THIS BOOK, Messiah: His Glorious Appearance Imminent, is the sixth volume of the Messianic Series, which, when completed, will contain seven volumes: namely. The God of Israel, Messiah: His Nature and Person, Messiah: His Redemptive Career, Messiah: His First Coming Scheduled, Messiah: His Historical Appearance, Messiah: His Glorious Appearance Imminent, and Messiah: His Final Call to Israel. The first four are written from the standpoint of the Hebrew Scriptures, commonly called The Old Testament. The latter three are likewise written from the standpoint of the Old Testament, but in the light of the New Testament. All these books, it is hoped, will appeal especially to those who believe in Moses and the Prophets.

In modern times nations are spoken of in the feminine gender. Britain, for instance, is spoken of as she and her. As one will see from reading the Old Testament, the nation of Israel is spoken of in the masculine gender. There are few, if any, exceptions to this rule. The Old Testament writers, when referring to the nation, referred to it as he, his and him. In writing the Messianic Series, at times I speak of the nation of Israel in Biblical terminology, and at other times I speak of it in terms of the modern usage.

The world is in a precarious condition. Everyone who is keeping abreast of the times realizes that the world is probably approaching the crossroads. According to statesmen, educators, and scientists, the coming decade may prove to be one of the crucial periods of all history. But those who are acquainted with the prophetic Word, while admitting the seriousness of the present time, know that in the not-distant future the Great Tribulation will burst upon the world. It behooves, therefore, the children of God to be about their Father's business. The night is coming when no man can work.

In my Messianic Series I occasionally refer to chronological data. In the fourth volume of the Series, Messiah: His First Coming Scheduled, I discuss the chronological facts found in the Scriptures and show that there is a Biblical chronological system beginning with Genesis, chapter 1, and culminating in the year of the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth.

In contrast with the Usher chronology, the system that is generally used, the Biblical system of dating events starts with the creation of man and traces his trek through the centuries to the year when Messiah (the anointed) is cut off, the crucifixion of Jesus, and is designated as A.H., Anno Hominis, in the year of man.

The Usher chronology begins its reckoning with the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, traces Biblical history backward to the creation of man, and is spoken of as such and such a year B.C., before Christ, or B.C.E., before the Common Era. It has been shown by various chronologers that there are a number of gaps here and there in the Usher system. These gaps are usually bridged over by guesses and doubtful hypotheses.

The chronology of the present dispensation speaks of the time beginning with the birth of Christ as A.D., Anno Domini, in the year of our Lord. But even some of the supposed facts built into the foundation of this system are matters of guessing and theorizing.

This year is known as 1961. In view of the uncertainty of both the B.C. dating and the A.D. dating, one cannot be absolutely certain concerning the exact time of many early historical events that are spoken of in terms of the B.C. and A.D. dates.

It behooves the student of prophecy to be very cautious about setting dates and making out timetables.

According to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostles, before that time arrives, the Lord will descend from heaven to the air, raise the dead in Christ, and catch up the living saints. "And there shall be signs in sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the billows; ... For the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. ... But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:25-28). Let us therefore be upon the tiptoes of expectancy-not setting any dates however.

I am especially indebted to the authors of many standard works for the assistance which I received from them, in preparation of this volume.

As always, humanly speaking, I owe everything to my wife, Florence Lita Cooper, who day and night bears me and the work of the Biblical Research Society up in prayer.

I am indebted to the many friends all over the country who have prayed for me as I prepared this volume and who have sent in offerings to the work.

I am especially indebted to Miss Aurora Fluker and Miss Esther Smith of the Biblical Research Society staff for the invaluable assistance they have given me in the preparation of this volume.

I am also indebted to Mrs. James L. Mitchell, a faithful volunteer worker of many years, for assisting me in a number of ways in the preparation of the manuscript of this book.

Los Angeles, California