tation, so far as it went, was correct. They knew the time and the place of his birth; and the glory that will eventually attend his kingdom, in which their nation will largely share. But they overlooked the predictions which pointed to his humble birth, and his holy life to his bitter sufferings, and his ignominious death. It was not until after his resurrection that the disciples themselves understood, that it was necessary "Christ should first suffer these things and then enter into his glory." Yet there were some among the Jews who did understand the prophecies. Those among them who were waiting for the salvation of Israel-and unto whom it was revealed—when they, like the prophets of old, searched what or what manner of time the "Spirit of Christ did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory which should follow." We can easily read the Law in the light of the Gospel. But the meaning of many of the types and figures and prophecies of the old dispensation must have been as difficult of interpretation to the Jews as the book of Revelation is now to us, —and many must have been ready to exclaim with the Ethiopian eunuch, when asked, Understandest thou what thou readest? "How can I, except some man should guide me!" But their obscurity was no excuse for their neglect. The Israelites were commanded to meditate in the law day and night; they were to teach the words of God diligently unto their children, and to talk of them when they sat in the house, and when they walked by the way, when they lay down, and when they rose up. Such was the practice of David, and doubtless of many others--they meditated on the words of the Lord, and He gave them understanding. "Thy testimonies are wonderful," says the Psalmist "but the entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Look at the example of Daniel, who understood by books that the Lord would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem;—and he set himself "to seek by prayer and supplication that the Lord would cause his face to shine upon the sanctuary that lay desolate." And the Lord sent his angel while he was yet speaking, to give him skill and understanding; and then made known to him the very time of the coming of Messiah the Prince, who should make reconciliation for iniquity, and bring in an everlasting righteousness, and seal up the vision and prophecy. But several predictions of Daniel and other Old Testament writers terminate not with the History of the Jewish Church—they point onward to the times of the Gospel dispensation, and shadow forth successive events until the final consummation of all things. These later prophecies are nearly all embodied in the Revelation of St. John. So are also those of our Saviour, in which he foretold the sufferings of his people,—and those of St. Paul, wherein he predicted the coming, the power, and the destruction of Antichrist. The great subject of the Apocalypse, indeed, is the struggle of the Church with this great enemy of God and man. It is described in sublime though often mysterious language. Symbols the most striking, and figures the most extraordinary that were ever employed in conveying ideas to the human mind, are found in every page; and it has not yet fallen to the lot of any single commentator to give a consistent explanation of the whole-to illustrate each vision by the light of corresponding events-so that there shall be a perception of Harmony between the symbolized Prophecy and the explanatory History-Harmony throughout the order of events -Harmony among all the parts of the Apocalypse-Harmony between the interpretation of the book and the requirements of common sense or rather the requirements of truth—(for common sense is only the right apprehension and proper application of truth.) Thus one class of commentators refer the fulfilment of the Apocalypse to days that are still future-as if the end of the Gospel dispensation only demanded a special revelation, and all the intervening period, from the visions in Patmos to the present day, were unworthy of prophetical reference. If indeed the Church had continued flourishing, pure, triumphant, it might be accounted for ; but the reverse of this is the truth. The History of Christianity exhibits scenes of suffering, corruption, and persecution; she has been driven into the wilderness; her witnesses have been silenced; her spirit was well-nigh extinguished. Another class of commentators suppose that the visions from the 1st chapter to the beginning of the 20th, were all fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem and the death of the persecuting Emperor Nero. But, besides the objection that we have thus 1800 years without a reference, and during a period when the saints in an especial manner required support for their faith and patience; this interpretation takes for its basis the fable of Nero's escape from his assassins, his flight to the Euphrates, and subsequent return to Rome. As if the Holy Spirit of God would dictate a prophecy in support of a falsehood, and thus give currency to a superstitious rumour. Both of these classes object to what is called the year-day principle; that is, expounding each day in the Apocalypse to mean a year; but that this principle is the true one, has been established beyond any reasonable doubt,-and commends itself to every attentive reader of Scripture. Indeed, in the prophecies of Ezekiel we find that a day is declared to be put for a year. "I have appointed thee, saith the Lord, each day for a year." And the seventy weeks of Daniel certainly referred to a period of 490 years. Among the commentators who adopt this principle, there is to be found great diversity in the explanation of the various symbols, and much disagreement in the adaptation of historical events to the different visions; consequently, great want of harmony and unity of design in the interpretation is apparent throughout. But of late years the light thrown on the Apocalyptic page has grown clearer and stronger. And one commentary, lately published, is distinguished above all others for its laborious research, its wonderful development of mysterious symbols, and its lucid adaptation of historic facts, as well as its bold maintenance of Gospel truth, and its simple and sincere piety. This work, the Horæ Apocalypticæ of the Rev. Mr. Elliott, I have read with great profit as well as pleasure. I had, however, commenced the study of the book of Revelation long before I met with it; and I hope I may be permitted to say, that in several points, I believe the learned author is mistaken. This I shall endeavour to shew in the proper place. But it is said by many,-"Of what use is a commentary on a book so obscure that the most learned men disagree in its interpretation? God will doubtless make it clear when the predictions are accomplished."-No doubt it will be so. But commentaries are to be used as helps in understanding our Master's will-even as sermons are useful in stirring us up by way of remembrance. And our Lord, according to His promise, hath sent the Spirit from on high "to shew unto his people things to come:"-and each individual member is exhorted not only to grow in grace but also in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ;-the knowledge of the things which he has made known through his Apostles, concerning himself as the Head over all things to the Church, as well as the knowledge which we must have of him as the Saviour of sinners. And St. Peter exhorts believers to be mindful of the words spoken before by holy prophets and apostles of the Lord, concerning the last days, reminding them of certain events which should then take place,—and admonishes them to look for, that is, earnestly expect, and eagerly scrutinize the signs of the coming of the day of God. He refers them also to the Epistles of St. Paul, wherein there were things hard to be understood-but which he evidently believes those to whom he was writing were able to comprehend. St. Paul certainly says many hard things, which he himself admits, when addressing the Hebrews on the Priesthood of Melchisedec; but he adds, "Ye are dull of hearing; for when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; "-admonishing them to "leave the first principles, and go on unto perfection; not to be slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." God has given us a wonderful revelation from heaven, which it is our duty diligently to examine. He has promised a blessing to him that readeth and to those who hear;-that is, carefully, attentively, prayerfully; making use of all the helps that the works of nature, and the history of nations can afford. And should we not seek to obtain this blessing? Surely, if we were desirous we could not fail. We should derive satisfaction and enjoyment in the very act of watching and listening. These are blessings well understood by those who wait with warm hearts and expanded affections for good news from a far country. Like the colonists in New Zealand, who day after day, for weeks together, look up to the Telegraph, for signs of a mail from the mother country, their watching and waiting exercise their faith and patience. At length a ball suddenly appears on one of its outstretched arms, telling that a sail is seen on the distant horizon. The whole colony is interested—all are in eager expectation. Soon another signal intimates the character of the vessel. Then a flag is hoisted on the Telegraph, but only the initiated know its import; the few who have signal-books communicate the intelligence to others; and the joyful news flies through the little community-that the ship in the offing is direct from England. The colonists line the shore; and the mail is landed. All now are in joyful anticipation of heart-cheering news from beloved relatives on the other side of the globe. The office is soon surrounded by an expectant crowd, and many a rush and struggle betokens their heart-felt interest and feverish anxiety and fervent affection. But some may say-"Why give themselves so much trouble?-the letters would all be delivered in good time, if they would only be patient." Doubtless they would. But patience had already been exercised, until hope deferred had almost made the heart sick.-And he who could be calm or indifferent under such circumstances, must have a cold heart and deadened affections, -from which may God ever preserve me and mine! But does not this somewhat resemble our conduct with regard to the communications which God has made to men respecting the future destinies of the Church and the world? We know that changes will come-we believe that the kingdom of righteousness and peace will be established on the earth, and every enemy of God and man be subdued or destroyed. But we seem to say"these things will happen in God's appointed time-they do not concern our personal salvation—and need not occupy our thoughts." If such indifference is justifiable, for what purpose has God, by his |