sible; that while they are found to be universally applicable, they may yet in every individual case allow of but one meaning. The following Rules are founded upon a conviction that the Prophetic Writings are in every respect perfect, and consequently capable of one uniform and satisfactory explanation: Commentators endeavouring to obtain an interpretation of them on these grounds, may hope that their labour will not be vain and fruitless. THE FIRST RULE therefore which I propose to establish is, That all the prophecies must be arranged on one uniform plan. with "that the expositions of his predecessors are erroneous in "those points wherein he differs from them. Such a mode "of writing as this may undoubtedly expose him to the "charge of captiousness: it will likewise unavoidably in"crease the size of his work; and may possibly weary those "readers, who dislike the trouble of thoroughly examining "a subject: but it will be found to be the only way, in "which there is even a probability of attaining to the truth." The method here recommended by Mr. Faber I agree him in considering as the best calculated to produce eventually a fixed and established interpretation of the Prophecies; I shall therefore follow it throughout this investigation. But as it may only be necessary to consider the interpretations given by the best and latest writers, my observations will chiefly be made upon Mr. Faber's " Dissertation on the Prophecies relative to the Period of the 1260 Years," &c. &c., and upon. Mr. Cuninghame's "Dissertation on the Seals and Trum pets, and the Prophetic Period of 1260 Years." THE SECOND RULE enjoins the formation of a Symbolical Dictionary, on the suppo sition that the language of prophecy is clear and definite, and that each word or symbol contained in it preserves the same meaning or in other words, this Rule requires us in explaining any symbol, to refer to every other passage where it occurs, and to give it throughout a similar and consistent interpretation. To these two principal rules the following MINOR RULES may be added. I. As the figurative language of the Scriptures is peculiarly natural, and striking, so in interpreting the symbolical prophecies that must be considered to be their true meaning which is most easy and natural. II. We should consider every visible symbol, as representing some visible object. III. We must not interpret two co-existent symbols, as representing the same object; for the same thing would then appear to be in two places at once*. IV. On the ground of the supposed precision of prophetic language, a preference should * The propriety of this Rule is so obvious, that it seems unnecessary to specify it; it is therefore principally introduced in order to notice a modification of it under certain circumstances. An instance of what might appear an exception to the rule occurs in chap. xii. of the Revelations, where the be given to that sense of any word or phrase which is most limited and precise. These appear to be all the rules which it is necessary to enumerate, for it would seem superfluous to add that each symbol must be made to preserve in the interpretation a natural and consistent course of action †. By a compliance with the First Rule, which. requires us to arrange the several Prophecies according to one general system, we shall be assured that we accurately understand the plan. of each; as the one will confirm the other. By. Church is represented by two co-existent symbols,-The WOMAN, and The SEED OF THE WOMAN:-but here it is to be observed, that the two symbols describe the same thing in two different capacities, and, taken together, only form one complete representation of the object: the WOMAN represents The Church as a Spiritual Establishment, or a Collective body, The SEED OF THE WOMAN, the Individual Members of that body. So the Holy Place or INNER Court of the Temple, mentioned in chap. xi. of the Revelations, also represents the Spiritual Church on Earth,-its Individual Members, are THOSE WHO WORSHIP in that part of the Temple. Yet the Two Witnesses spoken of in chap. xi. of the Revelations as prophesying, clothed in sackcloth during a period of 1260 years, have been represented in the works of I believe all our best and ablest Commentators as slain, lying dead three years and a half, and ascending into Heaven, several hundred years before they consider the period of their prophesying upon earth to terminate. this Rule also, which leads us to make natural divisions in all the prophecies, and to establish certain coincidencies between them at collateral points, the Commentator will be enabled to confirm his interpretation, by comparing it with that of the parallel prophecy, where most frequently the same fact will be found to be spoken of, in terms equally applicable to the event. In adhering to the Second Rule, that of referring to all the places where the same symbols are found, we are using the surest means of obtaining the correct sense of each word or symbol employed in the narration of prophetic history. In examining, as required by our first rule, the works of the historical prophets, Daniel and Saint John, for the purpose of discovering their general plan, we shall perceive two classes of prophecies, of which the object of the one is to give the Temporal History of the world, and of the other, the History of the Church. Thus the vision of the Great Image of Daniel*, and the Sealed Book of Saint John†, will be found to relate to the history of the kingdoms of this world: while the vision of the Four Beasts of Daniel+, and the Little Opened + Rev. vi. to x. *Dan. ii. 31, 45. Book of Saint John*, relate chiefly to the history of the Church; being principally occupied by the account of the Papacy. In these two histories of the World and of the Church, the time subsequent to the rise of the Roman Empire is divided into three periods; and the last periods in both histories will be found to synchronize. The periods in the history of the ROMAN EMPIRE may be called, First, the PERIOD of its STRENGTH as a republic, and under its emperors. Secondly, the PERIOD of its WEAKNESS, when divided into ten kingdoms. Thirdly, the PERIOD of its DESTRUCTION. The three successive periods in the history of the CHURCH, during the same space of time, are those in which it is opposed by its three great enemies, the PAGAN, PAPAL, and INfidel POWERS. The period of Destruction in the history of the Empire, is the same as the period of Infidelity in the history of the Church; the last periods in each synchronizing. THE TEMPORAL KINGDOM OF CHRIST is also described as succeeding to the kingdoms of this world. * Rev. xi. to xxi. |