DAN. vii. 10.-The judgment was set, and the books were opened.-REV. xx. 12- REV. x. 7.——But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he he hath declared to his servants the prophets. BY THOMAS STOKES. PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR BY J. BARKER, WORTLEY, NEAR LEEDS; AND SOLD BY MESSRS. ARNOLD AND Co., KING STREET, LIVERPOOL. 1847. INTRODUCTION. It will be found, when looking into, and searching the Scriptures, that they require not the aid of man to elucidate their meaning by his own explanations. The figurative language of Scripture is explained in the Scriptures. They expound themselves, with, I believe, only a few exceptions, that are not material for the enforcement of doctrine; such as the eye of the needle, and the millstone tied round the neck, and perhaps a few more. The Scriptures strike the mind of man so forcibly, that all are compelled to allow, that 2 Tim. iii. 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. How much greater will be this conviction, when the beautiful harmony of the whole will be shown, by connecting the various parts, so as to explain what has been to all an inexplicable mystery. Centuriesoften many centuries have passed between the periods when the different parts of Scripture were given to mankind, (a little at a time,) that were intended to unlock each other, and many centuries more have elapsed since the last of them was given, and an approach made towards opening them by men whom God has raised up for the purpose. But now the final Key has been given by the Almighty through his Holy Spirit, by which the hidden wisdom of God in a mystery, 1 Cor. ii. 7, will be unfolded, which things the angels desire to look into, 1 Peter, i. 12. The Scriptures may be compared to the temple of Solomon when building. The stones though shaped and smoothed, were wanting in effect, until each was put in its place and they were connected together; all forming, when united, an admirable whole. The Scriptures are separated in like manner. Isa. xxviii. 13. But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. See chap. xxix. 11, 12. Dan. xii. 9. And then the reason is given to angels and men That they might go and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. See ver. 10. |