ENDING OF THE 1260 YEARS.
Next week will close the extracts we propose to give under this head, in the Historical Department, and will contain the record of the captivity of the Pope, his death in exile, the suppression for the time being of the papacy, and finally its restoration by the same power that brought it down. These historical facts are full of interest. We have chosen to introduce such lengthy quotations, 1. To show the character of the papacy at that period. It was fitting that it should be humbled to the dust, at the very time when it was exhibiting some of its vilest manifestations. 2. To show how events were working years beforehand to accomplish the downfall of the Pope, and to show how plainly the hand of God was visible in these events. There is scarcely a more distinct and well-defined prophetic fulfillment than this, or a more clearly-marked prophetic date than 1798. Here we enter through the great gateway which leads us into “the time of the end.” From this time on, the church begins to have clearer views of its position in the world’s history, evidence increases, signs multiply, fresh tokens appear, of coming deliverance. So it has been to the present day. Now we can lift up our heads, knowing that our redemption draweth nigh. The aspect worn by every thing around us, shows that the great consummation will soon be reached. “Let us be ready to hail the glad day.”