VIII. Revolution Has Profound Effect on Interpretation

The effect of the French Revolution and the European upheaval upon prophetic interpretation was profound, and inaugurated a new era in the study of the Apocalypse. Many who lived to see with their own eyes the accomplishment of the stroke so long foretold had new hopes kindled within them respecting the nearness of the coming trump of judgment, and the promised kingdom of God.PFF2 782.2

In recording the deeds of the French Revolution, even historians called attention to the seeming fulfillment of inspired prophecy. History thus rose to its most exalted height as it became the interpreter of prophecy. And numerous religious writers of prominence recognized that the contemporary terrible judgments were an evident fulfillment of prophecy. ^{64John Adolphus, The History of France (1790-1802), vol. 2, p. 379.} They declared that the 1260 years of papal ecclesiastical supremacy had indeed expired, and that the hour had come for the world-wide preaching of the gospel and the heralding of the impending hour of God’s judgment. The prophecies concerning this hour are the field of study of Volumes III and IV.PFF2 782.3