WHAT WILL CAUSE THE IMAGE?
By R. F. Cottrell
SOME years since I became fully satisfied that the United States was the government symbolized by the two-horned beast. So many specifications were already fulfilled by this nation, that no doubt was left that it would fulfill the remaining ones. Consequently no doubt remained that the Image would be made; but what cause would call it forth was not so clear. Not taking into consideration the elements already existing and at work in the minds of the people, the most natural thought was, that the people of God, who will be persecuted under his administration, would attract so much notice under the present government, that they would elicit the Image. But I am satisfied that the cause which will produce the Image, has been working for years, and that its creation is now loudly demanded. Whether this view is correct or not, the Image will be made. How can a free, lamb-like government like this, preserve its freedom, while it admits the subjects of a foreign church-state government to all its privileges? Catholics become citizens here, while they are bound by what they esteem the highest law, to the Pope of Rome, who is head over all things to his subjects, temporal as well as spiritual. The balance of power is already in their hands—the party that can obtain the Catholic votes, (and they go in a mass,) elect their candidates. A government that makes no laws respecting religion, has no power in itself to check the growing evil, and it is apparent, that if things continue thus, this government which can make no religious laws, will soon be annexed to the dominion of one that can—the beast that had the wound by the sword, and did live. What can be done to save this government from such a fate? Nothing, while the integrity of the constitution is preserved. This must be amended so as to exclude one sect from equal political and religious rights. Protestants must unite to oppose this law-making church by the exercise of the same kind of power: by constituting themselves another law-making church. The moment this is done, the Image of the beast will be complete. The beast was church and state united; the Image will be the same. The Image will be made before the mass of the people are aware of the use to which it is to be applied. Then woe to him who does not bow down. Woe to him who feels bound by the Higher law—the law of God. Brethren, the trial is coming—the conflict is near. The spirit of martyrs will be needed. But though sharp, the conflict will soon be over. Victory will turn on Zion’s side, and the victors will stand with the Lamb upon Mt. Zion! Then let us gird on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to withstand in the evil day that is before us, and having done all to stand. In hope of victory, R. F. COTTRELL. P. S. Do not publish the above article to please me. If it should not appear in the REVIEW, I shall not lay it to heart and unite with the enemies of truth. R. F. C.