Ethan Smith's 1811 book

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Ethan Smith (1762-1849) Dissertation on the Prophecies... (1st ed., Charlestown, MA, 1811) Title Page Contents Preface Chapter I. Chapter II. Chapter III. Chapter IV. Conclusion
Key to Figurative Language(1814) \| View of the Hebrews(1823) This web-document is still under construction Editorial Notes: (forthcoming)


A

DISSERTATION

ON  THE

P R O P H E C I E S;

RELATIVE  TO

ANTICHRIST  AND  THE  LAST  TIMES;

EXHIBITING THE

RISE, CHARACTER,  AND  OVERTHROW.

OF  THAT

TERRIBLE  POWER;

AND  A

TREATISE;

ON  THE  SEVEN  APOCALYPTIC

V I A L S.

BY  ETHAN SMITH, A. M.
PASTOR  OF  A  CHURCH  IN  HOPKINTON,  N. H.


In the last days perilous times shall come  PAUL.
Ye have heard that Antichrist shall come. JOHN.
The Lion hath roared; who shall not fear?
The Lord God hath spoken; who can but prophesy? AMOS.
Blow ye the trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm in my holy mountain. JOEL.


PRINTED  AND  SOLD  BY  SAMUEL T. ARMSTRONG.
Charlestown, Massachusetts.
1811.

[ii]

DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, TO WIT.

BE it remembered that on the nineteenth day of February, A.D. 1811 and in the thirty fifth year of the Independence of the United States of America, Samuel T. Armstrong, of the said district, has deposited in this office the title of a book the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, to wit:

"A Dissertation on the Prophecies relative to Antichrist, and the Last Times: exhibiting the Rise, Character and Overthrow of that terrible Power; and a Treatise on the seven apocalyptic Vials. By Ethan Smith, A.M. Pastor of the church in Hopkinton, N. H. In the last days perilous times shall come PAUL. Ye have heard that Antichrist shall come. JOHN. The Lion hath roared; who shall not fear? The Lord God hath spoken; who can but prophesy? AMOS. Blow ye the trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm in my holy mountain. JOEL."

In conformity to the act of Congress of the United States, intitled "An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned;" and also to an act entitled "An act supplementary to an act intitled 'An act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned;' and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints."

WM. S. SHAW,
Clerk of the District of Massachusetts.

[ iii ]

RECOMMENDATIONS.

Rev. Doctor Lathrop's. "The Rev. E. Smith has read in my hearing a considerable portion of a Dissertation on the Prophecies relative to Antichrist, and the last times, written by himself. And so far as I can judge, from what I have heard, it is written with great ingenuity, communicates new and important light on the subject, and would be at any time, and especially at the present time, highly deserving of the public attention. Springfield, Aug. 28, 1809. JOSEPH LATHROP."

Rev. Doctor Hemmenway's. "Having heard a considerable part of the Dissertation above mentioned read, I can heartily concur with the others, who have recommended the publication of it, as ingenious, seasonable, and highly worthy of the public attention. Wells, Nov. 28, 1809. MOSES HEMMENWAY."

Rev. Doctor Spring's. "Having heard Mr. Smith read his Dissertation on the Prophecies, relative to Antichrist, and the last days, it is sincerely hoped he will be induced to publish it. He has so attentively developed and displayed the design of Inspiration relative to the last times, by judiciously comparing various predictions, that it is judged he has cast new light upon the interesting subject; and that his labored work will be read with advantage by all candid inquirers after truth. Newburyport, Dec. 1, 1809. SAMUEL SPRING."

Rev. Doctor Thayer's. "Having attended to a Dissertation in manuscript of the Rev. E. Smith on the Prophecies, relative to Antichrist, and the last days, including a Treatise on the seven Vials, I am fully of opinion that new light is thrown upon the subject; that the predictions, and the events stated as their fulfilment, better accord with each other, than in any publication I have seen upon this interesting subject. The work appears to be handsomely and judiciously executed, and calculated to afford important and necessary instruction and warning to the present generation. For these reasons it is wished that it be made public. Kingston, July 2, 1810. ELIHU THAYER."

iv RECOMMENDATIONS.

Rev. Doctor Morse's. "The Rev. E. Smith has communicated to me the plan of his Dissertation on the Prophecies, and read in my hearing a considerable part of his MS. I deem his work seasonable, ingenious, and deeply interesting to the public. In explaining and applying some very important prophecies, he appears to differ from all the writers on the subject, who have preceded him, and for reasons, which, so far as my attention to the work enables me to decide, are as satisfactory as the nature of the case I will admit. I cordially unite with my fathers and brethren above named, in their wishes to have this work published, and am persuaded it will be read with interest, and I would hope with profit, by multitudes of Christians who are anxiously observant of the signs of the times,. Charlestown, Dec. 22, 1810. JEDIDIAH MORSE."

"The Hopkinton Association, in the state of New Hampshire, having given a hearing to the Dissertation of the Rev. E. Smith, on the Prophecies relative to Antichrist, do approve of the object and execution of the work. They view it calculated to promote the interest of Zion in this age of the world; and do therefore cordially recommend it to the careful and impartial perusal of every class of people. Dunbarton, April 20, 1809. SAMUEL WOOD, Moderator.
EBENEZER PRICE, scribe pro tem."

Rev. Mr. M'Farland's. "I have read in manuscript a "Dissertation on the Prophecies, relative to Antichrist, and the last times," by the Rev. E. Smith. I n this eventful age, a work, that is calculated to explain the import and fulfilment of prophecy, is peculiarly seasonable and interesting. I can with sincerity concur with others, who have given their opinion respecting this work, and say, I believe it communicates new light on the prophecies, which relate to the last times. I wish it may be published, and have an extensive circulation.. Concord, July 25, 1810. ASA M'FARLAND."

SAMUEL T. ARMSTRONG would inform his friends and the public generally, that he intends shortly to open a BOOK-STORE, in a central part of Boston, and he takes this opportunity to solicit orders for BOOKSand STATIONERY, of which articles he will endeavor to have a complete and constant supply.

N. B. The PRINTING BUSINESS will be carried on as usual; orders to any extent attended to with promptitude, and executed with neatness and accuracy upon liberal terms.
Charlestown, Mass. Feb. 20, 1811.

[ v ]

C O N T E N T S.

CHAPTER I.

We are taught in the prophetic parts of the sacred Scriptures to expect the rise of a terrible atheistical Power, and a vast influence of Infidelity, in the last days, or just before the Millennium.

SECTION 1.

17 Preliminary remarks upon the 10th and 11th chapters of Daniel.

SECTION 2.

25 This infidel Power predicted in Daniel xi from the 36th verse to the end.

SECTION 3.

33 Antichrist another Power beside the Papal hierarchy.

SECTION 4.

36 Antichrist predicted by the Apostles.

SECTION 5.

44 Antichrist predicted in Revelation 12th chapter.

SECTION 6.

47 The Roman, Papal, and Antichristian beasts.

SECTION 7.

84 Antichrist predicted in Revelation 18th chapter.

SECTION 8.

95 Daniel's prophecy of the saints being given into the possession of the Papal horn 1260 years, consistent with a small portion of that term being occupied by the domination of Antichrist. Also Paul's man of sin considered.

98 Concluding remarks upon the chapter.

vi CONTENTS.

CHAPTER II.

The last days have arrived, and an inceptive fulfilment of the predictions concerning Antichrist is now manifest before our eyes.

SECTION 1.

101 Chronological calculations.

SECTION 2.

104 The French Revolution.

SECTION 3.

110 The characters of Dr. Robison and the Abbe Barruel.

SECTION 4.

112 Origin of the French Revolution.

SECTION 5.

124 The re-establishment of Popery by Bonaparte not inconsistent with Atheism being the characteristic of the French Empire..

SECTION 6.

130 Antichristian influence in the United States.

SECTION 7.

145 The present views and conduct of the French Government.

SECTION 8.

155 Some other causes which facilitate the spread of Infidelity in our nation considered.

165 Concluding remarks upon the chapter.

CHAPTER III.

Some other particulars relative to the subject under consideration.

SECTION 1.

167 The trials of the Church under the reign of Antichrist.

CONTENTS. vii

SECTION 2.

199 Gog and his Bands: Or the final expedition and overthrow of Antichrist in Palestine.

SECTION 3.

231 Mr. Faber's opinion concerning Gog and Magog, considered.

SECTION 4.

251 Some other prophecies relative to the last expedition, and the overthrow of Antichrist, and the ruin of the enemies of the Church.

CHAPTER IV.

261 A treatise on the seven apocalypyic Vials.

264 Vial 1. The discovery made of Papal corruption, at the reformation, early in the sixteenth century

285 Vial 2. The terrible wars in Italy for nearly half a century, between Charles V. and Francis I, ending in 1569

299 Vial 3. The subsequent wars and judgments in the Papal nations, for about two centuries

315 Vial 4. The operations of the European civil governments against the Papal hierarchy, concluding in the expulsion of the Jesuits, after the middle of the last century

323 Vial 5. The overthrow of the Papal beast, by the rise of the Antichristian beast in France, in and after the year 1789

325 Vial 6. The subversion of the Turkish empire, to prepare the way for the restoration of Israel and the Jews to the Holy Land

336 Vial 7. The destruction of Antichrist in the Holy land, in an expedition against the Church of Christ there; and the overthrow of all contending enemies of the Church, to introduce the Millennium

viii CONTENTS.

CONCLUSION.

In which some duties are suggested, which seem calculated to witgstand the Infidelity of our times.

351 1. Repentance and reformation

355 2. Faithfulness in the government of our literary Institutions

355 3. Vigilance and faithfulness in the embassadors of Christ

358 4. Proper caution in the induction of men into the Gospel ministry

358 5. A faithful support and improvement of the regular administration of the Gospel, and avoiding erroneous and unknown teachers

364 6. Due exertions to promote the sanctification of the Lord's day

366 7. Proper caution in the admission of members into the Church; and a faithful support of Christian discipline

367 8. Family religion; and a pious, discreet family government

368 9. The employing of pious as well as able instructors of our children

369 10. Wisdom and prudence in the choice of our civil rulers

373 11. A vigilant eye upon the movements of the enemy; and a solemn attention to the signs of the times

375 12. Watchfulness, and special prayer

[ ix ]

P R E F A C E.

I HAVE believed the signs of the times to be very interesting; and have wished that some able writer might succeed in opening and presenting, in a judicious and connected manner, the sacred Prophecies, which are receiving their fulfilment. Mr. Faber, I think, has succeeded better in this, than any other writer on the subject.

I am not insensible of the arduousness of this undertaking; abd that some worthy men discountenance attempts to explain prophecies, till a long time after their fulfilment. Doubtless the prophecies generally will be more closely understood, when they shall be viewed at a considerable distance past. But this should not preclude our present attempts to form correct opinions relative to those which are not fulfilled: much less relative to the accomplishment of those, which are recently fulfilled; and of those which are now in a train of fulfilment. The Jews were by our Lord reproved for not understanding the signs of the times; i.e. for not understanding the fulfilment of prophecies, then taking place before their eyes.

x PREFACE.

The prophecies were given, not only to evince the divine origin of Revelation, by being viewed after their respective and evident fulfillment; but also to direct and animate the people of God in the prospect of, and during their fulfilment. But this implies our duty to study them, while the events which they predict are taking place, and while they are future. Accordingly, when the Revelation was made to St. John, it was prefaced with this admonition. Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things, which are written therein; for the time is at hand. Repeatedly it is given in charge, in the midst of some of the darkest prophecies; Let him, that readeth, understand. We read: None of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. They shall know the judgments of the :ord. Daniel previously understood by books the return of the Jews from Babylon. This knowledge excited his prayer for the accomplishment of the event. Simeon, Anna, and others, who waited for the consolation of Israel, understood by prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah; and they discerned the accomplishment before their eyes, in the Babe of Bethlehem. We are told; The secret of the Lord God is with them, that fear him; And; The Lord God will do nothing, but he will reveal it to his servants the prophets: Not by new revelations; but by leading to a correct investigation of those already given. All the directions given to the people of God, relative to the perilous times just preceeding the Millennium,

PREFACE. xi

clearly imply, that the Church will, at that day, understand the most interesting prophecies then to that we may form correct views, in the light of prophecy, of the great events of our days.

The Church of Christ has been preminished respecting most of the signal events, in which she was to be much interested, in every age. In this the care and kindness of her divine Lord have ever appeared. And he has graciously so ordered, that his people should be led to form essentially correct views of the fulfilment of those premonitions. Shall the great events of this period of the world then be an exception to this general rule? Shall the events of our days, more interesting than any events of former ages, and which for more than twenty years have been alarming the world, and demonstrating the commencement of a new and important era, be supposed to be veiled in impenetrable mystery? It cannot be probable! Some of the most interesting prophecies of Revelation have recently received their accomplishment; which is leading on a train of events most important, and clearly predicted. And it must be important to Zion to be able rightly to view in the light of Divine prophecies, the present, and the subsequent designs of Providence.

Attempts to write upon the prophecies have been, in the estimation of some, brought into disrepute, by

xii PREFACE.

the failing of even able and good men, in their conjectures upon the subject; and especially by the injudiciousness and enthusiasm of others. But shall occasion be hence taken to neglect the important and useful part of the word of God?

The author of the following work is not insensible of the perils of the times, and the delicacy of his subject, at such a day as this, Permit him once for all to protest, that he is not knowingly governed in the least, in any thing he has written, by the party interests of the day. He solemnly disclaims every such motive: And confidently appeals to all, who for about twenty years have known the tenor of his public ministry, and of his life, that he is no party man; nor did he ever attempt to figure in politics. What he has written, is written under a solemn conviction of the infinite weight of evangelical truth; and of his accountability to God, as a minister of the Gospel. From an attempt to answer some questions publicly proposed relative to the increasing fanaticism and Infidelity in our states, and the most potent remedies against them, my pages have gradually increased into a volume. I am indebted to Mr. Faber for my conviction, that the prophecies concerning Antichrist, instead of being exclusively applicable to the Romish hierarchy, designate an Atheistical Power of later date; and am indebted to him for finding in Dan. xi, 36, -- a prediction of this Atheistical Power; and finding a fulfilment of it in the French nation. But this author wrote before the

PREFACE. xiii

government of France had assumed its Imperial form. There are striking traits of character in the above noted prophecy, and in various others, overlooked, or misapprehended by this celebrated author. On reading his application of the prediction in Dan. xi, 36, -- to the French nation, I felt a difficulty from the seeming abruptness of such an application. But on consulting the preceding parts of the chapter in connexion with chapter 10th, and learning, as I apprehended, the object of the revealing Angel, I found my doubts removed, and my confidence in the correctness of the application of the passage to the French nation, established. With this clue I have endeavored to examine various other prophecies, which respect the same period, and some preceding, and subsequent periods; with what success, the reader will judge. I acknowledge many expositions given in this work are new; at least they are so to me; which has excited my fear and solemn attention in the investigation of the true sense of those passages. I have endeavorcd to consult and compare authors on this subject; and have long been in a habit of perusing them with some pleasure. But it will be seen that I have not been governed wholly by old opinions; but have endeavored to compare Scripture with Scripture and to follow its most obvious and natural meaning. I have no other apology to make for presenting this Dissertation to the public, than the fact that several gentlemen whose judgment I venerate, have advised

xiv PREFACE.

to it; and my own conviction of the truth of my scheme and the weight of the subject.

THE AUTHOR.

Note: Since writing this Dissertation, Mr. Faber's last volume, that upon the Restoration of the Jews, has made its appearance: Upon the perusal of which, I have been strengthened in finding so many of my opinions accord with his upon this point. His scheme relative to Ezekiel's Gog, I think incorrect, and have assigned my reasons in a section inserted for the purpose.

[ xv ]

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[ xvi ]

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[ 17 ]

A

DISSERTATION.

CHAP. I.

We are taught in the prophetic parts of the sacred Scriptures, to expect the rise of a terrible atheistical Power, and a vast influence of Infidelity, in the last days, or just before the Millennium.

THERE are many predictions of this event, both in the Old and New Testaments; some of which will be noted in the following sections.

SECTION I.

Preliminary remarks upon the 10th and 11th chapters of Daniel.

The first passage, which will be addressed to prove the proposition, is Dan. xi, from the 36th verse to the end. To prepare the way for the consideration of this passage, let the following things be premised. The prophet Daniel had twice predicted the existence of the Roman empire; in the legs of iron; * and in the fourth beast strong and terrible, having great iron teeth. † Popery had been before predicted, under the emblem of the little horn of the Roman beast, speaking great things against the Most High. ‡ And Mohammedism had been predicted, under the emblem of the little horn of the he-goat; § as Mr. Faber has ingeniously shown. �

* Dan. ii, 34, 40.
† Dan. vii, 7.
‡ Dan. vii, 8, 24.
§ Dan. vii, 9.
� Vol. I, p. 158.

18 Remarks on Dan. x, and xi.

In Dan, ix, we have an account of the prophet's fasting and supplication relative to the return of the Jews...

The remainder of Chapter I has not yet been transcribed.

[ 101 ]

CHAP. II.

The last days have arrived, and an inceptive fulfilment of the predictions concerning Antichrist is now manifest before our eyes.

THIS I shall endeavor to evince in the following sections.

SECTION I.

Chronological Calculations.

THE Church of Christ was to remain in the wilderness, after being given into the hands of the Papal horn, 1260 years. * Mr. Faber is confident, that this goving of the saints into the hands of the Papal power was A. D. 606, when Phocas constituted the bishop of Rome, universal bishop. A former English writer, noted with approbation in Pool's Annotations, by the name of Stephens, was of the same opinion. This opinion appears high;y probable. If the saints were to be given into the hands of the Papal horn 1260 years; the giving of them into his hands surely must mark the commencement of the 1260 years. And the constituting of the bishop of Rome universal bishop, appears to be the very act of giving the saints into his hands. In A. D. 606 then, we must probably date the beginning of the 1260 years. Much evidence in favor of this period, Mr. Faber attempts to adduce from the predictions concerning the Mohammedan imposture. This, and the Papal imposture, he thinks, were to commence, continue, and close their existence, together. But Mohammed began his diabolical system A. D. 606; the very year in which the saints were given into the hands of the Papal horn.

* Dan. vii, 25, and Rev. xii, 6.

102 Chronological Calculations.

Another argument in favor of this period the above named author adduces...

The remainder of Chapter II has not yet been transcribed.

[ 167 ]

CHAP. III.

Some other Prophecies relative to the Subject under consideration.

SECTION I.

The Truths of the Church under the reign of Antichrist.

IN this section I shall remark upon some of the prophecies, which are thought to relate to the trials of the people of God under the prevalence of Antichristian tyranny. As the scenes of this tyranny may continue for some time, perhaps for half a century, and it may be more, some of the prophecies now to be noted may relate to that period generally; some to one part of it; and some to another.

But before any prophecies relative to that period are considered, let it be remarked, that the great infidel Power of the last days denominated Antichrist; being also represented as the old Roman beast revived, and as the sixth, or Imperial head, recovered from its deadly wounds; these things alone portend solemn things to the Church. Why is this Power called Antichrist? Why was his existence in the last days so long, and so abundantly and solemnly predicted to the Church under this, and various other terrific appellations? Will he not verify the hostility indicated in his very name? Can the appellation of Antichrist be unmeaning? Why is he represented in addition to this, as the last head of the old Roman beast? And the sixth, the most persecuting head, recovered from his deadly wound? The best expositors agree, that a beast, in the symbolic language of prophecy, means a great power hostile to the Church of Christ. Powers ever so great, not hostile to the Church are not symbolized by beasts. And when a great power, that has been hostile to the Church, and has been symbolized by a beast, ceases to

168 Trials of the Church under Antichrist.

be hostile to the Church, that beast is represented as dying or being wpunded to death...

The remainder of Chapter III has not yet been transcribed.

[ 261 ]

CHAP. IV.

Containing a Treatise on the Seven Apocalyptic Vials.

THAT the way may be prepared to note the prophecies relative to Antichrist, in some of the last vials, I shall endeavor to give an explanation of the whole of them.

We are informed, Rev. xv, 1; And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. Verse 7; And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. Chap. xvi, 1; And I heard a great voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

The vial here mentioned is a plain cup, out of which to drink (---- from ----, to drink.) We read, Psalm lxxv, 8. In the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same; but the dregs thereof all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out and drink them. A cup is often used in sacred Writ, to signify a portion from God, either of blessing, or of jusgment. * The seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, poured out from heaven to earth, are symbols of a series of peculiar judgments, which were to be inflicted upon the most notorious enemies of God on earth. Each vial being poured out by an Angel, indicates that Angels are the ministers of Divine Providence, to inflict the judgments of heaven on the enemies of the Church. The apocalyptic vials are seven. The number seven is much used in the word of God; and especially in this mystical book. Here are the seven seals; the seven trumpets;

* See Psalm xi, 6; Jer. xxv, 15, 17, 28; Ezek. xxiii, 32; Mark xiv, 36, and x, 38; Psalm cxvi, 13, and many others.

262 A Treatise on the Seven Vials.

the seven spirits of God; and the seven vials...

The remainder of Chapter III has not yet been transcribed.

[ 351 ]

C O N C L U S I O N.

In which some duties are suggested which seem calculated to withstand the Infidelity of our times.

I HAVE now finished my arguments and proofs in favor of the points proposed in this Dissertation. Concerning the weight of the evidence, the reader will judge. But proceeding on the ground that the points proposed are substantiated; what have the friends of Zion to do, to understand the Infidelity of this period? They have much to do: much with their own hearts; much with their families; and much with their fellow men. The Divine precepts, now emphatically applicable, are many, and most weighty. One important direction we find prefixed to the prophetic description of the rise of Antichrist in Jude. The Apostle exhorts us that we contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. The duty here enjoined implies, in addition to faithful support of the scheme of Gospel grace, the diligent use of all proper remedies against the insidious attacks of all, who aid the cause of Antichrist. As these attacks are concealed, oblique, and subtile; so the means of withstanding them must be extensive; and must consist much in guarding those principles, on the subversion of which, the enemies make their highest calculations. These means ought to be wisely ascertained, and vigilantly applied.

For this purpose, I shall now suggest some things, which may be esteemed important.

1. Repentance and reformation.

If these be neglected, all other means will be of but little avail. For God will wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses. This will hold true of nations, as well as of individuals. However blamable may be the instrumental causes of our calamities or public dangers, yet

352 Conclusion.

they are a just punishment for our sins. Nothing but sin could betray us into the hands of the agents of Infidelity...

Pages 352 to 379 have not yet been transcribed.

380 Conclusion.

speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Here the coming of Christ, in those decisive scenes of judgment, is to avenge his elect: and is in answer to their long and persevering cries.

Here then is the powerful weapon, which shall secure to Christians the victory. If the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much; surely the effectual, fervent, abd special prayers of all the righteous, under the oppression of the last days, will avail more. For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety.

The following Divine directions and promises are accordingly given: "Ye, that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence; and give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Pray without ceasing. Be careful for nothing, but in every thing with prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God. Casting all your cares upon him; for he careth for you. It shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved: For in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant, whom the Lord shall call."

Therefore, "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people; sanctify the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, and those that suck the breast. Let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests and ministers of the Lord weep between the porch and the altar; and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord; and give not thine heritage to reproach, that he heathen should rule over them. Wherefore should they say among the heathen, Where is their God? Then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people." Here is the duty of the people of God, and their only path of safety, under the reign of Antichrist.

THE END.

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