preciously unoccupied and grow up gradually and peacefully . It could not , then , arise among the crowded and struggling nationalities of the Old World--that turbulent sea of " peoples , and multitudes , and nations , and tongues ." It must be sought in the Western Continent . What nation of the New World was in 1798 rising into power , giving promise of strength and greatness , and attracting the attention of the world ? The application of the symbol admits of no question . One nation , and only one , meets the specifications of this prophecy ; it points unmistakably to the United States of America . Again and again the thought , almost the exact words , of the sacred writer has been unconsciously employed by the orator and the historian in describing the rise and growth of this nation . The beast was seen " coming up out of the earth ;" and , according to the translators , the word here rendered " coming up " literally signifies " to grow or spring up as a plant ."
And , as we have seen , the nation must arise in territory previously unoccupied . A prominent writer , describing the rise of the United States , speaks of " the mystery of her coming forth from vacancy ," and says : " Like a silent seed we grew into empire ." --G. A . Townsend , The New World Compared With the Old , page 462 . A European journal in 1850 spoke of the United States as a wonderful empire , which was " emerging ," and " amid the silence of the earth daily adding to its power and pride ." --The Dublin Nation . Edward Everett , in an oration on the Pilgrim founders of this nation , said : " Did they look for a retired spot , inoffensive for its obscurity , and safe in its remoteness , where the little church of Leyden might enjoy the freedom of conscience ? Behold the mighty regions over which , in peaceful conquest , . . . they have borne the banners of the cross !" --Speech delivered at Plymouth , Massachusetts , Dec . 22 , 1824 , page 11 .
" And he had two horns like a lamb ." The lamblike horns indicate youth , innocence , and gentleness , fitly representing the character of the United States when presented to the prophet as " coming up " in 1798 . Among the Christian exiles who first fled to America and sought an asylum from royal oppression and priestly intolerance were many who determined to establish a government upon the broad foundation of civil and religious liberty . Their views found place in the Declaration of Independence , which sets forth the great truth that " all men are created equal " and endowed with the inalienable right to " life , liberty , and the pursuit of happiness ." And the Constitution guarantees to the people the right of self-government , providing that representatives elected by the popular vote shall enact and administer the laws . Freedom of religious faith was also granted , every man being permitted to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience . Republicanism and Protestantism became the fundamental principles of the nation . These principles are the secret of its power and prosperity . The oppressed and downtrodden throughout Christendom have turned to this land with interest and
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