It was not my intention however, to offer a treatise on the rules of metaphysical reasoning; but, from the acknowledged imperfection, and unsatisfactory results of metaphysical speculation heretofore, to deduce the importance of a right spirit, in the quest after truth. To some extent this is of more importance than the discovery of truth itself. It appears to be ordained as the great compensating power for the unavoidable imperfections of all copies of the scriptures. Christ says, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. In the earliest and best ages of the church, the Apostles and their cotemporaries and successors, embraced the doctrines of the gospel with the singleness of view and the confiding trust of little children. Metaphysical difficulties had not yet arisen. When these appeared, faith became, not less confident perhaps, but less satisfactory, natural, consolatory and vital. It is needless to inquire here, how far the views of the apostles were finally enlarged, and their mental vision rendered more clear, by inspiration. Such a disposition is of more value than a stern, ungenial bending of the intellect to a supposed inexorable logick. An over confident, dogmatic, positive temper on the one hand, and an unfaltering, unswerving adherence to party lines on the other, unreasoning it may be added, except in the prescribed methods, and after the received formulas-might there not be danger that these would sometimes lead to a "form of godliness without the power?" Viewed as adapted to the circumstances which surround him, man is evidently in a most imperfect condition. The dislocations and disadjustments, which are observable in every direction, seem to prove that he is in a lapsed and fallen condition. Have any of those who reject the Bible, avowedly or practically, offered a theory of man, bearing the least comparison, for sublimity and probability, to that proposed in the scriptures? the ac

Mosaic account, only after much violence to language, singularly confirms it. If there be any who hold that man was created as he is, and that therefore he is not accountable, such a doctrine would perhaps find its best support in the fact that mere morality has hitherto done little for restoring or bringing him to a state of purity, righteousness, peace and happiness.

In the year 1833 I published a work entitled Millennial Institutions. It consisted principally of a comment on the fortieth chapter of Ezekiel. It was supposed to be

proved that the six courts of which the "frame of a city," verse 2, consists, properly arranged, form a map, representing the continents of the old world, together with England. In this delineation, under architectural emblems, are represented, more especially, the civil and social institutions of the millennial period. Most of these emblems are found in the court, ver. 35-49, representing England. Here are the emblems of government, and of social and domestick arrangements. Here are the chambers of the singers, and of the priests the keepers of the charge of the house, and of the priests the keepers of the charge of the altar. These are the sons of *Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the Lord to minister unto him. The altar, ver. 47, is in front of this court, towards the east; while at the north gate are "tables, whereupon they slew" their sacrifices; intimating perhaps, in the connexion, both the

*Priest in the time of David.

prevalence of socialism, in the millennial period, as when the tribes went up to Jerusalem, and that one form of the true religion had been superseded by another. Hence it is inferred that England is the kingdom spoken of, Matt. 21: 43: Therefore I say unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you,* and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. It appears to follow that pure christianity, millennial christianity, and the civil and social institutions of the Millennium, are to proceed from England.

During the considerable period, which has intervened since the publication of the work referred to, I have seen no reason to change my opinion as to the principal meaning of the emblems set forth in the description of the "frame of a city." This is confirmed by various passages in the Old Testament, in addition to that cited from the New.

For a number of years, commencing early in 1852, I was engaged in a series of experiments on the recently discovered imponderable element, od-force or odyle. These experiments led to interesting results. A number of important discoveries, concerning the nature and properties of the new element, were achieved. Some of these throw unexpected light upon the statements of scripture. The new element is intimately connected with all the processes of life, whether animal or vegetable; and it can be made to exercise a controling influence in the prevention of some of the most formidable diseases. It will also subserve various economic and useful purposes.

I propose, in the following work, to give an account of some of these discoveries; especially of those which illustrate the scriptures. They tend generally, to confirm the authority of scripture; and will hereafter, if I am not mistaken, be intimately connected with human, or, in other words, with millennial progress. The entire work

*The Jews.

may be regarded as supplementary to that mentioned above, entitled Millennial Institutions.

Heaven grant that I may be enabled to proceed with the work, in a spirit of humility, in the fear of God, and in a manner which may be well pleasing in his sight. In Christ's name, Amen.

II. THE MILLENNIUM.

THE question may arise whether the thousand years, or millennium as it is popularly called, of Revelation, is the same period as that, described in such glowing language, by the writers of the Old Testament. By comparing and adjusting a few leading particulars, the several statements may perhaps be harmonized.

The book of Revelation is supposed to consist, not of a single consecutive series, but of several such. The series, of which the chapter giving an account of the millennium is a part, appears to commence, either with chapter fifteen. or seventeen. The question which, will depend upon the meaning of the two last verses of chapter sixteen. But it is not essential to my present purpose, to determine where the series commences; it is sufficient that chapter seventeen is included. This chapter gives an account of the "judgment" of Mystical Babylon, or, as her name is expressed in scriptures, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

In chapter 18 it is emphatically declared that Babylon is fallen, meaning that she is ready for destruction; God's people are commanded to come out of her, lest they become partakers of her sins, and receive of her plagues; and her final destruction is described.

Chapter 19 commences with great rejoicings, both in heaven and on earth, on account of the destruction of Babylon: verses 1-7.

Then follows the announcement, verses 7-10, of a sacred rite, called the marriage of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. The angel who here speaks, appears to be the one who communed with John, at the beginning of chapter seventeen.

After this an august procession issues forth, consisting of the armies in heaven upon white horses, led by one who is called Faithful and True, and whose name is called The Word of God. The power and offices of this being are described. Verses 11-16.

The apostle then saw an angel standing in the sun, ver. 17, who calls upon all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, to gather themselves together to the final contest of the powers of light and of darkness. The result of this contest is described.

The first verses of chapter 20, verses 1—3, give a brief account of the imprisonment of Satan for a thousand years. Then follows the description of the millennium: verses 4-6.

Here we have a regular series of events, in immediate, or near preparation for the millennium. More remotely the series commences, perhaps, with the pouring out of the sixth vial, at verse 12 of chapter 16.* This vial is supposed to represent the discoveries of America, and of the passage to India, by the Cape of Good Hope. clean spirits like frogs-in the water and water on the water and on the land-went forth to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Three unout of the

We have, above, as has been said, a regular series of prophetical events, evidently in immediate or near preparation for the millennium. Before attempting any exposition of this most important portion of scripture, I will give my views as to the structure of the book of Revela

*Still more remotely perhaps, as has been said, with chapter 15.