The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 2

I. Du Jon Holds Prophetic Day Stands for Literal Year

FRANCOIS DU JON (c. 1545-1602), Huguenot leader, better known under his Latin name Junius, was tender and timid by nature, but equipped with excellent gifts. He studied law and wanted to join an embassy to Constantinople, but missed the party at Lyon. He began to read the New Testament, and re solved to study theology; therefore, he went to Geneva in 1562. In 1565 he was called to Antwerp as preacher, and stood firm at his post through all the vicissitudes of war and upheaval. Not being of Flemish origin, he had to leave the country, and was called to Heidelberg in 1568, where he became a collaborator of Tremellius in translating the Bible into Latin. There he published a work on the Apocalypse, Apocalypsis Methodica Analysi Notisque Illustrata (The Apocalypse With a Methodi cal Analysis Elucidated With Notes) and, in 1593, a similar work on Daniel. ² He later was called back by Henry IV and fulfilled a mission for the king. When he passed through Leyden, the university urged him to become one of its members, which invitation he finally accepted. PFF2 623.4

The year-day principle for all prophetic time was expressly declared by du Jon thus: PFF2 624.1

“Dates is commonly taken for yeares, that God in this sort might shew the time to be short, and that the space of time is definitely set downe by Him in His counsaile. ³ PFF2 624.2

“The daies must be reckoned for so many yeares, after the example of the Prophets Ezechiel and Daniel. ⁴ PFF2 624.3

He considers the best time to start the 1260-year period with the death of Jesus in 34, which brings him to 1294, the time of Boniface VIII. ⁵ In this he differed from all others. PFF2 624.4