Menu
Chapter 7 of 13

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream

21 min read · Chapter 7 of 13

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

_______________ This great king had a dream in the year BC 603, and died BC 567. In the dream the king saw a great image, the head was of gold, the breast and arms of silver, the belly and thighs of brass, the legs of iron, the feet part of iron and part of clay. For a complete description, read Daniel second chapter. The dream and the interpretation is therein recorded. Nebuchadnezzar was the Head of Gold, this was the kingdom of Babylon. Cyrus was the Arms and Breasts of Silver, representing the Medes and Persians, which destroyed the first monarchy in BC 538.

Alexandria was the Belly and Thighs of Brass, representing the Grecian or Macedonian Kingdom which destroyed the other. BC 330.

After his death his kingdom was divided: Egypt, Syria, Macedonia and Thrace. Rome was the fourth government, representing the Legs and Feet of Iron and Clay. This Empire was divided A. D. 395. Its extinction took place A. D. 479. The extent and duration of the dream was from BC 603 to A. D. 479, a period of 1082 years.

Daniel’s Vision of Four Beasts Was Four Kingdoms -- Daniel , 7 Ch. Daniel seen a "Lion" -- Nebuchadnezzar -- courage; "Wings" -- rapid victories; "Man’s heart given it" -- Belshazzar was a coward. This was Babylonian kingdom. The second beast was a " bear," This "Raised itself on one side" -- Victories all on one side; "Three ribs in his mouth" -- Babylon, Lydia, Egypt conquered. "Leopard" -- Alexandria, representing the Grecian or Macedonian kingdom. -- Rapid Victories. "Four wings and four heads" -- When Alexandria died his kingdom was divided into four parts, Egypt, Syria, Macedonia and Thrace. "Fourth Beast" was the Roman Empire, "dreadful and terrible, stamping residue with his feet. "Iron teeth" -- Rome was cruel what she did not use she destroyed.

Mormonism will agree with all the above interpretation, but here we come to the parting of the ways. They say that the ten horns of this fourth beast represents ten kingdoms, as also that the ten toes of the image are ten kingdoms, and that we are living in the days of these ten Kingdoms, and that Smith has been inspired to set up the Kingdom of God in the days of these ten kingdoms. But, we will show that the dreams nowhere state the Toes or Horns represent Ten Kingdoms, but they say plainly, in the days of these kings the God of heaven shall set up a Kingdom.

Daniel 2:44: In the days of these Kings.

Daniel 7:24: The Ten Horns of this Kingdom are Ten Kings. History clearly shows that the Fourth Government of antiquity was Rome, and her Ten Kings were named as follows: Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellious, Vespasian, Titus." History Chronology by Osbon, page 110. Ency. Brit. Art. "Rome." The Eleventh King or Horn Was Domitian.

Daniel 7:20-26: "Little Horn before whom three fell." His father and two brothers suffered at his hands. "Eyes like a man," sagacity -- spying out for his own interest. He retired to his palace as if uninterested, yet caused the trouble that removed his father and brothers out of the way and soon placed himself on the throne. "Mouth speaking great things." He caused himself to be addressed under the title of "Lord and God," while wicked he professed great piety. See World’s Display, Vol. 2, page 22. Giesseler Eccl. Hist., Vol. 1, page 23, "Made war with the saints, for a time and times and the dividing of time." History shows that forty thousand Christians were killed by order of this monster. He placed John, the revelator, in a tank of boiling oil. His work of violence began upon the Christians in the early part of the year A. D. 93, and ended with his death which occurred September 14th, 96, figuring back three years and a half or 1260 days, brings us to March 93, the very period which Petavious fixes for the persecution of Domitian.

"The Ancients called a year a time, because it was the time of one apparent revolution of the sun around the ecliptic, the period occupied by the earth in making its revolution around the sun, called the astronomical equinoctial, natural, solar, tropical year." Webster Dict., Art. "Year." Bishop Newton and many other scholars say that a Time means a year. Newton on Prophecy, page 221, Osbons Daniel verified in History, page 115. From the above it is shown clearly that the pet theory that time, times and dividing of time and forty two months and a thousand two hundred three score days means 1260 Years when all history and the Bible shows it means days, is a fallacy that should be abandoned by the real lover of truth. The history is complete that the Eleventh Horn or King of the Roman Empire persecuted the Christians as stated for three years and a half or 1,260 days.Daniel 7:26: "They shall take away his dominion to consume and destroy it unto the end.,’ Domitian was murdered, and the Senate issued a decree that his name should be struck out of the Roman Annals, and obliterated from every public monument, thus was his dominion consumed unto the end. The Encyclopedia Britannica says the last three years his behavior was that of a mad man.

We have proved that the dream of Nebuchadnezzar and the vision of Daniel had reference to the four great monarchical governments of antiquity. That the toes of the image and the horns of the fourth beast had reference to the ten kings of the Roman Empire, and the eleventh horn, to the Emperor Domitian.

We will now show that the fourth beast was not Papal Rome and the eleventh horn the Pope of the Roman Catholic church, as assumed by the Mormons and some others, but that the fourth beast was Civil Rome.

The City of Rome was built on seven hills. Gibbons, D. F. R. E., Vol. 1, page 546. Barnes, page 239-246-434, Smith’s Bib. Dic. Art "Rome," page 588, Newton, page 527.

It is common to apply these prophecies to Papal Rome, and the Popes. But it cannot be disputed that this refers to the civil power of Rome, and the Roman Government or fourth beast with its eleven horns, and the legs and feet of iron of the image together with its toes were destroyed. When the image is destroyed, the toes being part of the image were also destroyed. Who ever heard of a man dying and being destroyed and his toes living and having great power a thousand years after his death? Who ever heard of a beast being killed, destroyed, burned up, and yet its horns being alive and active? All know that when the body is destroyed, the members perish with it. How these toes and horns could be nourished into life and growth and power from the cinders and ashes exceeds the force of our ingenuity to explain.

  • Daniel 7:11: The beast is destroyed and given to the burning flames.

  • Daniel 7:26: Take away his dominion, consume and destroy it unto the end.

  • Daniel 2:34-36: Smote image upon its feet, break them in pieces, no place was found for them.

The feet and toes belonged to the image, the horns to the beast. All were broken to pieces, destroyed, burned, consumed. No place found for them, in fact the dream and vision tell the same story and show the destruction of all by the stone kingdom set up in the days of these kings, or horns. The image or beast only existed 1,082 years, more than six hundred of that time had passed before Christ came, He was nearing the time of the feet and it was during the early period of Christianity that Rome lost her power.

Now the civil power was destroyed before Papacy arose, no credible authority will attempt to fix the date of Papacy, as a ruling power earlier than the beginning of the seventh century, and yet it is incontrovertible that the Roman Empire was destroyed before the close of the fifth century. The Stone Kingdom Set Up By Christ.

Daniel 2:34-35: Stone smote the image upon feet, break them in pieces.

Daniel 2:44-45: Break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, stand forever.

Psalms 118:22: Stone disallowed of men, but chosen of God.

Isaiah 2:2: Christ’s Kingdom established upon the mountains.

Daniel 2:35: Stone became great mountain and filled the whole earth.

Matthew 21:42-45: The rejected stone will grind to powder. The stone was to destroy the entire image, the iron age of Rome lies between the expulsion of Tarquin (BC 509) and the usurpation of Julius Caesar, which occurred a little before the coming of Christ. The Iron strength began to yield, and the weakness of clay began to be manifest. The Stone broke it. It was during the early history of Christianity that Rome lost her power and soon after was destroyed as a nation, and the Kingdom of Christ destroyed her according to the dream. Jesus was born, lived and died in the days of imperial Rome, and set up His Kingdom -- The Stone Kingdoms that broke in pieces Rome. Matthew 2, 1 : Now when Jesus was born in the days of Herod the King. Josephus B. 18, C. 3, page 535: Now about this time Jesus was born, Luke 3, l-3: Jesus lived in the days of Herod, Tiberius, Caesar, Pilate. Josephus B. 3, C. 3: Jesus lived. If it is lawful to call him a man. Luke 2, 1 : Caesar Augustus taxed the world, Jesus was born.

Josephus B. 18, C. 2, page 1: Caesar taxed the people, Pilate was there.

Matthew 22:15-21: Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.

Matthew 27:1-27: Roman judge sentenced Jesus and Roman soldiers crucified him.

Matthew 27:63-66: Roman Seal on tomb by order of Roman governor.

John 19:1: Pilate scourged Him and Roman soldiers pierced His side.

We have elsewhere in this little book recorded the facts regarding Joseph Smith, claiming to receive command from God to organize the kingdom referred to that will break in pieces and consume all other kingdoms and stand forever, and that Christ inspired him to be crowned a King.

Doctrine and Covenants1:5: Start a church to save the nations.

Doctrine and Covenants107:1-3: Proclamation to kings and nations to come to Zion.

Doctrine and Covenants102:9: Kingdoms of the world to submit to and acknowledge Zion.

Doctrine and Covenants101:10: Kingdom built by Smith, Christ dwell in City.

Doctrine and Covenants91, 1: Kirtland to be a city and stake of Zion.

Doctrine and Covenants77:1: City of Enoch, new name, Covenant binding.

Doctrine and Covenants83:1-2: New Jerusalem built in Missouri.

We will close this little chapter by recalling the prophecies of Smith showing that the United States will be destroyed, Missouri sink disgraced and damned to hell, as recorded in this book and quoted from their church history, Vol. 2, pages 419, 710-711.

I trust the reader will see that Christ will destroy all these evils, and that he set up his stone kingdom, and will carry it triumphant to the glory of the Father, till sin is done away, death swallowed up in victory, and the kingdoms and dominions of the earth shall know and love Him and crown Him King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Bishop R. C. Evans Dragged Into Court. The history of Mormonism reveals that when a person becomes convinced of the fraudulent character of Joseph Smith and his revelations, that that person must be destroyed. In the early days, "The Danites, or destroying Angels" were busy with dirk or pistol, but in more modern times, the weapons changed to cruel slander and base misrepresentation, from press and platform.

Having recorded, in this little work, that I followed my parents into the church, when in my childhood and with all the fervor of youth and vigor of manhood, I gave forty-two years to Mormonism, believing that God was the author of it. When my faith in Mormonism failed, and the Lord led me out of the darkness into the light, I tendered my resignation to the president of the church, and walked out of the church, not knowing that a soul on earth would follow me.

Through the years there had never been a charge presented against me, I had but two difficulties. The first was, when I refused to condone the conduct of a person when they were found in wickedness. The second was when some of the prominent leaders, through envy and jealousy sought to injure me. Through the years "the common people heard me gladly, and I preached to more people than any man in the church during my ministry. When the Lord opened my eyes to the great deception of Mormonism I tendered my resignation and then the President of the church set his church hounds after me. Their three church papers were crowded with slander and tattle and misrepresentation. One paper of which the President was the editor, for two issues were doubled in size and every paragraph was about the bad man that had left the church. We called for fair play and half the space to make reply. A petition was signed by the Secretary of more than five hundred people begging for space for me to reply, and in the event of a refusal, President Smith was challenged to meet me in public debate in the largest hall in Toronto, I to pay all expenses. They have not permitted me to write a word in one of those three papers, and Smith will not discuss Mormonism with me. The next move was to drag me before the courts of the Land. They issued a writ against me, and after a delay of months, they admitted the writ was not able to secure conviction and they changed the writ. Then another delay of months. In the meantime they secured an American lawyer (who is a brother of President Smith, the son of Joseph Smith,) who moved his family from Independence, MO., to Toronto, Ont. He was here several months working up the evidence against me and coaching his two other lawyers of the city. Then came High Priest Pitt and wife. They hired a house in Toronto for several months. Then came President Smith and wife. Then came R. C. Smith, his brother (the one that is called after me, in honor of the fact that I baptized his mother and solemnized the marriage between her and his father, The Prophet, Joseph Smith.) Then came five apostles, four bishops and a host of High Priests, patriarchs and other priestly dignitaries who have filled their pulpit and wrote to the papers, and visited the people to keep them from the wolf, and safe in the Mormon fold. When the earth had been covered and they were ready, then came the trial, prophecies galore, in which God is supposed to have told them that I would he exposed in the trial and the world would know what kind of a man I really was, filled their homes and churches. The trial came, chief Justice Falconbridge heard the case. Their three lawyers filled to the brim, did their best. They dragged from their witnesses every point which had been carefully studied. We were questioned for hours and the trial was on during the days of May 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 and June 2-6 and 7. In place of making the closing speech and ending the agony at once the written arguments did not reach the Judge till December 30, seven months more to prophecy defeat and destruction to the apostate, but it is said all things come to those who wait, and we waited till the learned judge handed down his judgments, which I herewith submit as reported in the Toronto papers.

Judgment For Evans On All Points of Suit -- Suit Against Former Bishop of Church of Latter Day Saints Dismissed.

Toronto Star, Jan l-4, 1920.

Chief Justice Falconbridge to-day delivered judgment in favor of Bishop R. C. Evans and others on all points in the suit of May and June, 1919. Benjamin R. McGuire, Bishop of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, living at Independence, Missouri; Mary Wilson, president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Toronto branch of the Church: M. J. Crowley, president of the Zion Religio-Literary Society of the Church, Toronto; and Leslie Prentice, superintendent of the Toronto Sunday school, brought suit against Bishop R. C. Evans, minister of an independent church in Toronto; Lizzie Evans, president; Sara Crowley, secretary, and Bertha Gray, treasurer of the new Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Independent Church: against Charles Gerrard, president: Ida Gerrard, secretary, and Pearl Bayliss, treasurer of the New Zion Religio-Literary Society; and against Ed. Barringham, superintendent, and Margaret Lewis, secretary of the new Sunday school.

Bishop R. C. Evans had been for many years bishop of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints’ Church on Soho street, Toronto, and it was claimed that on June 3, 1918, he resigned and, with others, formed a new church. The suit was for an accounting of all funds appropriated by the new church.

Chief Justice Falconbridge, in his judgment says: "The case was argued before me on May 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, and on June 2, 6 and 7, 1919.

"At the request of counsel I allowed written arguments to be put in, and most elaborate ones were handed to me on December 30.

"A judge cannot listen to witnesses for eight days without coming to a conclusion as to the merits of a case. I formed a strong opinion, but I was quite willing, with an open mind, to listen to further arguments.

"A very careful consideration of the arguments and authorities fails to remove the impression which I had in mind.

"It is unnecessary to go into particulars, the contentions of the parties being so fully set forth in writing.

"I find in favor of the defendant, on all points, and dismiss the action with costs. There arc some small figures to be readjusted, which counsel said they were willing to do. Fifteen days’ stay."

G. Wilkie, of Hamilton, was solicitor for McGuire, and W. R. Smythe, K. C., for Bishop Evans.

Less than a month after rendering the above decision, this celebrated judge died. I herewith append one of the many glowing tributes those who knew him best paid him: His friends and associates have paid many glowing tributes to his worth as a chief justice, and his sterling qualities as a friend and sportsman. The following tribute comes from Wallace Nesbitt, K. C.: "As a judge, the late Sir Glenholme Falconbridge presided with great dignity and uniform courtesy, listening with sympathetic patience to argument and arriving at accurate conclusions, which he expressed in the tersest and most grammatical English. As a judge of fact, he was unrivaled since the death of Chief Justice Simons. Common sense, plus a very complete knowledge of the world, gave him an unerring instinct in detecting where the truth lay.

"His choice of English was refined and classic. His speech as chairman at the banquet given by the Toronto Club to the Duke of Kensington was only equaled, but not excelled, by the masterpiece of Sir Wilfrid Laurier at the Rideau Club on the occasion of the dinner to the duke, when he used the beautiful imagery of Ruth in speaking of the duchess, the faithful companion of her consort."

Yet the Mormon press reflected upon this great man, and their Elders from the platform accused him of being unfair and reflected upon him very unkindly and all because he gave the decision above quoted.

All that I care to say about the judgment is, that while I have spent many months under the ban of suspicion, while the tongue of slander was busy and the pen of envy was besmearing the pages with the most cruel misrepresentations ever published, yet to have one of the most prominent and learned judges that ever sat on the bench of the British Empire bring in the verdict, and make the observations that he made, is worth all my suffering and to those who love law and order, this should be a most complete answer to those who have tried to destroy me, and also a recommendation of my character.

Now that pen, voice, press, courts have done what they have, I know not what will be the next move, but my thrust is in God, and to Him I leave the future.

I submit the following letter and.set of propositions which I wrote and sent to President Smith, asking him to publish the same in his church papers and up to date he has neither published the letter nor replied to it in any honorable way. The only satisfaction I have had is that many of the papers of Canada and the United States have published it, and the world knows that I stand ready to meet President Smith on the platform and make answer as to why I left Mormonism and to let the world know the facts. An Open Challenge to President Frederick M. Smith President F. M. Smith.

Dear Sir: The Saints Herald for March 19th, 1919, pages 281-2 contains a letter purporting to have been written by one signing the name of T. W. Williams. For many reasons I decline to regard this person of many sides as being sincere, some of which I will submit to you, as reasons why I have, and shall continue to decline to appear on the same platform with him.

First -- He was considered a strong Socialist, and he admits that he was secretary for that society in California for years. For reasons known to himself and others, he suddenly rushed from California to Canada to act as your representative in a tirade against me from press, platform and pulpit.

Second -- The contradictory statements and misrepresentations made are so numerous that I would not consider for one moment holding a debate with him. The rules of logic demand that each disputant must mutually consider each other as standing on equal footing and desire for truth.

Third -- This person now selected by you to defend Mormonism has denounced much of the faith of your church and for a time withdrew from active missionary work assailing through the press the cherished doctrines of the church, opposing the leading authorities in regard to Tithing, Gathering and other doctrines. He accused the leaders of not teaching the Law of God, and doing violence to the sacred law. He boldly accuses the leaders of teaching that which produces inequality, and affirms that they are in direct violation to the Law. He clearly proves that the revelations said to have been given to the church by God flatly contradict each other and affirms that the church is held up to "public shame and ridicule." That the leaders are robbing the people of their rights under the law of "common consent" and flings a shadow on the revelations of both your father and grandfather who are the acknowledged prophets of the church. He pleads with the leaders to correct the mistakes and not remain in darkness. (Herald, January 13th, 1909.) Now for reasons known to himself and others, he is willing to abuse me because I believe and teach that the leaders of the church are guilty as charged by him. I do not think for a moment he has changed his opinion, but just his position, for reasons.

Fourth -- He was present when I challenged you to meet me in debate in the largest hall in Canada, the night I tendered my resignation as a member of the church of the Latter Day Saints. He knows that I have printed one hundred and thirty thousand pamphlets in which I have challenged you to open discussion. He knows that I have in print declined to meet him in debate, giving my reasons, yet in order to secure cheap notoriety, he plays the coward and in most every speech cries aloud: "I challenge Mr. Evans to meet me." He knows he is perfectly safe in this. Were I to condescend to meet your importation from California, perhaps he would be willing to suffer for what he could make out of it, but what would be gained by such a debate? If defeated he would leave the country and you would say: "He never touched me," and you would request me to meet still another, all the while you would be having a good time at some summer or winter resort. No, sir; you must meet me, or there will be no debate on Mormonism, so far as I am concerned.

Fifth -- You should be willing to defend Mormonism, and should not request some poor fellow, who is eating out of your hand, to make answer for you. You are the acknowledged President of the church, the successor of your Grandfather and Father, as Prophet, Seer, Revelator, and God’s mouthpiece to the church. You are considered as the best educated man in the church. You are the one man above all others that should stand as the defender of the faith. If you cannot defend the revelations given to the church by your Grandfather, your Father and yourself, as the professed Prophets of the Almighty, and the sole mouthpiece of Christ to the church, you should not compel your importation from California to make the attempt for a consideration.

Sixth -- As the inspired Prophet of the Lord, while in Toronto, you publicly made this statement: "My Grandfather gave the law, my Father interpreted the law, and I am here to enforce the law." If that be true, then you are the ONE MAN ON EARTH to defend that given by your Grandfather, interpreted by your Father, and enforced by you.

Seventh -- I am ready to meet you for the above reasons, and further because you make claim to be God’s Prophet, Seer, Revelator, and sole mouthpiece to the church, also President of the church. The world wants to hear from you. Let the world know what real Mormonism is. Tell them all about the corruption of the Bible, and how necessary it was that your Grandfather give them an inspired translation of the Bible, as printed and sold by your church. Tell them all about the "Golden Bible," known as the "Book of Mormon," with the wonderful "Peep Stone" and "Urim and Thummim," by which the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham were given to the world. Give them the history of the "Order of Enoch," organized by your Grandfather. Tell us all about how God changed His name from Joseph to Enoch, then to Baurak Ale, and then Gazelem. Lift the veil and tell the world the truth about the revelations on polygamy. Tell them about Christ soon coming to live with you folk in Independence, Missouri. Give a history of the Danites, a secret society organized to murder, if the testimony of leading Mormons be true. You folk admit such an order in Utah Mormonism. Was it organized in 1838, as stated by Whitmer and Cowdery?

While I wish I could forget Mormonism and spend the few remaining years of my life in preaching the true gospel of Christ, yet if it is necessary that I become a victim to be sacrificed upon the altar in order to draw you out, so that the world may know Mormonism, all I ask is fair play and half the time. So herewith I submit the following propositions for public debate to be held in the largest hall in Toronto, Ontario, time to be agreed upon later as we may arrange. I will not ask you to take your time or money to hire hall or advertise, I will do all that without one cent from you:

Propositions For Debate Between F. M. Smith and R. C. Evans

First -- Resolved, That Joseph Smith, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator of the Latter Day Saint Church, taught, practiced and sanctioned polygamy, and that he affirmed that Jesus Christ gave him a revelation commanding his people to practice polygamy in order to be saved. R. C. Evans affirms. F. M. Smith denies.

Second -- Resolved, That Jesus Christ commanded the church to "Give heed unto all his (Joseph Smith’s) words and commandments," (saying) "For his words ye shall receive as if from mine own mouth." F. M. Smith affirms. R. C. Evans denies.

Third -- Resolved, That Jesus Christ commanded the church through Joseph Smith to organize the "Order of Enoch" and that it is the duty of the membership of the church to consecrate all their properties to the bishop of the church, as trustee of the Order "With a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken." This being essential to their salvation. F. M. Smith affirms. R. C. Evans denies.

Fourth -- Resolved, That all productions printed in the Doctrine and Covenants, accepted as revelations through Joseph Smith, your Grandfather, Joseph Smith, your father, F. M. Smith, yourself, are the words of Christ. F. M. Smith affirms. R. C. Evans denies.

Fifth -- Resolved, That Joseph was divinely inspired to translate a record inscribed on golden plates, given to him by an Angel of God, and that Joseph Smith was inspired by the Lord to publish to the world a correct translation of said record, known as the Book of Mormon, and that said book is the new and everlasting covenant, even the fullness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. F. M. Smith affirms. R. C. Evans denies.

Now, Sir, I admit that God has blessed the honest people of the church when they preached and obeyed the first principles of the gospel, but that they have been deceived by the Mormon part, is beyond question. Many thousands of the church have thus concluded. It will avail you but little to tell the world that I once believed that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God, that the Book of Mormon was divinely inspired. I admit that I taught and believed all that, and that my sermons defended the work of Smith. To quote my sermons of twenty or thirty years ago is not the question. Abraham, Moses, Paul, Luther, Knox and thousands of others were converted from error to see the light of God. Why denounce me because I have grown in grace and knowledge?

I ask in common justice that you publish this letter in both Herald and Ensign, where you permitted the other challenge to appear. Notwithstanding the many cruel and false statements that have been published in your papers, you have persistently refused me a reply, yet I shall continue to try to keep my heart from bitterness, and put forth every effort possible to love God and preach the gospel, and my earnest prayer is that you may yet see the light of the gospel, be rescued from the thraldom of Mormonism and be saved in the kingdom of God.

Yours sincerely, (signed) R. C. Evans 51 Ozark Crescent, Toronto, Ontario, April 1st, 1919.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate