Earlier text: The Kingdom of God Is NighThe United States in Prophecy.
By C. S.
CHRONOLOGY OF THE TWO-HORNED BEAST.
Having become satisfied where the power symbolized by the two-horned beast must be located, we now inquire respecting the time when we may look for its development. At what period in this world's history is the rise of this power located in the prophecy? On this point, as on the preceding, the foundation for the conclusions at which we must arrive, is already laid in the facts elicited in reference to the preceding or leopard beast. It was at the time when this beast went into captivity, or was killed (politically) with the sword, verse 10, or (which we suppose to be the same thing), had one of its heads wounded to death, verse 3, that John saw the two-horned beast coming up. If the leopard beast, as we have conclusively proved, signifies the papacy, and the going into captivity met its fulfillment in the temporary overthrow of the papedom by the French, in 1798, then we have the time definitely specified, when we are to look for the rising of this power. The expression, “coming up,” must signify that the power to which it applies was but newly organized, and was then just rising into prominence and influence. The power represented by this symbol, must, then, be some power which in 1798 stood in this position before the world. Thus clearly is the exact time indicated in the prophecy when we are to look for the rise of the two-horned beast; for John, as soon as he beholds the captivity of the first or leopard beast, says: “And I beheld another beast coming up.” And his use of the present participle, “coming up,” clearly connects this view with the preceding verse, and shows it to be an event transpiring simultaneously with the going into captivity of the previous beast. If he had said, “And I had seen another beast coming up,” it would prove that when he saw it, it was coming up, but that the time when he beheld it was indefinitely in the past. If he had said, “And I beheld another beast which had come up,” it would prove that although his attention was called to it at the time when the first beast went into captivity, yet its rise was still indefinitely in the past. But when he says, “I beheld another beast coming up,” it proves that when he turned his eyes from the captivity of the first beast, he saw another power right then in the process of rapid development among the nations of the earth. So, then, about the year 1798, the star of that power which is symbolized by the two-horned beast must be seen rising to the zenith of its glory. In view of these considerations, it is useless to speak of this power as having arisen ages in the past. To attempt such an application is to show one's self utterly reckless in regard to the plainest statements of inspiration. Again, the work of the two-horned beast is plainly located, by verse 12, this side the captivity of the first beast. It is there stated, in direct terms, that the two-horned beast causes “the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” But worship could not be rendered to a beast whose deadly wound was healed till after that healing was accomplished. This brings the worship unmistakably within the present century. Says Eld. J. Litch (Restitution, p. 131):— “The two-horned beast is represented as a power existing and performing his part after the death and revival of the first beast.” Mr. Wesley, in his notes on Rev. 14, says of the two-horned beast:— “He has not yet come, though he cannot be far off; for he is to appear at the end of the forty-two months of the first beast.” We find three additional declarations in the book of Revelation which prove, in a general sense, that the two-horned beast performs his work with that generation of men who are to behold the closing up of all earthly scenes, and the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; and these will complete the argument on this point. The first is the message of the third angel brought to view in the 14th of Revelation. We have already given in brief an exposition of the three messages of that chapter. We call the attention of the reader to only one fact, which must be apparent to all; and that is, that the third of these messages is the last warning of danger, and the last offer of mercy, before the close of human probation; for the event which immediately follows is the appearance of one like the Son of Man on a white cloud, coming to reap the harvest of the earth, verse 14, which can represent nothing else but the second advent of the Lord from Heaven. Whatever views, therefore, a person may take of the first and second messages, and at whatever time he may apply them, it is very certain that the third and last one covers the closing hours of time, and reaches down to the second coming of Christ. And what is the burden of this message? It is a denunciation of the unmingled wrath of God against those who worship the beast and his image. But this worship of the beast and his image is the very work which the two-horned beast endeavors to enforce upon the people. The third message, then, is a warning against the work of the two-horned beast. And as there would be no propriety in supposing this warning to be given after that work was performed; as it could appropriately be given only when the two-horned beast was about to enforce, and while he was endeavoring to enforce, that worship; and as the second coming of Christ immediately succeeds the proclamation of this message; it follows that the duties enjoined by this message, and the decrees enforced by the two-horned beast, constitute the last test to be brought to bear upon the world; and hence the two-horned beast performs his work, not ages in the past, but among the last generation of men. The second passage which shows that the work of the two-horned beast is performed just before the close of time, is found in Rev. 15: 2, which we have shown to refer to the same company spoken of in chapter 14: 1-5. Here is a company who have gotten the victory over the beast and his image and the mark and the number of his name; in other words, they have been in direct conflict with the two-horned beast, which endeavors to enforce the worship of the beast and the reception of his mark. And these are “redeemed from among men” (14: 4), or were translated from among the living at the second coming of Christ. 1 Cor. 15: 51, 52; 1 Thess. 4: 16, 17. This again shows conclusively that it is the last generation which witnesses the work of this power. The third passage is Rev. 19: 20, which speaks of the two-horned beast under the title of the false prophet, and mentions a point not given in Rev. 13, namely, the doom he is to meet. In the battle of the great day, which takes place in connection with the second coming of Christ, verses 11-19, the false prophet, or two-horned beast, is cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone; and the word “alive” signifies that this power will be at that time a living power performing its part in all its strength and vigor. This power is not to pass off the stage of action and be succeeded by another; but is to be a ruling power till destroyed by the King of kings and Lord of lords, when he comes to dash the nations in pieces with a rod of iron. The sum of the argument, then, on this matter of chronology, is this: That the two-horned beast does not come into the field of this vision previous to the year 1798; that it performs its work while the last generation of men is living on the earth; and that it comes up to the battle of the great day, a living power in the full vigor of its strength. As it was shown in the argument on the location of the two-horned beast, that we were limited in our application to this western continent, so we are limited still further by its chronology; for it must not only be some power which arises this side of the Atlantic, but one which is seen coming up here at a particular time. Taking our stand then in the year 1798, the time indicated in the prophecy, we invite the careful attention of the reader to this question: What independent power in either North or South America, was at that time “coming up,” in a manner to answer to the conditions of the prophecy? All that part of North America lying to the north of us was under the dominion of Russia and Great Britain. Mexico, to the south-west, was a Spanish colony. Passing to South America, Brazil belonged to Portugal, and most of the other South American States were under Spanish control. In short, there was not then a single civilized, independent government in the New World, except our own United States. No other nation, therefore, can be the one represented in the prophecy; but this one so far answers to it most accurately. It has always taken the lead of all European settlements in this hemisphere. It was “coming up” at the exact time indicated in the prophecy. Like a lofty monument in a field all its own, stand the United States on this continent, grand, unique, unexplainable. So far as God's providence works among the nations for the accomplishment of his purposes, it is visible in the development of this country as an agent to fulfill his word. On these two vital points of location and chronology the arguments which show that our country is the one represented by the symbol of the two-horned beast, are absolutely conclusive. C. S. Promptness in God’s Service.
By S. N. Haskell
“Now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” These words were spoken by Ananias to Paul after they had learned what the will of God was. Saul was on his way from Jerusalem to Damascus, having authority to bring those Christians that were there bound unto Jerusalem to be punished. And it came to pass as he was nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone about him a great light, and a voice from heaven, saying, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” The inquiry was at once, “Who art thou, Lord?” The reply was, “I am Jesus of Nazareth whom thou persecutest.” Then with promptness came these words, “What shall I do, Lord?” He was told to “arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed thee to do.” The Spirit of God instructed Ananias to go to him and bear the following message: “The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be a witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.” After Ananias had delivered his message, he immediately said, “Now why tarriest thou?” &c. Acts 22. He that was thus called of God promptly obeyed. It was his uncompromising promptness in the service of God that made him so useful a man. He would not reason with sin for a moment. He did not count his life dear unto himself in accomplishing all the will of God concerning himself. On one occasion when the prophet Agabus notified Paul that he would be bound if he went up to Jerusalem, and in view of it the brethren wept, “Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13. God has committed talents which are a means of usefulness to every one of his people. “For the kingdom of Heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.” Matt. 25:14, 15. Thus all are responsible to a greater or less extent in the cause of Christ. We have something to do to help spread the truth and bring men and women into the one fold. None can fold their hands and sit in idleness in this cause but at the peril of their soul. One in the parable alluded to tried it. “Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed; and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth; lo, there thou hast that is thine.” Matt. 25:24, 25. The result of this was, the talent was taken from him and his portion was assigned into outer darkness, where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth. The work of the Christian is an aggressive work. Individually they are to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” Daily victories are to be gained over those selfish propensities which war against the soul. It is not a pleasant task to be crucified and die, yet this is really to take place with the carnal heart in the experience of all that are saved. Says the apostle, “I die daily.” The work of God is also aggressive in the world. And our duty in relation to this work is according to the nature of the work itself. If we live in a time when God has a special message to give to this world, a warning to go to many “peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings,” then certain steps must be taken to do this. Plans must be laid, and the work itself must be extended. The borders of Zion must be enlarged. The banner of truth must be unfolded and flung to the breeze in new fields. A promptness in this work on the part of God’s people should be manifested in every indication of the providence of God in this direction. It is cheering to the heart of every believer in present truth when any plan is laid to extend this work in new fields, when any enterprise presents itself that indicates progress. Then comes a question of importance to each one of us, What is my individual duty under the circumstances? What can I do to help these particular moves forward? The earnest prayers throughout the entire ranks of God’s people should ascend as the prayers of one man for its success. Our sympathies should be alive and drawn out in all such indications of God’s providence. Means should come in from the rich and the poor, and even children, according to the ability of each, to sustain such moves. It is when these various moves are new that help is most needed. It is when they are weak that one dollar will count more than ten after the mission or enterprise has become strong by many friends being raised up to sustain it. It is in such a crisis when special efforts should be made to advance in this work. And those who cannot see the importance of moving then are great losers spiritually. The question then comes home to us, How much faith have we in the work? Are our souls stirred to the very depths by these solemn truths? Does every pulsation of our hearts beat with lively emotion as the evidences appear from time to time that this truth is finding a reception in the hearts of almost every tongue under heaven? Do such moves as the Danish and Norwegian enterprise, the Swedish and Oregon Missions, stir our hearts? If so, where is the evidence of this in the responses to the calls for the work to be sustained? It is a great blessing to have a heart that can feel in times like this; and it is a great misfortune to have hearts so full of murmurings, or to become so overcharged with the cares of this life that there is no room for an interest that will lead us to a prompt action in these things. If we share in the victory we must take part in the conflict. Would we be strong in God, then energetic and prompt action on our part is necessary. Ere long and the work of grace closes, probation ends, and we are called upon to bring the talents committed to us to see how much every one has gained. If there is no gain, if we have not gathered with Christ, if the Judgment reveals that there be no fruit as the result of the talents God has committed to us, then no place will be found for us in the kingdom of God. Now is the time to “be ready to distribute,” to “lay up treasure in Heaven,” to “make our calling and election sure.” These are golden moments. God is calling to us by his providence and Spirit to move forward, to take advance steps in his precious cause. Happy is the man that knows the joyful sound and whose heart beats in unison with the Spirit of God in his work. Benevolence.
By JOS. CLARKE
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” Isa. 55:1. Let him who would learn a lesson of benevolence read the whole of the fifty-fifth chapter of Isaiah, and let him see there how full and free God has made the offer of salvation. Again, in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. What a costly gift has God made to man to save him from ruin! The inspired word of God, is free as the air we breathe. Read aright, it lifts us above the clouds of unbelief, into the clear, bracing atmosphere of faith. And again; “Give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal, shall it be measured to you again. Luke 6:38. Again, in Acts 10:4: said the angelic messenger to Cornelius; “Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.” Yes; his alms went up with his prayers, and were his bank stock; and his dividend was infinitely better than large per cent and high rates of interest and premium. Read of the dealings of God with Israel. When they became penurious and close and withheld the costly offerings that the law required, then came famine, pestilence, and war; but when they cheerfully met the demands of the law, and liberally supported their religious institutions, then came prosperity and peace, victory and success. Says the wise man: “The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered also himself;” Prov. 11:25; and Isaiah testifies that “the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.” Isa. 32:8. The providence of God has been, is now, and will always be, favorable to the liberal heart and hand. You have only to observe carefully the history and experience of individuals to see this. There is a record above of all that is done in this world; and the sympathizing heart which responds at once to the calls of benevolence and philanthropy is well known in the home of angels, and God's care is especially exercised in their behalf. Men live and toil and struggle year after year for a fortune; yet suddenly they die and leave it all. Strange that no more of their wealth is deposited in the bank of Heaven. There it is safe—no need of insurance there; there all is security and bliss. Are you a person of large or of small means, by all considerations hasten to send on something to the bank of Heaven for your future need. JOS. CLARKE. Love, the Weapon That Conquers Rebel Man
LOVE is the weapon which Omnipotence reserved to conquer rebel man when all other weapons failed. Reason he parries; fear he answers blow to blow; future interests he meets with present pleasures, but love, that sun against whose melting beams winter cannot stand—that soft subduing slumber which wrestles down the giant—there is not one human being in a million whose clay heart is hardened against love. Bearing Witness Within the Bounds of Experience
It is ours to witness for Jesus; but our testimony cannot go beyond our experience. Walla Walla, W. T.
By I. D. Van Horn
Our meetings have now been in progress nineteen days. The congregations and interest still hold good. We have presented for the consideration of the people, the prophecies, the second coming of Christ, and the law and Sabbath question. On Sunday evening, the 10th inst., after considering the subject of the restoration of the Bible Sabbath, we called for an expression, when between fifty and seventy-five arose, thus saying they were convinced that the seventh day was the Bible Sabbath. When the question was reversed, not one witness, out of a congregation of about three hundred and fifty, arose in favor of Sunday. We have had but few books, but they have been eagerly taken to the amount of about $20.00. Some of the best citizens of the town are interested in our meetings. We believe the Lord is hearing prayer for us here, and that his good hand is with us. Maiden Rock, Wis.
By H. F. Phelps
I came to this place the evening of the 7th with fear and trembling. I was with the friends here nine days. Visited sixteen families, and held six meetings. Obtained one subscriber for the REVIEW, seven for the True Missionary, and five for the Instructor. In our meetings the Lord was truly with us. The spirit of weeping and confession was with us. I only spoke three times, but endeavored that the words should be such as to encourage, and show what we must be if we stand the test of the Judgment. At our last Sabbath meeting nearly forty were present, old and young. All rose for prayers, pledging that they would seek God for themselves. One, who has been a bitter opposer, has recently embraced the truth. This church has passed through some terrible trials. But God has blessed them. Six of the families are young in the cause, and some of them have been reading and investigating the truth for six years. Now the seed is springing up, and may it bear fruit to the glory of God. This should encourage us. Let us sow by the side of all waters. This church seem encouraged. Several of the young rose for prayers, and there is a very great responsibility resting upon these parents and the church to lead these young people on. We organized a Sabbath-school and Bible-class. The most of them are in earnest, and still others are interested. I called on, and prayed with, our Danish friends where Bro. Olsen labored last winter. Two attended our meetings. I am now in a new place. Held one meeting—about fifty present. Best of attention. Pray that the blessing of God may be with me. Frankford, Pepin Co., Wis., May 18, 1874. Among the Swedes.
By Charles Lee
With a feeling of joy have I for the last few weeks, again witnessed the doings of the Lord in bringing souls upon the platform, where God's waiting people, who expect the speedy return of their Lord, are standing. Even in the State of Iowa has the third angel's message found its way to our Swedish people. Praise be to God! Near Lansing, Allamakee County, where I came to labor the 21st of April last, I found a settlement of Swedes, mostly Baptists, whose attention had been recently called to the observance of the Lord's Sabbath. Two of the most influential men of the church had, by reading the REVIEW, received light upon this truth, and also brought it before the church for consideration. At first, it is said, many acknowledged the seventh day to be the Lord's holy Sabbath and seemed willing to keep it; but in looking upon the cross connected with the weekly practice of keeping a day separated from the customs of the country, certain men in the church rose up against it, and with the help of a minister used to the work, hushed up all voices in favor of the Lord's Sabbath, and expelled those men from the church who had brought the light to the people. To give the reader an understanding of the influence those men had over the church who were expelled on account of the Lord's Sabbath, I need only state that one of them had been a missionary for the Baptist denomination in Sweden for about seventeen years and the pastor of this church for three years. The other man had lived a Christian life for thirty years, and been the elder of this same church over ten years. Now compare the testimony of our Lord, found in John 16:2, and thus you will understand the meaning of that and similar passages of the Scriptures. To clear away from the inquiring minds all thoughts and feelings for the sacred day of God, no-lawism was pressed upon them and carried out under the name of “a new light of the gospel.” Horrible gospel! Daring teachers! Pitiable people! Never have I found any people more prejudiced than here. They had strongly agreed not to go to our meetings. The minister did all he could to misrepresent us to the people. I am glad that he had to acknowledge, before his own church members, that he had wrongly dealt with us, and also that he promised to make known from the pulpit his wrong-doing in misrepresenting us. This was more than many would do. I continued my meetings for some over two weeks, and although our number was few who assembled in God's holy name, we realized the truthfulness of our Lord's promise: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” On the Sabbath and Sunday of the 9th and 10th of May, we enjoyed a good visit from the brethren and sisters at Waukon. We were very happy in meeting with those dear friends as they brought with them a good influence, and, their general manners, expressed a godly fear that solemnly rested upon us all. On Sunday P. M. we organized a church of thirteen members, known as the Village Creek church. Three willing souls were baptized, among whom was Bro. Show of Waukon. Afterward we were all blessed in carrying out the humiliating example set by our dear Saviour; and, could truly say that we all learned more of the fact that “the servant is not greater than his master;” and in that knowledge, we were all happy. See John 13:16, 17. After this blessed expression of humiliation, the emblems of our dear Lord, as a sacrifice for us upon the cruel cross, were enjoyed by the little company, and, truly, we had a refreshing season. On Monday following, we had our business meeting and selected officers, among whom Bro. C. Hamren (formerly pastor of the Baptist church) was chosen as the leader, and Bro. A. Swedberg, treasurer. The Systematic Benevolence pledges for this year amounted to $32.00. The church desire to be taken under the watchcare of the Iowa Conference. Although the Village Creek church is not very large at present, we have a strong hope that the honest souls about here, in whose heart a ray of the light of present truth has penetrated, will soon yield to its influence, and that the young friends who so often meet with us around the family altar, as well as at our general assemblies, cannot long wander astray from the fold of Jesus. How blessed it is to behold the work of God's Holy Spirit in carrying out the design of our dear Saviour, and to find how that fervent prayer that he prayed to his Father in Heaven, while standing upon this sinful earth, is answered! Earnestly he prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth. . . . that they all may be one; as thou Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.” John 17:17-22. How true that the blessed truth which we as a people preach and practice, unites the hearts together; and, how could it be otherwise, as long as we “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus”?