The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-12-13
Miscellaneous.
THE END OF TIE WORLD.

the present day, is to come in ls43. l do not say,
that 1t will not; for do not know this. But do
say, that 1t would be well for the public to call to
mind the many predictions of the like nature which
have already been wrecked. and which MAIN
tanned with as much learning, and with much con-
hdence too rs present theories Specially would
they do well to call to mind the notable case of John
Albert Bengel, of the best Greek scholars and sa
cred eXpostors of the last age, and the editor of the
famous critical edition Of the New Testament which
bears his name. His picty and talents are beyond
fair question, and sobrety, all other subjects ex-
cept Apocalypse, prominent trait OF his char
acter. He spent the flower of his life in pursuit of
the secret meanings ofRevelation. He came to full
conclusion, at last, that he had discovered them-
lie announced them to the world and in SO doing he
says with much modesty that the very reaso he
has to doubt the disclosure of these is that
was made 10 so unworthy person as himself Yet,
In full confidence that the occult matters ofthe Apoc-
aypse had actually been revealed TO him by the IIo-
ly Spirit published his book. Mos: devoutly does
he thank God for the wonderful disclosures which it
is designed to make. The grand period as to all
the leading parts Of the great DRAMA according to his
book, was TO be consummated in A. d. 1889. If the
face of the world shor Id be entirely changed at
that period, then, he says, the church must believe
that he has been mistaken. But that the change
would take place, he entertained not a shadow of
doubt.
So far, this great and good man. And wc-have
lived to see 1888, land the world is still moving round
the sun, and its busy inhabitants going much in
days of yore. We never thought at that period,
Of the BengeliGn revelations: and discov
err the record ofthem the page of history.
Many confident predictions uttered by other roman
GERS in prophecy, have met the fate and been
wrecked on the rocks whittier the mighty stream of
time has borne them. Such is doubtless the destiny
of many others also; and yet, all this does not seem
to diminish the confidence Of those who write theo-
logical! BE so! If there must needs be enthusi-
asts and Missionaries, (and so it would seem)why may
not this department of exegetca theology exhibit its
due proportion?
Once for all, however, we may beseech such inter
prefers TO listen to a word of caution will not
proach them with the presumption Of undertaking to
expound book, which, of all others in the Bible, de-
mards the deepest knowledge OF the original Scrip
lures, and of the prophetic dom, when they have
well studied either But may not ask, how it came
about that when Jerusalem was to be destroyed the
exact time was carefully kept back, until the very
of its mpshment, from the disciples of Christ?
Mark tells (chap. xiii, 81 that the three favor
lite disciples went him and asked him the question
respecting the time of its desolaon. He tells al
so, that Jesus declared ''ths timely 32.) 10 be
knoacn not only men, but to the angels in heaven,
yea to the Son himself" 1t was only after the Ro
man army in Palestine and had begun their task,
that the time was declared to john Rev. XII q
But we may appeal to passage still more appli
cable to the present case, AID which comprises more
within its grasp. The anxious disciples asked the sa
viour, eohen he ,Ooud restore the Kingdom Of Israel?
1t matters not what particular thing they had in mind,
l. c. whether it was purely the spiritual kingdom of
Christ or the ecclesiastical political kingdom which
they had once been expecting. The is
which ought to be engraven on frontspece and put
upon the study door Of every writer on the proPhe
cies, who INDUCES the expectation of being able to
point out the hour of fufllment 1t was this: it IS
mol for qou to kno,o the lines and seasons, chich the
Father has put in has ocn powcr. Actsi 6, T.
If now it was not for even apostles to know Of
these Secrets is it for every curious and specializing
mind that knows little indeed either of history or ex-
egetical SCIENCE to tell us all about such matters Is
it not presumption to engage in such an undertaking!
God has undoubtedly determined upon the times and
seasons, when all events that respect his church will
take place. But it does not follow that he has re-
yealed this matter We are satisfied he has not
Why not leave to him the secret thing which he
claims as his own prerogative' Why assume to our
selves position, which he does not allow us to as
sumo?
But alas! all the disappointments OF writers teem-
ing with fancy and filled with confidence, IN Gays 'hu'
are past, seem to have mado no impression on the
like class of writers at the present period. AS soon
ne ruthless time mows down one paterre Of flowers
with the scythe, another is planted on its ruins win
the hope ofhavng moro permanent crop ana SO
it will be- When 1s43 passes away, and the wo''o
still moves ON without being josted from Its orbit;
the Pope still issues his DEGREES from the 'a''ca'
the Sultan still haughtily points to his peehg MIMI
rets and the banners of Islam; and inithiai anu nun"
bile christians are still aboring and suffering as peoe
then some more fortunate advenurer Will perhaps us
I,,ont error in former calculations las recently