p. 179 | The Study of Prophecy

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Dec 13, 1853

The Study of Prophecy

Despise not Prophesyings.--1 Thess. v, 20.

THE study of unfulfilled prophecy is by many condemned as unwise and dangerous. In so doing, however, they condemn what God approves, for the study of prophecy is enforced by precept,--"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; 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." It is stimulated by example,

"of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you; searching what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow."--And it is encouraged by promise--"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein; for the time is at hand." Having thus precept, example, and promise, why should any hesitate to study diligently the Volume of Prophecy? Secret things, indeed, belong unto the Lord, but what he has revealed is no longer secret. We must not be wise above what is written, but we ought to be wise up to what is written, and especially when so much is written about these latter times in which we live.

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.--Amos iii, 7.

The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him and he will shew them his covenant.--Ps. xxv. 14.