The Story of the Seer of Patmos
INTRODUCTION
One of the distinguishing features of the age of the world in which we live is the prevalence of light and knowledge. It is but a fulfillment of the divine words: “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Daniel 12:4. SSP 7.1
During the preceding century, more than in all the centuries of the past, a flood of light has been shed upon the prophetic page. The seal which metaphorically hid the true meaning of the book of Daniel has been removed by the fulfillment of nearly all its predictions, so that the records of history demonstrate its true meaning. Prophecy is history in advance. History is prophecy fulfilled. When both agree we have the genuine meaning. Therefore we know we are in the “time of the end,” and very near its close. SSP 7.2
The book of Revelation is introduced by the following words: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John.” Revelation 1:1. SSP 7.3
As the book of Daniel reaches to the “time of the end,” and the book of Revelation contains “things which must shortly come to pass,” before the end, the two books must be “companion volumes,” closely related to each other. The book of Daniel, in point of time, precedes the book of Revelation upwards of six centuries. In short, the latter is largely an inspired commentary on the former, and as such, becomes a valuable aid to its correct understanding. Every earnest, intelligent student of prophecy will study these two books together. Each is mutually helpful to the understanding of the other. SSP 7.4
There is an opinion extant, quite prevalent among those skeptically inclined, and a class of professed Christians who ignore the whole subject of prophecy, that the book of Revelation is mystical, foggy and cannot be understood. If so, the Spirit of God has misnamed it. God says it is a “Revelation of Jesus Christ.” A revelation is not something concealed. It is something made known. In other words, this blessed book makes known to us the things God wishes us to know. He reveals to us the nature of the events to occur all through the Christian dispensation, and especially those connected with Christ’s return to this earth at His second coming. SSP 7.5
The “Revelation” is a book of symbols. The representation of mighty kingdoms by the symbols of beasts, as given in Daniel and Revelation, is common among the nations of the earth. We speak of the British lion, the Russian bear, the American eagle; and every intelligent person understands what is meant, because nations themselves have chosen these creatures to represent them on their flags and standards. Inspiration chooses symbols to represent various nations, and the Scriptures themselves plainly define their meaning. SSP 8.1
There are no books in the Bible of greater interest to the earnest student than the visions of Daniel and John. This volume, “The Story of the Seer of Patmos,” is a companion volume to “The Story of Daniel the Prophet,” by the same author. We doubt not that this volume will equal or exceed the former in popularity. SSP 8.2
The author is a devoted minister of the gospel of long experience; a deep and most earnest student of the holy Scriptures, and especially conversant with the subject of prophecy. He has given many years of careful study to the subjects contained in this volume. It is written for all classes of readers. The most intelligent professional man can find herein blessed food for thought, and precious instruction in the Bible truths for this remarkable age. The business man can be greatly profited by the perusal of this volume. Men need to have their attention called away from worldly themes, to the great things God is about to do in our world. The common people will read this volume with delight. It will open up great fields of thought which they have never before explored, while the Bible student will find in it a rich mine of treasure. SSP 8.3
The apostle John was an old man when he wrote the book of Revelation. It was a special revelation from Jesus Christ Himself, and reveals the order of events commencing in John’s time, and reaching to Christ’s second coming, under various heads and series of events: The Seven Churches, The Seven Seals, The Seven Trumpets, The Three Messages, etc. It ends with the glorious restitution of all things, spoken of by the “mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began.” Here are themes worthy of the most careful study. The author has made these mysterious symbols so plain, that any one who will carefully follow him can understand the book of Revelation. SSP 8.4
The study of this inspired book of Holy Writ is important. Christ Himself says, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” SSP 9.1
We are living at the close of the great prophetic periods revealed in Daniel and Revelation. We greatly need the light contained in this volume. We most gladly welcome every additional ray of light shining on our pathway. The perils of the last days are around us. Great changes are occurring. Satanic deceptions abound on every hand. The time has come, foretold by our Saviour, when if it be possible, even the elect are in danger of deception. Matthew 24:23, 26. The Revelator speaks of the same things. Let all become intelligent in reference to these things. “The Story of the Seer of Patmos” will enlighten all who will read and study it. Our Saviour informs us that when the signs of His coming begin to come to pass His people should look up and lift up their heads, for their redemption draweth nigh. SSP 9.2
Ah! dear reader, do you not desire to be a citizen of that glorious city spoken of in the last chapters of Revelation, with its gates of pearl, streets of gold, wall of jasper, and foundations garnished with precious stones; where the tree of life shall grow, and the river of life flows out from beneath the throne of God; where Christ will ever dwell? Where God shall wipe away all tears from the eyes of His people; where death will never come, sorrow will never be felt, nor pain evermore exist? Study the blessed Revelation, and you will get new and blessed conceptions of these great divine realities. SSP 9.3
Geo. I. Butler.
Nashville, Tenn., April 24, 1905.