rn, and you at once mate
history and this vision. Surely God has not left Himself without
witnesses. "Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of
God." So we may freely say unto the historians and students of history,
Truly, in these things we see the finger of God.

Could any historian describe more faithfully and accurately the
invasions, conquests, and victories of Alexander the Great, especially
his assault on the Persians? How marvellous and simple the description
by Daniel: "And he came to the ram that had two horns (Persia), which I
had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his
power; and I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with
choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns; and there
was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the
ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the
ram out of his hand."

And with the same majestic simplicity we have the downfall of Alexander
and the division of his Empire described. Listen! "Therefore the
he-goat waxed very great; and when he was strong the great horn was
broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of
heaven."

To fully understand the sacred writer here, you must call to mind a
little of history, more and better, for all knowledge only aids us the
better and better to read the Bible.

What beast save the goat could characterise Alexander and his reign? He
was the son of Philip of Macedon, born 356 B.C., and died in 323. He
began his reign at twenty years of age, and closed it in twelve years and
eight months. No man in the same time ever fought so many battles, won
so many victories, and subdued so many people. No man, before or since,
ever ruled over so many people and such a kingdom. Queen Victoria is in
these things his only rival. But with his sudden death the fruits of his
victories are re-distributed. His Empire was divided into four parts;
the four Diadochi were his successors. What lessons may men and nations
learn by studying the prophecies!

"For prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of
God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost;" and unto this sure word
of prophecy we do well to take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a
dark place. "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of
any private interpretation" (2 Peter i. 20). As naturally as nature