are made plain to the common reader by translation, or by the drift of the context. The work was finished, and ready for the press, nearly in its present form, over three years ago. But, from various causes and reasons, the publication has been delayed till now. In the meantime, several books have appeared, and the periodical press has teemed with essays and articles on various themes embraced in this general subject. These productions, as far as they have come to my knowledge, have received all due attention. Some of them evince studious thought and candid inquiry. Some are superficial and visionary. There is nothing in any of them to effect a change in my views. The ideas and theories of these writers have been mostly anticipated in this work. A revision with direct reference to them would require little addition or modification. If my book finds readers, it must, of course, from the nature and number of the topics it discusses, encounter many diversities of opinion, and come into conflict with some chronic prejudices. I only ask for it a candid, considerate perusal. Just in in the degree in which it may serve to expose and dispel error and contribute to a better understanding of revealed truth, my purpose in writing will be accomplished and my ardent desire satisfied. E. A. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Our Relations to Space and to Time........... 64 to the Past and the Future..... Our Intuitions of Future Being. Natural Analogies... This World Representative of Worlds to Come...... Revelation the Only Sure Source of Knowledge on this Bible Imagery Representative of Realities.. Retribution not Here, Therefore Hereafter.... Neither Can Have Full Manifestation in this World.... 25 Scriptural Generalization of Good and Evil.. The First Pair in Their Innocency and Isolation....... Wisdom and Goodness of Making the Body Dissoluble. 48 PAGE Perverted to Purgatory. Rejected by Reformers.. The Clew Furnished by Peter, Acts ii. 27... Descensus Christi ad Inferos...... Two Separate Regions of Hades. The Place of Custody for Wicked Spirits.. "The Spirits in Prison," I Pet. iii. 19... Remarks and Inferences Suggested by this Exposition. The Sinning Angels Kept for Judgment... Tartarus the Name of the Gloomy Part of Hades... Our Lord's Predictions cf. the Woes of the Trumpets.. 138 But the Earth Will not Be Destroyed nor Depopulated. 143 The Parousia Will Introduce a New Order... The Restoration and Conversion of the Jews.... Objection from Temple-service Considered.............. The Risen Saints Associated in the Administration.... |