THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY From the collection of Julius Doerner, Chicago Purchased, 1918. A PEACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES, WITH REFERENCE TO THEIR INTERPRETATION ANI> FULFILMENT, AND TO PERSONAL EDIFICATION. BY THE REV. EDWARD BICKERSTETH, RECTOR OF WATTOIf, HERTS. " We have also a more sure word of prophecy, ^hereunto ye do well that ye take heed."-— 2 Peter i. 19, NINTH EDITION, ENLARGED. FLEET STREET and HANOVEll STREET, LONDON. MDCCCLII. SKELEY, THAMES DITTON. 1 10.1 CONTENTS. do PAGE PREFACE TO THE SIXTH EDITION . . V CHAP. ADVERTISEMENT TO THE SEVENTH EDITION . xiv I, GENERAL OBSERVATIONS .... 1 II. PRACTICAL RULES AND CAUTIONS . . 11 III. THE FIRST COMING OF CHRIST ... 36 IV. GENERAL APPLICATION OF PROMISES IN THE PROPHECIES . . . . .41 V. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST . . 52 \I. THE PERIOD OF THE SECOND COMING . 70 VII. THE LITERAL INTERPRETATION OF PROPHECIES. 82 VIII. PROPHECIES RESPECTING THE JEWS . . 98 IX. COUNTRIES CONNECTED WITH THE JEAVS . 117 X. THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH . . . .121 XI. THE PROPHECY OF OUR LORD ON THE MOUNT . OP OLIVES, WITH THE ACCOUNT OF THE LAST JUDGMENT . . . . .133 XII. ANTICHRIST . . . . . . 143 XIII. THE SCRIPTURAL MEANING OF TIME . .167 XIV. CHRONOLOGICAL PROPHECIES . . .176 XV. VARIED INTERPRETATIONS OF PROPHECY . 202 679316 IV CONTENTS. CHAP. PAGE XVI. JUDGMENTS CONNECTED "WITH THE COMING OF CHRIST, INCLUDING REMARKS ON THE SLAY- ING OE THE WITNESSES • IxlJbi ilAivVJiiiM Kjs* 1 rUCi CrtUxlUxl ... 242 XVIII. UJN ixitj IJN 1 bJXrKJilAllUlN Ur IxlEi ArULALi I Jr&Jci . XIX. THE FIRST RESURRECTION AND THE MILLENNIUM 266 XX. THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST .... 290 XXI. PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS .... 315 APPENDIX. I. ON THE FRENCH REVOLUTION . . . 339 II. DRYING UP OF THE EUPHRATES, AND CLOSING OF THE TURKISH WOE .... 342 III. RESTORATION OF THE JEWS, AND JEWs' CIVIL DISABILITIES BILL .... 350 IV. NATIONAL SINFULNESS .... 353 V. THE CONSUMING OF POPERY UNDER THE VIALS, ITS REVIVAL, AND ITS BOASTFULNESS . . 356 •VI. PLAN OF A COURSE OF LECTURES . . . 363 VII. SCRIPTURE CHRONOLOGY . . 364 VIII. XIST OF THE PRINCIPAL BOOKS ON PROPHECY . 372 INDICES. I. II. III. GENERAL INDEX SCRIPTURAL INDEX BIBLIOGRAPHICAL INDEX 403 407 411 PREFACE TO THE SIXTH EDITION. The original design of this work (first published in 1823, onder the title of " Practical Remarks on the Prophecies,") was to answer objections made to missionary exertions from particular views of prophecy, and to show that all Christians had a clear title to the spiritual promises of the Old Testament, As subsequent editions have been called for, the Author has been led on to a more extensive study of the subject of Prophecy than he anticipated, and has endeavoured to take a general view of the whole of that important part of divine truth. The earnestness of the prophets, enquiring and searching diligently what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ signified, 1 Peter i. 10, 11 ; and the weeping much of the favoured apostle when no man was found worthy to open the sealed book, Rev. v. 4, reprove that neglect and indifference with which too many Christians have hitherto regarded this truly scriptural and edifying subject. The Author cannot but hope that this neglect is passing away, and giving place to an increased attention. He has read as far as he had opportunity, and considered vi PREFACE. what has been published on prophecy since the former editions of this work, and especially has sought to weigh any remarks on the side opposed to his own views. The result, without weakening his assurance of the piety of those from whom he differs, has been an increasing convic- tion, with slight modifications, of the substantial truth of his own views. The signs of the times are indeed so re- markable, as powerfully to call all to earnest attention to this subject, and to give increasing evidence of the very im - portant character of the events before us. Farther research has convinced the Author that but a small part of the full scripture testimony to the prae-mil- lennial advent has yet been brought out from the sacred volume, and but a small part of the full historical proofs of prophecy already fulfilled, has yet been brought to illus- trate, by the providence of God, in past events, the predic- tions which had been previously given. In many of the additions made, the author has been much indebted to the suggestions of his friend the Rev. T. R. Birks. Believing the views which he has here set forth to be God's truth, it is to him a subject of thankfulness to find that Christian ministers, in continually increasing numbers, through ouv country, acknowledge and testify that blessed hope, " the glorious appearance of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." It is cheering also to think that in these eventful times God is reviving old truths : the heart of the children is turn- ing to their fathers. Mai. iv. 6. The author's conviction was expressed many years since, that we had too much neglected, in modern times, the fathers of the church, and while sensible of their serious defects, and how they may be overvalued, to the disparagement of the fulness and sufficiency of scripture, and of the comparative superior value of the Reformers and their successors, yet the con- viction that they have a real use as witnesses of God's PREFACE. vii truth, has increased by the farther search into them^ to which he has been led by this subject. How full and beau- tiful, for instance, is the following simple statement, or summar}^, of divine truth, as given in an early creed by Irenaeus ! (Lib. i. ch. 2.) " The church, though scattered over the whole world, even to the ends of the earth, receives from the apostles and from their disciples that belief which is in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and the seas and all things in them ; and in one Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who became incarnate for our salvation ; and in the Holy Ghost, who proclaimed by the prophets the dispensations of God, the advent, birth of a virgin, passion, resurrection from the dead, and bodily ascension into heaven of the beloved Jesus Christ our Lord, and his coming again from heaven in the glory of the Fa- ther, to restore all things, and to raise up all flesh of all mankind : that to Jesus Christ our Lord, and God, and Saviour, and King, according to the pleasure of the in- visible Father, every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth ; and that every tongue shall confess him, and that he shall do just judgment upon all, and consign to everlasting fire the spirits of wickedness, the angels who transgressed and be- came apostates ; and amongst men the impious, and un- just, and lawless, and blasphemer ; and that to the just and holy, and to such as kept his commandments and re- mained in his love, some from the beginning, but others after repentance, he should give freely life and immortality, and bring everlasting glory." He then, in a following chapter, speaks of this as the one voice of the church over the whole earth, whether in Germany, Spain, Gaul, the East, Egypt, Libya, or in the middle of the world ; com- paring the unity of the truth, enlightening all who come to it for knowledge, to one and the same light of the sun over the world. viii PREFACE. Tlie autiior cannot but entertain the hope that the at- tempting to break up every thing, ancient and established, in the present day, though meant by the enemy for destruc- tion, and bringing judgment on those engaged in evil works, v/ill in the result be overruled of God, through the >:eal of the church of Christ, to the spreading of truth in an unity of doctrine, and the spreading of love in an union of heart, far beyond what Irenaeus mentions, or the church has ever yet seen : and with that to a general oneness of real Christians before all men, (John xvii. 21.) that may be eminently blessed in the day of the world's tribulation. (Isaiah xxvi. 9.) When we look at w^hatboth providence and prophecy now manifest to be before us, how infinitely to be desired is that union ! truth alone is to be sought be - fore it ; and, blessed be God, his truth is the very way to it, provided it be spoken in love. If any word contrary to that love should, through his infirmity, have escaped from tlie Author in this work, it is perfectly contrary to his better feelings : for he desires to breathe only love to every human being, and especially to the household of faith ^ his beloved brethren in Jesus. While testifying w^hat he be- lieves to be God's own truth, he would wish also to do it with the consciousness of being himself encompassed with infirmity, and through ignorance, sin, and unbelief, through negligence and carelessness, liable constantly botli to error in his views and statements, and wrong feelings in his heart. Let everything then be searched with prayer to God, and everything tried to the utmost by that sure standard, the infallible word of God. The grand foun- dation OF protestantism, eminently opposed to uncer- tainty and doubtfulness, both of Popery, mere formal churchmanship, liberalism, neology, infidelity, and every other false system, is not the right of private judgment, but THE CERTAINTY OF God's WORD. In the language of Luther, " it ought to be a principle most firmly maintained PREFACE. ix among Christians, that the holy scriptures are a spiritual light far brighter than the sun, especially in those things which relate to salvation, or are necessary." If we fail of what is true and right, it is not through the darkness of scripture, but through our loving darkness rather than light, because our deeds are evil ; and we have all need, therefore, both diligently to search the holy scriptures, and earnestly to pray for the promised Spirit of Christ our Lord, by which alone we can be guarded from all error and sin, and guided into all truth and godliness. Though prophetic interpretation may be despised by the world, and be neglected as a chaos by one part of the church, and perplex another part who may not now have light enough to rescue it out of its apparently chaotic state ; yet there is solid ground to walk upon : and there is also light to show that ground, (2 Peter i. 19.) and to leave those inexcusable who do not take heed to that light till that fulness of time arrive, when the day will shine out, and the day-star arise in our hearts. The bearing of prophecy on the present state of the world, and of our country ; on the visible church of Christ, and the true church subsisting in that visible church, is deeply interesting to the Christian patriot. Amidst the present shaking and rocking to and fro of the political heavens, every principle is trying to the very uttermost ; nothing but what is divine will remain im- moveable : our Lord's words must be fully realized, emry 'plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall he rooted up. Matt. xv. 13. Nothing will stand the shock of these days, but that which is above nature, and has infal- lible truth. Almighty power, and divine grace for its origin and support. And surely the Christian, while conscious of all the evil which is abroad, and that it is often evil, overcome by the mercy of God, that produces good, must rejoice from the heart in every really good result. God X PREFACE. has greatly honoured Religious Societies. A venerable friend, in his 87th year, wrote to the Author lately thus : " For my part, on the review of what God has wrought through their means within the last forty years, I am filled with grateful astonishment. Let us dread an impatient un thankfulness : He that helieveth shall not make hasted'' The abolition of slavery, the diminishing of systems of bribery and corruption, any beneficial reforms in juris- prudence, or in the outward church, and the growing faith and devotedness of the church, must and will interest and gladden the Christian. He will be aware, however, still, that all changes are not improvements ; and how much bad principles may have been at work in accomplishing outward changes ; and of the danger, amidst these things, of men crying. Peace ^ peace, when there is no peace. Jer. vi. 14 ; and of the growing wickedness of the wicked ; and of the tendency of things in our day to give supreme power to the people at large. If the wicked go on casting away all the restraints of divine and human laws, unaffected by all the increasing light and love of the gospel, manifested in the revival of the church, and hardening their hearts from the very for- bearance of God ; and, one side high-minded and trusting in riches, and the other, lawless and ungodly, seeking only to overturn every thing established ; the clashing of their opposing interests, and the growing zeal and piety of the church withstanding more and more all that is evil, and maintaining more and more boldly all that is true, and righteous, and holy, must produce an energy and intense- ness of conflict, and bring out God's truth in a degree far beyond any thing yet witnessed ; and call for that divine interposition prophecy so distinctly leads us to expect. We see all the preparations for those tumultuous last scenes in which every thing shall be shaken, (Psalm xlvi. 2, 8 ; Heb. xii. 27.) But in that day God is in the midst of his PREFACE. xi people ; their city shall not he moved ; and the chorus of their song shall be : The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge. Psalm xlvi. 5, 11. The state of Britain is eminently such as to strengthen those holy directions which St. Paul gives to the Gentiles at large. Be not high-minded, hut fear : For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold^ therefore, the goodness and severity of God ; on them which fell, severity ; hut toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness; otherwise thou also shalt he cutoff. Rom. xi, 20 — 22. To neglect prophecy is to neglect our surest lights and the provision which God's love has made for the wants of his church in these times. Our clearest duty and interest is quietly, yet firml}^ and zealously, to promote to the utmost, every good work ; he diligent, that ye may he found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless, 2 Peter iii. 14. We cannot be better em- j)loyed, when our Master comes, than in doing his work ; nor in a better state of mind than waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus, (1 Cor. i. 7.) Our enemy would, if possible, separate these things as inconsistent ; but they are not only harmonious, but necessary also to each other's right attainment. The waiting, expecting state of mind for such an event, should ever be accompanied by entire dead- ness to the world, the most diligent improvement of pre- sent talents, and the most zealous labours for meetness for the heavenly inheritance. And those who are the most actively engaged in the work of benevolence, and in the carrying forward of Religious Societies, so far from finding any real damper of the sacred flame of zeal, will obtain a most powerful reviver in the assured hope of our Lord's speedy return. It does indeed tend to check and quench all unholy fires of human applause, self-congratulations, magnifying human institutions, dependence on man, ex- alting the creature ; and it takes away hopes that have no PREFACE. real foundation in scripture. But there is an ample return for all this, in giving motives and hopes of a far superior character, that strengthen the soul to persevere in the midst of all the difficulties of doing good, and save it from all the discouragements arising from disappointments in our fairest expectations ; failure of our best-laid plans, and the certain mortification of every desire and HOPE THAT IS NOT ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF GoD : motives too that are effective to raise man so above this world, as to enlarge to the uttermost of his ability, all efforts for the glory of Christ and the good of man. The TREASURY OF THIS world's RICHES has never yet been fully opened in the professing church, for the service of our Heavenly Master. (Isaiah Ix. 9.) The hope of HIS COMING IS the KEY TO OPEN THAT TREASURY. The author commends the subject with affection and humility to the attention of his beloved brethren in the ministry, and fellow-Christians of every denomination. He trusts that his mind is open to conviction, on being shown a more excdlent way. But may we all remember that nothing is more dangerous than groundless expecta- tions of peace. The encouraging of them is very much condemned in the scripture (Isaiah xxx. 10 ; Jer. xiv. 13, 14 ; vi. 14 ; xxiii ; Ezek. xiii.) May we so act that the reproach of the Lord (as given in Lam. ii. 14,) may never have to rest upon us as ministers of Christ ; Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee, and they have not discovered thine iniquity to turn away thy captivity. And may we rather obtain that promise, Jer. xxiii. 22 ; But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, andfroTfi the evil of their doings. These directions may also show how important it must be to have just and scrip- tural views of the future, not only for our own acceptance by our Lord, but for the good of all over whom we have influence. PREFACE. xiii In the Christian Student, the Author, from the extent of the Catalogue, could give but a scanty list of works on Prophecy. The list in this work will supply that de- ficiency. It has been a material object with the author, to avoid as much as possible a controversial spirit ; his main object being the edification of the reader. The sum of the Author's views, and in which sum, so generally and scripturally is it expressed, there are few Christians who cannot concur, may be given in the words of a prayer used at the most impressive and affecting sea- son, in the church to which he belongs. May every reader heartily and fully present this prayer at the throne of grace. " That it may please thee shortly to accomplish the number of thine elect, and to hasten thy kingdom ; that we, with all those that are departed in the true faith of thy holy name, may have our perfect consummation and bliss both in body and soul, in thy eternal and ever- lasting glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord." May the gracious Redeemer bless this little effort, to the increase of scriptural knowledge, the benefit of his own Church, and the good of every one who reads it. BlCKERSTETH. Watton Rectory, Herts. August 17, 1889. ADVERTISEMENT TO THE SEVENTH EDITION. Five eventful years have passed since the last Edition of this work was published. The victories, and then the sub- jugation of the Egyptian Pasha, and the restoration of Palestine to the Porte, (Nov. 27, 1840,) the Affghanistan war, the removal of the remains of Napoleon and his burial at Paris, (Nov. 1840,) the Chinese war, the troubled state of Spain, troubles in our own country in the manufac- turing, agricultural, and mining districts, and in Ireland, the Scinde war, the events which led to the appointment of a Bishop at Jerusalem by Prussia and England, and the Disruption in the Scotch Church (May 18, 1843,) have shown the disquieted state of the world. But the signs of the times respecting the Mahomedan world, are the most remarkable. The feebleness of the Turkish Empire has occupied much of the attention of the European powers, in various diplomatic efforts to uphold it. Destructive fires at Constantinople and Smyrna, and the ravages of war have continued to waste that empire. Syria, Egypt, and Morocco have successively called for the attention of states- men. On March 21, 1844, with great difficulty, the Euro- pean powers obtained an official statement from the Porte for the relief of Christians from persecution throughout its dominions. The character of this event will be seen by ADVERTISExMENT. XV the statements in Appendix VII. These things have strengthened the Author's general impression of the im- portance of the dates suggested five years since, in the last edition of this work. By a better arrangement, enlarging some parts and cur- tailing others, the author hopes that he has illustrated more clearly the views maintained in his w^ork, and that its general usefulness may be increased. It is a cause of much thankfulness that there is a great increase of atten- tion to this subject, and that God is raising up faithful and wise Expositors of these deeper parts of divine truth which are so suited to the present exigencies of the Church. E. BiCKERSTETH. Watton Rector 7/ y Herts, Sept. 24, 1844. J\,/, /i.y/n . f . //,/ . ;. /,'/. ;.;, /.y U| A PEACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES. CHAPTER I. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. Next to the moral and experimental evidence of God's word, the evidence of prophecy is, of all others, the most convincing, satisfactory, and even overwhelming, to a wise, learned, and candid mind. There is such an accumulation of proof upon proof in a vast multitude of improbabilities, there is such a chain of evidence for thousands of years, there is such an impossibility in the very nature of things of any forgery ; there is such a growing strength in the evidence, from age to age, to our own times ; there is such rich spiritual use in the prophecies themselves, that the moral conviction is conclusive ; we cannot but say, when the subject has been calmly and completely investigated, the finger of God is visible in this — it is His own word. And this evidence, arising from the past and the present fulfilment of prophecy, is connected with the most elevating and comforting hopes as to all that is to come ; the great B 2 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES : things that most concern us as individual believers, and that most concern the Church of Christ, are set before us with the distinctness of history, leading us to the full hope of the richest and most enduring blessedness. The past completion, also, of prophecy furnishes us with the best rules for understanding what is yet unfulfilled. If it be said, there are serious differences among Christian inter- preters ; these, though stumbling to a beginner, are not such as at all materially to weaken our conclusions. The differences are rather, as to the modes or time in which the result shall be accomplished, and the exact nature of that result, than concerning the result itself. Nor are they so great as in many of those sciences which men still pursue with the greatest ardour and with many beneficial conse- quences. If there were but the same earnestness in pur- suing this heavenly science, as stimulates in pursuing earthly sciences, the difficulties and differences, instead of stumbling men and turning them aside, would only in- crease the zeal of investigation, and the ardent thirst for divine knowledge. Whoever considers duly how much of the whole Bible is of a prophetic character, and that our God did undoubt- edly design that this part of his word should be studied, and be profitable to his church, cannot but be sensible that the right understanding of the prophecies is a valuable gift to the Christian, and greatly to be esteemed. To understand not only the past, but the present, and the general cha- racter of the future according to the Divine Mind, raises us above the petty scenes of this transient world and its little conflicts, into communion with the Divine being ; and our minds open to those larger views by which God would lead his people to the discovery of his wisdom, power, and love ; and, while on earth, to have their conversation in heaven. It is not to be supposed that prophecy is only useful as GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 3 an evidence of inspiration ; it is equally useful as a warn- ing of evil to come, and a support under present trials. Thus Noah was preserved from the deluge, and Lot from the destruction of Sodom, and the first Christians from that of Jerusalem ; and had the Antediluvians, and the inhabitants of Sodom, and the Jews, attended to prophecy, they would have escaped destruction. Caleb and Joshua believed in the promised possession of Canaan, and entered in ; while the children of Israel in general perished in the wilderness ; Rahab regarded the prophecy (Josh. ii. 9 ; Heb. xi. 81), and was saved, while the men of Jericho perished. The preaching of prophetic truth is also an important duty, as we see in the cases of Noah, Daniel, and Jonah. The preaching of it to Nineveh was attended with a na- tional blessing, and a considerable delay of judgment. Nor must the revelation of prophecy be confounded with the secret things which belong to God^ but rather placed among those things which are revealed and belong to us and our children. Deut. xxix. 29. It is most desirable not only that ministers, but that Christians in general, should give serious attention to this subject. 1 would not have you to he ignorant concerning a most important future prophecy relating to the second advent of Christ, is the apostle's statement to the Thessa- lonian Christians. 1 Thess. iv. 13. How infinitely more worthy is this of our attention, than most of those works often of polluting fancy, or mere controversy, in which so much of modern literature consists ; where the principles of this world, and the littleness of man's doing and glory, fill the page, and spread a debasing and earthly influence over our understanding and our affections : or the imagi- nation and the feelings are excited without being brought out into really good action, and so the best powers of men are deadened and stupified, when real cases of distress, and B 2 4 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES : the self-denying work of the Christian life come before them. There is a willing ignorance (2 Peter iii. 5.) re- specting the day of Christ which is much condemned by the Spirit of God. Nor is there any obscurity in the subject that should hinder laymen, ignorant of the learned languages, from acquiring most profitable knowledge. Bishop Horsley, well competent to speak on such a point, gives these two rules of exposition^ founded on 2 Peter i. 20, 21. " (1.) Every single text of prophecy is to be considered as a part of an entire system, and to be understood in that sense which may best connect it with the whole. (2.) The sense of prophecy in general is to be sought in the events which have actually taken place." Bishop Horsley then goes on to say, " To qualify the Christian to make a judicious application of these rules, no skill is requisite in verbal criticism — no proficiency in the subtleties of the logician's art — no acquisition of recondite learning. That degree of understanding with which se- rious minds are ordinarily blessed — those general views of the schemes of Providence, and that general acquaintance with the prophetic language, which no Christian can be wanting in, who is constant, as every true Christian is, in his attendance on public worship, and gives that serious attention which every true Christian gives to the word of God, as it is read to him in our churches, and expounded from our pulpits, — these qualifications, accompanied with a certain strength of memory and quickness of recollection, which exercise and habit bring — and with a certain pa- tience of attention in comparing parallel texts — these qualifications will enable the pious though unlearned Christian, to succeed in the application of the apostle's rules, so far at least as to derive much rational amusement — much real edification — much consolation — much confir- GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 5 mation of his faith — much animation of his hopes — much joy and peace in believing, from that needful meditation of the prophetic word, which all men would do well to re- member, an inspired apostle has enjoined." It is a beautiful remark of Boos's — " By the study of the prophetic word the heart is weaned from the world, placed upon celestial objects, and prepared for entering on the enjoyment of pure, uninterrupted, and eternal bliss." If the word of Christ be to dwell in us richly in all spiritual wisdom and understanding ; — Col. iii. 16.) if we are not to despise prophesying s^ (1 Thess. v. 20.) if we are to take heed to them as a more sure word ; (2 Pet. i. 19.) if they tend to illustrate Providence in dangerous times, to confirm our faith, to stir up prayer, to excite hope, to make us patient in affliction, to bring consolation, and to beget in us the fear of God, * then is a diligent meditation in the prophetic scriptures a plain duty. Taking heed to the sure word of prophecy being a duty required in the word of God, no man is justified in neg- lecting it. However there may be and are, prior duties that require our first care and attention, this too must have its due share of regard. There may, indeed, be an exclu- sive and excessive attention to it, wdiich is wrong. The study, when once the mind and heart are truly interested in it, is so attractive and engrossing, that persons in such circumstances, need a caution not to have their thoughts too much occupied with one part of divine truth, and to be told how very possible it is to have the mind wholly filled with the subject of prophecy, and the heart uncon- verted to God, and the whole man dead in trespasses and * Scripturarum propheticarura diligens meditatio necessaria est, quia (1.) Sunt pars verbi Dei J Col. iii. 16. (2.) Sedulo nobis commendatur a Paulo. 1 Thess. V. 29, et a Petro, 2 Peter i. 19. (3.) Conciliant Providentiam in temporibus periculosis, confirmant fidem, provocant preces, exitant spem, fiuadent patientiam, atferunt consolationem, gignunt numinis timorem. Gurtleri Systema Theologiae, 761. 6 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES : sins. Nothing can be more awful than for a man to have a clear view of judgments impending and glories ready to be revealed, and yet take no practical steps for his own per- sonal escape from the wrath to come, and his own personal attainment of the promised blessedness. Yet must we not, because of such a case, despise prophe- sying s. Nor must we do this, because we have seen ano- ther evil very distinctly in our days : many attending with eagerness to prophetical study, and running at the same time to excesses and wildness in things by no means ne- cessarily connected with this study. Satan has never failed to join serious error with revived truth. By this means he sought to discredit the early Protestants, and if men had yielded to this artifice, we should never have had the glorious Reformation. We must separate the precious from the vile : Jer. xv. 19 ; w^e must try aU things, and hold fast that which is good, I Thess. v. 21. Though the subject of Prophecy has recently, from the remarkable state of the world, and the rise and progress of Religious Societies, justly attracted much attention, yet some think it attended with so many difficulties, that it had better not be considered at all. But the sacred writers so urge us to this consideration, that St. John declares of the most difficult book of prophecy, Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are ivritten therein, for the time is at hand. Rev. i. 8. It is, how^ever, very needful to study this subject with a holy aw^e on the mind, remembering, that we are considering that which was given by the in- spiration of the Holy Ghost. More or less obscurity attends all predictions previous to their fulfilment : and, even when they are fulfilled, and illustrated by the facts of history, it is allowed that the obscurity of the language in some degree remains. This has been sufficiently accounted for. Bishop Sherlock re- GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. marks, " No event can make a figurative or metaphorical expression to be a plain and literal one ; to inquire why the ancient prophecies are not clearer, is like inquiring w^hy God has not given us more reason, or made us as wise as angels. He has given us, in both cases, so much light as he thought proper, and enough to serve the ends which he intended." Besides, we are living in the dispensation, which, consi- dered as comprising the glory of the latter day, is the great theme of prophecy. As the predictions, then, are admitted to be more or less obscure, till after they are completed, and perhaps, in some cases, till some considerable time after their completion ; the true explication of those which may have their incipient or commencing accomplish- ment in our own time, must be left to posterity. If the whole course of events belonging to any particular pro- phecy be not before us, we are not adequate judges of the subject. There is a moral advantage in this obscurity, similar to that which there is in many of God's dealings with us, in a world where, in an important sense, we are in a state of probation. Light enough is afforded to guide and cheer, quicken and excite the humble and sincere ; and darkness enough is left to check the pride of human speculation, and to try the spirit ; so that the character of those who do not choose, from the love of sin, to see the truth, will be manifested. They will make this obscurity a plausible excuse for rejecting a system of divine truth which the upright mind gladly and gratefully welcomes. The minds of men are thus exercised, strengthened, and enlarged, by the necessity of studying this solemn subject in that frame of mind which can alone make it a source of genuine edi- fication. The scriptures frequently allude to the state of mind and heart, as greatly affecting our understanding of divine 8 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES : truth. Dan. xii. 10. Matt. xi. 25. To furnish a test of the moral state, seems to be one reason of the more obscure parts of scripture. Psalm xxv. 9. Isa. xxviii. 9. Prov. xi. 2. iCor. iii. J 8. Prophecy is not designed, then, to gratify mere curiosity respecting futurity ; but while it tries and exercises Chris- tian graces in the view taken of it, it encourages the hopes, and refreshes the hearts of Christians ; prepares them for times of suffering ; and increases their patience and their zeal by the general assurances of the ultimate triumph of the Church of Christ over all its enemies. It is therefore written just in sufficient obscurity to answer these ends, without our becoming prophets, or perfectly comprehend- ing the predictions previously to the occurrence of tlie predicted events ; and yet it becomes adequately plain, immediately or more remotely after the events may have taken place, to every candid mind, that the God, revealed in the scriptures, had foreseen and foretold them. These things have I told y on ^ that when the time shall come, ye may rememher that I told you of them. John xvi. 4. Future things are not, however, to be pryed into, beyond what God has revealed ; so far as he has revealed them, it is our duty and privilege to search into them ; Secret things belong unto the Lord our God ; hut the things which he has revealed, unto us and to our children. Deut. xxix. 29. Many of those w^ho have'attempted particularly to describe future, or even passing events, have, in some particular or other, been found to fail and have, if they have lived, had to retract their assertions, and re-state their views. These things have helped, though most unjustly, to bring the sacred subject of prophecy into contempt : there is no knowledge, human or divine, which may not be rejected, if such a ground of rejection were admitted the children of this world are much wiser in their studies. Still we should remember, that though the Apostles and sacred GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 9 writers in the New Testament, speak of passing events as then accomplishing prophecy, an inspired writer might with authority and propriety say, Then was fulfilled that which was spoJcen hy the prophet, when the matter would require a far greater degree of circumspection in any but an inspired teacher. Let us be content to rest in such general state- ments as the word of God authorizes, till events have been so completed as to shew what God intended ; and let us contemplate the future prospects of the church with that waiting spirit which leaves to God the unfolding of his own will and purpose. The late Mr. Davidson speaks thus of the structure and use of Ancient Prophecy : — " I. The character of Prophecy is not simple and uni- form, nor its light equable. It was dispensed in various degrees of revelation, and that revelation adapted by the wisdom of God to purposes which we must explore by studying its records and considering its capacity of appli- cation. " II. The principal age of prophecy is from Samuel to Malachi. From the fall to the flood, and from thence to the call of Abraham, its communications are few. In the Patriarchal age they are enlarged. During the Bondage in Egypt they are discontinued, but renewed with the Law. A pause of them during 400 years follows the Law, and a pause of a like duration precedes the Gospel. " III. The subjects of prophecy are varied. Whilst it was all directed to one general design, in the evidence and support of religion, there was a diversity in the adminis- tration of the Spirit in respect of that design. In Para- dise, it gave the first hope of a Redeemer. After the deluge, it established the peace of the natural world. In Abraham it founded the double Covenant of Canaan and the Gospel. In the age of the law it spake of the second Prophet, and foreshadowed in types the Christian Doctrine, but foretold 10 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES I most largely the future state of the selected people who were placed under that preparatory Dispensation. In the time^of David it revealed the Gospel Kingdom with the promise of the Temporal. In the days of the later pro- phets, it pre -signified the changes of the Mosaic Covenant, embraced the history of the chief Pagan Kingdoms, and completed the annunciation of the Messiah, and his work of Redemption. After the Captivity, it gave a last and more urgent information of the approaching Advent of the Gospel. " The Holy Jesus and his Religion are the one principal object of Prophecy, the beginning and end of the elder revelation of God. St. Paul has intimated the varied form and different degrees of light under which prophecy was successively dispensed, when he says of it, that God in sundry partitions of his truth, (ttoAv/jlcpoos) and in divers manners, spake in times past unto the Fathers by the Pro- phets.''^ To this must be added the blessed fact, which we see everywhere, that the grand result of Prophecy is the ulti- mate and everlasting triumph of Christ, and his kingdom over all the earth — the head of the serpent bruised, and all nations blessed in the seed of the woman ; the love of God, while it developes the stubbornness of evil, finally triumphs over it, to the praise of the glory of his grace. RULES AND CAUTIONS. 11 CHAPTER II. PRACTICAL RULES AND CAUTIONS. The following Rules for the investigation of Prophecy, may, it is hoped, assist the student, and guard him against being carried away by mere speculation : for several parts of the directions here given, the author has been indebted to the' last chapter of Vitringa's work. (Typus Doctrinae Prophet icae.) " The interpretation of prophecy (2 Pet. i. 19, 20,) con- sists in ascertaining the events to which predictions allude, and in shewing the agreement between the images of the prediction, and the particulars of the history. The original word eiriKvcTis expresses this particular sort of interpretation, that exposition which renders the mystic sense of parable, dreams, and prophecies." * 1. To GAIN the TEACHING OF THE HoLY SpIRIT, is the first of all requisites with reference to a due understanding of prophecy, whether fulfilled or unfulfilled. This is clear from our Lord's statement, (John xvi. 13,) when He the spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth : for he shall not speak of himself ^ hut whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you. No doubt, this promise was in its high- est sense realized in the inspired writers of the new Testa- * See Bishop Horsley. 12 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES : ment, and in the predictions record'jd in their writings ; but the same spirit is required to give us understanding of the words of the Spirit. Even the inspired writers needed prayer for this teaching, as we see by the constant prayers of David for divine teaching, and the inquiring and search- ing diligently of the prophets, and the practical and per- sonal revelation to them of the design of their prophecies. (1 Peter i. iO— 12.) We must not expect, we need not, that extraordinary illumination of the Spirit which inspired the sacred writers. The ordinary guidance of the Spirit, is however promised to all. (Luke xi. 13.) He removes prejudices which hinder the faculties of knowledge and judgment from attaining even the historical and literal sense of prophecy, and leads men to submit to God's truth willingly. The teaching of the same Spirit is specially needed in things of a spiritual character, relating to Christ and his kingdom, and its bless- ings and privileges. None can perceive the true and interior sense of these things, but he who is in the faith — a spiritual man — endued both with the understanding and experience of the benefits. If we humbly and earnestly ask the aid of the Holy Spirit, with confession of our ignorance and weakness, and even stupidity, He will succour us with his grace, and remove the veil from our eyes and from the things themselves. The record, Zech. iv. 5, 13, 14 ; Dan. vii. 16 ; Rev. xvii. 7 ; and the inquiries there made as to the prophecies being understood, with the answers given, may shew us how willing God is that w^e should understand his revealed purposes. 2. A BELIEVING, PRAYERFUL, HUMBLE, SUBMISSIVE, AND OBEDIENT STATE OF HEART is VCry UCCdful tO give effect to every other rule. We must bring to this study a pure and sober mind, free from erroneous anticipations, not thinking slightly of, but reverencing God and his Word, and prepared to admit every part of his revealed RULES AND CAUTIONS. 13 will, with the obedience of faith. Eyes single, harmless and simple towards God and his word, are required ; not distorted and turned back by men's opinions. This, too, is a benefit coming from the divine bounty. The aid of the Holy Spirit is to be implored, to work in us these good and holy affections of mind, and to preserve them when wrought ; so that He may enlighten the mind, remove the veil, direct us aright, and keep us from things to be avoided. The saints have in all ages acknowledged this to be the work of the Holy Ghost. (Psalm xliii. 8 ; cxix. 14, 27, 66.) Certainly, in the light of God we see light. Psalm xxxvi. 9. He who wants this is in darkness, though he may appear to himself to be especially wise. 8. Commence this study with the word of God. This is the fountain head ; the whole source of all pro- phetical knowledge ; nothing is of any value, but as it is founded on, and illustrative of, the divine testimony. It is, therefore, of especial importance to read first, and care- fully, God's own word ; beginning with the earlier predic- tions, and going on to the close ; such easy books as Brown's Harmony of Scripture Prophecies, or Simpson's Key, or Newton on the Prophecies, will shew you that rich stream of Prophecy which runs through all the word of God. In forming your sentiments on expressions, take an enlarged view of the whole of a prophecy, before you determine the meaning of a particular sentence in it : for some have taken a single sentence, and applied it to quite a different purpose than to its original use : mark what the prophet himself or other scriptures testify respecting the time and circum- stances of the prophecy ; in what year he wrote, under what kings, for Judali or for Israel. This may sometimes be ascertained from the things stated ; at least, as far as to point out before, or after, what time they were spoken. 4. Take the plain literal meaning of the ex- pressions, where they are not evidently symbolical. Few 14 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES : things have occasioned more perverted views than figurative interpretation of plain expressions. It has thrown away much of the prophetical use and instruction of lengthened and important predictions. There is, indeed, in almost all the prophecies, and especially in the Revelation, a mixture of symbolical and literal expressions, but the figure or symbol may, generally, be easily distinguished from the plain letter, which must as little as possible be departed from. This rule may be, and has been abused : but it is still important to bear it in mind, lest, for instance, with- out scriptural authority we apply to the Gentiles what God intended for the Jews ; or to the awful destruction of Jerusalem, the much desired blessing of the second coming of Christ for the salvation of his people. In most cases, what is symbolical is manifestly so ; and there is need only of the ordinary judgment of a sober mind so to interpret it, though the meaning of the symbol may be more difficult- The literal meaning, as expressed in the text, must, where there is no adequate necessity for leaving it, always be primarily attended to and made out, and adhered to ; and this is only to be departed from when necessity, the con- text, or subsequent inspiration directs us to a symbolical, or enlarged meaning. Thus the book of Revelation has, by applying the name Babylon to Rome, and by varied uses of expressions of the Old Testament, led us to expect in subsequents events of the Roman empire a fulfilment in the symbolical Babylon, of those predictions that have not yet been fulfilled in the history of the literal Babylon.'^ 5. Diligently compare one part of Scripture WITH another. No rule is more important for th^ right investigation of prophecy than this. One scheme, one argument, runs through, not only the more prophetical parts, but the whole volume of scripture. They are parts of the entire work of a single mind — God himself. They * This rule will be further noticed in a distinct chapter. RULES AND CAUTIONS. 15 all proceeded, as Horsley observes, from one author — the Holy Ghost; "that omniscient mind to which the universe is ever present, in one unvaried, undivided thought ; — the entire comprehension of the visible and intelligible world, with its ineffable variety of mortal and immortal natures ; that mind in w^hich all science, truth, and know^ledge is summed up, and comprehended in one vast idea ! " Moses - and Elias, and we may add, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, David, and the whole choir of prophets, (as Vitringa puts it,) here confer together between themselves and Christ. (Matt. xvii. 8) Thus shall we be taught the entire har- mony and agreement between them ; and that each speaks nothing but what the whole speaks. God has also graci- ously given links or clauses in one prophet, parallel with those of another, the combination of w^hich throws light on the connection of one prophecy with another, just as the comparison of one statement of doctrine with another, throws light upon the general truth revealed. For instance, the Revelation is full of references to former Prophets, and contains a concentrated index, and an analytical view of the chief substance of those prophecies which were unac- complished w^hen it was written. Bishop Horsley, in his four Sermons on 2 Peter i. 20, 21 ., has many striking remarks illustrative of this rule, and shewing that no prophecy of scripture is made its own inter- preter, or of self-interpretation. He remarks, " The maxim is to be applied both to every single text of prophecy, and to the whole. Of any single text of prophecy, it is true that it cannot be its own interpreter, for this rea- son : because the scripture prophecies are not detached predictions of separate independent events, but are united in a regular and entire system, all terminating in one great object — the promulgation of the gospel, and the complete establishment of the Messiah's kingdom. Of this system every particular prophecy makes a part, and bears a more 16 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES : immediate, or a more remote relation to that which is the object of the whole. It is, therefore, very unlikely that the true signification of any particular text of prophecy should be discovered from the bare attention to the terms o/ the single prediction taken by itself, without considering it as a part of that system to which it unquestionably belongs, and without observing how it may stand connected with earlier and later prophecies, especially with those which might more immediately precede or more immedi- ately follow it. Again, of the whole of the Scripture pro- phecies, it is true, that it cannot be its own interpreter. Its meaning can never be discovered without a general knowledge of the principal events to which it alludes. Every particular prophecy is to be referred to the system, and to be understood in that sense which may most aptly connect it with the whole, and the sense of prophecy in general is to be sought in the events which have actually taken place." 6. Carefully mark the scriptural interpreta- tion OF prophecies. There is much that is symbolical and figurative, but you will find few symbols of the mean- ing of which the word of God does not give an account. This is often immediately connected with it ; like a key tied by a string, close to the lock, that you may have every help for the interpretation ; at other times it is given in other parts of the scripture. The New Testament fre- quently also furnishes a divinely-inspired interpretation to the Old Testament prophecies. (See Isaiah Ixi. 1, 2., and Luke iv. 21.) This will give you not only a clear guide to the prophecies, but a help to the right interpretation of similar predictions. It is a just remark of Mr. Allix : — The latter prophets having always added some new light to those who prophesied before them, it is a good and sure method to expound the old ones by the new, who illustrate the thought of those who went before them, and who lay RULES AND CAUTIONS. 17 them open in a larger view and brightness. Thus, for example, we find the right sense of several Psalms con- cerning the return of the Jews from the captivity at the second coming of the Messiah, by what is said in Isaiah, chapter xii, where he gives the sense of several Psalms." * 7. Note, AS accurately as you can, the line be- tween WHAT HAS BEEN FULFILLED AND WHAT HAS NOT. If we do not this, we may weaken the strong clear evi- dence of divine inspiration from fulfilled prophecy. Yet distant events are so intermingled in almost all the pro- phecies, as to require careful caution and discrimination in the application of this rule. The passage w^hich our Lord read from Isaiah Ixi. 1, 2, in the synagogue at Nazareth, Luke iv. 16 — 21, is a striking lesson. He read just as far as it had been fulfilled, and then dosed the hook^ and said. This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears ; what follows in Isaiah, The day of vengeance of our God,, had not then arrived. It is a remark of Irenseus, very useful to keep in view, though too generally and strongly expressed, " All prophecies before they are fulfilled, are enigmas and ambi- guous to men ; but when the time arrives, and the event predicted is accomplished, then they have a clear and cer- tain exposition." This principle may be extended to the whole scheme of prophecy, which will, indeed, not be fully developed, till God's purposes are accomplished in the events foretold. The PARTICULAR explanation of unfulfilled pro- phecy, is either not to be attempted, or stated with the greatest humility. The general meaning may be clear, when we go quite beyond our province in attempting to point out the particular mode of its fulfilment. Let us rather attain Habakkuk's spirit, / loill watch to see what he will say unto me. (Hab. ii. 1.) 8. Attend to the prophetic meaning of the * See AUix on the Psalms, p. xxv. C 18 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES : Psalms and Parables. We have been so accustomed to use them merely for devotional, practical, and moral purposes as almost to lose sight of their character as pro- phecies, full of the experience of Christ, and the glories of his kingdom. Mr. Allix says, "I am persuaded that the book of Psalms has in it a greater number of prophecies than any book of the Old Testament. There are well nigh fifty Psalms quoted several times in the New Testament, Avhich shows how properly our Lord made use of that book to instruct his disciples that he was the Christ. (Luke xxiv. 44.) It is therefore with great reason that the book of Psalms is, and has been, constantly read in public by the church, there being no book in the Old Testament where the faithful may find so much comfort, and so high rap- tures of devotion, as those with which the Holy Spirit moved David and his fellow-prophets concerning the re* demption of mankind, and the different stages through which the church, the mystical body of Christ, was to pass before she came to everlasting glory." " I am persuaded," continues Mr. Allix, " that it is not at all possible to understand them unless one has always an eye to the various conditions of the church : — (1.) As it consisted of the Jewish nation till the coming of Christ. (2.) As composed chiefly of the Gentiles since Christ's coming. (3.) As being persecuted both under the Roman empire, and under the kingdom of Antichrist. (4.) As intended to be delivered from that oppression by our Saviour's second coming. (5.) As it shall be formed anew by the conversion of the Jews to the gospel. (6.) As it shall be augmented by the general conversion of all the nations who have not yet owned Christ for the true Mes- siah. (7.) As being governed during a long time, viz. ten centuries, by Christ. (8.) As it shall be attacked by Satan when he shall be loosed in the latter days, after which the final judgment is to follow." It adds much indeed to the RULES AND CAUTIONS. 19 power and blessedness of the Psalms to view them, as they may so properly and largely be viewed, as the words of Christ, touched with a feeling of our infirmities. Many of the parables of our Lord are most important prophecies. The remarks of Mr. Greswell respecting this point, in his valuable work on the Parables, are instructive. He distinguishes them into two classes, (1.) moral parabolic examples, and (2.) allegorical prophetical histories. Of the latter he enumerates these : — 1. The sower. Matt. xiii. 2. The tares, Matt. xiii. 3. The seed growing, Mark iv. 26. 4. The mustard-seed, Matt. xiii. .5. The leaven, Matt. xiii. 6. The hidden treasure, Matt. xiii. 7. The pearl, Matt. xiii. 8. The draw-net. Matt. xiii. 9. The good shepherd, John x. 10. The servants waiting, Luke xii.36. 11. The steward, Luke xii. 42. 12 The barren fig-tree, Luke xiii. 13. The great supper, Luke xiv. 14. The prodigal, Luke xv. 15. The labourers, Matt. xx. 16. The pounds, Luke xix. 17. The wicked husbandman, Matt, yxi. 33. 18. The wedding - garment. Matt, xxii. 19. The virgins. Matt. xxv. 20. The talents. Matt. xxv. These he considers historical and prophetical vehicles of facts, rather than doctrines, and that in all these there is either clear or presumptive indication of their being in general allegories, and each in particular prophecies, and that it is a further confirmation of this truth, that to ten of the number recorded by Matthew and Mark, the phrase ^ the hingdonn of God^ or ^ heaven is like^ is prefixed, and that to the 13th and 16th, recorded by St. Luke, it is vir- tually prefixed. The subject-matter of the parables consists of a series of prophecies ; the mysteries or secrets of the kingdom of God ; the concealment oF which for a time was wise and necessary. (Mark iv. 11, 12.) The great danger in such views of the parables is lest our mind should be diverted from the all -important personal application, in our search after a supposed prophetical meaning. Let the reader be on his guard against this.* * There are some remarks in our Lord's seven parables, Matt. xiii. (as C 2 20 a practical guide to the prophecies : 9. Study and compare the best Interpreters of PROPHECY. Sir Isaac Newton said most justly, that among the interpreters of the last age, there was scarcely one of note who had not made some discovery worth knowing, and this observation is true to the present day. This may much encourage searching books of an established charac- ter on this subject, and by comparing different opinions and systems, you will see, indeed, more of the difficulties, but you will have more materials for forming your own judgment. Only it is needful to remember that there is a broad difference between a human interpretation, and an inspired prophecy. What is the chaff to the wheat ? The prophecy will stand for ever, and become brighter and clearer as years roll on ; the human interpretation may be weakened or confirmed, strengthened and increased, or overthrown, just as it accords with the infallible mind of God. This is eminently true in the interpretation of mys- tical numbers, and their commencement and termination. However desirable it is first to study the simple word itself, yet to expect to understand the more difficult parts descriptive of a connected series, indicating progressively the several stages of advancement of the mystical kingdom of Christ), in the words of Alexan- der Knox just published. See vol. i. p. 407 — 426. These views may be considered in connection with those sentiments of prophetical writers, like Cocceius, Gurtler, Vitringa, and Venema, who have regarded the history of the Christian church under seven periods, and the epistles to the seven churches as descriptive of these periods. Mr. Knox considers (1.) The para- ble of t/ie sowr as describing the commencement. (2.) The tares, the mixed state of the church. ^3.) The mustard seed gvown into a tree, its expanded state. (4.) The leaven, the hidden state of piety in the darker ages, i5.) The treasure hid in the fields the varied awakenings with its accidental adjuncts. (6.) The'pearl, vital Christianity in its purity. (7.) The net, like the seventh seal and the seventh trumpet, marking the final close. Without entirely con- curring in the view, and especially in the particular illustrations of it as given by different writers, the author submits it to the consideration of the diligent student of scripture. Mr. Knox gives some interesting illustrations of these parables. He is an original writer ; but fanciful and unsound on Justifica- tion ; the reader who is disposed to be carried away by Mr, Knox's genius, learning, and piety, would do well to consult Bishop O'Brien's Sermons on Faith. RULES AND CAUTIONS. 21 of prophecy by our own meditations on them, without the help of others, is a vain thing. The Ethiopian Eunuch needed a Philip to understand the prophecy respecting Christ's first coming ; and we need the aid of the length- ened and patient studies of learned and pious men, as well as our own deep meditations, to understand the predictions of his second coming. Such men have not laboured, prayed, or written in vain. But do not make a mistake on the other side. It must not be imagined, from the long list of books at the end of this Treatise, that such an extended study of human writ- ings is requisite to a right understanding and use of the prophecies in general, much less of any part of them. It is convenient to have such a list, and it may assist in pointing out works to those pursuing any particular branch of this study ; but it is by no means necessary, in order to read tlie prophecies with advantage, to have such an ap- paratus. They who keep the mystery of faith, in a pure mind and conscience, and, with holy purposes, humbly set about the meditation and search for this word, may, though not learned in human knowledge, draw from it necessary instruction, moral discipline, comforting hope, and assumed faith. They will every where meet the testimony of Jesus ; nor can they overlook those prophecies which describe his person, character, history, kingdom, and its privileges. And if they attain not all the meaning of other prophecies, and cannot demonstrate their fulfilment from history, they may yet collect from them, general statements for their edification, nor will they doubt of their fulfilment ; thus all kinds and degrees of men believing and loving the name and word of God, may receive solid advantage from reading the prophetic word. 10. Attain historical knowledge. This is not so difficult with regard to the interpretation of prophecy as might be imagined. The historical knowledge here wanted, 22 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES : is not the history of the human race (though that is glanced at and comprehended), but the history of nations connected with the church of God. Dean Woodhouse observes : — " When the people of God were to become sub- servient to the four universal monarchies, the character and succession and fates of these monarchies were pre- dicted ; but the main object, continually kept in view, was their deliverance from these successive yokes by the superseding dominion of the Messiah. This supreme and universal dominion, gradually and finally to prevail, ap- pears to be the grand object of all sacred prophecy ; and revolutions of worldly power among the gentiles, seem to be noticed only at those times when the}^ impede or pro- mote it." Historical knowledge, therefore, is not of im- portance to that extent Vv^hich some imagine, and which would render it impossible for an unlearned Christian to pretend to know the meaning of plain predictions in the Bible. Prophecy deals not in minute and recondite things, but in large, broad, comprehensive features. A compara- tively slight knowledge of history, such as Josephus, Milner, Mosheim, Fox, Prideaux's Connection, Rollin, Gibbon, a history of the Jews, of Turkey and Modern Europe, and of the French Revolution, furnish, will go a great way in throwing historical light on the word of pro- phecy. It is a remarkable providence that the infidel his- torian Gibbon should furnish the chief historical light to interpret the books of Daniel and Revelation. * Prophecy is the narration of things to be done, history that of things done: prophecy cannot therefore be com- plete without history, for its fulfilment must be sought in history ; history is not only the light of the tinies, but the light of prophecy. But still it should not be supposed that no one can read the prophetic word profitably, unless accurately instructed in history. This is the attainment * See Bishop Watson's Apology for Christianity. RULES AND CAUTIONS. 23 of very few, and if so, few would attain the advantage of the study of prophecy, and this most noble study w^ould be confined in a narrow compass. It is sufficient, therefore, for ordinary students to have some more compendious knowledge of the greater changes which have happened in the state of the world, and especially of the church. But in a public interpreter of the prophetic word, a more accurated knowledge of history, and greater skill is re- quired."^* Geographical knowledge should be added to His- torical. Reland and Wells, with good scriptural maps, will be valuable helps to you. 11. Keep in view the great end of all Prophecy, Christ Jesus. To testify concerning Christ as the Messiah and Saviour of the world, was the one grand pur- pose of the Scripture Prophecies, to which other topics w^ere only collateral and subordinate. Many of these relate to his personal character and office : others to the establish- ment and progress of his spiritual kingdom. Divines have accordingly arranged the prophecies concerning Christ under two general heads, dividing them into such as relate to his, first coming, which had their full and entire com- pletion in his person ; and such as relate to his second coming, comprising a long series of events preparatory to that final close of the Christian Dispensation, some of which are already accomplished, others are noAV fulfilling, whilst * There is in some of the modern expositions of the book of Daniel and the Revelation, a mass of historical and ecclesiastical information, that repays the perusal of those expositions, though it be too often misapplied to the particular prophecy. But it is to be regretted that there is no little manual of history, (as far as the author knows) something on the plan and scale of Edward's History of Redemption, or Bossuet's Universal History, for the express purpose of illustrating prophecy. In such a history, illustrating pro- phecy as is here suggested, the lesser events are not the things to be dwelt upon, but the greater and more deciding changes which have controlled and overruled the history of nations, and those that are more immediately con- nected with the church of God. A friend suggested the idea that a Religious History of the French Revolution is a work to be desired in this view. Alison's and Carlyle's Histories give historical information. 24 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES others are still awaiting their completion at some distant period. The prophecy respecting the rise or fall of par- ticular persons, families or states, have reference in most, if not all, instances, to the same object." * Whatever is told us of one to come, not named, but emphatically glo- rious, which cannot be shewn to be fulfilled in any other, is to be viewed as belonging to Christ. Deut. xviii. 18 ; Psalm viii., xvi., xxii., xl., Ixix., Ixxxviii., cxviii. 22, 23. Isaiah iv. 2 ; vii. 14, 15 ; xliii. 1 ; liii. 1, 2. Zech. iii. 8 ; xii. ]0. The same scriptures declare also his suffering and his glory ; its lines meet in this centre, and this makes the study of it so sweet and delightful to one who loves his Saviour. It all relates to his beloved Master's person, coming, return, kingdom and glory. The predictions of scripture may, in fact, all be comprehended in one view : they are the unfolding of the first prophecy, / will put enmity between thee and the ivoman^ and between thy seed and her seed ; it shall bruise thy head, and th A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES : acquainted with an important part of divine truth, ob- noxious even to Christians in general, — that he should have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge^ (1 Cor. xiii. 2.) that he should confess the truth and suffer reproach for it, and all the while have merely the system and theory, and be without the grace of the truth. What a prayer is that of our Lord : Sanctify them through thy truth I John xvii. 17. Truth applied to the heart by the Holy Ghost, is sanctifying. It should be our desire, that our religion may not be merely that which nature can attain, but that which by its fruits is proved to be supernatural and divine ; thus shall we now be the workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus unto good works; (Eph. ii. 10.) and so shall we be found at the last to have oil in our vessels ivith our lamps when the Bridegroom conuth. Matt. XXV. To these practical Rules the author would add a few CAUTIONS. 1. Do NOT BE STUMBLED AT THE VARIOUS AND OPPOS- ING INTERPRETATIONS OF LEARNED AND GOOD MEN. In events, whether fulfilled or yet to be fulfilled, where we have no infallible interpreter, this was to be expected. It is so in all subjects human and divine. Even the in- spired prophets themselves, (1 Peter i. 10.) ivho prophesied of the grace that should come^ inquired and searched diligently, searching what or what manner of time the spirit of Christ which was in them did signify ^ when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. If they had to inquire and search diligently to ascertain dates and periods, and only obtained a general knowledge, that not unto themselves, but unto us did they minister the things which are now reported unto you ; no wonder that human writers come to diff'erent conclusions. But do not imagine on that account that the search is vain for you, and the study hopeless and unprofitable. Far, very far RULES AND CAUTIONS. 27 from it. Leading views you may obtain of tlie utmost value. Bisliop Van Mildert justly remarks, " Those who duly consider the prodigious extent and complicated nature of the plan of prophecy, will not only be convinced that to devise and execute it, is far beyond the power of man ; but will be prepared to meet with something of intricacy and even obscurity in the detail of the plan, which the limited powers of the human understanding may not be able com- pletely to unravel. They will perceive that a scheme of divine wisdom, to be carried on through all ages of the world, and embracing an infinite diversity of times, per- sons, and places, must require means to conduct and unfold it, of which it is impossible that man should be a competent judge. Hence they will be led to examine the subject with humility and reverence. — But whatever shade of doubt and difficulty may still hang over some particular predictions (concerning which the most learned and saga- cious may continue to entertain some difference of opinion), it is nevertheless impossible for any unprejudiced persons to deny, that there is a prodigious mass of solid and incon- trovertible evidence to be collected from history in verifica- tion of the scripture prophecies." These are excellent remarks of a very able modern writer : " Justice is to be exercised in judging of the opi- nions and statements of others. This constitutes candour. It consists in giving a fair hearing to their opinions, state- ments, and arguments, and weighing fairly and honestly their tendency. It is therefore opposed to prejudice, blind attachment to preconceived opinions, and that narroAv dis- putatious spirit, w^liich delights in captious criticism, and will hear nothing with calmness that is opposed to its own views : which distorts or misrepresents the sentiments of its opponents, ascribing them to unworthy motives, or deducing from them conclusions which they do not war- 28 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES : rant. Candour accordingly may be considered as a com pound of justice and the love of truth. It leads us to give due attention to the opinions and statements of others ; in all cases to be cliiefly solicitous to discover truth, and in statements of a mixed character, containing perhaps much error and fallacy, anxiously to discover and separate what is true. It has accordingly been remarked, that a turn for acute disputation and minute and rigid criticism is often the characteristic of a contracted and prejudiced mind, and that the most enlarged understandings are always the most indulgent to the statements of others ; their leading aim being to discover truth."* The only danger in this is, lest any thing of a doubtful and sceptical spirit should creep upon us. It is to be guarded against by the deepest reverence for the word of God, and entire submission to all its plain statements. 2. Remember an important distinction between the FACTS predicted, AND THE TIME WHEN THEY SHALL TAKE PLACE. Respecting the facts predicted, we may attain a much greater degree of knowledge and confidence than we can respecting the time. The history of the interpre- tation of prophecy shews this. The most able expositors t have anticipated events. Their works are not useless on that account, indeed ; for their explanation of events may be correct, when that of the time is wrong. I deny not also that it is our duty to search into the time and to state our conclusions modestly, especially as we come nearer the end, when there are special promises of light and know- ledge, (See Dan. xii. But as Gurtler justly remarks, we should not rashly or confidently define the moments of future time, in which those remarkable works of God * See that truly valuable work, 'The Philosophy of the Moral Feelings,' by John Abercrombie, M.D. p. 57, 58, a book well calculated to undermine and overthrow many false principles of modern liberalism or infidelity. t This is remarkably the case with the writings of Brightman, Mede, and Cressener. RULES AND CAUTIONS. 29 which are to take place in the world, and in the church, are to be accomplished. (Acts i. 7, Mark xiii. 32.) To hold the thing revealed tends to piety and comfort ; the time of that which is future, if scripture shows any thing concerning it, it is right and proper to meditate upon ; but accurately to fix the time before it arrives, is a fruitless attempt." * The chief triumph of those who would discourage the study of prophecy, has been the failure of many who have specified particular times ; and it may be asked, Why has God, who promised such a blessing on the study of pro- phecy, permitted this ? Not merely to humble the pride of human wisdom, nor merely to make prophetical writers more cautious, but also with regard to his people, to try their faith in the clearly predicted event, notwithstanding the uncertainty of the time ; and with regard to his ene- mies, who hate him and his word, that they might be stumbled and hardened ; and so their wickedness mani- fested, and the divine justice in their everlasting condem- nation be made clear, t S. Do not be offended at the reproaches to which THE PROFESSED EXPECTATION OF THE COMING OF ChRIST exposes you, from all classes of men. It is the generation- truth, that is, the one which is peculiarly important in this generation, and opposes the whole stream and current of men's opinions by the simple testimony of God's word, and therefore it is the truth every w^iere spoken against. A well-instructed Bible Christian will not be stumbled at this, and when he has carefully searched the foundations, and is perfectly satisfied that he has the word of Go,d to * See Gurtler's Systema, p. 55. t If the mistakes, as to particular times, of Mede, Lloyd, Allix, Jurieu, Cressener, and others, had deterrea men from pursuing these studies or from availing themselves of their works, we should never have had the valuable researches into prophetical times of Prideaux, Sir I. Newton, Vitringa, Bishop Newton, Woodhouse, not to speak of living expositors. 80 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES : rest upon, will hear with the utmost calmness the charges of the Millennarian epidemic, dangerous novelties, fanciful schemes, and a thousand other names by which men will endeavour to swamp all these truths without coming to the plain statements of scripture. The most painful thing is, Avhen the truly pious join in these things, and, like Peter to his Lord, say, (Matt. xvi. 22.) Be it far from thee ; but he who has once himself been thus prejudiced, and has seen in his own painful, past, personal experience, that " prejudice has neither eye nor ear," will readily make allowances for such a state of mind, and by patient for- bearing, and loving manifestation of the truth, commend it to the consciences of all men. 4. Guard against human systems. It is very observ- able how much some men have been carried away by a favourite system, so as to think that it is entwined with every part of the word of God, and explains every diffi- culty. They seem to suppose, that one key will turn all the locks, and open every door of every room and every cabinet in that room. There are many locks in scrip- ture ; outside locks and inside locks, and we must take the particular key which will open, first, the general lock, and then the one we want to have opened ; or we shall only wrest the scriptures. But here is our comfort — the Bible itself contains the keys for its treasure, and the Holy Spirit will guide us (if diligently sought for) into all truth. Each human system also is more or less connected with some error, and those who pursue prophetical studies, and hold the speedy coming of our Lord, have special need to be on their guard against those errors which the enemy has contrived to associate with that truth. Some of these errors are more serious than others, but the tendency of all error is to famish the soul. We may see hence persons holding the highest and newest flights of doctrine, and yet proud, censorious, dogmatical, severe, covetous, worldly, RULES AND CAUTIONS. 31 lovers of pleasure, and sunk in earthly lusts. 0 how of- fensive this must be to the pure, holy, and heavenly Sa- viour I It is a great preservative against such things, to keep constantly before us the spirit which our Lord com- mends in the beatitudes, and practical epistles like those of St. James and St. Peter. To ask also for the old ])aihs^ where is the good way ^ and to walk therein, is the means to fi^id rest for our souls. Jer. vi. 16. If we are indebted to another for the first views of divine truth, we are greatly in danger of leaning upon him, and being carried away with all his views. This is to lean on an arm of flesh, and not on the Lord, (Jer. xvii. 5,) and to refuse to follow the beautiful example of the Bereans, who went no farther with the Apostle himself, than a diligent search of the scriptures justified. Acts xvii. 11. 5. Be not afraid to suspend your judgment about more obscure and hidden things. Vitringa applies Isaiah xxviii. 16, here : He that helieveth shall not make haste ; he will resign to the Deity the scope of executing his vast designs. It is thus our blessed Saviour taught his disciples to wait the event of his prophecies. In your patience possess ye your souls, Luke xxi. 19. Where the completion is still future, Ave must not indulge our conjecture, but as becomes the faith and moderation of Christians, those things which are spoken indefinitely, and are not determined by parallel prophecies, w^e should consider as reserved in the hands of God, with respect to the mode and persons, times, places, and other circumstances of their completion. Whether Christ and his saints shall always personally be visible in their reign over the earth ; what may be the precise na- ture of his kingdom, or of the destruction of his enemies which precedes its establishment ; these and a thousand similar questions may, without any damage to the soul, be left in the hidden state in which they seem now to be left by the scriptures, till God shall throw more light upon 32 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES : them b}^ the researches of his servants, or events shall fully develope them. 6. Neglect not prophecy because of the errors, controversies, and misrepresentations, of those who have interpreted IT. It is perfectly clear, by events, that those who have written on this subject have made great mistakes ; we have the advantage of living in a later period, and of having these mistakes manifested. Some, in these days, prominent in their prophetical statements, have, in the Author's view, fallen into doctrinal errors ; an unchristian spirit of judging, and condemnation of others, or even serious delusion ; or a rash spirit of throwing aside all preceding labourers. Was it not the artifice of the enemy to destroy the power of those mighty truths which prophetical writers have distinctly brought forward, and especially to turn the attention of the church from the prophetic word ? There is, however, a plain direction, (1 Thess. V. 20,) Despise not {fj^rj c^ov^evenc, do not set at nought, or count for nothing,) propliecyings. The same thing took place at the time of the Reformation, and Gurtler has some valuable remarks upon it. He says, that, " After the beginning of the sixteenth century, the gospel being recovered from anticliristian darkness to light, many interpreters employed themselves in the Exposition of the Prophecies ; but at the end of that century the ardour for this most divine study began to cool in the churches and schools," and he states one principal cause of this lamentable issue to be, the unhappy disputes which arose among Protestants ; in Germany between the Lu- theran and Reformed ; and in Holland between Remon- strants and Contra-Remonstrants : from the origin of these disputes, controversial volumes were sent forth, rather than Commentaries on the Sacred books. Afterwards another thing arose, from which the study of prophecy was not only despised by irreligious men, but also by learned and RULES AND CAUTIONS. 33 even pious persons. Some came to treat of it with un- washed hands, and an unsuitable mind ; for, enjoying riches of genius, and facility of writing, and blandishments of language, they promulgated the fulfilling of prophecies in that immediate nearness of time and place, which in- considerate hope, impatience under undeserved calamities, and too great love of their country dictated. Gurtler shows also how others failed in their prediction of an immediately happy state of the church ; and adds, " books of this kind were eagerly read, translated into different languages, and filled the minds of the curious ; but, by and bye, the event not answering to the promises, where only the vanity of the writer was to be reprehended, the holy prophetic Theo- logy was, after the manner of the age, carped at, and despised ; and the wisdom of the prophecy of the supreme King of Kings, knowing, determining, and foretelling all things, were given up to oblivion." He then shews how God rescued, by his Spirit, the church out of this state, by raising up such men as Bright man, Mede, More, and Hofmon. Gurtler then, after giving the system of Mede and others, has these interesting reflections : — " I will not carp at the structure delineated by these learned and pious men, or subject it to my censure, for I had rather congratulate them on that eternal blessedness in which they now enjoy God, and more thoroughly and entirely know his works. In this life, we know in part, and we prophesy in part, hut when that which is perfect is come, then that ivhich is in part shall he done away. (1 Cor. xiii. 9, 10,) and we shall clearly see these things which we now conjecture, or inquire into with much labour ; or altogether are ignorant of. The human mind of the Son of God, with the angels, knew not, on earth, the day and hour of judgment, (Mark xiii. 32,) ; but the Lamb had given to him in heaven the whole histor}^ of the world and the church. Rev. i. 1 — 3." D ^4 A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE PROPHECIES May we learn lessons from past experience, and espe- cially the lesson of not neglecting any part of God's word, and being turned aside by the enemy to despise prophecy- ings from the faults of those who have studied it. God has given increasing light, age after age, to his church on this subject, and should even some material parts of the views of the leading modern interpreters turn out to be pre -anticipations, or unfounded interpretations of what God has foretold, may we, notwithstanding such stumbling- blocks, take heed to that which is still the more sure word of prophecy, (2 Peter i. 19.) the li^ht shining in the dark place, and only pray the more earnestly that our love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment, that we may try things that differ {^oKifxa^eiv rahia