perverseness; whereby we may know, as saith Micah*, "the righteousness of God."

Thus it will be shown, that it is more safe, and more satisfactory, to interpret scripture in accordance with the plain meaning of the words; but, above all, the chief usefulness intended by this work, is to set down what may be gathered from prophecy concerning "the time of the end," which appears to be near at hand, that it may serve for a warning to us, and that we may "watch and pray

always," lest we should be taken by surprise in the coming about of that time, which is expressed by our Saviour, after his resurrection, to be "the Times and Seasons †," answering to" the times of refreshing," or "last days," and to " the times of the restitution of all things t," when there will be a final accomplishment of all "that God hath spoken

*Micah vi. 6.

+ Acts i. 7. 1 Thess. v. 1. Hosea xi. 9. Wisdom of Solomon viii. 8.

Acts iii. 21, and Note Esdras xii. 18, and Isa. xli. 4.

by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began*.” And the mystery of his will is, (see Eph. i. 9 and 10,) that, in what is called "the dispensation of the fulness of times, he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him."

Thus, when the times of the fourth empire are accomplished †, and "when the times of the gentiles are fulfilled" according to the partial accomplishment of prophecy; then will come about what is expressed in Esdras to be the parting asunder of the times; and which

* Acts iii. 19 to 21.

+ Note where Daniel speaks of the principal empires or beasts, in the seventh chapter, which contains what he calls "the sum of the matters."

Expressions from the book of Esdras are never used, except (instead of the author's own language) when they are in accordance with and serve to illustrate the scriptures which the Church of England esteem to be canonical. The author will give his reasons hereafter for quoting from this book; meantime, he is assured that the wise will not reject it because it is written (like some of the books of Daniel) in the Greek only, which was evidently done that the books which testify the Saviour openly might be shown, as regarding that period, "to the wise only of the people," which were for so

calmer judgment teach me to revise; as when Elisha called a minstrel to allay the fervency of his spirit when about to prophesy, so may their advice prevail, and may sweet monition drop into my ear, to cull exuber

ance.

I do not say that it is absolutely necessary to enter deeply into the mysteries of prophecy, provided we believe the words, ascribing power to God. That we are encouraged to do it there can be no doubt, and it is a fact, that it is owing to the study of the Bible, not in part, but as a whole, that I have become assured of the loveliness of its doctrines, and of the simplicity of its laws; the sum of which is pointed out to be what is called "The royal law," which is “to love thy neighbour as thyself;*" which has been written in the heart from the beginning, as the word, which is in us, answering to the conscience, testifieth to the worthy; which

*See James ii. 8, and Romans xiii. 8.

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.

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.