French Revolution, previous to their renewal in the most dreadful forms, which period of peace has already run on for five-and-twenty years. It does not appear, from the aspect of things, that it can last much longer; and therefore, as far as this consideration can give them weight, so far the chronological conclusions of my former work are strengthened and confirmed. But much greater proof awaits us, as we shall proceed with the explanation of the other lines of this prophecy; and with those other clearer and more distinct signs of the times, with which they abound, as they draw near to their termination. CHAPTER VII. THE JUDGMENTS OF GOD UPON THE ROMAN EMPIRE; PARTICULARLY UPON THE WESTERN EMPIRE, BY THE TERRIBLE INVASIONS OF THE GOTHS, VANDALS, HUNS, AND OTHER BARBARIANS. THE FOUR FIRST TRUMPETS. New Series of Events—Judgments for Sin― Explanation of the Master Symbol-Prayers of the Righteous heard-Infliction of horrid Wars-Connection of the first four Trumpets—They are all Symbolical-The third part, meaning of Barbarous Nations-Destruction they caused- Unanimity of Commentutors respecting the Interpretation of the Trumpets - First Trumpet, the Invasions of Alaric king of the Goths, and others -Second Trumpet, those of Attila king of the Huns-Third Trumpet, the devastation of Genseric king of the Vandals Fourth Trumpet, the extinction of the Imperial authority in the West. 118 CHAPTER VII. THE JUDGMENTS OF GOD UPON THE WESTERN EMPIRE, BY THE GOTHS, VANDALS, AND Other BARBARIANS. HAVING contemplated the history of the church, and the church's enemies, to the extent which the series of events symbolized by the seven seals can carry us; and having shewn that the seven epochas thus signified, give a faithful picture of the colour and complexion of the scenes it has exhibited, as far as its own volutions and acts have brought them to pass: we now proceed to a different series of events, brought about by extrinsic causes, and by enemies to the empire. And it deserves to be particularly noticed, in what a very great degree the confused mass of events of regular history is brought to order and simplicity by this arrangement—that is, by keeping the different classes of events, thus distinct and separate, and particularly when this is done, as in the present instance, by a wisdom that cannot err. In the series which has already passed before us, we have seen a mournful spectacle of unparalleled backsliding, an utter perversion of the truth, and a rank corruption in morals, presented throughout the whole surface of society. We now come to another portion of history connected with "the fates and fortunes" of the church, where we shall behold the natural consequence of such an awful departure from the truth, and such abounding wickedness. And it is another lesson, if we would but attend to it, written in the largest characters, that sin and a rejection of God's most blessed Gospel, is, and that in the most intense sense, followed by punishment in nations as well as in individuals. God, as the righteous governor of the universe, has ever displayed the unutterable holiness of his character, and his hatred to sin by this course of procedure. We see it in the judgment of the Deluge, in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, in the judgments upon Israel and Judah; but we especially see it in the infliction of Divine wrath upon the Son of God for the sins of others. "He spared not," also, "the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them unto chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment."* We have now to contemplate, in the new class of events before us, the predicted vengeance on the fearful backsliding, apostacy, and persecutions that have been detailed in the events of the seven seals. These are likewise divided into seven parts, or a * 2 Peter ii. 4. |