The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 2

II. Valpy Proclaims 1798 in Sermon to Reading Association

RICHARD VALPY, D.D., F.S.A., MRSL (1754-1836), noted schoolmaster, was rector of Stradishall in Suffolk and chaplain of the Reading Association. Trained at Pembroke College, Oxford, from which he received the B.A., M.A., B.D., and D.D. degrees between 1776 and 1792, he was also a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. He became headmaster of Reading School in 1781, retaining connection with it for fifty years, and bringing it to enviable scholastic heights. In 1787 Valpy was collated with the rectory at Stradishall. He published both a Greek and a Latin grammar in 1809. Twice refusing a bishopric, he retired from active schoolwork in 1830. PFF2 770.2

In a Sermon based on Matthew 24:44 (“Be ye also ready”), preached August 13, 1798, before the Reading and Henley Associations, the Woodley Cavalry, and the Reading Volunteers, at the consecration of the colors, ¹⁵ Valpy expounded the momentous events of the spring at Rome as fulfillment of the close of the prophetic period of the 1260 years. The sermon was “printed at the request of the Corps, before which it was preached.” PFF2 770.3

1. END OF 1260 YEARS FIXED FOR 1798

Declaring that “God has never left Himself without witness,” and that “history is indeed but a record of the completion of prophecy,” Valpy comments on the “present awful events” that involve the world, and the “disastrous revolution, which have plunged Europe into blood.” He declares, “The hand of God is filling up, by instruments of the most fearful execution, the great outline, which he had traced before by his Prophets and his Apostles.” ¹⁶ Then comes this luminous declaration: PFF2 770.4

“Among the Prophecies, which must have excited your attention, are those, which relate to the present state of Rome. If with all Protestant Commentators, we understand the Roman Pontiff to be represented under the figurative emblems of Daniel, and the Author of the Revelations, and by the still clearer description of St. Paul, we must be struck with the completion of the prophecy. Daniel and St. John mention the period of 1260 years from the establishment to the extinction of that government. In the year 538, the empire of the Goths was abolished in Rome, and from that time the Pontifical power advanced with rapid strides, until it became, by its influence and its authority, the most extensive dominion in Europe. If this epoch be admitted, the period mentioned by Prophets fixes the destruction of the Pontifical authority to the present year, in which the Pope has been forced to fly from Rome by the arms of France.” ¹⁷ (Fac simile on page 768.) PFF2 771.1

2. BEGAN WITH GOTHIC EXPULSION AND PAPAL ELEVATION

In added notes, in the published sermon, Valpy adds: PFF2 771.2

“In the year 538, the Goths were driven from Rome, and at that time the aspiring Vigilius, by his secret intrigues with the artful Theodora, was promoted to the Pontifical dignity, which he purchased with 200 pounds of gold: an unequivocal proof of the character of a man of sin. PFF2 771.3

“During the Pontificate of Vigilius, the pretensions of the successors of St. Peter to a general superiority began to be openly asserted; and shortly after, their supremacy was publicly acknowledged. It was at this time that the Pope assumed the title of Vicegerent of Jesus Christ.... Now too celibacy was more generally enjoined. The use of Holy Water was first publicly recommended by Vigilius in 538.” ¹⁸ PFF2 771.4

3. EXPULSION OF POPE DRAWS ATTENTION TO PROPHECY

Valpy then traces the growth of papal power and the growing acquisition of “strength and of territory.” He discounts the temporary exiles occasionally suffered by the pontiffs, and mentions Bishop Newton’s observation that we must see the conclusion before we can precisely ascertain the beginning of this notable period. Then he adds, “If we have now witnessed the fall of the Pope’s temporal dominion, it cannot be an unprofitable task to endeavor to trace its origin.” ¹⁹ Valpy then remarks significantly that “on the expulsion of the Pope from Rome, the attention of many contemplative persons was turned to the prophecies relating to that power.” ²⁰ PFF2 771.5

4. INCREASE OF KNOWLEDGE Is OF PROPHECIES

In the same notes “On the Prophecies Relating to the Fall of Rome,” he says: PFF2 772.1

“It is not therefore a subject o£ wonder that many should run to and fro in tracing these events to the designs of the Almighty declared in Prophecy; for thus knowledge shall be increased; and thus we may prepare to meet our God.” ²¹ PFF2 772.2

Valpy quotes from leading expositors, such as Newton, Faber, Woodhouse, and Kett, who had shed light on prophecy. He especially mentions King—“of extensive erudition and ingenuity, and of accurate Biblical knowledge”—who, he notes, likewise begins the 1260 years in 538, ²² and so ends them in 1798. PFF2 772.3

5. PROPHETIC EXPOSITION INTERWOVEN IN “POETICAL CHRO NOLOGY.”

Valpy’s large library of about three thousand volumes, sold at auction in 1832, contained many works on prophecy. His rather unique Poetical Chronology of history touches upon calendars, such as the construction of the Jewish calendar—and in his introductory remarks on years he says, “Whenevera complete year, or a series of years, is mentioned, a solar year is always understood.” ²³ In it he traces Babylon, Medo-Persia, Grecia, and Rome. Under each leading year noted Valpy gives the significance in verse, interweaving the prophetic aspect. For example: PFF2 772.4

“330 Three hundred thirty, Persia’s empire ends: Great Alexander Cyrus’ throne ascends. Short was his reign: the eighth returning spring Stopt in mid triumph the victorious king. One horn cut oft, lo! four new horns arise; Three hundred one divides the mighty prize.” ²⁴ PFF2 772.5