In demonstrating the nature and fulfilment of the time, times, and dividing of time, it will be necessary to prove, (1.) That four such kingdoms as predicted by the four beasts have succeeded each other, and filled up all the time from Daniel to the present. (2.) That out of the fourth of those kingdoms, ten distinct kingdoms originated. (3.) That three of those ten kingdoms fell or were plucked up. (4.) That the saints were, by a formal act, given over into the hands of a blasphemous, persecuting power, and that the fall of the third of those kingdoms opened the way for carrying into effect that act. (5.) That 1,260 years from the point where all the above circumstances concurred, the dominion of that blasphemous, persecuting power was taken away. And, (6.) That from its being thus taken away, although again partially restored, it has been steadily declining up to the present time. These six points sustained, and the above propositions are demonstrated.

1. Four kingdoms have existed, viz., the Chaldean, the Medo-Persian, the Macedonian and the Roman, and filled up the whole period from Daniel to us. But no other four

kingdoms on earth have thus succeeded each other and filled up that period. Hence, these four kingdoms answer the description, and no others do; they must, therefore, be the predicted kingdoms which are to be succeeded by the everlasting kingdom of God. But the last, or Roman beast, has not yet been given to the burning flame; therefore the kingdom of God is not established.

2. There have been ten distinct kingdoms within the bounds of the fourth or Roman government. The first ten kingdoms originated within that government, were as follows: (1.) The Huns, in Hungary, established A. D. 356. (2.) The Ostrogoths, in Mysia, A. D. 377. (3.) The Visgoths, in Pannonia, A. D. 378. (4.) The Franks, in France, A. D. 407. (5.) The Vandals, in Africa, A. D. 407. (6.) The Sueves and Alans, in Gascoyne and Spain, A. D. 407. (7.) The Burgundians, in Burgundy, A. D. 407. (S.) The Heruli, in Italy, A. D. 476. (9.) The Saxons and Angles, in Britain, A. D. 476. (10.) The Lombards on the Danube, in Germany, A. D. 483. This list of kingdoms, as the first ten, is given on the authority of Marchiaval, a historian, and Dr. Hales and Bishop

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Lloyd, chronologers. It may, perhaps, be objected, "the above are not the only ones which have existed within the old Roman empire." True, they are not; but if they are the first ten established there, they answer the description given by the prophet. For it was three of the first horns which were to be plucked up by the roots. Besides, we are to take the events of the government as they transpired, and when the event predicted is exactly answered, we have done with it on that point. It matters not what other kingdoms have existed subsequently.

3. Three of those ten kingdoms have been plucked up by the roots before, or to prepare the way for, the establishment of another (little) horn.

The authority for the historical facts on this point, is Gibbon's History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman empire. The first of the ten kingdoms which fell, was the kingdom of the Heruli, in Italy. Their kingdom was subverted by the Ostrogoths, A. D. 493, ten years after the last of the ten was established. The second which fell was the Vandal kingdom, in Africa. This was conquered by the army of Justinian, emperor of Con

stantinople, under the command of Belisarius, his general, A. D. 534. The third was the Ostrogothic kingdom, in Italy, which was conquered also by Justinian's army, under Belisarius, A. D. 538. The war, commenced 536; and March, 538, the Ostrogoths raised the siege of the city of Rome and retired, leaving it in peaceable possession of Belisarius. Thus the third point was accomplished, A.D. 538, in the month of March.

4. The saints were, by a formal act, given over into the hands of a blasphemous, persecuting power; and the fall of the Ostrogothic kingdom opened the way for the carrying of that decree into effect. In A. D. 534, Justinian, emperor of Constantinople, published a new code of laws for his empire, regulating and settling some difficult points of jurisprudence.-Ruter's Church History, page 138.) Among other edicts, was one declaring the Bishop of Rome the head of all the churches.

(Justin. Novell. Lit. 14. Constitut. cap. 2.) Thus the saints were, by a formal edict of the Greek emperor, given into the hands of the Roman pontiff, 534. But Rome was at that time in the hands of an Arian monarch,

and a most bitter enemy of the Roman Catholic church and the pretensions of the pope.

Nor had the three horns, or kingdoms, yet fallen; but, in 538, the third, or Ostrogothic kingdom, did fall, and the arian power was removed from Rome. The city also came into the possession of the same power which had constituted the bishop of Rome head of all the churches. Thus all that was predicted to precede the commencement of the time, times, and dividing of time, was brought to a focus; therefore, that period must commence at that time.

That the papal power has done all that is ascribed to the little horn by the prophet, is so well understood at the present time, that it needs no further evidence. If any doubt it, let them read Smith's "Downfall of Babylon," or "McGavin's Protestant."

5. The dominion of the papal power was taken away just 1,260 years from the above occurrence, 538. From A. D. 538-1,260 years will bring us to A. D. 1798. At that time General Berthier, a French general, with a French Republican army, entered Rome, took possession of the city, deposed the pope,