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that the prophets had spoken," (for the Holy Ghost was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified,) were afterwards admitted into the kingdom of God, when the Spirit was poured out from on high; but when the Lord shall have accomplished the number of his elect, and hastened his kingdom, then, at his coming, "they that are ready shall go in with him to the marriage, and the door shall be shut." How vast is this distinction !

From this view of the subject has arisen the varied instruction in these series of Lectures by a few Christian ministers, who all agree in the grand principle of interpretation which bids them look for the signs of the times in which the Lord Jesus Christ shall come in his glory; however they may have differed in their views of certain details connected with that great event. The present course of Lectures is especially intended to open to the prophetical student some glimpses of Messiah's glory, with a view to lead them to look up the more watchfully; and to lift up their heads, as they observe the signs of the times, by which they may hope that their redemption draweth nigh. Some such glimpses are afforded by the view of Messiah's triumph, when he shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied; and when he shall achieve the great victory over

his confederate enemies. These are the subjects of the first and second Lectures in this volume. Again, his glory is exhibited in the fulfilment of his covenant love, with his espoused Bride-when he shall gather his saints for the day of the manifestation of the sons of God. This is set forth in the third and fourth Lectures. The echoing joy of all creation emancipated from the groaning condition in which it lies, in order to enjoy the visible majesty of the Lord on his return to the earth; this is opened in the fifth and sixth Lectures. The connexion in which God's ancient people-the kindred of the Saviour according to the flesh-stands in the great scheme of glory, occupies the seventh and eighth Lectures. The earth's restoration to its original blessing under

a

new Adam, occupies the ninth and tenth Lectures; while the practical application to be drawn from the declared character of those who partake of the kingdom of glory, together with the encouragement to be derived from its perpetuity, these close the Lectures in the present volume.

As these glimpses of Messiah's glory have been arranged and delivered in the spirit of prayer, so they are now sent forth to the Church with a prayerful desire that God may condescend to

make them the means by which many of his people may be led with greater confidence to "lift up their heads," knowing that their redemption draweth nigh.

Wonston, April, 1848.

ALEX. R. C. DALLAS.

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