Robert Anderson :: Preface of 1881

The Coming Prince

by Sir Robert Anderson

Preface to the edition of 1881

It seems to be an axiom with many commentators that the prophetic Scriptures never mean precisely what they say; and the same license which is deemed legitimate in interpreting Scripture is used also when the facts of history are adduced as the fulfilment of it. In contrast with this, the language of the prophecies, save where it is avowedly symbolic, is here accepted as unreservedly as though the subject were a statute or a deed, and all theorizing in respect of history is studiously avoided. The writer aims at so presenting the main scheme of prophecy as to render it both intelligible and interesting even to those who may have shunned the study as being utterly dry or hopelessly mystical.

In the twisted line of prophetic truth there are strands unnoticed in these pages. But that which critics will point to as a defect, ordinary readers will deem a merit; for what the book thus loses in breadth it gains in simplicity.

Its special subject is Daniel's vision of the Seventy Weeks. That this prophecy was fulfilled with a reasonable approach to accuracy is the general belief of Christians. The reader will here find proof that, so far as its fulfilment belongs to the past, it has in fact been realized with absolute definiteness and strict chronological precision.

Where chronology becomes an essential element in the inquiry, the standard dates of history are adopted, as settled by the ablest of modern chronologers. As regards the regnal eras of Jewish kings, however, Fynes Clinton's month dates are modified in accordance with the Hebrew Mishna, which was a sealed book to English readers when the Fasti Hellenici was written. And in fixing the date of the Nativity, due weight is given to the result of Zumpt's inquiries respecting the governorship of Cyrenius.

Chronological discussions are for the most part dismissed to the Appendix, not as being unimportant, but lest they should render the book less suitable for general readers. The tables and diagram will probably be acceptable to all.

Any one who intends to write upon prophecy must needs read much that is of doubtful value, and consider interminable controversies of the kind which drew forth Bishop Newton's complaint "that some persons are troubled with the spirit of contradiction, and will dispute about the plainest points." References to such books are therefore omitted, and authorities are sparingly cited.¹

The original plan of the work included a review of the literature upon the subject; but this has given place to an introductory chapter enforcing the importance of prophetic study as an antidote to the scepticism of the day. Trained theologians are but few in number, and even of these there is not one in ten who is capable of defending the Scriptures along the whole line of possible attack. This, however, appears to be expected of every believer, and therefore infidelity is triumphing. The position is an utterly false one. Faith does not depend on the absence of difficulties. Its foundations are positive, and they are strong enough to sustain it in the midst of abounding difficulties. Its true attitude moreover is not defensive but aggressive. "Will we also be His disciples?" was the answer of one whose eyes the Savior opened, when assailed by sceptical objections which he could not solve. "One thing I know," he exclaimed, "that whereas I was blind now I see." When scepticism can give some reasonable account of the facts of our spiritual life, it will be time enough to parley about difficulties. That real difficulties exist no one knows better than the believer, but the kind of criticism which is making havoc of the faith of multitudes would be perfectly innocuous were it not for the systematized ignorance of Scripture which prevails.

A word as to the title. "Messiah and the Coming Prince" was the title which naturally suggested itself.² But such a use of the Divine Names is much to be deprecated; for after all the chief value of a title is merely to distinguish the volume for practical purposes. The Sacred Name therefore has been expunged from the title-page, and explanatory words have been added to prevent any possible misconception.

R. A.

39, LINDEN GARDENS, W.

¹ To append a list of such authorities would serve no useful purpose. The references to the works of Dr. Pusey and Dr. Tregelles are to the 3rd ed. of Daniel the Prophet, and the 5th ed. of Remarks on the Prophetic Visions of the Book of Daniel. The quotations from the Horæ Apocalypticæ (Rev. E. B. Elliott) are made from the 3rd ed.

² "After threescore and two week shall MESSIAH be cut off, but not for Himself; and the people of the Prince that shall come (i.e. THE COMING PRINCE) shall destroy the city" (Dan 9:26)