A SIGNIFICANT FACT by C. M. S.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 19, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 38.

A SIGNIFICANT FACT

By C. M. S.

A CURIOUS condition of things exists in the city of Rome, brought about by the antagonism between the State and the Church. Both the pope and the king claim the exclusive right of sovereignty in the city of Rome. One class recognizes the claims of the king, while the other considers him a usurper, and declares the “Eternal City” the “sole property of the pope.” The regular representatives of the “powers” are accredited to the court of the king; but many of these same powers have representatives accredited also to the court of the Vatican, and these two classes of representatives hold no communication with each other.

Should the reigning government be overthrown by the Papacy, the “powers” would still be represented at the court of the ruler without any further appointment. There is significance in this fact when considered in connection with the prophecy of Rev. 17:12, 13. The power and strength of the nations are one day to be given to the papal power ruling at Rome, the seven-hilled city mentioned in the ninth verse of Revelation 17, “that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” Verse 18. Of no other power than that of the papal see could this be said. Rome alone claims jurisdiction over the kings of the earth; she alone claims the right to rule the subjects of other kingdoms.

But her absolute authority will be short—one hour, prophetic time—and her end, sudden and terrible. The willingness of the “powers” to recognize the claims of the pope by appointing representatives to his court, shows that it is no impossible thing that at a certain time they should give to that power their strength and authority, reigning with it for a time. It will, however, be an astonishment to some, but not to those whose names are “written in the book of life.” Verse 8. Such will have heeded the message for this time, refusing to receive the mark of obedience to that power, and will find refuge in the everlasting arms. C. M. S.