---

The histories of all are kept carefully separate in Scripture. - After they severally commence, they continue to what is called in Matthew "the end of the age," when the time for the next intervention of God will have come, and when the histories of the Jews as an unbelieving people, of the ruling Gentile kingdoms and of the professing Church will concurrently end. It is the second of these "bodies" to which our attention is directed in the Book of Daniel, viz., the Dynasty of the Gentiles.

The subject to which attention is chiefly directed in chapter 2 is the depreciation of the metals—gold, silver, brass, iron and clay-iron—indicating the gradual inferiority in the character of the power and rule manifested in distinct and successive periods. Nebuchadnezzar’s was an autocracy (5:19). Persia an aristocratic monarchy; power being shared with the nobles (6: 7, 8). Greece a military oligarchy; Rome a democracy; the Emperors being chosen by the people but, when seated on the throne, they were Emperors. During the reign of the Imperial Cæsars, though the people were supposed to originate the power of their sovereign, yet they were not entitled to legislate for that sovereign. They were not made their own governors. The Monarch had not then become the mere functionary of an authority, of which the real source and controlling power was vested in the people themselves.

But that era too has passed (the iron). Now, among the nations of the world, we hear nothing but the theory of self-government extolled. The condition of some of the European nations, especially of France, affords a remarkable illustration of the earnest and laborious effort being made to mingle the iron and clay together. But it cannot he satisfactorily effected. Iron and clay will not cleave one to the other (v. 43). For men to be governed and at the same time to be governors of themselves is impossible. The legitimate result of this would be the right of each individual member of society to govern himself; for what reason is there why the will of a majority should be submitted to more than any other will? Indeed, while man continues as he is, it is certain that both intelligence and truth will be with the few, not with the many. As human things now are, the path chosen by majorities cannot be the path of wisdom, truth or peace!

That any power of government should continue to subsist where principles virtually subversive of all government are fostered even by the governors themselves, is a marvel that can only be ascribed to the secret sustaining power of God, Who has in mercy appointed that power to govern shall, in spite of every effort to destroy it, continue in the earth until the end; for it has pleased Him to, say "There shall be in it of the strength of the iron." Therefore, every effort to extirpate the "iron" or effectually to neutralize it by the admixture of "clay" must fail. Yet the knowledge of this does not lessen the sorrow of beholding those who hold authority from God and therefore standing in a place as officially divine; it does not lessen the sorrow of seeing such deliberately quit that place and mingle themselves with those whom God has not officially raised from the ordinary level of man. Either God or the people are the source of power. Both cannot be true. The voice of the people is either the voice of God or of unregenerate man guided by that spirit who "worketh in all the children of disobedience." It is either the intention of God that men should govern themselves or that they should be governed by power emanating from and directed by Him. One of these things must be true, the other false; and therefore I repeat, it is a sorrowful and evil thing to see the governors themselves eagerly joining in the general cry; disowning .their title to authority from God and gladly owning the people as those who confer the authority at first and have the right to control it when given, thus "mingling themselves with the seed of men!" We are accustomed now to the words "sovereign people" and it is remarkable how distinctly the people are in this chapter recognized as sharing governmental power. as in constitutional principles with King and Parliament, [Throughout this vision they who hold governmental power from God are represented by metal, and regarded as being in a place officially divine; and those who are ruled over by clay, as occupying a mere human place.]

One result of the attempt to mingle iron and clay together is, that the sovereign power is "partly strong and partly brittle," as one might expect that to be in which pottery ware is conjoined with iron. The effect of this is abundantly seen in the incapacity of governments to act unless they carry with them the will, not only of the majority but of a large majority of those whom they govern. Modern governments fear to punish except the feelings of the community be thoroughly enlisted on their side. Regulating ordinances may be imperatively required, but it depends on the will of the community whether or not they shall be enacted! How often the arm of government has been paralyzed, those who have exercised its powers may best tell. But it cannot be wondered at: Who would venture to use a sceptre in which iron and pottery-ware are joined in precarious union with the same confidence with which they would wield one formed of gold or iron? There can be no more decided evidence of a position being wrong, than when it enchains the energies of good and -renders its presence nugatory. They who carry into effect the governmental principles of the present hour are constrained to put Truth on an equality with error; cringe to falsehood and screen the real flagrancy of evil. The governmental relation of England to Romanism in Ireland and elsewhere is a lamentable instance of this.

We can scarcely doubt that such violation of the laws and principles of God’s moral government must entail judicial visitation from His hand. The very circumstance of the springs of government being regulated by the hands of those who should be subject to the control and guidance of authority must undermine the foundations of power and finally entail its own chastisement. But, when in addition to this, we remember that the latter days are peculiarly marked by increase of evil—that "perilous times" are to come and mockers to arise; and that government instead of resisting is fettered by their influence—we can easily see that a harvest of iniquity must under such circumstances inherit judgment. "Ye have heard," said the Apostle, "that Antichrist shall come." His coming will be an act of judicial visitation on the part of God. The "brittle" nature of the authority held by the Ten Monarchs who at that time will subdivide the Roman Earth, will be one reason why they will peculiarly welcome the advent of "one" who will strengthen them by the greatness of his wondrous power. Besides the attractiveness of his intellect and unrivalled glory, God will, as a judicial infliction from Himself, send them strong delusion and put it into their hearts to "agree and give their kingdom to him!" (Rev. 17:12, 13).

The increasing development of popular-monarchic principles through the countries which fall within the scope of that which was once the Roman Empire is a fact which none can question. The wars that convulsed Europe under Napoleon Bonaparte broke up the connections which had for ages subsisted among the Western European Kingdoms. The settlement at Vienna (1815), which succeeded these convulsions, attempted to remedy the disorganization and to reunite the scattered kingdoms. But it did not last, being on principles entirely opposed to the revealed intentions of God. He has revealed that the whole body of nations which once composed the Roman Empire shall be brought into a condition in which they shall answer to the "clay-iron" feet and toes of the great "Image." The arrangements at Vienna went far to hinder this and accordingly they have been set aside. Change after change has occurred, all tending to resuscitate the countries of the Roman Empire and to bring them into a divided unity; a unity based upon similarity of institutions, interests and laws.

The establishment of governments that are virtually or actually democratic-monarchies (i.e. Sovereign and Parliament) in England, Belgium. France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria, Greece, etc., and the favour with which the principles of Western Europe are regarded in the East, indicate the approach of the period when clay mingled with iron will fitly represent the character of governmental power throughout all the Roman Empire. The final subdivision into the Ten Kingdoms, denoted by the "ten toes," is an event which will almost immediately precede the End and will probably be contemporaneous with the national establishment of Israel in their own Land. The rise of him, to whom the Ten Kingdoms give their power—Antichrist—soon follows; and then the end will come. The "Image" is smitten and becomes "as the chaff of the summer threshing floors." The "Stone" that smites it "becomes a great mountain and fills the whole earth!" (v. 35).

I would only further observe, that "the Image is represented as existing in its integrity at the very end. The blow falls upon the feet of "the Image," because they are regarded as being in active existence at the close. The Ten Kingdoms inherit from the Empires that have preceded them, for the whole Gentile system is one fabric, and the later parts could not be what they are apart from those which are anterior.

It is desirable to ascertain as precisely as possible the changes which these visions would lead us to anticipate in the countries falling within the Roman Empire. There are some we can infer with certainty; others with a probability almost amounting to certainty. We cannot doubt the same governmental principles—though heir it is the adulteration as well as depredation of power—will prevail in all the Ten Kingdoms when developed, because all the "toes" of the Image were alike formed of "clay and iron." Again; seeing that the "legs" were two and that the Roman Empire has existed in eastern and western branches, we may expect that five kingdoms will be formed in each branch, even as the "toes" were five on either foot.

Moreover the "ten toes," though distinct from each other, are nevertheless parts of one "Image," giving a kind of corporate connection (as the "ten horns" springing from the head of one beast in chapter 7); distinctly presenting a form of compact, though divided unity.

Lastly; we learn that the possession of supreme power in the earth, which no other nations will be able successfully to dispute, is as much the endowment of the "toes" as the higher parts of "the Image." Accordingly, however great and threatening the power of any nation such as Russia e.g., yet it shall not finally be able to take supremacy from the nations falling within the Roman Empire. It shall neither succeed in introducing among them its autocratic principles nor prevent clay-iron from spreading among them. Nothing can frustrate the Word of God. Dread of Russia may lead at last to a more united defence of their common principles and so tend to consolidate their final union, but it will not take from the countries of the Roman earth their appointed supremacy nor prevent the development of their "clay-iron" power. Things are steadily advancing towards their appointed end, however appearances may vary. In the early part of the 19^th century men thought the world was passing hopelessly under the despotic rule of one great conqueror; with little apparent probability of "clay-iron" principles being spread. And when Bonaparte fell and the restored governments reconstituted themselves at Vienna, "the clay and the iron" still seemed unlikely to prevail. Even England had but partially received "the clay," for the laws which have since so extended the elective power of the people and, made them the virtual legislators of the land, had not then been enacted. But since that time, how marked the progress of these principles has been! Portugal, Spain, France, Algeria, Belgium, Greece, Austria and Italy have received or are receiving them; some we know; as by the shock of an electric stroke! The return of the Jews into Syria, whenever that is effected, will probably be the means of establishing them in one most important part of the Turkish empire.

The separation of Belgium which was in the Roman Empire, from Holland which was not, the independence of Greece and its acquirement of a constitutional government; the introduction of European principles into North Africa by means of France, have been events suddenly accomplished against obstacles apparently hopeless, and strikingly evidence the sovereign power of God..

The sudden overthrow of the despotism of Austria, effected almost in a day, was a remarkable event; but its detachment from Germany (for Germany with the exception of Baden, Wurtemberg and Bavaria was not in the Roman Empire) will be more remarkable still. Many a tie has bound Austria to Germany, but they are evidently being loosened. Austria is falling into the system of the Roman nations and Germany is retiring into a peculiar system of her own, that finally we may expect their governments to be almost as decidedly contrasted as that of England with Hanover.

We must not indeed attempt to predict the time nor the mode of these changes. A river makes many a bend; sometimes apparently retracing. In 1848 democratic fury seemed to be let loose upon the nations. It caused each throne to tremble and the "iron" seemed likely to be driven from the earth and supplanted by the "clay." But the tumult was stilled; the mad and evil power bridled; and despotism threatened. But we need only wait. The Word of God is sure. Monarchs shall not destroy "the clay," neither shall the people rid themselves of "the iron."

It is true indeed that we can speak with certainty only of the End; we cannot predict the steps leading to that End, because Scripture supplies no detail during the time Israel ceases to exist nationally in their own land, e.g. We are unable to say whether the political and territorial changes which must finally be effected in Europe are to be produced by a general European war or by other agency. But this we can say, that no power can ultimately prevent the development of "clay-iron" principles in all countries of the Roman earth nor deprive those countries of their final united federal supremacy.

The changes therefore that may be expected in those nations which fall within the Roman Empire may be classified under three heads.

• First; the introduction of popular monarchic principles into those countries which have not yet received them.

• Secondly; an alteration in the present territorial divisions throughout the whole extent of the Roman empire, so as to form "Ten kingdoms" therein.

• Thirdly; the dissolution of governmental union between countries, one of which did fall and the other of which did not fall within the Roman Empire.

As regards the first, comparatively little remains to be accomplished.

As respects the alteration of territorial arrangements much more remains to be effected. Chapter 8:8, 22, prove beyond a doubt, that Greece, Egypt and Syria (reaching to and beyond the Euphrates) and the rest of Turkey in Europe and Asia will form four of the eastern kingdoms. We cannot with certainty name the others, but there seems little doubt that France, Spain and England will continue kingdoms to the end. We must, however as to these specific points, wait the unfolding of events. The accomplishment of the final division will probably precede very little the closing hour of the Dispensation.

Thirdly; with respect to the dissolution of unions now subsisting between countries falling and not falling within the Roman Empire, there is the case in which a country external holds authority over one within. Such was the relation of Holland to Belgium. It has been dissolved. We may expect a similar dissolution in all cases where the German Confederation exercises authority west of the Rhine (as Alsace and Lorraine) or south of the Danube; we may therefore expect their separation from Germany and annexation to some of the countries falling within the Roman Empire.

But a more difficult question is, where a country external to the Roman Empire is subjected to one within. Those thus circumstanced are Ireland; the central part of Hungary and all German Austria north of the Danube; also the colonies of England, France, Spain, Portugal. This cannot perhaps, be determined as confidently, but there can be little doubt that the union between such will be dissolved as Hanover from England; if not fully, yet to the extent of distinct and independent legislatures being conceded (e.g. Home Rule), as indeed is already done in the leading colonies of England. The importance of such separate legislation may not perhaps be fully apprehended now; but, when the hour arrives for a "decree" to go forth enforcing the worship of Antichrist, with consequent rejection of Christ and of God among the Ten Kingdoms, the value of a separate legislation will he more distinctly felt.

As regards Germany, it is not to be expected that strict constitutional government—the true "clay-iron form—will ever subsist there. This, however, is mere opinion; for the prophecy of Daniel says nothing respecting Germany; and prophecy is our only sore guide. But the mere possession of that form of government is not the distinctive characteristic of the Ten Kingdoms. Their distinctive characteristic is the possession of this form in corporate or federal connection with each other and as parts of the "Image," whereby they receive that peculiar endowment of supreme controlling power we have been considering.

It is an affecting thought that England, so highly favored as she has been, is using her advantages in nurturing the very principles out of which the last systematized form of human evil is to be formed. England; pursuing her favorite plans, is ever ready when expediency requires it, to smile on falsehood or to frown on Truth. Human fraternity is everything in her sight. She deems her latitudinarian commercial system to be the best remedy for the consolidation of the social and political institutions of rival nations without unduly fettering the energies of men; but in the meantime, Truth is forgotten or despised. Would God it were otherwise! But at present, the moral features of England, no less than her geographical connection with the Roman World, mark her as one of those kingdoms that are "to give their strength and power to the Beast" and to engage in the last conflict against "the King of Kings" (Rev.17:12-14)!

But sorrowful as this is, it is even more sorrowful to see the indifference of the Church of God to these things! It is the privilege and duty of the Church to consider and judge all things according to the Word of God and to treasure His principles because they are His. There are certain principles connected with the established order of the universe; there are others connected with the moral government of God, and it is the duty of the Church as much to be vigilant against the perversion of these as to watch over the faith committed to themselves; thus a period, when men who have either willfully or ignorantly violated them are triumphing in the supposed success of their counsels, is one, in which the Church is peculiarly called to watchfulness and to confession both for others and themselves. They will not be able to stem the tide of evil, nor is the government of nations a sphere in which they are now intended to act; but they may weigh things according to the Word of God: they may keep themselves separate and they may testify. They may warn and perhaps preserve others. But if, instead of this, even Christians despise the testimonies of the prophetic Scriptures; wander into the world’s sphere; adopt and vindicate the principles of the day and connect themselves with the very things that are to be made like "the chaff of the summer threshing floor," how can there be any hope, I say not of the triumph of God’s Truth, but even of any testimony to it being maintained?

Providence Baptist Ministries © copyright_date PBM Desktop Publications © copyright_date All rights reserved Revised: February 14, 2005