III. Purpose and Method of Procedure

During the centuries of the Christian Era certain canons of sound prophetic exposition have become established, to which Jews, Catholics, and Protestants have each made major contribution. These, in turn, have become the heritage of all mankind, bequeathed to those of us who live in this epoch of revived prophetic study and exposition. Stalwart characters within the Roman church and independent witnesses outside that church were united on certain important positions, which became common ground. And not only Christians but Jews, up to the seventeenth century, provide a constant succession of important supporting evidence an independent but paralleling line, with a number of basic principles likewise in common.PFF2 13.3

It is this threefold body of witnesses—Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant, scattered throughout Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Britain, The Netherlands, France, and even Spain and Italy, as well as the faraway colonies of New England and their concurrence of testimony, that constitutes the crowning evidence of manifestly sound principles of prophetic exposition. Coins and medals also, minted through the centuries, present a unique line of confirmation quite apart from manuscripts, books, and tractates. Woodcuts and sculptures similarly bear important testimony.PFF2 14.1

The high caliber of the men who have devoted themselves to the study of prophecy is impressive. The leading lights of the centuries the spiritual and intellectual peers of their respective generations—were frequently the investigators and expositors of prophecy. Names known to all in other fields are found to have been the leading expounders of the inspired predictions and the heralds of their historical fulfillment. Clerics, statesmen, recluses, poets, scientists, historians, teachers, kings, and explorers, spread throughout the various nations, are included in the vast sweep.PFF2 14.2

Like a giant panorama, we see them pass in review before us. We hear their voices and note their emphasis as they swell in a resounding chorus. The massed evidence of the various epochs makes its due impress. And we shall converse with the outstanding figures who pioneered each advance or enunciated new and important principles. Thus the cumulative force of accredited principles of interpretation will be seen in balanced perspective.PFF2 14.3

Tabulation, or charting, of the leading expositors and their basic positions on the prophecies will summarize each major epoch covered as the Pre-reformation, Reformation, and post-Reformation eras. Thus a balanced, over-all picture of each great epoch under investigation can be had at a glance, and the combined evidence of all witnesses upon a given point will likewise be immediately available. This is not only desirable but imperative for accurate understanding, and for greatest helpfulness to the investigator.PFF2 14.4

The original sources are used, except in a few instances; authorities merely supplement and give the setting. All quotations are reproduced verbatim et literatim, with the precise spelling, punctuation, and capitalization originally employed strange as they may at times appear. Every effort has been employed to make the footnote credits exact and complete. The index is built upon a threefold breakdown—names, subjects, and prophetic terms employed. The illustrations have been gleaned largely from the archives of Europe, and comprise authentic reproductions of title pages, key extracts, woodcuts, illustrations, and sculptures, as well as original paintings and portraits. Comprehensive historical charts complete this feature.PFF2 15.1

Painstaking effort has been made to ensure accuracy of citation and fidelity to context. The full facts and their setting have been the undeviating object of this quest. This has been followed by careful analysis and tabulation of the findings. Conscientious evaluation has marked each step of the search. No pains or expense has been spared to present a faithful picture. Competent scholars have given the benefit of helpful suggestion and criticism, and specialists in various historical periods have been consulted. Acknowledgment for these aids is made at the close. Every effort has been put forth to present a dependable record of man’s attempt to interpret the divine plan of the ages as revealed through Bible prophecy.PFF2 15.2