In Daniel 9:24, we read of a definite period, during which God will work a special work concerning Israel in Jerusalem and of other periods, during which He will not work in Jerusalem. "Seventy sevens" (490 years) or "hebdomads" (a word in Hebrew meaning seven, equivalent to our word "dozen" for twelve), are separated from the rest of time, for God to accomplish His purposes toward Israel end their City.

Since the crucifixion God has ceased to "work" in Jerusalem; but, during this interval, He has been pleased to "work" among Gentiles—"preaching peace to them by Jesus Christ;" "gathering them into his fold"—whilst the action of His hand has been suspended towards Israel. He has, as it were, retired from the place of distinctly guiding and ordering affairs and events that are passing in the earth—allowing things measurably to take their course—though watching and controlling influences so far, as to take care that the current of things generally should not run out of certain channels but not "working" at all as regards Jerusalem.

Daniel was further told here, that in this definite portion of time thus "divided off" for this purpose, there were to be three distinct periods. The first was to consist of seven "hebdomads" or 49 years, which commenced when Nehemiah began to build the "walls" of Jerusalem at the command of Artaxerxes (chp. 2) till their completion, when Jerusalem became once more recognized as a city. The second division consisted of sixty-two "hebdomads" or 434 years, and extended from the restoration of Jerusalem to the Crucifixion leaving one "hebdomad" or 7 years for the third division, which is still future and which will not begin until Jerusalem is once more a city of Jews, and Israel again restored to their land. Antichrist will then appear upon the scene and make a covenant with them for the remaining "hebdomad" (v. 27). When this takes place the "end" will be very near at hand; but until then, whatever events may occur in the world—however interesting in themselves or important in other respects—they can have no importance in reference to the "end."

When Jerusalem is restored; Israel again settled there and Antichrist beginning to deal with it; then instantly all our interests may be excited, and those who are guided by the Spirit of God will know the vast importance of that step and its bearing upon ether events predicted. Until that takes place, we cannot predicate the result of any event occurring on the earth. It may appear to be either leading on towards or leading away from that which we know must take place; but we cannot tell which way the tide of events may at any moment turn; and so it will continue until that last "hebdomad" is reached.

It is disregard of the plain statements in this passage that is the cause of so much error in prophetic interpretation. All interpretations, must be wrong that are not based upon this prophecy, and the more so, because God has not been pleased to give any detail whatever in His holy Word respecting events that occur between the crucifixion and that last "hebdomad." There has been a suspension of His hand as regards any dealings with Israel and Jerusalem during the 1900 years which have already elapsed; and therefore, if the explanation of any prophecy be sought in passing events—such as finding "Antichrist" in Napoleon or Napoleon’s son or anyone else—you may at once reject the system as altogether worthless, and indeed worse than useless, because, though it may contain some Truth, yet it must be so mingled with error, that Truth becomes turned into error. Always examine the basis on which any explanation of Scripture rests, and if that be wrong, be sure that it will not lead you into God’s Truth.

God has been pleased to make all historic prophetic detail revolve around Israel and Jerusalem, but this is what Gentiles do not like to admit and being as St. Paul says "wise in their own conceit," they have sought to assign to themselves the place appointed to Israel, and have thought that Israel is to be gathered in through them grafted into their cankered branch! The reason there is so much variance its the schemes of interpretation is, that it has not been observed that all prophetic detail revolves around Israel and Jerusalem.

Now, as this will be the last of this series of lectures, you may like to hear my opinion as to the course things are likely to take as we near the end. It is simply opinion, for of course we can only announce anything with certainty where we have the authority of God’s Word.

It is admitted on all hands that we are now at a point of crisis; not merely of change but of crisis. Everything around us is breaking up territorially, religiously, socially; and nothing will stop the progress of dissolution. The Church of England is giving way, and even the Church of Rome is obliged to yield in some measure to the pressure of the times; while Nonconformists are adding to the general confusion. There is not a statesman or politician in the earth who is not at his wit’s end to know how to act. They all see that things are not only in a state of confusion but of transition. Everything is being moved from the old basis on which it stood. Society is taking up entirely new positions, and in the future, things will be definitely arranged both governmentally and socially apart from the recognition of revealed Truth! It has for some years past been the darling thought of many of the leading minds in England, that it would be desirable to sever religion from any connection with the Government; and to this end things have been tending.

[Lord Palmerston, Lord John Russell, Lord Macaulay, were all educated in the school of Edinburgh, where this was the prevailing notion. The "Edinburgh Review" is of this school, and from that source has proceeded a vast influence which has pervaded the country with the thought, that religion is not necessarily connected with "government!" Macaulay’s history was written on that principle—a false principle—because moral responsibility is involved in the government of a country.]

Antichrist will recognize the importance of the aid of religion in "government;" and the way in which Government will try to remedy the evil now will be, to uphold everything religiously that is not contrary to social order. Mormonism and things like that will not be upheld, because that does infringe social order. Government will not discard religion, but will try to uphold it in all its different forms and give countenance and sanction to all! and this it is that will bring in Latitudinarianism [broad and liberal in theological standards; tolerance of variations in doctrine].

Ultramontanism [the policy of advocating the greatest possible enhancement of papal power and authority] is making its last desperate struggle, and it will seek to bring to its aid the various governments of Europe. Those governments are now tottering shaken to their centers by trades-unions and other influences of that kind in their midst all working to the one end, viz., the overthrow of governments.

Now this is the material on which Ultramontanism will work: and if governments will not yield to its demands, it will stir up all the dregs of society, and by working on the "communistic" spirit of the age by means of those "secret societies," it will set them all against the Government; aid them in their efforts and the "end" may be to crush all! God may in his mercy preserve us, but it is toward this that things are tending! If Government will support Roman Catholicism and give what it demands—a place of supremacy in the country, and allow it to control the Government—then it will say "We will help you to put down those secret influences which you so dread, and from which such danger threatens you but if not, there shall be war to the knife between us!" Just as it was in the time of Henry II, so it will be over again—a repetition of the struggle between him and Thomas à Becket—Henry conquered it is true, but he was well nigh crushed in the struggle, and no one can tell what the end of the present crisis may be to us, and whether all these Western countries may not be brought into a state of utter ruin.

France has always for its own purposes supported the Papacy. It kept its armies in Rome to uphold the temporal power of the Pope after God had determined that the temporal power should pass away, and the result was ruin to France.

England on the other hand, has found it her interest to support Mohammedan power in Turkey. She therefore always repressed and kept down those countries which were subject to Turkey and under Turkish rule, such as Egypt, Greece, and all those southern countries which, had it not been for England, would have developed their resources and risen into importance. But for England’s interference, Egypt would have remained in possession of Syria and have spread civilization over a great part of its coasts. When Egypt had gained possession of Acre, an English fleet in the interests of Turkey was sent to bombard the town, lay it low, and drive back the Egyptians. England is morally responsible for the state of those countries where the war is now raging (1877). Its support has always been given to Turkey to uphold its power territorially, though not religiously, through all those countries.

Russia meanwhile has been looking on with jealous eye, and, pretending to be the friend of these countries, has urged them on to rebel and throw off the Turkish yoke. It is this that has stirred up the fury and intense hatred of the Turks toward the Christians. They hate Christians as represented by Russia. The educated portion of those desolated countries well know that they shall gain nothing by the exchange of masters.

[A proof of this may he seen in a letter from an American Professor who has been many years the Head of the College in Constantinople (Dr. Washbourne) in the course of which time, he has educated upwards of 400 young men from some of the highest and most enlightened families in Bulgaria. He states in a letter to the British Ambassador at Constantinople (Lord Stratford de Redcliffe), that his old pupils without exception affirmed that they would be far better off under Turkish rule than that of Russia! This letter has been forwarded by our Ambassador to Lord Derby, who has now published it. I regard the Russians as the Jesuits of the East. There is no dependence upon their word, and what they are now seeking is simply their own aggrandizement.]

The propagation of latitudinarian principles, developed in Alexandria in the fourth century, led to results so evil, that God punished them by sending Mohammedanism as a scourge to over-run the countries where they had spread; and that which is now rising around its through neologian [newly coined meaningless words] and scientific principles, will lead to such results of Latitudinarianism as will be punished by the sending of Antichrist, who will prove a scourge far worse than Mohammed!

In the meantime all these Eastern countries are reviving, and I expect to see their revival follow just the same course as civilization did when it first spread there. The first gleams of civilization appeared in Greece—scintillations merely, like sparks—but not making any decided or rapid progress. Then suddenly Egypt arose and took the lead: indeed Egypt might almost he called the mother of civilization in the East.

So now again; though the revival began in Greece, yet Egypt is rising into pro-eminence and once more taking the lead. Egypt is making most rapid advances, while Greece can never develop into an important country, for it is still bounded as it was before by its contracted territory. Another great obstacle to its progress was its piracy and now its brigandage operates in the same way. Then a lack of union or power of cohesion kept it back. And so it is again. Meanwhile, everything is tending toward the advancement of Egypt, and I expect to see that country make most rapid strides. It is the only country that is advancing now. England is not advancing. France is not. America us not. On the contrary, there seems rather a principle of decay in them all.

While Egypt was developing, the coasts of Syria were neglected. Then the Phoenicians, through the merchants of Tyre and Sidon, brought Syria into importance, and from that time all the commerce that used to come through Egypt and the Red Sea was diverted into a new channel, and came by way of the Euphrates; and the Phoenicians, as they gradually extended their commerce, covered the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea with their colonies, just sketching the Roman world—that part which we call "the prophetic earth." Now, I expect this to be the course that events will take again, and one result of all that is now passing around be, that attention will be drawn to the importance of the "Valley of the Euphrates," and a great deal more interest bestowed on that district. Whenever they get the stream of commerce to flow that way from the East, then Tyre and Sidon will rise again directly all the coasts of Syria will revive, and the commerce through Egypt will be drained away in another direction. The return of Israel too to their own land will greatly help the developments of Syria.

When these things are united—the stream of commerce brought through the Euphrates; Israel reestablished in their own land and Tyre and Sidon once more restored to importance—I base no doubt we shall see through their oceans, the northern coast of Africa and Spain revived and civilized; but I don’t expect any progress in those countries until then. If England and France should be laid low in the struggle now going on, they will be resuscitated in any case they will he greatly strengthened. My opinion is, however, that they will not be laid low, but that they will themselves aid the rising civilization of the East.

The Greeks early showed wonderful power in establishing themselves in other countries, and through their skill and taste and intellect, spread abroad their influence; and this is what Greece is doing now. When Asia Minor belonged to Persia, then Miletus, Ephesus, etc., were colonies of Greece; and though Persia held nominal control over them, yet, by paying a small annual tribute, Greece was allowed to retain the actual control, though it did not, in thus extending its influence, add to its national importance. In the same way I believe Greece will not be nationally strong, though she will again greatly extend and diffuse her influence. All the Neapolitan cities used to be occupied by Greeks, so that the lower parts of Italy received the name of "Magna Gracia:" thus they exercised very extended influence while remaining nationally nothing: and this I expect to see again. The lack of any power of cohesion in Greece at the very time that its influence was so extensive was very marked. Athens was full of light and intelligence, while the upper part of its territory—that part known as ancient Thrace—was stunk in comparative barbarism. And so it is now. Those countries which are being devastated by the war, and which are comprised in the part formerly known as Thrace, form a very marked contrast to the more cultivated parts of Greece.

This state of things in Greece continued, until suddenly Philip and Alexander appeared upon the scene and, as if by magic, gathered up the scattered fragments and united them in one powerful whole. Then most rapidly, the establishment of Greek supremacy proceeded. Alexander, you know, is referred to in Daniel 8 as the "he goat coming from the west on the face of the whole earth;" and it is said "he touched not the ground," his course was so rapid and wonderful. He subdued the Persian empire and established the Grecian in its place; and he, as well as one of his successors (Antiochus), were both most remarkable foreshadowers of Antichrist.

Now I expect the same course of things again: viz., that some unknown individual from a small Grecian state, such e.g. as Montenegro, will suddenly arise that he will show himself very capable; exert great power; rise into a position of unwonted strengths and influence; and, by force of his own power and superiority, will be appointed to a place of command, just as Alexander arose into power, and prove to be the Antichrist! And, as Alexander cast his eye upon Babylon, and said this shall be my city; the place where my power shall be centered and concentrated;" so will Antichrist choose Babylon as the capital of his vast dominions!

Possibly, the immediate result of the present war will be complete exhaustion of both countries engaged in it, whoever may he the nominal victor. . .If Turkey should remain a European power, it will be obliged greatly to modify its plans and arrangements and yield to European influence. . . it appears more likely that its nominal power will be made the means of opening up channels for European interests; and I look for things gradually to progress in this way until Antichrist suddenly appears upon the scene. The moment we see him connect himself with Israel, who, in the meantime will have returned to their land, then we may be very certain that the remaining portion of Daniel’s prophecy—that last "hebdomad" of 7 years—is at once about to be accomplished.

Meanwhile, we must remember that the political aspect of these things is not the important aspect in which we as Christians have to regard them; but that we are concerned with their religious and moral aspects and that the principles which the Lord Jesus will bring to bear on the evil when He has grasped it and taken the control of things into His hands, are principles which He expects His people to uphold now. We must not betray principles because they are impracticable; but maintain them as right principles, though obliged to admit that the present state of things is so evil, that on that account they are impracticable now; yet that the earth can never receive blessing till it shall be regulated upon these principles.

Both the Church of England and the Church of Rome admit the importance of maintaining the headship of religious truths—that secular life must be regulated by it—but they misapply the principles; while Nonconformists fight against the principles themselves, as though they were of no value! Now, Christ’s people must maintain the preciousness of these principles, though, owing to the evil state of things they are incapable of being applied at present. Why, the headship of religious Truth in the earth is one of the most precious jewels in the crown of Christ, and will be recognized by-and-by! Truth cannot reign now because all around is opposed to it; but it will reign in that day when the earth is brought into its promised blessing! Yet the servants of Truth have to recognize that it should he supreme, and that it must be before any blessing to the earth can be brought in; even though maintaining it lead, as Truth led John, to Patmos—that outcast, isolated place where he found himself before those visions of future glory were unfolded to him.

Unless we are willing, if need be, for Truths to lead us to a Patmos position, we are not prepared in our consciences to receive these prophetic truths. Patmos is the place which the world assigns to these things, and, in proportion as we maintain them, we shall find that it assigns the same place to us.

Ezekiel 22:17-22 describes their condition on their return. Think of these words when Society is approvingly speaking of it; and also of those in Matthew 12:43, "empty" of Christ ; "swept" of gross sins; and "garnished" with many virtues—for they are not now marked with outward evil so much as Gentiles. Someone has described a loathing Jew (Sir Moses Montefiore), as "the blank page between the old and new Testaments."

All Israel’s past history is as a unit to totality in comparison with their evil yet to be manifested! Satan knows there is no instrument evil enough to satisfy him, and he will be unsatisfied until he finds Israel in that "blankness" of soul, into which we in Christendom are educating them! Jews even are writing in defence of the Bible against the attacks made by Colenso and others! Canon Farrar also denies Election and Eternal punishment, being allowed to publish these sentiments and Society does not frown them down! Fifty years ago they would have been frowned down; but now nothing is said! He is permitted to retain his position and is honored and sanctioned by the Bishop! What an effect this must have on the Jews; so, how we Gentiles are helping on to this evil end!

Men have been writing against the word Messiah in verse 24 referring to Christ; blotting out the very "point" in the Hebrew which makes it refer to Christ only. See a tract issued by the S.P.C.K., which Lord Shaftsbury has so openly denounced—all honor to him for the part ho took— saying "I know everyone will be against me, but there is gross infidelity in it; and if it be not withdrawn, I must withdraw from the Society." Yet the Primate sanctioned it!

Truth now is merely valued at thirty pieces of silver by Christendom, and this is bringing in Socialism, which the Germans say emanated from England; Bolingbroke having taught Voltaire, who poisoned the mind of Frederick the Great! See too the lectures Government permits to be given on Sundays, subverting the Scriptures! We shall reap a terrible result. Men will eagerly welcome the "One" spoken of in this chapter; and when he enters into connection with the Jews in Jerusalem (v. 27), the last "week" of seven years will commence. He will flatter Israel for three and a half years, and afterwards turn and persecute them, and be the causer of "desolation." Ponder the word "desolation." It is for that the East is opening up.