the city, there was
a consequent heavy toll of human life. Seven thousand men of name, of
notable rank, perished in the earthquake.

When the last building had tottered into the yawning chasms of the
riven earth, and the souls of the late deriders of God had toppled into
their hell; when the clouds of dust had cleared away; when no further
earth-rumble came, then with a gasp of terror the remainder of the
gathered thousands of people "_Gave glory to God_."

There was no worship; no sorrow for their sin; no repentance; not even
any remorse; certainly no conversions of the whole mass, any more than
were of Jaunes and Jambres, when they declared, of the Miracles of
Moses and Aaron, "_This is the finger of God_."

Some there were, who had been near to yielding to the pleadings of the
Two Witnesses, who were wholly won to God in this hour, but the vast
mass of the people continued to worship the Beast. Their cry to God
had been but a terror-stricken cry.

By the morning the gathered masses had wholly recovered themselves, and
the suspended public function was carried out. One part of this
function was the partition of Palestine among certain rulers,
millionaires, and others. "_He_ (Anti-christ) _shall divide the land
for gain_." Dan. xi. 39.

With the horror and fear of the survivors of this earthquake, the
"_Second Woe" was finished, "and behold the third woe cometh quickly_."

CHAPTER XV.

FLIGHT! PURSUIT!

Throughout the latter half of the "Day of Blasphemy," when the
"Abomination of Desolation," had been set up in the Temple of
Jerusalem, the exodus of fearsome, fleeing people went on. With nearly
three million visitors, from every land, the more or less rapid
departure of a hundred thousand or more, was not noticed. In fact,
more than that number of persons might be expected to leave every
twenty-four hours--the ordinary exit of visitors after the special
visit.

But, presently, it was reported to Apleon, that a mighty exodus of Jews
and Gentiles, few of whom wore the "Brand of the Covenant," had taken
place, and was still taking place. He had spies everywhere.

The whole of Jewish population, with those on visit to the city for
this special occasion, were either _for_ the Anti-christ or _against_
him, those against him were but a very small minority.

The deluded, idolatrous Jews will hate and betray their nearest and
dearest relations and friends, as Micah prophesied that they would:
"_Tr