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LECT. XXX. CHAP. XVII.-The papal harlot on the beast,
A description of this beast,

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LECT. XXXI. CHAP. XVII.-Continued.

Further views of the rise of this beast,-vast enormities,
&c.,

This beast, and the healed head, compared,

A note on a rod broken, &c.,

The horns of this beast,

LECT. XXXII. CHAP. XVIII.-Another view given of the
descent of Christ, in Chap. x., .

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LECT. XXXIII. CHAP. XIX.-The battle of the great day
of God, and the commencement of the Millennium,
Difficulties solved in a note,

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This secular Roman beast, and Gog in Ezekiel, the same,
a note,

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Agency of the Jews in the final conversion of the world,

LECT. XXXV. CHAP. XXI.-The new heavens, and new

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LECT. XXXVI. CHAP. XXII.- -Views of future glory con-

earth or heaven,

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LECTURE I.

INTRODUCTION.

OUR Saviour assures us, at the introduction of this sacred book, that "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand." Rev. i. 3. We find here our warrant, and our great encouragement, as well as duty, to study the Revelation with devout and diligent attention.—I would contribute my mite to the correct performance of this duty, too generally neglected.

In this introduction, I purpose to give a concise view of the origin and nature of the figurative language which abounds in it, and in most of the prophetic writings of the Bible; then note the divisions found in the Revelation; and exhibit the duty, benefits, and encouragements, which urge to a devout and diligent study of the Apocalypse.

What, then, are the origin and nature of figurative language? This kind of language is a representing of one thing by another; things less known, by things better known; and sometimes the reverse. Things spiritual are often denoted by things natural; as in the bread and wine of the Holy Supper.

This kind of language had its origin in early times, and in the want of a literal language. It came easily into use from necessity (which is the mother of invention); and, from the analogies which were found to exist between different things, it was found to be easy and natural to take the properties of one thing to represent those of another. People of very limited knowledge of words, wishing to communicate their ideas (such as they were), attempted to do it by such means as they found within their power; and those were, figures bor

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