seventh chapter vision is intended, and these instructions, which are purely such as relate to time, cannot apply to that chapter: therefore, the eighth chapter is imposed by necessity.

Hence, since the ninth chapter instructions look back to the eighth chapter vision, and were given to cause Daniel to understand that vision, their purpose was one with that vision.

2. All Daniel's visions, and his ninth chapter instructions, had one and the same purpose.

In connection with Daniel x. 14th, (pp. 86-87), we decided that Gabriel was commissioned but for one purpose, in the vision of Hiddikel; and decided, also, what that purpose was; viz., 'to show what should befall God's people in the latter days': and in looking the Hiddikel vision through, we find that Gabriel, after having announced his subject, and after having informed Daniel that he should confine himself to "the scripture of truth," enters upon his labors, in the eleventh chapter, commencing with the Persian kingdom; and that thence, he proceeds through that chapter and the twelfth, bringing to view a succession of worldly powers that should exist, long after the time that Daniel should "rest," and until the time that he should stand in his "lot, at the end of the days." These eleventh and twelfth chapters we have shown to be susceptible of a division, according to their subjects, into eleven sections; and, also, that the subjects of these sections are noted in the scripture of Daniel, vii. viii. and ix. The seventh chapter contains the vision of the four beasts, representing the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Roman monarchies.The eighth chapter contains the vision of the two beasts

and the little horn; representing the Medo-Persian, and Grecian monarchies, and the Papal-Roman power. The ninth chapter contains instructions which have been shown to be connected with the eighth chapter vision, and to be designed to give skill and understanding in the use of the time of that vision. God's people have been intimately connected with all the powers brought to view in these chapters, and their history is traced, inseparably, through them.

Since, then, the vision of Hiddikel was for the purpose of showing what should befall God's "people, in the latter days"-and since that purpose was accomplished by enlarging upon the things noted in the seventh, eighth and ninth chapter visions, it follows that these visions, also, were for the same purpose; and that, in point of fact, the whole four, evening, morning, seventy weeks, and Hiddikel, exhibit but one subject, and are, in spirit, the same.

We are now prepared for the third division of our labor, viz., to show that

All Daniel's visions and instructions harmonize to complete the declared purpose.

Daniel, in his seventh chapter, had the vision of the four beasts; and was informed, verse 17, that these beasts were 'four kings, which should arise out of the earth.' In the eighth chapter, he had another vision, bringing forward the same actors (Babylon omitted) and is informed, verses 20th and 21st, that the beasts in the vision, two in number, represent "the kings of Media and Persia," and "the king of Grecia." Daniel in this vision received, also, the time of the vision, viz., 2300 days. His ninth chapter vision was conferred, to give

"skill and understanding" in the use of the 2300 days. The vision of Hiddikel had for its object, the review of all these, and a more particular detail of what before had been announced in general terms. How beautiful the arrangement!

1. The prophetic emblenis, with their interpretation, "Kings out of the earth."

2. The assignment of two of these emblems, (sufficient to confirm the assignment of the rest,) to two kings, mentioned by name,-"Media and Persia," and "Grecia."

3. Date, from whence to commence the prophetic period,-"Going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem,”—and

4. An enlargement and explanation of the whole.In all, a disclosure of coming events, announced at different times through the space of 69 years, conducted with the sweetest harmony, the most irresistible power of application, and is strictly graphic, yet minutely full.None but Deity could so clearly look through the dim vista of coming ages; and naught but the spirit of God could inspire a mortal man with such masterly success, to declare the events of time even to within the confines of eternity-the grandeur of our God, and the counsels of his will!

534.

DISQUISITION V.

How long shall it be to the end of these wonders ?— DANIEL xii. part 6th verse.

In the commencement of this vision, (chapt. x.4—6,) Daniel informs us that at a certain time, while by the side of the great river Hiddikel, i. e. Tigris, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and beheld, a man, clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with the fine gold of Uphaz, whose body was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.This same man is the one to whom the question, our text, is addressed: and by whom it is answered. The whole verse, with the one preceding, reads-" Then,” (after being occupied in the vision a time,) “I, Daniel, looked, and behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river. And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river,

"How long shall it be to the end of these wonders ?” The phrase, in the text, "to the end of," I conceive to bear the sense 'to the completion of'; because there is, at least, one thing in the vision, which is wondrous, but will never end, viz: the glory of the wise, and of those who turn many to righteousness. (See 3d verse.) 'How long to the completion of these wonders ?'

What wonders? In detail the wonders of the whole vision, the deeds and end of the actors,-Persia, Grecia, Egypt, Syria, Rome, the Jews, Barbarians, Papists, atheistical and revolutionary France, and the three wonders following, which are more particular, and are final viz., the standing up of Michael-the deliverance of God's children-the splendor of the wise, and the glory of those who turn many to righteousness. The last three are presented in the 1st, 2d and 3d verses, in the words following:-" And at that time shall Michae stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as stars forever and ever."

Before we can consider what may have been, or what may be, the fulfilment of the prophecy of these verses, it will be necessary to decide, who Michael is, that should 'stand up'-what it is to 'stand up'-and at what time, Michael should stand up.

1. "Michael," signifies, "Who is like God?" And this name, with the title, "Great Prince," clearly points out the Saviour. The heavenly messenger says to Danel, x. 21, "I will show thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth, and there is none that holdeth with me in these things but Michael, your Prince.

2. To "stand up," implies, in Daniel, 'to arise in an