Throughout the book of Revelation there are three Antichrist religions spoken of. These are symbolized by a "dragon," a "beast," and "his image," or "the false prophet." They are: the Pagan, symbolized by the "dragon;" the Papal, symbolized by "the beast;" and the Protestant, symbolized by the "image" or "false prophet." These religions have always been antagonistic to the true church of God. "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars; and she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days."-Rev. 12:1-6.
"And there appeared a great wonder in heaven." By turning to Rev. 4:1, 2 the reader will observe that John, "in the Spirit," was caught up into heaven and was shown things that were to transpire upon the earth. While there, he saw in symbols what would be on the earth in reality. The woman here described represents the true church of God-the bride of Christ-in her primitive unity and purity. She was "clothed with the sun," a striking emblem of Jesus Christ, the Sun of righteousness, the light and glory of the church. She was clothed with his light, purity, and power. The twelve stars in her crown represent the twelve apostles. Her travail in birth, and pain to be delivered, represent the earnest labor of the apostolic church for the salvation of the world. The fruit of matrimony is offspring. The church sustains the same relation to Christ that a wife does to her husband: and like a true companion she joined heart and soul with him in the great cause which drew him to earth. Thus the whole church is a unit made up of "workers together with God" in the salvation of lost souls. Both "the Spirit and the bride say, Come." "As soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children."-Isa. 66:8. She "is the mother of us all."-Gal. 4:26. It is said that she "brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron." This man child stands for the great and mighty host of children who were brought forth by the pristine church, just as the man of sin in 2 Thess. 2 stands for the great apostasy. This child was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. This is the fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy concerning the church, that "the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever."-Dan. 7:18. The Lord himself applies the foregoing language to his people, in Rev. 2:26, 27-"He that overcometh . . . to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron." Thank God, they overcame; yea were "more than conquerors."
But it is said that John saw another wonder in heaven -a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads." This dragon represents Rome under the Pagan religion. The seven heads represent the seven supreme forms of government which the Roman Empire had which were as follows: the regal power, the dictatorship, the decemvirate, the consular, the triumvirate, the imperial, and the patriciate. The angel said to John: "Five are fallen, and one is [The sixth head, or that which existed in John's time, was the imperial power of the heathen Caesars.], and the other is not yet come." -Rev. 17:9, 10. The ten horns of the dragon represent the ten kingdoms which grew out of the Roman Empire. An exposition of these has been given in the preceding chapter. The "tail" of the dragon signifies the latter end of his reign. The casting down of the stars doubtless refers to the thousands of bright luminaries who were martyred during the reign of Paganism; for it is said that the dragon stood before the woman to devour her child as soon as it was born. This alludes to the bloody persecutions of Pagan Rome, which terminated near the end of the third century. But as fast as they were daughtered, the souls of the martyrs ascended to Paradise, or, as the Revelator saw it, the child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. Immediately following this, it is said that "the woman fled into the wilderness." This 'wilderness" signifies the great apostasy into which the church went. It is a fact that the apostasy rapidly developed at the end of the Pagan persecutions. The Papacy was substantially set up about A. D. 270. Every history of the church records a rapid decline in all the virtues of the same at that time. The woman, or church, was to remain in this wilderness "a thousand two hundred and threescore days." This is not to be understood in a literal sense; for 1260 natural days would be but three years and a half. In scripture a day is frequently used to signify a year. In Gen. 29 we read of Jacob serving Laban seven years for Rachel. And when the time was fulfilled, Laban gave him Leah, Rachel's older sister, instead. This displeased Jacob; for he loved Rachel. "And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the first-born. Fulfill her week, and we will give this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years. And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week; and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also."-Verses 26-28. Here the reader will observe that seven years are called "a week." "After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, . . . even forty years."-Num. 14:34.
I have appointed thee each day for a year."-Ezek. 4:6. Applying this rule, the 1260 days represent 1260 years. As before stated the Papacy was substantially set up about A. D. 270. Counting forward 1260 years brings us to A. D. 1530, when the first Protestant creed was formed-the Augsburgh Contession-in Germany. It is also a fact that about that time the Reformation was rapidly spreading, and thousands of people dropped the doctrines of the Papacy for the truths advocated by the reformers. Thus after twelve hundred and sixty long years in the dark wilderness of Popery, the church comes out into clearer light. This is one description. Again we are taken over the same ground.
"And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.... And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, unto her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent."-Verses 7-14. Some teachers assert that his war took place in the eternal heavens, the place of God's throne. They say this is the true origin of Beelzebub. Such is preposterous in the extreme. The "war in heaven" is to be understood the same way as the wonders which appeared in heaven. Verses 1 and 3, namely, John while in the Spirit (Rev. 4:1, 2) saw in vision and symbols what took place on the earth in reality.
But who is Michael? "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil, he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee."-Jude 9. Jude calls him the archangel-chief or head of the angelic host. This in a sense is true of Christ. See Heb. 1 3-6; 1 Pet. 3:22. But Jude further states that Michael, when contending with the devil, said, "The Lord rebuke thee." This contention is recorded in Zech. 3 1, 2. We will give it as rendered in the Septuagint Version. "And the Lord
showed me Jesus the High Priest standing before the angel the Lord, and the devil stood on his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said to the devil, The Lord rebuke thee, O devil." This is clear. Michael is Jesus-the Lord. Daniel calls Michael "the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people."-Dan. 12:1.
Hear the fulfillment of this prophecy: "The God of our fathers hath raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand l to be a prince and a Savior for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."-Acts 5:30, 31. Further proof is not necessary. Michael is the Lord Jesus Christ. As before proved, the dragon represents Paganism, or Rome under the Pagan religion. Now, if by the dragon be meant Beelzebub himself, then we are led to the conclusion that the great apostate Spirit is a monster having seven heads and ten horns, and also that he has a tail, with which he drags after him the third part of the stars of heaven. God never created such an angel, nor can it be proved that Satan now has such an appearance. The appelations "old serpent," "devil," and "Satan" must, therefore, l understood figuratively. Paganism is called "the devil," because its religion was purely of devilish origin. Paul says that "the things which the Gentiles [heathen nations] sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils.... and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye can not drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils."-1 Cor. 10:20, l 1. It is called "Satan," which is a Hebrew word signifying n adversary, from its great opposition to and persecution of the Christian church. It is also called "that old serpent which deceiveth the whole world, from its subtlety against the Christians, and its causing the whole Roman world, as far as it was in its power, to embrace the absurdities of Paganisms. At the ushering in of this gospel dispensation, Paganism was the universal religion. Even the Jews as a nation had accepted it; forsaking the God of their fathers, they were worshiping idols. Rome held universal sway. Paganism held the highest position on earth when Christ appeared to save the world. But he who is called Michael, because he is like God, he and his angels (messengers-ministry) waged war against this dragon in his high places. Being victorious he proved to the world that Paganism had no right to such a high seat. Therefore Christ cast him down, and set up his kingdom instead.
It is said that "the dragon fought [opposed Christianity] and his angels [Paganism's adherents, messengers or advocates], and prevailed not [were not able to conquer that kingdom which 'broke in pieces' and 'consumed all others ]; neither was their place found any more in heaven [Paganism no longer held the highest throne of honor.]: and the great dragon was cast out [Christianity prevailed.] ... And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven Now is come salvation and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ." This represents the glorious triumph of the gospel over heathen darkness in the beginning of the Christian era, the victory Christianity obtained over Paganism, a song Or triumph of the church of God over heathen idolatry. "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb; ... and they loved not their lives unto death." Here is given the reason why the followers of Christ prevailed at this time against all their adversaries. It was because they fought against the dragon in the armor of God. "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb," by proclaiming salvation to sinners through Christ crucified, and by their continual inter cessions at the throne of grace for the conversion of the heathen world. All this they did at the peril of their lives.
It is further said that when the dragon saw he we, cast down, "he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child." This refers to the Pagan persecutions against the church. When Rome saw her religion crumbling and falling before the increasing light of the gospel which was rapidly filling the earth, she tried to save herself by slaughtering the Christians; but this only increased the work of God, and watchfires were kindled in every land. The then known world was being rapidly girdled with salvation, which caused heathen Rome finally to totter and fall. Next the woman fled into the wilderness "for a time, and times, and half a time." This wilderness is the same as that spoken of in Ver. 6, which was before proved to signify the great apostasy. In Ver, 6 it is said that the woman remained in the wilderness "a thousand two hundred and threescore days," which, as before proved, signifies 1260 years. Here it is said she remained for "a time, and times, and half a time," or three and one-half times. A time signifies a year. See Dan. 4:23, 25. Three and one-half times, then, equal three and one-half years, or forty-two months: and counting thirty days to the month according to the Jewish calendar ~e have 1260 days, or years. It is further said that "the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." -Ver. 17. "The remnant of her seed" refers to the few who faithfully stood for the truth down through the dark ages. The dragon, being conquered (cast down) and his power broken by Christianity, became wroth at the woman, or church, and through his son-the "beast"-made war against the remnant of her seed.
"And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."-Rev. 13:1-8. This beast represents the Papacy. It will be seen that the beast resembles the old dragon in some respects. The dragon had ten horns, so had the beast. These horns are the same. As before observed, they represent the ten kingdoms that grew out of he Roman Empire. But how could the ten kingdoms of Pagan Rome serve as the horns of Papal Rome? Answer: These gave their "power and strength to the beast." See Rev. 17:12, 13, and 17. Thus the dragon gave to the beast his power. By the removal of the seat of Pagan government from Rome to Constantinople, leaving Rome in the hands of Popery, the dragon gave the beast his seat, and great authority.
It is said that all the world wondered after the beast. This refers to the universality of the domain of the Papacy. "And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast." Papal Rome has many rites which she borrowed from Pagan Rome. Among others, doing penance, use of holy water, so prominent in Papal worship, worshipping images, etc. Roman Catholics in observing these things simply worship the old dragon-Paganism. The prophecy that there was given him a mouth speaking great things was fulfilled in the uttering of the following great blasphemies by the mouth of the Pope of Rome: "I am King of kings, and Lord of lords; holy father; vicegerent of the Son of God. I am infallible. I have power to forgive sins; to release from purgatory; to damn and to save." "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them." This was fulfilled in the great persecutions of the "dark ages."
The forty-two months that the beast was to reign, counting thirty days to the month, are equal to 1260 days. This, counting a day for a year (Ezek. 4:6), equals 1260 years. As before observed, the 1260 years extend to 1530, when the first Protestant creed was formed. "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight l of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by the sword and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their forehead: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is six hundred threescore and six."-Rev. 13:11-18.
This second beast which arose and exercised all the power of the first beast (Popery) before him, represents Protestantism. Just as Popery exercised universal authority, so does Protestantism today. This is in reality a Protestant world. The two horns of this beast, like the ten horns of the first beast, must be two temporal powers which have stood back of Protestantism. These are England and Germany. Their being lamb-like signifies tolerance of these nations. This beast came up out the earth. All Protestant sects are earth-born. Not one of them is of divine origin. "And he spake as a dragon." Some of the dregs of Paganism can even be traced into Protestantism. The causing the people to worship the first beast (Popery) is fulfilled by the Protestant sects adopting in their creeds many rites and doctrines of the Papacy. By observing these, Protestant people worship Popery. Among other things that Protestants have brought out of Catholicism are: Sprinkling for baptism; infant damnation unless baptized; water baptism for the forgiveness of past sins; all outside the pales of the church (?) are lost. The coming down of fire from heaven has been fulfilled in the different spiritual reformations that took place during the reign of Protestantism, when torrents of Holy Spirit fire fell upon the people. After the fire it is said that the people became deceived, and made “an image to the beast [Papacy], which had the wound by the sword.
[Note.-This wound was inflicted by the Reformation when the temporal power of the Pope was broken.] and did live."
Beloved, here is the truth of the foregoing. The Reformation under Luther was spiritual. Watch-fires were kindled throughout Germany and other European countries until thousands who had been bound in Papal darkness were made free in Christ. The blessings of God rested upon the labors of those early reformers. But in time many of them became exalted because God was favoring and prospering them; so they came together and organized a sect, which was simply an image to the old Papal beast. The result was an immediate decline in spirituality. Thus it was in the Wesleyan reformation. For almost fifty years the world shook under their labors. Torrents of the Holy Spirit fire fell in their meetings. But after a while they organized and made an image to the beast. As soon as they did this their power and spirituality began to decline. The various branches of Methodism today are spiritually dead. When the pure word is presented to them, showing that in order to be clear they must separate from formality and confusion and stand complete in Christ, they begin to argue in favor of their religion on the grounds that God did in the past work among them. As one writer states it, "Why don't they boast of what Protestantism is today? Alas! They are ashamed of it. Or at least they ought to be." So it has been clear down through the ages of Protestantism. Time and again men would receive an increase of light upon some point of scripture and start a spiritual reformation. But as soon as they would receive a following, instead of abiding alone in Christ, they would organize a sect-an image to the beast. This was always followed by spiritual dearth. History records the fact that some of these Protestant sects became persecuting powers and even put to death those who would not submit to their doctrines.
It might be asked, How can the second beast apply to Protestantism and the image be made to apply to the same thing? In Rev. 13:1-8 Papal Rome is symbolized by a beast having seven heads and ten horns, and upon I his heads the names of blasphemy. In Rev. 17:3 we have the same beast, but this time a woman upon it. What is said of the beast is said of the woman. Rev. 13:7, 17:6, 18:24. The woman represents the Roman Catholic sect while the beast represents the power of Roman Catholicism, or the Papacy. So with the second beast and the "image" to the first beast. The second beast represents Protestantism as a whole, or the religion of Protestantism, while the "image" represents the sect institution.
The mark in the forehead signifies the sectarian education and teaching which inculcates the doctrines of the various sects in the minds of their adherents. The mark in the right hand may signify the receiving of members into the sect. The number 666 applies to the number of sects that were to make up Protestantism. This is not to be understood strictly in a literal sense, but symbolically. Protestantism is elsewhere called "the false prophet." Compare Rev. 19:20 with Rev. 13:14. We have been as brief as possible on this chapter.
We will now turn to Rev. 20:1-3-"And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the ~bottomless pit, . . . and after that he must be loosed a little season." Upon this scripture theological speculators have sat until the world is full of opposing theories. Most Millennial teachers admit that the book of Revelations is highly symbolic, but when they come to the twentieth chapter they all contend it must be interpreted literally. "Observe, dear reader, how closely Rev. 20:1-3 agrees with Rev. 12:7-10. It was the dragon that was bound by the angel-the dragon with seven heads and ten horns. Rev. 12:3, 4. There is but one dragon spoken of throughout the book of Revelation, and that dragon represents Pagan Rome. The appellations "old serpent," "Devil," and "Satan," in these texts have already been considered. The casting down of the dragon in Rev. 12 is identical with his binding in Rev. 20. The angel which came down from 'heaven and bound the dragon was Michael the archangel, i. e., Jesus Christ. He has the keys of death and hell. Rev. 1:18. The great chain with which he bound the dragon was the gospel of the kingdom. Christ with the eternal truths which he advocated, both in person and through his apostolic ministry, bound the religion of Paganism, and hurled it from its lofty position to the great abyss from which it emanated.
"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."-Verses 4-6. The thousand years in these texts, like the one hundred and forty and four thousand in Rev. 7:4; 14:1, and the twelve hundred and sixty days in Rev. 12:6; 11:3, are not to be understood literally.
They signify a long period of time. "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them"-the glory of Christ's kingdom before the apostasy. Through the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit multitudes were raised up from a dead state in sins to life in Christ. This great host thus quickened into life in the clear morning of the Christian era composed the first great spiritual resurrection. Through full salvation they were made kings and priests unto God; and sitting upon thrones of love they reigned "in life" over sin, Satan, and disease. "And judgment was given unto them." The righteous judgments of God executed by the apostolic church against the works of darkness. This caused Satan's kingdom to fall "like lightning." But soon the apostasy came. The clear light of truth was largely extinguished by the darkness and superstitions that filled the earth. An awful beast power reigned for twelve hundred and sixty years. This was Popery. During her reign about fifty-five millions of God's people who would not "worship the beast," namely, submit to her doctrines, were put to death. Next came the religion of Protestantism, when an image to the first beast was made.
During this long period of time the kingdom of God was largely hid under the human rubbish of men. The reign on earth ceased, and the only reign enjoyed by God's people during that "thousand years"-long period of time -was enjoyed with Christ in Paradise. The thousands who had taken part in the first resurrection, before the great apostasy, together with those mentioned in the fourth verse who lived true to God during the reign of the beast (Popery) and his image (Protestantism) many of whom were "beheaded for the witness of Jesus," as soon as they died were caught up unto God and to his throne and reigned with him in a disembodied state. While on earth the reign of God's people ceased, they still continued during that thousand years to reign with Christ in Paradise. But, thank God, the time has come that God's people again reign upon earth. Daniel with prophetic eye looked down to the end of the apostasy and saw the "ancient of days"-the old apostolic times-returning. And he said that "judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom."-Dan. 7:21, 22. Hallelujah! That time has come. A mighty host is being gathered out of the apostasy; while thousands of the "rest of the dead" are being quickened into life. These stand upon the sea of glass (pure word and holiness of God), and have victory over ~e beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name. Rev. 15:2.
Thus at both ends of the great apostasy God's kingdom triumphs upon earth, and a glorious reign of righteousness is enjoyed "in life" by the people of God; while spring the long period of apostasy, the only reign enjoyed by the people of God was with Christ in Paradise. The time has now come when the human rubbish of sectism, which for centuries past has hid from clear view the true church or kingdom of God, is being cleared away and consumed by the burning judgments of his truth. The church is again shining forth in power and unity. Every honest soul is fleeing out of the midst of Babylon confusion, and is coming to Zion with songs and everlasting joy.
Isa. 35:10. Upon the plain of Armageddon the Lord is assembling his "mighty ones"-sanctified host. Read Isa. 13:2-4; Rev. 16:16. "The Lord of hosts mustereth the hosts of the battle., God's holy messengers are "blowing the trumpet in Zion which calls together the elect from the four winds-Babylon confusion. Joel 2:1; Matt. 24: 30-33; Zech. 2:6, 7. Here the artillery of heaven is planted, and from the heights of Zion the gospel truths fall upon the partition walls of Babylon like "great hailstones." Ezek. 13:10-15. This redeemed host of saints is already advancing against the "strongholds" of darkness, and the weapons of their warfare are "mighty through God" to the pulling down of the same. "A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth." This fire which devours is the word sent forth by the Spirit. "Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them." -Jer. 5:14. The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen so shall they run. Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array. Before their face the people shall be much pained. All face' shall gather blackness. [We see this today wherever the straight word is preached.] . . . And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army [All his sheep hear and know his voice, and they follow him. John 10.]: for his camp is very great; for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible, and who can abide it?"-Joel 2:-11.
A description of the triumphs of Christ's kingdom in this evening time is given in Rev. 19:11-17-"And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse and he that sat upon it was called Faithful and True: and in righteousness he cloth judge and make war.... He was clothed with vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called the Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, and out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: . . . and he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. And I saw an angel standing in the sun and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God."
By turning to Rev. 6:1, 2 the reader will observe that about the same description of this white horse and his rider is given there. At the opening of the first seal John "saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow, and a crown was given unto him; and he lent forth conquering, and to conquer." This represents the kingdom of God as established by Christ in the beginning of this age. "White horse" denotes its purity and holiness. Jesus Christ enthroned universal king goes forth conquering the nations through his pure apostolic ministry, "leading captivity captive." This represents the triumphs of Christ's kingdom in the morning of the Christian era, while Rev. 19 describes its triumphs in the evening in the same. Jesus Christ is again riding forth in the realness of his strength executing his righteous judgments upon the works of darkness, and making war against all false religions. The armies which follow him are his sanctified saints, who are raised up in "heavenly places." these are clothed in fine linen, which represents their righteousness. See Verse 8. Upon the bridles of their horses is "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD."-Zech 14:20. The sharp sword that smites the nations is the word of oaf. Heb. 4:12. Those who are smitten are the thousands who refuse to walk in all the light, but reject and oppose the straight word. This includes the multitudes in Babylon today. The slain of the Lord are many. Isa. 66:15, 16. A great slaughter is now going on. Just lay down this book and carefully read the following scriptures: Jer. 3:12; Isa. 33:1-3, 5, 6, 8; Ezek. 39:4,17-20. The thousands was slain by the word become a great spiritual "carcass" preyed upon by evil spirits. Matt. 24:28; Ezek. 39:4, 17; 19:17.
Feathered fowls and birds of prey, in these texts, signify the deceptive spirits of devils that swarm in Babylon today. Rev. 18:2-4. These feast upon the dead carcasses of the Babylon professors. This feast is called "the supper of the great God." The word "supper" proves that this was to take place in the evening of time. Beloved reader, we are in that very time.
God is sweeping through the nations, With an awful searching eye; Ev'ry spot of imperfection Must be purged, or hope must die. Jesus gave himself to purchase Him a pure and spotless bride; In this evening time, he cleanseth Her beneath the crimson tide. For his church he now must suffer This unwilling sacrifice: Give to evil spirits' supper, All who give to sin a place. See "his sword is bathed in heaven" And the mountains strewn with dead; "All ye birds and beasts' assemble," Lo! a feast for you is spread. Hear the angel loudly crying, Standing in the blazing sun, Wake, O man! while time is flying, And the judgment has begun. God is coming, O my brother; Can you face the solemn day? All the pure his angels gather, The defiled become a prey.
-Selected.
This great war against the false religions of earth is incurring the united opposition of the sectarian world. Multitudes of its deceived professors are rising in opposition to the truth. All counterfeit religions are uniting in confederation. This may culminate in a bloody persecution against the true church before the end. "And I saw the beast, and kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army."-Rev. 19:19. This brings us to consider the loosing of the dragon. It is said that after the expiration of the thousand years "he must be loosed a little season."-Rev. 20:3. "And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea."- Ver 8. The loosing of the dragon is the revival of the old Pagan religion in these last days. This is fulfilled in devil-worship called Spiritualism, and in several other forms at the present time. Ever since the Congress of Religions held at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893, teachers of the religions of India and the Orient have been at work in this country and many converts have been made. Free Masonry is but a form of Paganism. We here give proofs from the pens and publications of this vast body, who are founded on what they call the "Ancient Mysteries." The following was compiled by Fred Husted.
"Warburton says: 'Each of the Pagan gods had (beside the public and open) a secret worship paid unto him, to which none were admitted but those who had been elected by preparatory ceremonies called initiation. This secret worship was called "The Mysteries".
"Mackey, another member of this order, says, "These mysteries existed in every country of heathendom, in each under a different name, and to some extent under a different form, but always and everywhere with the same design of inculcating (teaching) by allegorical and symbolical teachings the great Masonic doctrines of the unity of God and the immortality of the soul. This is one important proposition and the fact which it enumerates (states) must never be lost sight of, in any inquiry into the origin of Free Masonry; for the Pagan mysteries were to the spurious Free Masonry of antiquity precisely what the Masters' lodges are to the Free Masonry of the present day."
"This is certainly a frank statement, coming as it does from a man who is an acknowledged and highly esteemed authority in matters pertaining to the craft. Daniel Sickles says, 'In Egypt, Greece, and among other ancient nations Free Masonry, that is, the Mysteries, was one of the earliest agencies employed to effect the improvement and enlightenment of man.' Pierson says, 'The identity of the Masonic institutions with the ancient Mysteries is obvious,' which means, clearly to be seen, manifest to any and all.
"Masons say that the order is founded on the Bible- that is unlearned Masons say so. Geo. Wingate Chase, in the 'Digest of Masonic Law,' says, 'The Jews, the Turks, each reject either the New Testament or the Old or both, and yet we see no good reasons why they should not be made Masons. In fact, Blue Lodge [first three degrees] Masonry has nothing whatever to do with the Bible. It is not founded on the Bible. If it were, it would not be Masonry; it would be something else.' Sickles says in speaking of the third, or Master Mason's degree, 'There are characters impressed upon it which can not be mistaken. It is thoroughly Egyptian.' He further says that the tradition is older by a thousand years than Solomon. 'That our [Masonic] rites embrace all the possible circumstances of man, moral, social, and spiritual, and have a meaning high as the heavens, broad as the universe, and profound as eternity.'-Sickles in 'Gen. Chiman Rezon.' The writer was informed when the charges were given him 'that our ancient brethren worshipped in high hills or in low vales and that guards were placed to keep off cowans or eavesdroppers.' By referring to scriptures we at once find the character of those who worshipped on high hills and in low vales, and why they needed a guard to keep off eavesdroppers. 'Thou saidst, I will not transgress; when upon every high hill and under every green tree thou wanderest, playing the harlot.'- Jer. 2:20; 3:6. 'Ye shall utterly destroy all the places, wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree.'-Deut. 12:2. 'Enflaming your selves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the cliffs of the rocks.... Even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice.'-Isa. 57:5-7. They were not afraid of Ahab and Jezebel (2 Kings 7:10; 1 Kings 14:23), and they grew and multiplied in their reigns, and in the reigns of all those of whom it is recorded that 'they did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord.' Some of the kings of Israel and Judah destroyed their high places for them and were highly favored of God for so doing.
"Again, 'The precepts of Jesus could not have been made obligatory upon a Jew. A Christian would have denied the sanction of the Koran. A Mohammedan must have rejected the law of Moses, and a disciple of Zoroaster would have turned from all, to the teaching of his ZendAvesta. The universal law of nature, which the authors of the old charges have properly called the moral, is therefore the only law suited in every respect to be adopted as the Masonic code.'-Mackey's Text-book, 'Masonic Jurisprudence.' If the statements just quoted do not place the secret society of Masonry on a footing decidedly Pagan, it is difficult to say just where it does stand. Masons in opening and closing their lodges still look to the east, where the sun rises. Ezek. 8:1 And he brought me into the inner court of the Lord's house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the Lord, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.'
"Tammuz or Osiris of Egypt, who is declared to be the original of Hiram Abiff the temple-builder, is still mourned for. Ezek. 8:14. See Young's Analytical Concordance or any standard Greek Mythology. Now see Pierson's 'Traditions of Free Masonry.' 'The Masonic legend stands by itself, unsupported by history, or other than its own traditions. Yet we readily recognize in Hiram Abiff the Osiris of the Egyptians, the Mithras of the Persians, the Bacchus of the Greeks [god of drunkenness, or feasts and the like], the Dionysis of the fraternity of artificers, and the Atys of the Phrygians, whose passions, deaths, and resurrections were celebrated by these people respectively.' Thus it is clearly shown that each one of these ancient nations had its counterfeit savior and redeemer, and it is here proved by the words of Masonic Grand Masters, authors, and authorities, that Masonry is of Pagan origin."
At the present time there are several millions of devotees of this form of Paganism in this western or New World, and also many in the Old World. The spirit of old heathen Rome is reviving everywhere, and today it is uniting Gog and Magog against the saints, "and the beloved city [pure church]." Ver. 9. A careful study of Ezekiel 38 and 39 will convince you that by the terms "Gog and Magog" are meant the two forms of the great apostasy-Popery and Protestantism. It is an undeniable fact that the feelings between Catholics and Protestants are becoming more friendly. It is no uncommon thing today for a Catholic to approach Protestant people for means to erect houses of worship, and receive the same. The present Pope and bishops of Rome have frequently expressed themselves in favor of a union of all Christians(?). Cardinal Gibbons in several public addresses has expressed himself decidedly in favor of such a union. This desire has not only been expressed by the bishops of Rome, but by many Protestant divines. An article some time ago in "The Christian Advocate," a leading Methodist journal, strongly advocated a union with the Roman Catholic sect. There is today an almost universal cessation among the Protestants to protest against Catholicism. Hear the words of Bishop R. S. Foster of the M. E. sect before the New York conference, Nov. 9, 1886: "The popular idea is that the church of Rome is Antichrist. I do not agree with the popular belief. I regard that wonderful institution as a grand Christian camp." Thus we could multiply proofs of a union of all false religions, which is now well under headway, and must be apparent to all.
The world's Parliament of Religions at Chicago in '93 marked an important epoch in this latest shift infernal. The dragon, beast, and false prophet met in "mutual confidence and respect;" a "brotherhood" of religions. Theism, Judaism, Mohammedanism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Sintoism, Zoroastrianism, Catholicism, the Greek Church, and Protestantism in many forms, were all represented; and the chief devotees of all these religions met, as they said "to unite all religion against all irreligion; to make the golden rule the basis of this union; and to present to the world substantial unity of many
religions." We here insert a few extracts from addresses made before the Parliament.
President Charles Carroll Bonney in the opening address said: "Worshipers of God and lovers of man: Let us rejoice that we have lived to see this glorious day; . . . that we are permitted to take part in this solemn and majestic event of a World's Congress of Religions. The importance of this event cannot be overestimated. Its influence on the future relations of the various races of men, cannot be too highly esteemed. If this congress shall faithfully execute its duties with which it has been charged, it shall become the joy of the whole earth, and stand in human history like a new Mount Zion, crowned with glory, and marking the actual beginning of a new epoch of brotherhood and peace. For when the religious faiths of the world recognize each other as brothers, children of one Father, whom all profess to love and serve, then, and not till then, will the nations of the earth yield to the spirit of concord and learn war no more.... We meet on the mountain height of absolute respect for the religious convictions of each other.... This day the sun of a new era of religious peace and progress rises over the world, dispelling the dark cloud of sectarian strife. It is the brotherhood of religions."
Chairman John Henry Barrows in his address said: "We are here not as Baptists and Buddhists, Catholics and Confucians, Parsees and Presbyterians, Methodists and Moslems; we are here as members of a Parliament of Religions, over which flies no sectarian flag, . . . but where for the first time in a large council is lifted up the banner of love, fellowship, brotherhood.... Welcome, one and all, thrice welcome to the world's first Parliament of Religions! Welcome to the men and women of Israel, the standing miracle of nations and religions! Welcome to the disciples of Prince Siddartha, the many millions who cherish their Lord Buddha as the light of Asia! Welcome to the high priests of the national religion of Japan! This city has every reason to be grateful to the enlightened ruler of 'the Sunrise Kingdom.' Welcome to the men of India, and all faiths! Welcome to all the disciples of Christ.... It seems to me that the spirits of just and good men hover over this assembly. I believe the spirit of Paul is here. I believe the spirit of the wise and humane Buddha is here, and of Socrates the searcher after truth. . . . When a few days ago I met for the first time the delegates who have come to us from Japan, and shortly after the delegates who have come to us from India, I felt that the arms of human brotherhood had reached almost around the globe."-"World's Parliament of Religions," Chap. III.
We deem the foregoing sufficient proof that the "gathering together" in union of Paganism, Popery, and Protestantism has begun. The next World's Fair will show further developments of this great union. "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon [Paganism], and out of the mouth of the beast [Popery], and out of the mouth of the false prophet [Protestantism]. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty."-Rev. 16 :13, 14. This great conflict is now on. It is clear that this confederation of Antichrist religions will become tyrannical, and wage a bitter persecution against the true saints of God. But when they shall "compass the camp of the saints about," to destroy them with one bloody stroke of martyrdom, fire shall come down from heaven and devour them (see Rev. 20:9); namely, "the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe . . . in that day."-2 Thess. 2:7-10 Then shall the dragon, beast, and false prophet be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever. Rev. 20:10; Rev. 19:20.
Lo! Heaven now opens to rapturous view The armies that follow the faithful and true Arrayed in fine linen and armor of light, With swords of destruction, the nations to smite. The holy all ride upon hobbies, they say, But horses we have of a heavenly neigh; Then join in our phalanx of cavalry white, And ride in the Spirit's omnipotent might. This campaign of fire shall sweep over the land, Enlisting the pure that are able to stand; In columns of glory they follow their king Like thunder their songs of sweet melody ring. Speed onward, great army, to judge and make war, Salvation in Jesus go trumpet afar; There're battles to fight, and fair trophies to win, And perishing souls to be rescued from sin. All honor to Jesus, whose eyes are a flame, Who wondrously helps us each battle to gain; He's clothed in a vesture that's dipped in the blood He graciously shed to redeem us to God. The beast and his army all gathered in vain, With all the false prophets they're taken and slain. The bride and the Bridegroom now shine as the sun, The rapturous scene of the marriage is come. All glory to God! we'll follow the Lamb; All glory to God! we'll fight in the van; In uniform white on our holiness steeds, We'll rush to the battle, wherever he leads.
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Editor's Note-The contents of this book were written sixty years ago and since that time many mightychanges have taken place, both among the nations of the world and also in Christendom. There has developed spiritual powers of evil in high places and the three unclean spirits like frogs have come into view before the eyes of spiritually-minded men and women. The one out of the mouth of the dragon is showing himself very plainly under the cloak of Satanic Communism and has half or more of the world under its influence. The one out of the mouth of the beast is showing himself under a cloak of revised Catholicism and the one out of the mouth of the false prophet is manifesting himself under the cloak of the Council of Churches. Therefore the people of this present time are in great agitation with fears and rumors of wars as there are so many conflicting spirits at work with many prophecies being fulfilled and the coming of the Lord is evident to the wise as so many things are now shaping up for his coming. If the author of this book was living now and doing this writing he, no doubt, would not have guessed at the evidence of Satan being loosed for a little season by referring to Spiritualism and some other cults of Satanic origin. He would have said plainly that it was Communism as it is fighting against God and Jesus Christ the same as the old red dragon did which was ruling in the Roman Empire when Jesus and the apostles began to preach the gospel of Christ. Many of them were slain and otherwise destroyed by this Pagan evil power. For those who would like to know more about the wicked working of these evil powers in these last days, write for the book entitled "Past, Present and Future of the Church of God." It contains 72 pages.