gather from them the intimation, that an awful chapter in the history of the world is opening out,-a period approaching, in which the arm of the Lord will be remarkably revealed. This general truth he would insist on. Deprecating the thoughtlessness of many, as respects futurity, he would almost equally deprecate the rashness of those who curiously speculate on things unseen.

If this little book stir up any one, into whose hands it may fall, patiently to watch, and humbly to discern the signs of the times, the author will have abundant reason for gratitude to God.

Edmonton, April 10, 1835.

LECTURE I.

THE CERTAINTY OF CHRIST'S SECOND COMING.

2 PETER, i. 16.

We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his majesty.

IN the season of "advent" we are called on by the church to commemorate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ "in great humility," and are instructed to look forward to his coming again"in glorious majesty." The past may be to us a pledge of the

B

future. If the apostles found the ancient prophecies not "cunningly devised fables,” but literally and exactly accomplished when he came to redeem the world, we shall find them as surely based, and as minutely fulfilled, when he shall appear to judge the world. To that future coming our thoughts should frequently go forth. In it are concentrated our hopes and prospects. In it is the consummation of our faith. With it Christ himself consoled his personal followers: "I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also." We are therefore to watch for and welcome its approach; and as it travels onward, we are to lift up our heads, for our redemption then draweth nigh.

Beware, brethren, that ye be "not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief:" therefore ye must "not sleep, as do others," but must "watch and be sober."

It is my intention to press this subject upon you, this advent, as strongly as I can: and I shall, with the divine permission, devote to it the four Sunday mornings. Today, I shall confine myself to the certainty of Christ's second coming, as proved by his first. I shall, next week, speak of the suddenness, as we are warned in scripture, of Christ's coming: the Sunday after, I shall urge on you the necessity of watchfulness for Christ's coming: and on the fourth Sunday, I shall make a particular address,

enforcing upon my auditors the solemn, the paramount importance of present preparation for Christ's coming.

It is my earnest prayer that what I am enabled to say may be rendered abidingly useful to you and I entreat you, for your part, to ask that Holy Spirit who alone can render the preached word effectual, and make you wise unto salvation.

To-day, then, I invite your attention to the certainty of Christ's second coming, as proved by the first and I shall

I. Make some observations on the remarkable accomplishment of prophecy in his first coming: and,

II. Direct you to some of the predictions which inform us that he will come again.