The fourteenth verse of the eleventh chapter of Daniel, as we have seen, introduces a new power. Gabriel, in narrating the events connected with the history of Greece, brought that empire down to the time when the southern division was in the hands of a child, Ptolemy Epiphanes, and when two men, Philip of Macedon and Antiochus of Syria, although jealous of each other, were willing to unite their strength in order to subdue Egypt. From a political point of view a general weakness prevailed in the once mighty empire of Alexander. Without noticing the details, the angel of prophecy speaks of the first appearance of the fourth kingdom as it comes in contact with the divisions of the third kingdom, Greece. This fourth kingdom is thus introduced: “The violent opposers of thy people shall exalt themselves that the vision may stand.” (Spurrell.)SDP 200.1

Since every word is divinely given, there is a significance in the very introduction of what is about to become the mightiest kingdom of the earth, and at the same time the greatest enemy which the people of God ever had to meet. Daniel had seen this kingdom before. In the vision of the seventh chapter, Rome was represented as a beast too terrible to name. Its characteristics were to devour, to stamp in pieces, and to break. During a part of its history it should ^{Margin14. And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.

Daniel 11:14.

Malachi 3:5.

Proverbs 11:21.

The perverseness of trangressors shall destroy them.

Proverbs 11:3.

They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.

Proverbs 1:30, 31.

Daniel 11:14.

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

John 6:63.

The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Psalm 12:6.

Daniel 2:40-43.

Daniel 7:7, 19.} speak great words against the Most High; it should wear out the saints of God, and think even to change his laws. So troubled was the prophet over the view in his first vision that he sought for a special explanation of this fourth kingdom.SDP 200.2

In his next vision the fourth kingdom was again shown under the symbol of a little horn, which sprang from one of the divisions of Alexander’s kingdom. In this view Rome was presented in no milder form than in the previous vision. It was as a king with a “fierce countenance,” “understanding dark sentences,” having mighty power-a power even more than human. It was to be a scheming, underhanded government, and its most cruel practices were seen to be against God’s chosen people. Yea, against Christ, the Prince of princes, the Prince of the covenant, this power should stand up. Gabriel spoke of the robbers who should exalt themselves to establish the vision-that is, to fulfill the description just given.SDP 201.1

Putting all these thoughts together, it will be seen that Rome, the fourth kingdom, the successor of Greece, would be noted for the decisive policy which it maintained. Each nation in the prophetic chain had some strong feature, and its history is recorded as an object lesson to the world, as in the days of its life it had been an object lesson to the watching multitudes of other worlds. Babylon was an example of Satan’s power to establish a religion which counterfeited the heavenly worship. The result was the basest form of idolatry, a fornication which makes her the personification, among Bible writers, of all vileness. Medo-Persia was a type of Oriental despotism. “The law of the Medes and Persians ^{MarginDaniel 7:25.

Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet.

Daniel 7:19.

And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east and toward the pleasant land.... And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.... And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes.

Daniel 8:9, 23-25.

Jeremiah 51:34, 35.

And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the children of robbers shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.

Daniel 11:14 [margin].

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Romans 15:4.

For it is the land of graven images, and they are mad upon their idols.

Jeremiah 50:38.

And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoredom, and she was polluted with them, and her mind was alienated from them.

Ezekiel 23:14-18.

And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE} changeth not;” this was a proverb among the nations. But it was with the kings of this nation that Gabriel and Michael wrought; it was the heads of this despotism who were kept in check by the power of the King of kings.SDP 201.2

Greece was altogether different from the preceding two, and instead of gaining recognition because of the form of religion or government, she gained control of the world by the power of her intellect. With her education and philosophy she gained a foothold which no other nation ever held. When Babylon was overthrown and Medo-Persia was no more, Greece lived on in the minds of men.SDP 202.1

But the fourth kingdom was “diverse from all the others.” As represented to John, Rome, the beast of Revelation 13:2, combined the characteristics of the leopard, the bear, and the lion. There was united the false system of the religion of ancient Babylon, the governmental tyranny of Medo-Persia, and the mixture of good and evil in the intellectual culture of Greece. When the religion and educational system, or intellectual statutes, and the governmental history of a nation is given, there remains little else worth relating. So in the one nation, Rome, is embodied the strength of all previous nations. What wonder that it was a terrible and dreadful nation, and that except the time of its supremacy should be shortened there should be none left to witness for the truth! It is to this power that we are introduced in the fourteenth verse of Daniel 11.SDP 202.2

It was in the year 201 B. C. that the child, Ptolemy Epiphanes, fell heir to the throne of Egypt, and the kings of Macedon and Syria planned his overthrow and the division of his empire. ^{MarginMOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATONS OF THE EARTH.

Revelation 17:5.

Daniel 6:12.

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

Daniel 10:13.

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.

Acts 17:26.

The Greeks seek after wisdom.

1 Corinthians 1:22.

(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

Acts 17:16-21.

And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

Revelation 13:2.

Jeremiah 50:38.

Jeremiah 50:2.

Daniel 6:8.

Esther 3:8-15.

And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

Matthew 24:22.

The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established forever.

Proverbs 29:14.} It was then that Rome arose to prominence before the prophet’s eye. But Rome had already been in existence for years, and during those years had been accumulating strength to enable her to enter the arena with a bound when the proper time should come. The traditional history of Rome dates as far back as the middle of the eighth century before Christ. That was before the days of Nebuchadnezzar and the glories of Babylon. In the days when Isaiah began to prophesy then Rome was founded. It was said to be the home of a band of robbers and outlaws, and one of the first acts was the theft of the women of a neighboring city as wives for these early settlers. So if Romans are called the children of robbers, the character can not be denied. The Romans were a stalwart, sturdy race, and from the first began the development of a strong central government. In this undertaking men were aided by the prince of this world, the devil himself; for the dragon, that old serpent, called the devil and Satan, gave the fourth beast “his power and his seat, and great authority.”SDP 202.3

The force of all history is lost unless the student recognizes each nation as an actor in the great plan of redemption-one of the participants in the great controversy between Christ and Satan. As the plans of the arch-enemy had failed to carry in the history of Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece, he now attempted with redoubled vigor to thwart the plans of God. He chose for this purpose the seven-hilled city. His plans were deep laid, and the structure that he reared was builded on a firm foundation. Like a lighthouse off some rocky coast, the great ^{MarginRome like other nations had a history, long before its connection with the people of God, at which time it is noticed in prophecy. Babylon dates from the tower of Babel which Nimrod and others built.
Is this your joyous city, whose antiquity is of ancient days? her own feet should carry her afar off to sojourn.
Isaiah 23:7.
Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Proverbs 14:34.
The way of man is froward and strange.
Proverbs 21:8.
Romans 11:14 [margin].
Revelation 13:2.
And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.
Daniel 2:40.
This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
Daniel 4:17.
Psalm 22:27, 28.
Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.
Ezekiel 28:12.
Psalm 100:5.
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
2 Corinthians 13:8.} planner hoped it would stand the mighty dashings of the waves of truth. It was his last, his supreme effort, for it is this kingdom in one of its manifestations which stands until the end of time.SDP 203.1

In its earliest days Rome was ruled by kings, but it was impossible for a Western king to imitate the customs of the Oriental monarchies. Greek governments spanned the gulf between early despotism and the liberality of more modern Western nations. There were two classes of men in Rome, and they demanded representation in the government. At the end of two hundred and fifty years the kings were dethroned, and the rule of consuls substituted. This provided that two consuls from the wealthy class, the patricians, should hold the reins of government. For the next two centuries there was a struggle between patricians and plebeians for equal rights. The principles of republicanism were struggling for birth. Gradually the patricians lost power, until at last the government rested in the hands of the people-that is, citizens of Rome. But there were conquered cities, especially in the peninsula of Italy. “Roman dominion in Italy was a dominion of a city over cities.” Finally rights of citizenship were granted to most of these.SDP 204.1

God’s government is a representative government, and while he sits as King of kings, he bears sway by common consent, and his subjects from all the worlds have representatives in the councils of heaven. Satan, as prince of this world, was a representative in those days in that council. In Rome he attempted to counterfeit that phase of the divine government.SDP 204.2

It was as a republic that Rome began her ^{MarginAnd in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom.

Daniel 2:44.

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him.... These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Revelation 19:20.

Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?

Ecclesiastes 8:4.

The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said Barabbas.

Matthew 27:21.

The rich man’s wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

Proverbs 10:15.

But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

James 2:6.

The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Proverbs 22:7.

Acts 21:39.

And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

Revelation 17:18.

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.

Job 1:6.

Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

John 14:30.} career as a conquering nation. Her constitution was the result of a gradual growth of two centuries. Having her authority recognized throughout Italy, of which Rome was the center, she began acquiring territory by force of arms. Carthage, a rival city on the south of the Mediterranean, was the first point of attack, and for one hundred years Rome fought for supremacy. It was a bitter struggle, which could end in nothing less than the annihilation of one of the contending parties. Ridpath aptly expresses the policy of the government when he says, “They [the Romans] took what they could and then took the remainder.”SDP 204.3

During the years when Rome hovered over Carthage, like an eagle ready to descend upon its prey, she was also carrying on wars of aggression in other directions. Both the West and the East were invaded. Spain was made a subjected province; all the citizens were taxed; the silver and gold mines, the wealth of that country, were confiscated as state property, and no city was allowed to fortify itself without the consent of Rome. This was so-called republicanism-the equal rights of men-as understood and practiced by Rome.SDP 205.1

The inhabitants of Corsica and Sardinia were sold in the slave markets of Rome, and so numerous were these slaves, says Livy, that “Sardinians for sale” became a proverbial expression for anything cheap. This also was Roman republicanism! Macedonia and Greece were in a state of turmoil, and Rome interfered. After conferences and wars, independence was proclaimed to all Greeks. This was one of the policy schemes by which the republic worked, but liberty lasted ^{Margin15. So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand.

Daniel 11:15.

Which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.

Daniel 8:9.

There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

Proverbs 30:14.

Remember this, and show yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors. Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure; calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

Isaiah 46:8-11.

Habakkuk 1:8.

Javan, Tubal, and Meshach, they were thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market.

Ezekiel 27:13.

Through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand.

Daniel 8:25.} for only a brief space. A few years later all those Macedonians who were able to govern themselves were carried to Rome, while those left were inexperienced men who soon played into the hands of the Roman senate. One hundred and fifty thousand Greeks were sold as slaves, and the treasures taken paid all expenses contracted during the war. So high was the tribute exacted from subjected provinces that it relieved Roman citizens of all taxes for future wars. This was independence as granted subjected provinces by the republic of Rome!SDP 205.2

The family of Antiochus was still bearing sway in the Eastern world. It was Antiochus IV who proposed to unite with Philip V of Macedon against the young king of Egypt when Rome interfered. But mild interference was never enough for Rome, although she sometimes assumed to play that role for a time. Antiochus the Great in the single battle of Magnesia (B. C. 190) lost all his conquests in Asia Minor. He was obliged to pay three thousand talents, and an annual subsidy of one thousand talents, for twelve years.SDP 206.1

Rome controlled Egypt because the education of the heir to the throne was in the hand of a Roman senator, and a Roman army stood ready to defend the country against all attacks from the north or east. Roman power thus encircled the Mediterranean.SDP 206.2

The liberty granted to conquered nations was a myth. Rome was a republic only in name. It was as impossible for Rome to grant liberty to her dependencies as it would be for Satan himself to manifest the attributes of God. Any nation, it matters not what its pretensions, nor the ^{MarginAll this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.

Ecclesiastes 8:9.

For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare: so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

Ecclesiastes 9:12.

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

Romans 13:6, 7.

Matthew 17:24-27.

Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child.

Ecclesiastes 10:16.

Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins.

Micah 6:13.

Which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.

Daniel 8:9.

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

Proverbs 29:2.

If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.

Ecclesiastes 5:8.} wording of its constitution, nor the will of some of its people, that departs from the principles of liberty of conscience, will find it impossible to maintain a republic other than in name. This is true also in individual experience, and liberty is known only when Christ is enthroned in the heart.SDP 206.3

There are always certain other results which accompany wars of conquest. For instance, this policy demands a large army. In the early days of Rome the army was made up of men who left the plow and the shop for the defense of their country, and when war was over, returned to their homes and their trades; but as war became a regular business, generals found it to their advantage to keep their soldiers in readiness. “The soldiery were not so much servants of the state as attached to the person of a successful general, whom they regarded as their patron.” The way was thus open for military despotism, and Rome experienced that form of government more than once.SDP 207.1

The senate, supposed to represent the people, became a corporation greedy for gain and enriched by the spoils of war. Senatorial favorites received rich provinces to govern, and bribery was almost universally practiced. “The power of the purse” was in the hands of the senate alone. To their influence may be added the constant and steady growth of the cities, and the decline of the rural population, a practice always ruinous to republicanism, and one always encouraged by a false system of education and religion.SDP 207.2

Tradition made the Romans the descendants of the god of war, Mars, the Bruiser, and they ^{MarginIf the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

John 8:36.

Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas: and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters: but God shall rebuke them, and they shall flee far off, and shall be chased as the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind.

Isaiah 17:12, 13.

God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

Psalm 62:11.

Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope.

Isaiah 5:18.

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

Ecclesiastes 5:10.

His sons turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

1 Samuel 8:3.

They that trust in their wealth and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him.

Psalm 49:6, 7.

Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.

Ecclesiastes 5;9.} were true to the character. Said the inspired penman, “It shall break in pieces and bruise.” Christ came to Rome as the Prince of peace, the binder up of wounds, the healer of the brokenhearted.SDP 207.3

The religion of Rome was secondary to its government. That is, the state was the one all-absorbing institution. A man in Rome was great, not because of any character he bore, or deed he may have done, but for the simple fact that he was a Roman citizen. Name took the place of character. Here is seen the reverse of truth. With God it is character which gives the name; with Rome it was name independent of character.SDP 208.1

Although religion was subservient to the state, yet the form of religion in Rome played an important part in its history, especially in the second or papal phase. Since the papacy was a continuation of paganism, it is necessary to notice its leading features. There were no sweet singers as David the Bethlehemite; the nature study of the Greeks was also lacking. There were gods many and lords many, but a stern nature characterized all worship. Man was deified and canonized. The very name Augustus, which was applied to a long line of emperors, meant divine.SDP 208.2

In the Roman temples a body of priests performed the sacred rites, but they were appointed by the state. The highest religious officer during the life of paganism was the Pontifex Maximus, the pope of paganism, and he was a civil officer. The religious hierarchy, consisting of priests, augurs, vestals and Pontifex Maximus, paved the way for the papal hierarchy of later days, just as ^{MarginIt shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.

Daniel 2:40.

He hath sent me to heal the broken hearted.

Luke 4:18.

Acts 22:25-29.

Acts 23:27.

Acts 16:37, 38.

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Genesis 32:28.

The dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

Revelation 13:2.

Now these be the last words of David.... The anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said.

2 Samuel 23:1.

1 Corinthians 8:5.

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Romans 1:25.

Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel’s table.

1 Kings 18:19.} the transition from republicanism to imperialism opened the gate for papal supremacy.SDP 208.3

In literature and education Rome borrowed largely from Greece, so that the intellectual supremacy of that nation must be traced to Greece, although the man of learning was often a slave sold in the markets of his captors.SDP 209.1

It was, however, the education which prevailed in Greece, and which was copied by Rome, that trained a class of citizens for warfare, from tyranny, and for the papacy.SDP 209.2

Roman law is extolled as the basis of all civil law to-day. It was developed gradually as before stated, and the wheat of truth was mingled with the tares of error. It was good and evil, like the tree of which Adam partook in the garden. This is seen in latter-day applications of those laws. The Greek worship of mind or reason, applied to Roman love of law, made the lawyer of Rome the forefather of that class of reasoners who to-day sway the world by argument rather than by the rule of justice.SDP 209.3

Satan has but one plan-that is the development of sin; God has but one-the unfolding of truth and love. All history is an object lesson, showing how God thwarts the thousand ways by which the devil’s plans are unfolding, and national history is but individual experience on a large scale.SDP 209.4

Students very often read the story of nations, forgetting that they have before them a picture of their own lives. National history, rather than individual experience, is given in prophecy, because it is like a magnified view thrown on the canvas, revealing details that would be overlooked in the study of one man. It ^{MarginAnd as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

Acts 21:37.

A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.

Proverbs 17:2.

And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Luke 23:38.

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Matthew 13:30.

Genesis 2:17.

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 16:25.

And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

Deuteronomy 8:2.

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

Ecclesiastes 3:14.

When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only.

Job 34:29.} should be remembered that when principles are referred to, such as republicanism, Protestantism, monarchy, papacy, liberty, or oppression, each has an application in man dealing with man, in church members’ dealings with one another, and in nation with nation.SDP 209.5

With these facts in mind, the prophecies of Daniel concerning Rome may be understood. It seems that Gabriel called attention to the fourth kingdom, not at the beginning of its existence, but at the time when all the principles previously set forth were well developed, and in just the stage to grow rapidly when the proper environments should be offered. The republic was in reality dead, although its corpse was yet unburied, and men were unwilling to acknowledge that life had really departed. During the transition period between the republic and the full-fledged empire of verse 20, a number of actors took a prominent part. It was a time of severe contest between men to see who could best serve the purpose of the controller of affairs who stood behind the throne of earthly monarchs. As the republic lost power, a corporation composed of Cæsar, Pompey, and Crassus took the reins of government. Crassus controlled the money, Pompey had the army, and Cæsar was the master mind.SDP 210.1

The Roman army, with Pompey as leader, swept through Asia Minor and Syria, and the entire kingdom of the Seleucidæ fell at his feet. Antioch and every fortified station of the Eastern empire crumbled as he advanced. Pompey, called upon to decide between rulers of the Jews, entered Jerusalem, and, as in times past, the knowledge of the God of Israel was made known to the ^{MarginWhere the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

2 Corinthians 3:17.

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister: and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.

Matthew 20:25-27.

I will show thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth.

Daniel 10:21.

For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.... The way of the wicked is as darkness; they know not at what they stumble.

Proverbs 4:17-19.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Ephesians 6:12.

Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces.

Isaiah 8:9.

16. But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed.

Daniel 11:16.

The people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.

Daniel 9:26.} nation which was leading the world. Pompey, however, acted very differently from Alexander. He entered the city by force after a siege of three months; the walls were demolished and the Jews put under tribute to the Roman government. Rome now stood “in the glorious land which by his hand shall be consumed.” This was in B. C. 63.SDP 210.2

The wisdom of God in choosing Palestine as the home of the Jews is recognized more and more as history progresses. There was no mistake in the location, and there was no lowering of the standard set for that nation. In the days of Roman supremacy, as in the days of Solomon, it was the divine will that Israel should be the light of the world. They were intrusted with the sacred oracles of truth, and each nation was brought to them as to a fountain of living water. Had the Hebrew race been true to its appointed duty, the history of the whole world would read entirely different. Rome came to Jerusalem-came because sent of God, but the well was a cracked and leaky cistern, and the soul-thirst of the nation could not be quenched. As a result, Rome enslaved the Jews: the power of life which repels the enemy was lacking.SDP 211.1

It was during the rule of the first triumvirate that Egypt, the kingdom of the south, was again entered by Rome. The Roman senate in whose charge Cleopatra and her brother, Ptolemy Dionysius, had been placed by their father, had requested Pompey to visit Egypt to settle difficulties. Pompey, however, was slain while crossing to the land in a small boat. Cæsar entered Alexandria shortly after and espoused the cause of Cleopatra who had been obliged to flee from ^{MarginTell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Cæsar, or not? ...Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he said unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Cæsar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.

Matthew 22:17-21.

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

Isaiah 49:6.

For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

Acts 13:47.

For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for?

Deuteronomy 4:7, 8.

Acts 17:24, 25.

For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

Jeremiah 2:13.

Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.

Proverbs 18:5.} the capital. Cæsar was victorious over the ruling faction in Alexandria, and before leaving the city, enthroned Cleopatra and graced his triumph in Rome with Arsinoë, a representative of the royal family of the Ptolemies. History states that Cæsar spent some nine months in Egypt, which was unusual for this general, as his rapid movements from place to place were one secret of his success.SDP 211.2

Cæsar as a general stood in a position to accomplish for the fourth kingdom what Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, and Alexander had done for the former three, but we have no record that he even acknowledged God as a ruler of nations. He was fascinated and corrupted by the queen of Egypt. The seventeenth verse, while describing a particular event in history, also symbolizes the corrupting influence of Egypt whenever the north came in touch with the south. Egypt was a blight to men and nations alike, from the days of Abraham to Cæsar, and its influence still lives, a type of sin and bondage.SDP 212.1

Leaving Egypt, Cæsar passed along the coast of Palestine and Asia Minor, receiving the submission of all peoples with such rapidity that he sent the famous dispatch to Rome, “I came, I saw, I conquered” (Veni, Vidi, Vici). He returned to Rome, where he altered laws, strengthened the senate, settled disturbances in the army, and later brought western Africa, which had revolted, into submission.SDP 212.2

Cæsar was an organizer as well as a warrior, and displayed greater liberality and breadth of ideas than any previous ruler. Roman franchise was granted to the citizens of many cities hitherto excluded, and all scientific men, of whatever ^{MarginAnd Saul said unto Samuel, Yea, I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and have gone the way which the Lord sent me, and have brought Agag, the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.
1 Samuel 15:20-33.
17. He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do and he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him.
Daniel 11:17.
As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
Proverbs 11:22.
Proverbs 7:4, 5.
Ecclesiastes 7:26.
Thus will I make thy lewdness to cease from thee, and thy whoredom brought from the land of Egypt.
Ezekiel 23:27.
Ezekiel 29:3, 6, 7.
2 Kings 18:21.
Matthew 2:15.
18. After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him.
19. Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.
Daniel 11, 11:19.
And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.
Acts 22:28.} nationality, were equally honored. Still greater plans for Roman improvement were found among his papers after death. He was nearing the pinnacle of earthly fame when he fell, pierced by a score of daggers, in the presence of the senate which he controlled. He “stumbled and fell,” leaving no heir to the throne. Another great man had passed from the scene of action. Heaven was watching, for the birth of the Son of man was near at hand.SDP 212.3

It was the year 44 B. C. when the plans of Julius Cæsar were cut short by his untimely death. Republicanism was so far gone that the government fell into the hands of the strongest men, those who had military support.SDP 213.1

Lepidus, one of the second triumvirates, soon died; Antony, a second member, enamored by Cleopatra, entrapped in the net of Egyptian darkness, cast himself upon his own sword and died; Octavius, an adopted son of Julius Cæsar, alone remained. Says Gibbon: “A marital nobility and stubborn commons, possessed of arms, tenacious of property, and collected into constitutional assemblies, form the only balance capable of preserving a free constitution against the enterprises of an aspiring prince.” Rome had none of these; every barrier of the Roman constitution had been leveled by the ambition of Octavius, called Cæsar Augustus. Furthermore, the provinces had so long been oppressed by the scheming ministers of the republic that they gladly welcomed a one-man power. Augustus restored the senate to its former dignity, it is true, but “the principles of a free constitution are irrevocably lost when the legislative power is nominated by the executive.” So Octavius ^{MarginThere is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

Ecclesiastes 8:8.

So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heaven be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.

Job 14:12.

Isaiah 7:14-16.

The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net. That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up. The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.

Micah 7:2-4.

Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.

Daniel 5:27.

1 Samuel 8:19, 20.} was proclaimed emperor of Rome by the unanimous vote of that same servile senate.SDP 213.2

Thus was Cæsar Augustus, the raiser of taxes, brought to the head of the fourth kingdom.SDP 214.1

After centuries of strife and turmoil, wars, bloodshed, and oppression, the world lay passive at the feet of the Roman emperor. One government encircled the Mediterranean; from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean one power bore sway. It would seem that earthly government had achieved its highest ambition. Satan exulted and rested in the hope that at last victory was his. But the moment of his quiet resting was the calm preceding his greatest struggles. So quiet were the nations that the lifting of a hand in rebellion in any of its most distant parts would send a throb to the center, which would be answered by the return of the legions.SDP 214.2

Then it was that in the little town of Bethlehem Ephrath, where Mary and Joseph, peasants of the hill town of Nazareth, had gone to be taxed in obedience to the command of this same Augustus, was born a Saviour, even Christ the Lord. The very condition which caused Satan to exult were the conditions most favorable to Christ when he came to tabernacle among men. He whom Satan had opposed since the rebellion in heaven; he, the Prince of the worlds throughout space, “was made in the likeness of man,” and came into the world a helpless babe. The simple shepherds on the hillside near Bethlehem, tending their sheep where David had often tended his flocks, heard the angel choir proclaim the birth of the world’s Redeemer. Wise men in the eastern limits of the vast empire of Augustus, having read the prophecies, were watching for ^{MarginThen shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.

Daniel 11:20.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.... And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

Luke 2:1-9.

Micah 5:2.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:10-14.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.... When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child} his star, and they, too, beheld a shining company of angels, and knew that God dwelt with men. But the rest of the empire slept on unconscious of his nearness.SDP 214.3

Bethlehem, the place of his birth, was dear to the memory of every true Jew. It was there that God met their father Jacob as he left home, a fugitive and alone. It was named Bethel,-the house of God, for said Jacob, “Surely God is in this place and I knew it not.” Jacob came to the same spot and paid tithe of his gain while with Laban. Deborah, Rachel’s nurse, was buried there. It was in Bethlehem that Abraham pitched his tent when he first entered the promised land. David, the chosen of God, was anointed there. The well of Bethlehem was noted, a fit symbol of him who was born in Bethlehem and offers the water of life to all.SDP 215.1

“The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme.” In it is hidden “the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.” But in spite of the sacred memories which clustered about the place, when the Christ was born but few men knew it.SDP 215.2

All that the sacred record gives concerning Augustus, the man who held universal sway, is that he was a raiser of taxes when the kingdom was at the height of its glory, and that after a reign of a few days, or years, he should end his career in peace. He had unconsciously been instrumental in preparing the way for the Prince of peace, and having done that, he passed from the scene.SDP 215.3

“As in old time Cyrus was called to the throne of the world’s empire that he might set free the captives of the Lord, so Cæsar Augustus is made the agent for the fulfillment of God’s ^{Marginwith Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:1, 2, 10, 11.

Genesis 28:12, 19.

Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us.

Hosea 12:4.

Genesis 28:22.

Genesis 35:8.

And he went on his journeys from the south even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Hai.

Genesis 13:3.

1 Samuel 16:4-13.

2 Samuel 23:14-17.

If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

John 7:37.

Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.

Genesis 28:16.

20. Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.

Daniel 11:20.

By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

Proverbs 8:10.

The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory, above the heavens.

Psalm 113:4.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6.} purpose in bringing the mother of Jesus to Bethlehem. She is of the lineage of David, and the Son of David must be born in David’s city.”SDP 215.4

Most of the life of the Saviour was spent during the reign of Tiberius, the successor of Augustus, whom Gabriel described to Daniel as a “vile person.” History substantiates the description. He was not a direct heir to the throne, and he was never honored by his subjects. The tyranny of absolutism began again to manifest itself, and the principles of the Oriental monarchies were repeated. Popular assemblies entirely ceased, and the emperor usurped the right to put to death without trial. The governors of Judah reflected the character of the general government. The Jews were bitterly oppressed, and as they knew the time was near for the appearance of a Saviour, they placed all their hopes upon a temporal king, one who should break the yoke of Rome and establish for them a separate kingdom. A few, perhaps, but only a few, divined the spiritual nature of the promise of a Messiah, for it was Satan’s studied plan to blind men’s eyes to all spiritual truth.SDP 216.1

In Babylon he had sought to make men drunk with idolatry; working through Medo-Persia he had hoped to slay those who were faithful to their God; through the teachings of Greece he had so fascinated man with the powers of his own mind that by works of righteousness which he might do, and philosophies of his own conjecturing, he was led to forget any higher power than that which he himself possessed. But through it all a few had clung to the promise delivered to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The world was ignorant of the Christ, but John the Baptist called many to repentance. ^{MarginFor Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.

Isaiah 45:4.

21. And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.

Daniel 11:21.

He was taken from prison and from judgment.

Isaiah 53:8.

But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to-day is the third day since these things were done.

Luke 24:21.

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

Acts 1:6.

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2 Corinthians 4:4.

Daniel 3:4-6.

Esther 3:6, 12-14.

Colossians 2:8.

1 Timothy 6:20.

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.

Colossians 2:17-24.

Luke 2:25, 38.

Matthew 3:5, 6.} Christ’s ministry was during the reign of Tiberius, and while that vile person worked, planned, mistrusted, and killed, the Man of God went about all the towns of Palestine, healing the broken-hearted, and dispensing light to all who would accept. Angels watched him, Gabriel attended him, and in times of special danger, shielded him from the enemy who tracked him incessantly. Finally they nailed him to the cross; the Jews were responsible for it, but the Roman law upheld them in the act; and had it not been done by his own people, the Romans would have done it; for they had reached a condition when the life of man was but lightly esteemed, and the spiritual kingdom which Christ came to set up could never have been understood by the reigning monarch. The officers of Rome nailed the Son of God to the cross. The Prince of the everlasting covenant was crushed by those who sought to confederate together; they placed him in the tomb; they joined hands with Satan, as nation had never done before; but he broke those bands, and came forth triumphant.SDP 216.2

Representatives from the four quarters of the globe stood near him in his last hours. The Greeks met him at the temple at the last great day of the feast; the thief hung beside him on Calvary; Simon of Cyrene helped bear the cross, and the centurion, a Roman soldier, convicted, said, “Truly, this was the Son of God.” The darkness which shrouded the dying form of Christ typified the condition of the Roman world. The light which shone about the tomb when the angels bade the Son of man come forth, typified the power with which the truth should penetrate the empire as his followers went forth to preach salvation. ^{MarginAnd Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria.

Matthew 4:23, 24.

22. And with the arms of a flood shall they be overthrown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.

Daniel 11:22.

Genesis 9:16.

Hebrews 13:20, 21.

Acts 4:26, 27.

Acts 2:24.

John 12:20-29.

Matthew 27:38.

Matthew 27:32.

Matthew 27:54.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:6.}SDP 217.1

“The Greeks Seek after Wisdom.” 1 Corinthians 1:22

CHAPTER XVI THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY (Chapter 11:23-31)