Page:Mahometanism in its relation to prophecy - or, an inquiry into the prophecies concerning antichrist, with some reference to their bearing on the events of the present day (IA mahometanisminit00philrich).pdf/82

 the period of his appearance. This is distinctly noted by the Apostle. "That which now holdeth and restraineth shall be removed, and then shall that wicked one be revealed."

Now what was it that withheld, and that was to be removed? so as to make way for Antichrist?

The early fathers with one consent declare that St. Paul referred to the Roman empire: as long as this empire lasted, the coming of Antichrist was to be delayed, but when once this was gone, then "was that wicked one to be revealed." "Who holds," says Tertullian, "but the Roman empire? the division of which into ten kingdoms will bring on Antichrist: and then, according to the Apostle, that wicked one shall be revealed." (Tertullian de Resurrect. Carnis, cap. 24.) And that great doctor and most learned ancient Father St. Jerome, commenting on these same words of the Apostle, "only he who now holdeth doth hold, until he be taken out of the way," writes thus: "The Apostle by this expression, He who now holdeth, signifieth the Roman empire. He says it in obscure terms, for if he had spoken openly, he would by his imprudence have excited the rage of the persecutors agaist the Christians, and against the Church, which was then in its very infancy." (Hieronymi, in Jeremiam, cap. 25.)