Our country, the marvel of nations; its past, present, and future, and what the Scriptures say of it

Front matter

A rO

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Preface To The Third Edition

FOURTEEN years have elapsed since the second edition of this work went to press, in 1887. The then status of this country, as a rapidly developing power among the nations of the earth, was considered ample justification for the name which had been assumed for it, — "The Marvel of Nations ; " and now, the progress made during this nearly a decade and a half of years has vastly multiplied the reasons for calling our country a "marvel."

A country may possess features and resources, and perform achievements which might be considered "marvelous," even if it found no mention in the great prophetic volume which has come from the hand of God to the children of men; but when the horoscope of futurity, which God alone can decipher, takes it in, giving the particulars of its rise, progress, and destiny, — which we shall endeavor to show is true of our own country, — we should expect that its secular and material features would appear as marvels, too. And these being sharply developed, make it, on the other hand, consistent to suppose that prophecy would add to all the rest the marvel of its mention. These two features naturally interlock, and suggest and support each other.

It is natural to presume that every intelligent and patriotic citizen of this Great American Republic feels an interest in all that pertains to his country, — in what it has been, in what it is, and in what it is to be. While he contemplates with satisfaction its past unparalleled progress and noble achievements, and surveys with pardonable pride its present position of national exaltation and world-wide intiuence, — ■ with its free government, immense wealth, and exhaustless resources, — he cannot be indifferent to probabilities threatening to affect unfavorably its future, so far as they may be legitimately calculated from the lessons of history, from principles established in our own Constitution, and from the tendency of influences already activelv and widely at work, in different parts of our land.

8 PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION

In this direction, the mind of every one must turn with pecuHar interest; and while many unquestionable conclusions relative to our future may be established on the grounds already referred tO; we believe there is another source of instruction, almost wholly overlooked or ignored, which sets forth, more explicitly and more fully, startling developments which days not distant have in store for us. It is designed in this work to call particular attention to these points.

We do not purpose here to enter largely into the history of this government. There are works already published which leave nothing to be desired in this direction. Neither is it our object to make in these pages either political economy, arithmetic, or geography a specialty, though something will be referred to under each head. The leading title of the book is given as "The Marvel of Nations;" and we propose to inquire somewhat into the signilicance of this "marvel." If we believe that there is a God who rules in the kingdoms of men (Dan. 5 : 21), we must look for his providential hand in human history, in the rise, career, and fall of the nations and peoples of the world. But in this line of thought, the inquiry immediately arises, whether we may not look for some providential design in a nation which has been so suddenly and rapidly developed as this has been, and whether God has not some grand purpose to work out through this goodly heritage of ours. This inquiry will not be pressed even to the verge of fancy or speculation; for, if we mistake not, enough will be found to instruct us, perhaps surprise us, on these points, in the solid and sober realm of fact.

Many of the most studious, careful, and critical minds of the present generation have been led to the conclusion that numerous lines of prophecy, spanning many ages and embracing many lands, find their focal point in our own times ; and in these pages the question will be discussed whether some of these do not also refer to our own country. Certainly, the present age seems to be illuminated by the light of current prophetic fulfillments above all others. Here we find the most emphatic touches of the inspired pencil; and the events to transpire and the agents therein concerned are brought out in a most vivid and startling light. Has the United States any part to act in these scenes ? \\'hat do the Scriptures say on this ques-

Preface To The Third Edition 9

tion ? None but those who do not believe that God ever foretells the history of nations, or that his providence ever works in their development and decline, can fail to be interested in a consideration of these topics.

That this little treatise is exhaustive of the subject which it essays to bring briefly before the reader, is not claimed; but many facts are presented which are thought to be worthy of serious consideration, and enough evidence, it is confidently hoped, is produced in favor of the positions taken, to show the reader that the subject is one not of mere theory, but one of the highest practical importance, and so enough to stimulate thought, and lead to further inquiry, and perchance to a change of life.

If the views presented in the following pages are correct, the

subject is destined soon to become one of absorbing interest; and

information respecting it is necessary to an understanding of our

duties and responsibilities in the solemn and important times that

are upon us. With this thought, we commend it to the candid and

serious attention of the reader.

Battle Creek, Mich., U. S.

September jgoi.

CHAPTER I. Page

The World Wonders, and Prophesies , . . 19-30

Ten striking facts — Remarkable declarations and predictions by Sir Thomas Browne, Rev. Andrew Burnaby, John Adams, Galiani, Adam Smith, Governor Pownal, David Hartley, Count d'Aranda, Bishop of Saint Asaph, George Herbert, De Tocqueville, G. A. Townsend, and Rev. J. M. Foster.

CHAPTER H.

Testimony of Emile de Girardin, the Dublin (Ireland) Nation, Mitchell — First settlements — Population — Close of the Revolution — Territorial growth — Increase of population — Development of cities — Industrial growth — First cotton-mills and railroads — Great American inventions

— Ocean telephone — Agriculture — Cotton culture — Fruit culture — Live stock — Farm animals — Sheep husbandry — Swine — Manufactures — The iron industry — Manufacture of copper, silver, and gold

• products — Copper mining — The manufacture of paper — Mining industry — Gold production — Commerce — Railways — The telegraph

— Banking — Insurance — Immigration — Arts and sciences — Education — Literature — The publishing work — Postal service — The lumber industry — Rate of growth — The Pacific Railway — Most notable structures in the world ■ — Progress in one generation — Influence on other nations.

CHAPTER HI.

Civil and religious liberty — Constitutional guarantees — A nation of a new model — The magnet of America — The asylum of the oppressed — Morality and religion — Organized liberty — Constitution-making — Our Constitution pronounced in England the most sacred political document in the world — American literature abroad — Stability of our government — The model republic — Impressions of America.

CHAPTER IV.

The Hand of Providence ...... 118-122

A miracle of growth — Providence conspicuous in our history — Why nations are mentioned in the Bible — Why should not our own be mentioned ? — Survey of Biblical symbols — Conclusions.

II 12 Contents

CHAPTER V.

Second symbol of Revelation 13 — The prophecy located — The Church of God the prominent object — Synibols explained — Historical facts considered — Chronology, location, character, work, continuance, and overthrow of two important symbols.

CHAPTER VI.

Location of the Government Represented by the

Second Symbol of Revelation 13 . . 132-140

Leading symbolic features — Religious elements — Not in the eastern hemisphere — The ten kingdoms of Western Europe — Testimony of Machiavelli, Bishop Newton, Faber, and Dr. Hales — Time's noblest offspring — The western hemisphere — The eyes of all Europe upon us — Sayings of Talleyrand.

CHAPTER VII.

Chronology of the Government Indicated by this

Symbol — When Must It Arise.? . . 141-150

Chronology an important consideration — The head of the government — Rome's seven forms of government — A deadly wound — Papal overthrow in 1798 — Testimony of Geo. Croly, A. M. — Three important chronological proofs — Survey of the western hemisphere — The United States the leading nation here.

CHAPTER VIII.

The United States Has Arisen in the Exact Manner Indicated by the Symbol ... . 1 51-158

Comes up in a new territory — Comes up peacefully — View of J. P. Thompson, LL. D. — Burke on the American Revolution — The expression used by the Apostle John — G. A. Townsend's testimony — Edward Everett on English exiles — Corroborated by statistics of progress.

CHAPTER IX.

The Two Great Principles of This Government 159-163

How the Scriptures symbolize power and strength — A Church without a pope, and a State without a king — Civil and religious liberty — Republicanism and Protestantism — A youthful power — Declaration of Independence — A profession of noble principles — Law of symbols.

CONTENTS 13

CHAPTER X.

Threatening Shadows ...... 164-172

Points made — Religious bigotry of the past — Danger of ecclesiastical power — How a government speaks — Dangerous tendencies — Opposi tion to dissenters — A warning by D'Aubigne — Political corruption — Spirit of the Dark Ages still alive — Charles Beecher on Protestant apostasy — Principles of the French Revolution — Time the teacher.

CHAPTER XI.

Miracles Revived — By Whom.? .... 173-187

Modern discoveries in the arts and sciences — Wonderful inventions — Religious wonders — Meaning of 2 Thess. 2:9, 10 — Spiritualism — Experiments by Professor Zollner — Judge Edmonds's testimony — To the kings of the earth — Extent of this work.

CHAPTER Xn.

Religion Takes a Hand ..... 188-194

The government republican — A Protestant nation — Collusion with the papacy — What is possible in this gov-ernment — Influences at work ■ — -Condition of Christianity — Warnings from the Scriptures — Existing expectations — A great American Catholic Church called for.

CHAPTER Xni.

The Sunday Question ...... 195-210

Agents identified — Acts ascribed to each — The coming issue — A fearful sin denounced — Bishop Newton on the use of a mark — The characteristics of Roman Catholicism — What it has attempted in the religious world — -Agreement between Daniel and Paul — How a person shows himself a follower of the papacy — What the Roman Catholic Church claims to have done — Relics of Romanism retained by Protestants — The Reformers vindicated.

CHAPTER XIV.

Coming Events Cast Their Shadows Before . 211-278

Church and State — Influence of Spiritualism — Efforts for a union of all churches — Sunday reform movements — Religion in Politics — The National Reform Association — Seeking to amend the Constitution — A "Politico-Theological movement" on foot — History of the National Reform movement — Strong resolutions — The Pittsburg convention — Progress of the work — Intuitions of liberalism — The die cast — Incon-

14 CONTENTS

sistent professions — The Independent humorously unveils the movement — The Church to rule — Religious tests for office — Religious legislation called for — Compulsion for dissenters — A political party on a religious platform — The Sunday movement in foreign lands — Combined strength of religious bodies — Sunday as a political institution — Secretary Thompson's position — Religious discrimination — Demands of liberalism — Religious tyranny impending — Desperate determinations — Changes in public sentiment — Surrender of the Reformation — Our position defined — Inevitable result of the proposed movement — " The old Philadelphia lie " — Consent of the governed — Religious oppression begun — Unmistakable indications for the future.

CHAPTER XV.

Opposition in Arkansas — Exemption clause repealed — Arrest and trial of J. W. Scoles — Points made by the defendants before the court — Arrests in Tennessee — Sentiment changing — Treatment of the men in jail — Power of the Legislature to select a holiday — Religious character of Sunday.

CHAPTER XVI.

Inventions of the nineteenth century — Progress of one hundred years in traveling, lighting, telephony and telegraphy, machinery, photography, printing, etc. — Coin weighing and counting machine — Air-ships — Engines — Wireless telegraphy — The great gun — Industries — Closing reflections.

Appendix

Anarchy Strikes Its First Blow .... 309-312

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Page

Portrait of Author . . ■ . . . Frontispiece

National Emblem, in Colors ..... 2

Course of Empire ..... 5

The Caravels of Columbus . . . . -19

Comparative Growth of the United States and Brazil . 21

Discovery of America by Columbus . . . .23

The Mayflower ....... 28

Landing of the Pilgrims . . . . .30

Map of the Territorial Growth of the United States . -^t^

Growth of Uncle Sam . . . . . .34

New York, Modern ...... 36

Cotton Mills . . . . . . . 37

Peter Cooper's Locomotive . . . . -38

Reaper Factory ....... 38

Chicago, Ancient and Modern . . . . -39

Zeppelin's Air-Ship ...... 41

Admirals of the American Navy, i8g8 . . . .42

Admirals of the Spanish Navy, 1898 .... 43

Leading Generals of the Spanish-American War . . -44

Sowing, in Ye Olden Time ..... 45

As Our Fathers Mowed . . . . . -45

Thrashing with Flails ...... 46

Sugar Refinery . . . . . . .46

American Grain from thf. Thrasher to the Sea . . 47

Cotton from Soil to Mill . . . . . . 48

American Carriage Horse ..... 49

Chicago Stock Yards . . . . . .50

Chicago Stock Yards . . . . . . 51

American Meat Packing Industry . . . . -52

Breeds of American Dairy Cattle . . . -53

Lmproved American Live Stock .... 54

Cutlery Works . . . , . . -55 i6 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Silver Plating Works . . . • . • ^ 55

Watch Factory . . . . . • -5^

Glass Works . . . . . • • 56

Carriage Factory . . . . . . -57

AuTOMOBiLK Factory . . . . . . 57

Proposed Locks ok tiii", Frii' Canal . . . • 5^

Coal Minicrs ....... 59

Newspaper DLsi'RiiurrioN . . . . . .60

Gold Prospecting ...... 62

Evolution in Railroading . . . . . .64

Telegraph Operating . . . . » . 64

Pennsylvania Academy op Fine Arts .... 69

Columbia University Library . . . . ■ 7^

Correspondi'.nce School and Proposed Printery . . 72

American Universities and Colt,egi:s for Women . . -73

Book Publlshinc; Plant ...... 75

Beginning op Newspapicr Industry in America . . -75

Newspaper Row, New York City .... 76

Hoe Octuple Picrpecting Press and Folder . . -77

Chicago Post-Okkici: ...... 80

Benevolent Institutions . . . . . .81

IjOgging in the Redwoods, California .... 82

Improved Arc Light . . . . . -83

American Steel Works ...... 85

Pacific Railway Crossing the Mountains . . -87

The East and riir: ^^'l',ST Mei'.ting .... 88

Government Buildings . . . . . .89

New Immigration Station . . . . . 91

Grand Canons of Colorado and Yellowstone . . .92

Bird's-eye View of the United States ... 93

Exterior and Interior of a Department Stori: . . -94

Brooklyn Bridge . . . . . . .98

Portrait of George Washington . . . . 100

Portrait OK Thomas J EPPERSON ..... loi

Portrait OF James Madison . . . . .102

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln . . . . 103

Portrait ok \J. S. Grant . . . , .104

Growth op thic Church in America . . . . 106

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS i/

Washington and High ]]rii)GKS . . . . . m

Oil Industry . . . . . . • 113

Flour Mills . . . . . . .114

Mail Coach UNDER Difficulty ..... 115

Modern Mail Train at Full Speed . . . . 115

Willamette Harhor, Oregon . . . . .118

Fall of Ancient Babylon . . , . .120

Ancient Athens ....... 121

Rome in the Time of Aurelian . . . ,128

Rooster Rock on Columbia River ..... 132

Laying an Ocean Cable . . . . . . 137

Primitive American Life ..... 141

An Early Mountain Settler . . . . -145

American Monuments ...... 149

At the Head of Latourelle Falls . . . . -151

Panorama of Pittsburg and Alleghany City . . 155

Cattle on a Western Ranch . . . . • ^5 7

A Landmark in Massachusetts ..... 159

An Oklahoma Tornado ..... 169

Progress of Inventions <. . , <. . -175

Seeding on a Large Farm . . . . . 177

A Modern Harvesting Scene . . . . • ^11

Thrashing Which Might Be Interesting to Boaz . . 177

Telephone . . , . . « 177

Comparative Railroads of Nations . . . .178

Wireless Telegraph Apparatus . . . . -179

Mowing, in the Twentieth Century .... 180

Grain Harvester and Thrasher . . . . .180

Thirty Story Building . . . . . . 181

Bridge Building over Niagara ..... 183

Finished Bridges over Niagara River .... 184

Large Camera . . . . . . .1^5

Phonograph . ...... 186

Fulton's First Steamboai- . . . . . .186

American Progress, Two Full Pa(;es, in Colors . 188

Y. M. C. a. Buildinc; in Philadelphia ... 194

Silver Lake Falls, Colorado . . . . ,195

The Two Laws . . . , . .201

1 8 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Arapahoe Mountain . . . . . .211

Gate of the Garden of the Gods . . . .216

On the Hudson ....... 220

High Falls, Colorado . . . . . .226

Congressional Library ...... 239

Fortress Monroe ...... 244

The New Astoria Hotel ...... 249

Mountain Horse Trader ..... 254

Signing the Declaration of Independence . . . 259

Liberty Bell ....... 267

Independence Hall, Philadelphia . . . .271

Declaration of Independence . . . . .274

Lincoln Falls, Colorado . . . . -279

American Dairy Barn Yard ..... 285

Diagram, Flight of a i 6-Inch Shot .... 289

Portrait of William McKinley .... 309

The Temple of Music Where President McKinley Was Assassinated . . . . . . .310

The Caravels of Columbus

seeking the New World

CHAPTER I

THE WORLD WONDERS, AND PROPHESIES

SUDDENLY a new "World Power" has arisen upon the horizon of nations. That power is the "United States of America." Suddenly, we say, even if we date from the very hour of its birth; for it is but a little more than one hundred years since the nation known by this name began to exist. Scanning the history of nations in the past, a hundred years is not, comparatively speaking, a very long period. What nation ever made any very great impression upon the world in its first hundred years .'' Take Rome, the great iron Colossus, which for ages bestrode the nations of the earth, — what was Rome when but a hundred years of age.'' — Scarcely known outside the few provinces of Italy which then composed its uncertain territory.

It has not been so with this giant which has arisen in a new world. It pre-empted its own territory, by itself and for itself, out of savagery and chaos, and now waves its imperial banner, and lustily shouts its notes of challenge in no uncertain tones to the proudest and strongest national combinations of mankind.

Some of the nations which have been the leading nations of the earth are beginning to stagnate and decay. The foremost statesman of Europe speaks of them as " decaying nations," but the eyes of all nations now turn with wonder and envy to this parvenue of the West, and desire friendship and alliance.

The nation originated in the spirit of progress and piety. Religious intolerance in the Old World, striking about in its usual sightless and senseless way, weaned many a vigorous and virile company from their native abode, and burned into their souls an undying love of civil and religious liberty. Dominated by these principles, they turned their eyes to the New World, and struck out for freedom to govern themselves as wisdom and experience might dictate, and to worship God according to his word and their own consciences.

These earnest people builded their altars along our Atlantic coast. The noble principles upon which they took their stand, and their generous spirit in opening their doors, and sending an invitation to the oppressed of all lands to share with them freely in the enjoyment of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," attracted associates from every direction, as recruits flocked to the standard of David in the cave of Adullam.

The result is a marvel ; for now, in the place of the first few sparse settlements, a mighty nation, with a vast expanse of territory, stretches from Plymouth Rock on the east to the Golden Gate on the west, and from regions arctic on the north to regions nearly torrid on the south, embracing more leagues of habitable land than Rome ruled over in its palmiest days. The government thus begotten and reared here holds a position of invincible independence and glory among the nations of the earth. ^

A hundred years had not elapsed ere the fame of this new nation had encircled our globe. The toiling millions of Europe in response are swarming to our shores. The islands of the sea have sent their living contributions. The sound has reached the Orient, and as with a password, has opened the gates of nations long barred against intercourse with other people; and the hermit kingdoms of China and Japan, turning from their beaten track of forty centuries, are looking with wonder to the prodigy arising across the Pacific to the east of them, and catching some of the impulse which this growing power is imparting to the nations of the earth.

One hundred and twenty-five years ago, in 1776, with about three millions of people, the United States became an independent government. It has now (1901) a population of over seventy-six and one quarter million people, and a territory of more than three and a

1 In a speech at the "Centennial Dinner" at the Westminster Palace Hotel, London, July 4, 1876, J. P. Thompson, LL. D., speaking of the United States, said: "They have proved the possibility of free, popular government upon a scale to which the Roman Republic of five hundred years was but a province." — The United States as a Nation, p. xvii.

THE WORLD WONDERS, AND PROPHESIES 21 half million square miles. Russia alone exceeds this nation in these particulars, having 49,000,000 more people, and, including the vast and dreary regions of Siberia, nearly five million more square miles of territory.^

Of all the nations on the globe whose laws are framed by legislative bodies elected by the people, Brazil, which has the largest territory, has but little over three millions of square miles (3,219,000); and France, the most populous (38,517,975), has not, by many millions, so great a number of inhabitants as our country. So that in point of territory and population combined, it will be seen that the United States now stands at the head of the self-governing poivcrs of the earth.

Occupying a position altogether unique, this government excites equally the astonishment and the admiration of all beholders. The main features of its history are such as have had no parallel since the distinction of nations existed among men. They may be enumerated as follows : —

1. Quiet manner of its rise. No nation ever acquired so vast a territory in so quiet a manner.

2. Peaceable means by which it rose. No nation has ever before risen to such greatness by means so peaceable.

3. Rapid increase of strengtJi and capital.

No nation before this has ever advanced so rapidly in all that constitutes national strength and capital.

4. Short path to pinnacle of pozver. No nation ever rose to such a pinnacle of power in a space of time so incredibly short.

Comparative Growth of the United States and Brasil

1 In point of population, according to statistics of Jan. i, 1901, the United States and Territories had 76,215,129 inhabitants, and with the additional accessions acquired through the late Spanish war, our population now foots up to 87,000,000. But Russia is credited with 136,000,000 people, exceeding the number in the United States and colonies by 49,000,000.

In territory, the area of the two countries, the United States and Russia, according to the latest statistics, is given as follows : —

United States 3,676,392 square miles,

With additions from the Spanish war 3,756,884 " "

Leaving an excess in favor of Russia of 4,903,511 " "

5. Unlimited resources developed. No nation in so limited a time has developed such unlimited resources.

6. Deep and broad foundations. No nation has ever existed, the foundations of whose government were laid so broad and deep in the principles of justice, righteousness, and truth.

7. Freedom of conscience. No nation has ever existed in which men have been left so free to worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences.

8. Encoiiragement of arts and sciences. In no nation, and in no age of the world, besides the present, have the arts and sciences so flourished, so many inventions been perfected, and so great successes been achieved in the arts of both peace and war, as in our own country during the last sixty years, and particularly during the •last decade.

9. Gospel free and cJinrches nntrammeled. In no nation and in no age has the gospel found such freedom, and the churches of Christ had such liberty to enlarge their borders and develop their strength.

10. Streams of immigration. No age of the world has seen such an immigration as that which is now pouring into our borders from all lands, — the millions who have long groaned under despotic and tyrannical governments, and who now turn to this broad territory of freedom as the avenue of hope, the Utopia of the nations.

PREDICTIONS OF COMING GREATNESS.

The most discerning minds have been intuitively impressed with the idea of the future greatness and power of this government. In view of the grand results developed, and developing, the discovery of America by Columbus, a little over four hundred years ago, is set down as "the greatest event of all secular history."

The progress of empire to this land zuas long ago expected.

Sir Thomas Browne, in 1682, predicted the growth of a power here which would rival the European kingdoms in strength and prowess.

In Burnaby's "Travels through the Middle Settlements of North America in 1759 and 1760," published in 1775, is expressed this sentiment : —

THE WORLD WONDERS, AND PROPHESIES 25

"An idea, strange as it is visionary, has entered into the minds of the generahty of mankind, that empire is travehng westward ; and everyone is looking forward with eager and impatient expectation to that destined moment when America is to give the law to the rest of the world."

John Adams, Oct. 12, 1775, wrote: —

" Soon after the Reformation, a few people came over into this New World for conscience' sake. Perhaps this apparently trivial incident may transfer the seat of empire to America."

On the day after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, that is, July 5, 1776, he wrote : —

"Yesterday the greatest question was decided which was ever debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was, nor will be, decided among men."

In 1776, Galiani, a Neapolitan, predicted the "gradual decay" of European institutions, to renew themselves in America. In 1778, in reference to the question as to which was to be the ruling power in the world, Europe or America, he said : —

" I will wager in favor of America."

Adam Smith, of Scotland, in 1776. predicted the transfer of empire to America.

Governor Pownal, an English statesman, in 1780, while our Revolution was in progress, predicted that this country would become independent, and that a civilizing activity, beyond what Europe could ever know, would animate it; and that its commercial and naval power would be found in every quarter of the globe. Again he said : —

" North America has advanced, and is every day advancing, to growth of state, with a steady and continually accelerating motion, of which there never has yet been any example in Europe."

David Hartley wrote from England, in 1777 : —

" At sea, which has hitherto been our prerogative element, they [the United States] rise against us at a stupendous rate; and if we cannot return to our old mutual hospitalities toward each other, a very few years will show us a most formidable hostile marine, ready to join hands with any of our enemies."

Count d'Aranda, one of the first Spanish statesmen, in 1783 thus wrote of this Republic: — 3

"This Federal Republic was bora a pygmy, so to speak. It required the support and forces of two powers as great as Spain and France in order to attain independence. A day will come when it will be a giant, even a colossus, formidable in these countries." i