Another objection is raised by many good and seriously-minded Christians. "Do but observe," they say, "how great is the number of those students of the unfulfilled prophecies who have made shipwreck ! Moreover, see the differences which exist among those students who still stand their ground! Surely such a dangerous, or at least unsatisfactory subject ought to be avoided." Now, allowing that many have made shipwreck, and allowing that great differences of interpretation do exist (though I cannot altogether receive the statement as correct), surely prophecy is not the only subject of great moment which has become a stumblingblock, or concerning which there have been serious differences of opinion. Satan has been very busy in spreading error with regard to every spiritual matter, and his work has told with fearful power on many who were looked upon as the Lord's people. Indeed, the very GOSPEL OF SALVATION, which a man must needs receive or perish everlastingly, has been made a theme of study by vast numbers who have lacked the Spirit of the Lord, and so has proved "an instrument of destruction!”

But shall the Gospel, therefore, be a subject we forbid? Shall we keep it from our less learned brethren, our families, our neighbours, our poor? Surely not; for where can be the cause for fear as to those students of the Word who read with humble, self-distrustful

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hearts, since God has promised that He "will give His Holy Spirit unto them that ask Him?"1 "If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him: but let him ask in faith, nothing wavering."2 So, let us conclude that there is help at hand; and when God plainly tells us -"Search the Scriptures:" "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable... that the man of God may be perfect: "Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this Prophecy: "95 "We have a more sure word of Prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed:"-we are not to shrink back, saying, as it were, "Lord, there are many parts of Scripture I am afraid to study, lest I may be led thereby to error;" but rather, WE ARE TO DO THAT WHICH HE HAS BIDDEN, WITHOUT GAINSAYING, and avail ourselves with gratitude of the high privilege which in His Word He offers us.

So far, then, for this objection also. And now, if no antagonist more powerful than these arise (and I know of none more powerful), we may, beyond a doubt, decide that it is our BOUNDEN DUTY, as those servants who await their Lord's return, to study UNFULFILLEd ProPHECY, as well as every other part of Holy Scripture.

Luke xi 13.

2 James i. 5, 6.

2 Tim. iii. 16, 17.

3 John v. 39.

5 Rev. i. 3.

It will not be right for me to quit the subject of this duty without adding a few serious words as to the MANNER in which the study of unfulfilled prophecy should be conducted.

The students of prophecy are actuated by a diversity of motives. Some study to obtain food for an imaginative fancy. None are more likely than these to reap error; for the object of God's Word is not to feast the imagination, but to save, establish, and comfort the immortal soul. Others study for the enjoyment of sublime language and splendid imagery, of which the inspired prophecies are full. These also are unlikely to arrive at truth; for God did not give His Word to gratify the taste, but to edify the spirit.

But we must not fail to note that there are also those who read and study meekly, prayerfully, and with a view to obtain instruction in such things as God has deemed it right to offer for the contemplation of His people; so that they may be in readiness when the great day of God approaches, and "be found worthy to escape those things which are coming upon the earth, and to stand before the Son of Man."1 Such students have a blessing. They will be instructed by the Spirit: as it is written, "They shall all be taught of God; "2

and they will not be allowed to fall into errors which might damage their eternal interests.

Still it cannot but be noticed with regret, that the attitude which is assumed by some of the more careful and sincere students of the prophecies is anything but seemly for poor erring mortals, when they deal with the deep mysteries of God. We find them making positive assertions as to things which are still veiled from human sight; advancing questionable theories, and adhering to them as if in all the world there were no men of judgment to be found, themselves excepted; dealing with prophetic symbols, dates, and parables, with a positiveness which savours not by any means of Christian humility.

Now let us not act like them; but rather, while we never shrink from reading, hearing, or studying any portion of God's Word, which He has given for our learning; while we use that Word in all its parts— histories, psalms, laws, gospel, and prophecies; while we observe prophetic images, symbols, parables, and dates; let us not dare, in any case which bears upon the future, to assert with positiveness that at such and such a time this incident or that shall come to pass; unless, indeed, we have no room for doubt by reason of the plainness of expression God has used concerning it. Such plainness of expression with regard to the prophetic dates, how

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ever, nowhere, I believe, occurs; but rather, with regard to every incident yet future, it is clearly intimated that "Of that day and that hour knoweth no man." The time may come, and perhaps is near at hand already, when we shall be in a position to use the mysterious periods both of Daniel and the Apocalypse with greater certainty.2 But for the present, although (as we shall see as we advance with our subject) they are of great utility to the waiting and watching Christian, yet we cannot, with anything like certainty, determine their respective limits.

Avoiding, then, all positive assertion as to such things as are still in mystery; let us use whatever God has put before us in those Holy Scriptures He has given for our learning, with all humility and reverence, keeping the great precept ever on our mind, viz., "Let your loins be girt about, and your lights burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord." 3

It now remains that I lay before you a brief outline of the subjects to be treated.

I shall confine myself to those predictions which relate distinctly to the Second Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ, His kingdom, and His people's glory; noting

1 Matt. xxiv. 36; Mark xiii. 32, 33.

2 Compare Dan. xii. 9, with Rev. xxii. 10.

3 Luke xii. 35.