_Every one that shall be found written in the book._ DIVINE REGISTRATION, THE PLEDGE OF DELIVERANCE IN TIMES OF TROUBLE The whole history of the Church of God bears one unbroken testimony to the fact that her distinction from the world is essential to her, real prosperity; and the more tenaciously... [ Continue Reading ]
_And at that time shall Michael stand up._ THE GREAT CONSUMMATION It is a little unfortunate that this chapter has been severed from what immediately precedes it. Here we learn: 1. That the time of the Antichrist will be a time of unexampled distress. The trouble will be more or less upon all peo... [ Continue Reading ]
_Some to everlasting life, and some to shame._ UNTO LIFE OR DEATH--WHICH? Death is not annihilation; the grave is not the end of man. Two facts are indisputable among those who receive the Scriptures. 1. The fact of a general resurrection anterior to the Judgment Day. 2. The righteous will be rai... [ Continue Reading ]
_And they that be wise._ SHINING AS THE STARS The word prudent or wise means endued with intellect. Some take it transitively, and in this passage their opinion is probably correct, because the office of justifying will soon be assigned to these prudent ones. It is better, however, to take it as me... [ Continue Reading ]
_Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased._ CAPITAL AND LABOUR One of the most striking features of the history of the race has been the want of continuity or conformity in the progress of mankind. Nations have apparently shot up as toadstools do, in a night, and perished like th... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then I, Daniel, looked._ THE EPILOGUE TO THE VISION Hitherto the angel has prophesied the development of history, without adding any remark or exhortation. Here, however, he concludes his predictions by adding the strongest possible incitement to faithful perseverance; an incitement which must hav... [ Continue Reading ]
_How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?_ THE PHILOSOPHY OF WONDERS There are many things at which we need not wonder. There are marvellous things in the kingdom of nature at which we continue to wonder. Man himself, as fearfully and wonderfully made, is as much a source of wonder to the... [ Continue Reading ]
_And I heard, but I understood not._ THE ASPECT OF THE TIMES I. CONTEMPLATE SOME OF THESE WONDERS--THE CALAMITIES OF THE CHURCH. 1. It is a wonder that the Church of God should be exposed to calamity. 2. That they should sometimes be so great and overwhelming. 3. That they have come visibly fro... [ Continue Reading ]
_For the words are closed_ THE SEALED BOOK Daniel_, _having heard of the great troubles and afflictions that the Church was to meet with in the last days, was desirous to know how long they should continue, and to have some more particular information concerning the issue of them. The angel said,... [ Continue Reading ]
_And none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand._ A VIRTUOUS MIND THE BEST HELP TO UNDERSTAND TRUE RELIGION To seek a man’s true and final interest, by parting with some present and inconsiderable advantages for the sake of more and much greater ones to come, is the proper a... [ Continue Reading ]
_But go thou thy way till the end be._ GO THOU THY WAY I. GOD HAS A SPECIAL WAR FOR EACH MAN, AND A GENERAL WAY COMMON TO ALL. 1. The special way. Christianity teaches that God is a Being of infinite love and wisdom, who will guide every man into his special way of thought if we seek to do His wil... [ Continue Reading ]