THERE WAS MORE TO TELL.
By C. M. S.
Archbishop Ireland, in a recent sermon in St. Patrick’s Church, Washington, declared that at no remote day “the Italian people and Christendom at large would give back to the Papacy its wonted dignity and liberty;” that is, restore its temporal power. This declaration is significant, in view of the fact that the archbishop had just returned from Rome, where he had long conferences with the pope. It is not a startling statement, however, to the one who is familiar with the teachings of the Word. Moreover, it is a true statement, because the Word itself declares it. The power spoken of in Revelation 13 as the “beast,” that is, the papal power, the power “which had the wound by the sword” (lost its temporal power) and yet “did live,” is to regain its old power thru the influence of another. That other is spoken of in the same chapter as “another beast,” that is, another power; and it has sufficient influence thruout the world to cause “the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” Rev. 13:12. It has also sufficient influence to say “to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast,” and know that its suggestion would be carried out. Nor is this all; for in explaining, in the following chapter, the “ten horns,” or ten kingdoms which had been referred to, the Lord declares that “these have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast;” and further, “God hath put in their hearts to fulfil His will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.” Rev. 17:17. But that is not the end of the matter; for the punishment of that power comes swift and sure. The Lord Himself declares that those same kingdoms should afterward hate that power, and make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. Verse 16. So the archbishop spoke truly, but he did not tell it all; he did not unfold the terrible events that will follow the restoration of the temporal power of the Papacy. But the Word reveals it, and we see the beginning of its fulfilment. C. M. S.