Historical Writers. Difficult in early years to leave writings still preserved to today - no printing. Surprising number of writings do survive - indicate those in previous times understood message of Revelation and where in time they were living. Not all expected Christ’s return in own days. Donatist writer AD 345 knew where he stood in relation to events of Revelation 12.

Early History. Irenaeus – AD 185 – ‘Against Heresies’ – taught that the Roman empire would be partitioned into 10 kingdoms Hippolytus – AD 200 – ‘Scholia on Daniel’ – taught that the toes of iron and clay signified democracies that would arise in the Roman Empire Jerome – AD 420 – ‘Commentary on Daniel’ – taught that the Roman Empire was to be destroyed by 10 kings and then an 11th king would arise and subdue 3 kings.

Expectancy of French Revolution. Joseph Mede commenting on Rev 11 - a great commotion of the nations - ten kingdoms to fall away from Rome - 30 yrs before the event. Peter Jurieu 1685 predicted - a revolution will take place about the year yrs before. Robert Flemming 1701 saw a step by step rise of Papal power and gradation of fall between 1794 and 1848 (Church dethroned) - approx 90yrs +

Other Writers. Thomas Brightman – 1607 – ‘The Revelation of St. John’ – predicted from Rev 5 the end of Turkish expansion at the close of 17th century. Goodwin (1654) wrote “the 6th vial breaks the power of the Turk in the east – so making way for the Jews”

Peter Jurieu Saw that a revolt against Rome must come - proposed that it would commence in France. The death of the two witnesses - hath a peculiar relation to that Kingdom. Believed that tenth part of the city is France. Hoped three & half days had already begun in at Revocation of Edict of Nantes.

Sir Isaac Newton Wrote a million words on religious topics. Examined morals of Athanasius - shattered illusions about theological honesty of 4th century church councils. Understood broad elements of Revelation:“the heavens signify thrones and dignities” “Daniel must be made the key to the rest”

Bicheno Suggested that interval between 1685 and 1790 being 105 years - significant if regarded as lunar. Moon-day is 30 earth-days 30 x 3.5 = 105 day-years. He perceived the resurrection and ascension to power of the witnesses to be taking place in French Revolution.

Thomas Newton In Rev 16 identified his times as sixth trumpet - end of which signified by French revolution - 35 years ahead. In Rev 17 he envisaged a last form of government over Roman Empire with which other nations would voluntarily combine their strength.

Thomas Hartley 1764 Harriet Livermore 1830’s. Hartley wrote a work entitled “Of Christ’s Glorious Reign on Earth...” Livermore edited “Millennial Tidings” insisting on Jewish return to the land prior to consummation of God’s purpose. From Letters to Seven Churches in Revelation - identified seven stages of apostacy in Christian church.

H. Gratton Guiness When Pagan Rome fell, Papal Rome rose. Corruptions, heresies, abominable practices abounded. The teachings of Christ were forgotten and the teachings of the church put in their place. It became a sin to believe the truth and serve the living God....the Papacy, which had decreed the ‘immaculate conception’ of an idolatrously worshipped woman, proceeded to decree the ‘infallibility’ of a sinful man.