two well-known symbols of the antichristian persecutors, were to practise and prosper during the 1260 years, but no longer. Then the judgment was to sit on the horn, and the beast was to go into captivity. By these expressions, indeed, we are not to understand, that immediate destruction would overtake them ; but the days of their prosperity would be over. That train of events would commence, which will terminate in their ruin. In the course of their declension they may make some violent struggles, and at times with some apparent success; but their efforts will only weaken themselves, and hasten their end. Now, in opposition to this state of things, "the king" is described as "doing according to his will," (the very expression which is applied in this prophecy to the rapid and unexampled successes of Alexander the Great,) and as enjoying, for a season, a very distinguished career of victory and prosperity. From these circum

stances it might be rather inferred, that he would prove a minister of divine vengeance; a signal instrument in the hand of the Almighty, of commencing or of carrying on the predicted judgments against his apostate church; and thus would be made subservient, though with no such intention on his part, to the introduction of that great event, of the approach of which he was designed to be at once the beacon and the herald, namely, the deliverance of Israel for it is evident from the general tenor and analogy of prophecy, that this event will be preceded by the fall of the Babylon of the New Testament during a time of unprecedented trouble; though the beast. and the false prophet will still be reserved to perish with the rest of the anti-christian combination at the battle of Armageddon.

Here, then, in proof of the proposed interpretation, it may be remarked how precisely and circumstantially Napoleon

corresponded with the predicted description of "this King," so far as it relates to the time of his appearance, and to the part which, according to the view here given, he was raised up to perform in subserviency to the general fulfilment of prophecy. He did appear within a short period after the termination of the 1260 years*; and during his astonishing career effected more in the space of a few years, towards punishing and weakening the papal kingdoms, than we should previously have supposed could have been done in half a century. At present, indeed, these thrones have been re-established, and the nations are enjoying, beyond expectation, the blessings of apparent repose. But the calm is only that which precedes the storm. It lies merely on the surface, while the interior is portentously agitated. The thrones are in

*

According to the views of the writer, the 1260 years expired in 1792.- See PREFACE.

reality tottering at their bases; and when the appointed hour arrives, it will be found that the desolations inflicted by Napoleon were the prelude, but the prelude only, to those renewed and probably far heavier calamities, which in their progress will unfold, and in their consummation will complete, the counsels of the Almighty.

29

CHAP. V.

NAPOLEON PROVED TO BE

"THE KING,"

FROM HIS CHARACTER.

In the character of "the King," as detailed by the angel, the two prominent features are wilfulness and impiety. Of the former of these, as including in it an ambitious and a despotic spirit, which would endure no control, together with pride, insolence, and cruelty, no other proof needs to be adduced than that which the mere reading of the passage at once suggests. And the same thing may be said of the latter feature. For when it is declared, that he shall magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and that he shall not regard the God of his fathers,