Sheshach by Merritt E. Cornell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 18, 1866

“Sheshach.”

By Merritt E. Cornell

THE only definition we have of Sheshach is, “Praise of the whole earth.” From this it has been thought to refer to the United States. When speaking of the nations’ drinking the cup of wrath in the last day, after mentioning all the kingdoms and powers of Europe, it is added, that “The King of Sheshach shall drink after them.” Last of all the Two-horned beast shall drink. The false prophet shall drink the dregs. That power so hypocritical as to set forth a lamblike profession and make their boast of it before the whole world, and then act like a dragon, and give life to an image of the beast, will receive the bitterest of the dregs of that awful cup.

But now this government is indeed the “Praise of the whole earth.” Mr. Wm. A. Drew, Commissioner of the State of Maine, visited the world’s Fair held at London, in the summer of 1851. He speaks of the glory of the United States as above that of any other nation—that so it appeared at the Great Exhibition. In his book, Glimpses and Gatherings, p. 318, he says:

“The stars and stripes wave over the doors and indeed extend along the entire top of the east end of the building,—so every one that enters must pass under the flag of our Union. The United States are feared and respected more than any other nation. Our skill, our naval and military prowess, our intelligence, our free institutions, and our great and glorious country, so full and rich in natural resources, make us the wonder and admiration of the world. I never saw and felt the truth of this statement so veritably as I have ever since I came into England. I am proud of my country, and to be able to say, wherever I am, I AM AN AMERICAN! The announcement always commands attention and respect.”

M. E. CORNELL.