responds to the seasons, so will providence to prophecy. We can discern
Spring-time, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The garden will reveal to us
Winter as distinct from Summer, so in interpreting prophecy we must
always look for an agreement between providence and the world. As
naturally as the goat symbolises Alexander, so will providence in natural
history respond. Winter, with its winds, storms, and frost; with its
leafless trees and desolate gardens, proclaim, beyond a doubt, which
season of the four is bearing rule. Such a thing cannot be of private
interpretation; and prophecy, when fulfilled, is as easy seen, and is not
of private interpretation. A man is as foolish in forging prophecy as
one would be in trying to forge Winter by putting artificial leaves on
trees, and flowers on bushes. The thing is easily known if we exercise
our reason. In this line of thought we are sorry to note that men have
more faith than reason; hence the blunderings of prophetic writers, and
the leaders of Adventism and Millenarianism. Prophecy unfulfilled
commands and demands our faith--much more faith than reason, for it is
impossible to see how some things can come to pass, but if they are
subjects of prophecy they surely will, whether we understand them or not.
A prophecy fulfilled, however, appeals more to reason than faith, for if
fulfilled, it can readily be demonstrated.

As naturally as the female and male birds know each other and mate
together, so will events and prophecy. This kind of argument Isaiah
uses: "Seek ye out the Book of the Lord and read; no one of these shall
fail, none shall want her mate, for My mouth it hath commanded, and His
Spirit it hath gathered them" (Isa. xxxiv. 16). I charge you to beware
of prophetic dentists who put false teeth in the mouth of prophecy; who
by their haste and impatience forestall prophecy and weaken men's faith
instead of strengthening it. Prophetic evidence is very strong evidence,
both for the Christian and the infidel.

Some will fail to be convinced when prophecy is fulfilled. Jew-like,
they will blind their eyes and shut their ears to the evidences and voice
of fulfilled prophecy. The entire career of our Lord Jesus Christ was
foretold and mapped out by the Old Testament writers. Moses declared His
family; Micah the place of His birth; Isaiah the virginity of His mother;
Zechariah His triumphant entry into Jerusalem; David His life,
resurrection, and ascension, with