THE MARK OF THE BEAST by J. M. Gallemore

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 7, 1876

THE MARK OF THE BEAST.

By J. M. Gallemore

In Rev. 14:9-11, a warning is given against worshiping the beast or his image, and against receiving his mark. The penalty of such worship and of receiving such mark is a terrible one—the unmingled wrath of God. The last plagues of a sin-avenging God are visited upon those who have the mark of the beast and those who worship his image. Rev. 15:2. The end of this beast and of the false prophet that deceives those having his mark is seen from Rev. 19:20.

Now in all candor we would ask those who believe and reverence the word of God, Does it not become us, as rational beings, to ascertain what this beast is, and what its mark is? Certainly, no one will deny that this is a matter that demands our most serious consideration. Let us, then, inquire into it, those of us who have not done so to our entire satisfaction.

Now, as to the beast spoken of, Protestants generally are agreed that it symbolizes the papal power, the Roman Catholic Church. And the mark of this power, which we are warned against receiving, according to its own showing and claims, is Sunday, the day which this power has elevated above the Sabbath of the Lord; which act the church claims as the mark of its power. A short examination into the facts will convince any candid and intelligent mind that this anti-Christian power is the author of Sunday sacredness; that Sunday is the mark of this power; that this very work which he confesses to have done was foretold in prophecy; and that the real Sabbath, or rest-day of the Lord, is the mark, sign, and seal of the true people of God in the last days, prior to their deliverance, when Christ, the Saviour of his people, shall come. These facts are so plain that no candid person can fail to see them. And no earnest seeker for truth, who is willing to obey the Lord, and from his heart desires to do so, we believe, will fail to see the truth after investigating the subject.

Is there a single individual who reads the REVIEW, and yet does not keep the true Sabbath of the Lord? If so, will that individual consult his eternal interest and make haste to keep all the commandments of God? No longer make void the commandments of God by following the traditions of men. Choose at once whether it is best to fear God or man. The servants of God are being sealed, the work is short, and those who have not the seal of God when the Saviour of Israel shall come must be cut off from all interest in the promised inheritance. The true ministers of God are crying aloud, endeavoring to show the people their sins, that they may turn from them, and be ready to stand in the great day of the Lord. Oh! who will be wise and turn from his sins and live? Can there be a more grievous offense than that of obeying the man of sin (who presumes to change the law of God) in preference to that God who made all things? Stop and think, will you not?

J. M. GALLEMORE.