Religious Character of the Centennial Celebration.
By Uriah Smith
Two years ago the Centennial Commissioners, in appealing to Christian ministers, churches, and societies to co-operate in the celebration of the one-hundredth anniversary of our country's independence, enlarged in eloquent terms upon the religious character of the coming celebration, and the devout sentiments which ought to be entertained by a Christian people on the completion of a century of such unparalleled progress, and replete with so many tokens of the divine favor. Among other things they say:— “Let us consider with all reverence and awe, of what this great exhibition is commemorative. It marks our estimate of a political event of more momentous import in universal history than any which had occurred before, or any which has succeeded it, in its bearing on the destinies of the human race; especially in establishing upon indestructible foundations that freedom of conscience in matters of religious faith, which is so fully enjoyed throughout our wide domain. It is commemorative of the birth of a nation whose progress is absolutely without any parallel in the world's experience.” This is remarkable language, but fully justified by the facts in the case. We call attention to it with this query: Is it possible that that nation which is adjudged to have such an important influence on the destinies of the human race, and which has made such unparalleled progress in civil and religious affairs, should be passed by without mention in that prophetic volume which was given to point out all events and agencies connected in any important manner with the people of God? But if this country is anywhere mentioned in prophecy, it is in the prophetic symbol of Rev. 13: 11-17. The evidence is continually accumulating strength that the application we make of that portion of prophecy is correct, and that we are soon to see movements on the part of this government which will put the matter beyond all questionings. U. S.