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IV.

THE VISION CONCERNING THE INFIDEL

KING.

Daniel, chap. x. xi. xii.

This vision, in which "a certain man clothed in linen" appeared to Daniel to shew to him that which was "noted in the Scripture of truth" was not attended with symbolical representation. It is prophetic History; and if I mistake not, the most important part of it consists of the history of the same person or power symbolized in former visions by the "little horn," is still future. It is not to our purpose to discuss what may be called the historical introduction. which occupies the early part of ch. xi. but only to shew the identity of the "vile person" who is obviously the chief subject of the vision, with the "little horn," and this may perhaps be best done by comparing the accounts which are given of them respectively in

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A comparison of these texts seems sufficient to establish the identity of the person who is the subject

of them; and I know of nothing to contradict that supposition. If that person is Antichrist, it is obvious. then, that in the History of this Infidel, or as some commentators have called him Wilful, King (ch. xi. 36), we are furnished with many additional particulars relating to his personal history, his blasphemy of God, his persecution of the saints, his enemies, his allies, and the scene and circumstances of his warfare. Of these I do not venture to speak in detail, because I believe, not only from the very letter of the predictions themselves, but from the unsatisfactory nature of all the attempts which I have seen to explain them, that they relate to events still future.

One thing, however, seems very plain; and I will here notice it because I think it is not commonly thought of by Christians. The Little Horn will persecute the "Saints," who are not more particularly described. If former visions could suffer us to doubt, the plain declaration of the angel in this vision would be sufficient to remove all uncertainty. He says to Daniel "Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days" (x. 14). "At that time" says the angel "thy people shall be delivered." Daniel's people were the Jews. And no one I think can doubt that "the holy people" of ch. viii. 24 and xii. 7, were the "Saints," and the people of Daniel.

V.

THE APOCALYPTIC BEAST.

Revelation, chap. xiii. xvii. xix.

Having as I think, shewn that the principal person or power in each of the visions recorded by Daniel is one and the same, I will offer some evidence to shew that he is identical with the person or power symbolized by the ten-horned beast in the Revelation. To avoid repetition, however, as well as the necessity of making an inconvenient number of columns, I will merely transcribe some parts of what is declared respecting the Beast in the Apocalypse, and add by the side what appears to be parallel in the visions of Daniel respecting the Little Horn and the Infidel King.

In them points of resemblance—perhaps I may say establishing identity-between the Beast of the Apocalypse and the person predicted in the book of Daniel may be found in (1.) their universal sovereignty-(2.) the union with ten Kings-(3.) the persecution of the saints-(4.) blasphemy against God―(5.) warfare with Christ-and (6.) their destruction.

Apocalyptic Beast.

(1.) Power was given him over all kindreds and tongues and nations. xiii. 7.

(2.) The ten horns are ten kings -these have one mind, and shall give their power and strength to the beast. xvii. 12.

Daniel's Visions.

Shall devour the whole earth. vii. 23.

The ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise. vii. 24.

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