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Cover of The Time of the End: or, the World, the Visible Church, and the People of God at the Advent of the Lord

The Time of the End: or, the World, the Visible Church, and the People of God at the Advent of the Lord

Written by Edward Hoare

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About this book

"The Time of the End" by Edward Hoare is a theological work written in the mid-19th century. The book discusses the state of the world, the visible Church, and the people of God as they relate to the anticipated return of Jesus Christ. It examines prophetic teachings and expectations surrounding the second coming, placing considerable emphasis on moral and spiritual conditions prior to this significant event. In this series of lectures, Hoare argues that believers should be attuned to the prophetic signs indicating the nearness of Christ's return while warning against the apathy and indifference prevalent in society and among professing Christians. He highlights the moral decay, division within the Church, and false teachings that characterize the latter days. Despite a bleak portrayal of society, he reassures readers that true believers will endure, remain watchful, and stand firm in their faith, ultimately promising that God's people will be separated and vindicated at the time of Christ's return, reinforcing hope in the face of adversity.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Time of the End: or, the World, the Visible Church, and the People of God at the Advent of the Lord, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 12 hours
  • advanced
  • Prophetic
  • Warning
  • Didactic

Edward Hoare's mid-19th century theological treatise, "The Time of the End," serves as a prophetic call to vigilance for believers awaiting the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Through a series of lectures, Hoare meticulously examines the contemporary state of the world, the visible Church, and the 'people of God,' correlating their moral and spiritual conditions with biblical prophecies concerning the latter days. He sternly warns against widespread apathy, moral decay, and doctrinal divisions, asserting these as clear indicators of Christ's imminent return. Despite this somber diagnosis of society and the Church, the work ultimately offers reassurance, emphasizing the enduring faith and eventual vindication of true believers who remain watchful and steadfast amidst adversity.

“The shadows lengthen, and the signs multiply, yet the slumber of the world deepens, even as the Advent of the Lord draws nigh.”

Key themes

Eschatology and the Second Coming
The central pillar of Hoare's work, this theme explores the biblical prophecies concerning the return of Jesus Christ and the signs preceding this event. Hoare interprets contemporary moral and spiritual conditions as clear indicators of the imminence of the Second Coming, urging believers to understand these prophecies not as mere academic exercises but as calls to action and preparation.
Moral Decay and Societal Apathy
Hoare presents a stark critique of the moral and spiritual decline he perceives in 19th-century society. This theme highlights his concern over widespread indifference to spiritual matters, erosion of traditional values, and a general turning away from God. He views these societal failings not merely as social problems but as direct fulfillments of biblical warnings about the state of the world before Christ's return.
The State of the Visible Church vs. True Believers
A critical examination of the institutional Church ('visible Church') is central, where Hoare laments its divisions, internal conflicts, and spiritual lukewarmness. He contrasts this with the 'people of God' – the true believers – who, despite being a minority, remain steadfast, watchful, and committed to genuine faith. This theme explores the distinction between outward religious profession and inward spiritual reality.

Worth discussing

How do Hoare's observations on 'moral decay' and 'division within the Church' in the mid-19th century resonate with or differ from contemporary societal and religious conditions?

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