To understand these things,—to understand that “righteousness exalteth a nation;” that “the throne is established by righteousness,” and “upholden by mercy;”[285] to recognize the outworking of these principles in the manifestation of His power who “removeth kings, and setteth up kings,”[286] —this is to understand the philosophy of history. In the word of God only is this clearly set forth. Here it is shown that the strength of nations, as of individuals, is not found in the opportunities or facilities that appear to make them invincible; it is not found in their boasted greatness. It is measured by the fidelity with which they fulfil God’s purpose. [Sidenote: _Object of Government_] An illustration of this truth is found in the history of ancient Babylon. To Nebuchadnezzar the king the true object of national government was represented under the figure of a great tree, whose height “reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth; the leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all;” under its shadow the beasts of the field dwelt, and among its branches the birds of the air had their habitation.[287] This representation shows the character of a government that fulfils God’s purpose,—a government that protects and upbuilds the nation. [Sidenote: _Babylon the Great_] God exalted Babylon that it might fulfil this purpose. Prosperity attended the nation, until it reached a height of wealth and power that has never since been equaled,—fitly represented in the Scriptures by the inspired symbol, a “head of gold.”[288] But the king failed of recognizing the power that had exalted him. Nebuchadnezzar in the pride of his heart said: “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty?”[289] [Sidenote: _Its Oppressive Power_] Instead of being a protector of men, Babylon became a proud and cruel oppressor. The words of Inspiration picturing the cruelty and greed of rulers in Israel, reveal the secret of Babylon’s fall, and of the fall of many another kingdom since the world began: “Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed; but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.”[290] [Sidenote: _Retribution_] To the ruler of Babylon came the sentence of the divine Watcher: O king, “to thee it is spoken: The kingdom is departed from thee.”[291] “Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, Sit on the ground; there is no throne.... Sit thou silent, And get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans; For thou shalt no more be called the lady of kingdoms.”[292]