To his church, all the actions recorded of the dragon and leopard beast relate; and in reference to the church, therefore, we conclude that the dragon voice of this power is uttered.
The "speaking" of any government must be the public promulgation of its will on the part of its law-making and executive powers.

Is this nation, then, to issue unjust and oppressive enactments against the people of God?
Are the fires of persecution, which in other ages have devastated other lands, to be lighted here also?
We would fain believe otherwise; but notwithstanding the pure intentions of the noble founders of this government, notwithstanding the worthy motives and objects of thousands of Christian patriots to-day, we can but take the prophecy as it reads, and expect nothing less than what it predicts.

John heard this power speak; and the voice was that of a dragon.
Nor is this so improbable an issue as might at first appear.

The people of the United States are not all saints.

The masses, notwithstanding all our gospel light and gospel principles, are still in a position for Satan to suddenly fire their hearts with the basest of impulses.