Prophecy Interpreted by History. By John W. Birchrnore. (Now York
: Dutton; London : Triihnor.)—This is another attempt of the kind typified by Mr. Elliott's Ilorre Apocalyptim, to fit together the statomonts of the book of Daniel and tho Apocalypse with the course of European history during the Christian era. Mr. Birchmore may not be more successful in his attempt than his predecessors of the Protestant school of interpretation, but he is certainly more liberal. Us thinks, for instance, that the "two witnosses " of tho Revelation aro the Eastorn and Western Churchos, and will not allow that any corruptions with which they may be chargeable have caused them to forfeit their essential character as " witnesses" for Christ. Surely this is a sounder view of history—and it comes out, of course, in other things besides tho interpretation of prophecy—than the narrowness which looks for those " witnesses " in obscure corners of Christendom, and sees nothing but Antichrist in the grand history of Popes and Patriarchs. Of the pro- spects of England and the English Church, with which, of course, the body to which Mr. Birehmore himself belongs must be associated, the interpreter takes an encouraging view. But that Christianity will be eubjectod to a terrible trial ho does not doubt, and hero, whatever we may think of the process by which he has reachod his conclusion, we Seal sure that he is right.
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