What beast save the goat could characterise Alexander and his reign? He was the son of Philip of Macedon, born 356 B.C., and died in 323. He began his reign at twenty years of age, and closed it in twelve years and eight months. No man in the same time ever fought so many battles, won so many victories, and subdued so many people. No man, before or since, ever ruled over so many people and such a kingdom. Queen Victoria is in these things his only rival. But with his sudden death the fruits of his victories are re-distributed. His Empire was divided into four parts; the four Diadochi were his successors. What lessons may men and nations learn by studying the prophecies! “For prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost;” and unto this sure word of prophecy we do well to take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter i. 20). As naturally as nature responds to the seasons, so will providence to prophecy. We can discern Spring-time, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The garden will reveal to us Winter as distinct from Summer, so in interpreting prophecy we must always look for an agreement between providence and the world. As naturally as the goat symbolises Alexander, so will providence in natural history respond. Winter, with its winds, storms, and frost; with its leafless trees and desolate gardens, proclaim, beyond a doubt, which season of the four is bearing rule. Such a thing cannot be of private interpretation; and prophecy, when fulfilled, is as easy seen, and is not of private interpretation. A man is as foolish in forging prophecy as one would be in trying to forge Winter by putting artificial leaves on trees, and flowers on bushes. The thing is easily known if we exercise our reason. In this line of thought we are sorry to note that men have more faith than reason; hence the blunderings of prophetic writers, and the leaders of Adventism and Millenarianism. Prophecy unfulfilled commands and demands our faith—much more faith than reason, for it is impossible to see how some things can come to pass, but if they are subjects of prophecy they surely will, whether we understand them or not. A prophecy fulfilled, however, appeals more to reason than faith, for if fulfilled, it can readily be demonstrated.