Page:Darby - Notes on the Book of Revelations, 1839.djvu/91

are the central object of Providence in the arrangement of nations. I do not see that it is revealed that it is Christ^[1] under a mystical name, but it is certainly the direct superior agent of God’s providential purposes, and thus the immediate instrument of favour to His people in that character. The notion of archangels is not sustained in Scripture^[2]—there are seven angels, who stand in the presence of God, spoken of. But Satan was cast out, finally out, of heaven; and the announcement that salvation, strength, and the kingdom of our God and the power of His Christ was come;—the reason given,—that the accuser of the brethren was cast down. Satan, in his character of anti-priest, had been unceasing in his accusations against the brethren; though, in the course of God’s dealings with the saints, during this time of trial, he had suffered their being even put to death here below; yet they had overcome their enemy there really, as to all the questions which Satan could raise before God. The accusations were of no avail through the blood of the

1. I see a great deal to lead to the conviction that it is Christ, as the head of angelic power, but not certainly, and therefore say no more than I do here.
2. i.e. in the plural number. Superiorities, as principalities, powers, thrones, dominions, are spoken of, but not directly archangels.