Note.—The beast represents the Papacy; the image to the beast represents another ecclesiastical body dominating civil power. See readings on pages [268], [271]. And over against the seal of God stands the mark of the beast, the mark of apostasy. Against this false and idolatrous worship and the reception of this mark, God sends this solemn warning.
15. What power mentioned in the thirteenth chapter of Revelation is to enforce this mark?
“And he [the two-horned beast] causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.” Rev. 13:16.
Note.—The two-horned beast is understood to represent the United States of America. See reading on page [271]. As this nation repudiates her principles of civil and religious liberty, and becomes a persecuting power, other nations will follow her example in oppressing those who refuse to yield their allegiance to God.
16. What does the Papacy set forth as the mark, or sign, of its power and authority?
“Question.—How prove you that the church hath power to command feasts and holy days?
“Answer.—By the very act of changing the Sabbath into Sunday, which Protestants allow of.”—“Abridgment of Christian Doctrine,” by Rev. Henry Tuberville, D. D., page 58.
Notes.—In a letter written in November, 1895, Mr. H. F. Thomas, chancellor to Cardinal Gibbons, replying to an inquiry as to whether the Catholic Church claims to have changed the Sabbath, said: “Of course the Catholic Church claims that the change was her act, ... and the act is a mark of her ecclesiastical authority in religious things.” For other statements concerning this, see pages [441], [444], [464].
The true Sabbath being a sign of loyalty to the true God, it is but natural that the false sabbath should be regarded as a sign of allegiance to apostasy. And such we find to be the case.
17. What do papal authorities say of the observance of Sunday by Protestants?