The Great Second Advent Movement: Its Rise and Progress

The Nature of Prophecy

The following testimonials from eminent Bible students on the nature of prophecy are forcible:— GSAM 27.2

Thomas Newton makes the assertion that “prophecy is history anticipated and contracted; history is prophecy accomplished and dilated. Lying oracles have been in the world; but all the wit and malice of men and devils cannot produce any such prophecies as are recorded in the Scriptures.” GSAM 27.3

Sir Isaac Newton testifies that “the giving ear to the prophets is a fundamental character of the true church.” GSAM 27.4

Dr. A. Keith says that “prophecy is equivalent to any miracle, and is of itself miraculous.... The voice of Omnipotence alone could call the dead from the tomb,—the voice of Omniscience alone could tell all that lay hid in dark futurity, which to man is as impenetrable as the mansions of the dead,—and both are alike the voice of God.” GSAM 27.5

Matthew Henry said that “in God’s time, which is the best time, and in God’s way, which is the best way, prophecy shall certainly be fulfilled. Every word of Christ is very pure, and therefore very sure.” GSAM 28.1