OR,

THE LAST VOLUME OF PROPHECY.

TRANSLATED AND BRIEFLY EXPOUNDED

BY

JAS. G. MURPHY, LL.D., AND D.D., T.C.D.,

PROFESSOR OF HEBREW.

LONDON:

JAMES NISBET & CO., 21, BERNERS STREET.

And we have the word of prophecy more sure, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts.

PREFACE.

THE brief exposition here offered of the book of Revelation is designed for the reader who has not much leisure. By adding grammatical or philological notes it might have been doubled in size. By discussing at length all debated points it would have been quadrupled. By examining the various interpretations of leading authors it might have reached tenfold its present compass. As it is, the reader will find a few remarks repeated for his convenience, as the writer at least intended. He may also expect to meet with some explanations so concise and perhaps obscure as to require him to pause and think a little for himself. The English text is a very slight revision of the Authorised Version, based upon Tregelles and Tischendorf. The interpretation may admit of amendment in some of its details; but the general outline will, the writer hopes, stand the test of a fair examination.

The book of Revelation deserves far more attention than it has yet received from the private reader or the public teacher. It is a prophetic light to the faithful and true amidst the darkness and perplexity occasioned by antichrist in the church and antitheism in the world. It sketches the rise and progress, the corruption and depression, the revival and struggle, the victory and reign

of the true church in the coming ages of the world. It abounds in the most striking views of God our Saviour, the most authoritative assertions of moral obligation, the most cheering assurances of blessing to him that overcometh, and the most solemn warnings of peril to the persistent enemy of the Lord and his Anointed. At the present moment we are in the midst of the great spiritual struggle which it pourtrays, many of us unaware of the momentous import of the conflict, wasting our strength on secondary questions, and by no means expecting or labouring as we might for the coming overthrow of error and triumph of the truth. An attentive consideration of this book is fitted to open our eyes, awaken us from our lethargy, and impel us to put on the whole armour of God and contend earnestly for the liberty, unity and victory of the kingdom of grace.

A table of contents will be found at the end.

INTRODUCTION.

IN attempting to expound this extraordinary book it is proper to consider, first, who is the author and what is the date; and, next, to attend to the plan and character of the work. This will prepare the way for the interpretation of its contents.

I. THE AUTHOR. The author of the book of Revelation is the apostle John. This is manifest from the following facts. First, the writer calls himself John. And he states some particulars concerning himself, which apply more easily to the apostle than to any other John. Thus in i. 1 he says, "The revelation of Jesus Christ, which he sent and signified by his angel unto his servant John.” The servant of Jesus Christ is a phrase used of themselves by Paul, Peter, James, and Jude. The receiving and delivering of a special message from heaven also befits an apostle or an evangelist. In i. 4 he writes, "John to the seven churches which are in Asia." To address a divine message to the churches is a part that suits an apostle. In i. 9 he begins thus, "I John am your brother." This, too, is a term used by other apostles. And near the close of his work he writes (xxii. 8), “I John saw and heard these things." He speaks thus by way of identify. ing himself and duly authenticating his prophecy. This