Image to the Beast by M. E. Cornell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 6, 1866

Image to the Beast.

By M. E. Cornell

For years we have seen unmistakable evidences of preparation for a change in our form of government. The tendency, as indicated by many of the speeches and resolutions, is toward a monarchical form.

The reconstruction policy of the present administration, and the political changes to follow, will, no doubt, astonish the world. The Fenian movement, and the increasing power of Spiritualism, are ominous.

Great changes are to be expected in a brief space of time. These are eventful times, > "Signs are fulfilling, > Earth's pillars groan."

Just how things will turn, no one can tell; but this we know, trouble is before us, and we must Watch and Pray.

As straws show which way the current is, so we may discern the tendency of the present by fulfilling signs. As an item, take the following extract from a speech lately delivered in New York City, on "The Coming Conflict."

"The time is coming when an attempt will be made to engraft a religion upon the laws of the country, and make adherence to a certain form of religion absolutely necessary for an applicant for office, to make you subscribe to something like the following, which is known to be in the hands of a prominent member of the Democratic party, and which, but for the strong radical sentiment of Congress, would have been introduced at the present session; 'No man shall be qualified for office, (indeed, for citizenship,) unless he recognizes the existence of God in the Holy Trinity!' If this be true—and you have here heard that it is so—the existence of such a paper or resolution proves what the intention is."

M. E. CORNELL.