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times that are last. Let it not be imagined that we are forbidden to look into "the time of the end," in order to know when it comes or whether it has come? We are abundantly authorised to inquire into "times and seasons" which the Father has not kept in His own power. Daniel, in this matter of inquiry into "times," is a striking example. He studied the prophecies of Jeremiah, and particularly their references to "time." He wished to know the pre

dicted duration of the captivity, and he found it was to be about seventy years. God blessed him in his researches, and honoured him not only by giving him the information he sought, but by telling him a great deal more. He told him how long it would be till the great sin-offering for mankind would be presented. Jesus Himself rebuked the Jews because, while they observed the sky and predicted the weather, they could not discern the signs of "the times." And in regard to the Book of Revelation, where there is a full delineation of future events, in symbolical language, it is said, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand."

Besides this, we are apt to overlook the fact that the Apostles, in the midst of all their expositions of doctrine and enforcement of precepts, have many references to prophetic times. Paul, in his Epistle to the Ephesians (i. 10), says, "That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together

in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth, even in Him." Surely it is not only a lawful thing, but a duty, to inquire into that "fulness of times" that is predicted, when the glorious union between heaven and earth, which sin has so effectually broken up, shall be cemented in Christ. Again, from the warnings addressed to the people of God against the peculiar dangers which would surround them, the Apostle says (1 Tim. iv. I, 2), "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron." Then, in 2 Tim. iii. 1, 2, we are very expressly informed that "in the last days perilous times shall come, for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good." Every one who reflects must see from this description of the characteristics of "the last days," that "the time of the end" is not now future-that it has come upon us in full force. We are, therefore, in the very midst of the events of the end, and we all stand warned against the dangers peculiar to the last times.

There is a general sense in which the whole Gospel dispensation is "the time of the end." The antediluvian, patriarchal, and Mosaic times are past. Now

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is the last time, in contrast to the preceding times. The Apostle, in 1 Cor. x., speaking of the sins and punishments of the ancient Israel, says, in verse II, "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples, and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." And John says, chap. ii. 18, "Little children, it is the last time, and as ye have heard that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists, whereby we know it is the last time." These varied references to

the time of the end" clearly indicate that the Dispensation of Grace to the Gentiles is "the last time," under the old ascendancy of sin and rebellion,—“ the last time" for Satanic triumph. Then, when the fulness of this last time shall come, God will give the sovereignty of the world into the hands of His Son, will place the Jewish nation again under a theocratic government, and will bring all the Gentile nations under Christ's righteous sway. Till He comes antichrists abound; wickedness, folly, and misery reign. When "the end" shall arrive, and He shall appear in His glory as King, He will ensure righteousness and peace, holiness and joy, to the whole race of man.

The Saviour has very pointed reference to "the times" foretold, when the mighty moral, spiritual, and political revolution of the world shall be an accomplished fact. Predicting the destruction of the Jewish nationality, the overthrow of the Temple-worship, and the dispersion of the people who should

reject their almighty Deliverer, Jesus said, "Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." This expression, "times of the Gentiles," is very comprehensive, is stamped with peculiar importance, and requires special consideration.

III. THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES.-Let us look at those "times of the Gentiles" to which the Saviour Himself calls our attention, that we may know something of "the time of the end." Daniel was deeply exercised in his mind about the wonderful revelations which the angel of God had made to him about the future of the Church, The old prophet and his fellowbelievers in captivity were profoundly anxious about the termination of the bondage of Israel and Judah. Daniel, being of the tribe of Judah, and probably of the royal line of David, was especially concerned about the restoration of the eclipsed glory of the kingdom, so long destroyed. We may well suppose that he especially desired the establishment of the kingdom in its pure and heavenly character, when the Messiah, in divine wisdom and love, would reign supreme. The information imparted, though doubtless obscure even to the prophet's own mind, was all-important. He was given to understand that it would be about five hundred years before the great atonement for sin would be made. After that marvellous sacrifice should be offered to satisfy divine justice for human guilt,

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and during the long interval before the sin-offering should be presented, there should be a continued series of political troubles, wars, and national changes, which are detailed somewhat darkly in chapter xi. Amid the long-continued conflicts and tribulations among the nations, nearer and more remote alike, the faith of the people of God should be severely tried. There is at the same time presented to the view of the prophet a brilliant end to relieve the gloom of the saddening prospect. A bright cloud should arise without any dark lining; the sorrow of the long, black night should terminate in a morning of the most exuberant joy. In the end of the protracted struggles, a mighty and effective deliverance would come to every one of God's servants and people, whose names should be found written in the book of life. The great salvation should be accomplished on behalf of the saints who had fallen asleep in death during past ages, as well as on behalf of the living righteous. "Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life."

Daniel was exceedingly perplexed. He seems to have had his mind burdened with a terrible weight of thought about the duration of the troubles of the Church and the period of the final salvation. For his encouragement, while he is plainly told he should die, long, long before the end, yet he is informed that he should in due time arise from the dead and fully enjoy the infinite blessings of the final triumph.