Chapter LXIV.—Temple to Be Destroyed.

“‘For we,’ said I, ‘have ascertained beyond doubt that God is much rather displeased with the sacrifices which you offer, the time of sacrifices having now passed away; and because ye will not acknowledge that the time for offering victims is now past, therefore the temple shall be destroyed, and the abomination of desolation⁵⁹²⁵⁹²    Dan. ix. 27; Matt. xxiv. 15. shall stand in the holy place; and then the Gospel shall be preached to the Gentiles for a testimony against you, that your unbelief may be judged by their faith.  For the whole world at different times suffers under divers maladies, either spreading generally over all, or affecting specially.  Therefore it needs a physician to visit it for its salvation.  We therefore bear witness to you, and declare to you what has been hidden from every one of you.  It is for you to consider what is for your advantage.’”