Page:Darby - Notes on the Book of Revelations, 1839.djvu/154

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are called, and chosen, and faithful.” This was the history and the end of the ten kings, but still characteristically; for, if we consult Daniel, three of them fall: their victor is then declared, and his companions. As the confederacy of the kings gave (for it was man’s will) their power to the beast, the Lamb’s companions were, on the contrary, called and chosen and faithful. The “waters” are then explained so as to need little comment, save as reminding of the extent of general moral influence beyond the prophetic earth: she had her seat there, though she sat on the beast too Another characteristic was, that she had this influence and place on the peoples and multitudes and nations; all this was an independent influence, proper to the woman, and this in her evil character as the whore.

Another incident of much importance in the history, is then brought forward. These ten kings are to give their power to the beast, so “God hath put into their hearts to fulfil His will,” and “these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate, and eat her flesh” (devour her wealth and fatness), “and burn her with fire.” It was not specifically with these kings she had committed fornication, that had been her general character with the kings of the