THE DECREE

Of this two-horned beast in connection with the completion of the image are the important acts that remain as yet unaccomplished by this power. This decree we see (chap.13) is enforced by severe penalties. The penalties are deprivation of the privilege of buying and selling, and finally that “as many as will not worship the image of the beast shall be killed.” Some tell us that this is too hard an act for the United States to perform; that we need not look for them to pass such laws. But you do not mean to claim that there are no such laws to be passed by the two-horned beast? We have shown by conclusive evidence that the United States is the two-horned beast; and to say that they will pass no such laws, is to virtually deny that the prophecy will have a fulfillment in its remaining specifications.TBUS 70.2

If you mean to say, as matters stand at present you cannot see why we should expect such a decree, we reply, matters will be different when the decree is passed. This statement leads to the inquiry for the probable causes of such a decree. The fourteenth of Rev. has a message (verses 9-12,) warning against the decrees of this power described in Chap. 13, which shows conclusively that a conflict is to ensue between the beast and that class who are called out by the message which warns against him. The beast will inflict penalties if they do not bow to its laws; and the awful judgments of God on the other hand will be threatened by the Third Angel’s Message if they yield to those decrees. This company are keeping “the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”TBUS 71.1

This same company are introduced in the testimony of chap 12:17. “And the dragon (the modern dragon we understand is this two-horned beast. Although to outward appearance he is mild as a lamb, he is at heart a dragon; out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh: “he spake as a dragon”) was wroth with the woman, (the true church,) and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus.” “The remnant” of the church we understand the same as the remnant of anything; that is, the last end of it. Then the remnant of the church is the last of the church in a probationary state. This then is clearly marked as the same company that are brought out under the Third Angel’s Message; for that is the last testimony committed to the church, and therefore fits them to enter upon the conflict with this two-horned beast.TBUS 71.2

From the above we may readily conclude that this war is to come after the Third Angel’s Message has accomplished its work and gathered out those that will heed its call. The dragon we read makes war on those who keep the commandments; so we cannot look for this decree to be passed till the Third Message gains its height. That such laws will be passed is not all speculation. It seems to us even to look at the subject in the light of reason that a conflict must in time come between commandment-keepers and these United States; for those who heed the testimony of the message, come out and keep God’s Sabbath, will not respect the Sunday institution, nor regard those laws that enforce it, which only serve to trammel men’s consciences. This of course will lead those who find that they cannot sustain their Sunday institution by argument, to resort to some other means.TBUS 72.1

But revelation shows us that this message will go “with a loud voice,” be proclaimed in power, and the honest in heart receive it. Others who refuse to obey its claims, darkness will cover, God’s Spirit will be withdrawn from them, then will they pass the decree: then shall we see an image to the first beast, breathing out all the venom of a Romish Inquisition.TBUS 72.2

Dear reader: events of serious moment are by this testimony brought before us. Do you desire a shelter from the wrath that is to fall on beast worshipers? [Revelation 14.] Then flee to Jesus, keep all God’s commandments and you may escape.TBUS 72.3