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wholly different from that which followed the former war of the other beast, when "men gnawed their tongues with pain, and cursed the God of Heaven." This effect will be another evidence of the time; and among other circumstances, prove the fulfilment of this part of the revelation, or prophecy; and will aid the Church of Christ, in ascertaining the signs of the times, and the completion of his word.

Verse 14" The second woe is past, and behold the third woe cometh quickly."

It has hitherto been necessary for the accomplishment of the great purposes of Jehovah, with regard to his church and people, so to envelope the times and circumstances attending their final deliverance, in darkness and uncertainty, that while his servants were supported and comforted by a lively faith in the certainty of the happy issue, according to his promises, his and their enemies were kept from showing their inveterate malice against the cause and people of God, by persecutions more se vere than they would have been able to bear. But now the latter times, the last times, of this great fourth monarchy of the prophet Daniel, when the great events of God's providence will be followed by "men's giving glory to the God of Heaven,” and therefore his servants will be no longer exposed to persecution and distress; the Spirit of God produces such certain, unequivocal testimony of the facts foretold so many hundred years ago, that it can no longer remain doubtful, either as to the great events that are now to come to pass, or to those which have already been fulfilled, and not before fully understood. Now the precise dates, and marked circumstances of past events, mentioned with precision in

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this important Divine communication, will be clearly ascertained, to the no small conviction of the followers of the Beast, the Man of Sin, Antichrist, and the world at large; in which also the ancient people of God, still beloved by him for his servant Abraham's sake, may be very deeply interested.

When the evidences attending the slaying and revival of the witnesses, together with the destruction of titles, rank, and dignities among men, perhaps both civil and ecclesiastical, figured by "the names of men," including societies and communities, and all claiming separate and peculiar privileges in the kingdom of the Beast, with the burning and total destruction of the great city, the mystical Babylon, the Mother of Harlots, shall be well ascertained; then we are assured, with the greatest certainty, that the second woe is finished, which establishes the end of the twelve hundred and sixty or ninety days,* and of course by counting backwards, every other period will be reducible to equal certainty. It will be in this manner, perhaps, that the wise in the latter end are to understand, though the wicked continue to do wickedly.

Thus is the time hastening on, and though it would be presumption in any one to pretend to fix the day and the year, not expressly fixed by the Holy Spirit; yet, as we are commanded to watch the signs of the times, and the Jews for neglecting this duty, were severely reprehended by our Saviour, who has commanded us to keep our loins girt, and our lamps trimmed and burning,

* Vide Daniel, 12th ch. 11th v. where 30 days are added to the 1260, and 45 days to them; each of which it seems, will produce some remarkable event, predictive of the great era, which is to finish the second woe.

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we may, without manifesting an improper spirit, say that it is not far off. Then the great Governor and Protector of his Church will again rend the vale of the temple, and once more lay open the Holy of Holies to his faithful people, that they may lift up their heads from a long state of mourning and humiliation, and rejoice with joy unspeakable, knowing that their redemption is drawing nigh. The careful observer, who, with a humble faith and lively hope, is watching the signs of the times in the fulfilment of what the Spirit hath said to the churches, ought indeed to be roused by what he sees, and reads, and hears, being assured that the cry "behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him," will certainly be made. How inexcusable will those virgins be, who, notwithstanding these gracious and solemn warnings of their Lord and Master, shall at last be found slumbering and sleeping, without oil in their lamps? If they are wholly inattentive to, and unbelieving with regard to this great event, then will be fulfilled the saying of Christ, "when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith (in his personal and actual appearance) on earth.” And even the Angel who revealed these great events to the prophet Daniel, was obliged to complain, that though "these things were noted in the Scripture of Truth, yet there was none that strengtheneth himself (as in the margin of our Bibles) or supporteth himself with me in them, but Michael, your prince."-Daniel, ch. 10, v. 21.

In vain will it be, when the midnight cry shall be realized, for them to look round in confusion, and supplicate, in the most piteous manner, for a supply from those wise virgins, who stand ready prepared to go forth to meet the Bridegroom.

They may indeed go out with haste to buy, but at their return, he will be gone in, the doors be for ever shut against them, and they will be left without, where there will be nothing but weeping and wailing, and gnash. ing of teeth-Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus.

A REVIEW OF THE SUBJECT.

On a review of what has been said, it may be object. ed, that in every century, enthusiasts have arisen, who, by pretending to explain this Divine book of the Apocalypse, and foretelling thereby, the times and seasons of the coming of the glorified Messiah on this earth, have produced the greatest confusions in government. They have involved thousands of innocent, though weak and credulous people, not only in temporal evils, but have been the means of their committing acts of the greatest extravagance, lewdness, and even blasphemy.

It is answered, that in any or every view of this subject, there is not in the nature of the doctrines, the least connection with, nor do the Scriptures give in any manner, the least encouragement to enthusiasm, or extravagance of conduct, in the principles or expectations of the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Do not the Scriptures teach it as a rational and glorious expectation, that he who has done and suffered so much for the salvation of the children of men, should complete the blessed system, designed to correct all sin and iniquity; and by his joyful advent, change and renew the hearts and practices of men-cover the earth with the knowledge of God as the waters cover the seas-promote universal love and peace throughout the world-make all wars, and

the shedding a brother's blood to cease-and if the saints are to govern the earth, is it not to be a government of righteousness and peace, when the swords are to be beaten into plough-shares and the spears into pruning-hooks, and the nations are to learn war no more?

The Servant of God, or He, who in Scripture language is denominated the Wise Man, and who in the latter times, is to understand, will make the proper distinction, and can be in no danger of the excesses of an enthusiastic spirit. Enthusiasm is a false persuasion that God inspires us, while it is our own vain imaginations alone that delude us. It arises from an excess of spiritual pride and self-love, which makes men fancy themselves more enlightened and more virtuous than other men. But the real servant of God, conscious of his own weakness and insufficiency, and that he has nothing but what he has received from God, will be satisfied to take the whole word of God for his rule, and with faith and patience, to wait his master's own good time. He will be content to watch with an attentive eye, the proceedings of the Spirit of God, agreeably to his word, and mark the signs of the times consequent thereon. He will draw from thence a humble hope and firm confidence in the truth of Divine predictions for his support and comfort under all the trials and distresses of life; being willing to leave times and seasons in the hands of God, and will make no other use of his prospects of them, than to be always ready prepared for his Lord's approach and the marriage supper of the Lamb, whenever it shall happen, whether at noon or midnight. He will have no desire to substitute his own wild notions for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or the true meaning of the spirit of prophe

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