears.Butwedoknowthatyetalittle whileHewhoshallcomewillcomeandwillnottarry.Yetalittlewhileandthelastsermonshallbe preached,thelastcongregationshallbreakup.Yetalittlewhileandcarelessnessandinfidelityshall cease,perish,andpassaway.ThebelieversamonguswillbewithChrist,andtheunbelieverswillbein hell.Thenightisfarspent,andthedayisathand. Andnow,inthelastplace,letmespeakoftheparticulardutyofallbelieversinconnectionwiththe truthswehavejustconsidered.Practicaldutyisputbeforeusinplainwords"Letusthereforecastoff theworksofdarkness,andletusputonthearmoroflight." Reader,theword"therefore"isoftenusedbytheApostlePaulinaverystrikingandforcibleway.Take afewexamplesandyouwillatonceseewhatImean. WhenhefinishesthedoctrinalpartoftheEpistletotheRomansandbeginshispracticalexhortations,

whatishislanguage?"IbeseechyouthereforebythemerciesofGod,thatyepresentyourbodiesa livingsacrifice,holy,acceptabletoGod"(Rom.12:1). WhenhehaspreachedtheresurrectionofthebodytotheCorinthians,howdoeshewinduphis argument?"Thereforemybelovedbrethren,beyesteadfast,unmovable"(1Cor.15:58). WhenhehaslaidamightyfoundationofdoctrinefortheEphesianChurch,howdoesheproceedto addressthemonpracticalduties?"Itherefore,theprisoneroftheLord,beseechyouthatyewalk worthyofthevocationwherewithyearecalled"(Eph.4:1). Andhere,asinotherplaces,theword"therefore"comesinuponusinaverysearchingandforcible way."Thenightisfarspent,andthedayisathand.Letusthereforecastofftheworksofdarkness." Reader,IlovetoobservehowcloselythedoctrineofChrist'ssecondcomingandkingdomisboundup withpersonalholiness.ImarvelthatanycanregardthesecondadventandreignoftheLordJesusas merelyspeculativematters,ordenouncethemasunprofitablesubjects.Tomyownmindtheyseem eminentlypractical,orelseIhavereadmyBibletoverylittlepurpose. DoesnottheApostlePaulsaytothePhilippians,"Letyourmoderationbeknownuntoallmen:theLord isathand"(Phil.4:5).DoeshenotsaytotheColossians,"Setyouraffectionsonthingsabove,noton thingsontheearth.Foryearedead,andyourlifeishidwithChristinGod.WhenChristwhoisour lifeshallappear,thenshallyealsoappearwithHiminglory.Mortifythereforeyourmemberswhich areupontheearth"(Col.3:25).DoesnothebidtheHebrewsto"Exhortoneanother,andsomuchthe moreasyeseethedayapproaching"(Heb.10:25).DoesnotSt.Petersay,"Welookfornewheavens andanewearth,whereindwellsrighteousness.Whereforebeloved,seeingthatyelookforsuchthings, bediligentthatyemaybefoundofHiminpeacewithoutspotandblameless"(2Pet.3:13,14).These textsappeartometospeakwithnouncertainvoice.Iknownothowtheirforcecanbeevaded.They makethecomingofChristandthedayofgloryanargumentforincreasedholiness.Anditisjustinthe samewaythatSt.Paulsays,"Letuscastofftheworksofdarkness,andletusputonthearmoroflight." Reader,howareyouto"castofftheworksofdarkness?"ListentomeandIwilltellyou. YououghttolayasideeverythinginyourlifeandhabitswhichwillnotbearthelightofChrist's appearing.Yououghttomakeitaprincipleofconsciencetodonothingyouwouldnotliketobefound doingwhenJesuscomesagaintogatherHispeopletogether. Thisisasearchingtestindeed.Theapplicationofitmustbelefttoeveryman'sownheart.Eachmust judgeforhimself.Eachmustprovehisownworks.Eachmustsetupanassizewithinhim,and honestlybringhiswaystoatrial.Oh,forawilltodealfairlyandjustlywithourselves!Oh,foradaily readinesstojudgeourselvesthatwebenotjudgedoftheLord,andtocondemnourselvesthatwebe notcondemnedatthelastday! IaskeveryreaderofthisaddresstobringthelightofthedayofChristtobearuponhisinnerman.Set youryears,andmonths,andweeks,anddays,andhoursinthefullblazeofthatday,andwhatever thingyoufindwithinwhichisakinto"darkness,"pluckitoutandcastitaway.Keepupno questionablehabit.Makenocompromisewithdoubtfulpractices.Breakdowneveryidol,whether greatorsmall.Cutdowneverygroveandcleanseouteverychamberofimagery.Clingtonothing whichwouldcostyouablushundertheeyeofChrist.Awaywithitatonce,lestHecomesuddenlyand putyoutoshame!Oh,thatHemayneversayofanyreader'sheartinthatday,"thisheartprofessedto beatempleoftheHolyGhost,butyouhavemadeitadenofthieves."

Reader,tryallyouremploymentoftimebythetestofChrist'ssecondcoming.Placeinthisbalance youramusements,yourbooks,yourcompanions,yourmannerofconversation,yourdailybehaviorin alltherelationsoflife.Measureallbythismeasure"Thenightisfarspentandthedayisathand.Am Ilivingasachildofthenightorasonewholooksfortheday?"Dothis,andyouwillcastofftheworks ofdarkness. Buthowareyoutoputonthearmoroflight?ListentomeoncemoreandIwilltellyou. YououghttoaimateverygraceandhabitwhichbecomesabelieverinChrist,andachildofGod,anda citizenofaheavenlykingdom.Yououghtnottoleaveeminentholinessandspiritualitytoafew,asif nonebutafewfavoredonescouldbeeminentsaints.Yououghttolabortowearthearmoroflight yourself,thegirdleoftruth,thebreastplateofrighteousness,thehelmetofhope,andtheswordofthe Spirit(Eph.6:1417).Whereveryoumayliveandwhatevermaybeyourtrials,howevergreatyour difficultiesandhoweversmallyourhelps,nothingshouldpreventyouraimingatthehigheststandard tobehavelikeonewhobelievesthatChristiscomingagain. Youshouldresolve,byGod'shelp,sotolivethatthedayofChristshallfindyouneedingaslittle changeaspossible.Youshouldseektohavetastessoheavenly,affectionssospiritual,awillso subdued,amindsounworldly,thatwhentheLordappearsyoumaybethoroughlyintuneforHis kingdom.TrulyitwasafinesayingofDr.Preston,onhisdeathbed,"Igotochangemyplacebutnot mycompany." Ah,reader,IfearthatsomebelieverswillbefarlessreadyforthedayofChristthanothers.Isuspect thatsomewillhaveafarmoreabundantentranceintoheaventhantheirbrethrenmoreboldness, moreconfidence,morefeltreadinessforthecompanyoftheirLord.Oh,thateveryoneintowhose handsthisaddressmayfallmaysowalkwithGodthat,likeEnoch,hemaybeonlytranslatedfroma lowerdegreeofcommuniontoahigher,fromwalkingbyfaithtowalkingbysight.Thiswouldbe puttingonthearmoroflight. Lettherebelightinyourheartcontinually;Christdwellingtherebyfaithfelt,known,andexperienced byyoursoul.Lettherebelightinyourlifecontinually;Christreflectedthere,followed,imitated,and copied.Seektobealightintheworldandnothinglessabrightlight,aclearlight,alightthatmen canseeafaroff.Dothisandyouwillputonthearmoroflight. LiveasifyouthoughtChristmightcomeatanytime.Doeverythingasifyoudiditforthelasttime. Sayeverythingasifyousaiditforthelasttime.ReadeverychapterintheBibleasifyoudidnotknow whetheryouwouldbeallowedtoreaditagain.Prayeveryprayerasifyoufeltitmightbeyourlast opportunity.Heareverysermonasifyouwerehearingonceandforever.Thisisthewaytobefound ready.ThisisthewaytoturnChrist'ssecondappearingtogoodaccount.Thisisthewaytoputonthe armoroflight. Andnowperhapsthisaddresshasfallenintothehandsofsomecareless,thoughtless,unconverted person.Reader,areyouthatman?Then,rememberthesewords:"Thenightisfarspent,andthedayis athand." Whatareyoudoing?Youeat,youdrink,yousleep,youdress,youwork,youbuy,yousell,youlaugh, youread,butyoudonothingforyoursoul.Hellisopeningitsmouthforyou,andyouarecareless. Christiscomingtojudgetheworld,andyouareunprepared.Timehurrieson,andyouarenotready foreternity.Oh,awaketoasenseofyourdangerandrepentthisday!AwakeandcalluponyourGod beforeitistoolatetopray.AwakeandseektheLordJesusChristbeforethedoorisshutandthedayof wrathbegins.Alas,youmaybethoughtwiseandcleverinthisworld,butlivingasyoudoyouactthe

partofamadman! Butperhapsthisaddresshasfallenintothehandsofonewhoisundecidedandhaltingbetweentwo choices.Reader,areyouthatman?Thenrememberthesewords:"Thenightisfarspent,andthedayis athand." Whatareyoudoing?Youhear,youlisten,youwish,youdesire,youmeanto,youintendto,youhope, youresolve,butyougonofurther.Youseethearkbutyouwillnotgoin.Youseethebreadoflifebut youdonoteatit.Youwait.Andyettimesgetson.Thedevilissayingoveryou,"Ishallhavethissoul beforelong."Oh,comeoutfromtheworldandlingernomore!Takeupthecross.Castawayvain excuses.ConfessChristbeforemen.Beware,Isay,lestyoumakeupyourmindtoolate.AgainIsay, beware. Butperhapsthisaddresshasfallenintothehandsofsometruebeliever.Reader,areyouthatman? Thenrememberthesewords:"Thenightisfarspent,andthedayisathand." Iaskyoutoliveasifyoubelievedthewordswehavebeenconsideringandtoshowtheworldyou thinkthemtrue.Theneareryoudrawtohome,themorewakefulyououghttobe.Themoreyou realizethesecondpersonalcomingoftheLordJesus,themorelivelyoughtyourChristianitytobe. Ah,reader,itisbuttootrue,asLeghRichmondsaidonhisdeathbed,"Wearebuthalfawake!Weare buthalfawake!"Thebestofusneedtohaveourheartsstirredupbywayofremembrance.Letusrub thesleepyeyesofourmindandlookthespeedycomingofourMasterfullintheface.Letthetime pastsufficeustohavebeendrowsyandlazyservants.Forthetimetocome,letusworklikethosewho feel"TheMasterwillsoonbehere." WhenIwasaschoolboy,IrememberthatIcouldwakeup,howevertiredwithalongjourney,whenI begantodrawnearhome.SoonasIsawtheoldhills,andtrees,andchimneys,thesenseofweariness wasgoneandIwasallalive.Theprospectofsoonseeingmuchlovedfaces,thejoyofthinkingofa familygathering,allthiswasabletodrivesleepaway.Surelyitoughttobethesamewithusinthe matterofoursouls.Thenightisfarspent,andthedayisathand.YetalittlewhileandHewhoshall comewillcomeandwillnottarry.Sothen,letuscastoffeveryworkofdarkness.Letusputonthe wholearmoroflight.Letusbeashamedofourpastdrowsiness.Letusawakeandsleepnomore. Romans13:12 Soonandforeverthebreakingofday Shallchaseallthenightcloudsofsorrowaway. Soonandforeverwe'llseeaswe'reseen, Andknowthedeepmeaningofthingsthathavebeen, Wherefightingswithoutandconflictwithin Shallwearynomoreinthewarfarewithsin, Wheretearsandwherefearsandwheredeathshallbenever, ChristianswithChristshallbesoonandforever! Soonandforeversuchpromiseourtrust, Thoughashestoashesanddustbetodust. Soonandforeverourunionshallbe Madeperfect,ourgloriousRedeemer,inThee.

Whenthecaresandthesorrowsoftimeshallbeo'er, Itspangsanditspartingsrememberednomore, Wherelifecannotfailandwheredeathcannotsever, ChristianswithChristshallbesoonandforever! Soonandforevertheworkshallbedone, Thewarfareaccomplished,thevictorywon. Soonandforeverthesoldierlaydown Theswordforaharp,thecrossforacrown. Thendroopnotinsorrow,despondnotinfear, Aglorioustomorrowisbright'ningandnear, Whenblessedrewardforeachfaithfulendeavor ChristianswithChristshallbesoonandforever!
MONSELL

2Timothy4:8 Come,Lord,andtarrynot: Bringthelonglookedforday; Oh,whytheseyearsofwaitinghere, Theseagesofdelay? Come,forThysaintsstillwait; Dailyascendstheirsigh; TheSpiritandthebridesay,Come, DostThounothearthecry? Come,forThyIsraelpines, AnexilefromThyfold; Oh,calltomindThyfaithfulword, Andblessthemasofold! Come,forthegoodarefew; Theylifttheirvoiceinvain; Faithwaxesfainterontheearth, Andloveisonthewane. Come,forthecornisripe; PutinThysicklenow, Reapthegreatharvestoftheearth, SowerandReaperThou! Come,inThygloriousmight, Come,withtheironrod, ScatteringThyfoesbeforeThyface, MostmightySonofGod. Come,andmakeallthingsnew, Buildupthisruinedearth,

RestoreourfadedParadise, Creation'ssecondbirth. Come,andbeginThyreign Ofeverlastingpeace; Come,takethekingdomtoThyself, GreatKingofrighteousness.

H.BONAR

ComingEventsandPresentDuties:BeingMiscellaneousSermonson PropheticalSubjects(1867)
by J.C.Ryle

Sermon4 IDOLATRYTOBEDESTROYED ATCHRIST'SCOMING

"TheidolsHeshallutterlyabolish." Isaiah2:18 ThetimeherespokenofwillbeplaintoallwhotaketheprophecyofIsaiahinitsliteralmeaning.Itis thesecondcomingofourLordJesusChristthedaywhen"Hearisestoshaketerriblytheearth."The eventispartofthatmightypurificationwhichwillthentakeplaceinHisprofessingChurchthe abolishingofallidols;andtheprincipalsubjectwhichclaimsyourconsiderationinthetextisidolatry. Withoutfurtherpreface,Idesiretoaskyourattentiontothefourfollowingpoints: 1.Thedefinitionofidolatry.WHATISIT? 2.Thecauseofidolatry.WHENCECOMESIT? 3.TheformidolatryassumesinthevisibleChurchofChrist.WHEREISIT? 4.Theultimateabolitionofidolatry.WHATWILLENDIT? Ifeelthatthesubjectisencompassedwithmanydifficulties.Ourlotiscastinanagewhentruthis constantlyindangerofbeingsacrificedtotoleration,charity,andpeacefalselysocalled.Nevertheless, IcannotforgetthatIamaministerofaChurchwhichhasgivennouncertainsoundonthesubjectof idolatry;and,unlessIamgreatlymistaken,truthaboutidolatryis,inthehighestsense,truthforthe times. Letme,then,firstofallsetbeforeyouthedefinitionofidolatry.LetmeshowyouWHATITIS. Itisoftheutmostimportancethatyoushouldunderstandthis.UnlessImakethisclear,Icando nothingwiththetext.Vaguenessandindistinctnessprevailuponthispoint,asuponalmosteveryother inreligion.TheChristianthatwouldnotbecontinuallyrunningagroundinhisspiritualvoyagemust havehischannelwellbuoyed,hismindwellstoredwithcleardefinitions. Isaythen,that"idolatryisaworship,inwhichthehonorduetoGodinTrinity,andtoHimonly,isgiven tosomeofHiscreatures,orsomeinventionofHiscreatures."Itmayvaryexceedingly.Itmayassume exceedinglydifferentforms,accordingtotheignoranceortheknowledgethecivilizationorthe barbarism,ofthosewhoofferit.Itmaybegrosslyabsurdandludicrous,oritmaycloselyborderon truthandadmitofbeingmostspeciouslydefended.Butwhetherintheadorationoftheidolof JuggernautorintheadorationofthehostinSt.Peter'satRome,theidolatrousprincipleisinreality thesame.IneithercasethehonorduetoGodisturnedasidefromHimandbestowedonthatwhichis

notGod.Andwheneverthisisdone,whetherinheathentemplesorinprofessedlyChristianChurches, thereisanactofidolatry. YoumustbearinmindthatitisnotnecessaryforamanformallytodenyGodandChristinordertobe anidolater.Farfromit.ProfessedreverencefortheGodoftheBibleandactualidolatryareperfectly compatible.Theyhaveoftengonesidebyside,andtheystilldoso.ThechildrenofIsraelnever thoughtofrenouncingGodwhentheypersuadedAarontomakethegoldencalf."Thesebethygods (thyElohim),"theysaid,"whichbroughttheeupoutofthelandofEgypt."Andthefeastinhonorof thecalfwaskeptasa"feastuntotheLord(Jehovah)"(Ex.32:4,5).Jeroboam,again,neverpretended toaskthetentribestocastofftheirallegiancetotheGodofDavidandSolomon.Whenhesetupthe calvesofGoldinDanandBethel,heonlysaid,"ItistoomuchforyoutogouptoJerusalem.Behold thyGods(thyElohim),OIsrael,whichbroughttheeupoutofthelandofEgypt"(1Kings12:28).In bothinstances,youwillobservetheidolwasnotsetupasarivaltoGodbutunderthepretenseof beingahelpasteppingstonetoHisservice.Butinbothinstances,youknowwell,agreatsinwas committed.ThehonorduetoGodwasgiventoavisiblerepresentationofHim.Themajestyof Jehovahwasoffended.Thesecondcommandmentwasbroken.Therewas,intheeyesofGod,a flagrantactofidolatry. Iaskyoutomarkthis,mybrethren.Iaskyoutodismissfromyourmindsthoselooseideasabout idolatrywhicharecommoninthisday.Thinknot,asmanydo,thatthereareonlytwosortsof idolatrythespiritualidolatryofthemanwholoveshiswifeorchildormoneymorethanGod,andthe open,grossidolatryofthemanwhobowsdowntoanimageofwoodormetalorstonebecausehe knowsnobetter.Dependuponit,idolatryisasinthatoccupiesafar,farwiderfieldthanthis.Itisnot merelyathinginHindostanthatyoumayhearofandpityatmissionarymeetings.Noryetisitathing confinedtoyourownheart,thatyoumayconfessbeforethemercyseatuponyourknees.Itisa pestilencethatwalksintheChurchofChristtoamuchgreaterextentthanmanyofyousuppose.Itis anevilthat,liketheMansin,"sitsintheverytempleofGod"(2Thess.2:4).Itisasinthatweallneed towatchandprayagainstcontinually.Itcreepsintoourreligiousworshipinsensiblyandisuponus beforeweareaware.ThosearetremendouswordswhichIsaiahspoketotheformalJewnottothe worshipperofBaal,remember,buttothemanwhoactuallycametothetemple(Isa.66:3):"Hewho killsanoxisasifheslewaman;hewhosacrificesalambasifhecutoffadog'sneck;hewhooffersan oblationasifheofferedswine'sblood;hewhoburnsincenseasifheblessedanidol." Thisisthatsin,remember,whichGodhasespeciallydenouncedinHisWord.Onecommandmentout oftenisdevotedtotheprohibitionofit.NoneofallthetencontainsuchasolemndeclarationofHis characterandofHisjudgmentsagainstthedisobedient:"ItheLordthyGodamajealousGod,visiting theiniquityofthefathersuponthechildrenuntothethirdandfourthgenerationofthemthathateMe" (Ex.20:5).None,perhaps,ofallthetenissoemphaticallyrepeatedandamplified,andespeciallyin thefourthchapterofthebookofDeuteronomy. ThisisthesinofallotherswhichhasbroughtdowntheheaviestjudgmentsonthevisibleChurch.It broughtonIsraelthearmiesofEgypt,Assyria,andBabylon.Itscatteredthetentribes,burnedup Jerusalem,andcarriedJudahandBenjaminintocaptivity.ItbroughtontheEasternChurches,inlater days,theoverwhelmingfloodoftheSaracenicinvasion,andturnedmanyaspiritualgardenintoa wilderness.ThedesolationwhichreignswhereCyprianandAugustineoncepreachedthelivingdeath inwhichtheChurchesofAsiaMinorandSyriaareburiedareallattributabletothissin.Alltestifyto thesamegreattruthwhichtheLordproclaimsinIsaiah,"MyglorywillInotgivetoanother"(Isa. 42:8). Gatherupthesethingsinyourmind,belovedbrethren.Beverysurethatidolatryisasubject,whichin everyChurchofChristthatwouldkeepherselfpure,shouldbethoroughlyexamined,understood,and

known. Letmeshowyou,inthesecondplace,thecausetowhichidolatrymaybetraced.WHENCECOMES IT? Tothemanwhotakesanextravagantandexaltedviewofhumanintellectandreason,idolatrymay seemabsurd.Hefanciesittooirrationalforanybutweakmindstobeendangeredbyit. ToameresuperficialthinkeraboutChristianity,theperilofidolatrymayseemverysmall.Whatever commandmentsarebroken,suchamanwilltellus,professingChristiansarenotverylikelyto transgressthesecond. Now,boththesepersonsbetrayawoefulignoranceofhumannature.Theydonotseethatthereare secretrootsofidolatrywithinusall.Theprevalenceofidolatryinallagesamongtheheathenmust necessarilypuzzletheone,andthewarningsofProtestantministersagainstidolatryintheChurch mustnecessarilyappearuncalledfortotheother,sincebotharealikeblindtoitscause. Thecauseofallidolatryisthenaturalcorruptionofman'sheart.Thatgreatfamilydisease,withwhich allthechildrenofAdamareborn,showsitselfinthisasitdoesinathousandotherways.Outofthe samefountainfromwhich"proceedevilthoughts,adulteries,fornications,murders,thefts, covetousness,wickedness,deceit,"andthelike(Mark7:21,22),outofthatsamefountainarisefalse viewsofGodandfalseviewsoftheworshipduetoHim;and,therefore,whentheApostlePaultellsthe Galatians(Gal.5:20)whatarethe"worksoftheflesh,"heplacesprominentlyamongthem"idolatry." Manwillhaveareligionofsomekind.GodhasnotleftHimselfwithoutawitnessinusall,fallenas weare.Likeoldinscriptionshiddenundermoundsofrubbish,likethealmostobliteratedunderwriting ofPalimpsestmanuscripts,evensothereisadimsomethingengravenatthebottomofman'sheart, howeverfaintandhalferasedasomethingwhichmakeshimfeelhemusthaveareligionanda worshipofsomekind.Theproofofthisistobefoundinthehistoryofvoyagesandtravelsinevery partoftheglobe.Theexceptionstotherulearesofew,ifindeedthereareany,thattheyonlyconfirm itstruth.Man'sworshipinsomedarkcorneroftheearthmayrisenohigherthanavaguefearofan evilspiritandadesiretopropitiatehim,butaworshipofsomekindmanwillhave. Butthencomesintheeffectofthefall.IgnoranceofGod,carnalandlowconceptionsofHisnature andattributes,earthlyandsensualnotionsoftheservicewhichisacceptabletoHim,allcharacterize thereligionofthenaturalman.Thereisacravinginhismindaftersomethinghecanseeandfeeland touchinhisDivinity.HewouldfainbringHisGoddowntohisowncrawlinglevel.Hewouldmakehis religionathingofsenseandsight.Hehasnoideaoffaithandspirit.Inshort,justasheiswillingto liveonGod'searth,butuntilrenewedbygrace,afallenanddegradedlife,sohehasnoobjectionto worshipafterafashion;but,untilrenewedbytheHolyGhost,itisalwayswithafallenworship.Inone word,idolatryisanaturalproductofman'sheart.Itisaweed,whichliketheearthuncultivated,the heartisalwaysreadytobringforth. AndnowdoesitsurpriseyouwhenyoureadoftheconstantlyrecurringidolatriesoftheOldTestament ChurchofPeor,andBaal,andMoloch,andChemosh,andAshtoreth,ofhighplacesandhillaltars,and grovesandimagesandthisinthefulllightoftheMosaicceremonial?Ceasetobesurprised.Itcanbe accountedfor.Thereisacause. DoesitsurpriseyouwhenyoureadinhistoryhowidolatrycreptinbydegreesintotheChurchof Christ,howlittlebylittleitthrustoutGospeltruthuntil,inCanterbury,menofferedmoreattheshrine ofThomasBecketthantheydidatthatoftheVirginMary,andmoreatthatoftheVirginMarythan

atthatofChrist?Ceasetobesurprised.Itisallintelligible.Thereisacause. DoesitsurpriseyouwhenyouhearofmengoingoverfromProtestantChurchestotheChurchofRome inthepresentday?Doyouthinkitunaccountableandfeelasifyouyourselfcouldneverforsakea pureformofworshipforonelikethatofthePope?Ceasetobesurprised.Thereisasolutionforthe problem.Thereisacause. Thatcauseisnothingelsebutthedeepcorruptionofman'sheart.Thereisanaturalpronenessand tendencyinusalltogiveGodasensual,carnalworshipandnotthatwhichiscommandedinHisWord. Weareeverreadytoframeforourslothandunbeliefvisiblehelpsandsteppingstonesinour approachestoHim,andultimatelytogivetheseinventionsofourownthehonorduetoHim.Infact, idolatryisallnatural,downhilleasy,likethebroadway.Spiritualworshipisallofgrace,alluphilland allagainstthegrain.Anyworshipwhatsoeverismorepleasingtothenaturalheartthanworshipping GodinthewayourLordChristdescribes"inspiritandintruth"(John4:23). Iforoneamnotsurprisedatthequantityofidolatryexistingbothintheworldandinthevisible Church.Ibelieveitperfectlypossiblethatwemaylivetoseemoreofityetthansomehaveever dreamedof.ItwouldneversurprisemeifsomemightypersonalAntichristweretoarisebeforethe endmightyinintellect,mightyintalentsforgovernment,yes,andmightyperhapsinmiraculousgifts too.ItwouldneversurprisemetoseesuchaoneashimsettinguphimselfinoppositiontoChristand makinganInfidelcombinationagainsttheGospel.Ibelievethatmanywouldrejoicetodohimhonor, whonowgloryinsaying,"WewillnothavethisChristtoreignoverus."Ibelievethatmanywould makeagodofhimandreverencehimasanincarnationoftruth,andconcentratetheirideaofhero worshiponhisperson.Iadvanceitasapossibilityandnomore.ButofthisatleastIamcertain,that nomanislesssafefromdangerofidolatrythanthemanwhonowsneersateveryformofreligion,and thatfromInfidelitytocredulity,fromAtheismtothegrossestidolatry,thereisbutasinglestep.Think not,atallevents,belovedbrethren,thatidolatryisanoldfashionedsinintowhichyouareneverlikely tofall."Lethimwhothinkshestandstakeheedlesthefall."Lookintoyourownhearts.Theseedsof idolatryareallthere. Letmeshowyou,inthethirdplace,theformswhichidolatryhasassumedanddoesassumeinthe visibleChurch.WHEREISIT? Ibelievethereneverwasamorebaselessfabricthanthetheorywhichobtainsfavorwithmany,that thepromisesofperpetuityandpreservationfromapostasybelongtothevisibleChurchofChrist.Itisa theorysupportedneitherbyScripturenorbyfacts.TheChurchagainstwhichthegatesofhellshall neverprevailisnotthevisibleChurchbutthewholebodyoftheelectthecompanyoftruebelievers outofeverynationandpeople.ThegreaterpartofthevisibleChurchhasfrequentlymaintainedgross heresies.Theparticularbranchesofitareneversecureagainstdeadlyerror,bothoffaithandpractice. AdeparturefromthefaithafallingawayaleavingoffirstloveinanybranchofthevisibleChurch needneversurpriseacarefulreaderoftheNewTestament. ThatidolatrywouldariseseemstohavebeentheexpectationoftheApostles,evenbeforethecanonof theNewTestamentwasclosed.ItisremarkabletoobservehowSt.Pauldwellsonthissubjectinhis EpistletotheCorinthians.IfanyCorinthianwhowascalledabrotherwasanidolater,withsuchaone themembersoftheChurchwerenottoeat(1Cor.5:11)."Neitherbeyeidolaters,asweresomeofour fathers"(1Cor.10:7).Hesaysagain,"Mydearlybeloved,fleefromidolatry"(1Cor.10:14).Whenhe writestotheColossians,hewarnsthemagainst"worshippingofangels"(Col.2:18).AndSt.John closeshisfirstEpistlewiththesolemninjunction,"littlechildren,keepyourselvesfromidols"(1John 5:21).Itisimpossiblenottofeelthatallthesepassagesimplyanexpectationthatidolatrywouldarise amongprofessingChristians,andthatsoon.

ThefamousprophecyinthefourthchapterofthefirstEpistletoTimothycontainsapassagewhichis evenmoredirectlytothepoint:"TheSpiritspeaksexpressly,thatinthelattertimessomeshalldepart fromthefaith,givingheedtoseducingspirits,anddoctrinesofdevils"(1Tim.4:1).Iwillnotdetain youwithanylengthydiscussionofthatremarkableexpression"doctrinesofdevils."Itmaybesufficient tosaythatourexcellenttranslatorsareconsideredforoncetohavemissedthefullmeaningofthe Apostleintheirrenderingofthewordtranslatedas"devils"inourversion,andthatthetruemeaningof theexpressionis"doctrinesaboutdepartedspirits."Andinthisview,whichImayaswellsayis maintainedbyallthosewhohavethebestrighttobeheardonsuchaquestion,thepassagebecomesa directpredictionoftheriseofthatmostspeciousformofidolatry,theworshipofdeadsaints. ThelastpassageIwillcallyourattentiontoistheconclusionoftheninthchapterofRevelation.We thereread,atthetwentiethverse,"Therestofthemenwhichwerenotkilledbytheseplaguesyet repentednotoftheworksoftheirhands,thattheyshouldnotworshipdevils"(mark,thisisthesame wordasthatintheEpistletoTimothy,justquoted),"andidolsofgold,andsilver,andbrass,andstone, andwood:whichneithercansee,norhear,norwalk."Now,Iamnotgoingtoofferanycommenton thechapterinwhichthisverseoccurs.Iknowwellthereisadifferenceofopinionastothetrue interpretationoftheplaguespredictedinit.OnethingIventuretoassertthatitisthehighest probabilitytheseplaguesaretofalluponthevisibleChurchofChrist,andthehighestimprobability thatSt.JohnwashereprophesyingabouttheheathenwhoneverheardtheGospel.Andthisonce conceded,thefactthatidolatryisapredictedsinofthevisibleChurchdoesseemmostconclusivelyand foreverestablished. Andnow,ifweturnfromtheBibletofacts,whatdowesee?Ireplyunhesitatingly,thatthereis unmistakableproofthatScripturewarningsandpredictionswerenotspokenwithoutcause,andthat idolatryhasactuallyariseninthevisibleChurchofChrist,anddoesstillexist. TheriseandprogressoftheevilinformerdaysyouwillfindwellsummedupintheadmirableHomily ofourownChurchonPerilofIdolatry.TothatHomilyIbegtoreferyou,remindingyouonceforall thatinthejudgmentofyourownThirtynineArticles,theBookofHomilies"containsagodlyand wholesomedoctrineandnecessaryforthesetimes."Thereyouwillreadhow,eveninthefourth century,Jeromecomplains"thattheerrorsofimageshavecomeinandpassedtotheChristiansfrom theGentiles."AndEusebiussays,"WedoseenowthatimagesofPeterandPaul,andofourSaviour himselfbemade,andtablesbepainted,whichIthinktohavebeenderivedandkeptindifferentlybya heathenishcustom."Thereyouwillreadhow"PontiusPaulinus,BishopofNola,inthefifthcentury, causedthewallsofthetemplestobepaintedwithstoriestakenoutoftheOldTestament;thatthe peoplebeholdingandconsideringthesepicturesmightthebetterabstainfromtoomuchsurfeitingand riot.Butfromlearningbypaintedstories,itcamebylittleandlittletoidolatry."Thereyouwillread howGregorytheFirst,BishopofRome,inthebeginningoftheseventhcenturydidallowthefree havingofimagesinchurches.ThereyouwillreadhowIrene,motherofConstantinetheSixth,inthe eighthcenturyassembledacouncilatNiceaandprocuredadecreethat"imagesshouldbeputupinall thechurchesofGreece,andthathonorandworshipshouldbegiventothesaidimages."Andthere youwillreadtheconclusionwithwhichtheHomilywindsupitshistoricalsummary"thatlaityand clergy,learnedandunlearned,allages,sorts,anddegreesofmen,women,andchildrenofwhole Christendom,havebeenatoncedrownedinabominableidolatry,ofallothervicesmostdetestedof Godandmostdamnabletoman,andthatbythespaceof800yearsandmore." Thisisamournfulaccount,belovedbrethren,butitisonlytootrue.Therecanbelittledoubttheevil beganevenbeforethetimejustmentionedbytheHomilywriters.Noman,Ithink,needwonderatthe viceofidolatryintheprimitiveChurchwhoconsiderscalmlytheexcessivereverencewhichitpaid, fromtheveryfirst,tothevisiblepartsofreligion.Ibelievethatnoimpartialmancanreadthe

languageusedbynearlyalltheFathersabouttheChurch,thebishops,theministry,baptism,theLord's Supper,themartyrs,thedeadsaintsgenerallynomancanreaditwithoutbeingstruckwiththewide differencebetweentheirlanguageandthelanguageofScriptureonsuchsubjects.Youseematonceto beinanewatmosphere.Youfeelthatyouarenolongertreadingonholyground.Youfindthings whichintheBibleareevidentlyofsecondrateimportanceandheremadeoffirstrateimportance.You findthethingsofsenseandsightexaltedtoapositioninwhichPaul,Peter,James,andJohn,speaking bytheHolyGhost,neverforamomentplacedthem.Itisnotmerelytheweaknessofuninspired writingsthatyouhavetocomplainof;itissomethingworseitisanewsystem.Andwhatisthe explanationofallthis?Itis,inoneword,thatyouhavegottenintoaregionwherethemalariaof idolatryhasbeguntoarise.Youperceivethefirstworkingsofthemysteryofiniquity.Youdetectthe budsofthathugesystemofidolatrywhich,astheHomilydescribes,wasafterwardsformally acknowledgedandultimatelyblossomedsoluxuriantlyineverypartofChristendom. Butletusnowturnfromthepasttothepresent.Letusexaminethequestionwhichmostconcerns ourselves.LetusconsiderinwhatformidolatrypresentsitselftousasasinofthevisibleChurchof Christinourowntime. Ifindnodifficultyinansweringthisquestion.Ifeelnohesitationinaffirmingthatidolatryneveryet assumedamoreglaringformthanitdoesintheChurchofRomeatthisveryday. AndhereIcometoasubjectonwhichitishardtospeakbecauseofthetimeswelivein.Butthe wholetruthoughttobespokenbyministersofChristwithoutrespectoftimesandprejudices.AndI shouldnotliedowninpeace,afterpreachingonidolatry,ifIdidnotdeclaremysolemnconvictionthat idolatryisoneofthecryingsinsofwhichtheChurchofRomeisguilty.Isaythisinallsadness.Isayit acknowledgingfullythatwehaveourfaultsinourownChurch,andpractically,perhaps,insome quartersnotalittleidolatry.Butformal,recognized,systematicidolatryIbelievewearefreefromat allevents.While,asfortheChurchofRome,ifthereisnotinherworshipanenormousquantityof systematic,organizedidolatry,IfranklyconfessIdonotknowwhatidolatryis. Tomymind,itisidolatrytohaveimagesandpicturesofsaintsinchurchesandtogivethema reverenceforwhichthereisnowarrantorprecedentinScripture.Andifthisbeso,Isaythereis idolatryintheChurchofRome. Tomymind,itisidolatrytoinvoketheVirginMaryandthesaintsingloryandtoaddressthemin languageneveraddressedinScriptureexcepttotheHolyTrinity.Andifthisbeso,Isaythereis idolatryintheChurchofRome. Tomymind,itisidolatrytobowdowntomerematerialthingsandattributetothemapowerand sanctityfarexceedingthatattachedtothearkoraltaroftheOldTestamentdispensation,andapower andsanctitytooforwhichthereisnotatittleoffoundationintheWordofGod.Andifthisbeso,with theholycoatofTrevesandthewonderfullymultipliedwoodofthetruecrossandathousandotherso calledrelicsinmymind'seye,IsaythereisidolatryintheChurchofRome. Tomymind,itisidolatrytoworshipthatwhichman'shandshavemadetocallitGodandadoreit whenliftedupbeforeoureyes.Andifthisbeso,withthedoctrineoftransubstantiationandthe elevationofthehostinmyrecollection,IsaythereisidolatryintheChurchofRome. Tomymind,itisidolatrytomakeordainedmenmediatorsbetweenourselvesandGod,robbing,asit were,ourLordChristofHisofficeandgivingthemanhonorwhichevenApostlesandangelsin Scriptureflatlyrepudiate.Andifthisbeso,withthehonorpaidtoPopesandpriestsbeforemyeyes,I saythereisidolatryintheChurchofRome.

Iknowwellthatlanguagelikethisjarsthemindsofmany.Menlovetoshuttheireyesagainstevils whichitisdisagreeabletoallow.Theywillnotseethingswhichinvolveunpleasantconsequences. ThattheChurchofRomeisanerringChurchtheywillacknowledge.Thatsheisidolatroustheywill deny. TheytellusthatthereverencewhichtheRomishChurchgivestosaintsandimagesdoesnotamountto idolatry.Theyinformusthattherearedistinctionsbetween"latria"and"dulia,"betweenamediationof redemptionandamediationofintercession,whichclearherofthecharge.Myansweris,thattheBible knowsnothingofsuchdistinctions;andthat,intheactualpracticeofthegreatbulkofRoman Catholics,theyhavenoexistenceatall. TheytellusthatitisamistaketosupposethatRomanCatholicsreallyworshiptheimagesandpictures beforewhichtheyperformactsofadoration;thattheyonlyusethemashelpstodevotionandinreality lookfarbeyondthem.Myansweris,thatmanyaheathencouldsayjustasmuchforhisidolatry;that itisnotorious,informerdays,theydidsayso;andthatinHindostanmanyidolworshippersdosayso atthepresentday.Buttheapology[excuse/justification]doesnotavail.Thetermsofthesecond commandmentaretoostringent.Itprohibitsbowingdownaswellasworshipping.Andthevery anxietywhichtheChurchofRomehasoftendisplayedtoexcludethatsecondcommandmentfromher catechismsisofitselfagreatfactwhichspeaksvolumestoacandidobserver. Theytellusthatwehavenoevidencefortheassertionswemakeonthissubject;thatwefound [establish]ourchargesontheabuseswhichprevailamongtheignorantmembersoftheRomish communion;andthatitisabsurdtosaythataChurchcontainingsomanywiseandlearnedmenis guiltyofidolatry.Myansweris,thatthedevotionalbooksincommonuseamongRomanCatholics supplyuswithunmistakableevidence.Letanyoneexaminethatnotoriousbook"TheGardenofthe Soul,"ifhedoubtsmyassertion,andreadthelanguagethereaddressedtotheVirginMary.Lethim rememberthatthislanguageisaddressedtoawomanwho,thoughhighlyfavoredandthemotherof ourLord,wasyetoneofourfellowsinnerstoawomanwhoactuallyconfessedherneedofaSavior forherself.Shesays,"MyspirithasrejoicedinGodmySavior"(Luke1:47).Lethimexaminethis languageinthelightoftheNewTestamentandthenlethimtellusfairlywhetherthechargeofidolatry isnotfullymadeout.ButIanswer,besidesthis,thatwewantnobetterevidencethanthatwhichis suppliedinthecityofRomeitself.WhatdomenandwomendounderthelightofthePope'sown countenance?WhatisthereligionthatprevailsaroundSt.Peter'sandunderthewallsoftheVatican? WhatisRomanismatRome,unfettered,unshackled,andfreetodevelopitselfinfullperfection?Leta manhonestlyanswerthesequestions,andIasknomore.LethimreadsuchabookasSeymour's "PilgrimagetoRome"orAlford'sLetterandaskanyvisitortoRomeifthepictureistoohighlycolored. Lethimdothis,Isay,andIbelievehecannotavoidthisconclusionthatRomanisminperfectionisa giganticsystemofMaryworship,saintworship,imageworship,relicworship,andpriestworship;that itis,inoneword,ahugeorganizedidolatry. Brethren,Iknownothowthesethingssoundtoyourears.Tomeitisnopleasuretodwellonthe shortcomingsofanywhoprofessandcallthemselvesChristians.IcansaytrulythatIhavesaidwhatI havesaidwithpainandsorrow. IdrawawidedistinctionbetweentheChurchofRomeandtheprivateopinionsofmanyofher members.IbelieveandhopethatmanyaRomanCatholicisinheartinconsistentwithhisprofession andisbetterthantheChurchtowhichhebelongs.IcannotforgettheJansenists,andQuesnel,and MartinBoos.IbelievethatmanyapoorItalianatthisdayisworshippingwithanidolatrousworship simplybecauseheknowsnobetter.HehasnoBibletoinstructhim.Hehasnofaithfulministerto teachhim.Hehasthefearofthepriestbeforehiseyesifhedarestothinkforhimself.Hehasno

moneytoenablehimtogetawayfromthebondagehelivesunder,evenifhefeelsadesire.I rememberallthis,andIsaythattheItalianeminentlydeservesoursympathyandcompassion.Butall thismustnotpreventmysayingthattheChurchofRomeisanidolatrousChurch. IshouldnotbefaithfulifIsaidless.TheChurchofwhichIamaministerhasspokenoutmoststrongly onthesubject.TheHomilyonPerilofIdolatry,andthesolemnprotestfollowingtheRubricsattheend ofourCommunionService,whichdenouncestheadorationofthesacramentalbreadandwineas "idolatrytobeabhorredofallfaithfulChristians,"areplainevidencethatIhavetoldyounomorethan themindofmyownChurch.Andinadaylikethis,whensomearedisposedtosecedetotheChurchof Romeandmanyareshuttingtheireyestoherrealcharacterandwantingustobereunitedtoherina daylikethis,myownconsciencewouldrebukemeifIdidnotwarnmenplainlythattheChurchof RomeisanidolatrousChurch,andthatiftheywilljoinhertheyare"joiningthemselvestoidols." ButImaynotdwelllongeronthispartofmysubject.ThemainpointIwishtoimpressonyourminds isthisthatidolatryhasdecidedlymanifesteditselfinthevisibleChurchofChrist,andnowhereso decidedlyasintheChurchofRome. Andnowletmeshowyou,inthelastplace,theultimateabolitionofallidolatry.WHATWILLENDIT? Iconsiderthatman'ssoulmustbeinanunhealthystateifhedoesnotlongforthetimewhenidolatry shallbenomore.ThatheartcanhardlyberightwithGodwhichcanthinkofthemillionswhoare sunkinheathenism,orhonorthefalseprophetMahomet,ordailyinvoketheVirginMaryandnotcry "OmyGod,whatshallbetheendofthesethings?Howlong,OLord!Howlong?" Here,asinothersubjects,thesurewordofprophecycomestoouraid.Theendofallidolatryshallone daycome.Itsdoomisfixed.Itsoverthrowiscertain.Whetherinheathentemplesorinsocalled ChristianChurches,idolatryshallbedestroyedatthesecondcomingofourLordChrist. Thenshallbefulfilledtheprophecyofourtext,"TheidolsHeshallutterlyabolish."Soalsothe prophecyofMicah(5:13):"TheirgravenimagesalsowillIcutoff,andtheirstandingimagesoutofthe midstofthee,andthoushaltnomoreworshiptheworkofthinehands."Soalsotheprophecyof Zephaniah(2:11):"TheLordwillbeterribleuntothem,forHewillfamishallthegodsoftheearth; andmenshallworshipHim,everyonefromhisplace,evenalltheislesoftheheathen."Soalsothe prophecyofZechariah(13:2):"Itshallcometopassatthatday,saiththeLordofhosts,thatIwillcut offthenamesoftheidolsoutoftheland,andtheyshallnomoreberemembered."Inaword,the97th Psalmshallthenreceiveitsfullaccomplishment:"TheLordreigns;lettheearthrejoice;letthe multitudeofislesbegladthereof.CloudsanddarknessarefoundaboutHim;righteousnessand judgmentarethehabitationofHisthrone.AfiregoesbeforeHim,andburnsupHisenemiesround about.Hislightningsenlightentheworld;theearthsawandtrembled.Thehillsmeltedlikewaxat thepresenceoftheLord,atthepresenceoftheLordofthewholeearth.TheheavensdeclareHis righteousness,andallthepeopleseeHisglory.Confoundedbealltheywhoservegravenimages,who boastthemselvesofidols.WorshipHim,allyegods." Brethren,thecomingandkingdomofourLordJesusChrististhatblessedhopewhichshouldever comfortthechildrenofGodunderthepresentdispensation.Itisthepolestarbywhichwemust journey.Itistheonepointonwhichallourexpectationsshouldbeconcentrated."Yetalittlewhile, andHethatshallcomewillcome,andwillnottarry."OurDavidshallnolongerdwellinAdullam, followedbyadespisedfewandrejectedbythemany.HeshalltaketoHimselfHisgreatpowerand reign,andcauseeverykneetobowbeforeHim. Tillthenourredemptionisnotperfectlyenjoyed.AsPaultellstheEphesians,"Wearesealeduntothe

dayofredemption"(Eph.4:30).Oursalvationisnotcompleted.AsPetersays,"Wearekeptbythe powerofGodthroughfaithuntosalvationreadytoberevealedinthelasttime"(1Pet.1:5).Our knowledgeisstilldefective.AsPaultellstheCorinthians,"Nowweseethroughaglassdarkly;butthen facetoface.NowIknowinpart;thenshallIknowevenalsoasIamknown"(1Cor.13:12).Inshort, ourbestthingsareyettocome. ButinthedayofourLord'sreturn,everydesireshallreceiveitsfullaccomplishment.Weshallnomore bepresseddownandwornoutwiththesenseofconstantfailure,feebleness,anddisappointment.In Hispresenceweshallfindthereisafullnessofjoy,ifnowhereelse;andwhenweawakenafter [accordingto]Hislikeness,weshallbesatisfied,ifweneverwerebefore. TherearemanyabominationsnowinthevisibleChurchoverwhichwecanonlysignandcry,likethe faithfulinEzekiel'sday(Ezek.9:4).Wecannotremovethem.ButadaycomeswhenJesusshallonce morepurifyHistempleandcastfortheverythingthatdefiles.Heshalldothatworkofwhichthe doingsofHezekiahandJosiahwereafainttypelongago.Heshallcastforththeimagesandpurgeout idolatryineveryshape. Whoisthereamongyouthatlongsfortheconversionoftheheathenworld?Youwillnotseeitinits fullnessuntiltheLord'sappearing.Then,andnottillthen,willthatoftenmisappliedtextbefulfilled: "Amanshallcasthisidolsofsilverandhisidolsofgold,whichtheymadeeachoneforhimselfto worship,tothemolesandtothebats"(Isa.2:20). WhoisthereamongyouthatlongsfortheredemptionofIsrael?Youwillneverseeitinitsperfection tilltheRedeemercomestoZion.IdolatryintheprofessingChurchofChristhasbeenoneofthe mightieststumblingblocksintheJew'sway.Whenitbeginstofall,theveilovertheheartofIsrael shallbegintobetakenaway(Ps.102:16). WhoisthereamongyouthatlongsforthefallofAntichristandthepurificationoftheChurchofRome? Ibelievethatwillneverbeuntilthewindingupofthisdispensation.Thatvastsystemofidolatrymay beconsumedandwastedbythespiritoftheLord'smouth,butitshallneverbedestroyedexceptbythe brightnessofHiscoming(2Thess.2:8). WhoisthereamongyouthatlongsforaperfectChurchaChurchinwhichthereshallnotbethe slightesttaintofidolatry?YoumustwaitfortheLord'sreturn.Then,andnottillthen,shallweseea perfectChurchaChurchhavingneitherspotnorwrinkle,noranysuchthing(Eph.5:27),aChurchof whichallthemembersshallberegenerateandeveryoneachildofGod. Brethren,ifthesethingsbeso,youwillnotwonderthatweurgeonyouthestudyofprophecy,andthat wechargeyouabovealltograspfirmlythegloriousdoctrineofChrist'ssecondappearingand kingdom.Thisisthelightshininginadarkplacetowhichyouwilldowelltotakeheed.Letothers indulgetheirimagination,iftheywill,withanimaginary"Churchofthefuture."Letthechildrenof thisworlddreamofsome"comingman"whoistounderstandeverythingandseteverythingright. Theyareonlysowingtothemselvesbitterdisappointment.Theywillawaketofindtheirvisions baselessandemptyasadream.ItistosuchasthesethattheProphet'swordsmaybewellapplied: "Beholdallyethatkindleafire,thatcompassyourselvesaboutwithsparks.Walkinthelightofyour fireandinthesparksthatyehavekindled.ThisshallyehaveofMinehand;yeshallliedownin sorrow"(Isa.1:11). ButletyoureyeslookrightonwardtothedayofChrist'ssecondadvent.Thatistheonlydaywhen everyabuseshallberectifiedandeverycorruptionandsourceofsorrowcompletelypurgedaway. Waitingforthatday,letuseachworkonandserveourgeneration,notinidlenessasifnothingcould

bedonetocheckevilyetnotdisheartenedbecauseweseenotyetallthingsputunderourLord.After all,thenightisfarspent,andthedayisathand.Letuswait,Isay,ontheLord. Andsurely,ifthesethingsbeso,youwillnotwonderthatwewarnyoutobewareofallleanings towardstheChurchofRome.Surely,whenthemindofGodaboutidolatryissoplainlyrevealedtous inHisWord,itseemstheheightofinfatuationinanyonetojoinaChurchsosteepedinidolatriesasthe ChurchofRome.ToenterintocommunionwithherwhenGodissaying"Comeoutofher,thatyebe notpartakersofhersins,andreceivenotofherplagues"(Rev.18:4),toseekherwhentheLordis warningustoleaveher,tobecomehersubjectswhentheLord'svoiceiscrying"Escapeforthylife,flee fromthewrathtocome,"allthisismentalblindnessindeed;ablindnesslikethatofhimwho,though forewarned,embarksinasinkingship;ablindnessthatwouldbealmostincredibleifourowneyesdid notseeexamplesofitcontinually. Wemustallbeonourguard.Wemusttakenothingforgranted.Wemustnothastilysupposethatwe aretoowisetobeensnared,andsay,likeHazael,"IsThyservantadog,thatheshoulddothisthing?" Wewhopreachmustcryaloudandsparenot,andallownofalsetendernesstomakeusholdourpeace abouttheheresiesoftheday.Youwhohearmusthaveyourloinsgirtaboutwithtruthandyourminds storedwithclearpropheticalviewsoftheendtowhichallidolworshippersmustcome.Letusalltry torealizethatthelatterendsoftheworldareuponusandthattheabolitionofallidolatryishastening on.IsthisatimeforamantodrawnearertoRome?Isitnotratheratimetodrawfurtherbackand standclear,lestwebeinvolvedinherdownfall?IsthisatimetoextenuateandpalliateRome's manifoldcorruptionsandrefusetoseetherealityofhersins?Surelyweoughtrathertobedoubly jealousofeverythingofaRomishtendencyinreligiondoublycarefulthatwedonotconniveatany treasonagainstourLordChristanddoublyreadytoprotestagainstunscripturalworshipofevery description.Oncemore,then,Isay,rememberthatthedestructionofallidolatryiscertain;and rememberingthat,bewareoftheChurchofRome. AndnowitonlyremainsformetoconcludewhatIhavebeensayingbymentioningsomesafeguards foryourownsouls.YouliveinatimewhentheChurchofRomeiswalkingamongstuswithrenewed strength,andloudlyboastingthatshewillsoonwinbackthegroundthatshehaslost.Falsedoctrines ofeverykindarecontinuallysetbeforeyouinthemostsubtleandspeciousforms.Itcannotbe thoughtunseasonableifIofferyousomepracticalsafeguardsagainstidolatry.Whatitis,whenceit comes,whereitis,whatwillenditallthisyouhaveheard.Letmepointouthowyoumaybesafe fromit,andIwillsaynomore. 1.Armyourselves,then,foronething,withathoroughknowledgeoftheWordofGod.Readitmore diligentlythanever.Becomefamiliarwitheverypartofit.Letitdwellinyourichly.Bewareof anythingwhichwouldmakeyougivelesstimeandlesshearttotheperusalofitssacredpages.The BibleistheswordoftheSpirit;letitneverbelaidaside.TheBibleisthetruelanternforadarkand cloudytime;bewareoftravelingwithoutitslight.Istronglysuspect,ifwedidbutknowthesecret historyofthosesecessionsfromourChurchtothatofRome,whichwedeplore,thatinalmostevery caseoneofthemostimportantstepsinthedownwardroadwouldbefoundtohavebeenaneglected Biblemoreattentiontoforms,sacraments,dailyservices,primitiveChristianity,andsoforth,and diminishedattentiontothewrittenWordofGod.TheBibleistheKing'shighway.Onceleavethatfor anybypath,howeverbeautifulandoldandfrequenteditmayseem,andneverbesurprisedifyouend withworshippingimagesandrelics. 2.Armyourselves,inthesecondplace,withagodlyjealousyabouttheleastportionoftheGospel. Bewareofsanctioningtheslightestattempttokeepbackanyjotortittleofit,ortothrowanypartofit intotheshadebyexaltingsubordinatemattersinreligion.ItseemedasmallthingthatPeterdidwhen hewithdrewhimselffromeatingwiththeGentiles,butPaultellstheGalatians,"Iwithstoodhimtothe

face,becausehewastobeblamed"(Gal.2:11).Countnothinglittlethatconcernsyoursoul.Bevery particularwhomyouhear,whereyougo,andwhatyoudoinallthemattersofyourownparticular worship.Carenothingfortheimputationofsqueamishnessandexcessivescrupulosity.Youliveindays whengreatprinciplesareinvolvedinlittleacts,andthingsinreligionwhichfiftyyearsagowere utterlyindifferentarenowbycircumstancesrenderedindifferentnolonger.Bewareoftamperingwith anythingofaRomanizingtendency.Itisfoolishnesstoplaywithfire.Ibelievethatmanyofour secedersbeganwiththinkingtherecouldbenomightyharminattachingalittlemoreimportanceto certainoutwardthingsthantheyoncedid.Butoncelaunchedonthedownwardcourse,theywenton fromonethingtoanother.TheyprovokedGod,andHeleftthemtothemselves.Theytemptedthe devil,andhecametothem.Theystartedwithtrifles,asmanyfoolishlycallthem.Theyhaveended withdownrightidolatry. 3.Armyourselves,lastofallandaboveall,withclearsoundviewsofourLordJesusChristandofthe salvationthatisinHim.HeistheimageoftheinvisibleGodtheexpressimageofHispersonandthe truepreservativeagainstallidolatrywhentrulyknown.Buildyourselvesdeepdownonthestrong foundationofHisfinishedworkuponthecross.SettleitfirmlyinyourmindthatChristJesushasdone everythingneedfulinordertopresentyouwithoutspotbeforethethroneofGod,andthatsimple childlikefaithonyourpartistheonlythingrequiredtogiveyouanentireinterestintheworkof Christ.Settleitfirmlyinyourmindthathavingthisfaith,youarecompletelyjustifiedinthesightof GodwillneverbemorejustifiedifyoulivetotheageofMethuselahanddotheworksoftheApostle Paulandcanaddnothingtothatcompletejustificationbyanyacts,deeds,works,performances, fastings,prayers,almsdeeds,attendanceonordinances,oranythingelseofyourown. Andkeepup,keepup,Ibeseechyou,continualcommunionwiththepersonoftheLordJesus.Abide inHimdaily,feedonHimdaily,looktoHimdaily,leanonHimdaily,liveuponHimdaily,drawfrom Hisfullnessdaily.Realizethis,andtheideaofothermediators,othercomforters,otherintercessors willseemutterlyabsurd."Whatneedisthere?"youwillreply;"IhaveChrist,andinHimIhaveall." Brethren,lettheLordChristhaveHisrightfulplaceinyourheart,andallotherthingsinyourreligion willsoonfallintotheirrightplacesalsoChurch,ministers,sacraments,ordinancesallwillgodown andtakethesecondplace. ExceptChristsitsasPriestandKinguponthethroneofyourheart,thatlittlekingdomwithinwillbein perpetualconfusion.ButonlyletHimbeallinallthere,andIhavenofearforyou.BeforeHimevery idol,everyDagonshallfalldown. ThislecturewasoneofacoursedeliveredduringLent,1851,atSt.George's,Bloomsbury.

ComingEventsandPresentDuties:BeingMiscellaneousSermonson PropheticalSubjects(1867)
by J.C.Ryle

Sermon5 SCATTEREDISRAELTOBEGATHERED
"HeartheWordoftheLord,Oyenations,anddeclareitintheislesafaroff,andsay,Hewho scatteredIsraelwillgatherhim,andkeephim,asashepherddoeshisflock."Jer.31:10. Thetextwhichheadsthispageissingularlyfullandcomprehensive.Itcontainsbothhistoryand prophecy.ItspeaksofthescatteringofIsrael;thisishistory.ItspeakofthegatheringofIsrael;thisis prophecy.ItdemandstheattentionbothoftheJewandtheGentile.TotheJewitholdsouta hope"Israel,"itsays,"shallbegathered."OntheGentileitlaysacommand"HeartheWordofthe Lord,"itsays,"Oyenations,anddeclareitintheislesafaroff,HewhoscatteredIsraelwillgatherhim." Reader,thewholebodyofGentileChristendomisspeciallyaddressedinthistext.Thereisnoevading thisconclusiononanyfairinterpretationofScripture.Weourselvesareamongthe"nations"towhom Jeremiahspeaks.Uponusdevolvesaportionofthedutywhichheheresetsforth.Thetextisthe Lord'svoicetoalltheChurchesofChristamongtheGentiles.ItisavoicetotheChurchesofEngland, Scotland,andIreland.ItisavoicetotheChurchesofGermany,Switzerland,Sweden,Holland, Denmark,andAmerica.ItisavoicetoallChristendom.Andwhatdoesthevoicesay?Itbidsus proclaimfarandwidethewillofGodconcerningtheJewishnation.Itbidsuskeeponeanotherin memoryofGod'spastandfuturedealingswithIsrael."HewhoscatteredIsraelwillgatherhim." Reader,IaskyourseriousattentionforafewminuteswhileItrytoplacetheJewishsubjectbeforeyou inaconnectedandcondensedform.IproposeinthisaddresstoshowyoufromScripturethepast,the present,andthefutureofIsrael.IknowfewtextsintheBiblewhichcontainsuchacompletesummary ofthesubjectastheonebeforeyou.ThistextIshallendeavortounfold. Ientreatyounottodismissthesubjectasspeculative,fanciful,andunprofitable.Theworldisgrowing old.Thelastdaysarecomeuponus.Thefoundationsoftheearthareoutofcourse.Theancient institutionsofsocietyarewearingoutandgoingtopieces.Theendofallthingsisathand.Surelyit becomesawiseman,atatimelikethis,toturntothepagesofprophecyandtoinquirewhatisyetto come.AtatimelikethisthedeclarationsofGodconcerningHispeopleIsraeloughttobecarefully weighedandexamined."Atthetimeoftheend,"saysDaniel,"thewiseshallunderstand"(Dan.12:10). TherearefourpointsonwhichIpurposetodwellinconsideringthewordsofJeremiahwhichstandat theheadofthisaddress. 1.Themeaningoftheword"Israel,"bothhereandelsewhereinScripture. 2.ThepresentconditionofIsrael. 3.ThefutureprospectsofIsrael. 4.ThedutywhichGentileChurchesowetoIsrael.

Themeaningoftheword"Israel." Thedefinitionoftermsisoffirstimportanceintheology.Unlessweexplainthemeaningofthewords weuseinourreligiousstatements,ourargumentsareoftenwasted,andweseemlikemenbeatingthe air. Theword"Israel"isusednearlysevenhundredtimesintheBible.Icanonlydiscoverthreesensesin whichitisused.First,itisoneofthenamesofJacob,thefatherofthetwelvetribes;anamespecially giventohimbyGod.Second,itisanamegiventothetentribeswhichseparatedfromJudahand BenjamininthedaysofRehoboamandbecameadistinctkingdom.ThiskingdomisoftencalledIsrael incontradistinctiontothekingdomofJudah.Thirdlyandlastly,itisanamegiventothewholeJewish nation,toallmembersofthetwelvetribeswhichsprangfromJacobandwerebroughtoutofEgypt intothelandofCanaan.ThisisbyfarthemostcommonsignificationofthewordintheBible.Itisthe onlysignificationinwhichIcanfindtheword"Israel"usedthroughthewholeNewTestament.Itisthe sameinwhichthewordisusedinthetextwhichIamconsideringthisday.ThatIsrael,whichGodhas scatteredandwillyetgatheragain,isthewholeJewishnation. Now,whydoIdwelluponthispoint?Tosomereadersitmayappearmerewasteoftimeandwordsto saysomuchaboutit.ThethingsIhavebeensayingsoundtothemliketruisms.ThatIsraelmeans Israelisamatteronwhichtheyneverfeltadoubt.Ifthisbethemindofanyintowhosehandsthis addresshasfallen,Iamthankfulforit.ButunhappilytherearemanyChristianswhodonotseethe subjectwithyoureyes.FortheirsakesImustdwellonthispointalittlelonger. FormanycenturiestherehasprevailedintheChurchesofChristastrange,andtomymind,an unwarrantablemodeofdealingwiththisword"Israel."Ithasbeeninterpretedinmanypassagesofthe PsalmsandProphetsasifitmeantnothingmorethanChristianbelievers.Havepromisesbeenheldout toIsrael?MenhavebeentoldcontinuallythattheyareaddressedtoGentilesaints.Haveglorious thingsbeendescribedaslaidupinstoreforIsrael?Menhavebeenincessantlytoldthattheydescribe thevictoriesandtriumphsoftheGospelinChristianChurches.Theproofsofthesethingsaretoomany torequirequotation.Nomancanreadtheimmensemajorityofcommentariesandpopularhymns withoutseeingthissystemofinterpretationtowhichInowrefer.AgainstthatsystemIhavelong protested,andIhopeIshallalwaysprotestaslongasIlive. IdonotdenythatIsraelwasapeculiartypicalpeople,andthatGod'srelationstoIsraelweremeantto beatypeofHisrelationstoHisbelievingpeopleallovertheworld. Idonotforgetthatitiswritten,"Asfaceanswerstoface,sodoestheheartofmantoman"(Prov. 27:19),andthatwhateverspiritualtruthsaretaughtinprophecyconcerningIsraelitishheartsare applicabletotheheartsofGentiles. IwouldhaveitmostdistinctlyunderstoodthatGod'sdealingswithindividualJewsandGentilesare preciselyoneandthesame.Withoutrepentance,faithinChrist,andholinessofheart,noindividual JeworGentileshalleverbesaved. WhatIprotestagainstisthehabitofallegorizingplainsayingsoftheWordofGodconcerningthe futurehistoryofthenationIsraelandexplainingawaythefullnessoftheircontentsinorderto accommodatethemtotheGentileChurch.Ibelievethehabittobeunwarrantedbyanythingin Scripture,andtodrawafteritalongtrainofevilconsequences. Where,Iwouldventuretoask,inthewholeNewTestamentshallwefindanyplainauthorityfor

applyingtheword"Israel"toanyonebutthenationIsrael?Icanfindnone.Onthecontrary,Iobserve thatwhentheApostlePaulquotesOldTestamentpropheciesabouttheprivilegesoftheGentilesin Gospeltimes,heiscarefultoquotetextswhichspeciallymentionthe"Gentiles"byname.Thefifteenth chapteroftheEpistletotheRomansisastrikingillustrationofwhatImean.Weareoftentoldinthe NewTestamentthatundertheGospelbelievingGentilesare"fellowheirsandpartakersofthesame hope"withbelievingJews(Eph.3:6).ButthatbelievingGentilesmaybecalled"Israelites,"Icannot seeanywhereatall. TowhatmayweattributethatloosesystemofinterpretingthelanguageofthePsalmsandProphets, andtheextravagantexpectationsofuniversalconversionoftheworldbythepreachingoftheGospel, whichmaybeobservedinmanyChristianwriters?Tonothingsomuch,Ibelieve,astothehabitof inaccuratelyinterpretingtheword"Israel,"andtotheconsequentapplicationofpromisestotheGentile Churcheswithwhichtheyhavenothingtodo.Theleasterrorsintheologyalwaysbearfruit.Never doesmantakeupanincorrectprincipleofinterpretingScripturewithoutthatprincipleentailing awkwardconsequencesandcoloringthewholetoneofhisreligion. Reader,Ileavethispartofmysubjecthere.Iamsurethatitsimportancecannotbeoverrated.Infact, arightunderstandingofitliesattheveryrootofthewholeJewishsubject,andoftheprophecies concerningtheJews.ThedutywhichChristiansowetoIsrael,asanation,willneverbeclearly understooduntilChristiansclearlyseetheplacethatIsraeloccupiesinScripture. Beforegoinganyfurther,Iwillaskallreadersofthisaddressoneplainpracticalquestion.Iaskyouto calmlyconsiderWhatsensedoyouputonsuchwordsas"Israel,""Jacob,"andthelikewhenyoumeet withtheminthePsalmsandPropheciesoftheOldTestament?Weliveinadaywhentherearemany Biblereaders.TherearemanywhosearchtheScripturesregularlyandreadthroughthePsalmsand theProphetsonce,ifnottwice,everyyeartheylive.OfcourseyouattachsomemeaningtothewordsI havejustreferredto.Youplacesomesenseuponthem.Nowwhatisthatsense?Whatisthat meaning?Takeheedthatitistherightone. Reader,acceptafriendlyexhortationthisday.CleavetotheliteralsenseofBiblewordsandbewareof departingfromit,exceptincasesofabsolutenecessity.Bewareofthatsystemofallegorizingand spiritualizingandaccommodating,whichtheschoolofOrigenfirstbroughtin,andwhichhasfound suchanunfortunatedegreeoffavorintheChurch.InreadingtheauthorizedversionoftheEnglish Bible,donotputtoomuchconfidenceinthe"headings"ofpagesand"tablesofcontents"atbeginnings ofchapters,whichItakeleavetoconsideramostunhappyaccompanimentofthatadmirable translation.Rememberthatthoseheadingsandtablesofcontentsweredrawnupbyuninspired hands.InreadingtheProphets,theyaresometimesnothelpsbutrealhindrancesandlesslikelyto assistareaderthantoleadhimastray.Settleitinyourmind,inthereadingthePsalmsandProphets, thatIsraelmeansIsraelandZionZionandJerusalemJerusalem.And,finally,whateveredificationyou derivefromapplyingtoyourownsoulthewordswhichGodaddressestoHisancientpeople,neverlose sightoftheprimarysenseofthetext. ThesecondpointinthetextonwhichIproposedtodwell,isthepresentconditionofIsrael. TheexpressionusedbyJeremiahdescribesexactlythestateinwhichtheJewsareatthisday,andhave beenfornearlyeighteenhundredyears.Theyarea"scattered"people.ThearmiesofAssyria,Babylon, andRomehave,oneafteranother,sweptoverthelandofIsraelandcarrieditsinhabitantsinto captivity.Few,ifany,ofthetentribesappeartohavereturnedfromtheAssyriancaptivity.Notfifty thousandofJudahandBenjamincamebackfromthecaptivityofBabylon.Fromthelastandworst captivity,whenthetemplewasburnedandJerusalemdestroyed,therehasbeennoreturnatall.For eighteenhundredyearsIsraelhasbeendispersedoverthefourquartersoftheglobe.Likethewreckof

somegoodlyship,theJewshavebeentossedtoandfroonallwatersandstrandedinbrokenpieceson everyshore. ButthoughIsraelhasbeen"scattered,"Israelhasnotbeendestroyed.Foreighteenhundredyearsthe Jewshavecontinuedaseparatepeople,withoutaking,withoutaland,withoutaterritory,butnever lost,neverabsorbedamongothernations.Theyhavebeenoftentrampledunderfoot,butnevershaken fromthefaithoftheirfathers.Theyhavebeenoftenpersecuted,butneverdestroyed.Atthisvery momenttheyareasdistinctandpeculiarapeopleasanypeopleuponearthanunanswerable argumentinthewayoftheinfidel,apuzzlingdifficultyinthewayofpoliticians,astandinglessonto alltheworld.Romans,Danes,Saxons,Normans,Belgians,French,Germanshaveallinturnsettledon Englishsoil.Allhaveinturnlosttheirnationaldistinctiveness.Allhaveinturnbecomepartand parceloftheEnglishnation,afterthelapseofafewhundredyears.Butithasneverbeensowiththe Jews.Dispersedastheyare,thereisaprincipleofcohesionamongthemwhichnocircumstanceshave beenabletomelt.Scatteredastheyare,thereisanationalvitalityamongthemwhichisstrongerthan thatofanynationonearth.Gowhereyouwill,youalwaysfindthem.Settlewhereyouplease,inhot countriesorincold,youwillfindtheJews.Butgowhereyouwillandsettlewhereyouplease,this wonderfulpeopleisalwaysthesame.Scatteredastheyare,fewinnumbercomparedtothoseamong whomtheylive,theJewsarealwaystheJews.ThreethousandyearsagoBalaamsaid,"Thepeople shalldwellalone,andnotbereckonedamongthenations."EighteenhundredyearsagoourLordsaid, "Thisgenerationshallnotpassawaytillallbefulfilled."Weseethesewordsmadegoodbeforeour eyes(Num.23:9;Luke21:32). ButbywhosehandswasthisscatteringofIsraelwrought?Thetextbeforeustodaydeclaresexpressly thatitwasthehandofGod.ItwasnotthearmiesofTiglathPileserorShalmanezer,of NebuchadnezzarorofTitus.Theywereonlyinstrumentsinthehandofafarhigherpower.Itwasthat Godwhoordersallthingsinheavenandearthwhodispersedthetwelvetribesoverthefaceofthe earth.ItwasthesameGodwhobroughtIsraeloutofEgyptwithahighhandandmightyarmand plantedtheminCanaan,whopluckedthemupbytherootsandmadethem"wanderersamongthe nations"(Hos.9:17). AndwhydidGodsendthisheavyjudgmentuponIsrael?Towhatarewetoattributethismarvelous [surprising]dispersionofapeoplesohighlyfavored?Theinquiryisaveryusefulone.Letusmark welltheanswer. TheJewsarea"scattered"peoplebecauseoftheirmanysins.Theirhardnessandstiffneckedness,their impenitenceandunbelief,theirabuseofprivilegesandneglectofgifts,theirrejectionofprophetsand messengersfromheaven,andfinallytheirrefusaltoreceivetheLordJesusChrist,theKing'sownSon thesewerethethingswhichcalleddownGod'swrathuponthem.Thesewerethecausesoftheir presentdispersion.ThevinewhichwasbroughtoutofEgyptborewildgrapes.Thehusbandmanto whomthevineyardwasletoutrenderednotofthefruittotheLordofthevineyard.Thepeoplethat werebroughtoutofthehouseofbondagerebelledagainstHimbywhomtheyweresetfree.Hencethe wrathofGodroseuntiltherewasnoremedy.ThusHesays,"YouonlyhaveIknownamongthe inhabitantsoftheearth,thereforeIwillpunishyou,becauseofyouriniquities"(Amos3:2)."They killedtheLordJesusandtheirownprophets,theypersecutedtheapostles,theypleasednotGod,they werecontrarytoallmen,theyforbadeustospeaktotheGentilesthattheymightbesaved;and thereforethewrathiscomeuponthemtotheuttermost"(1Thess.2:15,16). Israelwas"scattered"tobeaperpetualwarningtotheGentileChurchesofChrist.TheJewsareGod's beaconorpillarofsalttoallChristendomandasilentstandinglessonwhichallwhoprofesstoknow Godoughtnevertoforget.TheyproclaimtoallChristiansGod'shatredofspiritualprideandself righteousness,God'shighdispleasurewiththosewhoexaltthetraditionsofmenanddepartfromthe

Word,God'shatredofformalityandceremonialism.IfanymandesirestoknowhowmuchGodhates thesethings,hehasonlytolookatthepresentconditionoftheJews.ForeighteenhundredyearsGod hasheldthemupbeforetheeyesoftheworld,andwrittenHisabhorrenceoftheirsinsinletterswhich hewhorunsmayread. Icannotpassawayfromthispartofmysubjectwithoutentreatingallwhoreadthisaddresstolearna practicallessonfromthescatteringofIsrael.Ientreatyoutorememberthecauseswhichledtotheir dispersion,andtobewareoftheslightestapproachtotheirpeculiarsins.Iamsurethewarningis neededintheselatterdays.Iamsurethattheopinionswhichareboldlybroachedandopenly maintainedbymanyreligiousteachersinallChurchesofChristendomcallloudlyonallChristiansto standontheirguard.ItisnotwithoutgoodreasonthatourLordsaid,"Takeheedandbewareofthe leavenoftheSadduceesandPharisees"(Matt.16:6).Looktoyourownheart.Bewareoftampering withfalsedoctrines.Churchesareneversafeunlesstheirmembersknowtheirindividualresponsibility. Letuseachlooktoourselvesandtakeheedtoourownsouls.ThesameGodliveswhoscatteredIsrael becauseofIsrael'ssins.AndwhatsaysHetotheChurchesofChristthisday?Hesays,"Benothigh minded,butfear.IfGodsparednotthenaturalbranches,takeheedlestHealsosparenotthee"(Rom. 11:20,21). ThethirdpartofthetextonwhichIproposetodwellisthefutureprospectsofIsrael. Intakingupthisbranchofmysubject,IfeelthatIamenteringontheregionofunfulfilledprophecy.I desiretodosowithallreverence,andwithadeepsenseofthemanydifficultiessurroundingthis departmentoftheologyandthemanydiversitiesofopinionwhichprevailuponit.Buttheservantof Godmustcallnomanmasteronearth.TruthisneverlikelytobeattainedunlessallministersofChrist speakouttheiropinionsfully,freely,andunreservedly,andgivemenanopportunityofweighingwhat theyteach. Reader,howevergreatthedifficultiessurroundingmanypartsofunfulfilledprophecy,twopoints appeartomyownmindtostandoutasplainlyasifwrittenbyasunbeam.Oneofthesepointsisthe secondpersonaladventofourLordJesusChristbeforetheMillennium.Theotherofthesepointsisthe futureliteralgatheringoftheJewishnationandtheirrestorationtotheirownland.Itellnomanthat thesetwotruthsareessentialtosalvationandthathecannotbesavedexceptheseesthemwithmy eyes.ButItellanymanthatthesetruthsappeartomedistinctlysetdowninholyScripture,andthat thedenialofthemisasastonishingandincomprehensibletomyownmindasthedenialofthedivinity ofChrist. NowwhatsaysourtextaboutthefutureprospectsoftheJews?Itsays,"HewhoscatteredIsraelwill gatherhim."Thatgatheringisaneventwhichplainlyisyettocome.Itcouldnotapplyinanysenseto thetentribesofIsrael.Theyhaveneverbeengatheredinanyway.Theirscatteringhasnevercometo anend.ItcannotbeappliedtothereturnoftheremnantofJudahandBenjaminfromtheBabylonian captivity.Thelanguageofthetextmakessuchanapplicationimpossible.Thetextisaddressedtothe Gentiles,"thenations."Thedeclarationtheyarecommandedtomakeis,"totheislesofthesea."Inthe daysoftheBabyloniancaptivity,the"nations"oftheearthknewnothingoftheWordoftheLord.They weresunkindarknessandhadnotevenheardtheLord'sname.IfJeremiahhadtoldthemtoproclaim thereturnoftheJewsfromBabylonundersuchcircumstances,itwouldhavebeenuselessandabsurd. Thereisbutonefairandlegitimateinterpretationofthepromiseofthetext.Theeventitdeclaresis yetfuture.The"gathering"spokenofisagatheringwhichisyettocome. Reader,IbelievethattheinterpretationIhavejustgivenisinentireharmonywithmanyotherplain propheciesofScripture.TimewouldfailmeifIweretoquoteatenthpartofthetextswhichteachthe sametruth.OutofthesixteenprophetsoftheOldTestament,thereareatleastteninwhichthe

gatheringandrestorationoftheJewsinthelatterdaysareexpresslymentioned.Fromeachofthese tenIwilltakeonetestimony.Isay"one"testimonydeliberately.Iamanxiousnottooverloadthe subjectwithevidence.IwouldonlyremindthereaderthatthetextsIamabouttoquoteareonlya smallportionoftheevidencethatmightbebroughtforward. 1.HearwhatIsaiahsays:"ItshallcometopassinthatdaythattheLordshallsetHishandagainthe secondtimetorecovertheremnantofHispeople,whichshallbeleft,fromAssyria,andfromEgypt, andfromPathros,andfromCush,andfromElam,andfromShinar,andfromHamath,andfromthe islandsofthesea.AndHeshallsetupanensignforthenations,andshallassembletheoutcastsof Israel,andgathertogetherthedispersedofJudahfromthefourcornersoftheearth"(Isa.11:11,12). 2.HearwhatEzekielsays:"ThussaiththeLordGod:Behold,IwilltakethechildrenofIsraelfrom amongtheheathen,whithertheybegone,andwillgatherthemoneveryside,andbringtheminto theirownland"(Ezek.37:21). 3.HearwhatHoseasays:"ThenshallthechildrenofJudahandthechildrenofIsraelbegathered together,andappointthemselvesonehead,andtheyshallcomeupoutoftheland;forgreatshallbe thedayofJezreel"(Hos.1:11)."ForthechildrenofIsraelshallabidemanydayswithoutaking,and withoutaprince,andwithoutasacrifice,andwithoutanimage,andwithoutanephod,andwithout teraphim.AfterwardshallthechildrenofIsraelreturnandseektheLordtheirGod,andDavidtheir king,andshallfeartheLordandHisgoodnessinthelatterdays"(Hos.3:4,5). 4.HearwhatJoelsays:"ButJudahshalldwellforever,andJerusalemfromgenerationtogeneration" (Joel3:20). 5.HearwhatAmossays:"AndIwillbringagainthecaptivityofmypeopleIsrael,andtheyshallbuild thewastecitiesandinhabitthem;andtheyshallplantvineyardsanddrinkthewinethereof;theyshall alsomakegardensandthefruitofthem.AndIwillplantthemupontheirland,andtheyshallnomore bepulledupoutoftheirlandwhichIhavegiventhem,saiththeLordthyGod"(Amos9:14,15). 6.HearwhatObadiahsays:"ButuponMountZionshallbedeliverance,andthereshallbeholiness; andthehouseofJacobshallpossesstheirpossessions"(Obad.1:17). 7.HearwhatMicahsays:"Inthatday,saiththeLord,willIassembleherthathalts,andIwillgather herthatisdrivenout,andherthatIhaveafflicted;andIwillmakeherthathaltsaremnant,andher thatwascastfaroffastrongnation;andtheLordshallreignovertheminMountZionfrom henceforth,evenforever"(Micah4:6,7). 8.HearwhatZephaniahsays:"Sing,OdaughterofZion!Shout,OIsrael!Begladandrejoicewithall theheart,OdaughterofJerusalem.TheLordhastakenawaythyjudgments,Hehascastoutthine enemy.TheKingofIsrael,eventheLord,isinthemidstofthee;thoushaltnotseeevilanymore.In thatdayitshallbesaidtoJerusalem,Fearthounot;andtoZion,Letnotthinehandsbeslack.The LordthyGodinthemidstoftheeismighty;Hewillsave,Hewillrejoiceovertheewithjoy,Hewillrest inHislove,Hewilljoyovertheewithsinging.Iwillgatherthemthataresorrowfulforthesolemn assembly,whoareofthee,towhomthereproachofitwasaburden.Behold,atthattimeIwillundo allthatafflictsthee;andIwillsaveherthathaltsandgatherherthatwasdrivenout;andIwillget thempraiseandfameineverylandwheretheyhavebeenputtoshame.AtthattimewillIbringyou again,eveninthetimethatIgatheryou;forIwillmakeyouanameandapraiseamongallpeopleof theearth,whenIturnbackyourcaptivitybeforeyoureyes,saiththeLord"(Zeph.3:1420). 9.HearwhatZechariahsays:"AndIwillstrengthenthehouseofJudah,andIwillsavethehouseof

Joseph.Iwillbringthemagaintoplacethem,forIhavemercyuponthem.TheyshallbeasthoughI hadnotcastthemoff;forIamtheLordtheirGod,andwillhearthem.AndtheyofEphraimshallbe likeamightyman,andtheirheartshallrejoiceasthroughwine.Yes,theirchildrenshallseeitandbe glad;theirheartshallrejoiceintheLord.Iwillhissforthemandgatherthem,forIhaveredeemed them;andtheyshallincreaseastheyhaveincreased.AndIwillsowthemamongthepeople,andthey shallremembermeinfarcountries;theyshalllivewiththeirchildrenandturnagain.Iwillbringthem againalsooutofthelandofEgypt,andgatherthemoutofAssyria.Iwillbringthemintothelandof GileadandLebanon,andplaceshallnotbefoundforthem"(Zech.10:610). 10.Hear,lastly,whatJeremiahsays:"Forbehold,thedayscome,saiththeLord,thatIwillbringagain thecaptivityofmypeopleIsraelandJudah,saiththeLord.AndIwillcausethemtoreturntotheland thatIgavetotheirfathers,andtheyshallpossessit"(Jer.30:3)."ForIamwiththee,saiththeLord,to savethee;thoughImakeafullendofallnationswhitherIhavescatteredthee,yetwillInotmakea fullendofthee.ButIwillcorrecttheeinmeasure,andwillnotleavetheealtogetherunpunished"(Jer. 30:11). Reader,Iplacethesetextsbeforeyouwithoutnoteorcomment.Ionlywishthattheymaybeweighed andexamined,andtheseveralchaptersfromwhichtheyaretakenreadcarefully.Ibelievethereisone commonremarkthatappliestothemall.Theyallpointtoatimewhichisyetfuture.Theyallpredict thefinalgatheringoftheJewishnationfromthefourquartersoftheglobeandtheirrestorationto theirownland. Imustaskyoutobelievethatthesubjectadmitsofbeingdrawnoutatfargreaterlengththanthelimits ofthisaddressallow.Iamresolved,however,nottoencumberitbyenteringontopicsof comparativelysubordinateimportance.Iwillnotcomplicateitbydwellingonthemannerinwhich Israelshallbegathered,andtheparticulareventswhichshallaccompanythegathering.Imightshow youbyScripturalevidencethattheJewswillprobablyfirstbegatheredinanunconvertedstate,though humbled;andwillafterwardsbetaughttolooktoHimwhomtheyhavepierced,throughmuch tribulation.ImightspeakofthefuturegloryofJerusalem,aftertheJewsarerestored,andthelast siegewhichitshallendure,asdescribedbyZechariahandbyourLordJesusChrist.ButIforbear.I willnottravelbeyondtheboundsofmytext.Ithinkitbettertopresentitsweightypromisetoyouin itsnakedsimplicity."Israelscatteredshallyetbegathered."ThisisthefutureprospectoftheJew. NowisthereanythingcontrarytothisgatheringintheNewTestament?Icannotfindasingleword. Sofarfromthisbeingthecase,IfindachapterintheEpistletotheRomanswherethesubjectisfully discussed.AninspiredApostlespeaksthereofIsraelbeingoncemore"received"intoGod'sfavor, "graftedin,"and"saved."(SeeRom.11:1532.) IsthereanythingimpossibleinthisgatheringofIsrael?Whotalksofimpossibilities?Ifaninfidel,let himexplainthepresentconditionandpasthistoryofIsrael,ifhecan.Andwhenhehassolvedthat mightyproblem,wemaylistentohim.IfaChristian,lethimthinkagainbeforehetalksofanything beingimpossiblewithGod.LethimreadthevisionofthedrybonesinEzekielandmarktowhomthat visionapplies.Lethimlooktohisownconversionandresurrectionfromthedeathoftrespassesand sinsandrecalltheunworthythoughtthatanythingistoohardfortheLord. IsthereanythinginconsistentwithGod'sformerdealingsinthegatheringofIsrael?Isthereany extravaganceinexpectingsuchanevent?Whyshouldwesayso?Reasoningfromanalogy,Icansee nogroundforrefusingtobelievethatGodmayyetdowonderfulthingsfortheJewishpeople.It wouldnotbemoremarveloustoseethemgatheredoncemoreintoPalestinethanitwastoseethem broughtfromEgyptintothepromisedland.WhatGodhasdoneonce,Hemaysurelydoagain.

IsthereanythingimprobableinthegatheringofIsrael?Alas!reader,wearepoorjudgesof probabilities.God'swaysofcarryingintoeffectHisownpurposesarenottobejudgedbyman's standard,ormeasuredbythelineandplummetofwhatmancallsprobable.Inthedaywhenthe childrenofIsraelwentforthfromEgypt,wouldanyonehavesaiditwasprobablethatsuchanationof serfswouldeverproduceabookthatshouldturntheworldupsidedown?Yetthatnationhasdoneit. FromthatnationhascometheBible.Fourthousandyearsago,wouldanyonehavesaiditwas probablethatGod'sSonwouldcometoearthandsufferinthefleshonacrossbeforeHecametoearth inglorytoreign?Yetsoithasbeen.Christhaslived,andChristhassuffered,andChristhasdied. Awaywiththistalkaboutimprobabilities!ThewaysofGodarenotourways. Finally,isthereanythingfanaticalorenthusiasticinthisexpectationthatIsraelshallbegathered? Whyshouldmensayso?Yourowneyestellyouthatthepresentorderofthingswillneverconvertthe world.Thereisnotachurch,oraparish,oracongregationwheretheconvertedaremorethanalittle flock.Thereisnotafaithfulministeronearth,andneverhasbeen,whohaseverseenmorethanthe "takingoutofapeople"toserveChrist.Achangemustcomebeforetheearthshallbefilledwiththe knowledgeoftheLord.Aneworderofteachersmustberaisedupandanewdispensationusheredin. Theseteachers,Ifirmlybelieve,shallbeconvertedJews.Andthenshallbeseenthefulfillmentofthe remarkablewords,"Ifthecastingofthemawaybethereconcilingoftheworld,whatshallthereceiving ofthembebutlifefromthedead?"(Romans11:15.) Imaynotdwelllongeronthisbranchofmysubject.Ileaveitwithonegeneralremark,whichmay soundtosomereaderslikeabaldtruism.Whetheritbeatruismornot,Ibelievetheremarktobeof vitalimportance,andIheartilywishthatitwasmoredeeplyimpressedonallourminds. Iaskyou,then,tosettleitfirmlyinyourmindthatwhenGodsaysathingshallbedone,weoughtto believeit.Wehavenorighttobegintalkingofprobableandimprobable,likelyandunlikely,possible andimpossible,reasonableandunreasonable.Whatisallthisbutveiledskepticismandinfidelityin disguise?WhathastheLordsaid?WhathastheLordspoken?WhatsaystheScriptures?Whatis writtenintheWord?Thesearetheonlyquestionswehavearighttoask;andwhentheanswerto themisplain,wehavenothingtodobutbelieve.Ourreasonmayrebel.Ourpreconceivedideasof whatGodoughttodomayreceivearudeshock.Ourprivatesystemsofpropheticalinterpretationmay beshatteredtopieces.Oursecretprejudicesmaybegrievouslyoffended.Butwhatarewetodo?We mustabidebyScripture,orbeofallmenmostmiserable.AtanycostletusclingtotheWord."Let Godbetrueandeverymanaliar." Inallmattersofunfulfilledprophecy,Idesire,formyownpart,tofallbackonthisprinciple.Isee manythingsIcannotexplain.IfindmanydifficultiesIcannotsolve.ButIdarenotgiveupmy principle.IamdeterminedtobelieveeverythingthatGodsays.Iknowitwillallprovetrueatthelast day.IreadthatHesaysinthetextbeforeusthisday,"HewhoscatteredIsraelshallgatherhim."It mustbetrue,Ifeel,whateverbethedifficulties.ThatIsraelshallbegatheredIsteadfastlybelieve. ThelastpointonwhichIproposetodwellisonepurelypractical.ItisthedutywhichGentile ChurchesowetoIsrael. Reader,intouchingonthispoint,Iwouldnothaveyouforamomentsupposethatthefuturegathering ofIsraeldependsonanythingthatmancando.God'scounselsandpurposesareindependentof humanstrength.Thesunwillsettonightatitsappointedhour,andneitherQueen,Lordsnor Commons,Pope,President,norEmperorscanhasten,prevent,orputoffitssetting.Thetidesofthe seawillebbandflowthisweekintheirregularcourse,andnoscientificdecreenorengineeringskill caninterferewiththeirmotion.AndjustinlikemannerthepromisesofGodconcerningIsraelwillall befulfilledindueseason,whetherwewillhearorwhetherwewillforbear.Whenthe"timesand

seasons"arrivewhichGodhas"putinHisownpower,"Israelwillbegathered;andallthealliancesand combinationsofstatesmen,andallthepersecutionandunbeliefofapostateChurchesshallnotbeable topreventit. Butseeingthatwelookforsuchthings,itbecomesusalltobefoundinthepathofduty.Itbehooves ustoconsidergravelythesolemnquestion,Whatmannerofpersonsoughtwetobe?andinwhatway canwetestifyourfullassenttoGod'spurposesabouttheJews?Canweinnosensebefellowworkers withGod?ShouldwenotrememberthatremarkablesayingofStPaul"Throughyourmercytheyshall obtainmercy"(Rom.11:31).ThisisthequestiontowhichInowdesirebrieflytosupplyapractical answer. 1.Ibelieve,then,foronething,thatitisadutyincumbentonallGentileChristianstotakeaspecial interestinthespiritualconditionoftheJewishnation,andtogivetheirconversionaspecialplacein ourprayers.Isay,advisedly,theirspiritualcondition.Ileavealonetheircivilandpoliticalposition.I speak,exclusively,ofourdutytoJewishsouls.Isaythatweowethemaspecialdebt,andthatthis debtoughttobecarefullypaid. WeprizeourBibles,andwearerighttodoso.Aheavenwithoutasunwouldnotbemoreblankthan aworldwithoutaBible.Butdoweeverreflectthateverypageinthatblessedbookwaswrittenunder God'sinspirationbyIsraelitishhands?RememberthateverychapterandverseyoureadinourBible youoweunderGodtoIsrael.ThereisnotareligioussocietythatmeetsinLondoninthemonthofMay whichisnotconstantlyworkingwithIsraelitishtools. WeprizethegloriousGospelofthegraceofGod,andwearerighttodoso.AlandwithouttheGospel, likeTartaryandChina,isnothingbetterthanamoralwilderness.Seethevastdifferencebetween EuropeandAmericawiththeGospel,notwithstandingalltheirvices,andAfricaandAsiawithoutit. ButdoweeverreflectthatthefirstpreachersofthatGospelwereallJews?Themenwho,atcostof theirlives,firstcarriedfromtowntotowntheblessedtidingsofChristcrucifiedwerenotGentiles.The firsttotakeupthelampoftruth,whichwaspassedfromhandtohandtillitreachedourheathen forefathers,wereallmenofIsrael. WerejoiceinChristJesusandgloryinHispersonandwork.Wellmaywedoso!Withoutaliving SaviorandthebloodofHisatonementoncemadeonthecross,weshouldindeedbemiserable.Butdo weeverreflectthatwhenthatSaviorbecameaman,inorderthatasman'ssubstituteHemightlive, andsufferanddie,HewasbornofaJewishwoman?Yes,letthatneverbeforgotten!When"Godwas manifestintheflesh"andwas"bornofawoman,"thatwomanwasavirginofthehouseofDavid. WhenthepromisedSaviortookfleshandbloodthatHemightbruisetheserpent'sheadandredeem man,HetooknotfleshandbloodofanyroyalhouseamongtheGentiles,butofoneofthetwelve tribesofIsrael. Reader,Iknowwellthattheseareancientthings.Theyhavebeenoftenurged,oftenalleged,often pressedontheattentionoftheChurches.Iamnotashamedtobringthemforwardagain.Isay,thatif therebesuchathingasgratitudeintheheartofman,itisthedutyofallGentileChristianstotake specialinterestintheworkofdoinggoodtotheJews. 2.Ibeliever,furthermore,thatitisadutyincumbentonallGentileChristianstobespeciallycareful thattheytakeupstumblingblocksoutofthewayofIsrael,andtoothattheydonothingtodisgust themwithChristianityorhindertheirconversion.Thisisamatterwhichisexpresslymentionedin Scripture.TherewefindIsaiahbiddingus,"TakeupthestumblingblocksoutofthewayofGod's people"(Isa.57:14).TrulytheProphetmightwellspeakofthis.NomancanlookroundtheGentile Churchesandfailtoseethathehadcause.

WhatshallwesayoftheglaringunholinessandneglectofGod'sTenCommandmentswhichprevailso widelyinChristendom?Whatshallwesayoftheopenunblushingidolatrywhichoffendstheeyeinall RomanCatholicChurches?WhatshallwesayofthewidespreadhabitofSabbathbreakingwhichis eatinglikeacancerintotheheartoftheProtestantChurches?Whatshallwesayoftherationalistic modeofinterpretingOldTestamenthistory,whichhascreptsoextensivelyintomoderncommentaries thesystemofregardingthehistoriesofAbraham,Jacob,Josephandthelikeassomanymythsor ingeniousfablebutnotasnarrativesoffactswhichreallytookplace?Whatshallwesayofthe traditionalmodeofinterpretingOldTestamentprophecies,inwhichsomanyChristiansindulgethe systemofappropriatingalltheblessingstotheChurchofChristandhandingoverallthebitterthings topoordespisedIsrael;thesystemofinterpretingallpropheciesaboutChrist'sfirstadventliterallyand allpropheciesaboutHissecondadventfiguratively;requiringtheJewtobelievethefirstintheletter andrefusinginturntobelievethesecond,exceptinwhatiscalled(byasadmisnomer)aspiritual sense?Whatshallwesayofallthesethingsbutthattheyarestumblingblocksgreatstumbling blocksinthewayoftheconversionoftheJews?WhataretheyallbutgreatbarriersbetweentheJew andChrist,andbarrierscastupbyChristianhands? Reader,wemustalldoourpartinaidingtotakethesestumblingblocksaway.Hereatleastallmay help.Here,atanyrate,everyGentileChristiancanaidtheJewishcause.Themorepureandlovelywe canmakeourholyfaith,themorewearelikelytorecommendittoIsrael.Themorewecancheckthe progressoftheRomanapostasyandprotestagainstitsidolatriesandcorruptions,themorelikelyisthe JewtobelievethereissomethinginChristianity.Themorewecanpromotethehabitoftakingall Scriptureinitsplainliteralsense,themorewearelikelytoremoveprejudicesinthemindsofhonest inquirersinIsraelandtomakethemreadytohearwhatwehavetosay. 3.Finally,IbelieveitisadutyincumbentonallGentileChristianstousespecialeffortsinorderto promotetheconversionoftheJews.Isayspecialeffortsadvisedly.TheJewsareapeculiarpeople andmustbeapproachedinapeculiarway. Theyarepeculiarintheirstateofmind.Theyrequireanentirelydifferenttreatmentfromtheheathen. Theirobjectionsarenottheheathenman'sobjections.Theirdifficultiesarenottheheathenman's difficulties.Theybelievemanythingswhichtheheathenmanneverheardof.Theyhaveastandardof rightandwrongwithwhichtheheathenmanisutterlyunacquainted.Liketheheathentheyneedtobe converted.LiketheheathentheyneedtobebroughttoChrist.Butthelinesofargumenttobe pursuedwiththeJewandtheheathenarewidelydissimilar.Afaithfulmissionarymightdoadmirably wellamongtheheathenwhomightfinditdifficulttoreasonwithaJew. Theyarepeculiarintheirpositionintheworld.Theyarenottobefoundallassembledtogether,like theAfricansatSierraLeone,ortheHindoos,orNewZealanders,orChinese.Theyareemphaticallya scatteredpeople,afewinonecountryandafewinanother.Anefforttogetatthemmustaimat nothingshortofsendingmissionariesinsearchofthemallovertheworld. Circumstancesliketheseappeartometopointoutclearlythatnothinglessthanaspecialeffortwill everenableChristianstodischargetheirdebttoIsrael.Theremustbeadivisionoflaborinthe missionaryfield.Theremustbeaspecialconcentrationofpreaching,praying,andlovingintercourse ontheJewishpeople,ortheChurchoftheGentilescanneverexpecttodothemmuchspiritualgood. WithoutsuchspecialeffortthecauseofIsraelwillinevitablybelostsightofinthecauseofthewhole heathenworld.WithoutsuchspecialeffortIcannotseehowthecommandofthetextcanberightly obeyed. Ileavethewholesubjectwiththreeremarks,whichIprayGodtoimpressonthemindsofallinto

whosehandsthisaddressmayfall. 1.Foronething,IchargeeveryreaderofthisaddresstorememberthespecialblessingwhichGodhas promisedtoallwhocareforIsrael.Whateverasneeringworldmaysay,theJewsareapeople"beloved fortheirfathers'sake."OfJerusalemitiswritten,"Theyshallprosperwholovethee"(Ps.122:6).Of Israelitiswritten,"Blessedishewhoblessesthee,andcursedishewhocursesthee"(Num.24:9). Thesepromisesarenotyetexhausted.WeseetheirfulfillmentintheblessinggrantedtotheChurchof EnglandsincethedaywhentheJewishcausewasfirsttakenup.Weseetheirfulfillmentinthe peculiarhonorwhichGodhasputfromtimetotimeonindividualChristianswhohavelabored especiallyfortheJewishcause.CharlesSimeon,EdwardBickersteth,RoberyM'Cheyne,Haldane Stewart,andDr.MarsharestrikingexamplesofwhatImean.IsthereanyonethatdesiresGod'sspecial blessing?ThenlethimlaborinthecauseofIsrael,andheshallnotfailtofindit. 2.Foranotherthing,Ichargeeveryreaderofthisaddressnevertoforgetthecloseconnectionwhich ScripturerevealsbetweenthetimeofIsrael'sgatheringandthetimeofChrist'ssecondadventtothe world.InonePsalmitisexpresslydeclared,"WhentheLordshallbuildupZion,HeshallappearinHis glory"(Ps.102:16).Whereisthetruebelieverwhodoesnotlongforthatblessedday?Whereisthe trueChristianwhodoesnotcryfromthebottomofhisheart,"Thykingdomcome"?Letallsuch believers 3.Finally,Ichargeeveryreaderofthisaddresstomakesureworkofhisownsalvation.Restnotin mereheadknowledgeofpropheticalsubjects.Benotcontentwithintellectualsoundnessinthefaith. Givediligencetomakeyourowncallingandelectionsure.Seektoknowthatyourrepentanceand faitharegenuineandtrue.SeektofeelthatyouareonewithChristandChristinyou,andthatyou arewashed,sanctified,andjustified.Then,whetherthecompletionofGod'spromisestoIsraelbenear orfaroff,yourownportionwillbesure.Youwill"standinyourlot"safelywhenthekingdomsofthis worldarepassingaway.YouwillmeetChristwithoutfearwhenHecomesthesecondtimetoZion. Youwilljoinboldlyinthesong,"BlessedisHewhocomesinthenameoftheLord."Youwillsitdown withAbraham,Isaac,andJacobinthekingdomofGodandgooutnomore.
ThesubstanceofthisAddresswasoriginallypreachedastheAnnualSermononbehalfoftheLondonSocietyfor promotingChristianityamongtheJews,attheRectoryChurch,Marylebone,inMay,1858.

ComingEventsandPresentDuties:BeingMiscellaneousSermonson PropheticalSubjects(1867)
by J.C.Ryle

Sermon6 THEREADINGWHICHISBLESSED
"TheRevelationofJesusChrist,whichGodgaveuntohim,toshowuntohisservantthingswhich mustshortlytakeplace.AndHesentandsignifieditbyHisangeltoHisservantJohn,whobore witnesstothewordofGod,andtothetestimonyofJesusChrist,toallthingsthathesaw.Blessed ishewhoreadsandthosewhohearthewordsofthisprophecy,andkeepthosethingswhichare writteninit;forthetimeisnear."(Rev.1:13) Welivein"troublous"and"perilous"times.Itismanyyearssincetherehasbeensomuchintheaspect ofpublicaffairstoraiseanxiousthoughtsasthereisinthepresentday. Wearealwaysapttoexaggeratetheimportanceofeventsthathappeninourowndays.Idonotforget that.ButIcannotretractwhatIhavejustwritten.Ilookaroundmeatthethingsnowgoingoninthe Churchandintheworld.Ilookforwardtothepossiblefuture.AndasIlook,IfeelthatIamjustified inspeakingofourtimesas"perilous"and"troublous."Iappealtothejudgmentofallwhoobservethe historyoftheirowntimes."Istherenotacause?" TherearethreeheavyjudgmentswhichGodcansenduponanationthesword,thepestilence,andthe famine.Allthesethreehavefallenheavilyuponourcountrywithinthelastfewyears.TheIrish famine,theRussianwar,thecholera,thecattleplague,haveleftmarksonthiscountrywhichcannotbe erased.Surelythesesignsofthetimesdeservenocommonnotice.Theyshouldmakeussaywith Habakkuk,"Iwillstanduponmywatch,andsetmeuponmytower,andwillwatchtoseewhatHewill sayuntome"(Hab.2:1).TheyshouldmakeuscrywithDaniel,"OmyLord,whatshallbetheendof thesethings?"(Dan.12:8.) Butonething,atallevents,isclearandthatisthedutyincumbentonChristianstosearchmore diligentlythaneverthepropheticalScriptures.Letusnotbe,liketheJewsatthefirstadvent,blindto thehandofGodandthefulfillmentofHispurposesinallthatisgoingonintheworld.Letusrather rememberthatthewordofprophecyisgiventobe"alightshininginadarkplace,untilthedaydawn, andthedaystararise"(2Pet.1:19).Letuswalkmuchinthatlight.Letussearch"whatandwhat manneroftimetheSpiritofChristintheProphetsdidsignify,whenHetestifiedbeforethesufferingsof Christandtheglorythatshouldfollow"(1Pet.1:11).Letuscomparepropheciesfulfilledwith propheciesunfulfilledandendeavortomaketheoneillustratetheother.Letusstrive,aboveall,to obtainclearviewsofthethingsyettobeexpected,bothinthechurchandtheworld,beforetheend comesandtimeshallbenomore. WithsuchfeelingsInowinviteyoutoenterontheconsiderationoftheversesofScripturewhichstand attheheadofthisaddress.Thoseverses,Ineedhardlyremindyou,aretheprefaceoropeningwords oftheBookofRevelation.Maytheblessingwhichisspeciallypromisedtothereadersandhearersof thisbookbewithallintowhosehandsthisaddressmayfall! Reader,therearethreepointstowhichIdesiretocallyourattention:

1.ThegeneralcharacteroftheBookofRevelation. 2.Theargumentscommonlyusedtodetermenfromreadingit. 3.Themanyusefullessonswhichthestudyofitiscalculatedtoteach. ThegeneralcharacteroftheBookofRevelation. TheBookofRevelationdifferswidelyfromanyotherbookoftheOldorNewTestaments.Inmany respectsitisthoroughlyunliketherestoftheBible.Thereisasolemnandmajesticpeculiarityaboutit. Itstandsalone. Itispeculiarinthedignitywithwhichitbegins.Theveryfirstversepreparesthereaderfor somethingextraordinary,forabookevenmoredirectlyfromGod,ifpossible,thanonewrittenunder theplenaryinspirationoftheHolyGhost.Itiscalled,"TheRevelationofJesusChrist,whichGodgave untoHim,toshowuntoHisservantsthingswhichmustshortlycometopass;andHesentandsignified itbyHisangeluntoHisservantJohn." Itispeculiarinthesubjectmatterwhichitcontains.Itcontainslessofdoctrinalandpractical Christianity,inproportiontoitslength,thananybookoftheNewTestament.Withfewexceptionsits pagesarefilledwithpropheciespropheciesofthewidestrange,extending,itseemstome,fromthe timeofJohntotheveryendoftheworld;propheciesembracingavastnumberofevents,spreading overthewhole"timesoftheGentiles"andcoveringthemightyintervalbetweenthedestructionofthe firstJerusalemandthedescentofthenewJerusalemfromheaven;propheciesofuniversalimportance toallmankind,havingreferencenotonlytotheconditionandprospectsofthebelievingChurchbut alsooftheunconvertedworld. Itispeculiarinthestyleanddressinwhichitssubjectmatterisclothed.Withtheexceptionofthe 2ndand3rdchapters,thegreaterpartofthebookiscomposedofvisionswhichtheApostleJohnsaw intheSpirit.InthesevisionsthevastrangeoftheChurch'shistorywasrevealedtohimunder emblems,figures,allegories,symbols,andsimilitudes.Themeaningofthegreatmajorityofthese symbolsandemblemsisnotexplained.Thegeneralcharacteristicsofthesevisionsaremuchalike.All aremarkedbyavastness,agrandeur,amajesty,alife,aforce,aboldness,asublimityentirely unparalleledinanyhumanwritings.Thedooropenedinheaventhevoicelikeatrumpetspeaking theseaofglasslikecrystalthesevensealstheseventrumpetsthesevenvialsthefourangels holdingthefourwindsthemightyangelwithafacelikethesun,hisrightfootonthesea,hislefton theearththewomanclothedwiththesunandthemoonunderherfeetthegreatreddragonhaving sevenheadsandtenhornsthebeastthatroseoutoftheseathemightyearthquakethedestructionof BabylonthesummoningofthefowlsofheaventothesupperofthegreatGodthebindingofSatan thegreatwhitethronethelastjudgmentthedescentoftheNewJerusalemfromheaventhe descriptionofthegloriouscity,whocanreadsuchthingswithoutbeingstruckbythem?Whocan studythemandavoidtheconclusion,"ThisiswrittenwiththefingerofGod?" SuchisthegeneralcharacteroftheBookofRevelation.Suchisthebookwhichyouareemphatically tolditis"blessed"toread.Iwillonlyoffertwogeneralremarksonthesymbolicalstyleinwhichthe bookiscomposedandthenpasson. Oneremarkis,thatyoumustnotregardtheuseofsymbolicallanguageasentirelypeculiartotheBook ofRevelation.YouwillfinditinotherpartsofScripture.Theveryemblemsandfiguresofthe Apocalypse,whosemeaningseemssoobscure,areoftenemployedbytheHolyGhostintheOld

Testament.Youread,forexample,offourlivingcreaturesinthefourthchapter.Youreadoffouralso inEzekiel(1:5).Youreadofhorsesinthevisionofthefourfirstseals.Youreadofhorsesalsointhe visionofZechariah(6:2,3).Youreadofasealedcompanyintheseventhchapter.Youreadalsoofa sealedandmarkedpeopleinthevisionofEzekiel(chap.9).Youreadofaplagueoflocustsunderthe fifthtrumpet.YoureadoflocustsalsointheprophecyofJoel(chap.2).YoureadofJohneatingthe littlebookinthetenthchapter.YoureadalsoofEzekieleatingtherollinhisvision(chap.3).Youread ofolivetreesandcandlesticksinthevisionofthetwowitnesses.Youreadofthesameemblemsinthe prophecyofZechariah(chap.4).Youreadofabeasthavingsevenheadsandtenhornsinthe thirteenthchapter.YoureadofasimilarbeastintheBookofDaniel(chap.7).Youreadofawondrous celestialcityinthetwentyfirstchapter.Youhavethedescriptionofacityscarcelylessmysterious, thoughdifferent,attheendofEzekiel(chap.40&c.)Thesethingsareworthyofremark.Theyshow usthatwemustnotbestumbledbythesymbolsofRevelation,asiftheywerealtogetheranewand strangething.WemustremembertheyareusedintheOldTestamentaswellashere,thoughfarmore sparingly,incommunicatingthemindofGodtoman.ThepeculiarityoftheApocalypseisnotsomuch theuseofsymbolsandemblemsastheprofuseabundanceofthem. Myotherremarkis,thatasymbolicalstyleofcompositionwillalwaysseemmorestrangetousthanit doestoOrientalnations.1Figures,parables,illustrations,andsimilitudesareinfinitelybetterknownin thecountriesroundtheHolyLandthantheyareamongourselves.Thehieroglyphicinscriptions,for example,whichaboundinEgyptandelsewhereintheEast,arenothingmorethansymbolicalwritings. Whodoesnotknowthatatfirstsightthesehieroglyphicsseemuncouth,meaningless,dark,and obscure?Thefirststepthestudentofthemmusttakeistobecomefamiliarwiththeirappearance.By andbyhemayhopetobecomeacquaintedwiththekeytotheirmeaning.Ultimately,thatkeybeing found,theseveryhieroglyphicsarefoundfullofinterestingmatter.ItismuchthesamewiththeBook ofRevelation.Itisabookofsacredhieroglyphics.Itsverystyleisonetowhichourmatteroffact northernmindisutterlyunaccustomed.Tous,therefore,itsvisionsseemdoublystrangestrange becausewearenotfamiliarwithsuchamodeofconveyingourideasstrangerstill,becauseinmany caseswehavenocluetotheirmeaning.Ourfirststepmustbetoreadthemandstudythemmuch,so astobecomefamiliarwiththeiroutwardgarb,withthestyleofcompositioninwhichtheyareclothed. Sostudyinginaprayerfulspirit,wemayhopethatthemeaningoftheirinwardcontentswillbe graduallymademoreplaintoourminds. OnethingletusalwaysrememberinreadingthevisionsoftheApocalypse.Whetherweunderstand littleormuch,letussettleitinourmindsasafixedprinciplethateveryvisioninthebookhasareal definitemeaning. Thetimeisshort.Wehastenontowardsadaywheneverypageshallbeunfoldedandunsealed.Every knotshallbeuntied.Everyhardquestionshallbesolved.ThenshallweseethattheRevelation,like everyotherpartoftheinspiredvolume,wasall"verygood." Thenshallwefindthattheblessingpronouncedonitsstudentswasnotgiveninvain,andthatthose
1 "The Symbolical or Hieroglyphical character is an art of communicating the conceptions of the mind by visible figures, which having a metaphorical relation or similitude, or at least affinity to the conceptions, excite in others the same conceptions."--Daubuz on Revelation, p. 6. 1720. "The Hieroglyphical characters are like all kinds of animals and members of men, and working tools, especially those of carpenters. For their writing does not show the discourse about the subject matter by the composition of syllables, but by the emphasis of the figures."--Diodorus Sicubus, quoted by Daubuz, p. 8. "From this way of writing arose a symbolical way of speaking too; the symbolical characters, which they were so conversant with, furnishing them continually with metaphors and other tropes, first in their mysterious or religious speeches and from them easily passing on to the vulgar matters. Which kind of speech set up the priests and wiser sort of men above the level of the vulgar, because such figurative and florid kind of speech and notions seemed to add great beauty to their thoughts, and distinguished that of wise men from the plain style of the rest. Thence it comes that most of the Oriental languages, especially that of the poets, affect this way."--Daubuz, p. 8.

readerswhomGodblessesareblessedindeed. Letusconsider,inthenextplace,theargumentscommonlyusedtodetermenfromstudyingthe BookofRevelation. ThereneverhavebeenwantinggoodmenwhohavecrieddownthestudyofRevelationas unprofitable.Theyhavespokenofitasabooktoodarkandmysteriousforuse.Theyhavebidmen respectitasinspired,butnottouchitreverenceitatadistance,aspartoftheBible,butnotdrawnear toitorhandleitscontents.Tothisprejudiceweprobablyowetheunhappyomissionofthebookfrom thedailycalendaroflessonsintheLiturgyoftheChurchofEngland.Itisdeeplytoberegrettedthatin thelastarrangementofthatcalendar,theApocryphalstoryofBelandtheDragonshouldhavebeen thrustinandtheRevelationofJohntheDivineshouldhavebeenshutout.Roomwasmadeforan entirelyuninspiredcomposition.Noplacewasfoundforabooktothereadingofwhichaspecial blessingispromised.Trulywemaysayinthiscase,"Greatmenarenotalwayswise,neitherdothe agedunderstandjudgment"(Job32:9).2 Reader,whensuchprejudiceshaveexistedagainstthestudyoftheBookofRevelationamonggood men,youwillnotwonderthatthechildrenoftheworldshouldhavegonefurther.Men,morewitty thanwise,havelaunchedsharpsayings,jests,andjibesatitsstudents.Theyhavenotbeenashamedto findamarkforwitticisminitssolemnandmysteriousvisions.EvenamanlikeScaligerdeclaredthat oneofCalvin'swisestactswashisabstainingfromwritingacommentaryonthebook.Dr.South,a cleverwriter,thoughanunsoundtheologian,said,thatthestudyofRevelationeither"foundaman madormadehimso."3 But,afterall,whatistherealworthoftheobjectionscommonlymadetothestudyofRevelation?Let usweightheminthebalancesandseetowhattheyamount.Tomyownmindtheyappearneitherso seriousnorsounanswerableasiscommonlysupposed. Oneclassofobjectorsdislikethebookbecauseitseemstopointtoacomingstateofthingsinthe world,which,totheirminds,ismonstrous,incredible,andimprobable. ThatGodshouldsendplaguesandjudgmentsuponthenationsoftheearthbecauseoftheirsins againstHim,thatthekingsoftheearth,andthegreatmen,andthecaptains,andtherich,andthe mighty,andthebond,andthefree,shouldreallyfleetohidethemselvesfromthewrathoftheLamb, thatthekingdomsofthisworldshouldreallybecomethekingdomsofourGodandofHisChrist,that thesaintsoftheLordJesusshouldeverreignupontheearthandeverythingthatdefilesbecastout, allthisistotheirmindsalmostabsurd."Itiscontrarytotheircommonsense,"theytellus."Itisa markofaweakmindtobelieveit.Itisextravagance.Itisraving.Itisenthusiasm.Itisgoingbackto therantingoffifthmonarchymenintheCommonwealth.Itcannotbe.Wecannotshowthemthe detailsofthemodeinwhichallthesethingsshallcometopass.Theywillnotbelievethem.Abook fromwhichwedrawsuchstrangefanaticalopinionscanneverbeaprofitableonetostudy." Iamnotcarefulastotheanswertobegiventosuchobjectors.Theywoulddowelltorememberthat thegreatleadingeventsyettocome,towhichRevelationpoints,areinnowisemorewonderfulthan
2 It is a curious fact that the fourth council of Toledo, held about the year 640, made the following decree: "Because there are many that do not receive the book of Apocalypse as authentic, and scorn to read it in the Church of God, if anyone for the future shall refuse to receive it, or to read it in the Church, in the time of Mass, from Easter to Whitsuntide, he shall be excommunicated."--Cressener on Revelation. 1690. 3 Voltaire was pleased to say that Sir Isaac Newton wrote his comment on the Revelation to console mankind for the great superiority he had over them in other respects. But Voltaire, though a very agreeable, is yet a very superficial writer, and often mistaken in his judgment of men and things."--Bishop Newton on Prophecy. 1754.

manywhichhavealreadytakenplaceintheworld.Thedestructionoftheoldworldbytheflood,the wastingofBabylon,Nineveh,Tyre,andEgypt,thescatteringoftheJews,andtheirperpetual preservation,notwithstanding,asaseparatepeople,allthesewerethingsutterlyimprobableatthe timewhentheywereforetold.Butweknowthattheyallcametopass.Andasithasbeenindays goneby,soitshallbeindaystocome.Men,intheirprideofheart,forgetthatintheeyesofanEternal Godthemovementsofthenationsoftheeartharebutasthestrugglesofafewephemeralinsects.Yet alittletime,anddespoticandconstitutionalgovernments,liberalandconservativeparties,all,allshall besweptaway.Godhassaidit,andwithHimnothingisimpossible. AstothemannerinwhichthegreateventspredictedinRevelationshallbebroughtabout,wedonot pretendtoexplainit.Therearemanythingswhichweacceptasfactsandyetshouldfinditimpossible toexplain.Webelievethecreationofallthingsoutofnothing.WebelievethedoctrineoftheTrinity inUnity.WebelievethefactoftheIncarnation.Butwhowoulddaretoofferanexplanationofanyof thesegreatmysteries?Wehavearighttoregardunfulfilledprophecyinthesamelight.Weclaim beliefforitsfactsthoughthemodeoftheiraccomplishmentbeatpresenthidfromoureyes. Ileavethisfirstclassofobjectorshere.Ifearthesecretspringoftheirarguments,intoomanycases,is thedislikeofthenaturalhearttospiritualthings.TheheartnottaughtbytheHolyGhostrebels againsttheideaofseverejudgmentsagainstsin,akingdomofChrist,areignofthesaints.Andwhy? Theplaintruthis,thatitisnotsomuchtheBookofRevelationthatsuchaheartreallyobjectsto,as thewholeGospelofChristandallthecounselofGod. Anotherclassofobjectorsmustnextbenoticed.ThesearetheywhodeprecatethestudyofRevelation becauseofthewidedifferenceswhichprevailintheinterpretationofitscontents,andthe notoriousmistakesintowhichinterpretershavefallen. Idonotforamomentpretendtodenytheexistenceofthesedifferencesandmistakes.Somegood mentellusconfidentlythatthewholebookisentirelyunfulfilled.Theylookforanaccomplishmentof itsvisionssoclearandunmistakablethatthereshallbenoroomleftfordoubt.Othergoodmenassure us,withnolessconfidence,thatthewholebookisfulfilled,withtheexceptionofasmallportionatthe end.AthirdschoolofexpositorsmaintainsthattheRevelationispartlyfulfilledandpartlyunfulfilled. Astothedetailsofthebook,themeaningandapplicationoftheseveralvisionsitcontains,the fulfillmentoftimesandseasons,timewouldfailifIweretorecountthevariousinterpretationsthat havebeenputforthandtheerrorsthathavebeencommitted. Now,whatshallwesaytothesethings?WhatcantheadvocateforApocalypticstudyreplytothese undeniablefacts? Myreplyis,thatthevariationsandmistakesintheviewsofinterpretersconstitutenoargumentagainst thestudyofthebookitself.Becauseothershavemissedtheroadinsearchingfortruth,youandIare nottogiveupthesearchaltogetherandsitdownincontentedignorance.Whohasnotheardofthe extravagantandcontradictorytheorieswhichastronomers,geologists,andphysicianshaveoccasionally propoundedintheirrespectivesciences?Yetwhowouldthinkofgivingupastronomy,geology,or medicineindespairbecauseoftheconflictingtenetsandavowedmistakesoftheirprofessors?Luther andZwingledifferedwidelyabouttheLord'sSupper.CranmerandHooperdifferedwidelyabout vestments.WesleyandTopladydifferedwidelyonpredestination.Yetnooneinhissenseswouldthink ofgivingupthestudyoftheChristiansystembecausethesegoodmencouldnotagree. Myanswerfurthermoreis,thattheverymistakesanddifferencesofApocalypticinterpretersarenot withouttheiruse.TheyhaveclearedthefieldinmanyadirectionandshownuswhattheRevelation doesnotmean.Expositorshaveshowninmanycasestheweaknessofothermen'sinterpretation,if

theyhavenotsucceededinestablishingtheirown.ToknowwhatanunfulfilledScripturalprediction doesnotmeanisonesteptowardsknowingwhatitdoesmean.WhenNapoleonwasovertakenbythe risingtideinadarkeveningonthesandyshoreoftheRedsea,heissaidtohaveorderedhis attendantstodisperseandrideindifferentdirections,chargingeachonetoreportasheproceeded whetherthewatergrewshallowerordeeper.Therewasgreatwisdominthatorder.Eachman'sreport wasuseful.Thereportofhimwhofoundthewaterdeepeningwasinitswayasusefulasthereportof thesuccessfulfinderoftherightpath.Itismuchthesamewiththewidelyvaryingexpositionsof Revelation.Itisevidentthatmanyofthemmustbewrong.Butallintheirwayhavedonegood. Thereishardlyone,perhaps,whichhasnotcontributedsomesparksoflight.4 Myanswerbesidethisis,thatthedifferencesofApocalypticinterpreters,greatastheyundoubtedly are,areoftenmagnifiedandabsurdlyexaggerated.Thecommonpointsofagreementamong expositorsaremoreinnumberandgreaterinimportancethanmencommonlysuppose.Whetherthe seals,trumpets,andvialsarefulfilledornot,allstudentsoftheRevelationagreethatthereare judgmentspredictedinitontheunconvertedandunbelieving.Whetherdaysmeanliteraldays,as somesay,oryears,asotherssay,allareagreedthatthetimeofthewickedtriumphingisdefined, limited,andfixedbythecounselsofGod.WhetherthebeastwithhornslikealambbethePapal powerornot,nearlyallareagreedthatRomishapostasyisforetoldinthebook,anddoomed.Whether Christshallcomeandreignvisiblyonearthornot,for1000or365,000years,allareagreedthatHe shallcomeagainwithpowerandgreatglory,thatthekingdomsofthisworldshallsoonerorlater becomethekingdomsofourGod,andofHisChrist,andthatallbelieversshouldlookandlongfor theirLord'sreturn.IdoubtmuchwhetherthisisasmuchconsideredbytheopponentsofApocalyptic studyasitdeserves. Igrantthemfreelythatthedivergencesandcontrarietiesofthepathsdrawnoutbytheexpositorsof thebookareverymanyandverygreat.But,Ibidthemrememberthatthegreatterminustowards whichalltheirlinesleadisalwaysoneandthesame.Oh,thatmenwouldrememberthatmighty terminus,andrealizethetremendousimportanceoftheendandbreakingupofallthingstowards whichtheyhasten!Thenwouldtheybemoreanxioustostudyanybookwhichhandlesmatterslike thosecontainedinRevelation.Thenwouldtheybelessreadytocatchatanyexcusefordeclining Apocalypticstudy. TheonlyremainingobjectiontothestudyofRevelationwhichIshallnoticeisthatwhichisdrawnfrom themysteriouscharacterofalargeportionofthebook. ThattheRevelationisfullofdarkanddifficultthingsitisofcourseimpossibletodeny.Someofits symbolsandemblemstheSpiritofGodhasthoughtgoodtointerpretandexplain.Thesevenstars,the sevencandlesticks,theincense,thefinelinen,thewatersonwhichthewomansat,thewomanherself alltheseandafewmoreareexpounded,perhapsasaspecimenofthekindofmeaningwhichshould beattachedtothesymbolsofthebookgenerally.But,aftereverydeduction,thereremainaverylarge numberofvisionsandemblemswhichtheSpirithasnotthoughtfittointerpret.Thesesymbolsare unquestionablydarkandmysterious.Itisnot,perhaps,sayingtoomuchtoadmitthatafterallthe attemptsofcommentators,ancientandmodern,preteristandfuturist,therearemanyvisionsand symbolsofRevelationwhich,wemustconfess,wedonotunderstand.Idonotsaythatelaborateand learnedexpositionsofthemhavenotbeenoffered,butnotexpositionssomanifestlysatisfactorythat wecandemandareader'sassenttothem.Iftruthbespoken,wemustallowthatalltheexpositionsof somepartsoftheRevelationarenothingbetterthaningeniousconjectures.Weadmirethemaswe read.Wearenotpreparedtosaythattheyarenottrue,ortofurnishareasonforrefusingourassent. Butstilltheyfailtocarryconvictionwiththem.Wesomehowfeelthemarkisnotyethit,thespringof
4 Among the interpreters of Revelation in the last ages, there is scarce one of note who has not made some discovery worth knowing."--Sir Isaac Newton on the Apocalypse. Chap. I, p. 253.

thelockisnotyettouched,thewholetruthisnotyetdiscovered. ButIappealtothecommonsenseofmenandtheirsenseoffairness,andIaskthemwhethertheyhave arighttoexpectthatsuchabookasthebookofRevelationcanintheverynatureofthingsbeanything butdarkandmysterious. Hereisapropheticalbookwhichspansthemightygulfbetweentheendofthefirstcenturyandthe dayofjudgment,abookwhichwasgiventoshowGod'sdealingswiththeChurchandtheworldduring aspaceofwellnight2000years,abookwhichpointstotheriseandfallofempiresandkingdomswith alltheattendantwarsandtumultsoverathirdpartofthehabitableglobe,abook,aboveall,which doesnottellitsstoryinsimple,plainmatteroffactnarrationbutclothesitinmajesticvisions,symbols, emblems,figures,andsimilitudes. Herearewereadingthisbookduringalifeofthreescoreandtenyearsatmost,withallthecaresand anxietiesofthisworldpressinguponus,withanunderstandingpartakinginthecorruptionofthe fall,withaheartnaturallyearthlyandsensual,and,evenafterconversion,weakanddeceitful, knowinglittleofourselves,knowinglittleofcontemporaryhistory,findingconstantlyhowharditisto discovertherealtruthabouteventshappeninginourownday.Isitlikely,Iask,isitprobable,isit agreeabletocommonsensethatsuchstudents,comingtosuchabook,shouldfinditanythingbut mysteriousandhardtounderstand?Cananyonedoubtastothereply? Theplaintruthisthatwearelikechildrenwatchingsomemightybuildinginprocessoferection.They seeathousandoperationswhichtheyareutterlyunabletocomprehendorexplain.Theysee scaffoldingandstones,andironandbrick,andmortarandtimber,andrubbish.Theyhearnoise,and hammering,andcutting,andchipping.Itseemstotheireyesavastsceneofhopelessconfusion.And yettotheeyeofthearchitectallisorder,system,andprogress.Heseestheendfromthebeginning. Heknowsexactlywhatisgoingon. ItismuchthesamewithusintryingtopassajudgmentontheapplicationofmanyoftheApocalyptic visions.Wearelikethosewhostandontheoutwardsurfaceofasphere.Therangeofourmental visionisexceedinglylimited.Weknowsolittleandseesolittlebeyondourowncircle,theverypages ofhistoryaresooftenfullofinaccuraciesandliesthatwearereallyverypoorjudgesofthequestion whethersuchandsuchvisionshavebeenfulfilledorno.Morelight,Ifirmlybelieve,mayyetbe expectedbeforetheendcome.Muchmayprobablybeyetunfoldedandunsealed.Butastoany certaintyaboutthemeaningofallpartsoftheApocalypse,whenIseehowlittlecertaintythereis aboutanything1000milesfromusindistance,or100yearsintime,IownIdonotlookforituntilthe Lordcomes. AndhereletmeturnforamomenttothosewhosecretlywonderwhytheBookofRevelationwasnot writtenmoreplainly,andwhythingsofsuchvastinteresttotheChurchhavebeenpurposelyclothed inthemysteriousgarbofsymbol,allegory,andvision. ImighteasilyremindsuchpersonsofBishopSherlock'sremarkonthisverypoint:"Toinquirewhythe ancientpropheciesarenotclearerislikeinquiringwhyGodhasnotgivenusmorereasonormadeus aswiseastheangels."ButIhavenowishtoleavethemthere.Iwouldratheruseanargumentwhich hasoftenprovedsatisfactorytomyownmind,andsilencedthespeculativequestioningsofacurious spirit. Iaskyouthen,whetheryoucannotseewisdomandmercyinthedarknesswhichithaspleasedGodto throwaroundthepropheticalhistoryofHisChurch?Youwonderinyourownheartwhythethingsto comewerenotmoreclearlyrevealed.But,considerforamomenthowfearfullydeadeningand

depressingitwouldhavebeentotheearlyChristiansiftheyhadclearlyseenthelongagesofdarkness andcorruptionwhichweretoelapsebeforetheLordreturned.Reflectforamomenthowmuch unhappinessprimitivebelieversweresparedbynotknowingforcertaintheeventswhichweretotake place.Ifhumblesaintsinthedaysofimperialpersecutioncouldhavedreamedoftheeighteenweary centuriesduringwhichthesaintswereyettowaitfortheirLordfromheaven,theymightalmosthave satdowninflatdespair.IfPolycarphadforeseenthepresentstateofAsiaMinor,orIgnatiusthatof Syria,orChrysostomthatofConstantinople,orIrenaeusthatofFrance,orAthanasiusthatofEgypt,or AugustinethatofAfrica,theirhandsmightwellhavetrembledandtheirkneeswaxedfaint. Countup,Isay,thedarkandpainfulpagesofwhichtherearesomanyintheannalsofChurchhistory. Setdowninordertheheresies,andfalsedoctrines,andapostasiesofwhichtherehasbeensucharank growth,Arianism,andRomanism,andSocinianism,andNeologianism,andtheirkindrederrors.Place beforeyourmind'seyethecenturiesofignoranceandsuperstitionbeforetheReformation,andof coldnessandformalitysinceLuther'sgenerationpassedaway.Countupthecrimeswhichhavebeen perpetratedinthenameofChristianity,themassacres,theburnings,thepersecutionswithinthe Church,notforgettingtheVallenses,theAlbigenses,theSpanishInquisition,theslaughterofthe Huguenots,andthefiresofSmithfield.DoallthisfaithfullyandIthinkyouwillhardlyavoidthe conclusionthatitwaswisemercywhichdrewsothickaveiloverthingstocome.Wisemercyshowed theearlyChristiansalightinthedistancebutdidnottellthemhowfaritwasaway.Wisemercy pointedoutthefaroffharborlightsbutnotthemilesofstormyseabetween.Wisemercyrevealed enoughtomakethemwork,andhope,andwait.Butwisemercydidnottellallthatwasyettobe fulfilledbeforetheend. Whothinksoftellinghislittlechildren,intheirearlyyears,everytrialandpainandmiserywhichthey mayhavetogothroughbeforetheydie?Whothinksoffillingtheirtenderearswiththeparticularsof everybodilydiseasetheymayhavetoendure,andeverystruggleforsuccessinlifeinwhichtheymay havetoengage?Whothinksofharrowinguptheiryoungsoulsbydescribingeverybereavementthey mayhavetosubmitto,ordilating[speakingatlength]oneverydeathbedtheymayhavetowatch? Wedonotdoitbecausetheycouldnotunderstandourmeaning,andcouldnotbearthethoughtofitif theydid.Andjustso,itseemstome,doestheLordJesusdealwithHispeopleintheApocalyptic vision.HekeepsbackthefullrevelationofallthewaytheymustgothroughtillthetimewhenHesees theycanbearit.Heconsidersourframe.Heteachesandrevealsasweareabletobear. InreplytothosewhoobjecttothestudyofRevelation,thereis,afterall,noargumentsopowerfulas thesimplepromiseoftheWordofGod.ThepredictionsofRevelationmayseemtomanyimprobable andabsurd.Thedifferencesandmistakesofinterpretersmayfillotherswithdisgustanddisliketothe verynameofApocalypticstudy.Theacknowledgedmysteriousnessandconfesseddifficultiesofthe bookmayinclinemanytoshrinkfromperusingit.ButtherethebookstandspartofthoseScriptures whichareallgivenbyinspirationandallprofitable.Andthereontheforefrontofthebookstandsa promiseandanencouragementtothereaderandhearer:"Blessedishewhoreads,andtheywho hear."Thesewords,nodoubt,werespokeninforesightoftheobjectionsthatmenwouldraiseagainst thestudyofthebook.Givethesewordstheirfullweight.Fallbackonthemwhenallotherarguments fail.Theyareareservewhichwillnevergiveway.Godhassaiditandwillmakeitgood."Blessedis hewhoreads,andtheywhohearthewordsoftheprophecyofthisbook." ThethirdandlastthingwhichInowwishtoconsideris,thenumberofusefullessonswhichtheBook ofRevelationiscalculatedtoteach. Iamanxioustoimpressthispointonyourattention.Iwantyoutoestablishitinyourmindasa settledthingthattheBookofRevelationisaneminentlyprofitablebookforeveryreaderoftheBibleto study.Itisafountaintowhichthepoorestandmostunlearnedshallnevergoinvain.

Isay,then,thattherearemanyblessedandcomfortabletruthsscatteredupanddown,alloverthe BookofRevelation,whichareintelligibletothesimplestcomprehensionandyetfulloffoodforthe mostspiritualmind.Godhasmercifullysoorderedthecompositionofthebookthatthereishardlya chapterfromwhichamanmaynotdrawsomestrikingandedifyingthought.Hemaybeunskilledin theinterpretationofvisions.Hemayhavenoideaofthemeaningofseals,ortrumpets,orvials,ofthe twowitnesses,ofthewomanfleeingintothewilderness,ofthefirstorsecondbeasts.Butstill,ifhe perseveresinhumble,prayerfulstudyofthewholebook,heshallfindinalmosteverypageverses whichshallrichlyrepayhispains.Theyshallshineoutonhimlikestarsinthedarkvaultofheavenin amoonlessnight.TheyshallrefreshhimlikeanOasisinthewildernessandmakeitimpossibleforhim tosay,"Allisbarren."Theyshallsparklelikepreciousstonesontheshoreashewalksbythedeep watersofthemysteriousbook,andmakehimfeelthathisjourneyinsearchoftreasureisnotinvain. 5 LetmeselectafewexamplesinordertoshowwhatImean. ThereismuchabouttheLordJesusChristinRevelation.Therearenames,andtitles,andexpressions aboutHimtherewhichwefindnowhereelse.ThereisnewlightthrownonHisoffices,Hispower,His careforHispeople.Surelythisaloneisnosmallmatter.ToknowJesusislifeeternal.Toabidein Jesusistobefruitful.IfweareindeedbornoftheSpirit,wecanneverheartoomuchaboutour Savior,ourShepherd,ourHighPriestandPhysician.IfourheartsarerightinthesightofGod,wecan neverheartoomuchaboutourKing.Likesnowinsummerandgoodnewsfromafarcountry,soare anyfreshtidingsaboutChrist. ThereismuchaboutthedesperatecorruptionofhumannatureinRevelation.Thereisevidenceon thissubjectintheEpistlestotheSevenChurchesandtherepeatedaccountsoftheincorrigiblenessand impenitenceofthenationsoftheearthunderjudgments,whichweshallalldowelltolaytoheart.We canneverbetoowellacquaintedwithourownsinfulnessandweakness.Thespringofallhumility, thankfulness,gratefullovetoChrist,andclosewalkwithGodisreal,thorough,scripturalknowledgeof thewickednessofourownhearts.Nonewilleverbuildhighwhodoesnotbeginlow.Thesoulthat lovesmuchisthesoulthatfeelsitsdebtisgreatandthatmuchhasbeenforgiven. ThereismuchabouthellinRevelation.Therearemanyfearfulexpressionswhichshowitsreality,its misery,itseternity,itscertainty.Howdeeplyimportantisittohaveclearviewsonthissolemnsubject inthepresentday!Adispositionappearsinsomequarterstoshrinkfromassertingtheeternityof punishment.Afloodofthatmiserableheresyuniversalismseemscominginuponus.Amiableand wellmeaningenthusiastsarespeakingsmooththingsabouttheloveofGodbeinglowerthanhell,and themercyofGodexcludingtheexerciseofallHisotherattributesofjusticeandholiness.Tender heartedwomenandintellectualmenarecatchingatthetheorythat,afterall,thereishopeinthefar distanceforeverybody,andthatSatan'soldassertiondeservescredit,"Yeshallnotsurelydie."Oh, reader,bewareofthisdelusion!Benotwiseabovethatwhichiswritten.Believeme,itisagreatthing tobelieveintherealityofhell.StudytheApocalypticvisionswellandyouwillfindithardto disbelieveit. ThereismuchaboutheaveninRevelation.Ispeakofheaveninthecommonacceptationoftheword. ImeanthefutureabodeofthesaintsandpeopleofGod.AndIsaythatnobookinGod'sWordtellsus somuchaboutheavenastheApocalypse.Iftherewasnothingelsetobelearnedfromthebookbeside this,weoughttobemostthankful.WhereisthereabelieverintheLordJesuswhodoesnotfrequently
5 "It is true, many things in the Book of Revelation are obscure, and it is likely that the full clearing of them is not to be expected till God in some singular way shall open them up. Yet there are many clear, edifying, and comfortable passages of God's mind in it, the Holy Ghost mixing them in to be fed upon, to sweeten those passages that are more obscure, and to encourage the reader to search for the meaning of them."--Durham on Revelation. 1658.

thinkontheworldtocomeandtheresurrectionstate?Whothathaslostadearfriendorrelative,who diedintheLord,canabstainfrommeditatingonthelifeofgloryandtheplaceofmeeting?Who amongthepeopleofGoddoesnotfrequentlyreachforwardinimaginationintothatunknownand unvisitedabodeandstrivetopicturetohismind'seyethemanneroftheplaceanditsemployments?It ismysterious,nodoubt.ButnowhereistheveilsomuchliftedupasitisintheBookofRevelation. ThereismuchabouttheprospectsoftheChurchofChristintheRevelation.WhenIspeakofthe Church,ImeantheChurchoftheelect,thelivingbodyofChrist,whosemembersareallholy.The pagesoftheApocalypseshowplainlythatthetriumphs,andrest,andease,andpeaceofthatChurch arenotinthisworld.Itsmembersmustmakeuptheirmindstobattlesandfightings,totrialand persecution,tocrossandaffliction.Theymustbecontenttobealittleflock,apooranddespised people,untiltheadventofChrist.Theirgoodthingsareyettocome.Wellwoulditbeforbelieversif theywouldlearnfromRevelationtomoderatetheirexpectationsfrommissions,schools,andallother ecclesiasticalmachinery.Thenshouldwenothear,aswenowoftendo,ofdisappointmentsand despondencyanddepressionamongtrueChristians,andespeciallyamongministers.Weliveinthe timewhenGodistakingoutapeople.Thesearethedaysofelection,butnotofuniversalconversion. Weareyetinthewilderness.Thebridegroomisnotyetwithus.Thedaysofabsenceandmourning andseparationarenotyetpastandgone. ThereismuchinRevelationtoshowthefollyofdependingentirelyonthepowersofthisworldfor theadvancementoftruereligion.Thereismuchtoshowthatbelieversshouldnotlooktokings,and princes,andrichmen,andgreatmenforthebringinginandsupportofthekingdomofChrist.The timesarenotyetcomewhenkingsshallliterallybe"thenursingfathers"oftheChurches.Itisstriking toobservehowoftentheApocalypsespeaksofthemastheenemiesofGod'scause,andnotthefriends. WeneedthislessonhereinEngland.WithasettledconvictionthattheprincipleofanEstablished Churchisscripturalandsound,Istillfeelweneedremindingthatalliancewiththepowersthatbehas itsdisadvantagesaswellasitsadvantagestothevisibleChurchofChrist.Itisapttoengender indolence,apathy,andformalityamongprofessingChristians.IfirmlybelievethattheChurchof Englandwouldhaveexerteditselfmoreanddonemorefortheworldifitsmembershadbeenmore familiarwiththeBookofRevelation,andlearnedfromittoexpectlittlefromtheState. ThereismuchinRevelationtoshowthepainfulchildishnessofthevastmajorityoftrueChristians allovertheworld.Hereweare,thegreaterpartofus,scramblingandwranglingaboutthemerest trifles,contendingaboutforms,andceremonies,andoutwardmattersofman'sdevisingasifthey weretheessentialsofChristianity,talkingoforder,andprecedent,andcustom,androutinewhile millionsofheathenareperishingforlackofknowledge,andmyriadsofourcountrymenaredying,as ignorantastheheathenaroundourowndoors.AndallthistimetheeternalpurposesofGodare rollingontofulfillmentthekingdomsofthisworldareonthebrinkofdissolutionthedayof judgmentisathand,andanhourdrawsnighwhenEpiscopacy,Presbyterianism,Congregationalism, Establishments,andvoluntaryChurchesshallbecleansweptoutoftheway,andnothingbutgrace, faith,andheartholinessshallabideandstandthefire.Never,neverdoI,forone,readtheApocalypse withoutfeelingtheexcessivelittlenessofChristians.Wearelikechildrenbusywithourlittlehousesof sandatlowwaterbytheseaside.Thetideisrising.Ourhouseswillsoonbegone.Happyshallwebe ifweourselvesescapewithourlives! Thereismuch,inthelastplace,inRevelationtoshowthesafetyofalltruebelieversinChrist, whatevermaycomeupontheworld.AwfulasarethewoesofwhichtheApocalypsespeaks,thereis notasyllabletoshowthatahairshallfallfromtheheadofanyoneofGod'schildren.Hid,likeNoah, inthearkplucked,likeLot,fromthefieryjudgmentwithdrawn,likeElijah,fromthereachoftheir enemiesrescued,likeRahab,fromtheruinofallaroundtheyatleastmayreadtheRevelation withoutbeingafraid.Thebookthatlooksdarkandthreateningtotheworldspeaksnoterrorstothem.

LikethewondrouspillarofcloudatPihahiroth(Exod.14),itmayfillthemindofanungodlyman withgloom,but,likethesamecloud,itshallgivelightbynighttothepeopleofGod. Reader,whatshallwesaytothesethings?Ihavementionedeightthingswhichstandforthplainlyand unmistakablyintheBookofRevelation.Thereisnomysteryaboutthem.Theyrequirenodeep learningtounderstand.Ahumblemindandaprayerfulheartwillnotfailtodiscoverthem. Thesearethekindofthingswhichwecanneverknowtoowell.TheofficesoftheLordJesusChrist Himself,thecorruptionofman,therealityofhell,thenatureofheaven,theprospectsoftheChurch, thefollyoftrustinginprinces,thechildishnessofGod'speople,thesafetyofbelieversinthedayof wraththesearethekindofsubjectswithwhichwecannotbetoofamiliar.Thesearetheplainlessons which,withallitsmanydifficulties,Revelationwillunfold.Trulyifthesethingsareengraveddeeply onourminds,ourreadingtheApocalypsewillbeblessedindeed! ThesearethekindofthingswhichSatanlaborshardtokeepusfrom.Wellmaythatoldenemyfill men'smindswithprejudiceagainstApocalypticstudy.Wellmayhesuggesttheevilthought,"itisall mysterious,itisalltoodeep,weneednotreadit."Letusresisthiminthismatter.Letuscleaveto Revelationmorecloselyeveryyear.Letusneverdoubtthatitisaprofitablestudyforoursouls. Itonlyremainsnowtoconcludethisaddresswiththreepracticalremarks. 1.Foronething,letusthankGodthatthethingsneedfultosalvationareallclear,plain,and devoidofmysterytoahumblemind.Whateverdifficultiestheremaybeinthevisionsofthe Apocalypse,themostunlearnedreaderoftheBibleshallnevermissthewaytoheavenifheseekto finditinachildlikeandprayerfulspirit. Theguilt,andcorruption,andweaknessofmanisnotahiddenthing,likeaseal,atrumpet,oravial. Christ'spowerandwillingnesstosave,andjustificationbyfaithinHim,arenotadarkthing,likethe number666. Theabsolutenecessityofanewbirthandathoroughchangeofheartisnotanuncertainty,likethe meaningofthetwowitnesses. Theimpossibilityofsalvationwithoutmeetnessforheavenisnotamystery,liketheinterpretationof thevisionofthefourlivingcreatures. But,reader,rememberwhileyouthankGodforthisclearteachinginthethingsessentialtosalvation, thatthisveryclearnessincreasesyourpersonalresponsibility.Takeheed,lestanopendoorbeingset beforeyou,anyofyoushouldfailtoenterinbyitandbesaved. Hearken,everyoneintowhosehandsthisaddressmaycome,andunderstand.Igiveyouaplain warningthisday.Donotforgetit.Youmayreachheavenwithoutknowingmuchaboutthedeep thingsoftheApocalypse,butyouwillnevergettheirwithoutthesavingknowledgeofChristandanew heart.Youmustbebornagain.Youmustrenounceyourownrighteousnessandacknowledgeyourself asinner.YoumustwashinthefountainofChrist'sblood.Youmustbeclothedinthegarmentof Christ'srighteousness.YoumusttakeupthecrossofChristandfollowHim. Thesearethethingsabsolutelyneedful.Thesearethethingswithoutwhichnoman,learnedor unlearned,highorlow,caneverbesaved.

Restnot,restnottillyouknowthesethingsbyexperience.Withoutthemyoumayknowthewholelist ofApocalypticcommentaries,befamiliarwithallthatMede,Brightman,Cressener,Daubuz,Durham, Cuninghame,Woodhouse,Elliot,Alford,andGarratthavewrittenonthesubject,andyetriseatthelast dayalostsoulknowingmuchintellectually,likethedevils,but,likethedevils,ruinedforever. 2.Foranotherthing,letmeentreatallstudentsoftheBookofRevelationtobewareofdogmatism andpositivenessinexpressingandmaintainingtheirviewsofthemeaningofitsmoremysterious portions. Nothing,Ifirmlybelieve,hasbroughtmorediscreditonthestudyofprophecythantheexcessive rashnessandoverweeningconfidencewithwhichmanyofitsadvocateshaveassertedthecorrectness oftheirowninterpretationsandimpugnedtheexpositionsofothers.Toomanyhavewrittenand talkedasiftheyhadaspecialrevelationfromheaven,andasifitwasimpossibleforanyoneto maintainacharacterforcommonsenseifhedidnotseewiththeireyes.6 Letusallwatchourheartsandbeonourguardagainstthisspirit.Dogmatismisagreattrapwhich Satanlaysinmen'swaywhenhecannotpreventthemstudyingtheApocalypse.Letusnotfallintoit. Letusratherprayforaspiritofmodestyandhumilityinofferingoursolutionsofthedeepthingsof symbolicalprediction.Letusallowthatwemaypossiblybewrong,andthatothersmaypossiblybe right.Believeme,weallneedthiscaution.Weareunhappilypronetobemostpositivewhenwehave leastwarrantforourassertions,simplybecauseourpridewhispersthatourcreditfordiscernmentisat stake,andthathavingmadestatementsmainlyontheauthorityofourownjudgment,wearespecially boundtodefendthem. Happyisthatstudentofprophecywhoiswillingtoconfessthattherearemanythingsofwhichheis yetignorant.Happierstill,andmoreuncommontoo,ishewhoisabletousethosethreehardest wordsintheEnglishlanguage,"Iwasmistaken." 3.Finally,letallbelieverstakecomfortinthethoughtthattheendtowhichallthingsarecomingis clear,plain,andunmistakable.Theremayyetbejudgmentsinstorefortheworldofwhichweknow nothing.Theremaybe"distressofnationswithperplexity"farexceedinganythingwehaveyetheard of,read,orseen.Theremaybemoregrievouswars,andfamines,andpestilences,andpersecutionsyet tocome. Buttheendissure.YetalittlewhileandHewhoshallcome,willcome,andwillnottarry.Thekings oftheearthmaystruggleandcontendfortheirownworldlyinterests;butsoonerorlaterthekingdoms oftheirworldshallbecomethekingdomsofourGod,andofHisChrist.Thereshallbeaneternal peace.Heshallcomeandtakepossession"whoserightitis."Thedominionandpowershallbegiven tothesaintsoftheMostHigh,andoftheincreaseoftheirpeaceshallbenoend. Oh,thatwemayallrememberthis!Inpatienceletuspossessoursouls,andineverytryingtimedoas LutherdidrepeattheforthsixthPsalm: "Godisourrefugeandstrength,averypresenthelpintrouble.Thereforewewillnotfear,even thoughtheearthberemoved,andthoughthemountainsbecarriedintothemidstofthesea; thoughitswatersroarandbetroubled,throughthemountainsshakewithitsswelling.Selah.
6 Joseph Mede, the most learned and able interpreter of prophecy that this country can name among its divines, was remarkable for his modesty and humility. In a letter of his to Dr. Twiss, speaking of the leisurely and deliberate progress he made in his exposition of Apocalypse, chap. 14, he adds these words, 'I am by nature dilatory in all things, but in this let no man blame me if I take more pause than ordinary; for it has sunk deeply into my mind, that rashly to be the author of a false interpretation of Scripture is to take God's name in vain in a high degree.'"--Mede's Works, 1672.

ThereisariverwhosestreamsshallmakegladthecityofGod,theholyplaceofthetabernacle oftheMostHigh.Godisinthemidstofher,sheshallnotbemoved;Godshallhelpher,justat thebreakofdawn.Thenationsraged,thekingdomsweremoved;HeutteredHisvoice,the earthmelted.TheLORDofhostsiswithus;theGodofJacobisourrefuge.Selah. Come,beholdtheworksoftheLORD,whohasmadedesolationsintheearth.Hemakeswars ceasetotheendoftheearth;Hebreaksthebowandcutsthespearintwo;Heburnsthechariot inthefire.Bestill,andknowthatIamGod;Iwillbeexaltedamongthenations,Iwillbe exaltedintheearth!TheLORDofhostsiswithus;TheGodofJacobisourrefuge.Selah."