Now, let it be noted, St. John lived near the tenth Cycle, which answers
to the ten horns of the beast. Hence is most forcibly suggested that
interpretation of the figure. Daniel's ten horns should have been
translated eleven horns, as he lived in the ninth Cycle, though so near
the tenth, that he probably constructed his figure on the tenth. And
Daniel's prophetic declaration (so considered), found in the eighth
chapter, that it would be two thousand three hundred days until the
sanctuary should be closed, is explainable in the same manner. According
to Mr. Irving, Mr. Frere, and other writers, there was a large fraction
over the three hundred days, making it nearer four hundred, and hence
might have been so rendered, which would make 20004-400=2400; the exact
length of four Cycles, 600x4=2400. And their are other mystical
figures, frightful visions, and occult metaphors found in the Apocalypse
susceptible of a Cycular solution. The Cycle is the true key for
unlocking many of the ancient mysteries of various religions. The
Chinese have always reckoned by Cycles of sixty years, instead of by
centuries. (See New Am. Encyclop. vol. v. p. 105.)
We will now bestow a brief notice on the Millennial Cycle: the
sacred period of 6000 years, composed of ten of the smaller Cycles,
600x10=6000. Dr. Hales says, "A tradition of Millennial ages prevailed
throughout the east, and finally reached the west." (Chron. vol. i. p.
44.) We are told by astronomers that if the angle which the plane of the
ecliptic forms with the plane of the Equator had decreased gradually, as
it was once supposed to do, the two planes would coincide in about six
thousand years--a period which comprises ten of the smaller Cycles,
600X10 =6000. And it was very easy and very natural for an ignorant and
superstitious age to conclude that such a prodigious, astounding, and
awful event as that of two stupendous orbits or planes coming in contact
with each other, should be attended with some direful and calamitous
event, and with a tremendous display of divine power. Nothing less than
an entire revolution, if not the total destruction of the world, could
comport with the majesty and magnitude of such an event.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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