A Dissertation on the Seventy Weeks of Daniel the Prophet. By the REV. JOHN STONARD, D. D. Rector of Aldingham, Lancashire. Pp. 492. 15s. London. Rivingtons. 1825.
THERE are two prophecies in the Old Testament, which being delivered in language apparently easy in its construction, and scarcely admitting of a double interpretation, and being likewise limited to a period distinctly marked, should seem not only to be capable of a ready explanation by the aid of historical evidence, but likely to afford a clue for the unravelling of other predictions. We allude to Jeremiah's prophecy of the seventy years, and Daniel's of the seventy weeks. The former of these is so short, so simple, so distinct, that when once the captivity which it foretold had begun and ended, one is at a loss to know how any doubt could rest upon it. The latter is less simple in its construction, and it points to a longer period. The duration, however, of that period is distinctly marked, (for to understand the seventy weeks of so many septenaries of years can hardly escape the sagacity of a child,) and when that period has fairly run out, what hinders that the limits assigned by the prediction should be ascertained, and its meaning generally understood and acknowledged? How comes it, then, that a full and satisfactory solution of the difficulties which have attended the former of these is scarcely discovered even in the present age of the world; and that the skill and learning of some of our ablest biblical scholars are still employed in clearing up the mystery in which the latter is involved? Is it that the hand of the Most High has designedly hung a dark cloud over such portions of holy Writ, in order at once to excite a laudable spirit of enquiry, and to VOL. II. NO. v.