The Dragon Spirit by J. B. Goodrich

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 22, 1872

The Dragon Spirit.

By J. B. Goodrich

WHEN we present before the minds of people the idea that the image of the beast is to be formed under this government, and is to enforce the mark of the beast, we are met with this argument: This is a Christian land, and every one is allowed to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience, and none to molest or make us afraid. But when the claims of God’s law are presented, and people find they are breaking the fourth commandment every week, and no scripture to sustain their practice in keeping the first day, then they resort to the tongue of slander and ridicule to stop the progress of the work, and prejudice the minds of the people against us, and to turn away their ears from hearing the law.

But some in this place the other night thought they would try another mode of opposition; so just after our meeting had commenced, Thursday evening, Sept. 19, a number of rocks came tumbling upon the roof of the house, which at first greatly disturbed our meeting. Order, however, was soon restored, and we were permitted to go on with the meeting.

The text that we were treating upon was very appropriate for the occasion. “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” 1 Cor. 15:19. “If the dead rise not, let us eat and drink; for to-morrow we die.” Verse 32. But Paul’s hope was based upon the fact that Jesus had been raised from the dead, therefore there would be a resurrection of the dead; and he could trials well endure.

It is clearly seen that the same dragon spirit is in the world now that existed in the days of the apostles; as then, so now; the most of the opposition comes from a professedly religious quarter. But they may say, We did not throw any stones. Yes, but “the witnesses” that stoned Stephen laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And hear Saul’s confession: “And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.” Acts 22:20.

But we can say that we have many strong friends in this place, for which we feel very thankful; and we hope to see others take hold of the truth, and keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Victory will turn on the side of truth.

The third angel’s message is the present truth. It is the last message of mercy to this world before Jesus comes. What a solemn thought, that we are living in the very last days of probation! Soon the last call will be given, the last prayer will be offered for sinners, and the last tear shed, and the sad proclamation will go forth, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Rev. 22:11.

My dear, unconverted friends, halt no longer. Make haste and delay not to keep God’s commandments and the faith of his Son. Flee from the city of destruction, and enter the city of God. J. B. GOODRICH.

Bridgewater, Me., Oct. 3, 1872.