stated that there would be a falling away first, and that the man of sin would be revealed before the coming of Jesus. 2 Thess. ii. 2, 3. This has been literally accomplished in the church of Rome; it is now apparent; but how long it will continue is unknown. On the other hand, unbelievers pretended to prove that the Lord delayed his coming; alleging, that "since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the world;" but the Apostle refutes this objection, observing, that " one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." 2 Pet. iii. 4, 8. This argument strengthens our faith, and removes our doubts and fears, in the present age of the world; and, were it not for this passage, we might be tempted to fear, that the time is gone by when our Lord should have appeared to judge the nations.

IV. God knows what means to use in the dissolution of the world.

Others

Many opinions have been entertained on this mysterious subject. One has supposed that it will be accomplished by the approach of a comet, on its return from the sun. are of opinion that it will take place by an eruption of the central fire; and others, that it will be occasioned by meteors in the air, engendered in unusual quantities, and exploded with unusual vehemence. Pliny the elder thought there was a tendency in nature to a

conflagration, and he wondered it had not happened long ago. The venerable Wesley says, "Has not God already abundantly provided for this? 1. By the stores of subterranean fire which are so frequently bursting out at Ætna, Vesuvius, Hecla, and many other burning mountains. 2. By the ethereal (vulgarly called electrical) fire, diffused through the whole globe, which, if the secret chain that now binds it up were loosed, would immediately dissolve the whole frame of nature. 3. By comets, one of which, if it touch the earth in its course toward the sun, must needs strike it into that abyss of fire. If, in its return from the sun, when it is heated (as a great man computes) two thousand times hotter than a red hot cannon-ball, it must destroy all vegetables and animals, long before their contact, and soon after burn it up." Note on 2 Pet. iii. 10. The following thoughts are of a modern date: "The atmosphere, or the air we breathe, is a compound substance, composed of two very different and opposite principles, termed oxygen and nitrogen," and, we add, about one per cent of carbonic acid gas. “The oxygen, which forms about a fifth part of the atmosphere, is now ascertained to be the principle of flame: a light taper immersed in this gas burns with a brilliancy too great for the eye to bear; and even a red-hot iron or steel is made to blaze under its energy. Should the Creator issue forth his almighty fiat, 'Let

the nitrogen of the atmosphere be completely separated from the oxygen, and let the oxygen exert its native energies without control, wherever it extends;' from what we know of its nature, we are warranted to conclude, that instantly a universal conflagration would commence throughout all the kingdoms of nature; not only wood, coal, sulphur, bitumen, and other combustible substances, but even the hardest rocks and stones, and all the metals, fossils, and minerals, and water itself, which is a compound of two inflammable substances, would blaze with a rapidity which would carry destruction through the whole expanse of the terraqueous globe, and change its present aspect into that of a new world." Thus philosophers are constantly making discoveries in the world of nature; and the subject will never be exhausted.

But, whatever philosophy may suggest, the dissolution of the world will be accomplished by the Lord in a way which is best known to himself. Attempts have been made to account for the universal deluge, on physical principles; but every man of serious reflection will acknowledge that the hand of the Lord was in that catastrophe, without which it could not have taken place. The conflagration must be accounted for on the same principle: it will be a real miracle; and will be wrought by the omnipotent Jehovah. Philosophical arguments prove the probability of that event; but revelation

declares its certainty. Philosophers search diligently, to find natural causes, that will lead to the dissolution of the world; but he is wise who believes the word of God, and leaves it all to him. The Omnipotent is equal to the work; and he will carry it into effect. He drowned the old world by a flood; and he will dissolve the present world by raging fire. This is all we know with certainty; and it is all that is necessary to be known for practical purposes.

V. But the conflagration, which will not destroy one particle of matter, will be followed by new heavens, and a new earth.

This is affirmed, in plain words, by an inspired writer. After stating the coming of the day of God, wherein "the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved," and that "the elements shall melt with fervent heat," he immediately adds, "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Pet. iii. 13. To find that promise, we must turn to the Old Testament, where it is written, "For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind." Isai. lxv. 17. And in another place, "For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain." Chap. lxvi. 22. The beloved John had an awful view of the general judg

ment; and when that was ended, he had a prophetical vision of the new heaven and the new earth. This he states in the following words: "I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea." Rev. xxi. 1.

It is not safe to speculate on the nature of that earth; or the quality of its inhabitants. The limited information afforded to us by divine revelation on that important subject, should check our curious inquiries. But two things we may venture to assert: first, that the new earth will be inhabited; and, secondly, that righteousness shall dwell in it. In one particular, there will be a dissimilarity between the new earth and the present; for in that there will be "no more sea." This may be literally true; or it may denote a peaceful and tranquil abode; the sea being a prophetic emblem of storms and tempests, with an unsettled state of things. Isai. lvii. 20. If this be correct, it will follow that there will not be any trouble or commotions in the new earth; no tumultuous passions or mischievous enemies to afflict the peaceful inhabitants. But all this we leave till the day shall declare it; neither affirming nor denying what many able Divines have written on this profound subject. We know our duty and that is matter of thankfulness. God knows all things; and he will reveal to us what may be needful, and that in due time.