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The Great Controversy 1888
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 have 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.” [
Townsend, in “The New World
Compared with the Old,” p. 462.
] A European journal in 1850 spoke of
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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 the Pilgrim founders
of this nation, said: “Did they look for a retired spot, inoffensive
from its obscurity, safe in its remoteness from the haunts of despots,
where the little church of Leyden might enjoy freedom of conscience?
Behold the mighty regions over which, in peaceful conquest, ... they
have borne the banners of the cross.”
“And he had two horns like a lamb.” The lamb-like horns indicate
youth, innocence, and gentleness, fitly representing the character of
the United States when presented to the prophet as “coming up” in
1798. The Christian exiles who first fled to America, sought an asylum
from royal oppression and priestly intolerance, and they determined to
establish a government upon the broad foundation of civil and religious
liberty. The Declaration of Independence 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 and down-trodden throughout Christendom have turned
to this land with interest and hope. Millions have sought its shores,