11. Which power conspires with the beast to impose the mark of the beast? Revelation 13:11-16.
NOTE: ‘1. John calls this “another beast,” showing that the nation was a different one from any which had thus far been represented by any of the preceding symbols. But those symbols, as we have seen, cover all the available portions of the eastern hemisphere; hence we must look for the power intended by this symbol to the western hemisphere. And when we turn to this locality, the eye is at once attracted by the American nation here arising.
2. When the nation intended by this prophecy first came to the prophet’s attention, it was “coming up.” And the point of time is clearly indicated. It was when the papal power, represented by the first beast, went into captivity (Revelation 13:10), or when the Papacy was temporarily over-thrown, in 1798. Was our own nation [i.e. the United States] then coming up? Most emphatically. The Declaration of Independence was issued only twenty-two years before, and the war for national freedom reached its successful termination only fourteen years before. Hence, in the two important points, of chronology and location, are we held to this country, and no other, for the application of the symbol of the two-horned beast.
3. It comes up out of the earth. The preceding beast, and the four great beasts of Daniel 7, came up out of the sea, that is, arose in territory thickly populated; for waters denote peoples and nations and tongues. Revelation 17:15; Isaiah 8:7. Coming up out of the earth would signify, by contrast with coming up out of the sea, the development of the power in question in a territory new, and previously unoccupied by civilised nations. This, again, points directly to the New World, and to our own country.
4. It had two horns like a lamb. Such horns well symbolise the innocent, peaceful and lamblike professions of this government. The two great principles of civil and religious liberty, “a state without a king, and a church without a pope,” have been the great attraction which has drawn the world to America. And this pertains equally to both branches of the really dual government, state and national, which here exists.
5. When first brought to view, it was “coming up”. That is, it was in a state of visible, tangible growth and expansion. And it was also coming up in a quiet and peaceful manner, for the words “coming up” (in the Greek, anabatnon) mean “to grow up like a plant out of the earth.” In just this way the United States has arisen.’ Uriah Smith: America’s Crisis, pages 9-10.
12. How may we be sure that God’s people will be preserved when they are forbidden to buy or sell? Isaiah 33:16.
NOTE: ‘In the last great conflict of the controversy with Satan those who are loyal to God will see every earthly support cut off. Because they refuse to break His law in obedience to earthly powers, they will be forbidden to buy or sell. It will finally be decreed that they shall be put to death. See Revelation 13:11-17. But to the obedient is given the promise, “He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.” Isaiah 33:16. By this promise the children of God will live. When the earth shall be wasted with famine, they shall be fed. “They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine, they shall be satisfied.” Psalm 37:19.’ Desire of Ages, page 121.