p. 9 | THE COMING DESPOTISM by T.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 16, 1901

THE COMING DESPOTISM.

By T.

AS the world swings over into the new century, it is well for us to consider the forces that were dominating the minds of men a hundred years ago, and compare them with the conditions of to-day. And in doing this we speak only of facts, and not of fancies and theories.

A hundred years ago the predominating and all-pervading spirit was that of liberty for all mankind. This spirit of liberty sought to gain a foothold in the Old World, and, failing to get what it desired in those countries, it planted itself firmly in America. A nation of men came to these shores whose hearts were panting for liberty, and they formed the great American Republic. This republic was not formed on its broad basis of equality and natural rights without a severe struggle. But when the organization was completed, its corner-stone was equal and exact justice to all, and a clear recognition of the inalienable rights that inhere in every individual, whether the individual be high or low, rich or poor.

And not merely did the fathers of the republic consider the rights of each individual to enjoy civil liberty, but his right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience was fully and strongly affirmed. So deeply imbedded were these principles in the minds of those who established this government, that it was sincerely hoped and believed that the righteous foundation they had laid would securely sustain the nation until its light would reach every part of the world, and all mankind would be blessed with freedom’s choicest gifts. And this exalted and worthy hope would be fully realized if the nation would see to it that it always remained on the foundation that the fathers laid. It is only in breaking away from these fundamental principles of equal and inherent rights that the doom of the great republic can ever be sounded.

In the centuries of the past the governing class meted out certain “privileges” to the common people as they saw fit. But the sturdy manhood of the beginning of this century was sparing no pains to teach mankind that every individual had “inalienable rights,” and that we inherently possessed these rights as an endowment from our Creator, and therefore no governing class could bestow them upon us as a privilege, or “gift from the throne.”

Had these principles of equality and justice remained strongly imbedded in the minds of the majority of those composing the nation, it would be impossible for a despotism to be formed. Freedom would necessarily remain to fill us with joy and strength.

The democratic principles of simplicity were also strongly interwoven in the minds of the people a hundred years ago. Not that they were less refined, or less cultured, but they believed in the equality of man, and every man was a friend and neighbor. Titles of nobility were not allowed on the national escutcheon, it being strongly affirmed that uprightness, and honesty, and the cultivated abilities that a man possessed, made him noble, rather than the heritage of a titled ancestry.

The foregoing are some of the recognized principles that ruled in this country at the beginning of this century, and that which was started in a comparative perfection in this country was made possible thru the overflow to these shores of the sentiments of liberty in the Old World, that were loosening men from the tethers of nobles and kings. Hence, it would not be true to say that these principles of democracy and liberty were native to this land, for they were agitating the nations in a mighty wave of reform all over the world.

The power of this wave of liberty and freedom is spent. And the reason of it does not lie in any thought that freedom and liberty have lost their power. No, by no means. They are just as strong as ever. But men are given to-day to the trivialities of luxury and pleasure, and to the hoarding of wealth, and the principles of right that serve to give a nation power are not regarded as they should be.

There is an aristocracy growing up in this country, and every one knows that an aristocracy is the embodiment of selfish rule in behalf of the favored few that compose it. And history speaks to no purpose if it does not teach us that an aristocracy is the foundation of a despotism. And once a despotism is formed, liberty is a thing of the past.

We have frequently had occasion to point out the prophecy that foretells all the history of this nation. The nation is symbolized under the head of the beast with two horns in Rev. 13:11-17. The evidence which leads to this conclusion we have shown in these columns again and again, so we will only state the facts here, and refer the reader to other publications for the arguments. But notice the attributes of this power. It is said that he had two horns like a lamb. This shows the most peaceable disposition, and the kindliest principles of government. But immediately the prophecy adds that “he spake as a dragon.” Thus do we see that the prophet long centuries ago foretold the kindly principles that would dominate this country in the beginning, and also that these principles would depart, and the nation would speak as a dragon in its latter history. And he who sees the departure of this country from its original principles, should also in this departure see the fulfilment of this prophecy of Revelation. And it should be known to every one that as soon as this country completes its fulfilment of that prophecy, it will be the last link in the prophetic chain, and then will be the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. It may seem almost heart-rending to those of us who were taught in our infancy to revere and love the principles of this republic, to know that it is in its decay, and that soon it will drift back to even a worse despotism than what it left behind in the Old World in the darker centuries of the past. But when we know that the eternal kingdom of Christ is at hand, and that His everlasting government is about to be established, and that it will bring to an end forever all the cruelties of tyranny, the heart is cheered by this glorious hope.

Oligarchy of Wealth.

But you are possibly about to say that this country is not departing from her principles. Then pray where have you been for the past few years? Any man with half an eye ought to be able to see that this country is already under the control of an oligarchy of wealthy men. But few of these men may hold official positions in the government, yet they rule it none the less surely. Whatever they decide upon must be worked out into law. And if lawmakers will not do their bidding, they see to it at the next election that those are elected who will.

This oligarchy of wealth is more naturally interested in commerce than in anything else. Money is their god, and so they are trying to get all of it they can, regardless of what good it will do them, and of what use they can make of it in benefiting their fellow-men. Hence, when commerce suggests the subjugation of other lands, the country, in spite of the heroic and noble efforts of some of its best men, is driven into a course of empire. This empire does not bring the burdens of despotism to the home land just yet, but if we sit still and allow them to be pressed down upon our fellow-men in foreign climes, it will only require a little time till the yoke will be placed upon the necks of men in the home land. You may say that you can not believe this. But you may be assured that wrong principles will as surely produce these results as effect follows cause.

Some of the very best minds of the nation see the evils that are coming, and are raising their voices against them, as the following words, taken from Ex-President Harrison’s speech at the University of Michigan, will show:—

“The fight against imperialism will not stop. It will go on unconfused hereafter. . . . The Philippines must be as free as Cuba. The eternal vitality of the Declaration of Independence must be acknowledged. The supremacy of the Constitution wherever the flag flies in sovereignty must be admitted.”

General Harrison bases his argument upon the rights of man, divinely ordained, and upon the nature and requirements of the Constitution; for he says further:—

“Our fathers worshiped very profoundly their beliefs as to the rights of man. . . . It was their faith, based upon a liberty derived from God. It was a divine gift, to be claimed for our people only upon the condition of allowing it to apply to all men.”

The foregoing are the words of one whom the nation saw fit to honor with the highest office in its possession. And he clearly sees that the nation is drifting, and that a battle is on that involves the “rights” of men. This battle will be waged warmly, because there are some strong-hearted souls that will not allow their heritage to be taken from them without a contest. But let it be remembered that the principles of freedom that dominated this country in the beginning, are the principles of the Prince of Peace. And let it be known to all men that, as the principles are being banished from the governments of men, He will set up His government; and that happy domain holds forth to you every right, and every liberty and freedom of righteousness. The Father of Mercies is now earnestly entreating you to lay hold of it as your eternal prize.