which I have been led to the formation of my opinion; and to the adoption of the principles, on which this exposition of the doctrines and prophetical character of the Apocalypse is founded. The principles of interpretation, which have been adopted in this work, are, in the main, those which have been adopted by Vitringa and Dean Woodhouse. Circumstances, which it is not necessary now to mention, led me some years ago to the perusal of the work of the late Dean Woodhouse on this subject, which was published by him in the year 1805', at the time when he was Canon Residentiary of Lichfield and Archdeacon of Salop in that Diocese. The principles, upon which the learned writer proceeds in this work, (to which, and to the preparatory studies connected with it, he devoted the attention of twelve years,) in his exposition of this important prophecy, appeared at once so satisfactory; and to throw so clear a light over the Apocalypse, considered as a part of the great scheme of prophecy, and particularly as the great prophecy of the Christian dispensation; that, whatever difficulty might exist with regard to the interpretation of particular prophecies, the main object of the apocalyptic prophecies appeared to be clear and decisive; namely, that which has been the great and leading subject of prophecy This work is entitled, The Apocalypse, or Revelation of Saint John, translated; with Notes Critical and Explanatory; by JOHN CHAPPEL WOODHOUSE, M. A., Archdeacon of from the beginning,-THE REDEEMER AND HIS EVERLASTING KINGDOM. In the year 1828, the learned writer, who, shortly after the publication of his first work, was elevated to the Deanery of Lichfield, in consequence of a suggestion made to him in the year 1818 by the présent venerable and learned Bishop of Durham, at that time Regius Professor of Divinity in the University of Oxford, published an abridgment of his former work. This work, however, though in some respects it may be called an abridgment of the preceding, was, at the suggestion of the Right Reverend Prelate, enriched with much additional valuable matter. In particular, it contains, with reference to the most important subjects contained in this prophecy, a candid and dispassionate view of the opinions of the most eminent writers on the Apocalypse; so that the reader may view them in connection with each other and thus it affords us the means of forming the best and most impartial judgment, not only with respect to the interpretation of particular prophecies, but of the general scope and object of the Apocalypse. But what renders it more especially valuable, is, that it contains the last and most deliberate statement of the opinions of this 2 This work is entitled, Annotations on the Apocalypse. Intended as a sequel to those of Mr Elsley on the Gospels, and of Mr Prebendary Slade on the Epistles; and thus to complete a series of comments on the whole of the New Testament, for the use of Students in prophetical Scripture.— Hatchard. 1828. learned writer. For the last work was published twenty-three years after the former, and under circumstances, which led him to a new and careful investigation of the whole subject; and was, moreover, undertaken by him at a time of life, when the mind, unfettered by hypothesis, is more intent upon the acquisition of truth; and, with eternity in view, is most likely to acquiesce in those views of the divine economy of providence and redemption, which harmonize best with the great doctrines of the Gospel; and with the sublimity and grandeur of the Almighty plans for the everlasting happiness and salvation of man. The great principle, on which Dean Woodhouse has proceeded in his exposition of the Apocalypse, is by considering it as a part of the great scheme of prophecy; and as having mainly in view that, which is the great object of all prophecy, the history of the Church of God. With respect, therefore, to the language, the symbols, the object, and the interpretation of the apocalyptic prophecies, he justly argues, that they ought to be in perfect harmony with the prophecies of the former dispensations: and on these grounds he has laid down the following principles, by which he has guided himself in the interpretation of the prophecies of the Apocalypse. 1. The first principle, which he laid down for this investigation, was, that, if the same divine Spirit, which dictated the preceding prophecies, were also the Inspirer of the apocalyptic visions, a mutual relation must subsist between them; and, therefore, we ought to compare the language, the symbols, the predictions of the Apocalypse with those of former revelations; and to admit only such interpretation as should appear to have the sanction of this divine authority. 2. The second principle was, that, unless the language and symbols of the Apocalypse should in particular passages direct, or evidently require another mode of application, the predictions were to be applied to events occurring in the progressive kingdom of Christ. 3. The third principle was, that as the kingdom of Christ, the object of the apocalyptic prophecies, is spiritual, so they are to be understood in a spiritual sense. Spiritual things are to be compared with spiritual, as says St Paul, (1 Cor. ii. 13.) 4. The last principle, which was adopted by this learned writer in the interpretation of the apocalyptic prophecies, was, not to attempt the particular explanation of those prophecies which remain yet to be fulfilled. These were the sound and judicious principles, on which Dean Woodhouse proceeded in the investigation of the prophecies of the Apocalypse: and no one, who has perused and studied his valuable works, can fail to appreciate the sound judgment, the eminent learning, and the deliberate caution, with which he has applied them to the interpretation of this difficult book. That his first work, at the time of its publication, did not attract the attention, which its intrinsic excellence deserved, is perhaps, in a great measure, to be accounted for from the fact, that the minds of men were at that time intent upon the great changes in the political and religious condition of the civilized world, which had been effected, and were then taking place in consequence of the French revolution. But perhaps a more just view of the Apocalypse, in connection with the prophecies of former dispensations and with the great scheme of Scripture prophecy, will lead us to a different view of this sublime and magnificent prophecy; and will teach us to look for the accomplishment of its predictions, in events which are on a scale of magnificence, corresponding to that, which is the great subject of all prophecy, -the Redeemer and his everlasting kingdom. The work of Dean Woodhouse, however, did not entirely escape the reward of approbation, which richly its due. Amongst other persons, the late learned and venerable Bishop HURD,-who, of all men living at that time, was best able to appreciate the real merits of such a work; and who at a former period of life had not only espoused, but in his valuable Lectures on Prophecy, had argued |