THE RETROSPECT. NO. VII. THERE is an increasing conviction prevailing among interpreters of prophecy that all the symbols in the apocalyptic vision have to undergo a still future fulfilment; and this belief chiefly proceeds from the impression that all the interpretations hitherto given fall palpably short of the largeness of the prophecy itself. There is little doubt but that the expectation is well founded, though it does not necessarily follow, as a consequence, that former interpretations are to be repudiated; nor indeed is it necessary that they should be, in order to establish the soundness of the criticism, since it is quite consistent with prophecy in general, and with the structure of this book in particular, at once to admit that they have a still future accomplishment, and yet, nevertheless, have received already a preliminary fulfilment. VOL. II.-G There is, however, a much stronger reason than that arising from the inadequacy of former interpretations which may be assigned in support of the opinion that the whole series of symbols, as contained in the book of the Revelation, are to receive a still future accomplishment-namely, the consideration that the entire prophecy is a revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ (the expression being taken in a passive and not in an active sense); and that, consequently, not one of the symbols which it contains can be dispensed with in a representation of the general denouement. This is a most important principle to establish, inasmuch as, in that case, other interpretations, which are supposed to apply to the future, may be freely put forth unembarrassed by the consideration that they disturb the validity of others which have preceded. If this principle be admitted, we claim every symbol that occurs in this vision, without reference to any preceding interpretation, not only as applicable and appropriate, but as essentially belonging to the great day of the Lord; which we understand to be that interval of time which occurs between the first appearance of Christ in the air and His final descent to this terrestrial globe, which period constitutes the judgment of the quick; and we contend, moreover, that the vision of that revelation will be incomplete without an inclusion of all the several and subordinate parts in the representation. Indeed, so far from new interpretations having relation to the infidel period, disturbing those which it is supposed have received a fulfilment in the papal, they ought to confirm and strengthen them; because, if different series of events can be described by the same symbols, then there must be of necessity a similarity in each respective fulfilment: independent of the very strong argument which may be adduced in support of such a conclusion, that the growth of all evil possesses a correspondency in kind and character though its development may assume different aspects; and, by the same rule, it may be reasonably expected that a resemblance should be discoverable in the manner as well as the instruments, by which every combination of evil shall be brought to its close. An interpreter in entering upon new ground should warily select the spots upon which he considers he can obtain firm footing; nor should he trust himself there, until he is fully satisfied that it is capable of sustaining him, and that his position is tenable in every respect. Having thus selected such points with caution and círcumspection, and satisfied himself of their soundness and security, he may then safely look around and contemplate still further advances. Let us now relinquish the figure, and address ourselves to the simple reality. The first thing that an interpreter has to ascertain in a symbolic prophecy is, where the sectional part of any vision commences and where it terminates that is, any given series of symbols by which is intended to be represented a connected and complete series of actions, so as to prevent the confusion which must inevitably ensue, if one scene of the apocalyptic drama is made to interfere with others, with which it has in fact no immediate connection. It will be scarcely necessary to observe that the common division of this book into chapters cannot be rendered available as a guide to the attainment of such an object; but that this rule must be determined by the internal evidence of the prophecy itself. The next step will be for the interpreter to avail himself of some point of the symbolic representation, the interpretation of which cannot admit of any possible doubt, and he will then find that the subordinate parts of the interpretation will flow in with comparative ease, and find their appropriate places without any unnatural effort upon his part. The visions, as recorded in the Apocalypse, are written (as they were no doubt beheld by the apostle), as a drama, or rather a series of tableaux in the form of a drama. This book of prophecies, unlike any of its predecessors in the canon of the Old Testament, is complete as a whole, and contains nothing that is not absolutely needful for the representation and accomplishment of its sole object-which is, the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. The apocalyptic drama consists of many acts, and of various scenes in each act; and, if we would comprehend the manner in which each scenic representation met the seer's eye, we must transport our imagination to a theatre, and suppose the different objects which present themselves to the eye immediately the curtain is lifted which conceals the representation from observation. After taking a coup d'œil of the whole, the attention is then rivetted upon a single object, and a more perfect acquaintance with its nature and character is thereby obtained, after which the eye ranges to other objects in the same scene. Nor does it follow that the apostle's should be, as of necessity, fixed upon that particular object which is first in order of action, any more than the beholder's eye is necessarily fixed, in the natural exhibition, upon the first speaker or mover in the forthcoming representation. Indeed, drawing our inferences from the ordinary fact, we should rather conclude that the reverse would be the case; not only in order to maintain the natural character of device, as con eye |