The Lord's Coming. Miscellaneous Writings of C. H. Mackintosh, vol. II

In Short

This volume is a collection of theological papers and devotional essays centered on the expectation of Christ’s return. It functions as a guide for living a consistent, biblically grounded life in a world the author views as increasingly hostile to faith. By examining key figures like Abraham and Gideon, the work emphasizes the necessity of personal, active trust over mere religious ritual. Its enduring appeal lies in its uncompromising, earnest tone and its focus on the "blessed hope" that continues to animate many traditions of evangelical thought today.

The Story

The progression of this work moves from the foundational security of the believer to the practical, sometimes difficult, outworking of that security in the world. It begins by establishing the "marvelous chain" of God’s favor, arguing that if God is for the believer, all obstacles—sin, guilt, and the world—are effectively dealt with through the gift of His Son. From this starting point of grace, the argument shifts to the necessity of a personal encounter with the "God of glory." The author uses the life of Abraham to demonstrate that a true Christian course is not inherited but individually realized, requiring a pilgrim-like separation from the world.

As the narrative of the book unfolds, the focus narrows to the domestic sphere. The author argues that a home should be a "miniature representation of the house of God." This is not a matter of achieving perfect behavior in children, but of the parents representing God’s authority and love. Yet, this path is fraught with the danger of the "unequal yoke." Whether in marriage or organized philanthropy, the author warns that mixing the values of the world with the service of Christ leads to spiritual confusion and loss of testimony. He insists that true discipleship requires a clear-eyed commitment to God’s specific commission, rather than an attempt to blend into common, worldly pursuits.

The latter half of the book turns toward the "Lord’s Coming." Here, the author presents a detailed distinction between Christ’s return for His people—a secret, imminent hope—and His public appearing in judgment. He cautions against the error of the Thessalonians, who, in their misunderstanding of the end, abandoned their daily duties. Instead, he maintains that the anticipation of the Lord’s return should provide a motive for immediate, practical purity. The book concludes by insisting that true ministry—whether in the home or abroad—is a result of Christ’s own calling and presence, not human ambition. The final arc of the argument is that the believer must remain in a state of "on the very tip-toe of expectation," purifying their life and conduct while waiting for the morning star.

How It Unfolds

The foundation of grace The book opens by anchoring the reader in the absolute security of God’s favor. It asserts that redemption is finished, removing the weight of guilt from the believer’s conscience.

The call to pilgrimage Using the life of Abraham, the text illustrates that spiritual life begins with a personal revelation from God. This call demands a departure from natural ties and an acceptance of life as a stranger in the world.

Domestic stewardship The focus shifts to the responsibilities of the Christian parent. The author defines the household as a sphere of divine authority, where the parent acts as a steward accountable to the Master.

The danger of compromise A significant portion addresses the "unequal yoke," warning against alliances with unbelievers. The author argues that such unions inevitably erode spiritual clarity and hinder the training of children.

The hope of return The final papers analyze the second advent of Christ. They distinguish between biblical prophecy regarding the world and the specific, bridal hope of the church, urging constant vigilance.

The People

The book focuses on several archetypal figures to illustrate its points, most notably Abraham. He is presented as the model of the man of faith who, despite failing through the "energy of nature" with the bondwoman Hagar, eventually reaches a state of total, worshipful surrender. Lot, in contrast, serves as a cautionary figure of one who remained attached to the world, losing his influence and peace. Gideon represents the ordinary, "least in his father’s house" servant whom God uses to show that the instrument is nothing and the Workman is everything. The Thessalonian Christians appear as a historical case study, representing the dangers of well-meaning but misguided enthusiasm when the distinction between the Lord’s coming for His church and His judgment of the world is misunderstood. Finally, the Parent is addressed as a central figure, tasked with managing a household that serves as a mirror for divine order. Throughout, the Lord Jesus is the constant, active center—the Advocate who maintains the believer's standing and the ultimate object of their hope.

In Its Own Voice

"If God be for us, then it follows, of necessity--blessed necessity--that neither our sins, nor our iniquities, nor our guilt, nor our ruined nature, nor Satan, nor the world, nor any other creature can possibly stand in the way of our present peace and our everlasting felicity and glory."

(The opening passage establishes the author's primary theme of the believer's absolute security in God.)

"The voice must speak 'to me'--'the God of glory' must appear 'to me,' ere I can take the place of a pilgrim and stranger in the world, and perseveringly, 'run the race that is set before me.'"

(The author insists that religious life is invalid unless it is rooted in a personal, individual call from God.)

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an argument for total, undivided devotion to a divine calling. It explores the tension between an earthly existence and a heavenly hope. The underlying question is how a person who belongs to a "coming" Lord should live in the present. It argues against the "fatal delusion" of using human nature to try to subdue human nature, advocating instead for the power of the indwelling Spirit. The themes of separation, the authority of the Word, and the nature of true ministry suggest that the world is a temporary assignment, and the believer’s primary task is to maintain a "good conscience" while waiting for the return of Christ.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate 19th-century theological prose—characterized by its earnest, dogmatic, and highly analytical style—will find this a rewarding study. It is a book for those who favor the "biblical literalism" and "dispensational" approach to reading Scripture, as the author is deeply invested in distinguishing between the church's hope and the world's future. It feels like a series of private, intense lectures, demanding the reader’s full attention and a willingness to accept a rigid, binary worldview.

Those who struggle with long, dense paragraphs or the Victorian tendency to use sweeping, moralistic language might find the text taxing. The author does not shy away from controversial stances, particularly regarding social involvement and domestic hierarchy, which may feel jarring to modern sensibilities. However, for a reader interested in the history of evangelical thought or seeking a devotional work that insists on absolute, daily accountability, the book offers a distinct clarity. It stays with you through its insistent focus on the individual’s direct relationship with God, stripping away all intermediary institutions. If you are looking for a gentle or modern book, this is not it; if you are looking for an uncompromising, rigorous, and deeply traditional view of Christian duty, you will find it here in its most concentrated form.