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L. AND G. SEELEY, THAMES DITTON, SUrrey.

PREFACE.

THE Author has been led by degrees to this publication. Having been called from time to time by his brethren in different parts of the country to plead the duty of missionary exertions in behalf of the Jews, his mind was more and more led to consider the scriptural character of that Christian duty in connection with the future state of the Jews. Hence also a part of this volume has already appeared in print; several of the discourses which were preached in London, Edinburgh, and Dublin, having been published in those cities after they were preached. The "Scriptural Studies" in the Appendix were also printed in the Jewish Intelligence, and the Preparation for Suffering, here somewhat enlarged, was first inserted in Charlotte Elizabeth's Protestant Annual for 1841.

The Introductory Remarks, and the Discourses on the Perseverance of Christ, the Last Tribulation of the Jews, the Redeemer coming from the heavenly Zion, Zion shining with the glory of the Lord, and the Effect of Zion's Blessedness on the World, with the closing Appendix, he now for the first time publishes from the press.

The Author preferred on the whole leaving the subject in the original form of sermons, as they were

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preached in different parts of the kingdom, to preparing a distinct treatise on the subject. The reader is thus more practically directed to the chief seat of the particular doctrine illustrated, and to its great evidence. It may have occasioned some repetition, but it presents the truth in a more devotional and quickening way to the reader's attention, and will perhaps be more interesting to such as may have heard the sermons from the pulpit.

The present very peculiar situation of the land of Judea, and of the Jewish nation, has led to the hope that this publication may be seasonable and useful in directing the attention of Christians to the scriptural statements, so full of large and rich hope, as to the future condition of this remarkable people. The Author trusts that he may have so confirmed the doctrine of their restoration by the gathering together of the Divine testimony upon it, that the faith of his fellowChristians in it may be strengthened, and the volume of believing prayer ascending to heaven in their behalf be increased and enlarged.

But it is not merely this issue that he seeks. The begun restoration of Israel may in a short time be a fact instead of a prophecy, and decide by a fulfilment the true principle of interpretation of prophecy; but that fact is to us of chief and primary importance from its close and intimate connection, as will be seen, with other yet more important events. It is the warning voice to Christendom of the near approach of those events, preparation for which is one great end of all Christian doctrine and instruction. God seems to be graciously recompensing the love of the British churches in England, Scotland, and Ireland, in attending to the Jews, by giving us fuller and more comprehensive views of Divine truth concerning our own state, and hence more preparation of mind for what is before the Gentile churches. None indeed can attend to any Christian duty, and espe

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