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accordances with the Apocalyptic predictions up to the end of the Sixth Trumpet, a point sufficiently distinctive, as explained in the work, to admit of the present publication, under the denomination of First Series, as in itself complete and inherently independent of the second and final series (in course of preparation), which commences with the sounding of the Seventh Trumpet. The title, "History and Revelation" has been adopted as more euphonious than if the inspired book were given the precedence to which its character entitles it; and the term "Lecture," to denominate the several divisions of the work, as more applicable than Chapter to the conversational style which has been deemed the best calculated to convey its subject to the reader's mind.

It only now remains to the author to acknowledge his obligations to the several historians whose labours have supplied him with materials so abundant and so valuable; and—if his design, conceived and carried out in faith, be wholly or in part accomplished-to ascribe the glory to God, to Whom alone it is due.

LONDON, February, 1870.

HISTORY AND REVELATION.

LECTURE I.

INTRODUCTION.

Rev. i. v. A.D. 1-96.

THE general reader, being supposed in the following comparison of the Apocalyptic and the World's Dramas, to be represented by an assembled audience to whom the subject is new, some apology appears to be due to those already acquainted with many of its features. To such, and to those less perfectly informed thereon, the hope is expressed that our review of the correspondence between History and Revelation, so far concise as consistent with proof, and without private comment excepting to connect or elucidate, will not be found devoid of interest or instruction.

The record of "The Revelation or the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ, by John the Apostle," being but imperfectly understood, the blessing promised therein to all "who read, and they who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein," is but imperfectly enjoyed.

The apparent difficulties which the inspired pages present to a religious enquirer have tended to produce an indifference in the minds of many Christians, and, in some, have quenched even the desire to acquaint themselves or to be made acquainted with a revelation, which, though believed to be from God, they deem too mysterious to be understood.

The tendency of expositors to exceed the bounds set to human wisdom-to look into the future and foretell the manner in which, and the time at which, certain predicted events will be accomplished, has also lent its aid in producing this unfortunate result; for whilst the prudent are rendered incredulous by instinct, the curious and believing become so by the non-fulfilment of their expectations.

B

Thus prophecy, which, in its proper use, is designed and declared by God to be fraught with a blessing, has, by its too often misuse by man, become, in a general sense, a byeword among the nations. The mode and time of the fulfilment of prophecy belongs to God-when fulfilled, its recognition belongs to man-and when recognised, the purpose of prophecy is obtained.

The propriety of these remarks will be apparent as we proceed, for whilst we shall have no difficulty in recognising the correspondence between history revealed and history accomplished, neither shall we fail to see that no human ingenuity or wisdom could possibly have foretold the character, or the mode or time of the occurrence of the events, which history, the only reliable interpreter, presents as corresponding with, and explaining, the otherwise unfathomable mysteries of the prophetic book. Hence, it is not intended to dive into the secrets of the future.

The purpose of these lectures being to assist in obtaining increased interest in, and knowledge of, the inspired book, and a less limited enjoyment of the blessing promised therein as its natural consequence, it is hoped, the exposition they will disclose will be found sufficiently simple and supported to be readily recognised as truth; and, whilst being also sufficiently explicit to meet the requirements of the severest examiner, will, at the same time, be considered to be invested with additional interest by its notice of events, corresponding in minute detail with the apocalyptic visions recorded by John to have been seen by him, and announced to him to be representations of the things that must shortly come to pass. It will be contended, and, it is thought, proved, that those things did shortly begin to come to pass, and are now in course of progress; in support whereof, events following immediately the seeing of the visions, and agreeing well with the commencing symbols of the figurations, will be laid before you, and should you thus at the very outset be satisfied by the fitness of the application, how much the more, as seal after seal, trumpet after trumpet, and vial after vial, consecutively in their recorded order, are successively illustrated by the marked events occurring chronologically