tribulation, to warn them of the descent of Jesus into the air to call His saints. The unbelievers may not, perhaps, be startled by the trumpet-sound, nor even see a lightning flash. They will, indeed, be witnesses of these things "immediately after the tribulation of those days," as the twenty-fourth chapter of Matthew testifies, but this shall be "after the tribulation of those days." Probably the dead in Christ will be raised without exciting the suspicion of mankind that an event so wonderful is taking place. No stone displaced; no sod upturned; no grave disturbed; only the body gone. Then, as suddenly, the removal of the living people of the Lord will follow. In silence also, and without a sign afforded to the unbelieving world (for anything that has appeared in Scripture to the contrary). They will be taken hence -drawn up at once to Christ. They will be missed and sought for upon earth, but nowhere found. In every neighbourhood will be the cry for them. In house after house will be a bitter wailing because of them. Oh, what a day of sadness and terror that will be! What dread will sit on every countenance! For thus shall the world be in one moment stripped of all the pure, and just, and holy who adorned its surface, and be left a WICKED WORLD INDEED.

But what may we expect will follow, if the day of grace be not for ever at that moment closed? Most

certainly A GREAT REVIVAL OF RELIGION. For imagine the sensation which must be produced among the unconverted masses by the sudden removal of each Christian from the surface of the whole earth. One, two, three, out of every family gone, no man can tell where-passed from sight in the twinkling of an eye! Two in a bed— one taken! two at a mill-one taken! two friends conversing-one taken! two men transacting business-one taken! Husband and wife, brother and sister, master and servant—one taken! Will not men begin to think? Will not many scoffers fall upon their knees and pray? Will not the Bible be searched with new eyes? Will not men's hearts fail them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming upon the earth? Oh! methinks there will be a stirring up of lukewarm ministers in that day-a crowding into churches such as never has been witnessed. A change, indeed, will come over the face of the earth's society. And so indeed we find it stated-when this matter is dealt with in the fourteenth chapter of the Revelation—that immediately the first-fruits unto God and the Lamb are spoken of as being with the Lord above, an angel flies through the midst of heaven, "having the everlasting Gospel to preach to them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people; saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him, for

the hour of His judgment is come." But clearly, though there may be many who will truly turn to God in that day, yet the devil will find means to blind the masses of the world to the true state of things; for, as we pursue the chapter, we perceive that after Babylon is fallen, which is the next event that will transpire, and Antichrist is established upon his throne, "the patience of the saints" is brought before us; and it is added, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth."2 And immediately takes place the HARVEST OF THE EARTH, which seems to be a second gathering together of God's people unto Him-partly through the medium of a fearful burst of persecution, which shall clear the earth of multitudes who shall refuse the mark and worship of the Beast-and partly by the arm of His deliverance saving such as called upon His Name-and so the number of the Lord's elect will be complete, and the way be rendered clear for the tremendous VINTAGE OF THE WRATH OF GOD.3

So far, then,-guided by the simple word of Holy Scripture, have we been able to obtain some most important intimations of THE STATE IN WHICH THE WORLD AND THE CHURCH WILL BE FOUND when the Advent of the Lord draws near.

I ask you not to take these things for granted, either

1 Rev. xiv. 6, 7.

2 Rev. xiv. 13.

3 Rev. xiv. 20.

that they are or are not as I have placed them now before you. But I beg of you, as those deeply interested in such momentous matters, which must-sooner or later—come upon the earth, to search the Bible without prejudice, and without reference to preconceived ideas, and see for yourselves accurately how these matters stand. And then, as you value your immortal souls, look well to your own state with God. Are you in Christ? Are you forgiven? Are you saved? Oh! what is your condition now before the King of kings? I would urge

upon you, settle these important questions. See that you are Christ's indeed, that you believe in Him, and are alive through His atoning blood and justifying righteousness-alive to God-the children of His grace and love. Then if speedily the summons should go forth from the high throne of Heaven, "COME UP HITHER!" you will obey with joy, leave earthly things as dross uncared for more, and depart hence arrayed in glory, meet for those who sit with the eternal King upon the Throne of His dominion.

CHAPTER III.

Israel and Antichrist.

"If another shall come in his own name, him ye

will receive."

JOHN V. 43.

AVING shown, I hope distinctly, that as the day of Christ approaches, the World will display growth in wickedness, and the Church will be caught up to be for ever with the Lord, the question will be asked-"What is to be the state of THAT PECULIAR PEOPLE WITH WHOM, AS A NATION, GOD HAS ENTERED INTO SO REMARKABLE A COVENANT?"

To the NATION OF ISRAEL and to that ANTICHRIST with whom that nation in the latter days will have a marvellous connection, I shall devote this chapter.

Four thousand years have nearly passed away since the Almighty said to Abraham, "I will make of thee a great nation and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed."1 Not long after this preliminary

1 Gen. xii. 1-3.