The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 2

IX. American Clergyman-Anticipates Papal Overthrow in 1798

Yet another magazine declaration, in the London Baptist Annual Register, this time by an American clergyman, apprehends the overthrow of the papal government at Rome before his letter could reach Britain. Since it was written March 31, before the captivity of the pope could have become known in America, the significance becomes apparent. PFF2 743.2

“Letter on Prophecy, with A Particular Reference to The Fall of Rome into the Hands of the French. From the Rev. Dr. **** of America Dated-March 31, 1798. PFF2 743.3

“We are not able so accurately to fix the meaning of those prophecies, that are now about to be accomplished, as we shall easily do a few years hence. However, I cannot help thinking, that Rome will soon fall into the hands of the French, and that the Pope will be deprived of all his temporal dominions; that is, that he will soon cease to be a beast ... which I apprehend is nigh at hand, and, perhaps, will be accomplished before this letter can reach Great Britain. The Pope, being deprived of his temporalities, will be nothing but a false prophet, and then the seventh trumpet will sound.” ³⁰ PFF2 743.4

The editorial comment on the foregoing prediction reads: PFF2 744.1

“Dr....’s conjectures respecting the speedy fall of the civil papacy has been remarkably accomplished—was so indeed a few days before he wrote, though he could not possibly know it. Many with Dr.... plainly foresee what the present commotions of Europe are designed to produce, and will produce, viz., the ruin of the pope and turk, and all the anti-christian governments that support them.” ³¹ PFF2 744.2

INSENSIBILITY OF CHURCH GIVES ALARM.—Still another contributor, in the same issue, asserts his belief that the tenth part of a city signifies “one of the tenfold divisions of the great Babylonish city... the principal street or kingdom of Europe,” or France, as plainly stated, and concludes his remarks thus: “O that men were wise to see what God is about! The general insensibility of the church of Christ alarms me more than all besides. ³² PFF2 744.3