REV. XIII, 2. The throne of the dragon which he gave to the beast is the city of Rome and dominion in the West. Rome was the seat of Satan for many centuries, while Pagan idolatry swayed the scepter; and though it had ceased to be his residence since the time of Constantine the Great; yet he had not relinquished his pretensions, [Matt. xii, 44.] until he gave it to the beast, by the establishment of the Papal hierarchy; when it again became the chief source and seat of Papal idolatry in a renewed and Christian form. And it must be confessed that the popes have faithfully followed the example of their worthy predecessor, by the usurpation of temporal and spiritual power in the city of Rome, and by enthroning their system of idolatrous worship, for universal sway in the West. It is further said that the dragon gave him great authority. The Roman emperors pretended to have been descended from the gods, assumed a supernatural dignity, and had divine honors paid them by their subjects. But the dragon gave to the beast to arrogate to himself all authority, both in heaven, on earth, and in hell; even to assume a divine character of holiness, infallibility, and making articles of faith, and to rule over emperors, kings, princes, bishops, and over all kingdoms and churches, calling himself King of kings, Lord of lords, and Rector orbis. Indeed it cannot be explained from merely natural causes, how a spiritual prince could attain to such an exorbitant authority, as by one word to dethrone emperors, kings, and princes, and invest others with the ensigns of their high stations, without their armies or connections being able to defend them. But here this matter is fully developed; he is the vicar of Satan, and holds his power, throne and authority by the gift of the dragon; who by his instrumentality, aspired to the throne of the world. Verse 11. He had two horns like a lamb. Horns of large or wild animals, in prophetic language often signify kingdoms; but this beast had two horns like a lamb, which belonged to his essential parts, and do not denote two separate, distinct powers, but such as may exist under one head. St. John only compares his horns to those of a lamb, and does not describe the rest of his body; however, he seems to indicate by this description of his horns, and his silence concerning the rest, that there was nothing wild or terrible in his appearance. This may denote a great show of Christian humility, meekness and piety in demeanor, to facilitate the execution of wicked intentions; for the Apostle immediately adds, he spake as a dragon. Though he had affected a lamb-like disposition, and had the outside of a devout Christian in his deportment, his mouth betrayed him; he spake the language of a dragon in support of rites and customs, of a species of idolatry originally borrowed from Paganism, and commanded cruel persecutions against the servants and saints of Christ. It is moreover worthy of observation, that these two beasts are represented as being two individuals in the last days.134Chap. xix, 20. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. I would not be immortal in this dark world of woe, Where the bitter tears of sorrow so often here must flow, Where life's brief, chequered pathway is filled with cankering care, And the heart too oft o'erburdened, sinks almost in despair. I would not be immortal beneath the changing moon, The emblem of life's changes—I ask not such a hoon;— Where the sun obscured by tempest-cloud, withdraws his feeble light, Then sets and leaves the cheerless world in dismal, pitchy night. I ask to be immortal where the flowers unfading bloom, Where no blasting, blight, or mildew, nor change can ever come; Where sun and moon shall ever shine, in fairer, purer skies, And no dark, lowering tempest-cloud shall ever more arise. Yes, I would seek eternal life as the gift of God above, Relying on his promises and his unchanging love; Seek life through his dear, dying Son on Calvary's bloody tree, Salvation's opening fountain—still flowing pure and free. I ask to be immortal, where the Tempter's cruel power Can never, nevermore be felt for one short fleeting hour; Where the weary, way-worn pilgrim shall find a peaceful home, And sickness, pain and sorrow, and death can never come. Yes, I would be immortal, where the victor throng shall pass Before the great white throne, on the crystal sea of glass; Where the anthems blend in harmony among that happy throng, And their voices sound triumphantly with hallelujah's song. I would see that glorious city, whose pearly gates unfold, And we of right may enter to walk its streets of gold; Would drink of life's pure river for each one flowing free, And pluck the fruit ambrosial, from life's unfading tree. Who would not be immortal in such a land as this, Where the soul enjoys sweet transports, unbounded, perfect bliss, Where all the host of ransomed ones, salvation's notes prolong, And the praise of our Redeemer shall dwell on every tongue. E. S. LANE.
East Genoa, N. Y., Aug. 26th, 1858.