divided, part of that empire itself, — a continuation of that empire in the view of prophecy, however we decide the historical question. And as the horns, or kingdoms, still exist, as a matter of fact, consequently we have not yet seen the end of the Roman empire. “That which withholdeth” still exists, though in its ten horns ; till it is removed, Antichrist will not come. And out of them he will arise, as the same Prophet informs us : “I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another little horn ...... and behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.”
2. Now, in the next place, what is told us about Antichrist by the sacred writers ? This first of all, as has been already noticed, that he embodies a certain spirit, which existed even in the days of the Apostles. “The mystery of iniquity doth already work.” “Even now there are many Antichrists[1].” And what that spirit is, St. John declares in a subsequent chapter. ” Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not of God ; and this is that spirit of the Antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come, and even now already is it in the world[2].” Here we see what its doctrine is to be ; but on that I shall not here enlarge. I am speaking of its working, which had begun in the days of the Apostles, and has doubtless continued ever since. Doubtless this malignant principle has been at work since from time to time, though kept under by him that “withholdeth.” Nay, for what we know, at this very time there is a fierce struggle, the spirit of Antichrist attempting to rise, and the political power in those countries which are prophetically Roman, firm and vigorous in repressing it. What that spirit is, it would be beside my purpose here to attempt to ascertain, any more than to enlarge upon its doctrine ; though certainly there is at this very time, as in the days of our fathers, a fierce and lawless principle every where at work, a spirit of rebellion against God and man, which the powers of government in each country can barely keep under with their greatest efforts. Whether this which we witness be that spirit of Antichrist, which is one day
