of its various emblematical representations, with those contained in the prophetic writings of Scripture in general, may be safely taken for granted; since they all proceeded from the same Divine source: and, therefore, the signification of all those, to which no particular explanations are given by itself, may be easily elicited, from the general analogy of the prophetic language, and the peculiar circumstances with which they are attended.

Another great assistance will likewise be derived from the fact, that, in this wonderful scene of Revelation, after the three first chapters, which relate chiefly to the seven Churches that were then in Asia, every thing is either continuous, or collateral; nothing is independent of the rest. So that the highly descriptive character of the emblems employed, confining their application to particular objects and events, will clearly point out both the nature of the things foretold, and the order of time in which they will be brought to pass. And a comparison of these with the pages of history, in which the corresponding particulars are recorded in their proper places, will afford every requisite explanation of such as have already received their accomplishment.

And, in pursuing this comparison, for the sake of the more general utility, I have had recourse chiefly to those historical works, in our own language, which are held in the highest estimation, as the faithful records of events, and have

obtained, on this account, the greatest diffusion and notoriety. These, however, are only cited, or referred to, as affording statements of matters of fact, elicited with great learning and research, and placed in their proper order in the lapse of time; and not in the least out of regard to any reasonings and opinions, which the authors themselves may have occasionally founded upon them. As far as these compilations are concerned, my business will be, solely, with the prominent and characteristical events they detail, and with the places which these events occupy with respect to each other for the prophecy itself will sufficiently point out the true causes and effects, and the line, or lines, of connexion, which have linked them together. And, in this point of view, I have to acknowledge, in an especial manner, my obligation to Mr. Gibbon; who, whatever his prepossessions against Christianity may have been, by his acute and profound investigations for the discovery of facts, and by his fidelity and scrupulous exactness in relating them, has presented many most remarkable proofs of the fulfilment of prophecy; and, consequently, so many undeniable arguments in her favour.

But the following Sections will serve to introduce a great variety of materials, tending still more directly to illustrate the general nature and character of "The Revelation ;" and to prepare the way for an uninterrupted survey of the sacred Book itself, by anticipating many things, which

would, otherwise, have too much extended the analytical and historical observations, with which it may be requisite to accompany it. And to these, therefore, I must take the liberty of referring, as often as occasion may require.

SECTION I.

A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPHECIES RELATING TO THE

CHRISTIAN DISPENSATION.

In taking only a superficial view of the prophetic parts of Scripture, as far as they relate to the Christian Church, it will immediately appear, that, while there are some anticipations of futurity afforded, which are of a general nature, and in some measure applicable to every age of Christianity, there are others of a chronological form; which, by the peculiarity of their subjects, and the very order in which they are placed, point out, in a manner, the precise periods of their respective accomplishments, as far as they have hitherto received them; and may even serve to ascertain, in some degree, and in several remarkable instances, the nature, and the dates, of events, which are yet to be brought to pass.

I. To the former class belong all those prophecies, which describe the general characteristics of the Messiah's reign; such as the brotherly

kindness and charity, the meekness and forbearance, the harmony and peace, the righteousness and true holiness, which will ever distinguish, in a greater or less degree, the dutiful subjects of his dominion; and which will then only universally prevail, when his kingdom, at length, "shall rule over all."

II. In the latter class must be included, more particularly, the prophetical visions described by St. John; and those Revelations vouchsafed to Daniel, which run parallel with them. All these are strictly chronological; and they will be found to prefigure events of the utmost moment, and which have, hitherto, succeeded each other in a regular and unbroken series.

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III. But there is yet another branch of arrangement to be noticed,-that, under which Predictions of an insulated nature must generally be inserted. No dates are usually assigned for the completion of these: but, supposing them to have been fulfilled, the dates, to which they are to be referred, may, I believe, in all cases, be discovered, -either by comparing these prophecies with others, relating to the same subjects, which are

There is a most illustrious exception to this, in Daniel's prophecy of the seventy weeks; in which the very year of human Redemption was pointed out, with the greatest exactness, in the first year of Darius the Son of Ahasuerus;-that is, 571 years before the principal event predicted took place, and 81 years before the very time, whence these seventy weeks are dated. Dan. ix. 20-27.

more particular in their descriptions; or by the facts, in which they can be undeniably proved to have been verified;—or, lastly, by both these means being applied conjointly, which will perhaps be the most satisfactory mode, as holding forth the strongest possible evidence for the truth of Revealed Religion. If they should still be unaccomplished, it may nevertheless be possible, in some few, but most remarkable, instances, by a proper attention to the peculiarities of the events foretold, and by a reference to those chronological prophecies where such events are introduced in their appointed order, to approximate, in no small degree, to the true period of their fulfilment. Under this head must be arranged

1st. Those prophecies of Isaiah, and some of the other prophets, which foretel" the fulness of the Gentiles," and the universal diffusion of true religion and happiness throughout the world; the conversion and restoration of the Jews; and the use which the Divine economy will then make of this wonderful people, for advancing the blessedness of all nations. All these, holding forth prospects so full of sublimity and delight, must be referred, it is probable, for any very visible commencement of their completion, to a time that is yet future, even to the close of the grand period of one thousand two hundred and sixty years, so particularly, and in such various terms, insisted on both by Daniel and St. John ;-an epoch, to which we are now, in all probability, very rapidly