The Apocalypse should be regarded as a peculiarly interesting portion of
scripture: a blessing being promised those who read, hear, and keep the
things which are written therein. It has been subjected to so many
contradictory interpretations, that any attempt to comprehend its meaning
is often regarded with distrust; and the impression has become very
prevalent, that it is a “sealed book,”—that its meaning is so hidden in
unintelligible symbols, that very little can be known respecting it; and
that to attempt to unfold its meaning, is to tread presumptuously on
forbidden ground.
The attention of the Christian community has been called more of late to
its study, by the publication of several elaborate Expositions. One in two
large volumes, 8vo., by Prof. Stuart, was published at Andover, Mass., in
1845. A large 8vo. volume, by David N. Lord, was issued from the press of
the Harpers, in New York, in 1847; and a smaller work, by Rev. Thomas
Wickes, appeared in that city in 1851. These are the more important works
on the subject which have been published in this country. In England, the
“Horæ Apocalypticæ,” by the Rev. E. B. Elliott, A.M., late Vicar of
Tuxford, and fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, has passed through
several editions,—the fourth of which, in four large vols. 8vo., was
published in London, in 1851. These works, with the writings of Habershon,
Cunningham, Croly, Bickersteth, Birks, Brooks, Keith, and other
distinguished English writers, have caused the study of the Apocalypse to
be regarded with more favor of late than heretofore.
The Expositions of MR. LORD have thrown much light on the nature and laws
of symbols, by unfolding the principles in accordance with which they are
used. The evolving of these has removed from many passages the obscurity
which had before caused them to be regarded as enigmatical. There are,
doubtless, many portions of the Apocalypse, the meaning of which is as yet
only dimly perceived, and which will be more clearly unfolded by the
transpiring of future events; and it would be arrogant to claim that its
interpretation had been freed from all perplexities. But it is believed
that it may be as profitably and as satisfactorily studied as other
portions of Scripture; and that the reader may feel an assurance of
approximating to a knowledge of the true meaning of its symbolic
teachings.
The Bible is its own interpreter; and when practicable, scripture should
be explained by scripture. The meaning imputed to any passage must never
contradict, but must harmonize with that of parallel texts. In
illustrating the several references in the Apocalypse to the same events
and epochs, a repetition of scripture is somewhat unavoidable.
These pages have resulted from notes prepared in a familiar course of
Bible-class instruction, where the study of brevity was necessary. Without
designing to speak dogmatically, the didactic was found the more direct
and simple mode of expression. In presenting this exposition, merely as
the opinion of the writer, it is with the hope that it will give, in a
small compass, a common-sense view of the intricacies of this book, and be
acceptable to those interested in the study of prophecy.