umber of deacons and
subdeacons, amounting in all to two thousand and forty-eight persons. Here
was drawn up a creed, declaring to be the only true and orthodox faith. It
bears the title of Nicene. This creed was at once confirmed at Rome by two
hundred and seventy-five bishops, and was the setting up of the Roman
hierarchy. This council can not however with propriety be said to be the
true setting up of the beast power. Nearly all the forms and doctrines of
this creed had been observed and taught by the bishops and pastors for
several decades. The most sensible date, and most consistent with
revelation, _for the bringing in of the dark noontime of the gospel day is
A.D. 270_. We feel confident that no one can rightfully object to us
making use of this date for this work. Those who do so must do it through
prejudice or ignorance.

Chapter II. Scriptural Predictions Of An Apostasy.

Who has not wondered, as they read of the Savior's and the apostles'
warnings of "false teachers," grievous wolves, delusive powers, and
deceptive lights, what it all could mean? These things certainly are not
without meaning. Jesus says, "And many false prophets shall rise, and
shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound the love of many
shall wax cold. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets,
and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were
possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Mat. 24:11, 12, 24. The Son
of God foretells the arising of false prophets and teachers. He tells us
how they may be known. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in
sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know
them by their fruits." Mat. 7:15, 16.

By the pen of the apostle John we learn something of the fruit of these
false, deceiving prophets. "For many deceivers are entered into the world,
who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver
and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which
we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever
transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He
that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the
Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him
not into your house, neither bid him Godspeed: for he that biddeth him
Godspeed is partaker of his evil deeds." 2 John 7-11. The fruit of a false
prophet is a f