To the Editor of the "Nortu-Curna Datty News."
Str,—Mr. Coates has appealed to us to answer his questions. But first we would like to say that we did not support Mr. Coates in his prediction that Christ would return in September-October of this year, because we thought that he had founded that anticipation largely on a mistaken interpretation of Daniel 12. 6,7. Nor can we now follow him in thinking that Daniel 12. 11,12 implies that that supreme event will occur before December 24 of this year.
His four questions may be dealt with together, for the rest depend on the first. We did think that 1923 was'likely to be a critical year in the history of the Jews' return to their land, and some events have already taken place this year which may: be regarded as important in this connexion.
1, The Peace Treaty between the Allies and Turkey has been signed. Turkey then recognizes the freedom of (Palestine from her control, and acknowledges the control of Great Britain, which nation is bound by her own declaration and by the terms of her mandate for Palestine to make that country available as a National Home for the Jews.
2. The internal revolution in Turkey, and the end of the Call ate, which cannot but have a profound. effect om the Moslem world, may prove to be an important step towards the final freeing of Palestine.
3. The deputation of the Arab population of Palestine to Great Britain, with " view to a modification of the terms of the Mandate, has led to a further declaration by the British Government of the fixity of that instrument.
4. The attempt to establish a representative Council for Palestine has had to be abandoned. as the Arabs refused to participate. The failure of this proposal allows Jewish influence gradually to increase in Palestine, until, as we expect, it becomes predominant.
These events all make for the emancipation of Jerusalem and the: Jews from Gentile control. We do not think that any other events nead necessarily occur before the end, of the year in order to mark 1923 as a year of critical importance in the- history of Jewish national -vestoration.
We would point out, however, that neither 1920 nor 1993, but 1934 Was the final date of the important series reckoned by Dr. Gratton Guinness, But we, with many others, look for a return of the Lord for His people, previous to His manifestation to the Jews.as their King, a return which may occur at any
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.