THE REVELATION OF ST. JOHN, EXPOUNDED FOR THOSE WHO SEARCH BY E. W. HENGSTENBERG, DOCTOR AND PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY IN BERLIN. TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL, BY THE AUTHOR OF "TYPOLOGY OF SCRIPTURE," ETC. VOLUME FIRST. NEW YORK: ROBERT CARTER & BROTHERS, No. 285 BROADWAY. PREFACE. THE Revelation of St. John was for a long time a shut book to me. That it was necessary here to lay open a new path; that neither the course pursued in the older ecclesiastical, nor that of the modern Rationalistic exposition was to be followed, I never entertained a doubt. The constantly renewed attempts at fresh investigations resulted only in a better understanding of particular points, but accomplished nothing as to the main theme. I was not the less persuaded, however, that the blame of this obscurity lay not in the book itself, with the divine character of which I was deeply impressed, but in its exposition; and I did not cease to long for the time when an insight might be granted me into its wonderful depths. Several years ago, I was visited with what was, in other respects, a heavy season of affliction, which obliged me to discontinue for some months my official duties. I looked about for a rod and staff that might comfort me, and soon lighted on the Revelation. Day and night I pondered on it, and one difficulty vanished after another. At the period of my recovery, there was scarcely a point of any moment respecting which I did not think I had obtained light. I had still, however, after becoming well, to finish my Commentary on the Psalms. Then I went to my task with the greatest eagerness. The sad times of March 1848, did not interrupt, but rather expedited my labors. It was my purpose to have issued the two volumes of the work simultaneously. But I have now resolved to bring out the first 5293 451 (RECAP) 78764: |