discovered to be at variance with the Gospel, the whole machinery of an ecclesiastical church to be inappropriate, the whole body of doctrines taught to be false. These will sound like bold assertions. They are not, however, more bold than true. Therefore it is "Ephraim and Judah (Christendom) are hewed by the prophets." (Hos. vi. 5.)

To prove the assertions made, I have written two books, under the respective titles, "The True Church," and "Truths Maintained."

The little book now put forth, is a popularised edition of "The True Church," with explanations of many more prophecies than will be found in "The True Church."

I have striven to convey a knowledge of the prophecies in the fewest words possible. I have not attempted to controvert the opinions of others. To have done so, would have made a large, unreadable book to all but an exceptional few.

THE CHURCH AND HER DESTINIES.

CHAPTER I.

THE HOLY CITY, THE CHURCH ON EARTH.

THE holy city, the new Jerusalem, described by St. John, has, by divines, been said to be a figure to represent the church triumphant in heaven. I declare it to be a figure to describe the church on earth.

Divines have always affirmed that "the kingdom of heaven" spoken of in the parables, and described as composed of good and bad, is intended for the church on earth, and that the holy city is intended for the church in heaven. Whereas, the term "kingdom of heaven" is employed in a twofold sense: -One, for Christ's general kingdom, Christendom, in contra-distinction to other kingdoms, Mahomedan and Pagan; the other, for Christ's particular kingdom, the faithful, and, in this sense, for the church.

The New Testament declares Christ's church to be "without spot or blemish, or any such thing." Ah, say divines, this means the church triumphant in heaven; the church on earth is a mixed body, as declared in the parables. In this way have existed

in the minds of men two churches united to Christ, and two churches of very opposite characters. Now, the Scriptures nowhere speak of two churches in living union with Christ. Divines affirm there are two-one militant, the other triumphant; the one in this world, the other in the next. Suffice it to say, the church militant in union with Christ is a pure fiction.

The holy city, the church, is not alone in heaven. It is also here on earth.

It is said, by St. John, to be "coming down from God out of heaven." It is said, in relation to it also, "the tabernacle of God is with men." These expressions show that the holy city has a reference to earth.

"A river of water of life" proceeds from the throne of God and the Lamb, and on either side of the river 66 was there the tree of life," which "bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." This language assigns the city to earth. The water of life, and the tree of life, are figures to express communion with God. Communion with God gives spiritual life here, and the sheddings of this communion are for the healing of nations on earth.

Within this city men are invited to partake of the stream of the water of life. "The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst say, Come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.' is plainly seen that this address is to men on earth.

The stream which flows out from the throne of God and the Lamb is an augmenting stream, in reference to the earth. (Ezek. xlv. 11.)

The Psalms of David continually proclaim this great

truth.

The proofs of this are numerous, and they multiply at every reading. When once the mind is awakened to a right perception, it is astonishing how beautifully expressive the Psalms of the inspired David open out. They are found to derive all their force and beauty from this truth. Take, as an instance, the 87th Psalm.

"God's foundation is in the holy mountains. The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia: this man was born there. And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her and the Highest Himself shall establish her. The Lord shall count, when He writeth up the people, that this man was born there. As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: all my springs are in thee."

"The holy mountains," "the gates of Zion," "the holy city," are synonymous terms, varied expressions for the true people of God; and are employed in opposition to "the mountains and hills,"" the gates of hell," and "the city," to indicate idolatrous worshippers, worldly churches, and the spiritual condition of this or that community or people.

The 46th and 48th Psalms proclaim this truth. David, as do all the prophets, employs images drawn from the world without around him, in connexion with the Hebrew polity; and they seem to have relation alone with the Jerusalem of old. They have their force and meaning in the new Jerusalem, "the Mount Zion, beautiful for situation, the joy of the

whole earth, the city of our God, the mountain of His holiness," the spiritual city of God.

The Scriptures are intended to convey a right knowledge of God, and of man's relation to God. They teach, that only by spiritual union with God is man's spirit in a state of health and true life. The typical and symbolic teachings have all their meanings centering in this. Consequently, at the close of the Scriptures, we are instructed that no lesser temple than God can give spiritual life. The Lord God and the Lamb are the temple of all true worshippers. Herein is explained why all God's springs are in Zion, or God's holy city.

This central truth gives meaning to the 147th Psalm: "The Lord doth build up Jerusalem.... He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. ... The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion. For He hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; He hath blessed thy children within thee. He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat."

These expressions of regard for, and comfort to, God's people, are equivalent to similar expressions found in relation to the holy city. When union with God is effected, a restoration to peace and happiness results. God"wipes away all tears." He restores His people to peace and contentment. In God's holy mountain, in the words of the prophets, "they shall not hurt or destroy." Within God's city is peace.

The holy city shown to be on earth, by the writings of Isaiah.

This is evident from the language used in the 52nd