One scheme which has been proposed (Biblical Review, 1847), proceeding upon these principles, is in substance as follows:-That the first six SEALS (chap. 6), exhibit successive judgments of God on the Jewish nation, ending in its complete overthrow, on account of its opposition to the kingdom of Christ, and persecution of his people; while the visions in chap. 7, signify the preservation of the servants of God, first among the Jewish people, and then among the Gentiles:-That the TRUMPETS (chap 8, 9), which form the central subject of the next series of visions, are general symbols of universal devastation and of severe and extensive calamities upon heathen and idolatrous nations (see chap. 9. 20), which were fulfilled in part by the disasters which came upon the Roman empire, and led to its fall: That the visions which follow (chap. 10., II. 1-13), are designed to direct the mind forward from the judgments on the wicked, to the time when God's promises to his people shall be accomplished: -That the two visions of the temple and altar, and the two witnesses, present a general sketch of the office, condition, and prospects of the Christian church, this series of visions being closed with the sounding of the seventh trumpet, when the judgments of God are completed, and the world is subjected to his government, chap. 11. 14-19: That with chap. 12, commences a new series, the visions in chap. 13, representing two chief agencies employed by Satan in his opposition to Christ; the first beast (ver. 1-10), denoting tyrannical earthly power, opposed to the government of God, and persecuting his people; and the second beast (ver. 11-18), which supports the first, representing the power of false priesthoods, founded on delusion, and exercised by means of social privation and popular violence :--That, after introductory visions in chap. 14, 15, the seven VIALS, or vessels of plagues, in chap. 16, exhibit severe and extensive calamities on the votaries of the world, and of power and superstition amongst professed Christians; and that the woman sitting upon the beast (chap. 17), and Babylon (chap. 18), are a twofold representation of the same object, signifying all antichristian and persecuting systems, usurping the name and the place of the true church of Christ, supported by worldly power, and governed by earthly principles; and thus referring clearly to Rome and the papacy, but not to them only.

III. Another class of interpreters, taking an entirely different view from any of those already mentioned, consider the greater part, if not the whole, of this series of prophecies, to belong, in its strictest and fullest sense, to the last days.

This interpretation is the futurist, and has been advocated by Maitland, Burgh, and others.

According to this scheme, all the prophetical part of the Apo

calypse is viewed as a representation of events, which are to take place shortly before the second advent of Christ, and the consummation of all things; the Israel spoken of here being the literal Israel,--the "two witnesses being two individuals, probably Moses and Elijah,—the days in the chronological periods, literal days,—and the antichrist or apocalyptic beast, under his last head, a personal infidel antichrist, who is to reign over the whole extent of the old Roman empire, and to persecute and triumph over the saints for just three years and a half, until Christ's coming to destroy him. Mr. Burgh considers the "sealed book" (chap. 5, 6), to be the book, or title-deed of Christ's inheritance which has been purchased (Eph. 1. 14), but is not yet recovered out of the hands of the usurper; the opening of the seals being the unfolding of the acts of Christ, when he shall vindicate his inheritance, and assume his throne, and the whole of the visions which follow being occupied with the events of that last great crisis.

202. If in consequence of the difficulties of this book any are tempted to treat lightly all the prophetic Scriptures, let it be remembered that ancient prophecy was probably as mysterious to a Jew as is Revelation to us. That a son of David should not see corruption, that that son should be numbered with malefactors, be put to an ignominious death, and yet sit for ever upon his throne, seemed profound mysteries. All, however, were fulfilled, and they served the meanwhile to sustain the hopes of those who were waiting "for the consolation of Israel:" so of this book.

203. Whatever difference of opinion may exist among interpreters with respect to the precise times and countries, events, and persons, to which it is supposed these visions refer, they are mostly agreed both as to its general character and design, and as to the lessons to be deduced from it-lessons more or less appropriate to every age of the church. Thus all have learned from these symbolical representations that Christ is exalted to the highest dignity in heaven, and exercises universal dominion on earth-that the state of the church of Christ is for a long time to be one of trouble and conflict —that stedfastness and fidelity are our duty-that after the overthrow of its first adversaries the Jews, the great enemy would employ against it other agents-that worldly power and policy, the persecutor and the false prophet, would be allied in seeking to destroy or to corrupt it-that the marks of this unhallowed combination are pride, worldly pomp, a persecuting spirit, a careless and luxurious life (13. 7: 18. 3-24)—that while exposed to the assaults of these foes, it would ever be under Divine protection-that what

a See Delta on Revelation, Nisbet, 1850.

ever was opposed to the kingdom of Christ would certainly be overthrown-that even now there is a constant and most intimate connection between the visible and the invisible world, prayer and praise ascending continually to the throne of God, and messengers of wrath and mercy descending thence that the providence and government of God comprehend all subjects and events, and render them subservient to the best ends-that the church, after passing through a condition of abasement, warfare, and tribulation, will be brought to a state of honour, peace, and felicity-that the Saviour who redeemed his people by the sacrifice of himself, ever regards them with infinite tenderness and benignity, aids and defends them by his almighty power, and will receive them at last to his heavenly kingdom-and, finally, that the unholy being excluded, all the followers of Christ, of every age and country, will be united in one glorious society, exhibiting perfect holiness, and enjoying everlasting happiness, in the presence of their God and Saviour. These are some of the most important truths contained in this book; they are presented with peculiar vividness and power; and they have contributed much to the faith and love, the fortitude and patience, the hope and joy, of all the followers of the Lord.

204. Among the prophetic visions of the Apocalypse, there is one which appears peculiarly prominent (17. 18); and which acquires the greater importance, as well as clearness from other prophetic intimations evidently referring to the same subject, 2 Thess. 2. 3-12: I Tim. 4. I-5. There is unusual agreement among the greater number of the best expositors in explaining these combined pro phecies; although some consider them to refer to events still future. They are regarded as predicting the rise and temporary ascendency of a great apostate power, in the midst of the Christian church, which should be distinguished by the following characteristics :

Ist. Eminent corruption of religion, which corruption, by fraud as well as force, it spreads and maintains throughout the world, 2 Thess. 2. 3, 8-10: 1 Tim. 4. 1, 2: Rev. 17. 2-5: 18. 3-5: 19. 2. 2nd. Gross immorality and licentiousness, combined with hypocritical and selfrighteous asceticism, 1 Tim. 4. 2, 3. 3rd. Arrogant and blasphemous pretensions, usurpation of Divine prerogatives, opposition against God, and persecution of his people, 2 Thes. 2. 4, 5: Rev. 17. 6-14: 18. 6-20: 19. 2. 4th. Great wealth, magnificence, and luxury, Rev. 17. 4: 18. 7, 8, 11-19. 5th. Reliance upon the support and aid of worldly powers, whose tyranny it sanctions and upholds, Rev. 17. 1, 2, 15, 17: 18. 3, 9.

Such is the picture drawn by the hand of prophecy, of this rival and enemy of God, seated in his temple; and its counterpart is but

too clearly seen in the history of a great portion of Christendom. Out of the abundant proofs furnished by the records of the church during the long dark night through which she has passed, and even by the present state of the world, it is sufficient to mention a few leading traits of character which mark that system of iniquity in which the fulfilment of these predictions is pre-eminently seen. Gross corruptions of Christian doctrine and worship;-compulsory celibacy and uncommanded austerities, combined with meretricious splendour and a counterfeit Jewish ritual ;-blasphemous assumptions of Divine titles and honours, claims of infallibility and supreme authority over the conscience,-dispensations and absolution of sins, pretended prophecies and miracles,-oppression and persecution of the people of God, carried on with the concurrence and aid of earthly rulers ;-all these have been found inore or less developed in those antichristian systems which have so greatly prevailed both in Eastern and Western Europe, to the hindrance of the spread of Divine truth, and the ruinous delusion of myriads, who, being blinded by error, perish in their sin.

The fearful errors of this apostasy are not, however, the closing scenes of this book. The "wicked" or "lawless one" "the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth," 2 Thes. 2. 8. She that did corrupt the earth shall be judged, Rev. 19. 2. And this great event, which will cause mourning to some on earth, will occasion great joy and thanksgiving in heaven, Rev. 18. 9-19: 19. 1-6. Again, and again, and again, the cry is heard there, “Alleluia;” and the servants of God on earth are summoned to join in the song.

205. Our work is done. The first chapters of Matthew show us Christ in his weakness; of royal descent indeed, and receiving the profoundest homage, yet poor and persecuted; the last of Revelation show him with memorials of his suffering--for he is a Lamb still-but triumphant, “reigning for ever and ever." In Genesis we see Paradise lost, and man driven forth from the presence of God; in Revelation more than Paradise is regained, men are once more in fellowship with God (22, 3, 4, 5), a fellowship that shall know no end. Malachi had ended with "a curse," the last words of John are of blessing (22. 21). So characteristic are the various portions of the Inspired Volume throughout: so complete

the whole.

INDEX.