e sea! for the
devil is come to you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that
he hath but a short season."

"And when the dragon saw that he was cast out into the earth, he
persecuted the woman, who brought forth the male child. And two
wings of a great eagle were given to the woman, that she might fly
into the desert, into her place, where she is nourished for a
time, and times, and half a time, from the presence of the
serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water like a river,
after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the
river. And the earth helped the woman; and the earth opened its
mouth and swallowed up the river, which the dragon cast out of his
mouth. And the dragon was enraged against the woman, and went away
to make war with the remnant of her seed, that keep the
commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus."--Rev.
12:12-17.

The rejoicing of Christians, according to this symbolization, is
afterwards followed by renewed triumphs of the Pagans over them. The
hatred of the Pagan worshippers to Christianity, is strikingly evinced;
but it is manifested in a manner different from the former contest.

When the church sought only to overcome by "the blood of the Lamb, and by
the word of their testimony," it was owned of Christ; but as it became
proud and worldly, and cared more for popular favor than for purity of
faith and practice, the true church which the woman symbolized, was
represented only by those who continued faithful to their profession.
Historians inform us that with the success of Constantine, the visible
church became speedily corrupt. As it became popular, unconverted men
sought to be enrolled as members. The Pagans, instead of approaching as
enemies, came as professed friends. As a profession of Christianity was
alone necessary for admission to the church, multitudes sought connection
with it. This caused a condition of things, of which Dr. Milner thus
speaks:--"In the general appearance of the church, we cannot see much of
the spirit of godliness. External piety flourished. But faith, love,
heavenly-mindedness appear very rare. The doctrine of real conversion was
very much lost, and external baptism placed in its stead: and the true
doctrine of justification by faith, and true practical use of a crucified
Saviour for troubled consciences were scarcely to be seen at this time.
Superstition and s