LITERAL INTERPRETATION.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
It is often the case that we hear people say, Well, I believe so and so; not giving any reason why they believe so, or offering any evidence of the truth of their position; as if their believing so was all the proof necessary to make it so. I have lately received a communication, called out by an article of mine in Review of Jan. 20, under the caption, “Are we Understood?” in which the writer expresses his belief that the messages of Rev. 14: 6-12, will be given by literal angels. No reason is given for this faith, except the suggestion that we must accept the word of God. It is true, angel is the word used. I hold to literal interpretation; but not quite to this extent. Are there no symbols used in the book of Revelation, and in the immediate connection? Suppose I say that the beasts of chapter 13 are literal beasts; because the word of God calls them so? Would I not be told that these are earthly powers described under the symbols of beasts? The writer speaks of the beasts of Daniel and Revelation as meaning governments. Should he not accept of “the words of God?” But in the same sentence, in which he claims that these angels should be understood literally, he says, “The gospel message is given to the apostles, and in them to all ministers till Jesus comes.” Right, my brother; said he, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world;” and are not these gospel messages? Have not these angels the “everlasting gospel?” The treasure of the gospel is committed to earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of men. As the beasts of prophecy are symbols of wicked and persecuting powers, so the angels are symbols of proclamations of truth. The chosen instruments are men. In John the Baptist was fulfilled the promise, “I send my messenger before thy face;” but John was not an angel from Heaven. But though the beasts and the angels are symbols, yet their works are literally described. How literally has the ten-horned beast done the work assigned it; and how literally are the predicted messages being preached in our day! R. F. COTTRELL.