Two Great Compromises by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · May 21, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 20.

Two Great Compromises.

By Editor

IN Rev. 13 it is seen that the image of the beast—the likeness of the papacy—is made under the direct influence of the miracles which the two-horned beast had power to do. These miracles are the wonders of spiritualism. Years ago it was objected that our views of this prophecy could not be right for this reason, that the papacy was a church and State power, and its persecutions were in the name of religion; an image must likewise be a church and State power, and in enforcing the mark of the beast it must act professedly in the interest of religion. But spiritualism was irreligious; opposed to Christ and the Bible, and therefore it was impossible that spiritualism should do this work.

When this objection was raised, it looked plausible, because spiritualism was indeed irreligious. But we nevertheless believed that it would fulfill the prophecy, and we now begin to see a justification of our belief. Spiritualism now professes to be a religion; not only so, but it professes to be the only religion which can demonstrate the great truth (?) of the immortality of the soul; the only religion which can prove its truthfulness by power from the unseen world. And in this light it is now received by multitudes in the churches, both of the laity and the clergy. Thousands stand ready to embrace it when it shall give satisfactory evidence that it has the power that it claims to have; but thousands have accepted it, declaring that they have seen the power manifested to their entire satisfaction.

Compromises are made in times of trouble. They are the resorts of emergencies. That trouble impends over this nation no thoughtful and observant person can deny. The spirit of anarchy, of nihilism or communism, is abroad. Combinations in the form of "unions" or secret associations are multiplying; and they largely control the nation. By their combined action they can paralyze the hand of industry, and stay the commerce of the world. Some of these communistic bands openly avow their purpose to destroy property, and to put down all authority. They are armed, and are suffered to drill their forces unmolested in our cities.

Another association, of vast and increasing proportions, has arisen in the land. It has for its object the entire remodeling of our Government by a religious amendment to the Constitution,—"such an amendment to the Constitution of the United States as will suitably acknowledge Almighty God as the author of the nation's existence and the ultimate source of its authority, Jesus Christ as its Ruler, and thus indicate that this is a Christian nation, and place all Christian laws, institutions, and usages, on an undeniable legal basis in the fundamental law of the land." These words we quote from the address of the president of the association to the National Convention held in Pittsburg, Pa., in 1874. The speakers and writers of this association are already appealing to the religious bigotry of the people, teaching that the cyclones and other commotions of the elements are owing to the fact that our Constitution is irreligious, having no proper recognition of the authority of Christ! As though a constitutional amendment, a public vote, were acceptable to God as a substitute for personal piety. As troubles increase, and perplexity prevails, spiritualism will be accepted as the religion for the time, combining with those who wish to enforce religion by law. Thus the "image of the beast" will be created by a compromise.

Now we must turn our attention to another field, and consider