* conjecture, that neither of these works can begin before the commencement of the last shock of the great earthquake which is to overthrow the mystic Babylon.' A very few years will, however, determine this. In the mean while we ought to be preparing for that measure of tribulation with which it may please God to try our faith in the awful times in which we live. Let us above all remember the solemn warning of our Lord," Behold, I come as a thief: Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame." * Perhaps our Continental Societies are preparing the way for the accomplishment of the Prophetic warnings in Rev. xiv. 9-11. AUGUST 2d, 1826. CONTENTS. Introductory Remarks-Points of unity, and of discrepancy, The System of Apocalyptic Arrangement of Mr. Irving Mr. Irving and Mr. Frere's Theory of the Apocalyptic Reasons of Mr. Irving and Mr. Frere for altering the reading of the Prophetic number in Dan. viii. 14. con- sidered and answered. A conjecture proposed concerning PAGE Mr. Irving's and Mr. Frere's interpretation of the sealed one hundred and forty four thousand in Rev. vi. and xiv. considered and answered. CHAP. VII. Mr. Irving's and Mr. Frere's interpretation of the Apocalyptic Witnesses, and a part of the eleventh chapter of Daniel, considered and answered. CHAP. VIII. Conclusion.-On the event which marked the end of the twelve hundred and ninety days of Dan. xii. 11. and on the present posture of affairs in reference to the fulfilment of Prophecy. 82 97 108 THE SCHEME OF PROPHETIC ARRANGEMENT, &c. &c. CHAP. I. Introductory Remarks-Points of unity, and of discrepancy, between Mr. Irving and the Author, in the intérpretation of Prophecy, briefly stated. In the eventful period in which we live, the words of the concluding chapter of the book of Daniel, that "many shall run to and fro, and knowledge “shall be increased," are rapidly receiving their accomplishment, both with respect to natural science and that which is spiritual; and in an especial manner we see, even amidst the jarring and contending systems of the various interpreters of sacred prophecy, which have a tendency to perplex, and confound, and disappoint, superficial inquirers, that prophetic knowledge itself is evidently making rapid advances. Nor ought the discrepancies of expositors to excite much surprise. The subject itself is sur A rounded with difficulty, and the progress of light is gradual : and if, even at the present late period of the world, there be not an entire unanimity of sentiment upon any one of the great doctrines of divine Revelation, even those which are essential to salvation, need it to surprise us that, upon a subject so intricate as that of which we are treating, there should exist a variety of sentiment so great as to have the effect of repelling many inquirers, even at the very threshold of the temple of knowledge? The simple fact is, that prophecy is least of all the subject for indolent and superficial research; for although it possesses, like other branches of Divine knowledge, certain great outlines so plain that he who runneth may read, yet when we proceed into the interior of the edifice, it cannot be denied that the minuter parts of Apocalyptic arrangement are surrounded with difficulty and obscurity, which slowly give way before the eye of humble and patient investigation. Amidst almost endless discordance in the systems of interpreters, the prophetic student will, however, find some grounds. of encouragement even in the outset of his inquiries; for notwithstanding their discrepancies of sentiment as to the minuter shades, he will discover a surprising harmony with respect to certain great outlines. For instance, with regard to the character of the awful and momentous times in which our lot is cast, and of those more awful and more. momentous times which are approaching, and the |