December 21

"He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen." Revelation 22:20.

THESE words are placed at the close of the canon of inspiration, and have a reference to one of the most solemn events of which we can possibly conceive, and one in which all are personally concerned. Let us observe

THE SAVIOUR'S ANNOUNCEMENT. This is the third time in the course of the chapter that Christ solemnly announces his coming. The two great advents of the Saviour, spoken of in the New Testament, are his coming in the destruction of Jerusalem, and his coming to the general judgment. The first is already past, the other is yet to come; and concerning this he speaks in the passage before us. Three things may be remarked with regard to it.

Its designs. These are of the most important nature. He shall come to vindicate his character and government, to display his glory, to summon all mankind to his tribunal to surrender their final account to him, and to pass and execute just and righteous sentences on all.

Its certainty. Reason teaches us, that such a period of universal scrutiny and examination must arrive; but we have a more sure word of prophecy; revelation affirms it; the faithful and true witness declares it. "Surely I come quickly."

Its period. "Quickly." The infidel and the sceptic are ready to say, Ah, it is nearly two thousand years since he made the announcement, and he has not come yet! where is the sign of his coming? But do they not know that one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day? They need not complain of his delay: perhaps the Judge will come too soon for them, before they are prepared to meet him.

"See, the Lord appears in view; Heaven and earth before him fly: Rise, ye saints, he comes for you; Rise to meet him in the sky."