Page:Darby - Notes on the Book of Revelations, 1839.djvu/114

 pilgrims; “He that hath ears to hear let him hear.”

There is a great principle connected with all this working and character of the beast upon earth, he that leadeth into captivity shall go there; so it will be with him: but God will not depart from his principles. He that uses the oppressing power shall be oppressed: the Lord will judge it, be it where it may; “she that killeth with the sword shall be killed with the sword.” The saints’ part is to suffer, to endure the continuance of evil, while God permits it, and power is given to it. If the saints meddle with its principles and avenge themselves here, they must suffer its consequences here: “they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” Patient suffering is the saints’ place as Christ’s. They are not to take the beast’s character, because they suffer under it: it is warring with God’s providential government—which leaves him thus to practise: the book of life is the book of life of the Lamb slain. Such was the grand secular power recognised in connection with the purpose and plans of God during this time—to which Satan’s throne and power was given.