l the world. Of this fifth, or stone
kingdom, there is to be no end by conquest, or decay, or succession.
Daniel says that this kingdom shall not be left to other people--that is,
it shall never be succeeded.

The peculiar features of the stone-kingdom make it interesting to
ascertain what kingdom, monarchy, and people stand for it; for such
kingdom, though small at the beginning, is to grow, prosper, and continue
to the end of time. Guided by the Scriptures and history, let us look
for these four earthly monarchies; and the better to accomplish our task,
let us stretch the giant figure on his back; then his head of gold will
rest in Babylon, his silver breast and arms will take in Media and
Persia, his belly and thighs will take in Greece, and his legs and feet
will take in Rome. Thus, then, the gold head stood for Babylon, and is
now in this day represented and found in Russia--for Russia is a
continuation of Babylon. The _Czar_ is on the line of Nebuchadne_zzar_.
This gold-headed kingdom will be the last destroyed--the destruction
begins at the feet. Russia, therefore, has yet a lease of life and
prosperity; but, finally, she too will yield the contests and disappear
before the stone-kingdom. The gold stands for work and endurance, as the
head is significant of supremacy; but the stone will finally destroy it.

The silver, next in value and endurance, of which were the arms and
breast, stands for Persia. Centuries ago Persia was the great Power of
the earth. At one time it would seem as if she never would decay or ever
have a rival; but her day came, and she has dwindled down to the little
kingdom and monarchy--the Persia of to-day. Her power is gone, she is
consumptive, and will soon disappear as a separate kingdom. The present
visit of the King of Persia to the Czar at St. Petersburg is not without
meaning. The gold head of Russia will need the assistance of the arms of
Persia by-and-bye.

The brass parts stand well and appropriately for ancient Greece--an
Empire once so gigantic and powerful, a people so polished and learned,
but long ago their time, and work, and place were marked out. And now
the time is nearly gone and the work done, hence they will soon
disappear. The present little kingdom of Greece is all that is left.
Brass is in itself corrosive, so the Greek Empire has gradually eaten
itself away. What sublime lessons the prophets of old taught us!

The iron and clay, of which were the le