The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 3

IV. Roberts-Dates 2400 Years From 553 to 1847

PETER ROBERTS (1760-1819), Anglican vicar, writer, and antiquary, was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, from which lie received his M.A. in 1793. He remained to study Oriental languages and astronomy, then became a tutor. Entering Anglican orders, he served as rector and vicar in several churches, including Madeley and Halkin. ⁹⁵ He wrote numerous histories, and produced a volume on the Church of Rome (1809). Finally, the year before his death he wrote A Manual of Prophecy (1818). PFF3 408.2

1. THE PAPAL TYRANNY IN Daniel 7

This “comparative view of the prophecies” takes the standard historical position on Daniel 2 and 7, stressing the ten kingdoms of Europe as the “divisions of the western empire.” Roberts also calls attention to the fact that at the time of the breakup, and also about 800 and at 1240, there always seem to be about ten divisions, citing Bishop Newton’s list.” ⁹⁶ The Little Horn is the “papal power. Its spirit is tyranny, its object universal dominion, and its policy Roman.” ⁹⁷ Due note is taken of its blasphemies. And its 1260-year dating is from the sixth century till the late conquest of Italy by the French. ⁹⁸ PFF3 408.3

2. DATES 2400 FROM TIME OF VISION (553)

Roberts likewise follows Frere in adopting the 2400 of the Vatican Septuagint for Daniel 8:14, instead of 2300, dating the years from the assumed time of the vision in the third year of Belshazzar in 553 B.C. and so terminating the period in 1847. He also anticipates that the fall of Mohammedanism will accomplish its fulfillment. ⁹⁹ PFF3 408.4