In conclusion, we wish to say that, in undertaking this work, we have been influenced only by a desire for the glory of God and the good of our fellow-men. We loathe controversy, and would be glad never to take up the controversial pen again on any occasion; but where duty calls we are ready to go. We did, and do now, believe the work of Mr. Dowling to be ruining souls, and that something was needed to counteract its influence. We believe, most firmly and conscientiously, that, in 1843, the Lord Jesus Christ will appear in the clouds of heaven, to set up his everlasting kingdom on earth. And now, dear reader, permit us to ask if you have on the wedding garment, and are prepared to stand before him at his coming? Think: "Within two years of this time, I shall be either shining in glory or wailing in wo." The Lord will come with vengeance, even our God with a recompense. There is no refuge from the devouring flames, except in the "munition of rocks;" there is no safety but in the Lord Jesus Christ. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Are you pure in heart? Have you the spirit of adoption sent forth into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father? If not, how can you rest-how can you defer the great work? Eternity at the door, and you only fuel for the devouring fire, and still careless! Be warned! O, be warned, and take refuge in Christ, before it kindles upon you. Confess and forsake your sins, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved. But except you be converted, and become as little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of God. Beware, then, how you suffer either the devil or his servants to lull you to sleep by the cry of peace and safety. The seventh trumpet will soon sound; the mystery of God will soon be finished; and the mighty angel will swear that time shall be no longer, If your work is not done before that, it will Look at the signs be too late to do it then. of these times, and mark their progress, and know that the day is near, even at the door. "But if the evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming, and shall begin to smite his fellow-servants, the Lord of that servant shall come in an hour he looketh not for him, and at a time he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion among the hypocrites; and there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." AN EXPOSITION OF THE TWENTY FOURTH OF MATTHEW: IN WHICH IT IS SHOWN TO BE AN HISTORICAL BY S. BLISS. BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY JOSHUA V. HIMES, 14 Devonshire Street. 1843. INTRODUCTION. THE object of the following pages is to present the reader with an unbroken and comprehensive view of the entire scope and plain signification of the 24th chapter of Matthew; than which, probably, no one chapter of the whole Bible has suffered more from the false and speculative interpretations of sceptical writers, or from the vain and selfish constructions of sectarian expositors. The author of this work has sought to show, and, to our mind, with great clearness has shown, the true and simple intent for which the chapter under consideration was recorded. He has shown, that our Savior, in answering the inquiries of his disciples, gave them a brief historical summary of what should transpire among the nations-beginning with the indignation and wrath that should fall upon the Jews, effecting their utter overthrow and dispersion, and continuing on in his descriptive remarks far down the stream of time, even to the consummation of the "times of the Gentiles," the glorious advent of the Son of man, the resurrection of the dead, and the infliction of the "last end of the indignation" upon the desolating and beastly kingdoms of the earth. Universalists and others, to avoid the natural and necessary conclusions which must inevitably follow a |