The Marvel of Nations

PREFACE

We have a right to presume that every intelligent and patriotic citizen of the Great American Republic, feels an interest in all that pertains to his country — in what it has been, is, and is to be. While he looks with pride on its past unparalleled progress and noble achievements, and surveys with satisfaction its present position of national exaltation and influence, with its free government, immense wealth, and exhaustless resources, he cannot be indifferent to probabilities affecting its future, so far as they may be legitimately calculated from lessons of history, from principles established in our own Constitution, and from the tendency of influences already actively and widely at work in different parts of our land. MANA 5.1

In this direction, the mind of every one must turn with peculiar 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 far to come have in store for us. It is designed in this work to call particular attention to these matters. MANA 5.2

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 significance of this “marvel.” If we believe that there is a God who rules in the kingdoms of men [Daniel 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 as a prominent and inevitable object in this line of thought lies the inquiry, what providential design we are to look for in a nation which has been so suddenly and rapidly developed as this has been, and what grand purpose God has 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. MANA 5.3

Many of the most studious, careful, and critical minds of the present generations, have been led to the conclusion that numerous lines of prophecy, spanning many ages and embracing many lands, find their focal point in own times; may we not add, also, in 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? What do the Scriptures say on this question? 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. MANA 6.1

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 not one of mere theory, but one of the highest practical importance, and so enough to stimulate thought, and lead to further inquiry. MANA 6.2

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. In this light we commend it to the candid and serious attention of the reader. U.S. Battle Creek, Mich., August, 1885 MANA 6.3