The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 3

IV. Buck’s Dictionary-391-Year Period to End About 1844

Another early expositor was CHARI.F.S BUCK (1771-1815). Independent minister and theological writer, who first served in Sheerness, then Hackney, and finally in London. ⁴⁶ Though the author of numerous works, he is remembered chiefly for his comprehensive Theological Dictionary, first appearing in 1802, but which passed through many reprints. Under the heading “Mahometanism, sec. IV,” Buck observes: PFF3 337.1

“From the aspect of Scripture prophecy, that, triumphant as this sect has been, it shall at last come to nought. As it arose as a scourge to Christendom about the time that Antichrist obtained a temporal dominion, so it is not improbable but they will have their downfall nearly at the same period.” ⁴⁷ PFF3 337.2

Then, coming to the specific prophecy of Revelation 9, Buck makes this notable record in his Dictionary (also noting the witness of Newton, Mede, Gill, Simpson, Miller, and White for reference for the student of this portion of prophecy): PFF3 337.3

“The ninth chapter of Revelations seems to refer wholly to this imposture: ‘The four angels were loosed, says the prediction, 15th verse, ‘which were prepared for an hour, and a day. and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. This period in the language of prophecy, makes 301 years, which, being added to the year when the four angels were loosed, will bring us down to 1844, or there- abouts, for the final destruction of the Mahometan empire. It must be confessed, however, that, though the event is certain, the exact time cannot be easily ascertained.” ⁴⁸ PFF3 337.4

So at the very outset of the century this time period was in the forefront. This, too, will become increasingly a matter of emphasis. PFF3 338.1