p. 6 | Ridicule vs. Exposition

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 9, 1908

Ridicule vs. Exposition

By the inspired interpretation of certain prophecies the fact is established that beasts are used as symbols of world-kingdoms. Thus it is said: “These great beasts which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.” And again, we read: “The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia: and the rough goat is the king of Grecia.” And yet some who profess to accept the Scriptures as inspired, hesitate to believe that a beast in prophecy might possibly refer to this nation. As to this question, Rev. W. F. Crafts expresses himself in these words:—

So little attention has been given to Sabbath observance in theological seminaries and Christian colleges that few know enough of the Seventh-day Adventists’ absurd theory that the third beast of Revelation 13 is the United States government to show their supreme folly and laugh them out of court.

It may require the united wisdom of many theological seminaries and Christian colleges to show that such an interpretation of the prophecy is “supreme folly,” and it may demand something more than laughter to refute the exposition of this prophecy which has occupied the world over, so important a place in this movement. Ridicule is not a very satisfactory substitute for exposition. We should be glad to have Mr. Crafts meet this question by presenting a scriptural interpretation of the symbols used in the thirteenth chapter of Revelation.