Protestant churches to preach the Gospel to the heathen, — the general interest in the state of the Jews, — the universal shaking of governments and established institutions, — the rise and progress of the subtlest forms of infidelity, — all, all are signs peculiar to our day. All should make us remember our Lord's words about the fig-tree. All should make us think of the text, "Behold, I come quickly." (Rev. xxii. 7.)
We see, lastly, in this passage, how certain it is that all our Lord* 8 predictions about the second advent will he fulfilled. Our Lord speaks as if He foresaw the unbelief and in- credulity of man on this mighty subject. He knew how ready people would be to say " Improbable ! impossible ! The world will always go on as it has done." He arms His disciples against the infection of this sceptical spirit by a very solemn saying. "Heaven and earth shall pass away : but my words shall not pass away."
We shall do well to remember this saying, whenever we are thrown into the company of those who sneer at unfulfilled prophecy. The sneers of unbelievers must not be allowed to shake our faith. If God has said a thing He will certainly bring it to pass, and the probability or possibility of it are matters which need not trouble ns for a moment. That Christ should come again in power to judge the world and reign, is not half so improbable as it was that Christ should come to suffer and die. If He came the first time, much more may we expect that He will come the second time. If He came to be nailed to the cross, much more may we expect that He will come in glory and wear the crown. He has said it, and He will do it. " His words shall not pass away."