p. 26 | MAKE AN IMAGE by R. F. COTTRELL

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 20, 1869

“MAKE AN IMAGE.”

By R. F. COTTRELL

NEARLY twenty years ago we came decidedly to the faith that the United States was the government symbolized in prophecy as the beast with two horns like a lamb—the power that will cause an image to be made to the Papacy. Rev. xiii, 11-18. It was a bold belief, but the specifications of the two-horned beast had been so far fulfilled in our own government that we felt sure that the remaining portion of the prophecy would certainly follow. The Papacy being an ecclesiastical establishment, controlling civil government, an image must be like it. Hence, we look for a union of sects on some leading points, which will enable them to concentrate their power, so as to procure legislation in favor of some of their religious sentiments and observances, in which they can agree, especially the observance of Sunday, the substitution of which in the place of the Sabbath of the decalogue is the distinguishing “mark” of that power, that, in fulfillment of prophecy, claims to be able to “change times and laws.”

But this our faith, though seemingly bold, is being continually strengthened by the current of public sentiment. We see it drifting more and more in favor of a union of religion and politics, of Church and State. Twenty years ago we could say:

“The lightest down will soonest show Which way the rising breezes blow;”

but now there is no mistaking the matter. All that have eyes and ears, and use them, must know which way the wind and tide are setting. The Examiner and Chronicle, which claims to be “the most largely-circulated denominational newspaper in the world,” in a recent number has an article on the “Political Effect of Religious Union,” which opens as follows: “Some of the political newspapers are anticipating important political consequences from the reunion, now well nigh secured, between the two schools of the Presbyterians. And there is good ground for the anticipations which are indulged.” We give the concluding paragraphs:

“There is, also, a far higher sense in which substantial union among Christians must be productive of important political results. It would create a respect for religious sentiment on political questions. At present no such respect exists. Politicians, often of the most unscrupulous order, have the entire management of our public affairs, and in the present divided condition of the religious public, they do not reckon its sentiments on any question as of the smallest practical account. They know full well that these sentiments are not only unorganized, but wholly destitute of unity and force. The result is, the politicians make combinations for themselves, and select candidates for office without the smallest reference to any religious sentiment that exists among the people. Nearly every other interest of society, however transitory, has made itself felt, and is occasionally consulted; but the religious sentiment, never. Freedmen and foreigners, women and workingmen, not to speak of others, are each an organized force, which politicians deem it prudent to respect, or at least not to despise. But this is more than can be said of the faith and conscience of Christian men.

“We do not mean to say that these are ever intentionally outraged; they are only ignored and left wholly out of account. Men are selected for the highest trusts of the State and the nation with no more reference to their religious faith or example and observance, than to their stature or their personal appearance. We have had magistrates of the very highest rank, who were as ignorant of Christianity as of Hinduism, and cared as little for one as for the other. It may not be well to create a religious party, though many worse things have been done. But it is well, it is even very desirable, that the religious sentiment of the country should make itself felt in politics, and become a power that is no longer to be trifled with. And we hail every judicious step towards ecclesiastical co-operation and Christian union, as a means for promoting this important end.”

Christian union on the basis of truth is truly desirable. Jesus prayed that his disciples might be one, being sanctified by the truth, the word of God. John xvii, 17-20. But the “substantial union among Christians,” in contemplation, and which is to lead to such “important political results,” is to be merely a compromise of sectarian differences. The writer says, “Differences of views will of course still remain as they were before, but they will cease to be occasions of alienation.” But there are some points on which they can agree, such as the Sunday Sabbath, which, having no divine law to enforce it, stands in perishing need of human legislation. On this “the religious sentiment of the country” will soon “make itself felt in politics, and become a power that is no longer to be trifled with.” Then woe to dissenters! Woe to those who prefer the commandments of God, and neglect the traditions of men!

We know from the sure word of prophecy, which has proved, and is proving, itself an infallible guide, that the movement will carry—that the image of the beast will be made, and that legislation will be obtained to enforce the mark. Who will be prepared to endure the struggle, holding fast the commandments of God? Who will hold the faith of God’s word at the risk of his life? It is time to think on these things, and be prepared to act with decision. R. F. COTTRELL.

Will the Editor of the Sabbath Recorder do me the favor to give the above a place in his columns? R. F. C.