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CHAP. VI.

NAPOLEON PROVED TO BE

"THE KING,"

FROM HIS EXPLOITS.

In looking at the exploits of "the King," as detailed in the prophecy, the first thing which strikes us is the astonishing and unparalleled success which he was permitted for a season to enjoy for the expression, he "shall do according to his will," implies not only his wilful and despotic disposition, but also the unvarying success with which he would accomplish the object of his wishes. He would "exalt himself" in a wonderful manner to the highest pitch of power and absolute authority. He would marvellously succeed in almost every undertaking, even beyond all expectation, and, in short, would "" prosper;" would proceed in

nearly an uninterrupted career of prosperity for the season allotted to him.

It is also foretold among his other exploits, that "a god whom his fathers knew not, he should honour with gold and silver, and precious stones, and pleasant things;" and also, that "he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain:" which passages contain not only an intimation of his impiety in reference to the god of war, as explained in the preceding chapter, but also a prediction of the spoil and riches which he would import from the conquered countries as sacrifices to his military glory, and of the division and distribution of the countries themselves among those who shall have assisted him in his military enterprises.

But among his predicted exploits his expedition into Egypt and Palestine is the one most minutely described in the prophecy, as an event which would particularly distinguish him; and, when

viewed in combination with all the other particulars of his eventful life, would designate his appearance with the greatest certainty. As to the particulars of this expedition, it will be sufficient, without here repeating them, to refer to the fortyfirst and the four following verses of the extract given in a preceding chapter. From these verses it appears that the fact of his entering into the glorious land having been stated, the circumstances which induced him to go thither are briefly detailed. Having made himself master of Egypt, he was troubled by tidings out of the east and north; in consequence of which he turned his steps towards Palestine, and planted his tabernacle between the seas: a direction in which it seems clear from the prophecy that he did not originally intend to proceed.

In comparing these exploits of the predicted King with those of Napoleon, it is needless to speak of his prodigious

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success during the period in which he was commissioned to execute the divine judgments upon the nations of Christendom. Every thing prospered with him and in whatever direction he turned his arms, within the devoted limits, they were triumphantly victorious. Powerful monarchies and ancient dynasties were speedily overthrown by him; and the most formidable combinations against him vanished into nothing.

No less notorious was his spoliation of the conquered countries, and his seizure of their "gold and silver, their precious stones and pleasant things," the most exquisite performances of human art, to embellish and enrich his own capital: while he "divided the land for gain" among his Generals and adherents, distributing among them dukedoms, and principalities, and even kingdoms, at his pleasure.

His expedition, also, to Egypt and Palestine corresponded, in a very remarkable manner, with that detailed in the

prophecy. He made himself complete master of Egypt, after taking first Alexandria and then Cairo. At this latter place, having divided the country into departments, he called a general assembly, professedly chosen by the people, but actually nominated by his Generals. Through the means of this council he issued whatever decrees he pleased; and among others, imposed an oppressive land-tax, not only in Cairo, but also in the poorest villages; and thus he had "power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt:" while by recruiting his army from the conquered country, he had "the Lybians and Ethiopians at his steps."*

It is generally believed, that one professedly understood object of Napoleon's expedition into Egypt was to attempt a passage over-land into India, with the view of attacking Great Britain in that which was deemed her most vulnerable part.

* Gifford's Memoirs of Napoleon, vol. i. p. 263.

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