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and to consider the testimony which has been given concerning him, as if to inquire whether he be indeed The Christ. The Hebrew New Testament has been well received amongst them, almost without exception; instances of individual conversion are frequent and increase daily; and it is no slight circumstance, that the great Emperor of the North, whose dominions are more extensive than any other empire upon the face of the earth, has appointed, in the centre of his vast dominions, cities of refuge, with a view to establish and to embody as a people, such Jews as may become Christians. To this it may added, that generally throughout the world, the Jews seem every where awakened to the expectation of some important national crisis. Surely the branch of the fig-tree is become tender, and she is now putting forth her leaves.

Another circumstance of the times, as connected with the Jewish people, presents also a remarkable feature. For many ages Judah has been a by-word, a hissing, an astonishment amongst the nations of the earth and the rulers of many countries professing Christianity, have thought that too much enmity could not be shewn, nor too much oppression exercised against a people, whose forefathers had crucified the Lord of life and glory. This crime has been

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visited accordingly for very many centuries upon the dispersed of Judah, as a national sin. But the word

of prophecy by David says, Ps. cii. that when "the time to favour Zion, yea, the set time is come," the Lord's servants are found to "take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof." A singular fulfilment of this may be traced in the acts of Congress at Aix-la-Chapelle, at which a stipulation was entered into, by the Christian powers there assembled, for amending the civil and political condition of this people throughout the world; taking care, at the same time, not to interfere with their peculiar institutions, or with their character as a nation.

The condition of the true, spiritual seed of Christ, at the time of the second advent, is prophesied of in Isaiah xxix. where the prophet addresses the Church,

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IIo, Ariel!" This name, translated in the margin Lion of God, signifies also, Light of God, according to Calassio; and the expression is not, as in the English translation, a denunciation of vengeance, (Woe to Ariel!) but an address to arrest the attention. The church is here described as being brought down low, even to the very ground, and her voice as a whisper out of the dust and so is the last state of the spiritual Church in Laodicea, prophesied of in Rev. iii. (See p. 145.)

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An historical type setting forth the same truth, is to be found in the old age and weakness of David, represented in 1 Kings i.-David gat no heat: there is no spiritual warmth in the professors of vital Christianity, and therefore David seeks warmth in the bosom, of Abishag the Shunamite. The gospel, almost a dead letter in many Christian countries, is sent into the lands of the heathen, and fruit unto eternal life is there brought forth; but no new sects or churches are formed, as the type intimates, for there was no offspring to David from Abishag. This type may be illustrated further by observing, that the Lord ordained Solomon, Prince of Peace, to succeed to the throne of David, but many would set up Adonijah ; · and so, in the present day, many are looking for and seeking to establish a Millennium after their own imagination, instead of waiting patiently for the ma nifestation of that which the Lord hath promised. Now Isaiah in Chap. xxix. (referred to) describes the glorious coming of Messiah to the Church, whilst in this low state, in the following terms, v. 5, 6, 7, and they correspond exactly with Rev. vi. 12-17. and other Scriptures already adduced-" The multitude of the terrible ones shall be as chaff that passeth away, yea, it shall be at an instant, suddenly: thou shalt be visited of the Lord of hosts, with thunder, and with earthquakes, and great noise, with storm

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and tempest, and the flame of a devouring fire. And the multitude of all the nations that fight against

Ariel, even all that fight against her and her muni

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tion, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision."

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CHAP. XXX.

Circumstances of the Advent.

Having already considered the time of the second advent, and the signs which shall indicate its approach, it remains to inquire next regarding the events which shall then be brought to pass. The Sacred Volume declares, that the Lord Jesus cometh

with power and great glory, to deliver his people, and to destroy the ungodly. Every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him, and all the kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him." Rev. vi. 12, describes the effect of this manifestation of Messiah upon those who are not his. Their utter astonishment and dismay, and the overturning of their unhallowed systems of government, both in Church and state, are the events there principally spoken of. They who are not his, see and know that he comes to visit them in wrath, and they would desire, by any means in their power, to hide themselves, lest be consume them...

But the Lord speaketh peace unto his people; and before he proceeds to execute judgment, he gathers

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