In the line of Current or Future events, it will be of interest to consider what may be the typical teaching of the battle of the four kings with five in Gen. 14:To some it would seem almost incomprehensible that God should be speaking so early in Genesis of events to transpire in the seventieth week of Daniel-centuries be-fore the prophecy concerning these weeks. But He has spoken in the opening chapter of the book of the whole course of time from the beginning to the end. We need not be surprised then if we find in subsequent chapters some hint of the events to occur by the way.

Every student of prophecy is familiar with what is called " the revived Roman empire," which will be composed of tea European kingdoms, bound together by mutual agreement to protect their common interests, and possessing a preponderance of power which will enable them to dictate to the rest of the world. The union will be of such magnitude that it will consider itself supreme over all powers of the earth and will assert world-wide dominion. It will be said, "Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him ?" (Rev. 13:4.)

Toward the end of the seventh seal, at the sounding of the sixth trumpet, it is said, "Loose the four angels which are bound in (by) the great river Euphrates." (See Rev. 9:14 and 16:12.) These evidently represent four great powers to the east of that river. It is also equally plain that they are powers opposed to the Roman empire, whose armies will be at that time in Palestine. These cross the Euphrates into the land to "slay the third part of men," 1:e., the armies of the Roman empire. Their number is 200,000,000 (Rev. 9:15, 16).

The German emperor was the first to suggest what he styled "the yellow peril." He meant by it that Japan being victorious over Russia, there was danger of the yellow race becoming more powerful in the world than the white race; and the fact that at the present time Japan is sending large numbers of her officers to China for the training of the Chinese troops is cause for apprehension to many. However this may be, or whether the vast and incomprehensible number (equal to half the population of China) is really literal or not, we cannot tell; but it is, we believe, representative of four allied powers of Asia who will sweep into Palestine, carrying all before them, and destroy the armies of the beast or Roman empire which will be thought to be invincible. It is, we believe, the fulfilment of the picture in Gen. 14:-the battle of the four kings with five, the coming one twice five, in which the four are victorious as in the days of Abram.

Arming his trained servants, born in his own house, Abram goes forth to rescue his brother Lot. Lot is dear to the heart of Abram by kindred relationship; and while the kings of the earth may destroy one another, when one of his own is involved he must assert himself and vindicate the rights of his own people. They had once walked together, but long since had been obliged to part company. Lot had found amongst the Gentiles a companionship congenial to him, while Abram had gone up from him to his own place of communion with the Father.

So Christ has gone on high. His own people Israel have turned their backs upon Him and are away amongst the nations. They have been diligently seeking their portion there, and will continue to do so until enemies on every hand bring them to the deepest and sorest time of misery and trial they have ever known. This was the case with Lot; when the enemies had triumphed over those in whom he trusted, Abram alone is able to deliver him. " As it was in the days of Lot, . . . even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed" (Luke 17:30).

May we not see in Melchizedek and Abram here the offices of Priest and King met together as in the Millennial day ? " He shall be a priest upon His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both " (Zech-6:13). R. B. E.