WE

CHAPTER XIV

E have now found what, according to the prophecy, will constitute the image which the two-horned beast is to cause to be made, and the mark which it will attempt to enforce. The movement which is to fulfil this portion of the prophecy is to be looked for among those classes which constitute the professedly religious portion of the people. First, some degree of union must be effected between the various Protestant churches, with some degree of coalition, also, between these bodies and the papal power, or Roman Catholicism; and secondly, steps must be taken to bring the law of the land to the support of the Sunday sabbath. These movements the prophecy calls for; and the line of argument leading to these conclusions is so direct and well defined that there is no avoiding them. They are a clear and logical sequence from the premises given us. When this is accomplished, it will not rest on theory, but be a plain, tangible movement which all can understand.

We shall speak in this chapter of the growth of religious intolerance in this country, of the sophistry by which it is supported, and some of the leading agencies by which it is fostered.

When the application of Rev. 13: 11-17 to the United

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States was first made, more than sixty years ago, these positions respecting a union of the churches and a grand Sunday movement were taken. But at that time no sign appeared above or beneath, at home or abroad, no token was seen, no indication existed, that such an issue would ever be made. But there was the prophecy, and that must stand. The United States government had given abundant evidence, by its location, the time of its rise, the manner of its rise, and its apparent character, that it was the power symbolized by the two-horned beast. There could be no mistake in the conclusion that it was the very nation intended by that symbol. This being so, it must take the course and perform the acts foretold. But here were predictions which could be fulfilled by nothing else than the above-named religious movements, resulting in a virtual union of church and state, and the enforcement of the papal sabbath as the mark of the beast. To take the position at that time that this government was to pursue such a policy and engage in such a work, without any apparent probability in its favor, was no small act of faith. On the other hand, to deny or ignore it, while admitting the application of the symbol to this government, would not be in accordance with either Scripture or logic.

The

only course for the humble, confiding student of prophecy to pursue in such cases, is to take the light as it is given, and believe the prophecy in all its parts. So the stand was boldly taken; and open proclamation has been made from that day to this, that such a work would be seen in the United States. With every review of the argument, new features of strength have been discovered in the application; and amid a storm of scornful incredulity, we have watched the progress of events, and awaited the hour of fulfilment.

Meanwhile, Spiritualism has astonished the world with its terrible progress, and has shown itself to be the wonder

working element which was to exist in connection with this power. This has mightily strengthened the evidence of the application. And now, within a few years past, what have we further seen?- No less than the commencement of that very movement respecting the formation of the image and the enactment of Sunday laws, which we have expected, and which is to complete the prophecy, and close the scene.

We have seen the federation idea take possession of the leading religious bodies, both Protestant and Catholic, resulting in the formation of two great church combines, organized to wield political rather than spiritual power. Extended reference to this portentious movement is made in Chapters X and XVI.

And there has arisen also a class of men whose souls are absorbed with the cognate idea of Sunday reform, and who have dedicated every energy of their being to the carrying forward of this kindred movement. The New York Sabbath Committee, which was first in the field to promote this cause, has been followed by the National Reform Association, the American Sabbath Union, New England Sabbath Protective League, the Lord's Day Alliance, Sunday League of America, and other organizations, which have labored zealously, by means of books, tracts, speeches, and sermons, to create a strong public sentiment in behalf of Sunday. Making slow progress through moral suasion, they seek a shorter path to the accomplishment of their purposes through political power. And from their point of view, why should they not? Christianity has become popular, and her professed adherents are numerous. Why not avail themselves. of the power of the ballot to secure their ends? That is the way they reason. As Christians, they can not consistently do so; for Christ repeatedly avows that his kingdom is not of this world. Rev. J. S. Smart (Methodist), in a published

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sermon on the "Political Duties of Christian Men and Ministers," expresses a largely prevailing sentiment on this question, when he says:"I claim that we have, and ought to have, just as much concern in the government of this country as any other men. . . . We are the mass of the people. Virtue in this country is not weak; her ranks are strong in numbers, and invincible from the righteousness of her cause-invincible if united. Let not her ranks be broken by party names."

We quote these sentiments simply to show the direction. public sentiment is taking. It means a great deal.

One of these organizations, the National Reform Association, which has been in existence since 1863, has for its object the securing of such amendments to the national Constitution as shall express the religious views of the majority of church people, and make it an instrument under which the keeping of Sunday can be enforced as the Christian Sabbath. This association already embraces within its ranks a long array of eminent and honorable names,-governors of States, college presidents, bishops, doctors of divinity, doctors of law, and men who occupy high positions in all the walks of life.

In an address issued by the officers of this association, they say:

"Men of high standing in every walk of life, of every section of the country, and of every shade of political sentiment and religious belief, have concurred in the measure."

In their appeals, they most earnestly request every lover of his country to join in forming auxiliary associations, to circulate documents, attend conventions, sign memorials to Congress, etc.

In their plea for an amended Constitution, they ask the people to

"Consider that God is not once named in our national Constitution. There is nothing in it which requires an oath of God,' as the Bible styles it (which, after all, is the great bond both of loyalty in the citizen and of fidelity in the magistrate),

nothing which requires the observance of the day of rest and worship, or which respects its sanctity. If we do not have the mails carried and the post-offices open on Sunday, it is because we have a Postmaster-General who respects the day. If our Supreme Courts are not held, and if Congress does not sit that day, it is custom, and not law, that makes it so. Nothing in the Constitution gives Sunday quiet to the custom-house, the navy-yard, the barracks, or any of the departments of govern

ment.

"Consider that they fairly express the mind of the great body of the American people. This is a Christian people. These amendments agree with the faith, the feelings, and the forms of every Christian church or sect. The Catholic and the Protestant, the Unitarian and the Trinitarian, profess and approve all that is here proposed. Why should their wishes not become law? Why should not the Constitution be made to suit and to represent a constituency so overwhelmingly in the majority?..

"This great majority are becoming daily more conscious not only of their rights, but of their power. Their number grows, and their column becomes more solid. They have quietly, steadily opposed infidelity, until it has at least become politically unpopular. They have asserted the rights of man and the rights of the government, until the nation's faith has become measurably fixed and declared on these points. And now that circumstances give us occasion to amend our Constitution, that