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denote their rulers or inhabitants being overcome, in a cause to which they had engaged their whole power, wisdom and wealth, and as a discomfited army flying back. How far this observation corresponds with present events and appearances, let the intelligent observer consider.
Again, the apostle in the last sentence of the same 20th verse, informs us, by his hieroglyfic figures, that when every island fled away the mountains were not found. By mountains I think may naturally be meant, men either of high and rising principles, or powers, or both, whether in church or state, but very cold and barren, as to public benefit to society; these shall either lose their haughty spirit or power, and so be rendered unnoticeable. Leaving these general hints and observations on the xviii chapter, to your improvement, and such as may read them, I shall next write you my thoughts on
CHAPTER xx. Verse I.
Where the apostle appears, as observing in vision, an angel coming down from heaven,