The Papacy by Uriah Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 10, 1874

The Papacy.

By Uriah Smith

This great spiritual despotism was to continue, as symbolized by the little horn of Dan. 7, and the leopard beast of Rev. 13, for 1260 years. From the time of its full establishment, A. D. 538, it was to enjoy a certain supremacy for this long period, till 1798. Then, as recorded in Daniel's prophecy, the dominion of this power was to be taken away; as recorded in John's, it was to receive a deadly wound. On this part of the prophecy, the following from “The French Revolution,” by Christopher Kelley, p. 243, is to the point:—

“The Roman Republic was proclaimed on the 15th of February, 1798. The pope, however, made one additional effort for the continuance of his temporal existence, by sending an embassy to Berthier, who was encamped outside the walls. The general refused to admit any other deputation than that of the people of Rome, thus dissipating the last hope of the holy father. The arrival of the French army, and the proclamation of the general, had given the fatal blow to the papal sovereignty.” U. S.