Behold, I Come Quickly: The Last Days and Beyond

by Hoyt W. Brewster Jr.

"Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" the disciples asked Jesus. The Savior’s immediate response was "Take heed that no man deceive you." (Matthew 24:3-4.) Throughout history, the Saints of God have asked questions about the Second Coming, the signs of the times, the end of the world, Armageddon, the Millennium, and countless other aspects of the last days. Yet for many, the answers to their questions remain shrouded in confusion and misunderstanding, making the Lord’s response about deception more chilling. In Behold, I Come The Last Days and Beyond, Hoyt Brewster looks at the teachings and prophecies of ancient and modern prophets concerning the times we live in now and the times to come. In a clear and straightforward manner, the author discusses dozens of signs of the latter days and examines many specific prophecies about what has happened and what will happen. He talks about preparedness and the Second Coming. Major topics of confusion, such as the gathering of Israel, God and Magog, the restoration of the Ten Tribes, Adam-ondi-Ahman, and the New Jerusalem, are clarified. The end of the world and Satan’s role in the last days are vividly depicted. The author details what the Millennium will be like and what will happen during it. Readers will also find valuable information on the Resurrection and final judgment. Behold, I Come Quickly relies on the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets to create a memorable, easy-to-understand portrait of the last days.

Genres: Lds, Religion, Nonfiction, Church, Christian, Spirituality, Faith

246 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I read this over ten years ago but it is as good as any last days type primer. It covers all the major themes found in these types of books: prophecies fullfilled, prophecies yet to be fulfilled. Nearly 15 years old, it is interesting to see how current events comport with the author's contextual discussion of things that have been revealed through modern prophets."

[Mahdis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just re-read this book. I first read it about 20 years ago! I can't believe i just typed that, but I found it just as applicable today. I love the simplicity of the explanations, the organized format, quotations, references, to scriptures, prophets, and historical occurences. I did not find it fear inducing as so many other texts on this topic are, but encouraging, informational, and hopeful for the day we will all sit at our Saviors feet once again.

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some great information. Be careful to notice the difference between quotes and the author’s opinion. He states his thoughts and opinions as facts. Also, the book focuses on the signs of the times which can be depressing and not so much on the joy of the coming forth of the kingdom. It is a good book to open eyes to truths of the last days though.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chosen by Muriel for February 13, 2019 meeting. Many of the predictions for what will happen before the Second Coming of Christ and the Millennium were familiar. I was particularly interested in the scriptures and his description of what will happen during and after the Millennium.

[Pattimoss · Rating 4 out of 5]

very well done

[Rob · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boy, that was terrible. He promised not to speculate, then just quotes people who speculate.

[Yvonne Buhler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting collection of writings about the last days from prominent LDS writers. Not terribly uplifting and can be stress inducing at times.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave a lot of information that taught me a lot and reminded me of things to look for. Very inciteful book.

[Deseret Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Love This Book. It helped simplify and put in order the steps of the Second Coming. It also uses a lot of quotes, modern and ancient. Beautiful." --Customer Review

[Colette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up and read it because of the quote in the front. It's by Glenn L. Pace, Ensign, November 1990, p. 8:

"We need to overcome fatalism. We know the prophecies of the future. We know the final outcome. We know the world collectively will not relent and consequently the last days will be filled with much pain and suffering. Therefore, we could throw up our hands and do nothing but pray for the end to come so the millennial reign could begin. To do so would forfeit our right to participate in the grand event we are all awaiting. We must all become players in the winding-up scene, not spectators. We must do all we can to prevent calamities, and then do everything possible to assist and comfort the victims of tragedies that do occur."

This quote really inspired me because I can easily get sucked into the mentality he speaks of. So, I read the rest of the book based on that quote. I'm not sure it really reflected the attitude and message of Elder Pace. That is disappointing. This book is mainly a synthesis of writings about the events and conditions surrounding the time of the second coming of Christ. There are A LOT of quotes from Joseph Fielding Smith and Bruce R. McConkie, neither of whom I think we're always speaking prophetically. In fact, sometimes their interpretations of scripture completely disagree with each other. Brewster was able to include the information and pretty much leave conclusions to the reader. This is definitely not sensationalist or alarmist literature, as works in this genre can be. It is a calm display of what has been previously said on the subject.

I would have liked something that had more scripture rather than Smith and McConkie. Some lists or tables would have also been a welcome addition to help the reader navigate the timeline or synthesize preparations, etc. Overall, this book was good, but it didn't really "speak" to me more than a few times. I didn't really connect with it, although I am inspired to review recent General Conference addresses and make sure I am heeding the words of the prophets (especially having read the book 22 years after it was published). I am really looking forward to seeing how all of this prophecy unfolds.

[Adri · Rating 5 out of 5]

>>>The book: This book is about the last days of this earth, signs of the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ, what it'll be like when he comes, and what happens afterward (what will happen to all people according to how they lived on this earth, animals, the earth, etc...).
The author has compiled information from the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, modern day prophets, and church history books. He has interpreted some of the information, but mostly, he has just brought all the relevant scriptures, quotes, and insights of prophets into a book. The layout is nice, and its broken down into sections that make it easy to read.

>>>>>My Thoughts: This book is an eye-opener! At first this book had me scared out of my wits! Oh my, there are horrors and terrible things in the future (and some are already happening). I actually cried while reading some parts...knowing that I, my children, OR some of my posterity might have to endure some of the hardships it describes.
However, it is a VERY MOTIVATING book because it describes what wonderful things are to come to those people who obey God's commandments. Truly wonderful things are ahead for the righteous.
After reading this book, I examined my life, actions, decisions, etc... and asked myself: Am I on the right track? Will I be counted among one of the righteous? How can I get prepared for these inevitable events in the future (which will be poured out without mixture over all the earth)?

[Tim Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although published in 1994, the material is applicable today as it was when first published. That's not surprising since the majority of the items covered have to do with future events. In comparing to The Coming of the Lord by Gerald Lund and Prophecy: Key to the Future by Duane S. Crowther, I found the quoted sources to be more complete, more up to date (for obvious reasons) and categorically broader. However, the in-depth treatment of certain events was more complete and detailed than my other two favorites in the category of the last days.

[Terrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took an institute class at the University of Utah from the author many years ago. He was amazing then and I thoroughly enjoyed his insights into the last days in this book. He makes Isaiah much more understandable and explains in detail the events to take place before, during and after the millenium. He explains that the biggest problem for members of the Church in the last days is complacency. It has given me the desire to serve better and with more dedication.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book uses scriptures and quotes from Prophets to easily interpret what has and will come to pass before the Millenium and what will happen during it. I was fascinated from beginning to end. This book will help you to understand the need to be prepared (if not make you a little anxious.) I enjoyed it tremendously.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the organization of this book; it's nice to have scriptural and modern-day revelation about the signs of the times, the second coming, and the Millennium compiled chronologically. The one drawback would be the book's outdated statistics. It's amazing how drastically world and natural events have escalated in the mere fourteen years since the book was published.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not surprisingly, the last few months have renewed my interest in the Last Days. Of course, much of it is speculation, but it is very interesting to see what past prophets and apostles have said on the subject. I even learned something I didn't know that totally changed the way I view the Millennium.

[Abby Welker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Love, Love this book. Every Latter-Day Saint (and everyone in general) needs to read it. It's inspiring, uplifting, informational, and reminds us to be more vigilant with fighting the battles we face today. The author organized brief chapters full of doctrine from the scriptures, as well as prophets and apostles today. This is going to make GREAT Family Home Evening material.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good reminder of the signs of the times and everything related to the Second Coming, with lots of quotes from past Church leaders, as well. I also found it interesting that Brewster includes different viewpoints from different leaders, showing that some things we just don't quite know how they will come about exactly.

[Jennie Freestone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been fascinated with the second coming and the signs of the second coming, so this book really hit the nail for me and really opened up my own understanding of the signs, and was rather exciting to read all the things I have already seen over the years as well.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does a good job at listing the prophesies or predictions, presenting current data to support that they are coming to pass but isn't making anything more out of it and suggesting speculative things. Tastefully done.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read this twice now and have referred to it multiple times. I’m just fascinated with the second coming. I’ve listened to several podcasts lately on the second coming so I wanted to read this book again.

[Jana Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reread this book after having read it about 20 years ago. I have always been interested in the Second Coming and this book reminded me of some facts I have forgotten. Not looking forward to all of the earthquakes and other trials but there are so many exciting things in store....

[Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hoyt Brewster has done a wonderful job of outlining some of the main events taht are leading up to the Advent of our Savior's Second Coming. I highly reccomend this read.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book, It really puts things into perspective. I understood so much more about the second coming after reading this book.

[Amanda Packer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read a book about the signs of the times and so this was very interesting to me and even answered some personal questions to my prayers along the way!

[Brannigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the book. It had some great information and used a lot of source material to back up each section.

[Charity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent compilation of the appropriate quotes, scriptures,prophesies concerning the second coming and beyond with some explanation and very little speculation.

[kathleen n jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to understand and informative.

[Michael Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but great for a general overview of all the major events of the end of times.