precious gift or talent, accounted wickedness it will be found hath buried, and hath made no use of: wherefore we find that there are some men, who, after repeated commission of crime, have no conscience at all*; for the word, which is spirit, will not dwell with unrighteousness.

1

My readers may do as they please about entering, with me, upon what St. Paul calls, "The great mystery of godliness;" all I can say is, the more I have studied the prophecies, the more satisfied I am, and the more consolatory I find it, and, at the same time, expanding to the mind.

Thus, then, these Treatises are composed for the express purpose of showing that the words of the scriptures are true as they are written; and to prove that the sayings of the prophecies, if taken without any latitude of interpretation, are not only more consoling to

*This is the reason our Saviour informs us that he spoke in parables: "that seeing, they should not see," &c.

the minds of the well disposed, but that there is pointed out in them a glory, as concerning the promises, which are the birthright of the just man and true believer, that they have not contemplated; whilst the scorner is warned by positive demonstration, that there is an evil time to come, which may serve to awake the measured gift that may yet be in him, (which he hath hid from the discernment of his soul,) whilst it is called To-day; for the apostle saith, in regard to present, and to future things, with an allusion to the Israelites who were brought through the wilderness, (which had a shadow of hereafter things,) "Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying, in David, To-day, after so long a time, as it is said, To-day, if ye will hear his voice*," &c.

For it will be shown, by the putting together of numerical figures, as well as scriptures, that the words as they are written can

* So that any day will do, until that certain day, for the purpose of repentance.

not fail being true; and also, in what manner the prophecies yet to be fulfilled may be applied, in accordance with the belief that the words of God must be received as they are spoken. It is the safest way to believe them as they are written, and "we should so think, that, as are the words, such will they be in deed." (See 2 Cor. x. 11.) St. Paul tells us, that we should “ warn the unruly, and comfort the feeble minded*;" and it is in taking the words as they are written, by which we may know that "a people †, as the dust or as the sand for multitude," are accounted to be without iniquity and without

*Note 1 Peter iv. 12, 13: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." Isaiah xxxv. 4; and Isa. xxxiii. 14, 15, &c.

+ Answering to the seed of the promises, signified by Jacob, composed out of all the nations, comprehending also the preserved of the family which came up out of Egypt, who answer, as it is expressed in the twenty-second chapter and 10th verse of Deuteronomy, to the fourth part of Israel.

them that perish, because they received not th
of the truth, that they might be saved. A
this cause God shall send them this strong
sion that they should believe a lie." Th
who now letteth will let, until he be taken
the way, and then shall that wicked be
whom the Lord shall consume with the
his mouth, and destroy with the brightnes
coming."

Thus, it is evident, is described the co
Antichrist, and the temptation that sha
upon all the world to try them that dwell
earth; from which the just will be prese
him who is the author and finisher of ou
The just shall live by faith." Our Sa
prophecy saith, "Ye shall be brough

See Isaiah xvi. 4. "God is a rewarder of then
gently seek him," should it be that we do not who
his words, so as to rely upon them; we should seek, th
be worthy to be permitted to believe them. Hear wha
gelist saith: Blessed is he that readeth, and they
the words of this prophecy and keep those things
written therein, for the time is at hand.

Matt. xxiv. 27. Luk

Rev. iii. 10.

1 kings for my sake; but, saith he,
ought beforehand what ye shall speak,
ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be
in that hour, (note Rev. iii. 10,) that
for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy

66

Beloved, (saith St. Peter,) think it not

concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, gh some strange thing happened to you, but inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's gs, that when his glory shall be revealed, ye e glad also with exceeding joy." Let us not ore fear but with a godly feart; for we are, apostle tells us, the sons and daughters of

ham (i. e. according to the promises,) as long e do well, and are not afraid with any amaze

ay, therefore," St. Paul saith,

which hath great recompense have need of patience, that

+ Heb. xii. 28.

chapter of Rom. and 6th verse, St. Paul saith, render to every man according to his deeds: to y patient continuance in well doing seek for glory, ur, and immortality, eternal life. But unto them that untentious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousess, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every pul of man that doeth evil," &c.