Prophecies, that in the latter days the wise may understand, but the wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand, Dan. xii. 9, 10.  The authority of Emperors, Kings, and Princes, is human.  The authority of Councils, Synods, Bishops, and Presbyters, is human.  The authority of the Prophets is divine, and comprehends the sum of religion, reckoning Moses and the Apostles among the Prophets; and if an Angel from Heaven preach any other gospel, than what they have delivered, let him be accursed.  Their writings contain the covenant between God and his people, with instructions for keeping this covenant; instances of God’s judgments upon them that break it:  and predictions of things to come.  While the people of God keep the covenant, they continue to be his people:  when they break it they cease to be his people or church, and become the Synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews_ and are not._ And no power on earth is authorized to alter this covenant.

The predictions of things to come relate to the state of the Church in all ages:  and amongst the old Prophets, Daniel is most distinct in order of time, and easiest to be understood:  and therefore in those things which relate to the last times, he must be made the key to the rest.

Notes to Chap.  I.

[1] 2 Chron. xxxiii. 5, 6, 7.

[2] 2 Chron. xxxiv.

[3] 2 Chron. xii. 2, 3, 4, 8, 9. & xv. 3, 5, 6.

[4] 2 Chron. xiv. 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12.

[5] 2 Chron. xv. 3, 12, 13, 16, 18.

[6] 2 Kings xvii. 27, 28, 32, 33.

[7] 2 Kings xvii. 34, 41.

[8] Gen. xxxvi. 31.

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CHAP.  II.

Of the Prophetic Language.

For understanding the Prophecies, we are, in the first place, to acquaint our-selves with the figurative language of the Prophets.  This language is taken from the analogy between the world natural, and an empire or kingdom considered as a world politic.

Accordingly, the whole world natural consisting of heaven and earth, signifies the whole world politic, consisting of thrones and people, or so much of it as is considered in the Prophecy:  and the things in that world signify the analogous things in this.  For the heavens, and the things therein, signify thrones and dignities, and those who enjoy them; and the earth, with the things thereon, the inferior people; and the lowest parts of the earth, called Hades or Hell, the lowest or most miserable part of them.  Whence ascending towards heaven, and descending to the earth, are put for rising and falling in power and honour:  rising out of the earth, or waters, and falling into them, for the rising up to any dignity or dominion, out of the inferior state of the people, or falling down from the same into that inferior state; descending into the lower parts of the earth, for descending to a very low and unhappy estate; speaking