THE TIMP]S OF THE GENTILES. 177 



of His second coming, " Of that day and that hour knoweth no 

 man, and neither the Son." It seems to me that from Matt, 

 xxiv. 14 and similar passages one may legitimately argue that the 

 second coming of Christ is near, but if you argue from a prediction 

 and a date, both given in the Old Testament, up to a date for 

 the second coming of Christ, then you are claiming insight into 

 a point of Old Testament interpretation where insight was expressly 

 disclaimed by Christ. Probably this point of view did not occur 

 to Mr. Langston. I will now ask him to reply to the criticisms 

 on his very interesting paper. 



AUTHOR'S REPLY. 



In dealing with such a subject as The Times of the Gentiles in 

 Relation to the End of the Age," of necessity there must be various 

 interpretations and views. I have endeavoured as far as possible not to 

 appear dogmatic in matters that are yet future. 



The attitude I have taken up, is that of investigation rather than 

 prognostication, and I am the last person on the face of the earth to 

 fix a date for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, and hope that my very 

 indefinite language will be looked upon in that light. 



At the same time, we cannot get away from the fact that the Bible 

 gives dates, and surely it is not wrong for us to make a special endeavour 

 to find out what they mean, and their full significance. 



With regard to the League of Nations ; as a human effort to restrairj 

 lawlessness and prevent war, I support it with all my heart : but again 

 one cannot help feeling that it may be a preparation for the state of 

 affairs that is depicted by the prophet Daniel in the last days of' the 

 " Times of the Gentiles." 



The Chaieman said : " It is the custom of the Victoria Institute 

 always to allow the Lecturer the last argument. I will therefore again ask 

 you to accord to the Rev, E. L. Langston a very hearty vote of thanks 

 for his most instructive paper." 



