PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY COMMUNION, PHILADELPHIA, AND AUTHOR OF "MIRACLE IN STONE; OR, THE GREAT PYRAMID OF EGYPT." Distinguite tempora, et concordabunt Scripturæ. PHILADELPHIA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. LONDON: 16 SOUTHAMPTON STREET, COVENT GARDEN. HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY JUL 1 1914 CHARLES ELLIOTT PERKINS DEZ 12/13 “We cannot but lament the strange and unaccountable predilection which has long impeded the study of the prophetic parts of Scripture. It is an easy matter to treat with ridicule and contempt the discussion even of the most serious and interesting subjects. No efforts of superior genius are required to represent the explication of a prophecy as a fortunate conjecture, to resolve it into the fervor of credulous enthusiasm, or the invention of a strong and lively imagination. But in the present improved state of Scriptural Knowledge, a modest, humble and cautious discretion, under the guidance and good blessing of God, if it does not afford a clear and solid conviction, will, at least, command our approbation. Facts are stubborn things-the evidence which they adduce is irresistible. If an ingenuous appeal to them, adjusted by a prudent and chastened criticism, uniformly conducts us in the examination of the inspired deposits of prophetic truth, the result of our researches has legitimate claims to the attention and respect of intelligent and Christian men.” COPYRIGHT, 1878, BY JOSEPH A. SEISS. PREFACE TO THE SEVENTH EDITION. THIS book treats of the future of our world, its institutions, and its population, as revealed in the holy Scriptures. It was first published in 1856. Since that time the public has seen fit to call for repeated editions of it, until the sixth has been exhausted. As applications for it still continue, it has been deemed desirable to issue a seventh. In looking it over with this view, the author has thought it well to make a few changes and additions, the better to conform it to the results of his wider and more matured studies in this department of the Divine Word. In the long note at page 341, which is put in the place of others now expunged, the key will be found for a more satisfactory understanding of some of the particulars discussed in the body of the work. Having, in the past fifteen years, more thoroughly studied the Apocalypse, the author has come to clearer light with regard to that wonderful part of holy Scripture than appears in the references to its character and contents in this volume. The results of these studies have been given to the public in a course of special Lectures on the Apocalypse, which the reader is requested to consult for a full exhibition of the author's understanding of that Book. The allusions to the seals, trumpets and vials given in the present volume, while not held to be altogether erroneous, are in the vein of the preterist school of interpretation, which the author now regards as of very subordinate worth, and not at all reaching the main object and intent of the Apocalyptic presentations. There is, indeed, a precursory and inchoate fulfillment of these seals, trumpets and vials, in the line of what is to be found in the following pages, and in so far the interpretations here given are left standing, but only with the accompanying explanation, that they do not reach the chief import of what the Book of the Revelation was meant to foreshow. In answer to those who have thought that these pages give too unfavorable a picture of the present condition of society, and consider the moral and spiritual state of things not worse, but better, now than in former days, it is due to remark, that the difference between the writer and his critics on this point is, perhaps, more seeming than real. The truth is, that the world is both better and worse than formerly, and that it will continue to get better and worse until the end comes. As the light increases, the shadows deepen. There is upon earth a kingdom of evil, and a kingdom of good; and both are expansive and growing. This is conspicuously taught in the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares. The great Lord of the field has said, "LET BOTH GROW TOGETHER UNTIL THE HARVEST; THE HARVEST IS THE END OF THE WORLD;" and they will "both grow" as he has said. Hence Christ and Antichrist, holiness and iniquity, sanctity and depravity, good and bad, are side by side throughout the whole dispensation; each advancing, and the conflict between them ever increasing in subtleness and intensity, till the Lord of the harvest comes with his reapers, and makes the everlasting separation. As stated in previous editions, the author of this treatise does not presume to speak for his Church. He has spoken for himself only. Were he writing these Discourses now, he would perhaps express himself somewhat differently respecting church connections, and some other things. Nor is it to be overlooked that a number of particulars are presented rather as problems for examination than as settled doctrines. The author simply claims the liberty of putting forward such things as appear to him probable and true, until they are proved by solid arguments to be erroneous or false. But, if he is mistaken in the main matters here given, he is glad to know that he has erred in good company. Where a Justin Martyr, an Irenæus, and a Lactantius have led the way, and where many of the greatest lights of Christendom have followed, he can hardly be made the subject of just condemnation. But whether he be censured or commended, to his own Master in heaven he standeth or falleth. Nor is he any more responsible for what he has written, than are those who dissent, for their adverse opinions. PHILADELPHIA, 1878. |