are the gifts of God, through the mediation of Jesus Christ. The marriage state of the Redeemer is described, his power and offices, and the heavenly armies of saints who follow him. Next an angel is represented standing in the sun, emblematic of a new spiritual government, whose foundation is laid in gospel light and purity. This new new government is to take the place of all old establishments in church and state.

In the twentieth chapter, we have given us the promise of the commencement of the millenium, when Satan is to be bound a thousand years—the great chain that binds him is man's adherence and obedience to the law of God and gospel precepts the first resurrection, and the blessed and holy state of those who have their part in it-Satan regains his liberty when the thousand years are finished, and sets out to deceive the nations-his last efforts against the saints, and overthrow — an awful description of the last resurrection and the general judgment.

In the twenty-first chapter, the prophet shows us that the present heavens and earth shall pass away, and be succeeded by new heavens and earth that a new Jerusalem is to be founded therein, and become the eternal abode of the saints made perfect, its inhabitants forever happy in the presence of God — then, the miserable state of the wicked their exclusion from the heavenly city, which is beautifully described.

In the twenty-second chapter, St. John shows the fountain from whence flow spiritual blessings, the throne of God and the Lamb

- the happy state of the servants of God even in this life, and their uninterrupted state of felicity in eternity that these things are true, as they are the inspiration of God - that as time is short, we should take heed to the sayings of this book -- that God alone is to be worshipped, as heavenly knowledge comes by divine influ- that the sayings of this book are not to be sealed up, but forever kept open for the examination of mankind that Jesus is Mediator and chief Ruler over the church

ence

different invitations

to come and partake of free grace

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severe denunciations of God's wrath against those who add to or take from the words of the prophecy of this book - that we must appear quickly before the Redeemer, and hence should be resigned to his holy will lastly, the prophet prays that the grace of Jesus Christ may remain with the churches.

Having taken this general view of the subject matter of this book of Revelation, we will enter upon its details, with an earnest purpose to seek for truth, and a desire to be profited thereby. And may the God of peace and righteousness lead us to understand his will, and to become obedient thereto.

THE beloved disciple and prophet John, begins this book with a short but nervous introduction. He calls it the "Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him." The intention of it was to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass. And he sent and signified it by his angel, or by the operative influence and gift of his Spirit to his servant John, who was the person appointed to publish it. This John was ordained to bear record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw, or was allowed to publish. He then pronounces a blessing on him that readeth: "And they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep in heart and mind these things which are written therein; "" and concludes with this emphatic reason: "For the time is at hand." His dedication to the seven churches is full of heavenly consolation to all true believers: "John to the seven churches which are in Asia Grace be unto you and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven spirits which are before his throne." Here God is declared to be the great first cause of all things. See also the fourth "And from Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful

chapter.

Witness, and the first begotton of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood." In this verse, the great attribute of mercy through the Redeemer, and his mediatorial office are beautifully described; and in the following verse, the highly exalted state and privilege of a true believer is given in the most lively colors : "For the Redeemer hath made them kings and priests unto God and his Father to him be glory and dominion forever and ever, Amen. Behold he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they which pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, amen." Through the whole of this book, we shall find mankind divided into three parts. First, the heavenly-minded, or those who place their affections on things above. Second, the earthly-minded, who have a form of godliness, but are ignorant of its power. Third, the sea, which comprehends the heathen and infidel or pagan world, which knows not God, and is the major part of the human race, as the sea is of the earth. It is, therefore, to the second class that this verse must be applied; for, first, the Redeemer cometh with clouds, or appears in an obscure manner to them. Secondly, “ And every eye shall see him." They shall see, but shall not perceive as did the incorrigible Jews - the nature and efficacy of a Savior's love. Thirdly, " And they also which pierced. him." This includes the wicked Jews, who consented to his death; but more particularly the nominal Christians, who crucify him afresh, and put him to open shame, by their ungodly deeds. And, fourthly, "All kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him." It is plain from this last clause, that the earthly-minded and carnal, who are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, shall wail and lament when they are cast into outer darkness. Lastly, "Even so, amen," shows their doom to be inevitable. "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and

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