The Shepherd's Rod Volume 2

Introduction

   This book is not published to explain, or comment on truths which have been previously revealed, and accepted as such, but is to disclose realities which God has Preserved through many generations, not only from becoming extinct, but also preventing their meaning from being discovered by men of wisdom.  Thus, He who controls the Scriptures is able to reveal present truth to His people at a time when needed.  Therefore, though such truths are originally prophetic, they become new, and stand as a direct letter from God to men at the time revealed.  "Thus saith God the Lord,... Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them." (Isa. 42:5, 9.)  Hence, it will prove the contents of this publication new, interesting, instructive, inspiring, and converting.  The message it bears being taught by symbols and types illustrated on charts, becomes simple, and all who are searching for truth with intention to fit themselves for the heavenly garner, can easily comprehend it. 

   The book of "Revelation" is said to be a closed book full of symbolical mysteries, incomprehensive to human beings.  This is true of all prophetic truths.  The one who admits this fact of the book of "Revelation," automatically confesses that he does not understand the Bible; for all the books of Holy Writ meet and end in the "Revelation." Therefore, to understand that book is to understand the Bible.  "The One who reveals the mysteries to John will give to the diligent searcher for truth a foretaste of Heavenly things.  Those whose hearts are open to the reception of truth will be enabled to understand its teachings, and will be granted the blessing promised to those who 'hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein'." -- "The Acts of the Apostles," pp. 584, 585.  Thus, when the Revelation is understood, it will unlock the great Store House and bring to light all the prophetic mysteries that are stored in it. 

   The message in this volume was prophetically timed by the parable of the "Householder" who sent laborers into His "vineyard." (Matt. 20:1-16.)  Proving to be the "11th hour" "call," -- the last, and at the right time.  The fact that this wonderful revelation of the Scriptures cannot be contradicted, proves the message correct, and its inspiration true.  This prophetic call is based on the prophecies of Daniel, and its explanation made clear by the book of Revelation.  Thus, it is symbolically explained.  These prophetic symbols of beasts, wings, horns, heads, crowns, etc., prove to be most perfect symbols in revealing the truth represented by them and when correctly applied it is certain that their meaning cannot be misconstrued.