The last times and the great consummation : an earnest discussion of momentous themes

Front matter

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Preface

This book treats of the future destiny of the world and its population, as revealed in the holy prophecies. It was first published in 1856, since which time several editions and republications of it have appeared. It was originally designed to bear testimony against certain erroneous opinions extensively afloat in the popular mind, and to awaken attention to a subject too little appreciated and too much neglected by modern professors of Christianity. The favor with which it has met, and the blessing of G-od which has so largely attended it in many directions, together with the increased ominousness of our times, and the pressing importance of a right knowledge of what is coming upon the earth, have induced the author to revise, enlarge, and reissue it, and to enter into arrangements to bring it, in its revised form, simultaneously before the reading public of England, Canada, and the United States.

The views which it presents are somewhat in conflict with prevailing impressions and current opinions and prejudices ; but they are the writer's honest convictions, produced by faithful study, and uttered under a full sense of the responsibility involved. They are also believed to be entitled to sober, candid, and careful consideration. They certainly have the sanction of high authorities, both ancient and modern, and

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are more and more sommanding the belief of devout men of earnest hearts and eloquent tongues in all sections of the Church of Christ.

A few exceptions have been taken to former editions of this book. Its spirit was thought too positive, dogmatical, and severe. This criticism was not felt to be just. Strong, bold language was indeed employed ; for it would be useless to think of making an impression in any other way; but as to dogmatical proscriptiveness, or disrespect to those entertaining different opinions, nothing was further from the author's feelings, or from the design of his book. Nevertheless, the revision has removed some passages, and modified others, which, perhaps, were liable to misconstruction in these particulars. If any thing remains which might reasonably disturb the most kindly feelings and relations with those who see things in a different light, the author is not conscious of it, and does not so intend it.

It has also been thought by some, that the book gave too unfavorable a picture of the present condition of the world, — that the moral and spiritual state of things now is not worse, but better, than in former periods. Seven years of additional study and observation, however, have only deepened the writer's belief in the truthfulness of the representations he has given. The difference between him and his critics, upon this point, may also, after all, be more apparent than real. The truth is, that the world is both better and worse than at any time since the days of the Apostles, and that it will continue to become better and worse until the " end." As the light increases, the shadows deepen. There is upon earth a kingdom

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of evil, and a kingdom of good ; and both are expansive and growing. This is distinctly taught in the parable of the Wheat and the Tares. The great Lord of the field has said, "Let

BOTH GROW TOGETHER UNTIL THE HARVEST; THE HARVEST

is the end of the world." Hence, Christ and Antichrist, holiness and iniquity, good and bad, are side by side, each advancing, the conflict between them increasing in intensity, the severest being the last, when the Lord of the harvest shall come with his reapers and make the everlasting separation " The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day," (Prov. iv. 18;) and yet "Evil men and seducers shall wax icorse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." (2 Tim. iii. 13.)

The enlargements in this edition are considerable, amounting in all to more than one hundred pages. Some portions have been entirely rewritten. Notes have been added, to explain or further support the original text, and to bring up the work to the author's increased understanding of many important points. Pains have been taken and much labor bestowed to present a full analysis of Scripture References on the entire subject, and to give a full exhibit of the literature of the same from the days of the Apostles to the present. A complete Index to every thing important contained in the work has also been appended; all of which must materially enhance its value.

To appreciate this book as an argument for the system of doctrines concerning the future which it gives, it will be necessary to read all of it, and in the order in which it is presented. Its force is cumulative. Each part enters into the

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support of all the parts, and in its place contributes to the general conclusions of the whole. It is only by attention to this fact that the reader can do justice to the author, to the subject, or to himself.

As remarked in the preface to the first edition, the author of this volume does not presume to speak for his Church, or for any party, but only for himself. Nevertheless, he is happy to be able to say, that he speaks with Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, and all the great divines of the first ages after Christ, as well as with many of the greatest lights of Protestant Christendom. And if he is to be censured or condemned for what he has here ventured to affirm, the Church of Christ itself, in the purest and brightest periods of its history, and in some of its most illustrious worthies, must also be censured and condemned.

With these remarks, the writer again sends out this volume, hoping that it may not be unfruitful of good, and praying that all who read it may be brought to share in the blessedness of those who shall have " part in the first resurrection/'

Philadelphia, U. S.,