Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB

COMBIZED ATEA

1

A

COMBINED VIEW

OF THE

Prophecies

OF

DANIEL, ESDRAS, AND ST. JOHN.

CHAPTER I.

Introductory Observations and General Rules of Interpretation.-Arrangement of the Prophecies.-Symbolical Dictionary.

IT is to be regretted that the Prophetic Writ ings have been too much considered as the subjects of speculation, rather than as the objects of scientific research; and that even the most perfect theories of the Commentators on Prophecy, like the systems proposed by the earliest philosophers to account for the motions of the heavenly bodies, are formed on principles not sufficiently simple and comprehensive, and therefore, while they afford a solu

B

tion to some phenomena, are found to leave many others still unsatisfactorily explained. But whenever the Prophecies are completely understood, there is no doubt that the same grandeur, unity, and simplicity of plan will be discovered in the Word of God, as already are acknowledged in the works of His hands. Any partial elucidations of the Prophetic Writings should therefore be considered rather as offering means to the disclosure of the general laws of these writings, than as being valuable in themselves; for it can only be by its agreement with one general plan, that we can be sure that any interpretation is in itself correct; and except they lead to the illustration of some general principle, these partial discoveries will be of little advantage to the progress of the science; for with some portion of truth, there will be combined so great a proportion of error, that these truths themselves will be of but little practical use.

The attention therefore of all Commentators should be directed towards this one object: viz., with the aid of such striking elucidations of prophecy, as are afforded by certain passages in history, to form the fewest and most simple rules of general interpretation.

The wonderful events which have taken place since the year 1792, have so much increased

the number of facts forming prophetic data, as to have introduced a new era for prophetic history; and writers of the present day, in their attempts to elucidate the Prophecies, possess advantages very superior to those enjoyed by their predecessors. These advantages have not, however, been sufficiently applied to their most important end, the discovery of general principles: and though the number of writers has been greatly increased, it is very questionable whether the science has been proportionably advanced, either in itself, or in the estimation of the public; and whether the great diversity of opinions, and the many fanciful interpretations proposed, have not rather tended to confirm the idea before entertained, of the great difficulty and uncertainty of any attempt to explain the prophecies.

The works of Mr. Faber, and of Mr. Cuninghame, are however to be esteemed as valuable acquisitions to the public; for they have undoubtedly tended to throw considerable light on some important points.

In the course of the examination, upon which we are now entering, I should willingly have avoided any reference to the opinion of other Commentators, leaving each system to stand upon its own merits; but I am aware of the truth of the observation made by Mr. Faber,

[ocr errors]

that on so important a subject, and where only one interpretation can be right, no person ought to offer a new one, unless he can at the same time shew that of his predecessor to be unsatisfactory; and this rule I feel it peculiarly incumbent upon me to observe, as my chief object is to maintain the accuracy, precision, and competency of the Prophetic Writings.

As there can be but one true interpretation of each prophecy, Commentators, in order to obtain this, should endeavour to make their general rules of examination as strict as pos

* See the Dedication of Mr. Faber's Work on the Prophecies, where he observes as follows:-"An intemperate "introduction of new interpretations is highly dangerous " and mischievous; because it has a natural tendency to "unsettle the minds of the careless and the wavering, and " is apt to induce them hastily to take up the preposterous "opinion, that there can be no certainty in the exposition of "Prophecy. On these grounds I have ever been persuaded,

that a Commentator discharges his duty but very imperfectly, if, when he advances a new interpretation of any "prophecy that has been already interpreted, he satisfies

himself with merely urging in favour of his scheme the "most plausible arguments that he has been able to invent. "Of every prediction there may be many erroneous expo"sitions, but there can only be one that is right: it is not "enough therefore for a Commentator to fortify with elabo"rate ingenuity his own system. Before he can reasonably "expect it to be adopted by others, he must shew likewise,

« ZurückWeiter »