Studies in the Revelation
By Editor
WE begin this week a series of studies in the Revelation, that wonderful closing book of the Bible. In these studies the writer has no old theories to combat, no pet theories to follow. His motto is taken from one who has never written upon the book as a whole; but we know of no better: "Let the Revelation speak, and tell what is truth. . . . Uplift Jesus as the Center of all hope." As the writer has no old theories to combat, he has none to follow, save those of the book. He hopes that in its study the Spirit which inspired it will illuminate both writer and reader, not alone with new views of old truths, but with new light, deeper insight into the great mysteries of God, open always to them who trust Him. Let us pray that the Spirit of truth may lead. The studies can not in the nature of the case always be uniform in length or form or method. The book itself is not given in that way. It has its remarkable seven times sevenfold unity, yet it is full of diversity. It has no fixed formulas for solving its various problems. The Spirit in its teaching is free; it would make men free; and freely God would have us drink of its great crystal depths. For fifty times or more the writer has been over the book. He has within his reach twenty commentaries upon the Revelation. He has ever laid them down with disappointment. Even so the reader may lay down these studies. We hope not. Many commentaries have been written too early in earth's history; many have been localized to the one book, not taking into consideration, as every true student of the Word must, whether he writes of a part or a whole, the great eternal verities of God. Within these eternal truths falls the Revelation. They shed light upon the book, and the book glorifies and beautifies them. Therefore we appeal to our friends to go with us in the study. It will lead to the city of light, to the Tree of Life.