When the Roman Empire is taken out of the way, then he [the Antichrist.—Eds.] shall come. And naturally. For as long as the fear of this empire lasts, no one will willingly exalt himself, but when that is dissolved, he will attack the anarchy, and endeavor to seize upon the government both of man and of God.—Homily IV, on 2 Thessalonians 2:6-9; “Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers,” Vol. XIII, p. 389. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1905. HBS 10.6