ITS LOCATION,

To which we understand we may get a clue by the language of verse 11. “I beheld another beast coming up.” These beasts being symbols of governments, must comprise territory and subjects, as well as rulers.TBUS 16.1

The first beast had the dominion of the Eastern Continent. It received the power, seat, and great authority of the dragon, whose power extended over the then civilized world. Proof. “There went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” Luke 2:1. Another proof that the Papal beast ruled the Eastern Continent, is found in Revelation 13:7. “And power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.”TBUS 16.2

As the first beast covered the Eastern Continent, we must look elsewhere than in that Continent for the territory of the two-horned beast; for two governments cannot bear rule in the same territory at the same time.TBUS 17.1

But says one, The two-horned beast might have been organized on the ruins of the first government. No; for John tells us the first beast’s deadly wound was healed, and the two-horned beast (a distinct power) performs wonders in his sight. So it follows there is no chance to introduce the two-horned beast into the first beast’s territory in the manner above proposed.TBUS 17.2

But some seem determined to have it that France is the two-horned beast, and that Napoleon Bonaparte was the most important actor in fulfilling this prophecy. Our reply is, 1st. France is one of the horns of the first beast. The Franks conquered a portion of the Roman kingdom, and settled in France, A. D. 407. 2nd. France never performed such a work as that to be accomplished by the two-horned beast. At the very time many would have it fulfilling this prophecy, instead of its demanding worship of its subjects, or imposing a mark upon them, it granted free toleration to all religions. Worcester in his Elements of History, gives a summary of events connected with the re-establishment of the Papacy as follows:TBUS 17.3

“(1802,) Europe for the first time since the late revolution, enjoyed the blessings of universal peace. Soon after the establishment of peace, Bonaparte restored the Catholic religion, concluded a convention with the Pope, granted toleration to ALL religions, and instituted the Legions of Honor,” pp.158,159.TBUS 17.4

Others would have us understand that the two-horned beast is England; and some that it is Russia and Poland. These powers none of them ever fulfilled the specifications of the two-horned beast. And if the two-horned beast is any one of the kingdoms of the Eastern Continent, it must be a part of the first beast, and could not be said to be another beast.TBUS 18.1

If the design of the prophecy of Revelation 13, was to show that this two-horned beast was in the Eastern Continent, it certainly employs language that conveys a different view. If this was the design, we should expect it to read on this wise, “I will tell thee the mystery of this seven-headed and ten-horned beast; it became a two-horned beast.” But he gives us the destiny of the first beast and while contemplating the scene of its overthrow, his mind is caught away by another beast presented before him. If it is another beast, it cannot be a part of the first beast.TBUS 18.2

As we see no chance to locate the two-horned beast in the Eastern Continent, our attention shall be turned for a few moments to the Western Continent. We inquire, Where is the government marked out as the two-horned beast? We look at South America, its history at that time, [1798,] is summed up in the following. Quite a large portion of it was Spanish Provinces, and so remained until 1813. The remainder of it was under the dominion of other portions of the first beast. We view North America. At that time here was British America, and the Russian Possessions on the North, and to the South West the Spanish dominions of Mexico. Where then was the power? We find no place to locate it except in these United States, which did then exist as an independent republican government, or in the language of the prophecy, “another beast.”TBUS 18.3

It is evident to our minds that the United States being the only organized government in 1798 aside from the first beast, or his extended dominion, and existing itself as an independent government, is the very territory viewed by the prophet in which the work of the two-horned beast was to be performed. As there seems to be definiteness in this specification that marks our own territory as the one viewed by the prophet, we trust we shall have the candid attention of the reader, as we proceed to show that our government has been, and is fulfilling the work assigned to be accomplished by the two-horned beast. The next specification we shall notice, isTBUS 19.1