The Revelation of Jesus Christ by John

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1861 Excerpt: ... be given, as will enable any one who has discernment to penetrate into the real meaning of the mystery. Consequently I do not (with Stuart) conceive, that it refers primarily " to what precedes," though it must necessarily contain a subordinate reference thereto. See on 917. 1155. The seven heads are seven mountains. "Mountains," says Hengstenberg, "are the common symbol of kingdoms." And again; "In the Apocalypse mountains uniformly denote, not particular kings, but kingdoms." Yet again; "That the mountains are to be understood spiritually is evident alone from C. 13; 3, where it is said, that one of the heads was killed, which does not suit a natural mountain." This is also " plain from the term 'seven kings' or kingdoms, added by way of explanation." And, "it is clear as day, that there is not a double signification ascribed here to the heads, but that the second only serves as an explanation of the first." These citations contain all that I find said, and therefore, we may presume, all that can be said, in support of this view. And the following are the positions maintained, assumed, or implied in the above extracts. 1. The term mountains is here used symbolically, or (to use his expression) "spiritually:" whence it follows, that heads and mountains are symbolical equivalents. 2. Kings, on the other hand, is the literal term, which corresponds to these; but it means not kings, but kingdoms. 3. There is not a double signification ascribed to the heads, but " the term seven kings, or kingdoms, is added by way of explanation."--Now, all these positions I deny wholly or in part; and will proceed to disprove, only observing in the firet place, in order to clear the way...