Revelation, to beware of dogmatism and positiveness in expressing
guilt, and corruption, and weakness of man is not a hidden thing, like a seal, a trumpet, or a vial. Christ's power and willingness to save, and justification by faith in Him — are not a dark thing, like the number 666. The absolute necessity of a new birth and a thorough change of heart is not an uncertainty, like the meaning of the two witnesses. The impossibility of salvation without fitness for Heaven is not a mystery, like the interpretation of the vision of the four living creatures.
But, reader, remember while you thank God for this clear teaching in the things essential to salvation — that this very clearness increases your personal responsibility. Take heed, lest an open door being set before you, any of you should fail to enter in by it and be saved.
Hearken, everyone into whose hands this address may come, and understand. I give you a plain warning this day. Do not forget it. You may reach Heaven without knowing much about the deep things of the Apocalypse — but you will never get their without the saving knowledge of Christ and a new heart. You must be born again. You must renounce your own righteousness and acknowledge yourself to be a sinner. You must wash in the fountain of Christ's blood. You must be clothed in the garment of Christ's righteousness. You must take up the cross of Christ and follow Him. These are the things absolutely needful. These are the things without which no man, learned or unlearned, high or low — can ever be saved. Rest not, rest not until you know these things by experience. Without them you may know the whole list of Apocalyptic commentaries, be familiar with all that they have written on the subject — and yet rise at the last day a lost soul — knowing much intellectually, like the devils — but, like the devils, ruined forever!
2. For another thing, let me entreat all students of the Book of Revelation, to beware of dogmatism and positiveness in expressing and maintaining their views of the meaning of its more mysterious portions. Nothing, I firmly believe, has brought more discredit on the study of prophecy, than the excessive rashness and overweening