THE LAST JUDGMENT
AND
SECOND COMING OF THE LORD.
INTRODUCTION.
A GENERAL VIEW OF THE SUBJECTS INTENDED TO BE DISCUSSED.
The Argument.—The Scripture narratives of the subjects admitted to be figurative.—The author's opinion.—Statement that we are now living in the time of the Lord's Second Coming.—Surprise which this idea may occasion to those who hold the common view of that event.—The fate which has befallen important truths.—The new doctrine is founded in Biblical criticism, and possesses evidence in the condition of society.—The importance of truth and the danger of prejudice.—The time in which we live not satisfied with the religious decisions of a former age.—The new era.—The advancement of scientific knowledge.—The argument against the idea of religious progress.—The completeness of the Christian documents, but the incompleteness of human interpretation.—Differences of religious thought.—Improved perceptions concerning the meaning of what is revealed.—Men's interpretations not to be confounded with Scripture.—We are at liberty to reject what is seen to be mistaken.—The Last Judgment and Second Advent revealed facts which require to be interpreted.—The common explanation put aside.—Canon respecting the interpretation of prophecy.—The main object of the work stated at the outset: why this course has been preferred.—The author's hope and request.
The Last Judgment, and the Second Coming of the Lord "the Son of man," are two events predicted in the sacred Scriptures; and every Christian will always feel a
