In the introductory article of this series we sought to show the setting of the book with

reference to the general plan of the Bible, and saw that it is the gathering point both of the

prophecies of the book of Genesis (the heavens and earth, the Seed, the serpent, the

nations, &100:), and the Gospel of Matthew (the King, the kingdom, the judgment,

discipling of the nations, &100:). Let us now look at the book as a whole in order to gain a

large and comprehensive understanding of its purport. This will not only teach us what

the book is about, but will act as a corrective when looking at details and smaller

passages. Let it be remembered that no one verse or passage must be so interpreted that it

goes beyond the scope of the book as a whole, oversteps its place in relation to the rest of

Scripture, or isolates it from the divine plan observable throughout the inspired record.

To illustrate our meaning. A verse taken by itself may refer to the Reformation, to

Constantine, to the early Church, or to Rome, &100:, but its context may demand that it

refers to Antichrist, Israel, Babylon, Jerusalem, &100:, and however much the isolated

passage may seem to fit the historical reference, that will be only a superficial agreement,

and must be rejected if it runs counter to the unity of purpose exhibited in the book as a

whole. Therefore, before we venture a consideration of chapter 1:, or a theory as to the

"seven churches," or "the woman clothed with the sun," &100:, we will look at the book as a

whole.

Different arrangements of the book have been given by various writers, but none seem

to commend themselves to us so much as that of the late Dr. Bullinger, where the

structural indications in the book itself have been diligently followed and tabulated,

thereby discovering the Spirit's own arrangement, rather than inventing one of man's own.

This being the case, we have no hesitation in presenting it before the reader, feeling that

although Dr. Bullinger is the honoured instrument, the structure itself is that of the Lord,

the Inspirer of the Apocalypse. It will be found that while retaining the divisions as given

by Dr. Bullinger, we have departed at times from his words of explanation.