PREFACE

READER, Are you a Bible student? If so, your attention has doubtless often been called to the prophetic portions of the Book of God, and to those great symbols of prophetic events which mark out so minutely the rise and fall of all those governments of the Eastern world, which have been in any way connected with God’s people, from “Babylon, the glory of kingdoms; the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency,” down to the “iron” and “clay” state, in which we find them at the present time.TBUS i.1

Perhaps, while you have noticed the accurate description of all these powers of the Eastern world, and the description of their overthrow, you have wondered, and inquired, Why is it that there was no description given of this mighty government of the West, where Bible light has spread so rapidly, and God’s people have been so free from oppression, and have to a great extent worshiped God according to the dictates of their own consciences? We, too, have asked ourselves the same question, light has sprung up, and we have concluded on the facts we are now about to bring before you, that the two-horned beast [Revelation 13:11-18] is the prophecy we desired.TBUS i.2

Are you a Politician, noting the oppressive acts of this government upon the colored portion of our race? Here is a description of your vast Republic, a description not only of its past acts, but of still greater oppression which lies in the future. As the old adage says, “there is no standing still place,” so we may expect, that as the oppressive rulers of our nation manifest no disposition to reform, their fostered spirit of oppression will increase till white men as well as black, “free and bond,” will suffer from their oppression.TBUS ii.1

Whatever may be your views, read and ponder on the following pages. It is with a feeling heart for our fellow-men that we make this effort to shed some light on your path. Heed the light, and obey God, that you may be found with his people in the coming conflict.

J. N. L.
Round Grove, Ills, March 27th, 1857.