755. Knowing that he hath but a short time.- That this signifies because the state is changed, is plain from the signification of time, as denoting the proceeding state of life, concerning which see above (n. 571, 610, 664, 673). He hath but a short time therefore signifies that the former state was changed. For the former state is described by the dragon and his angels being seen in heaven, while the latter state is described by their being cast unto the earth after the battle with Michael and his angels. What this state is has been shown briefly in the preceding article; but a fuller description of this state shall be given after the conclusion of this work.