The most terrifying metaphors are used to prefigure the judgments which will then be executed on mankind.  The destruction of men is compared to the harvest and vintage!  But the language of prophecy, if we consider the human race as the objects of the harvest and vintage, admits no augmentation of terror.  “And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat, like unto the Son of Man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice, to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle and reap:  For the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.  And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.  And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clutters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.  And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great wine press of the wrath of God.  And the wine press was trodden without the city; and blood came out of the wine press, even unto the horses bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.” *

* Revelation xiv. 14-22.

The scenes here depicted are yet future.  They are confirmed, and in some measure illustrated by other prophecies; but as our understanding of prophecies must remain partial till explained by their accomplishment, we leave the intelligent reader to his own reflections upon them.

INFERENCES.

I. That communities, both small and great are on trial here, and that they are eventually called into judgment and rewarded and punished according to their use, or abuse of talents, is fairly deducible from the subject under consideration.  Such being the divine administration, we see the importance of national virtue.  Morals are the health and strength of a community:  While they remain no enemy can prevail against it.  “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them”—­But when a community degenerates, and become corrupt and vicious, their guardian angel quits his charge, and their guardian God becomes the avenger of their crimes.

II.  We see also the importance of good government, and good rulers, who will execute righteous laws with fidelity, and in their own persons, set the example of obedience to them.  The example of those in authority hath a commanding influence.  Their principles and practices, draw many after them.  We see this exemplified in the history of the Hebrews:  When their great men were good men, virtue was respected, and the nation rejoiced; but “the wicked walked on every side, when the vilest men were exalted,” and the degrading, and even desolating judgments of heaven followed.  “These things happened unto them for ensamples; and are written for our admonition,” *