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in truth the Apocalypse proceeded from the mind of God, if one may use the expression ; and, amidst the greatest simplicity, it most worthily represents His ‘7ro\v-7roi7u'kov , manifold wisdom, in the economy of so many ages of the New Testament. And therefore he who wishes to reject an interpretation on account of the various matters which flow into that interpretation from the context, will violate that verv simplicity, which is especially in accordance with the Scriptures. This is certainly to be guarded against, that the acuteness of man should not think this subject given to it as a field for its exercise, and should not, from observing the nice and accurate adjust- ment which exists in one or two points, reduce all things into a system pleasing to itself. We ought to keep to that which is writ- ten, to that alone, to that altogether ; and so to observe, as it is shewn. — ro7$ dovXoig avrou, to His servants) He, who does not permit the things which must come to pass to be shewn to him, is wanting in the duty of a servant. W ould that those holy men would think of this, who are so intent upon everything which is most excellent, that they regard the shewing of these things as a hindrance ; whereas it is able to advance the servants of Jesus Christ in every good work. — a de? yzvsodai, which must come to pass ) There are those, who acknow- ledge that some use in teaching or comforting may be derived from this book (which use not even Bossuet would deny), but so acknow- ledge it, that they proceed no further. They not only put aside meanwhile a part of the special prophetical sense , as the venerable D. Weisman has done, with the greatest sobriety, in his dissertation respecting the excellent teaching of the Apocalypse as to faith and morals (in the same way as Theological Systems cite the Apocalypse in every passage or article) ; but in reality they entirely reject the whole of the prophetic sense, and applaud themselves for so doing. And not only do they themselves fail to enter into the understand- ing of this book, but they also prohibit, deter, and jeer at those who are entering. But let them take care, lest they offend, or err from the very scope of the book. These things which have reference to teaching and exhortation are contained in other books ; but the Apocalypse especially shows the things which must come to pass ; and that too with such seriousness, that a very great oath is inter- posed, ch. x. We ought not to invert this scope : in short, we ought not to separate the things which God hath joined together, namely, the knowledge of future events, and therefore of future times, and repentance, watchfulness, etc. Holy men of all times, martyrs, etc., have had a perpetual succession of expectations arising out of the
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