obligation of the true Sabbath , then whoever shall transgress the command of God , to obey a precept which has no higher authority than that of Rome , will thereby honour popery above God . He is paying homage to Rome and to the power which enforces the institution ordained by Rome . He is worshipping the beast and his image . As men then reject the institution which God has declared to be the sign of His authority , and honour in its stead that which Rome has chosen as the token of her supremacy , they will thereby accept the sign of allegiance to Rome-- " the mark of the beast ." And it is not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people , and they are brought to choose between the commandments of God and the commandments of men , that those who continue in transgression will receive " the mark of the beast ."
The most fearful threatening ever addressed to mortals is contained in the third angel ' s message . That must be a terrible sin which calls down the wrath of God unmingled with mercy . Men are not to be left in darkness concerning this important matter ; the warning against this sin is to be given to the world before the visitation of God ' s judgments , that all may know why they are to be inflicted , and have opportunity to escape them . Prophecy declares that the first angel would make his announcement to " every nation , and kindred , and tongue , and people ." The warning of the third angel , which forms a part of the same threefold message , is to be no less widespread . It is represented in the prophecy as being proclaimed with a loud voice , by an angel flying in the midst of heaven ; and it will command the attention of the world .
In the issue of the contest all Christendom will be divided into two great classes--those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus , and those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark . Although church and state will unite their power to compel " all , both small and great , rich and poor , free and bond " ( Revelation 13:16 ), to receive " the mark of the beast ," yet the people of God will not receive it . The prophet of Patmos beholds " them that had gotten the victory over the beast , and over his image , and over his mark , and over the number of his name , stand on the sea of glass , having the harps of God " and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb . Revelation 15:2 , 3 .
286