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The Great Controversy
of the world? The application of the symbol admits of no question.
One nation, and only one, meets the specifications of this prophecy; it
points unmistakably to the United States of America. Again and again
the thought, almost the exact words, of the sacred writer has been
unconsciously employed by the orator and the historian in describing
the rise and growth of this nation. The beast was seen “coming up out
of the earth;” and, according to the translators, the word here rendered
“coming up” literally signifies “to grow or spring up as a plant.” And, as
we have seen, the nation must arise in territory previously unoccupied.
A prominent writer, describing the rise of the United States, speaks
of “the mystery of her coming forth from vacancy,“ and says: “Like
a silent seed we grew into empire.”—G. A. Townsend, The New
World Compared With the Old, page 462. A European journal in
1850 spoke of the United States as a wonderful empire, which was
“emerging,” and “amid the silence of the earth daily adding to its power
and pride.”—The Dublin Nation. Edward Everett, in an oration on
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the Pilgrim founders of this nation, said: “Did they look for a retired
spot, inoffensive for its obscurity, and safe in its remoteness, where
the little church of Leyden might enjoy the freedom of conscience?
Behold the mighty regions over which, in peaceful conquest, ... they
have borne the banners of the cross!”—Speech delivered at Plymouth,
Massachusetts, Dec. 22, 1824, page 11.
“And he had two horns like a lamb.” The lamblike horns indicate
youth, innocence, and gentleness, fitly representing the character of the
United States when presented to the prophet as “coming up” in 1798.
Among the Christian exiles who first fled to America and sought an
asylum from royal oppression and priestly intolerance were many who
determined to establish a government upon the broad foundation of
civil and religious liberty. Their views found place in the Declaration of
Independence, which sets forth the great truth that “all men are created
equal” and endowed with the inalienable right to “life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness.” And the Constitution guarantees to the people
the right of self-government, providing that representatives elected
by the popular vote shall enact and administer the laws. Freedom of
religious faith was also granted, every man being permitted to worship
God according to the dictates of his conscience. Republicanism and
Protestantism became the fundamental principles of the nation. These
principles are the secret of its power and prosperity. The oppressed