-Great changes in both the religious and po- litical world are to be expected, before the kingdom of the saints shall be established The resurrection of the saints, and reign of Christ on earth, how to be understood.-A much nearer approach to perfection in holi- ness, and peace, and happiness, than we can at present well conceive-Yet still consistent with a state of probation, and capable of inter- ruption by the revival of wickedness, before the final consummation.--The great felicity of The ROMAN CATHOLIC Empire of Popery, al- though in a state of rapid decline, yet still ex- ists the chief stumbling block in the way of Christ's Kingdom. - It is to be broken up by an extraordinary instrument of Providence, work- ing for God the work of vengeance without knowing or designing it -His typical resem- blance to the stone cut without hands, in the wonderful circunstances of his rise and suc- b the Roman Empire foretold in prophecy.--- Corresponding indications of them in the pre- sent time.-The scourge of Popery, or the Breaker, compared to Cyrus, in respect of his success, as Goi's instrument of destruction - Recapitulation of the remarkable epithets and em- blems, by which the Breaker, or destroyer of the papal Roman empire, and precursor of Is- rael, is distinguished in the prophecies.--His usual deep policy and caution over-ruled by the irresistible power of God, in one remarkable instance.—Papal misinterpretation of the Pro- SECTION XXXIX. The fallibility of human virtue, a strong ground for the scripture caution—"to watch,” – Earth- ly greatness and long prosperity, no certain to- kens of the unqualified approbation of heaven. - The prophetic stone has already fallen upon the image and produced considerable effects.- Its own magnitude is also increased to a moun- tainous bulk.--Great events in preparation. CONTENTS. Daniel's concise account of the state of the three first beasts during the long continuance of the fourth They are deprived of empire, but enjoy a respite until the fourth is slain and destroyed, after which they must be also absorbed in the common vortex. 506 SECTION XL. Strange blindness of papists to the wrath that pursues that devoted system of error. The cup of fury sent round to the nations in its connection. The reign of terror, the consequence of it. The doctrine of Balaam, in the true spirit of popery –Modern popery divested of nothing but power ;-it remains still as objectionable to protestants as ever, and is the cause of the woes which now afflict the chris. tian world.-England's exemption, through divine mercy, provided for by the prescience of God,-but can only be perpetuated to the end of the indignation, by, adhering to the original principles of the reformation. 533 1 The APOCALYPSE an arrangement and eluci dation of all former prophecies concerning the times of the Gospel.—State of religion in the Roman empire in the primitive times. -Jealousy and malice of the pagan emperors, watchful for the destruction of christianity, at the instigation of the OLD SERPENT, there in possession of the temples.-War between the two religions.—Triumph of the gospel.--The dragon's malice thereby increased.—He excites fresh enmity, and raises new partisans.-Recovers his old influence, and is worshipped again, but under disguised attributcs.—The two beasts and the image, and their worshippers.--The MARK und NUMBER of the beast. IN the times which preceded the gospel, it was not needful that any further or more para |