Prophecy Fulfilling by C. E. Holmes

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 26, 1914

Prophecy Fulfilling

By C. E. Holmes

A CONDITION of the last days, disclosed by the Word of God, is the fear that comes upon men because of "looking after those things which are coming on the earth." Luke 21:26. But the very things that cause fear in the hearts of unbelievers are an encouragement to the believers of the Bible. The humble follower of God recognizes in them a herald of the near approach of Christ's second coming. As we view the silent march of events pointing to the day of his appearing, should we not lift up our eyes toward the heavenly Canaan with rejoicing?

The terrible crimes that are becoming well-nigh universal strike terror to the hearts of the professed Christian church. Thousands have lost their respect for the sacredness of Sunday. Not being able to cope successfully with these evils with spiritual weapons, the state is called upon to lend its aid to the church.

For years the Catholic Church has had its special representative located in the capital city of this nation. Facts have been brought to light in many cases that prove beyond a doubt that,

under the directing mind of the Pope's delegate, political affairs have been manipulated to the advantage of the Catholic Church.

Rome's behavior in this respect has been decried by Protestants. This meddling with civil matters is branded as unconstitutional and un-American. But at last Protestantism is ensnared by the same temptation for worldly power and influence, and, through the great Federal Council of Churches, has appointed a delegate to Washington to represent its interests. This delegate is Mr. Henry King Carroll.

What a tremendous power is stored in these two religious forces—Romanism and Protestantism! Does this condition mean anything to Seventh-day Adventists? We do not fear ecclesiastical anathemas and curses; but let these fulminations be coined into civil law, and persecution and death will soon follow.

The first encyclical promulgated from the Protestant tribunal has thus early shown its dictatorial spirit. It is not difficult to foretell the future. In taking a position against a recommendation of the Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Carroll says, "Ought not the united voice of the churches to have a determining influence in this matter?"

The question at once arises, What right has the government to engage in a business that requires the judgment of the churches to settle? The very fact that the federal council is so ready to speak indicates that the question is a religious one, and should not be considered by the government.

Again, through its delegate, the council says:—

"The churches are also agreed in the conviction that the present discrimination against chaplains in the matter of consideration according to rank and length of service is, in effect, a disparagement of religion and the worship of Almighty God; which disparagement should not longer be countenanced by the national government."

When a so-called religious body becomes the dominating power in a nation, the "disparagement of religion and the worship of Almighty God" will not be very kindly received or tolerated. The above quotation, when analyzed, reveals the interesting fact that a disregard of the wishes of the united churches is considered by them as an affront to God himself.

It is not necessary to speculate as to what will soon come to pass when the great organizations of Protestants and Roman Catholics are able to control the civil government of America. Slowly but surely the prophet's outline of the two-horned beast is being traced in the history of our country.

C. E. Holmes.