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Table of Contents By the request of dear friends I have consented to give a brief sketch of my experience and views, with the hope that it will cheer and strengthen the humble, trusting children of the Lord. {EW 11.1} At the age of eleven years I was converted, and when twelve years old was baptized, and joined the Methodist Church. [MRS. WHITE WAS BORN AT GORHAM, MAINE, NOVEMBER 26, 1827.] At the age of thirteen I heard William Miller deliver his second course of lectures in Portland, Maine. I then felt that I was not holy, not ready to see Jesus. And when the invitation was given for church members and sinners to come forward for prayers, I embraced the first opportunity, for I knew that I must have a great work done for me to fit me for heaven. My soul was thirsting for full and free salvation, but knew not how to obtain it. {EW 11.2} In 1842, I constantly attended the second advent meetings in Portland,
Maine, and fully believed that the Lord was coming. I was hungering and
thirsting for full salvation, an entire conformity to the will of God. Day and
night I was struggling to obtain this priceless treasure, that all the riches of
earth could not purchase. As I was bowed before God praying for this blessing,
the duty to go and pray in a public prayer meeting was presented before me. I
had never prayed vocally in meeting, and drew back from the duty, fearing that
if I should attempt to pray I would be confounded. Every time I went before the
Lord in secret prayer this unfulfilled duty presented itself, until I ceased to
pray, and settled down in a melancholy state, and finally in deep despair. In this state of mind I remained for three weeks, with not one ray of light to pierce the thick clouds of darkness around me. I then had two dreams which gave me a faint ray of light and hope. [THE DREAMS HERE REFERRED TO WILL BE FOUND ON PAGES 78-81.] After that I opened my mind to my devoted mother. She told me that I was not lost and advised me to go and see Brother Stockman, who then preached to the Advent people in Portland. I had great confidence in him, for he was a devoted and beloved servant of Christ. His words affected me and led me to hope. I returned home and again went before the Lord, and promised that I would do and suffer anything if I could have the smiles of Jesus. The same duty was presented. There was to be a prayer meeting that evening, which I attended, and when others knelt to pray, I bowed with them trembling, and after two or three had prayed, I opened my mouth in prayer before I was aware of it, and the promises of God looked to me like so many precious pearls that were to be received by only asking for them. As I prayed, the burden and agony of soul that I had so long felt left me, and the blessing of God came upon me like the gentle dew. I gave glory to God for what I felt, but I longed for more. I could not be satisfied till I was filled with the fullness of God. Inexpressible love for Jesus filled my soul. Wave after wave of glory rolled over me, until my body grew stiff. Everything was shut out from me but Jesus and glory, and I knew nothing of what was passing around me. {EW 12.1} I remained in this state of body and mind a long time, and when I
realized what was around me, everything seemed changed. Everything looked
glorious and new, as if smiling and praising God. I was then willing to confess
Jesus everywhere. For six months Most of my father's family were full believers in the advent, and for bearing testimony to this glorious doctrine seven of us were at one time cast out of the Methodist Church. At this time the words of the prophet were exceedingly precious to us: "Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for My name's sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." Isa. 66:5. {EW 13.1} From this time, up to December, 1844, my joys, trials, and
disappointments were like those of my dear Advent friends around me. At this
time I visited one of our Advent sisters, and in the morning we bowed around the
family altar. It was not an exciting occasion, and there were but five of us
present, all women. While I was praying, the power of God came upon me as I had
never felt it before. I was wrapped in a vision of God's glory, and seemed to be
rising higher and higher from the earth, and was shown something of the travels
of the Advent people to the Holy City, as narrated below. {EW 13.2} While I was praying at the family altar, the Holy Ghost fell upon me,
and I seemed to be rising higher and higher, far above the dark world. I turned
to look for the Advent people in the world, but could not find them, when a
voice said to me, "Look again, and look a little higher." At this I raised my
eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this
path the Advent people were traveling to the city, which was at the farther end
of the path. They had a bright light set up behind them at the beginning of the
path, which an angel told me was the midnight cry. This light shone all along
the path and gave light for their feet so that they might not stumble. If they
kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading them to the
city, they were safe. But soon some grew weary, and said the city was a great
way off, and they expected to have entered it before. Then Jesus would encourage
The 144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united. On their foreheads was written, God, New Jerusalem, and a glorious star containing Jesus' new name. At our happy, holy state the wicked were enraged, and would rush violently up to lay hands on us to thrust us into prison, when we would stretch forth the hand in the name of the Lord, and they would fall helpless to the ground. Then it was that the synagogue of Satan knew that God had loved us who could wash one another's feet and salute the brethren with a holy kiss, and they worshiped at our feet. {EW 15.1} Soon our eyes were drawn to the east, for a small black cloud had
appeared, about half as large as a man's hand, which we all knew was the sign of
the Son of man. We all in solemn silence gazed on the cloud as it drew nearer
and became lighter, glorious, and still more glorious, till it was a great white
cloud. The bottom appeared like fire; a rainbow was over the cloud, while around
it were ten thousand angels, Then Jesus' silver trumpet sounded, as He descended on the cloud, wrapped in flames of fire. He gazed on the graves of the sleeping saints, then raised His eyes and hands to heaven, and cried, "Awake! awake! awake! ye that sleep in the dust, and arise." Then there was a mighty earthquake. The graves opened, and the dead came up clothed with immortality. The 144,000 shouted, "Alleluia!" as they recognized their friends who had been torn from them by death, and in the same moment we were changed and caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. {EW 16.1} We all entered the cloud together, and were seven days ascending to the
sea of glass, when Jesus brought the crowns, and with His own right hand placed
them on our heads. He gave us harps of gold and palms of victory. Here on the
sea of glass the 144,000 stood in a perfect square. Some of them had very bright
crowns, others not so bright. Some crowns appeared heavy with stars, while
others had but few. All were perfectly satisfied with their crowns. And they
were all Here we saw the tree of life and the throne of God. Out of the throne came a pure river of water, and on either side of the river was the tree of life. On one side of the river was a trunk of a tree, and a trunk on the other side of the river, both of pure, transparent gold. At first I thought I saw two trees. I looked again, and saw that they were united at the top in one tree. So it was the tree of life on either side of the river of life. Its branches bowed to the place where we stood, and the fruit was glorious; it looked like gold mixed with silver. {EW 17.1} We all went under the tree and sat down to look at the glory of the place, when Brethren Fitch and Stockman, [SEE APPENDIX.] who had preached the gospel of the kingdom, and whom God had laid in the grave to save them, came up to us and asked us what we had passed through while they were sleeping. We tried to call up our greatest trials, but they looked so small compared with the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory that surrounded us that we could not speak them out, and we all cried out, "Alleluia, heaven is cheap enough!" and we touched our glorious harps and made heaven's arches ring. {EW 17.2} With Jesus at our head we all descended from the city down to this
earth, on a great and mighty mountain, which could not bear Jesus up, and it
parted asunder, and there was a mighty plain. Then we looked up I saw another field full of all kinds of flowers, and as I plucked them, I cried out, "They will never fade." Next I saw a field of tall grass, most glorious to behold; it was living green and had a reflection of silver and gold, as it waved proudly to the glory of King Jesus. Then we entered a field full of all kinds of beasts--the lion, the lamb, the leopard, and the wolf, all together in perfect union. We passed through the midst of them, and they followed on peaceably after. Then we entered a wood, not like the dark woods we have here; no, no; but light, and all over glorious; the branches of the trees moved to and fro, and we all cried out, "We will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods." We passed through the woods, for we were on our way to Mount Zion. {EW 18.1} As we were traveling along, we met a company who also were gazing at the
glories of the place. I noticed red as a border on their garments; their crowns
were brilliant; their robes were pure white. As we greeted This temple was supported by seven pillars, all of transparent gold, set
with pearls most glorious. The wonderful things I there saw I cannot describe.
Oh, that I could talk in the language of Canaan, then could I tell a little of
the glory of the better world. I saw there tables of stone in which the names of
the 144,000 were engraved in letters of gold. After we beheld the glory of the
temple, we went out, and Jesus left us and went to the city. Soon we heard His
lovely voice again, saying, "Come, My people, you have come out of great
tribulation, and done My will; suffered for Me; come in to supper, for I will
gird Myself, and serve you." We shouted, "Alleluia! glory!" and entered into the
city. And I saw a table of pure silver; it was many miles in length, yet our
eyes could extend over it. I saw the fruit of the tree of life, the manna,
almonds, figs, pomegranates, grapes, and many other kinds of fruit. I asked
Jesus to let me eat of the fruit. He said, "Not now. Those who eat of the fruit
of this After I came out of vision, everything looked changed; a gloom was spread over all that I beheld. Oh, how dark this world looked to me. I wept when I found myself here, and felt homesick. I had seen a better world, and it had spoiled this for me. I told the view to our little band in Portland, who then fully believed it to be of God. That was a powerful time. The solemnity of eternity rested upon us. About one week after this the Lord gave me another view and showed me the trials I must pass through, and that I must go and relate to others what He had revealed to me, and that I should meet with great opposition and suffer anguish of spirit by going. But said the angel, "The grace of God is sufficient for you; He will hold you up." {EW 20.1} After I came out of this vision, I was exceedingly troubled. My health
was very poor, and I was but seventeen years old. I knew that many had fallen
through exaltation, and I knew that if I in any way became exalted, God would
leave me, and I should surely be lost. I went to the Lord in prayer and begged
Him to lay the burden on someone else. It seemed to me that I could not bear it.
I lay upon my face a long time, and all the light I could get was, "Make known
to others what I have revealed to you." In my next vision I earnestly begged of the Lord that, if I must go and relate what He had shown to me, He would keep me from exaltation. Then He showed me that my prayer was answered, and if I should be in danger of exaltation His hand would be laid upon me, and I would be afflicted with sickness. Said the angel, "If you deliver the messages faithfully, and endure unto the end, you shall eat of the fruit of the tree of life and drink of the water of the river of life." {EW 21.1} Soon it was reported all around that the visions were the result of mesmerism, [SEE APPENDIX.] and many Adventists were ready to believe and circulate the report. A physician who was a celebrated mesmerizer told me that my views were mesmerism, that I was a very easy subject, and that he could mesmerize me and give me a vision. I told him that the Lord had shown me in vision that mesmerism was from the devil, from the bottomless pit, and that it would soon go there, with those who continued to use it. I then gave him liberty to mesmerize me if he could. He tried for more than half an hour, resorting to different operations, and then gave it up. By faith in God I was able to resist his influence, so that it did not affect me in the least. {EW 21.2} If I had a vision in meeting, many would say that it was excitement and
that someone mesmerized me. Then I would go away alone in the woods, where no
eye or ear but God's could see or hear, and pray to Him, and He would sometimes
give me a vision there. I then rejoiced, and told them what God had revealed to
me alone, where no mortal could influence me. But I was told by some that I
mesmerized myself. Oh, thought I, has it come to this that those who honestly go
to God alone to plead His promises and to claim His salvation, are to be charged
with being under the foul and soul-damning influence of mesmerism? Do we ask our
kind Father in heaven for "bread," only to receive a At this time there was fanaticism in Maine. Some refrained wholly from labor and disfellowshiped all those who would not receive their views on this point, and some other things which they held to be religious duties. God revealed these errors to me in vision and sent me to His erring children to declare them; but many of them wholly rejected the message, and charged me with conforming to the world. On the other hand, the nominal Adventists charged me with fanaticism, and I was falsely, and by some wickedly, represented as being the leader of the fanaticism that I was actually laboring to correct. Different times were repeatedly set for the Lord to come and were urged upon the brethren; but the Lord showed me that they would all pass by, for the time of trouble must come before the coming of Christ, and that every time that was set and passed by would only weaken the faith of God's people. For this I was charged with being with the evil servant that said in his heart, "My Lord delayeth His coming." {EW 22.1} All these things weighed heavily upon my spirits, and in the confusion I
was sometimes tempted to doubt my own experience. While at family prayers one
morning, the power of God began to rest upon me, and the thought rushed into my
mind that it was mesmerism, and I resisted it. Immediately I was struck dumb and
for a few moments was lost to everything around me. I then saw my sin in
doubting the power of God, and that for so doing I was struck dumb, and that my
tongue would be loosed in less than twenty-four hours. A card was held up before
me, on which were written In 1846, while at Fairhaven, Massachusetts, my sister (who usually accompanied me at that time), Sister A., Brother G., and myself started in a sailboat to visit a family on West's Island. It was almost night when we started. We had gone but a short distance when a storm suddenly arose. It thundered and lightened, and the rain came in torrents upon us. It seemed plain that we must be lost, unless God should deliver. {EW 23.1} I knelt down in the boat and began to cry to God to deliver us. And
there upon the tossing billows, while the water washed over the top of the boat
upon us, I was taken off in vision and saw that sooner would every drop of water
in the ocean be dried up than we perish, for my work had but just begun. After I
came out of the vision all my fears were gone, and we sang and praised God, and
our little boat was to us a floating Bethel. The editor of The Advent Herald has
said that my visions were known to be "the result of mesmeric operations." But,
I ask, what opportunity was there for mesmeric operations in such a time as
that? Brother G. had more than he could well do to manage the boat. He tried to
anchor, but the anchor dragged. Our little boat was tossed upon the waves and
driven by the wind, while it was so dark that we could not see from Texts Referred to on Preceding Page All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall show it unto you. John 16:15. {EW 24.2} And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4. {EW 24.3} And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy word, by stretching forth Thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31. {EW 24.4} Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls
before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend
you. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it
shall be opened unto you: for everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that
seeketh 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. Matt. 24:24. {EW 25.1} As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Col. 2:6-8. {EW 25.2} Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Heb. 10:35-39. {EW 25.3} For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own
works, as God did from His. Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest
any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the Word of God is quick,
and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the
dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb. 4:10-12. Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. . . . Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake. Phil. 1:6, 27-29. {EW 26.1} For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Phil. 2:13-15. {EW 26.2} Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Eph. 6:10-18. {EW 26.3} And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Eph. 4:32. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. 1 Peter 1:22. {EW 27.1} A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34, 35. {EW 27.2} Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Cor. 13:5. {EW 27.3} According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 1 Cor. 3:10-13. {EW 27.4} Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20:28-30. {EW 27.5} I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the
grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some
that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an
angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have
preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again,
If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him
be accursed. Gal. 1:6-9. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. And I say unto you My friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear Him, which after He hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear Him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:3-7. {EW 28.1} For it is written, He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Luke 4:10, 11. {EW 28.2} For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Cor. 4:6-9. {EW 28.3} For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Cor. 4:17, 18. {EW 28.4} Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:5-7. {EW 28.5} For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. 1 Thess. 3:8. And these things shall follow them that believe: In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:17, 18. {EW 29.1} His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: but by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that He was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this Man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether He be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. Then said they to him again, What did He to thee? how opened He thine eyes? He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? Would ye also be His disciples? John 9:20-27. {EW 29.2} And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it. If ye love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:13-15. {EW 29.3} If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples. John 15:7, 8. {EW 29.4} And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he
cried out, saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with Thee, Thou Jesus of
Nazareth? art Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of
God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. Mark
1:23-25. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 8:38, 39. {EW 30.1} And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name. Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God: and I will write upon him My new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Rev. 3:7-13. {EW 30.2} These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. Rev. 14:4, 5. {EW 30.3} For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil. 3:20. {EW 30.4} Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the
husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience
for it, until he receive the early Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. Phil. 3:21. {EW 31.1} And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in Thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for Thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And He that sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. Rev. 14:14-17. {EW 31.2} There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. Heb. 4:9. {EW 31.3} And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Rev. 21:2. {EW 31.4} And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads. Rev. 14:1. {EW 31.5} And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal,
proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street
of life, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare
twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of
the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse:
but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall
serve Him. And they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their
foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither
light of the sun; for the Lord giveth them light: and they shall reign forever
and ever. Rev. 22:1-5. 3 Subsequent Visions We felt an unusual spirit of prayer. And as we prayed the Holy Ghost fell upon us. We were very happy. Soon I was lost to earthly things and was wrapped in a vision of God's glory. I saw an angel flying swiftly to me. He quickly carried me from the earth to the Holy City. In the city I saw a temple, which I entered. I passed through a door before I came to the first veil. This veil was raised, and I passed into the holy place. Here I saw the altar of incense, the candlestick with seven lamps, and the table on which was the shewbread. After viewing the glory of the holy, Jesus raised the second veil and I passed into the holy of holies. {EW 32.2} In the holiest I saw an ark; on the top and sides of it was purest gold.
On each end of the ark was a lovely cherub, with its wings spread out over it.
Their faces were turned toward each other, and they looked downward. Between the
angels was a golden censer. Above the ark, where the angels stood, was an
exceeding bright glory, that appeared like a throne where God dwelt. Jesus stood
by the ark, and as the saints' prayers came up to Him, the incense in the censer
would smoke, and He would offer up their prayers with the smoke of the incense
to His Father. In the ark was the golden pot of manna, Aaron's rod that budded,
and the tables of stone which folded together like a book. Jesus opened them,
and I saw the ten commandments written on them with the finger of God. On one
table were four, and on the other six. The four on the first table shone
brighter than the other six. But the fourth, the And I saw that if God had changed the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day, He would have changed the writing of the Sabbath commandment, written on the tables of stone, which are now in the ark in the most holy place of the temple in heaven; and it would read thus: The first day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. But I saw that it read the same as when written on the tables of stone by the finger of God, and delivered to Moses on Sinai. "But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." I saw that the holy Sabbath is, and will be, the separating wall between the true Israel of God and unbelievers; and that the Sabbath is the great question to unite the hearts of God's dear, waiting saints. {EW 33.1} I saw that God had children who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They
have not rejected the light upon it. And at the commencement of the time of
trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the
Sabbath more fully. [SEE PAGE 85.] This enraged the churches and nominal
Adventists, [SEE ALSO APPENDIX.] as they could not refute the Sabbath truth. And
at this time God's chosen all saw clearly that we had the truth, and they came
out and endured the persecution with us. I saw In the time of trouble we all fled from the cities and villages, but
were pursued by the wicked, who entered the houses of the saints with a sword.
They raised the sword to kill us, but it broke, and fell as powerless as a
straw. Then we all cried day and night for deliverance, and the cry came up
before God. The sun came up, and the moon stood still. The streams ceased to
flow. Dark, heavy clouds came up and clashed against each other. But there was
one clear place of settled glory, whence came the voice of God like many waters,
which shook the heavens and the earth. The sky opened and shut and was in
commotion. The mountains shook like a reed in the wind, and cast out ragged
rocks all around. The sea boiled like a pot and cast out stones upon the land.
And as God spoke the day and the hour of Jesus' coming and delivered the
everlasting covenant to His people, He spoke one sentence, and then paused,
while the words were rolling through the earth. The Israel of God stood with
their eyes fixed upward, listening to the words as they came from the mouth of
Jehovah, and rolled through the earth like peals of loudest thunder. It was
awfully solemn. And at the end of every sentence the saints shouted, "Glory!
Alleluia!" Their countenances were lighted up with the glory of God; and they
shone with the glory, as did the face of Moses when he came down from Sinai. The
wicked could not look on them for the glory. And when the never-ending blessing
was pronounced on those who had honored God in keeping His Sabbath holy, there
was a mighty shout of victory over the beast and over his image. Then commenced the jubilee, when the land should rest. I saw the pious
slave rise in triumph and victory and shake off the chains that bound him, while
his wicked master was in confusion and knew not what to do; for the wicked could
not understand the words of the voice of God. Soon appeared the great white
cloud. It looked more lovely than ever before. On it sat the Son of man. At
first we did not see Jesus on the cloud, but as it drew near the earth we could
behold His lovely person. This cloud, when it first appeared, was the sign of
the Son of man in heaven. The voice of the Son of God called forth the sleeping
saints, clothed with glorious immortality. The living saints were changed in a
moment and were caught up with them into the cloudy chariot. It looked all over
glorious as it rolled upward. On either side of the chariot were wings, and
beneath it wheels. And as the chariot rolled upward, the wheels cried, "Holy,"
and the wings, as they moved, cried, "Holy," and the retinue of holy angels
around the cloud cried, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!" And the saints in
the cloud cried, "Glory! Alleluia!" And the chariot rolled upward to the Holy
City. Jesus threw open the gates of the golden city and led us in. Here we were
made welcome, for we had kept the "commandments of God," and had a "right to the
tree of life." 4 The Sealing I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus' work
was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues. These
plagues enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had
brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of
us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay Then my attending angel directed me to the city again, where I saw four angels winging their way to the gate of the city. They were just presenting the golden card to the angel at the gate when I saw another angel flying swiftly from the direction of the most excellent glory, and crying with a loud voice to the other angels, and waving something up and down in his hand. I asked my attending angel for an explanation of what I saw. He told me that I could see no more then, but he would shortly show me what those things that I then saw meant. {EW 37.1} Sabbath afternoon one of our number was sick, and requested prayers that
he might be healed. We all united in applying to the Physician who never lost a
case, and while healing power came down, and the sick was healed, the Spirit
fell upon me, and I was taken off in vision. I saw four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and were on their way to accomplish it. Jesus was clothed with priestly garments. He gazed in pity on the remnant, then raised His hands, and with a voice of deep pity cried, "My blood, Father, My blood, My blood, My blood!" Then I saw an exceeding bright light come from God, who sat upon the great white throne, and was shed all about Jesus. Then I saw an angel with a commission from Jesus, swiftly flying to the four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and waving something up and down in his hand, and crying with a loud voice, "Hold! Hold! Hold! Hold! until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads." {EW 38.1} I asked my accompanying angel the meaning of what I heard, and what the
four angels were about to do. He said to me that it was God that restrained the
powers, and that He gave His angels charge over things on the earth; that the
four angels had power from God to hold the four winds, and that they were about
to let them go; but while their hands were loosening, and the four winds were
about to blow, the merciful eye of Jesus gazed on the remnant that were not
sealed, and He raised His hands to the Father and pleaded with Him that He had
spilled His blood for them. Then another angel was commissioned to fly swiftly
to the four angels and bid them hold, until the servants of God were sealed with
the seal of the living God in their foreheads. 5 God's Love for His People
There is perfect order and harmony in the Holy City. All the angels that are commissioned to visit the earth hold a golden card, which they present to the angels at the gates of the city as they pass in and out. Heaven is a good place. I long to be there and behold my lovely Jesus, who gave His life for me, and be changed into His glorious image. Oh, for language to express the glory of the bright world to come! I thirst for the living streams that make glad the city of our God. {EW 39.2} The Lord has given me a view of other worlds. Wings were given me, and
an angel attended me from the city to a place that was bright and glorious. The
grass of the place was living green, and the birds there 6 Shaking of the Powers
of Heaven Dark, heavy clouds came up and clashed against each other. The
atmosphere parted and rolled back; then we could look up through the open space
in Orion, whence came the voice of God. The Holy City will come down through
that open space. I saw that the powers of earth are now being shaken and that
events come in order. War, and rumors of war, sword, famine, and pestilence are
first to shake the powers of earth, then the voice of God will shake the sun,
moon, and stars, and this earth also. I saw that the shaking of the powers in
Europe is not, as some teach, the shaking of the powers of heaven, but it is the
shaking of the angry nations. 7 The Open and the Shut Door
I saw that Jesus had shut the door of the holy place, and no man can open it; and that He had opened the door into the most holy, and no man can shut it (Rev. 3:7,8); [SEE PAGE 86. SEE ALSO APPENDIX.] and that since Jesus has opened the door into the most holy place, which contains the ark, the commandments have been shining out to God's people, and they are being tested on the Sabbath question. {EW 42.2} I saw that the present test on the Sabbath could not come until the
mediation of Jesus in the holy place was finished and He had passed within the
second veil; therefore Christians who fell asleep before the door was opened
into the most holy, when the midnight cry was The enemies of the present truth have been trying to open the door of the holy place, that Jesus has shut, and to close the door of the most holy place, which He opened in 1844, where the ark is, containing the two tables of stone on which are written the ten commandments by the finger of Jehovah. {EW 43.1} Satan is now using every device in this sealing time to keep the minds of God's people from the present truth and to cause them to waver. I saw a covering that God was drawing over His people to protect them in the time of trouble; and every soul that was decided on the truth and was pure in heart was to be covered with the covering of the Almighty. {EW 43.2} Satan knew this, and he was at work in mighty power to keep the minds of as many people as he possibly could wavering and unsettled on the truth. I saw that the mysterious knocking in New York and other places was the power of Satan, and that such things would be more and more common, clothed in a religious garb so as to lull the deceived to greater security and to draw the minds of God's people, if possible, to those things and cause them to doubt the teachings and power of the Holy Ghost. [SEE PAGE 86. SEE ALSO APPENDIX.] {EW 43.3} I saw that Satan was working through agents in a number of ways. He was
at work through ministers who have rejected the truth and are given over to Some of these agents of Satan were affecting the bodies of some of the saints--those whom they could not deceive and draw away from the truth by a Satanic influence. Oh, that all could get a view of it as God revealed it to me, that they might know more of the wiles of Satan and be on their guard! I saw that Satan was at work in these ways to distract, deceive, and draw away God's people, just now in this sealing time. I saw some who were not standing stiffly for present truth. Their knees were trembling, and their feet sliding, because they were not firmly planted on the truth, and the covering of Almighty God could not be drawn over them while they were thus trembling. {EW 44.1} Satan was trying his every art to hold them where they were, until the
sealing was past, until the covering was drawn over God's people, and they left
without a shelter from the burning wrath of God, in the seven last plagues. God
has begun to draw this covering over His people, and it will soon be drawn over
all who are to have a shelter in the day of slaughter. God will work in power
for His people; and Satan will be permitted to work also. I saw that the mysterious signs and wonders and false reformations would
increase and spread. The reformations that were shown me were not reformations
from error to truth. My accompanying angel bade me look for the travail of soul
for sinners as used to be. I looked, but could not see it; for the time for
their salvation is past. [THE WRITER OF THESE WORDS DID NOT UNDERSTAND THEM AS
TEACHING THAT THE TIME FOR THE SALVATION OF ALL SINNERS WAS PAST. AT THE VERY
TIME WHEN THESE THINGS WERE WRITTEN SHE HERSELF WAS LABORING FOR THE SALVATION
OF SINNERS, AS SHE HAS BEEN DOING EVER SINCE. 8 The Trial of our Faith
If we overcome our trials and get victory over the temptations of Satan,
then we endure the trial of our faith, which is more precious than gold, and are
stronger and better prepared to meet the next. But if we sink down and give way
to the temptations of Satan, we shall grow weaker and get no reward for the
trial and shall not be so well prepared for the next. In this way we shall grow
weaker and weaker, until we are led captive by Satan at his will. We must have
on the whole armor of God and be ready at any moment for a conflict with the
powers of darkness. When temptations and trials rush in upon us, let us go to
God and agonize with Him in prayer. He will not turn us away empty, but will
give us grace and strength to overcome, and to break the power of the enemy. Oh,
that all could see these things in their true light and endure hardness as good
soldiers of Jesus! Then would Israel move forward, strong in God, and in the
power of His might. God has shown me that He gave His people a bitter cup to drink, to purify and cleanse them. It is a bitter draught, and they can make it still more bitter by murmuring, complaining, and repining. But those who receive it thus must have another draught, for the first does not have its designed effect upon the heart. And if the second does not effect the work, then they must have another, and another, until it does have its designed effect, or they will be left filthy, impure in heart. I saw that this bitter cup can be sweetened by patience, endurance, and prayer, and that it will have its designed effect upon the hearts of those who thus receive it, and God will be honored and glorified. It is no small thing to be a Christian and to be owned and approved of God. The Lord has shown me some who profess the present truth, whose lives do not correspond with their profession. They have the standard of piety altogether too low, and they come far short of Bible holiness. Some engage in vain and unbecoming conversation, and others give way to the risings of self. We must not expect to please ourselves, live and act like the world, have its pleasures, and enjoy the company of those who are of the world, and reign with Christ in glory. {EW 47.1} We must be partakers of Christ's sufferings here if we would share in
His glory hereafter. If we seek our own interest, how we can best please
ourselves, instead of seeking to please God and advance His precious, suffering
cause, we shall dishonor God and the holy cause we profess to love. We have but
a little space of time left in which to work for God. Nothing should be too dear
to sacrifice for the salvation of the scattered and torn flock of Jesus. Those
who make a covenant with God by sacrifice now will soon be gathered home to
share a rich reward and possess the new kingdom forever and ever. Oh, let us live wholly for the Lord and show by a well-ordered life and
godly conversation that we have been with Jesus and are His meek and lowly
followers. We must work while the day lasts, for when the dark night of trouble
and anguish comes, it will be too late to work for God. Jesus is in His holy
temple and will now accept our sacrifices, our prayers, and our confessions of
faults and sins and will pardon all the transgressions of Israel, that they may
be blotted out before He leaves the sanctuary. When Jesus leaves the sanctuary,
then they who are holy and righteous will be holy and righteous still; for all
their sins will then be blotted out, and they will be sealed with the seal of
the living God. But those that are unjust and filthy will be unjust and filthy
still; for then there will be no Priest in the sanctuary to offer their
sacrifices, their confessions, and their prayers before the Father's throne.
Therefore what is done to rescue souls from the coming storm of wrath must be
done before Jesus leaves the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. 9 To the Little Flock
As I viewed poor souls dying for want of the present truth, and some who professed to believe the truth were letting them die by withholding the necessary means to carry forward the work of God, the sight was too painful, and I begged of the angel to remove it from me. I saw that when the cause of God called for some of their property, like the young man who came to Jesus (Matt. 19:16-22) they went away sorrowful, and that soon the overflowing scourge would pass over and sweep their possessions all away, and then it would be too late to sacrifice earthly goods, and lay up a treasure in heaven. {EW 49.1} I then saw the glorious Redeemer, beautiful and lovely; that He left the realms of glory and came to this dark and lonely world to give His precious life and die, the just for the unjust. He bore the cruel mocking and scourging, wore the plaited crown of thorns, and sweat great drops of blood in the garden, while the burden of the sins of the whole world was upon Him. The angel asked, "What for?" Oh, I saw and knew that it was for us; for our sins He suffered all this, that by His precious blood He might redeem us unto God! {EW 49.2} Then again was held up before me those who were not willing to dispose
of this world's goods to save perishing souls by sending them the truth while
Jesus stands before the Father pleading His blood, His sufferings, and His death
for them; and while God's messengers are waiting, ready to carry them the saving
truth The suffering Jesus, His love so deep as to lead Him to give His life for man, was again held up before me; also the lives of those who professed to be His followers, who had this world's goods, but considered it so great a thing to help the cause of salvation. The angel said, "Can such enter heavens?" Another angel answered, "No, never, never, never. Those who are not interested in the cause of God on earth can never sing the song of redeeming love above." I saw that the quick work that God was doing on the earth would soon be cut short in righteousness and that the messengers must speed swiftly on their way to search out the scattered flock. An angel said, "Are all messengers?" Another answered, "No, no; God's messengers have a message." {EW 50.1} I saw that the cause of God had been hindered and dishonored by some traveling who had no message from God. [SEE APPENDIX.] Such will have to give an account to God for every dollar they have used in traveling where it was not their duty to go, because that money might have helped on the cause of God; and for the lack of the spiritual food that might have been given them by God's called and chosen messengers, had they had the means, souls have starved and died. I saw that those who have strength to labor with their hands and help sustain the cause were as accountable for their strength as others were for their property. {EW 50.2} The mighty shaking has commenced and will go on, and all will be shaken
out who are not willing to take a bold and unyielding stand for the truth and to
sacrifice for God and His cause. The angel said, "Think ye that any will be
compelled to sacrifice? No, no. It I then beheld the beauty and loveliness of Jesus. His robe was whiter than the whitest white. No language can describe His glory and exalted loveliness. All, all who keep the commandments of God, will enter in through the gates into the city and have right to the tree of life and ever be in the presence of the lovely Jesus, whose countenance shines brighter than the sun at noonday. {EW 51.1} I was pointed to Adam and Eve in Eden. They partook of the forbidden tree and were driven from the garden, and then the flaming sword was placed around the tree of life, lest they should partake of its fruit and be immortal sinners. The tree of life was to perpetuate immortality. I heard an angel ask, "Who of the family of Adam have passed the flaming sword and have partaken of the tree of life?" I heard another angel answer, "Not one of Adam's family has passed that flaming sword and partaken of that tree; therefore there is not an immortal sinner. The soul that sinneth it shall die an everlasting death--a death that will last forever, from which there will be no hope of a resurrection; and then the wrath of God will be appeased. {EW 51.2} "The saints will rest in the Holy City and reign as kings and priests
one thousand years; then Jesus will descend with the saints upon the Mount of
Olives, and the mount will part asunder and become a mighty 10 The Last Plagues and
the Judgment After the saints are changed to immortality and caught up together with
Jesus, after they receive their harps, their robes, and their crowns, and enter
the city, Jesus and the saints sit in judgment. The books are opened--the book
of life and the book of death. The book of life contains the good deeds of the
saints; and the book of death contains the evil deeds of the wicked. These books
are compared with the statute book, the Bible, and according to that men are
judged. The saints, in unison with Jesus, pass their judgment upon the wicked
dead. "Behold ye," said the angel, "the saints, in unison with Jesus, sit in
judgment, and mete While Satan was rallying his army, the saints were in the city,
beholding the beauty and glory of the Paradise of God. Jesus was at their head,
leading them. All at once the lovely Saviour was gone from our company; but soon
we heard His lovely voice, saying, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the
kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." We gathered about
Jesus, and just as He closed the gates of the city, the curse was pronounced
upon the wicked. The gates were shut. Then the saints used their wings and
mounted to the top of the wall of the city. Jesus was also with them; His crown
looked brilliant and Then the wicked saw what they had lost; and fire was breathed from God
upon them and consumed them. This was the execution of the judgment. The wicked
then received according as the saints, in unison with Jesus, had meted out to
them during the one thousand years. The same fire from God that consumed the
wicked purified the whole earth. The broken, ragged mountains melted with
fervent heat, the atmosphere also, and all the stubble was consumed. Then our
inheritance opened before us, glorious and beautiful, and we inherited the whole
earth made new. We all shouted with a loud voice, "Glory; Alleluia!" 11 End of the 2300 Days
I saw the Father rise from the throne, [SEE PAGE 92.] and in a flaming
chariot go into the holy of holies within the veil, and sit down. Then Jesus
rose up from the throne, and the most of those who were bowed down arose with
Him. I did not see one ray of light pass from Jesus to the careless multitude
after He arose, and they were left in perfect darkness. Those who arose when
Jesus did, kept their eyes fixed on Him as He left the throne and led them out a
little way. Then He raised His right arm, and we heard His lovely voice saying,
"Wait here; I am going to My Father to receive the kingdom; keep your garments
spotless, and in a little while I will return from the wedding and receive you
to Myself." Then a cloudy chariot, with wheels like flaming fire, surrounded by
angels, came to where Jesus was. He stepped into the chariot and was borne to
the holiest, where the Father sat. There I beheld Jesus, a great High Priest,
standing before the Father. On the hem of His garment was a bell and a
pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate. Those who rose up with Jesus would send
up their faith to Him in the holiest, and pray, "My Father, give us Thy Spirit."
Then Jesus would breathe upon them the Holy Ghost. In that breath was light,
power, and much love, joy, and peace. I turned to look at the company who were still bowed before the throne;
they did not know that Jesus had left it. Satan appeared to be by the throne,
trying to carry on the work of God. I saw them look up to the throne, and pray,
"Father, give us Thy Spirit." Satan would then breathe upon them an unholy
influence; in it there was light and much power, but no sweet love, joy, and
peace. Satan's object was to keep them deceived and to draw back and deceive
God's children. 12 Duty in View of the Time
of Trouble Houses and lands will be of no use to the saints in the time of trouble,
for they will then have to flee before infuriated mobs, and at that time their
possessions cannot be disposed of to advance the cause of present truth. I was
shown that it is the will of God that the saints should cut loose from every
encumbrance before I saw that if any held on to their property and did not inquire of the Lord as to their duty, He would not make duty known, and they would be permitted to keep their property, and in the time of trouble it would come up before them like a mountain to crush them, and they would try to dispose of it, but would not be able. I heard some mourn like this: "The cause was languishing, God's people were starving for the truth, and we made no effort to supply the lack; now our property is useless. Oh, that we had let it go, and laid up treasure in heaven!" I saw that a sacrifice did not increase, but it decreased and was consumed. I also saw that God had not required all of His people to dispose of their property at the same time; but if they desired to be taught, He would teach them, in a time of need, when to sell and how much to sell. Some have been required to dispose of their property in times past to sustain the Advent cause, while others have been permitted to keep theirs until a time of need. Then, as the cause needs it, their duty is to sell. {EW 57.1} I saw that the message, "Sell that ye have, and give alms," has not been
given, by some, in its clear light, and the object of the words of our Saviour
has not been clearly presented. The object of selling is not to give to those
who are able to labor and support themselves, but to spread the truth. It is a
sin to support and indulge in idleness those who are able to labor. Some have
been zealous to attend all the meetings, not to glorify God, but for the "loaves
and fishes." Such would much better have been at home laboring with The Lord has shown me the danger of letting our minds be filled with worldly thoughts and cares. I saw that some minds are led away from present truth and a love of the Holy Bible by reading other exciting books; others are filled with perplexity and care for what they shall eat, drink, and wear. Some are looking too far off for the coming of the Lord. Time has continued a few years longer than they expected; therefore they think it may continue a few years more, and in this way their minds are being led from present truth, out after the world. In these things I saw great danger; for if the mind is filled with other things, present truth is shut out, and there is no place in our foreheads for the seal of the living God. I saw that the time for Jesus to be in the most holy place was nearly finished and that time can last but a very little longer. What leisure time we have should be spent in searching the Bible, which is to judge us in the last day. {EW 58.1} My dear brethren and sisters, let the commandments of God and the
testimony of Jesus Christ be in your minds continually and let them crowd out
worldly thoughts and cares. When you lie down and when you rise up, let them be
your meditation. Live and act wholly in reference to the coming of the Son of
man. The sealing time is very short, and will soon be over. Now is the time,
while the four angels are holding the four winds, to make our calling and
election sure. I saw that soon it would be considered blasphemy to speak against the
rapping, and that it would spread more and more, that Satan's power would
increase and some of his devoted followers would have power to work miracles and
even to bring down fire from heaven in the sight of men. I was shown that by the
rapping and mesmerism these modern magicians would yet account for all the
miracles wrought by our Lord Jesus Christ, and that many would believe that all
the mighty works of the Son of God when on earth were accomplished by this same
power. [WHEN THIS VIEW WAS GIVEN, SPIRITUALISM HAD BUT JUST ARISEN AND WAS
SMALL; THERE WERE BUT FEW MEDIUMS. SINCE THAT TIME IT HAS SPREAD ALL OVER THE
WORLD AND COUNTS ITS ADHERENTS BY MANY MILLIONS. AS A GENERAL THING,
SPIRITUALISTS HAVE DENIED THE BIBLE AND DERIDED CHRISTIANITY. INDIVIDUALS HAVE,
AT DIFFERENT TIMES, DEPLORED THIS AND PROTESTED AGAINST IT, BUT THEY WERE SO FEW
THAT NO ATTENTION WAS PAID TO THEM. NOW SPIRITUALISTS ARE CHANGING THEIR METHOD,
AND MANY CALL THEMSELVES "CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALISTS," DECLARING THAT IT WILL NOT
ANSWER TO IGNORE RELIGION, AND AFFIRMING THAT THEY HAVE THE TRUE CHRISTIAN
FAITH. BEARING IN MIND, ALSO, THAT MANY PROMINENT CLERGYMEN ARE IN SYMPATHY WITH
SPIRITUALISM, WE NOW SEE THE WAY OPEN FOR THE COMPLETE FULFILLMENT OF THIS
PREDICTION, GIVEN IN 1850. READ ALSO REMARKS BY THE AUTHOR ON PAGE 86.] I was
pointed back to That time will soon come, and we shall have to keep hold of the strong arm of Jehovah; for all these great signs and mighty wonders of the devil are designed to deceive God's people and overthrow them. Our minds must be stayed upon God, and we must not fear the fear of the wicked, that is, fear what they fear, and reverence what they reverence, but be bold and valiant for the truth. Could our eyes be opened, we should see forms of evil angels around us, trying to invent some new way to annoy and destroy us. And we should also see angels of God guarding us from their power; for God's watchful eye is ever over Israel for good, and He will protect and save His people, if they put their trust in Him. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. {EW 60.1} Said the angel, "Remember, thou art on the enchanted ground." I saw that
we must watch and have on the whole armor and take the shield of faith, and then
we shall be able to stand, and the fiery darts of the wicked cannot harm us. They will also have a rich reward. In their crowns of rejoicing those who are rescued by them and finally saved will shine as stars forever and ever. And to all eternity they will enjoy the satisfaction of having done what they could in presenting the truth in its purity and beauty, so that souls fell in love with it, were sanctified through it, and availed themselves of the inestimable privilege of being made rich, and being washed in the blood of the Lamb and redeemed unto God. {EW 61.2} I saw that the shepherds should consult those in whom they have reason
to have confidence, those who have been in all the messages, and are firm in all
the present truth, before they advocate new points of importance, which they may
think the Bible sustains. Then the shepherds will be perfectly united and the
I also saw that God had messengers that He would use in His cause, but
they were not ready. They were too light and trifling to exert a good influence
over the flock and did not feel the weight of the cause and the worth of souls
as God's messengers must feel in order to effect good. Said the angel, "Be ye
clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of
the Lord." They can accomplish but little good unless they are wholly given up
to God and feel the importance and solemnity of the last message of mercy that
is now being given to the scattered flock. Some who are not called of God are
very willing to go with the message. But if they felt the weight of the cause
and the responsibilities of such a station, they would feel to shrink back and
say with the apostle, "Who is sufficient for these things?" One reason why they
are so willing to go is that God has not laid upon them the weight of the cause.
Not all who proclaimed the first and the second angel's message are to give the
third, even after they fully embrace it, for some have been in so many errors
and delusions that they can but just save their own souls, and if they undertake
to guide others, they will be the means of overthrowing them. But I saw that
some who have formerly run deep into fanaticism would be the first now to run
before God sends them, before they are purified from their past errors; having
error mixed with the truth, they would feed the flock of God with it, and if
they were suffered to go on, the flock would become sickly, and distraction and
death would follow. I saw that they would have to be sifted and sifted, until
they were freed from all their I saw the necessity of the messengers, especially, watching and checking all fanaticism wherever they might see it rise. Satan is pressing in on every side, and unless we watch for him, and have our eyes open to his devices and snares, and have on the whole armor of God, the fiery darts of the wicked will hit us. There are many precious truths contained in the Word of God, but it is "present truth" that the flock needs now. I have seen the danger of the messengers running off from the important points of present truth, to dwell upon subjects that are not calculated to unite the flock and sanctify the soul. Satan will here take every possible advantage to injure the cause. {EW 63.1} But such subjects as the sanctuary, in connection with the 2300 days, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, are perfectly calculated to explain the past Advent movement and show what our present position is, establish the faith of the doubting, and give certainty to the glorious future. These, I have frequently seen, were the principal subjects on which the messengers should dwell. {EW 63.2} If the chosen messengers of the Lord should wait for every obstacle to
be moved out of their way, many never would go to search for the scattered
sheep. Satan will present many objections in order to keep them from duty. But
they will have to go out by faith, trusting Then I saw that the seven last plagues were soon to be poured out upon
those who have no shelter; yet the world regarded them no more than they would
so many drops of water that were about to fall. I was then made capable of
enduring the awful sight of the seven last plagues, the wrath of God. I saw that
His anger was dreadful and terrible, and if He should stretch forth His hand, or
lift it in anger, the inhabitants of the world would be as though they had never
been, or would suffer from incurable sores and withering The pope has changed the day of rest from the seventh to the first day. He has thought to change the very commandment that was given to cause man to remember his Creator. He has thought to change the greatest commandment in the decalogue and thus make himself equal with God, or even exalt himself above God. The Lord is unchangeable, therefore His law is immutable; but the pope has exalted himself above God, in seeking to change His immutable precepts of holiness, justice, and goodness. He has trampled underfoot God's sanctified day, and, on his own authority, put in its place one of the six laboring days. The whole nation has followed after the beast, and every week they rob God of His holy time. The pope has made a breach in the holy law of God, but I saw that the time had fully come for this breach to be made up by the people of God and the waste places built up. {EW 65.1} I pleaded before the angel for God to save His people who had gone
astray, to save them for His mercy's sake. When the plagues begin to fall, those
who continue to break the holy Sabbath will not open their mouths to plead those
excuses that they now make Then I was pointed to the glory of heaven, to the treasure laid up for the faithful. Everything was lovely and glorious. The angels would sing a lovely song, then they would cease singing and take their crowns from their heads and cast them glittering at the feet of the lovely Jesus, and with melodious voices cry, "Glory, Alleluia!" I joined with them in their songs of praise and honor to the Lamb, and every time I opened my mouth to praise Him, I felt an unutterable sense of the glory that surrounded me. It was a far more, an exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Said the angel, "The little remnant who love God and keep His commandments and are faithful to the end will enjoy this glory and ever be in the presence of Jesus and sing with the holy angels." {EW 66.1} Then my eyes were taken from the glory, and I was pointed to the remnant
on the earth. The angel said to them, "Will ye shun the seven last plagues? Will
ye go to glory and enjoy all that God has prepared for those who love Him and
are willing to suffer for His sake? If so, ye must die that ye may live. Get
ready, get ready, get ready. Ye must have a greater preparation than ye now
have, for the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to
lay the land desolate and to destroy the sinners thereof out of it. Sacrifice
all to God. Lay all upon His altar--self, Heaven will be cheap enough, if we obtain it through suffering. We must deny self all along the way, die to self daily, let Jesus alone appear, and keep His glory continually in view. I saw that those who of late have embraced the truth would have to know what it is to suffer for Christ's sake, that they would have trials to pass through that would be keen and cutting, in order that they may be purified and fitted through suffering to receive the seal of the living God, pass through the time of trouble, see the King in His beauty, and dwell in the presence of God and of pure, holy angels. {EW 67.1} As I saw what we must be in order to inherit glory, and then saw how
much Jesus had suffered to obtain for us so rich an inheritance, I prayed that
we might be baptized into Christ's sufferings, that we might not shrink at
trials, but bear them with patience and joy, knowing what Jesus had suffered
that we through His poverty and sufferings might be made rich. Said the angel,
"Deny self; ye must step fast." Some of us have had time to get the truth and to
advance step by step, and every step we have taken has given us strength to take
the next. But now time is almost finished, and what we have been years learning,
they will have to learn in a few months. They will also have much to unlearn and
much to learn again. Those who would not receive the mark of the beast and his
image when the decree goes forth, must have decision now to say, Nay, we will
not regard the institution of the beast. God's people are coming into the unity of the faith. Those who observe
the Sabbath of the Bible are united in their views of Bible truth. But those who
oppose the Sabbath among the Advent people are disunited and strangely divided.
One comes forward in opposition to the Sabbath and declares it to be thus and
so, and at the conclusion calls it settled. But as his effort does not put the
question to rest, and as the Sabbath cause progresses and the children of the
Lord still embrace it, another comes forward to overthrow it. But in presenting
his views to get around the Sabbath, he entirely tears down the arguments of him
who made the first effort against the truth, and presents a theory as opposite
to his as to ours. So with the third and the fourth; but none of them will have
it as it stands Such, I saw, have the carnal mind, therefore are not subject to the holy
law of God. They are not agreed among themselves, yet labor hard with their
inferences to wrest the Scriptures to make a breach in God's law, to change,
abolish, or do anything with the fourth commandment rather than to observe it.
They wish to silence the flock upon this question; therefore they get up
something with the hope that it will quiet them and that many of their followers
will search their Bibles so little that their leaders can easily make error
appear like truth, and they receive it as such, not looking higher than their
leaders. I saw that those who oppose the Sabbath of the Lord could not take the
Bible and show that our position is incorrect; therefore they would slander
those who We who believe the truth should be very careful to give no occasion for our good to be evil spoken of. We should know that every step we take is in accordance with the Bible; for those who hate the commandments of God will triumph over our missteps and faults, as the wicked did in 1843. {EW 70.1} May 14, 1851, I saw the beauty and loveliness of Jesus. As I beheld His
glory, the thought did not occur to me that I should ever be separated from His
presence. I saw a light coming from the glory that encircled the Father, and as
it approached near to me, my body trembled and shook like a leaf. I thought that
if it should come near me I would be struck out of existence, but the light
passed me. Then could I have some sense of the great and terrible God with whom
we have to do. I saw then what faint views some have of the holiness of God, and
how much they take His holy and reverend name in vain, without realizing that it
is God, the great and terrible God, of whom they are speaking. While praying,
many use careless and irreverent expressions, which grieve the tender Spirit of
the Lord and cause their petitions to be shut out of heaven. I also saw that many do not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord without a high priest in the sanctuary through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully. {EW 71.1} I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were
looking to the time of "refreshing" and the "latter rain" to fit them to stand
in the day of the Lord and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time
of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation;
therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them
to live in the sight of a holy God. Those who refuse to be hewed by the prophets
and fail to purify their souls in obeying the whole truth, and who are willing
to believe that their condition is far better than it really is, will come up to
the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that they needed to be
hewed and squared for the building. But there will be no time then to do it and
no Mediator to plead their cause before the Father. Before this time the awfully
solemn declaration has gone forth, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still:
and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let
him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." I saw that
none could share the "refreshing" unless they obtain the victory over every
besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word
and action. We should, therefore, be drawing nearer and nearer to the Lord and
be earnestly seeking that preparation necessary to enable us to stand in the
battle in the day of the Lord. Let all remember that God is holy and that none
but holy beings can ever dwell in His presence. True faith lays hold of and claims the promised blessing before it is
realized and felt. We must send up our petitions in faith within the second veil
and let our faith take hold of the promised blessing and claim it as ours. We
are then to believe that we receive the blessing, because our faith has hold of
it, and according to the Word it is ours. "What things soever ye desire, when ye
pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:24. Here is
faith, naked faith, to believe that we receive the blessing, even before we
realize it. When the promised blessing is realized and enjoyed, faith is
swallowed up. But many suppose they have much faith when sharing largely of the
Holy Spirit and that they cannot have faith unless they feel the power of the
Spirit. Such confound faith with the blessing that comes through faith. The very
time to exercise faith is when we feel destitute of the Spirit. When thick
clouds of darkness seem to hover over the mind, then is the time to let living
faith pierce the darkness and scatter the clouds. True faith rests on the
promises contained in the Word of God, and those only who obey that Word can
claim its glorious We should be much in secret prayer. Christ is the vine, ye are the branches. And if we would grow and flourish, we must continually draw sap and nourishment from the Living Vine; for separated from the Vine we have no strength. {EW 73.1} I asked the angel why there was no more faith and power in Israel. He
said, "Ye let go of the arm of the Lord too soon. Press your petitions to the
throne, and hold on by strong faith. The promises are sure. Believe ye receive
the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them." I was then pointed to Elijah. He
was subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly. His faith
endured the trial. Seven times he prayed before the Lord, and at last the cloud
was seen. I saw that we had doubted the sure promises, and wounded the Saviour
by our lack of faith. Said the angel, "Gird the armor about thee, and above all
take the shield of faith; for that will guard the heart, the very life, from the
fiery darts of the wicked." If the enemy can lead the desponding to take their
eyes off from Jesus, and look to themselves, and dwell upon their own
unworthiness, instead of dwelling upon the worthiness of Jesus, His love, His
merits, and His great mercy, he will get away their shield of faith and gain his
object; they will be exposed to his fiery temptations. The weak should therefore
look to Jesus, and believe in Him; they then exercise faith. Then I saw in relation to the "daily" (Dan. 8:12) that the word
"sacrifice" was supplied by man's wisdom, and does not belong to the text, and
that the Lord gave the correct view of it to those who gave the The Lord has shown me that the message of the third angel must go, and be proclaimed to the scattered children of the Lord, but it must not be hung on time. I saw that some were getting a false excitement, arising from preaching time; but the third angels message is stronger than time can be. I saw that this message can stand on its own foundation and needs not time to strengthen it; and that it will go in mighty power, and do its work, and will be cut short in righteousness. {EW 75.1} Then I was pointed to some who are in the great error of believing that
it is their duty to go to Old Jerusalem, [SEE APPENDIX.] and think they have a
work to do there before the Lord comes. Such a view is calculated to take the
mind and interest from the present work of the Lord, under the message of the
third angel; for those who think that they are yet to go to Jerusalem will have
their minds there, and their means will be withheld from the cause of present
truth to get themselves and others there. I saw that such a mission would
accomplish no real good, that it would take a long while to make a very few of
the Jews believe even in the first advent of Christ, much more to believe in His
second advent. I saw that Satan had greatly deceived some in this thing and that
souls all around them in this land could be helped by them and led to keep the
commandments of God, but they were leaving them to perish. I also saw that Old
Jerusalem never would be built up; and that Satan was doing his utmost to lead
the minds of the children of the Lord into these things now, in the gathering
time, to keep Dear Reader: A sense of duty to my brethren and sisters and a desire that the blood of souls might not be found on my garments have governed me in writing this little work. I am aware of the unbelief that exists in the minds of the multitude relative to visions, also that many who profess to be looking for Christ and teach that we are in the "last days" call them all of Satan. I expect much opposition from such, and had I not felt that the Lord required it of me, I should not have made my views thus public, as they will probably call forth the hatred and derision of some. But I fear God more than man. {EW 76.1} When the Lord first gave me messages to deliver to His people, it was hard for me to declare them, and I often softened them down and made them as mild as possible for fear of grieving some. It was a great trial to declare the messages as the Lord gave them to me. I did not realize that I was so unfaithful and did not see the sin and danger of such a course until in vision I was taken into the presence of Jesus. He looked upon me with a frown and turned His face from me. It is not possible to describe the terror and agony I then felt. I fell upon my face before Him, but had no power to utter a word. Oh, how I longed to be covered and hid from that dreadful frown! Then could I realize, in some degree, what the feeling of the lost will be when they cry, "Mountains and rocks, fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb." {EW 76.2} Presently an angel bade me rise, and the sight that met my eyes can
hardly be described. A company was I have frequently been falsely charged with teaching views peculiar to Spiritualism. But before the editor of the Day-Star [SEE APPENDIX.] ran into that delusion, the Lord gave me a view of the sad and desolating effects that would be produced upon the flock by him and others in teaching the spiritual views. I have often seen the lovely Jesus, that He is a person. I asked Him if His Father was a person and had a form like Himself. Said Jesus, "I am in the express image of My Father's person." {EW 77.1} I have often seen that the spiritual view took away all the glory of
heaven, and that in many minds the throne of David and the lovely person of
Jesus have been burned up in the fire of Spiritualism. I have seen that some who
have been deceived and led into this error will be brought out into the light of
truth, but it will be almost impossible for them to get entirely rid of I recommend to you, dear reader, the Word of God as the rule of your faith and practice. By that Word we are to be judged. God has, in that Word, promised to give visions in the "last days"; not for a new rule of faith, but for the comfort of His people, and to correct those who err from Bible truth. Thus God dealt with Peter when He was about to send him to preach to the Gentiles. (Acts 10.) {EW 78.1} To those who may circulate this little work, I would say that it is
designed for the sincere only and not for those who would ridicule the things of
the Spirit of God. Fearing to be laughed at and ridiculed, I thought best to wait until the
multitude were dispersed, or until I could enter unobserved by them. But the
numbers increased instead of diminishing, and fearful of being too late, I
hastily left my home and pressed through the crowd. In my anxiety to reach the
temple Just before the Lamb were elevated seats upon which sat a company of people looking very happy. The light of heaven seemed to shine upon their faces, and they praised God and sang songs of glad thanksgiving that seemed to be like the music of angels. These were they who had come before the Lamb, confessed their sins, been pardoned, and were now waiting in glad expectation of some joyful event. {EW 79.1} Even after having entered the building a fear came over me and a sense of shame that I must humiliate myself before these people. But I seemed compelled to move forward, and was slowly making my way around the pillar in order to face the Lamb, when a trumpet sounded, the temple shook, shouts of triumph arose from the assembled saints, an awful brightness illuminated the building, then all was intense darkness. The happy people had all disappeared with the brightness, and I was left alone in the silent horror of night. {EW 79.2} I awoke in agony of mind and could hardly convince myself that I had been dreaming. It seemed to me that my doom was fixed, that the Spirit of the Lord had left me, never to return. My despondency deepened, if that were possible. {EW 79.3} Soon after this I had another dream. I seemed to be sitting in abject
despair, with my face in my hands, reflecting like this: If Jesus were upon
earth, I would go to Him, throw myself at His feet, and tell Him I heard this with unspeakable joy, and gladly gathered up all my little possessions, every treasured trinket, and followed my guide. He led me to a steep and apparently frail stairway. As I commenced to ascend the steps, he cautioned me to keep my eyes fixed upward, lest I should grow dizzy and fall. Many others who were climbing up the steep ascent fell before gaining the top. {EW 80.1} Finally we reached the last step and stood before the door. Here my guide directed me to leave all the things that I had brought with me. I cheerfully laid them down; he then opened the door and bade me enter. In a moment I stood before Jesus. There was no mistaking that beautiful countenance. Such a radiant expression of benevolence and majesty could belong to no other. As His gaze rested upon me, I knew at once that He was acquainted with every circumstance of my life and all my inner thoughts and feelings. {EW 80.2} I tried to shield myself from His gaze, feeling unable to endure His
searching eyes, but He drew near with a smile, and, laying His hand upon my
head, said: "Fear not." The sound of His sweet voice thrilled my heart with a
happiness it had never before experienced. I was too joyful to utter a word,
but, overcome with ineffable happiness, sank prostrate at His feet. While I was
lying helpless there, scenes of beauty and glory passed before me, and I seemed
to have reached the safety and peace of heaven. At length My guide now opened the door, and we both passed out. He bade me take up
again all the things I had left without. This done, he handed me a green cord
coiled up closely. This he directed me to place next my heart, and when I wished
to see Jesus, take from my bosom and stretch it to the utmost. He cautioned me
not to let it remain coiled for any length of time, lest it should become
knotted and difficult to straighten. I placed the cord near my heart and
joyfully descended the narrow stairs, praising the Lord and joyfully telling all
whom I met where they could find Jesus. This dream gave me hope. The green cord
represented faith to my mind, and the beauty and simplicity of trusting in God
began to dawn upon my benighted soul. I thought it was not my duty to enjoy this wonderful sight alone,
although my heart was overjoyed at The people began to come in, at first few in number, but increasing to a crowd. When they first looked into the casket, they would wonder and shout for joy. But when the spectators increased, everyone would begin to trouble the jewels, taking them out of the casket and scattering them on the table. {EW 82.1} I began to think that the owner would require the casket and the jewels again at my hand; and if I suffered them to be scattered, I could never place them in their places in the casket again as before; and felt I should never be able to meet the accountability, for it would be immense. I then began to plead with the people not to handle them, nor to take them out of the casket; but the more I pleaded, the more they scattered; and now they seemed to scatter them all over the room, on the floor and on every piece of furniture in the room. {EW 82.2} I then saw that among the genuine jewels and coin they had scattered an innumerable quantity of spurious jewels and counterfeit coin. I was highly incensed at their base conduct and ingratitude, and reproved and reproached them for it; but the more I reproved, the more they scattered the spurious jewels and false coin among the genuine. {EW 82.3} I then became vexed in my physical soul and began to use physical force
to push them out of the room; but while I was pushing out one, three more would
enter and bring in dirt and shavings and sand and all manner of rubbish, until
they covered every one of the true jewels, diamonds, and coins, which were all
excluded from sight. They also tore in pieces my casket While I was thus weeping and mourning for my great loss and accountability, I remembered God, and earnestly prayed that He would send me help. {EW 83.1} Immediately the door opened, and a man entered the room, when the people all left it; and he, having a dirt brush in his hand, opened the windows, and began to brush the dirt and rubbish from the room. {EW 83.2} I cried to him to forbear, for there were some precious jewels scattered among the rubbish. {EW 83.3} He told me to "fear not," for he would "take care of them". {EW 83.4} Then, while he brushed the dirt and rubbish, false jewels and counterfeit coin, all rose and went out of the window like a cloud, and the wind carried them away. In the bustle I closed my eyes for a moment; when I opened them, the rubbish was all gone. The precious jewels, the diamonds, the gold and silver coins, lay scattered in profusion all over the room. {EW 83.5} He then placed on the table a casket, much larger and more beautiful than the former, and gathered up the jewels, the diamonds, the coins, by the handful, and cast them into the casket, till not one was left, although some of the diamonds were not bigger than the point of a pin. {EW 83.6} He then called upon me to "come and see." {EW 83.7} I looked into the casket, but my eyes were dazzled with the sight. They shone with ten times their former glory. I thought they had been scoured in the sand by the feet of those wicked persons who had scattered and trod them in the dust. They were arranged in beautiful order in the casket, every one in its place, without any visible pains of the man who cast them in. I shouted with very joy, and that shout awoke me. {EW 83.8} Supplement 1. On page 33 is given the following: "I saw that the holy Sabbath is, and will be, the separating wall between the true Israel of God and unbelievers; and that the Sabbath is the great question to unite the hearts of God's dear, waiting saints. I saw that God had children who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They have not rejected the light upon it. And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully." {EW 85.2} This view was given in 1847 when there were but very few of the Advent
brethren observing the Sabbath, and of these but few supposed that its
observance was of sufficient importance to draw a line between the people of God
and unbelievers. Now the fulfilment of that view is beginning to be seen. "The
commencement of that time of trouble," here mentioned does not refer to the time
when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just before
they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary. At that time, while the
work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the
nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the
2. The view of "The Open and Shut Door", on pages 42-45, was given in 1849. The application of Revelation 3:7, 8, to the heavenly sanctuary and Christ's ministry was entirely new to me. I had never heard the idea advanced by anyone. Now as the subject of the sanctuary is being clearly understood, the application is seen in its force and beauty. {EW 86.1} 3. The view that the Lord "had stretched out His hand the second time to recover the remnant of His people," on page 74, refers only to the union and strength once existing among those looking for Christ, and to the fact that He had begun to unite and to raise up His people again. {EW 86.2} 4. Spirit Manifestations. [SEE APPENDIX.] On page 43 read as follows: "I saw that the mysterious knocking in New York and other places was the power of Satan, and that such things would be more and more common, clothed in a religious garb so as to lull the deceived to greater security and to draw the minds of God's people, if possible, to those things and cause them to doubt the teaching and power of the Holy Ghost." This view was given in 1849, nearly five years since. Then spirit manifestations were mostly confined to the city of Rochester, known as the "Rochester knockings." Since that time the heresy has spread beyond the expectations of anyone. {EW 86.3} Much of the view on page 59, headed "Mysterious Rapping" given August
1850, has since been fulfilled, and is now fulfilling. Here is a portion of it:
"I saw that soon it would be considered blasphemy to speak against the rapping,
and that it would spread more I saw the rapping delusion-what progress it was making, and that if it were possible it would deceive the very elect. Satan will have power to bring before us the appearance of forms purporting to be our relatives or friends now sleeping in Jesus. It will be made to appear as if these friends were present; the words that they uttered while here, with which we were familiar, will be spoken, and the same tone of voice that they had while living will fall upon the ear. All this is to deceive the saints and ensnare them into the belief of this delusion. {EW 87.1} I saw that the saints must get a thorough understanding of present
truth, which they will be obliged to maintain from the Scriptures. They must
understand the state of the dead; for the spirits of devils will yet appear to
them, professing to be beloved friends and relatives, who will declare to them
that the Sabbath has been changed, also other unscriptural doctrines. They will
do all in their power to excite sympathy and will work miracles before them to
confirm what they declare. The people of God must be prepared to withstand these
spirits with the Bible truth that the dead know not anything, and that they who
appear to them are the spirits of devils. Our minds must not be taken up with
things around us, but must be occupied with the present truth and a preparation
to give a reason of our hope with meekness and fear. We must seek We must examine well the foundation of our hope, for we shall have to give a reason for it from the Scriptures. This delusion will spread, and we shall have to contend with it face to face; and unless we are prepared for it, we shall be ensnared and overcome. But if we do what we can on our part to be ready for the conflict that is just before us, God will do His part, and His all-powerful arm will protect us. He would sooner send every angel out of glory to the relief of faithful souls, to make a hedge about them, than have them deceived and led away by the lying wonders of Satan. {EW 88.1} I saw the rapidity with which this delusion was spreading. A train of cars was shown me, going with the speed of lightning. The angel bade me look carefully. I fixed my eyes upon the train. It seemed that the whole world was on board, that there could not be one left. Said the angel, "They are binding in bundles ready to burn." Then he showed me the conductor, who appeared like a stately, fair person, whom all the passengers looked up to and reverenced. I was perplexed and asked my attending angel who it was. He said, "It is Satan. He is the conductor in the form of an angel of light. He has taken the world captive. They are given over to strong delusions, to believe a lie, that they may be damned. This agent, the next highest in order to him, is the engineer, and other of his agents are employed in different offices as he may need them, and they are all going with lightning speed to perdition." {EW 88.2} I asked the angel if there were none left. He bade me look in an
opposite direction, and I saw a little company traveling a narrow pathway. All
seemed to be firmly united, bound together by the truth, in I saw that the Lord has given the world opportunity to discover the
snare. This one thing is evidence enough for the Christian, if there were no
other; namely, that there is no difference made between the precious and the
vile. Thomas Paine, whose body has now moldered to dust and who is to be called
forth at the end of the one thousand years, at the second resurrection, to
receive his reward and suffer the second death, is represented by Satan as being
in heaven, and highly exalted there. Satan used him on earth as long as he
could, and now he is carrying on the same work through pretensions of having
Thomas Paine so much exalted and honored in heaven; as he taught here, Satan
would make it appear that he is teaching in heaven. There are some who have
looked with horror at his life and death, and his corrupt teachings while
living, but who now submit to be taught by him, one of the vilest and most
corrupt of men, one who despised God and His law. [TO APPRECIATE THE FORCE OF
THESE REMARKS THE READER NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND THAT A WORK WAS PUBLISHED THROUGH
THE MEDIUMSHIP OF "REV. C. HAMMOND," ENTITLED PILGRIMAGE OF THOMAS PAINE IN THE
SPIRIT WORLD, IN WHICH PAINE IS REPRESENTED AS AN EXALTED SPIRIT IN THE SEVENTH
SPHERE. AND IN THE "INVESTIGATING CLASS IN NEW YORK," IT WAS SAID THAT CHRIST
HIMSELF HAD CONVERSED WITH A MEDIUM AND REVEALED THAT HE WAS IN THE SIXTH
SPHERE. THE DISPARITY WILL BE UNDERSTOOD WHEN IT IS REMEMBERED THAT THEY
REPRESENT THE SPIRITS AS PROGRESSING IN THE SPIRIT WORLD, AND THAT CHRIST, AFTER
MORE THAN 1800 YEARS OF PROGRESS, HAS REACHED THE SIXTH SPHERE, WHILE PAINE, IN
ABOUT 100 YEARS, HAS REACHED THE SEVENTH! A FURTHER EXPLANATION OF THIS MAY BE
FOUND IN THE STATEMENT OF DOCTOR HARE, THAT HIS SPIRIT SISTER SAID HER PROGRESS
HAD BEEN RETARDED BY HER BELIEF IN THE ATONEMENT OF CHRIST. THUS DOES
SPIRITUALISM EXALT INFIDELS AND INFIDELITY. SEE ALSO APPENDIX.] He who is the father of lies, blinds and deceives the world by sending forth his angels to speak for the apostles, and to make it appear that they contradict what they wrote by the dictation of the Holy Ghost when on earth. These lying angels make the apostles to corrupt their own teachings and to declare them to be adulterated. By so doing Satan delights to throw professed Christians and all the world into uncertainty about the Word of God. That holy Book cuts directly across his track and thwarts his plans; therefore he leads them to doubt its divine origin. Then he sets up the infidel, Thomas Paine, as if he were ushered into heaven when he died, and now, united with the holy apostles whom he hated on earth, were engaged in teaching the world. {EW 90.1} Satan assigns to each of his angels a part to act. He enjoins upon them
all to be sly, artful, cunning. He instructs some of them to act the part of the
apostles and to speak for them, while others are to act the part of infidels and
wicked men who died cursing God, but now appear to be very religious. There is
no difference made between the most holy apostles and the vilest infidel. They
are both made to teach the same thing. It matters not whom Satan makes to speak,
if his object is only accomplished. He was so intimately connected with Paine
upon the earth, aiding him in his work, that it is an easy thing for him to know
the very words Paine used and the very handwriting of one who served him so
faithfully and accomplished his purposes so well. Satan dictated much of his
writings, and it is an easy thing for him to dictate sentiments through his
angels now and make it appear The fact that Satan claims that one whom he loved so well, and who hated God so perfectly, is now with the holy apostles and angels in glory, should be enough to remove the veil from all minds and discover to them the dark, mysterious works of Satan. He virtually says to the world and to infidels, No matter how wicked you are, no matter whether you believe or disbelieve in God or the Bible, live as you please, heaven is your home; for all know that if Thomas Paine is in heaven, and so exalted, they will surely get there. This error is so glaring that all may see if they will. Satan is now doing through persons like Thomas Paine what he has been trying to do since his fall. He is, through his power and lying wonders, tearing away the foundation of the Christian's hope and putting out the sun that is to light them in the narrow way to heaven. He is making the world believe that the Bible is uninspired, no better than a storybook, while he holds out something to take its place; namely, spiritual manifestations! {EW 91.1} Here is a channel wholly devoted to himself and under his control, and
he can make the world believe what he will. The Book that is to judge him and
his followers he puts back in the shade, just where he wants it. The Saviour of
the world he makes to be no more than a common man; and as the Roman guard that
watched the tomb of Jesus spread the lying report that the chief priests and
elders put into their mouths, so will the poor, deluded followers of these
pretended spiritual manifestations repeat and try to make it 5. On page 55, I stated that a cloud of glorious light covered the Father and that His person could not be seen. I also stated that I saw the Father rise from the throne. The Father was enshrouded with a body of light and glory, so that His person could not be seen; yet I knew that it was the Father and that from His person emanated this light and glory. When I saw this body of light and glory rise from the throne, I knew it was because the Father moved, therefore said, I saw the Father rise. The glory, or excellency, of His form I never saw; no one could behold it and live; yet the body of light and glory that enshrouded His person could be seen. {EW 92.1} I also stated that "Satan appeared to be by the throne, trying to carry
on the work of God." I will give another sentence from the same page: "I turned
to look at the company who were still bowed before the throne." Now this praying
company was in this mortal state, on the earth, yet represented to me as bowed
before the throne. I never had the idea that these individuals were actually in
the New Jerusalem. Neither did I ever think that any mortal could suppose that I
believed that Satan was actually in the New Jerusalem. But did not John see the
great red dragon in heaven? Certainly. "And there appeared another wonder in
heaven; and behold a great red 6. On pages 48-52 is a view given January, 1850. That portion of this view which relates to means being withheld from the messengers, applied more particularly to that time. Since then, friends of the cause of present truth have been raised up, who have watched for opportunity to do good with their means. Some have handed out too freely, to the injury of the receivers. For about two years I have been shown more relative to a careless and too free use of the Lord's money, than a lack of it. {EW 93.1} The following is from a view given at Jackson, Michigan, June 2, 1853. It related mostly to the brethren at that place: "I saw that the brethren commenced to sacrifice their property and handed it out without having the true object set before them-the suffering cause-and they handed out too freely, too much, and too often. I saw that the teachers should have stood in a place to correct this error and exert a good influence in the church. Money has been made of little or no consequence, the sooner disposed of the better. A bad example has been set by some in accepting large donations and not giving the least caution to those who had means not to use it too freely and carelessly. By accepting so large an amount of means, without questioning whether God had made it the duty of the brethren to bestow so largely, too bountiful giving has been sanctioned. {EW 93.2} "Those who gave also erred, not being particular to inquire into the
necessities of the case, whether there was actual need or not. Those who had
means were thrown into great perplexity. One brother was much hurt by too much
means being put into his hands. It has been no small trial to me to see that some have taken that
portion of my views which related to sacrificing property to sustain the cause
and made a wrong use of it; they use means extravagantly, while neglecting to
carry out the principles of other portions. On page 50, read the following: "I
saw that the cause of God had been hindered and dishonored by some traveling who
had no message from God. Such will have to give an account to God for every
dollar they have used in traveling where it was not their duty to go, because
that money might have helped on the cause I would here call special attention to the view of this subject given on page 57. Here is a short extract: "The object of the words of our Saviour [in Luke 12:33] has not been clearly presented." I saw that "the object of selling is not to give to those who are able to labor and support themselves, but to spread the truth. It is a sin to support and indulge in idleness those who are able to labor. Some have been zealous to attend all the meetings, not to glorify God, but for the 'loaves and fishes.' Such would much better have been at home laboring with their hands, 'the thing that is good,' to supply the wants of their families, and to have something to give to sustain the precious cause." It has been Satan's design in times past to push out some with a hurried spirit to make a too free use of means, and influence the brethren to rashly dispose of their property, that through an abundance of means thrown out carelessly and hastily, souls might be injured and lost, and that now, when the truth is to be spread more extensively, the lack might be felt. His design has, in some degree, been accomplished. {EW 95.1} The Lord has shown the error of many in looking to those only who have property to support the publication of the paper and tracts. All should act their part. Those who have strength to labor with their hands, and earn means to help sustain the cause, are as accountable for it as others are for their property. Every child of God who professes to believe the present truth, should be zealous to act his part in this cause. {EW 95.2} July, 1853, I saw that it was not as it should be that the paper, owned
and approved by God, should come out so seldom. The cause, in the time in which
I was shown that the truth once published now, will stand, for it is the
truth for the last days; it will live, and less need be said upon it in future.
Numberless words need not be put upon paper to justify what speaks for itself
and shines in its clearness. Truth is straight, plain, clear, and stands out
boldly in its own defense; but it is not so with error. It is so winding and
twisting that it needs a multitude of words to explain it in its crooked form. I
saw that all the light they had received in some places had come from the paper;
that souls had received the truth in this way, and then talked it to others; and
that now in places where there are several, they had been raised up by this
silent messenger. It was their only preacher. The cause of truth should not be
hindered in its onward progress for want of means. 23 Gospel Order
Men whose lives are not holy and who are unqualified to teach the
present truth enter the field without being acknowledged by the church or the
brethren generally, and confusion and disunion are the result. Those men who are not called of God are generally the very ones that are
the most confident that they are so called and that their labors are very
important. They go into the field and do not generally exert a good influence;
yet in some places they have a measure of success, and this leads them and
others to think that they are surely called of God. It is not a positive
evidence that men are called of God because they have some success; for angels
of God are now moving upon the hearts of His honest children to enlighten their
understanding as to the present truth, that they may lay hold upon it and live.
And even if self-sent men put themselves where God does not put them and profess
to be teachers, and souls receive the truth by hearing them talk it, this is no
evidence that they are called of God. The souls who receive the truth from them
receive it to be brought into trial and bondage, as they afterward find that
these men were not standing in the These self-sent messengers are a curse to the cause. Honest souls put confidence in them, thinking that they are moving in the counsel of God and that they are in union with the church, and therefore suffer them to administer the ordinances, and, as duty is made plain that they must do their first works, allow themselves to be baptized by them. But when light comes, as it surely will, and they are aware that these men are not what they understood them to be, God's called and chosen messengers, they are thrown into trial and doubt as to the truth they have received and feel that they must learn it all over again; they are troubled and perplexed by the enemy about all their experience, whether God has led them or not, and are not satisfied until they are again baptized and begin anew. It is much more wearing to the spirits of God's messengers to go into places where those have been who have exerted this wrong influence than to enter new fields. God's servants have to deal plainly, act openly, and not cover up wrongs; for they are standing between the living and the dead and must render an account of their faithfulness, their mission, and the influence they exert over the flock of which the Lord has made them overseers. {EW 99.1} Those who receive the truth and are brought into such trials would have
had the truth the same if these men had stayed away and filled the humble place
the Again the danger of those traveling whom God has not called, was shown me. If they do have some success, the qualifications that are lacking will be felt. Injudicious moves will be made, and by a lack of wisdom some precious souls may be driven where they can never be reached. I saw that the church should feel their responsibility and should look carefully and attentively at the lives, qualifications, and general course of those who profess to be teachers. If unmistakable evidence is not given that God has called them, and that the "woe" is upon them if they heed not this call, it is the duty of the church to act and let it be known that these persons are not acknowledged as teachers by the church. This is the only course the church can take in order to be clear in this matter, for the burden lies upon them. {EW 100.1} I saw that this door at which the enemy comes in to perplex and trouble
the flock can be shut. I inquired of the angel how it could be closed. He said,
"The church must flee to God's Word and become established upon gospel order,
which has been overlooked and neglected." This is indispensably necessary in
order to bring the church into the unity of the faith. I saw that in the
apostles' day the church was in danger of being deceived and imposed upon by
false teachers. Therefore the brethren chose men who had given good evidence
that they were capable of ruling well I saw that we are no more secure from false teachers now than they were in the apostles' days; and, if we do no more, we should take as special measures as they did to secure the peace, harmony, and union of the flock. We have their example, and should follow it. Brethren of experience and of sound minds should assemble, and following the Word of God and the sanction of the Holy Spirit, should, with fervent prayer, lay hands upon those who have given full proof that they have received their commission of God, and set them apart to devote themselves entirely to His work. This act would show the sanction of the church to their going forth as messengers to carry the most solemn message ever given to men. {EW 101.1} God will not entrust the care of His precious flock to men whose mind
and judgment have been weakened by former errors that they have cherished, such
as so-called perfectionism [SEE APPENDIX.] and Spiritualism, and who, by their
course while in these errors, have disgraced themselves and brought reproach
upon the cause of truth. Although they may now feel free from error and
competent to go forth and to teach this last message, God The servants of God who teach the truth should be men of judgment. They should be men who can bear opposition and not get excited; for those who oppose the truth will pick at those who teach it, and every objection that can be produced, will be brought in its worst form to bear against the truth. The servants of God who bear the message must be prepared to remove these objections, with calmness and meekness, by the light of truth. Frequently opposers talk to ministers of God in a provoking manner, to call out something from them of the same nature, that they can make as much of it as possible and declare to others that the teachers of the commandments have a bitter spirit and are harsh, as has been reported. I saw that we must be prepared for objections, and with patience, judgment, and meekness, let them have the weight they deserve, not throw them away or dispose of them by positive assertions, and then bear down upon the objector, and manifest a hard spirit toward him; but give the objections their weight, then bring forth the light and the power of the truth, and let it outweigh and remove the errors. Thus a good impression will be made, and honest opposers will acknowledge that they have been deceived and that the commandment keepers are not what they have been represented to be. {EW 102.1} Those who profess to be servants of the living God must be willing to be
servants of all, instead of being exalted above the brethren, and they must
possess a I have seen that it is now time for the messengers to move out wherever
there is an opening, and that God will go before them and open the hearts of
some to hear. New places must be entered, and, wherever this is done, it would
be well, if consistent, to go two and two, so as to hold up each other's hands.
A plan like this was presented: It would be well for two brethren to start
together and travel in company to the darkest places, where there is much
opposition and where the most labor is needed, and with united efforts and
strong I saw that the servants of God should not go over and over the same
field of labor, but should be searching out souls in new places. Those who are
already established in the truth should not demand so much of their labor; for
they ought to be able to stand alone, and strengthen others about them, while
the messengers of God visit the dark and lonely places, setting the truth before
those who are not now enlightened as to the present truth. 24 Church Difficulties
[FROM THE REVIEW OF AUGUST 11, 1853.] We must be sanctified through the truth, be wholly consecrated to God, and so live out our holy profession that the Lord can shed increasing light upon us, and that we may see light in His light, and be strengthened with His strength. Every moment that we are not on our watch we are liable to be beset by the enemy and are in great danger of being overcome by the powers of darkness. Satan commissions his angels to be vigilant and overthrow all they can; to find out the waywardness and besetting sins of those who profess the truth, and throw darkness around them, that they may cease to be watchful, take a course that will dishonor the cause they profess to love, and bring sorrow upon the church. The souls of these misguided, unwatchful ones grow darker, and the light of heaven fades from them. They cannot discover their besetting sins, and Satan weaves his net about them, and they are taken in his snare. {EW 105.1} God is our strength. We must look to Him for wisdom and guidance, and keeping in view His glory, the good of the church, and the salvation of our own souls, we must overcome our besetting sins. We should individually seek to obtain new victory every day. We must learn to stand alone and depend wholly upon God. The sooner we learn this the better. Let each one find out where he fails, and then faithfully watch that his sins do not overcome him, but that he gets the victory over them. Then can we have confidence toward God, and great trouble will be saved the church. {EW 105.2} The messengers of God, as they leave their homes to labor for the
salvation of souls, spend much of their time in laboring for those who have been
in the truth for years, but who are still weak, because they needlessly let
loose the reins, cease watching over themselves, Some seem to think that all that God has called messengers into the
field for, is to go at their bidding and to carry them in their arms; and that
the most important part of their work is to settle the petty trials and
difficulties which they have brought upon themselves by injudicious moves, and
by giving way to the enemy, and indulging an unyielding, faultfinding spirit
toward those around them. But where are the hungry sheep at this time? Starving
for the bread of life. Those who know the truth and have been established in it,
but obey it not--if they did, they would be saved many of these trials--are
holding the messengers, and the very object for which God has called them into
the field is not accomplished. The servants of God are grieved and their courage
taken away by such things in the church, when all should strive not to add a
feather's weight to their burden, but by cheering words and the prayer of faith,
should help them. How much more free would they be if all who profess the truth
would look about them and try to help others, instead of claiming so much help
themselves. As it is, when the servants of God enter dark places, where the
truth has not yet been proclaimed, they carry a wounded spirit caused by the
needless trials of their brethren. How much easier it would be to affect the heart and how much more would
God be glorified if His servants were free from discouragement and trial, that
they might with a free spirit present the truth in its beauty. Those who have
been guilty of requiring so much labor of God's servants and burdening them with
trials which belong to themselves to settle, will have to give account to God
for all the time and means that have been spent to gratify themselves, thereby
satisfying the enemy. They should be in a situation to help their brethren. They
should never defer their trials and difficulties to burden a whole meeting, or
wait until some of the messengers come to settle them; but they should get right
before God themselves, have their trials all out of the way, and be prepared
when laborers come to hold up their hands instead of weakening them. 25 Hope of the Church
[FROM THE REVIEW OF JUNE 10, 1852.] The time has come when a large portion of those who once rejoiced and shouted aloud for joy in view of the immediate coming of the Lord, are on the ground of the churches and the world who once derided them for believing that Jesus was coming, and circulated all manner of falsehoods to raise prejudice against them and destroy their influence. Now, if any one longs after the living God, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, and God gives him to feel His power, and satisfies his longing soul by shedding abroad His love in his heart, and if he glorifies God by praising Him, he is, by these professed believers in the soon coming of the Lord, often considered deluded, and charged with being mesmerized or having some wicked spirit. {EW 108.1} Many of these professed Christians dress, talk, and act like the world, and the only thing by which they may be known is their profession. Though they profess to be looking for Christ, their conversation is not in heaven, but on worldly things. "What manner of persons" ought those to be "in all holy conversation and godliness," who profess to be "looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God." 2 Peter 3:11, 12. "Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure." 1 John 3:3. But it is evident that many who bear the name of Adventist study more to decorate their bodies and to appear well in the eyes of the world than they do to learn from the Word of God how they may be approved of Him. {EW 108.2} What if the lovely Jesus, our pattern, should make His appearance among
them and the professors of religion generally, as at His first advent? He was
born in Let us follow Jesus as He so meekly rode into Jerusalem, when "the whole
multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice, .
. . saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in
heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the
multitude said unto Him, Master, rebuke Thy disciples. And He answered and said
unto them, I tell you that if these should hold their peace, the stones would
immediately cry out." A large portion of those who profess to be looking for
Christ would be as forward as the Pharisees were to have the disciples silenced,
and they would doubtless raise the cry, "Fanaticism! Mesmerism! Mesmerism!" And
the disciples, spreading their garments and branches of palm trees in the way,
would be thought extravagant and wild. But God will have a people on the earth
who will not be so cold and dead but that they can praise and glorify Him. He
will receive glory from some people, and if those of His choice, those who keep
His commandments, should hold their peace, the very stones would cry out. With such a prospect as this before us, such a glorious hope, such a
redemption that Christ has purchased for us by His own blood, shall we hold our
peace? Shall we not praise God even with a loud voice, as did the disciples when
Jesus rode into Jerusalem? Is not our prospect far more glorious than was
theirs? Who dare then forbid us glorifying God, even with a loud voice, when we
have such a hope, big with immortality, and full of glory? We have tasted of the
powers of the world to come, and long for more. My whole being cries out after
the living God, and I shall not be satisfied until I am filled with all His
fullness. Angels are watching over and guarding us; we often grieve these angels by indulging in trifling conversation, jesting, and joking, and also by sinking down into a careless, stupid state. Although we may now and then make an effort for the victory and obtain it, yet if we do not keep it, but sink down into the same careless, indifferent state, unable to endure temptations and resist the enemy, we do not endure the trial of our faith that is more precious than gold. We are not suffering for Christ's sake, and glorying in tribulation. {EW 111.2} There is a great lack of Christian fortitude and serving God from
principle. We should not seek to We could not think of these important words, and call to mind the sufferings of Jesus that we poor sinners might receive pardon and be redeemed unto God by His most precious blood, without feeling a holy restraint upon us and an earnest desire to suffer for Him who suffered and endured so much for us. If we dwell on these things, dear self, with its dignity, will be humbled, and its place will be occupied by a childlike simplicity which will bear reproof from others and will not be easily provoked. A self-willed spirit will not then come in to rule the soul. {EW 112.1} The true Christian's joys and consolation must and will be in heaven.
The longing souls of those who have tasted of the powers of the world to come
and have feasted on heavenly joys, will not be satisfied with things of earth.
Such will find enough to do in their leisure moments. Their souls will be drawn
out after God. Where the treasure is, there will the heart be, holding sweet
communion with the God they love and worship. Their amusement will be in
contemplating their treasure--the Holy City, the earth made new, their eternal
home. And while they dwell upon those things which are lofty, pure, and holy,
heaven will be brought near, and they will feel the power of the Holy As I realize how much has been done for us to keep us right, I am led to exclaim, Oh, what love, what wondrous love, hath the Son of God for us poor sinners! Should we be stupid and careless while everything is being done for our salvation that can be done? All heaven is interested for us. We should be alive and awake to honor, glorify, and adore the high and lofty One. Our hearts should flow out in love and gratitude to Him who has been so full of love and compassion to us. With our lives we should honor Him, and with pure and holy conversation show that we are born from above, that this world is not our home, but that we are pilgrims and strangers here, traveling to a better country. {EW 113.1} Many who profess the name of Christ and claim to be looking for His
speedy coming, know not what it is to suffer for Christ's sake. Their hearts are
not subdued by grace, and they are not dead to self, as is often shown in
various ways. At the same time they are talking of having trials. But the
principal cause of their trials is an unsubdued heart, which makes self so
sensitive that it is often crossed. If such could realize what it is to be a
humble follower of Christ, a true Christian, they would begin to work in good
earnest and begin right. They would first die to self, then be instant in
prayer, and check every passion of the heart. Give up your self-confidence and
self-sufficiency, brethren, and follow the meek Pattern. Ever keep Jesus in your
mind that He is your example and you must
27 Faithfulness in Social
Meeting We should not come together to remain silent; those only are remembered of the Lord who assemble to speak of His honor and glory and tell of His power; upon such the blessing of God will rest, and they will be refreshed. If all moved as they should, no precious time would run to waste, and no reproofs would be needed for long prayers and exhortations; all the time would be occupied by short, pointed testimonies and prayers. Ask, believe, and receive. There is too much mocking the Lord, too much praying that is no praying and that wearies angels and displeases God, too many vain, unmeaning petitions. First we should feel needy, and then ask God for the very things we need, believing that He gives them to us, even while we ask; and then our faith will grow, all will be edified, the weak will be strengthened, and the discouraged and desponding made to look up and believe that God is a rewarder of all those who diligently seek Him. {EW 115.1} Some hold back in meeting because they have nothing new to say and must repeat the same story if they speak. I saw that pride was at the bottom of this, that God and angels witnessed the testimonies of the saints and were well pleased and glorified by their being repeated weekly. The Lord loves simplicity and humility, but He is displeased and angels are grieved when professed heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus suffer precious time to run to waste in their meetings. {EW 115.2} If the brethren and sisters were in the place they should be, they would
not be at a loss to find something to say in honor of Jesus, who hung upon
Calvary's cross for their sins. If they would cherish more of a realizing sense
of the condescension of God in giving His only beloved Son to die a sacrifice
for our sins and transgressions, and of the sufferings and anguish of Jesus to
make a way of escape for guilty man, that he might receive pardon and live, they
would I saw that the nominal churches have fallen; that coldness and death reign in their midst. If they would follow the Word of God, it would humble them. But they get above the work of the Lord. It is too humiliating for them to repeat the same simple story of God's goodness when they meet together, and they study to get something new, something great, and to have their words exact to the ear and pleasing to man, and God's Spirit leaves them. When we follow the humble Bible way, we shall have the movings of the Spirit of God. All will be in sweet harmony if we follow the humble channel of truth, depending wholly upon God, and there will be no danger of being affected by the evil angels. It is when souls get above the Spirit of God, moving in their own strength, that the angels cease watching over them, and they are left to the buffetings of Satan. {EW 116.1} Duties are laid down in God's Word, the performance of which will keep
the people of God humble and separate from the world, and from backsliding, like
the nominal churches. The washing of feet and partaking of the Lord's supper
should be more frequently practiced. Jesus set us the example, and told us to do
as He had done. I saw that His example should be There is no example given in the Word for brethren to wash sisters' feet; [SEE APPENDIX.] but there is an example for sisters to wash the feet of brethren. Mary washed the feet of Jesus with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head. (See also 1 Tim. 5:10.) I saw that the Lord had moved upon sisters to wash the feet of brethren and that it was according to gospel order. All should move understandingly and not make the washing of feet a tedious ceremony. {EW 117.1} The holy salutation mentioned in the gospel of Jesus Christ by the apostle Paul should ever be considered in its true character. It is a holy kiss. [SEE APPENDIX.] It should be regarded as a sign of fellowship to Christian friends when parting, and when meeting again after a separation of weeks or months. In 1 Thessalonians 5:26 Paul says: "Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss." In the same chapter he says: "Abstain from all appearance of evil." There can be no appearance of evil when the holy kiss is given at a proper time and place. {EW 117.2} I saw that the strong hand of the enemy is set against the work of God,
and the help and strength of everyone who loves the cause of truth should be
enlisted; great interest should be manifested by them to uphold the hands of
those who advocate the truth, I then saw the third angel. Said my accompanying angel, "Fearful is his
work. Awful is his mission. He is the angel that is to select the wheat from the
tares, and seal, or bind, the wheat for the heavenly garner. These things should
engross the whole mind, the whole attention." 28 To the Inexperienced
Those who profess the truth and think they know it all before they have
learned its first principles, and who are forward to take the place of teachers
and reprove those who for years have stood stiffly for the I saw that the remnant were not prepared for what is coming upon the
earth. Stupidity, like lethargy, seemed to hang upon the minds of most of those
who profess to believe that we are having the last message. My accompanying
angel cried out with awful solemnity, "Get ready! get ready! get ready! for the
fierce anger of the Lord is soon to come. His wrath is to be poured out, unmixed
with mercy, and ye are not ready. Rend the heart, and not the garment. A great
work must be done for the remnant. Many of them are dwelling upon little
trials." Said the angel, "Legions of evil angels are around you, and are trying
to press in their awful darkness, that ye may be ensnared and taken. Ye suffer
your minds to be diverted too readily from the work of preparation and the
all-important truths for these last days. And ye dwell upon little trials and go
into minute particulars of little difficulties to explain them to the
satisfaction of this one or that." Conversation has been protracted for hours
between the parties concerned, and not only has their time been wasted, but the
servants of God are held to listen to them, when the hearts of both parties are
unsubdued by grace. If pride and selfishness were laid aside, five minutes would
remove most difficulties. Angels have been grieved and God displeased by the
hours which have been spent in justifying self. I saw that God will not bow down
and listen to long justifications, and He does not want His servants to do so,
and I saw that God's people are on the enchanted ground, and that some have lost nearly all sense of the shortness of time and the worth of the soul. Pride has crept in among Sabbathkeepers-pride of dress and appearance. Said the angel, "Sabbathkeepers will have to die to self, die to pride and love of approbation." {EW 120.1} Truth, saving truth, must be given to the starving people who are in darkness. I saw that many prayed for God to humble them; but if God should answer their prayers, it would be by terrible things in righteousness. It was their duty to humble themselves. I saw that if self-exaltation was suffered to come in, it would surely lead souls astray, and if not overcome would prove their ruin. When one begins to get lifted up in his own eyes and thinks he can do something, the Spirit of God is withdrawn, and he goes on in his own strength until he is overthrown. I saw that one saint, if he were right, could move the arm of God; but a multitude together, if they were wrong, would be weak and could effect nothing. {EW 120.2} Many have unsubdued, unhumbled hearts, and think more of their own
little grievances and trials than of the souls of sinners. If they had the glory
of God in view, they would feel for perishing souls around them; and as they
realized their perilous situation, would take hold with energy, exercising faith
in God, and hold up the hands of His servants, that they might boldly, yet in
love, declare the truth and warn souls to lay hold upon it before the sweet
voice of mercy should die away. Said the angel, "Those who profess His name are
not ready." I saw that the seven last plagues were coming upon the shelterless
heads of the wicked; and then those who have stood in their way Said the angel. "Ye have been picking at straws- dwelling upon little
trials-and sinners must be lost as a consequence." God is willing to work for us
in our meetings, and it is His pleasure to work. But Satan says, "I will hinder
the work." His agents say, "Amen." Professed believers in the truth dwell upon
their petty trials and difficulties which Satan has magnified before them. Time
is wasted that can never be recalled. The enemies of the truth have seen our
weakness, God has been grieved, Christ wounded. Satan's object is accomplished,
his plans have succeeded, and he triumphs. 31 False Shepherds
I saw that many of these shepherds had denied the past teachings of God;
they had denied and rejected the glorious truths which they once zealously
advocated and had covered themselves with mesmerism and all kinds of delusions.
I saw that they were drunken with error and were leading on their flock to
death. Many of the opposers of God's truth devise mischief in their heads upon
their beds, and in the day they carry out their wicked devices to put down the
truth and to I saw that the priests who are leading on their flock to death are soon to be arrested in their dreadful career. The plagues of God are coming, but it will not be sufficient for the false shepherds to be tormented with one or two of these plagues. God's hand at that time will be stretched out still in wrath and justice and will not be brought to Himself again until His purposes are fully accomplished, and the hireling priests are led to worship at the feet of the saints, and to acknowledge that God has loved them because they held fast the truth and kept God's commandments, and until all the unrighteous ones are destroyed from the earth. {EW 124.1} The different parties of professed Advent believers have each a little truth, but God has given all these truths to His children who are being prepared for the day of God. He has also given them truths that none of these parties know, neither will they understand. Things which are sealed up to them, the Lord has opened to those who will see and are ready to understand. If God has any new light to communicate, He will let His chosen and beloved understand it, without their going to have their minds enlightened by hearing those who are in darkness and error. {EW 124.2} I was shown the necessity of those who believe that we are having the
last message of mercy, being separate from those who are daily imbibing new
errors. I saw that neither young nor old should attend their meetings; for it is
wrong to thus encourage them while they teach error that is a deadly poison to
the soul and teach for doctrines the commandments of men. The influence of such
gatherings is not good. If God has delivered us from such darkness and error, we
should stand fast in the liberty wherewith He has set us free I saw that we have no time to throw away in listening to fables. Our
minds should not be thus diverted, but should be occupied with the present
truth, and seeking wisdom that we may obtain a more thorough knowledge of our
position, that with meekness we may be able to give a reason of our hope from
the Scriptures. While false doctrines and dangerous errors are pressed upon the
mind, it cannot be dwelling upon the truth which is to fit and prepare the house
of Israel to stand in the day of the Lord. 32 God's Gift to Man
Sorrow filled heaven as it was realized that man was lost and that the world which God had created was to be filled with mortals doomed to misery, sickness, and death, and that there was no way of escape for the offender. The whole family of Adam must die. I then saw the lovely Jesus and beheld an expression of sympathy and sorrow upon His countenance. Soon I saw Him approach the exceeding bright light which enshrouded the Father. Said my accompanying angel, "He is in close converse with His Father." The anxiety of the angels seemed to be intense while Jesus was communing with His Father. Three times He was shut in by the glorious light about the Father, and the third time He came from the Father we could see His person. His countenance was calm, free from all perplexity and trouble, and shone with a loveliness which words cannot describe. He then made known to the angelic choir that a way of escape had been made for lost man; that He had been pleading with His Father, and had obtained permission to give His own life as a ransom for the race, to bear their sins, and take the sentence of death upon Himself, thus opening a way whereby they might, through the merits of His blood, find pardon for past transgressions, and by obedience be brought back to the garden from which they were driven. Then they could again have access to the glorious, immortal fruit of the tree of life to which they had now forfeited all right. {EW 126.1} Then joy, inexpressible joy, filled heaven, and the heavenly choir sang
a song of praise and adoration. They touched their harps and sang a note higher
than they had done before, because of the great mercy and Said the angel, "Think ye that the Father yielded up His dearly beloved Son without a struggle? No, no." It was even a struggle with the God of heaven, whether to let guilty man perish, or to give His darling Son to die for them. Angels were so interested for man's salvation that there could be found among them those who would yield their glory and give their life for perishing man. "But," said my accompanying angel, "that would avail nothing." The transgression was so great that an angel's life would not pay the debt. Nothing but the death and intercession of God's Son would pay the debt and save lost man from hopeless sorrow and misery. {EW 127.1} But the work which was assigned the angels was to ascend and descend with strengthening balm from glory to soothe the Son of God in His life of suffering. They administered unto Jesus. Also, their work was to guard and keep the subjects of grace from the evil angels and from the darkness which was constantly thrown around them by Satan. I saw that it was impossible for God to change His law in order to save lost, perishing man; therefore He suffered His darling Son to die for man's transgressions. {EW 127.2} 33 Spiritual Gifts,
Volume One THE GIFT OF PROPHECY WAS MANIFESTED IN THE CHURCH DURING THE JEWISH DISPENSATION. IF IT DISAPPEARED FOR A FEW CENTURIES, ON ACCOUNT OF THE CORRUPT STATE OF THE CHURCH TOWARD THE CLOSE OF THAT DISPENSATION, IT REAPPEARED AT ITS CLOSE TO USHER IN THE MESSIAH. ZACHARIAS, THE FATHER OF JOHN THE BAPTIST, "WAS FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST, AND PROPHESIED." SIMEON, A JUST AND DEVOUT MAN WHO WAS "WAITING FOR THE CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL," CAME BY THE SPIRIT INTO THE TEMPLE, AND PROPHESIED OF JESUS AS "A LIGHT TO LIGHTEN THE GENTILES, AND THE GLORY OF THY PEOPLE ISRAEL"; AND ANNA, A PROPHETESS, "SPAKE OF HIM TO ALL THEM THAT LOOKED FOR REDEMPTION IN JERUSALEM." AND THERE WAS NO GREATER PROPHET THAN JOHN THE BAPTIST, WHO WAS CHOSEN OF GOD TO INTRODUCE TO ISRAEL "THE LAMB OF GOD, WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD." {EW 133.1} THE CHRISTIAN AGE COMMENCED WITH THE OUTPOURING OF THE SPIRIT, AND A GREAT VARIETY OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS WAS MANIFESTED AMONG THE BELIEVERS. THESE WERE SO ABUNDANT THAT PAUL COULD SAY TO THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH, "THE MANIFESTATION OF THE SPIRIT IS GIVEN TO EVERY MAN TO PROFIT WITHAL"--TO EVERY MAN IN THE CHURCH, NOT TO EVERY MAN IN THE WORLD, AS MANY HAVE APPLIED IT. {EW 133.2} SINCE THE GREAT APOSTASY, THESE GIFTS HAVE RARELY BEEN MANIFESTED; AND
THIS IS PROBABLY THE REASON WHY PROFESSED CHRISTIANS GENERALLY BELIEVE THAT THEY
WERE LIMITED TO THE PERIOD OF THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH. BUT IS IT NOT ON ACCOUNT OF
THE ERRORS AND UNBELIEF OF THE CHURCH THAT THE GIFTS HAVE CEASED? AND WHEN THE
PEOPLE OF GOD SHALL ATTAIN TO PRIMITIVE FAITH AND PRACTICE, AS THEY CERTAINLY
WILL BY THE PROCLAMATION OF THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD AND THE FAITH OF JESUS, WILL
NOT "THE LATTER RAIN" AGAIN DEVELOP THE GIFTS? REASONING FROM ANALOGY WE SHOULD
EXPECT IT. NOTWITHSTANDING THE "AND HE SAID UNTO THEM, GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD, AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE. HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. AND THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE: IN MY NAME SHALL THEY CAST OUT DEVILS; THEY SHALL SPEAK WITH NEW TONGUES; THEY SHALL TAKE UP SERPENTS; AND IF THEY DRINK ANY DEADLY THING, IT SHALL NOT HURT THEM; THEY SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK, AND THEY SHALL RECOVER." MARK 16:15-18. {EW 134.1} CAMPBELL'S TRANSLATION SAYS, "THESE MIRACULOUS POWERS SHALL ATTEND THE BELIEVERS." THE GIFTS WERE NOT CONFINED TO THE APOSTLES, BUT EXTENDED TO THE BELIEVERS. WHO WILL HAVE THEM? THOSE THAT BELIEVE. HOW LONG? THERE IS NO LIMITATION; THE PROMISE RUNS PARALLEL WITH THE GREAT COMMISSION TO PREACH THE GOSPEL AND REACHES THE LAST BELIEVER. {EW 134.2} BUT IT IS OBJECTED THAT THIS AID WAS PROMISED ONLY TO THE APOSTLES AND
TO THOSE WHO BELIEVED THROUGH THEIR PREACHING; THAT THEY FULFILLED THE
COMMISSION, ESTABLISHED THE GOSPEL, AND THAT THE GIFTS CEASED WITH THAT
GENERATION. LET US SEE IF THE GREAT COMMISSION ENDED WITH THAT GENERATION. MATT.
28:19, 20. "GO YE THEREFORE, THAT THE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL UNDER THIS COMMISSION DID NOT END WITH THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH IS EVIDENT FROM THE PROMISE, "I AM WITH YOU ALWAY, EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE WORLD." HE DOES NOT SAY, I AM WITH YOU, APOSTLES, EVERYWHERE, EVEN TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH; BUT I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE END OF THE WORLD, OR AGE. IT WILL NOT DO TO SAY THAT THE JEWISH AGE IS MEANT, FOR THAT HAD ALREADY ENDED AT THE CROSS. I CONCLUDE, THEN, THAT THE PREACHING AND THE BELIEF OF THE PRIMITIVE GOSPEL WILL ALWAYS BE ATTENDED WITH THE SAME SPIRITUAL AID. THE APOSTLES' COMMISSION BELONGED TO THE CHRISTIAN AGE, AND EMBRACED THE WHOLE OF IT. CONSEQUENTLY THE GIFTS WERE LOST ONLY THROUGH APOSTASY, AND WILL BE REVIVED WITH THE REVIVAL OF PRIMITIVE FAITH AND PRACTICE. {EW 135.1} IN 1 CORINTHIANS 12:28, WE ARE INFORMED THAT GOD HATH SET, PLACED, OR
FIXED, CERTAIN SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN THE CHURCH. IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY SCRIPTURAL
PROOF THAT HE HAS REMOVED OR ABOLISHED THEM, WE MUST CONCLUDE THAT THEY WERE
INTENDED TO REMAIN. WHERE IS THE PROOF THEN THAT THEY ARE ABOLISHED? IN THE SAME
CHAPTER WHERE THE JEWISH SABBATH IS ABOLISHED, AND THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH
INSTITUTED--A CHAPTER IN THE ACTS OF THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY AND THE MAN OF SIN.
BUT THE OBJECTOR CLAIMS BIBLE PROOF THAT GIFTS WERE TO CEASE, CONTAINED IN THE
FOLLOWING TEXT: "CHARITY NEVER FAILETH: BUT WHETHER THERE BE PROPHECIES, THEY
SHALL FAIL; WHETHER THERE BE TONGUES, THEY SHALL CEASE; WHETHER THERE BE
KNOWLEDGE, IT SHALL VANISH AWAY. FOR WE KNOW IN PART, AND WE PROPHESY IN PART.
BUT WHEN THAT WHICH IS PERFECT IS COME, THEN THAT WHICH IS IN PART THIS TEXT DOES FORETELL THE CESSATION OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS, ALSO OF FAITH
AND HOPE. BUT WHEN WERE THEY TO CEASE? WE STILL LOOK FORWARD TO THE TIME WHEN--
THEY ARE TO CEASE WHEN THAT WHICH IS PERFECT IS COME, WHEN WE SHALL NO LONGER SEE THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY, BUT FACE TO FACE. THE PERFECT DAY, WHEN THE JUST ARE MADE PERFECT AND SEE AS THEY ARE SEEN, IS YET IN THE FUTURE. IT IS TRUE THAT THE MAN OF SIN, WHEN ARRIVED AT MANHOOD, HAD PUT AWAY SUCH "CHILDISH THINGS" AS PROPHECIES, TONGUES, AND KNOWLEDGE, AND ALSO THE FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY OF THE PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANS. BUT THERE IS NOTHING IN THE TEXT TO SHOW THAT GOD DESIGNED TO TAKE AWAY THE GIFTS WHICH HE HAD SET IN THE CHURCH, TILL THE CONSUMMATION OF HER FAITH AND HOPE, TILL THE SURPASSING GLORY OF THE IMMORTAL STATE SHOULD ECLIPSE THE MOST BRILLIANT DISPLAYS OF SPIRITUAL POWER AND KNOWLEDGE EVER MANIFESTED IN THIS MORTAL STATE. {EW 136.2} THE OBJECTION FOUNDED UPON 2 TIMOTHY 3:16, WHICH SOME HAVE GRAVELY
PRESENTED, DESERVES NO MORE THAN A PASSING REMARK. IF PAUL, IN SAYING THAT THE
SCRIPTURES ARE TO MAKE THE MAN OF GOD PERFECT, THOROUGHLY FURNISHED UNTO ALL
GOOD WORKS, MEANT THAT NOTHING MORE SHOULD BE WRITTEN BY INSPIRATION, WHY WAS HE
AT THAT MOMENT ADDING TO THOSE SCRIPTURES? AT LEAST WHY DID HE NOT DROP THE PEN
AS SOON AS THAT SENTENCE WAS WRITTEN? AND WHY DID JOHN, THIRTY YEARS AFTERWARD,
WRITE THE BOOK OF REVELATION? THIS BOOK CONTAINS ANOTHER TEXT "FOR I TESTIFY UNTO EVERY MAN THAT HEARETH THE WORDS OF THE PROPHECY OF THIS BOOK, IF ANY MAN SHALL ADD UNTO THESE THINGS, GOD SHALL ADD UNTO HIM THE PLAGUES THAT ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK: AND IF ANY MAN SHALL TAKE AWAY FROM THE WORDS OF THE BOOK OF THIS PROPHECY, GOD SHALL TAKE AWAY HIS PART OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE, AND OUT OF THE HOLY CITY, AND FROM THE THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK." REV. 22:18, 19. {EW 137.1} FROM THIS TEXT IT IS CLAIMED THAT GOD, WHO AT SUNDRY TIMES AND IN DIVERS MANNERS SPAKE IN TIME PAST TO THE FATHERS BY THE PROPHETS, AND, IN THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE GOSPEL DAY, BY JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES, HAS HEREBY SOLEMNLY PROMISED NEVER TO COMMUNICATE ANYTHING MORE TO MAN IN THAT WAY. THEREFORE ALL PROPHESYING AFTER THIS DATE MUST BE FALSE. THIS, IT IS SAID, CLOSES THE CANON OF INSPIRATION. IF SO, WHY DID JOHN WRITE HIS GOSPEL AFTER HIS RETURN FROM PATMOS TO EPHESUS? IN DOING SO DID HE ADD TO THE WORDS OF THE PROPHECY OF THAT BOOK WRITTEN IN THE ISLE OF PATMOS? IT IS EVIDENT, FROM THE TEXT, THAT THE CAUTION AGAINST ADDING TO, OR TAKING FROM, REFERS NOT TO THE BIBLE AS WE HAVE THE VOLUME COMPILED, BUT TO THE SEPARATE BOOK OF REVELATION, AS IT CAME FROM THE HAND OF THE APOSTLE. YET NO MAN HAS A RIGHT TO ADD TO, OR SUBTRACT FROM, ANY OTHER BOOK WRITTEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD. DID JOHN, IN WRITING THE BOOK OF REVELATION, ADD ANYTHING TO THE BOOK OF DANIEL'S PROPHECY? NOT AT ALL. A PROPHET HAS NO RIGHT TO ALTER THE WORD OF GOD. BUT THE VISIONS OF JOHN CORROBORATE THOSE OF DANIEL AND GIVE MUCH ADDITIONAL LIGHT UPON THE SUBJECTS THERE INTRODUCED. I CONCLUDE, THEN, THAT THE LORD HAS NOT BOUND HIMSELF TO KEEP SILENCE, BUT IS STILL AT LIBERTY TO SPEAK. EVER BE IT THE LANGUAGE OF MY HEART, SPEAK, LORD, THROUGH WHOM THOU WILT; THY SERVANT HEARETH. {EW 137.2} THUS THE ATTEMPT TO PROVE FROM SCRIPTURE THE ABOLITION AGAIN: WE ARE FOREWARNED THAT THERE WOULD BE FALSE PROPHETS IN THE LAST DAYS, AND THE BIBLE GIVES A TEST BY WHICH TO TRY THEIR TEACHINGS IN ORDER THAT WE MAY DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE TRUE AND THE FALSE. THE GRAND TEST IS THE LAW OF GOD, WHICH IS APPLIED BOTH TO THE PROPHESYINGS AND TO THE MORAL CHARACTER OF THE PROPHETS. IF THERE WERE TO BE NO TRUE PROPHESYINGS IN THE LAST DAYS, HOW MUCH EASIER TO HAVE STATED THE FACT, AND THUS CUT OFF ALL CHANCE FOR DECEPTION, THAN TO GIVE A TEST BY WHICH TO TRY THEM, AS IF THERE WOULD BE THE GENUINE AS WELL AS THE FALSE. {EW 138.1} IN ISAIAH 8:19, 20, IS A PROPHECY OF THE FAMILIAR SPIRITS OF THE PRESENT
TIME, AND THE LAW IS GIVEN AS A TEST: "TO THE LAW AND TO THE TESTIMONY: IF THEY
SPEAK NOT ACCORDING TO THIS WORD, IT IS BECAUSE THERE IS NO LIGHT IN THEM." WHY
SAY, "IF THEY SPEAK NOT," IF THERE WAS TO BE NO TRUE SPIRITUAL MANIFESTATION OR
PROPHESYING AT THE SAME TIME? JESUS SAYS, "BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS. . . . YE
SHALL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS." MATT. 7:15, 16. THIS IS A PART OF THE SERMON
ON THE MOUNT, AND ALL CAN SEE THAT THIS DISCOURSE HAS A GENERAL APPLICATION TO
THE CHURCH THROUGH THE GOSPEL AGE. FALSE PROPHETS ARE TO BE KNOWN BY THEIR
FRUITS; IN OTHER WORDS, BY THEIR MORAL CHARACTER. THE ONLY STANDARD BY WHICH TO
DETERMINE WHETHER THEIR FRUITS ARE GOOD OR BAD, IS THE LAW OF GOD. THUS WE ARE
BROUGHT TO THE LAW AND TO THE TESTIMONY. TRUE PROPHETS WILL NOT ONLY SPEAK
ACCORDING TO THIS WORD, BUT THEY WILL LIVE ACCORDING TO IT. ONE WHO SPEAKS AND
LIVES THUS, I DARE NOT CONDEMN. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A CHARACTERISTIC OF FALSE PROPHETS THAT THEY SEE VISIONS OF PEACE; AND THEY WILL BE SAYING, "PEACE AND SAFETY," WHEN SUDDEN DESTRUCTION COMES UPON THEM. THE TRUE WILL BOLDLY REPROVE SIN AND WARN OF COMING WRATH. {EW 139.1} PROPHESYINGS WHICH CONTRADICT THE PLAIN AND POSITIVE DECLARATIONS OF THE WORD, ARE TO BE REJECTED. THUS OUR SAVIOUR TAUGHT HIS DISCIPLES WHEN HE WARNED THEM CONCERNING THE MANNER OF HIS SECOND COMING. WHEN JESUS ASCENDED TO HEAVEN IN THE SIGHT OF HIS DISCIPLES, IT WAS DECLARED MOST EXPLICITLY BY THE ANGELS THAT THIS SAME JESUS SHOULD SO COME IN LIKE MANNER AS THEY HAD SEEN HIM GO INTO HEAVEN. HENCE JESUS, IN PREDICTING THE WORK OF THE FALSE PROPHETS OF THE LAST DAYS, SAYS, "IF THEY SHALL SAY UNTO YOU, BEHOLD, HE IS IN THE DESERT; GO NOT FORTH: BEHOLD, HE IS IN THE SECRET CHAMBERS, BELIEVE IT NOT." ALL TRUE PROPHESYING ON THAT POINT MUST RECOGNIZE HIS VISIBLE COMING FROM HEAVEN. WHY DID NOT JESUS SAY, REJECT ALL PROPHESYING AT THAT TIME; FOR THERE WILL BE NO TRUE PROPHETS THEN? {EW 139.2} "AND HE GAVE SOME, APOSTLES; AND SOME, PROPHETS; AND SOME, EVANGELISTS; AND SOME, PASTORS AND TEACHERS; FOR THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS, FOR THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY, FOR THE EDIFYING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST: TILL WE ALL COME IN THE UNITY OF THE FAITH, AND OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD, UNTO A PERFECT MAN, UNTO THE MEASURE OF THE STATURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST." EPH. 4:11-13. {EW 139.3} WE LEARN FROM A PREVIOUS VERSE THAT WHEN CHRIST ASCENDED UP ON HIGH, HE
GAVE GIFTS UNTO MEN. AMONG THESE GIFTS ARE ENUMERATED APOSTLES, PROPHETS,
EVANGELISTS, PASTORS, AND TEACHERS. THE OBJECT FOR WHICH THEY WERE GIVEN WAS THE
PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS IN UNITY AND KNOWLEDGE. SOME WHO PROFESS TO BE PASTORS
AND TEACHERS AT THE PRESENT DAY HOLD THAT THESE GIFTS FULLY ACCOMPLISHED THEIR
OBJECT SOME EIGHTEEN HUNDRED YEARS AGO, NOW LET US REASON A MOMENT UPON THIS POINT. ALL THESE GIFTS WERE GIVEN FOR THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS IN UNITY, KNOWLEDGE, AND SPIRIT. UNDER THEIR INFLUENCE THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH FOR A TIME ENJOYED THAT UNITY: "THE MULTITUDE OF THEM THAT BELIEVED WERE OF ONE HEART AND OF ONE SOUL." AND IT SEEMS A NATURAL CONSEQUENCE OF THIS STATE OF UNITY, THAT "WITH GREAT POWER GAVE THE APOSTLES WITNESS OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD JESUS: AND GREAT GRACE WAS UPON THEM ALL." ACTS 4:31-33. HOW DESIRABLE SUCH A STATE OF THINGS NOW! BUT APOSTASY WITH ITS DIVIDING AND BLIGHTING INFLUENCE MARRED THE BEAUTY OF THE FAIR CHURCH AND CLOTHED HER IN SACKCLOTH. DIVISION AND DISORDER HAVE BEEN THE RESULT. NEVER WAS THERE SO GREAT A DIVERSITY OF FAITH IN CHRISTENDOM AS AT THE PRESENT DAY. IF THE GIFTS WERE NECESSARY TO PRESERVE THE UNITY OF THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH, HOW MUCH MORE SO TO RESTORE UNITY NOW! AND THAT IT IS THE PURPOSE OF GOD TO RESTORE THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH IN THE LAST DAYS, IS ABUNDANTLY EVIDENT FROM THE PROPHECIES. WE ARE ASSURED THAT THE WATCHMEN SHALL SEE EYE TO EYE, WHEN THE LORD SHALL BRING AGAIN ZION. ALSO, THAT IN THE TIME OF THE END THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND. WHEN THIS IS FULFILLED THERE WILL BE UNITY OF FAITH WITH ALL WHOM GOD ACCOUNTS WISE; FOR THOSE THAT DO IN REALITY UNDERSTAND ARIGHT, MUST NECESSARILY UNDERSTAND ALIKE. WHAT IS TO EFFECT THIS UNITY BUT THE GIFTS THAT WERE GIVEN FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE? {EW 140.1} FROM CONSIDERATIONS LIKE THESE, IT IS EVIDENT THAT THE PERFECT STATE OF
THE CHURCH HERE PREDICTED IS STILL IN THE FUTURE; CONSEQUENTLY THESE GIFTS HAVE
NOT YET ACCOMPLISHED THEIR PURPOSE. THIS LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS "QUENCH NOT THE SPIRIT. DESPISE NOT PROPHESYINGS. PROVE ALL THINGS; HOLD FAST THAT WHICH IS GOOD." 1 THESS. 5:19-21. {EW 141.1} IN THIS EPISTLE THE APOSTLE INTRODUCES THE SUBJECT OF THE SECOND COMING
OF THE LORD. HE THEN DESCRIBES THE STATE OF THE UNBELIEVING WORLD AT THAT TIME,
WHO ARE SAYING, "PEACE AND SAFETY," WHEN THE DAY OF THE LORD IS ABOUT TO BURST
UPON THEM, AND SUDDEN DESTRUCTION COME UPON THEM AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT. HE
THEN EXHORTS THE CHURCH, IN VIEW OF THESE THINGS, TO KEEP AWAKE, TO WATCH AND BE
SOBER. AMONG THE EXHORTATIONS THAT FOLLOW ARE THE WORDS WE HAVE QUOTED, "QUENCH
NOT THE SPIRIT," ETC. SOME MAY THINK THAT THESE THREE VERSES ARE COMPLETELY
DETACHED FROM ONE ANOTHER IN SENSE; BUT THEY HAVE A NATURAL CONNECTION IN THE
ORDER IN WHICH THEY STAND. THE PERSON WHO QUENCHES THE SPIRIT WILL BE LEFT TO
DESPISE PROPHESYINGS, WHICH ARE THE LEGITIMATE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT. "I WILL POUR
OUT MY SPIRIT UPON ALL FLESH; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL "AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS AFTERWARD, THAT I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT UPON ALL FLESH; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS, YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS; AND ALSO UPON THE SERVANTS AND UPON THE HANDMAIDS IN THOSE DAYS WILL I POUR OUT MY SPIRIT. AND I WILL SHOW WONDERS IN THE HEAVENS AND IN THE EARTH, BLOOD, AND FIRE, AND PILLARS OF SMOKE. THE SUN SHALL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS, AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE GREAT AND THE TERRIBLE DAY OF THE LORD COME. AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS, THAT WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE DELIVERED: FOR IN MOUNT ZION AND IN JERUSALEM SHALL BE DELIVERANCE, AS THE LORD HATH SAID, AND IN THE REMNANT WHOM THE LORD SHALL CALL." JOEL 2:28-32. {EW 142.1} THIS PROPHECY OF JOEL, WHICH SPEAKS OF THE OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
IN THE LAST DAYS, WAS NOT ALL FULFILLED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL
DISPENSATION. THIS IS EVIDENT FROM THE WONDERS IN HEAVEN AND IN EARTH,
INTRODUCED IN THIS TEXT, WHICH WERE TO BE PRECURSORS OF "THE GREAT AND TERRIBLE
DAY OF THE LORD." THOUGH WE HAVE HAD THE SIGNS, THAT TERRIBLE DAY IS STILL IN
THE FUTURE. THE WHOLE GOSPEL DISPENSATION MAY BE CALLED THE LAST DAYS, BUT TO
SAY THAT THE LAST DAYS ARE ALL 1800 YEARS IN THE PAST, IS ABSURD. THEY REACH TO
THE DAY OF THE LORD AND TO THE DELIVERANCE OF THE REMNANT OF GOD'S PEOPLE: "FOR
IN MOUNT ZION AND IN JERUSALEM SHALL BE DELIVERANCE, AS THE LORD HATH SAID, AND
IN THE REMNANT WHOM THE LORD SHALL CALL." THIS REMNANT, EXISTING AMID THE SIGNS AND WONDERS THAT USHER IN THE GREAT AND TERRIBLE DAY OF THE LORD, IS DOUBTLESS THE REMNANT OF THE SEED OF THE WOMAN SPOKEN OF IN REVELATION 12:17--THE LAST GENERATION OF THE CHURCH ON EARTH. "AND THE DRAGON WAS WROTH WITH THE WOMAN, AND WENT TO MAKE WAR WITH THE REMNANT OF HER SEED, WHICH KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST." {EW 143.1} THE REMNANT OF THE GOSPEL CHURCH WILL HAVE THE GIFTS. WAR WILL BE WAGED
AGAINST THEM BECAUSE THEY KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD AND HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF
JESUS CHRIST. (REV. 12:17.) IN REVELATION 19:10, THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS IS
DEFINED TO BE THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY. SAID THE ANGEL, "I AM THY FELLOW SERVANT,
AND OF THY BRETHREN THAT HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS." IN REVELATION 22:9, HE
REPEATS THE SAME IN SUBSTANCE, AS FOLLOWS: "I AM THY FELLOW SERVANT, AND OF THY
BRETHREN THE PROPHETS." FROM THE COMPARISON WE SEE THE FORCE OF THE EXPRESSION,
"THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS IS THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY." BUT THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS
INCLUDES ALL THE GIFTS OF THAT ONE SPIRIT. SAYS PAUL: "I THANK MY GOD ALWAYS ON
YOUR BEHALF, FOR THE GRACE OF GOD WHICH IS GIVEN YOU BY JESUS CHRIST; THAT IN
EVERYTHING YE ARE ENRICHED BY HIM, IN ALL UTTERANCE, AND IN ALL KNOWLEDGE; EVEN
AS THE TESTIMONY OF CHRIST WAS CONFIRMED IN YOU: SO THAT YE COME BEHIND IN NO
GIFT; WAITING FOR THE COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST." 1 COR. 1:4-7. THE
TESTIMONY OF CHRIST WAS CONFIRMED IN THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH; AND WHAT WAS THE
RESULT? THEY CAME BEHIND IN NO GIFT. ARE WE NOT JUSTIFIED, THEN, IN THE
CONCLUSION THAT WHEN THE REMNANT ARE FULLY CONFIRMED IN THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS,
THEY WILL COME BEHIND IN NO GIFT, WAITING FOR THE COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST? Until this time all heaven had been in order, harmony, and perfect
subjection to the government of God. It was the highest sin to rebel against His
order and will. All heaven seemed in commotion. The angels were marshaled in
companies, each division with a higher commanding angel at its head. Satan,
ambitious to exalt himself, and unwilling to submit to the authority of Jesus,
was insinuating against the government of God. Some of the angels sympathized
with Satan in his rebellion, and others strongly contended for the honor and
wisdom of God in giving authority to His Son. There was contention among the
angels. Satan and his sympathizers were striving to reform the government of
God. They wished to look into His unsearchable wisdom, and ascertain His purpose
in exalting Jesus and endowing Him with such unlimited After Satan and those who fell with him were shut out of heaven, and he realized that he had forever lost all its purity and glory, he repented, and wished to be reinstated in heaven. He was willing to take his proper place, or any position that might be assigned him. But no; heaven must not be placed in jeopardy. All heaven might be marred should he be taken back; for sin originated with him, and the seeds of rebellion were within him. Both he and his followers wept, and implored to be taken back into the favor of God. But their sin--their hatred, their envy and jealousy--had been so great that God could not blot it out. It must remain to receive its final punishment. {EW 146.1} When Satan became fully conscious that there was no possibility of his
being brought again into favor with God, his malice and hatred began to be
manifest. He consulted with his angels, and a plan was laid to still work
against God's government. When Adam and Eve were placed in the beautiful garden,
Satan was laying plans to destroy them. In no way could this happy couple be
deprived of their happiness if they obeyed God. Satan could not exercise his
power upon them unless they should first disobey God and forfeit His favor. Some
plan must therefore be devised to lead them to disobedience that they might
incur God's Satan commenced his work with Eve, to cause her to disobey. She first
erred in wandering from her husband, next in lingering around the forbidden
tree, and next in listening to the voice of the tempter, and even daring to
doubt what God had said, "In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely
die." She thought that perhaps the Lord did not mean just what He said, and
venturing, she put forth her hand, took of the fruit and ate. It was pleasing to
the eye and pleasant to the taste. Then she was jealous that God had withheld
from them what was really for their good, and she I saw a sadness come over Adam's countenance. He appeared afraid and astonished. A struggle seemed to be going on in his mind. He felt sure that this was the foe against whom they had been warned, and that his wife must die. They must be separated. His love for Eve was strong, and in utter discouragement he resolved to share her fate. He seized the fruit and quickly ate it. Then Satan exulted. He had rebelled in heaven, and had gained sympathizers who loved him and followed him in his rebellion. He had fallen and caused others to fall with him. And he had now tempted the woman to distrust God, to inquire into His wisdom, and to seek to penetrate His all-wise plans. Satan knew that the woman would not fall alone. Adam, through his love for Eve, disobeyed the command of God, and fell with her. {EW 148.1} The news of man's fall spread through heaven. Every harp was hushed. The
angels cast their crowns from their heads in sorrow. All heaven was in
agitation. A council was held to decide what must be done with the guilty pair.
The angels feared that they would put forth the hand, and eat of the tree of
life, and become immortal sinners. But God said that He would drive the
transgressors from the garden. Angels were immediately commissioned to guard the
way of the tree of life. It had been Satan's studied plan that Adam and Eve
should disobey God, receive His frown, and then partake of the tree of life,
that they might live forever in sin and disobedience, and thus sin be
immortalized. But holy angels were sent to drive them out of the garden, and to
bar their way to the tree of life. Each of these mighty angels had in his right
hand Then Satan triumphed. He had made others suffer by his fall. He had been
shut out of heaven, they out of Paradise. At first the angels could not rejoice; for their Commander concealed
nothing from them, but opened The angels prostrated themselves before Him. They offered their lives.
Jesus said to them that He would by His death save many, that the life of an
angel could not pay the debt. His life alone could be accepted of His Father as
a ransom for man. Jesus also told them that they would have a part to act, to be
with Him and at different times strengthen Him; that He would take man's fallen
nature, and His strength would not be even equal with theirs; that they would be
witnesses of His humiliation and great sufferings; and that as they would
witness His sufferings, and the With a holy sadness Jesus comforted and cheered the angels and informed them that hereafter those whom He should redeem would be with Him, and that by His death He should ransom many and destroy him who had the power of death. And His Father would give Him the kingdom and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, and He would possess it forever and ever. Satan and sinners would be destroyed, nevermore to disturb heaven or the purified new earth. Jesus bade the heavenly host be reconciled to the plan that His Father had accepted and rejoice that through His death fallen man could again be exalted to obtain favor with God and enjoy heaven. {EW 151.1} Then joy, inexpressible joy, filled heaven. And the heavenly host sang a song of praise and adoration. They touched their harps and sang a note higher than they had done before, for the great mercy and condescension of God in yielding up His dearly Beloved to die for a race of rebels. Praise and adoration were poured forth for the self-denial and sacrifice of Jesus; that He would consent to leave the bosom of His Father, and choose a life of suffering and anguish, and die an ignominious death to give life to others. {EW 151.2} Said the angel, "Think ye that the Father yielded up His dearly beloved
Son without a struggle? No, no. It was even a struggle with the God of heaven,
whether to let guilty man perish, or to give His beloved Son to die for Him."
Angels were so interested for man's But the work of the angels was assigned them, to ascend and descend with strengthening balm from glory to soothe the Son of God in His sufferings, and minister unto Him. Also, their work would be to guard and keep the subjects of grace from the evil angels and the darkness constantly thrown around them by Satan. I saw that it was impossible for God to alter or change His law to save lost, perishing man; therefore He suffered His beloved Son to die for man's transgression. {EW 152.1} Satan again rejoiced with his angels that he could, by causing man's fall, pull down the Son of God from His exalted position. He told his angels that when Jesus should take fallen man's nature, he could overpower Him and hinder the accomplishment of the plan of salvation. {EW 152.2} I was shown Satan as he once was, a happy, exalted angel. Then I was
shown him as he now is. He still bears a kingly form. His features are still
noble, for he is an angel fallen. But the expression of his countenance is full
of anxiety, care, unhappiness, malice, hate, mischief, deceit, and every evil.
That brow which was once so noble, I particularly noticed. His forehead
commenced from his eyes to recede. I saw that he had so long bent himself to
evil that every good quality was debased, and every evil trait was developed.
His eyes were cunning, sly, and showed great penetration. His frame was large,
but the flesh hung loosely about his 37 The First Advent Of
Christ His birth was without worldly grandeur. He was born in a stable and cradled in a manger; yet His birth was honored far above that of any of the sons of men. Angels from heaven informed the shepherds of the advent of Jesus, and light and glory from God accompanied their testimony. The heavenly host touched their harps and glorified God. They triumphantly heralded the advent of the Son of God to a fallen world to accomplish the work of redemption, and by His death to bring peace, happiness, and everlasting life to man. God honored the advent of His Son. Angels worshiped Him. {EW 153.2} Angels of God hovered over the scene of His baptism; the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove and lighted upon Him, and as the people stood greatly amazed, with their eyes fastened upon Him, the Father's voice was heard from heaven, saying, Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased. {EW 153.3} John was not certain that it was the Saviour who came to be baptized of
him in Jordan. But God had promised him a sign by which he should know the Lamb
of God. That sign was given as the heavenly dove rested upon Jesus, and the
glory of God shone John informed his disciples that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Saviour of the world. As his work was closing, he taught his disciples to look to Jesus, and follow Him as the Great Teacher. John's life was sorrowful and self-denying. He heralded the first advent of Christ, but was not permitted to witness His miracles, and enjoy the power manifested by Him. When Jesus should establish Himself as a teacher, John knew that he himself must die. His voice was seldom heard, except in the wilderness. His life was lonely. He did not cling to his father's family, to enjoy their society, but left them in order to fulfill his mission. Multitudes left the busy cities and villages and flocked to the wilderness to hear the words of the wonderful prophet. John laid the ax to the root of the tree. He reproved sin, fearless of consequences, and prepared the way for the Lamb of God. {EW 154.1} Herod was affected as he listened to the powerful, pointed testimonies
of John, and with deep interest he inquired what he must do to become his
disciple. John was acquainted with the fact that he was about to marry his
brother's wife, while her husband was yet living, and faithfully told Herod that
this was not lawful. Herod was unwilling to make any sacrifice. He married his
brother's wife, and through her influence, seized John and put him in prison,
intending however to release him. While there confined, John heard through his
disciples of the mighty works of Jesus. He could not listen to His gracious
words; but the disciples informed him and comforted him with what they had
heard. Soon John was beheaded, through the influence of Herod's wife. I saw that
John came in the spirit and power of Elijah to proclaim the first advent of Jesus. I was pointed down to the last days and saw that John represented those who should go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah to herald the day of wrath and the second advent of Jesus. {EW 155.1} After the baptism of Jesus in Jordan, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil. The Holy Spirit had prepared Him for that special scene of fierce temptations. Forty days He was tempted of Satan, and in those days He ate nothing. Everything around Him was unpleasant, from which human nature would be led to shrink. He was with the wild beasts and the devil, in a desolate, lonely place. The Son of God was pale and emaciated, through fasting and suffering. But His course was marked out, and He must fulfill the work which He came to do. {EW 155.2} Satan took advantage of the sufferings of the Son of God and prepared to beset Him with manifold temptations, hoping to obtain the victory over Him, because He had humbled Himself as a man. Satan came with this temptation: "If Thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread." He tempted Jesus to condescend to give him proof of His being the Messiah, by exercising His divine power. Jesus mildly answered him, "It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." {EW 155.3} Satan was seeking a dispute with Jesus concerning His being the Son of
God. He referred to His weak, Satan, to manifest his power, carried Jesus to Jerusalem, and set Him upon a pinnacle of the temple, and there tempted Him to give evidence that He was the Son of God, by casting Himself down from that dizzy height. Satan came with the words of inspiration: "For it is written, He shall give His angels charge over Thee, to keep Thee: and in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone." Jesus answering said unto him, "It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." Satan wished to cause Jesus to presume upon the mercy of His Father and risk His life before the fulfillment of His mission. He had hoped that the plan of salvation would fail; but the plan was laid too deep to be overthrown or marred by Satan. {EW 156.1} Christ is the example for all Christians. When they are tempted, or
their rights are disputed, they should bear it patiently. They should not feel
that they have a right to call upon the Lord to display His power that they may
obtain a victory over their enemies, unless God can be directly honored and
glorified thereby. If Jesus had cast Himself from the pinnacle of the temple, it
would not have glorified His Father; for none would have witnessed the act but
Satan and the angels of God. And it would have been tempting the Lord to display
His power to His bitterest foe. It "And the devil, taking Him up into an high mountain, showed unto Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto Him, All this power will I give Thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If Thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be Thine. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind Me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." {EW 157.1} Satan presented before Jesus the kingdoms of the world in the most attractive light. If Jesus would there worship him, he offered to relinquish his claims to the possessions of earth. If the plan of salvation should be carried out, and Jesus should die to redeem man, Satan knew that his own power must be limited and finally taken away, and that he would be destroyed. Therefore it was his studied plan to prevent, if possible, the completion of the great work which had been commenced by the Son of God. If the plan of man's redemption should fail, Satan would retain the kingdom which he then claimed. And if he should succeed, he flattered himself that he would reign in opposition to the God of heaven. {EW 157.2} Satan exulted when Jesus laid aside His power and glory and left heaven.
He thought that the Son of God was then placed in his power. The temptation took
so easily with the holy pair in Eden that he hoped by his satanic power and
cunning to overthrow even the Son of God, and thereby save his own life and
kingdom. If he could tempt Jesus to depart from the will of His Father, his
object would be gained. But Jesus met the tempter with the rebuke, "Get thee
behind Me, Satan." He was to bow only to His Father. I was shown that Satan and his angels were very busy during Christ's ministry, inspiring men with unbelief, hate, and scorn. Often when Jesus uttered some cutting truth, reproving their sins, the people would become enraged. Satan and his angels urged them on to take the life of the Son of God. More than once they took up stones to cast at Him, but angels guarded Him and bore Him away from the angry multitude to a place of safety. Again, as the plain truth dropped from His holy lips, the multitude laid hold of Him and led Him to the brow of a hill, intending to cast Him down. A contention arose among themselves as to what they should do with Him, when the angels again hid Him from the sight of the multitude, and He, passing through the midst of them, went His way. {EW 159.1} Satan still hoped that the great plan of salvation would fail. He exerted all his power to make the hearts of the people hard and their feelings bitter against Jesus. He hoped that so few would receive Him as the Son of God that He would consider His sufferings and sacrifice too great to make for so small a company. But I saw that if there had been but two who would have accepted Jesus as the Son of God and believed on Him to the saving of their souls, He would have carried out the plan. {EW 159.2} Jesus began His work by breaking Satan's power over the suffering. He
restored the sick to health, gave sight to the blind, and healed the lame,
causing them to leap for joy and to glorify God. He restored to health those who
had been infirm and bound by Satan's cruel power many years. With gracious words
The life of Christ was filled with words and acts of benevolence, sympathy, and love. He was ever attentive to listen to and relieve the woes of those who came to Him. Multitudes carried in their own persons the evidence of His divine power. Yet after the work had been accomplished, many were ashamed of the humble yet mighty teacher. Because the rulers did not believe on Him, the people were not willing to accept Jesus. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. They could not endure to be governed by His sober, self-denying life. They wished to enjoy the honor which the world bestows. Yet many followed the Son of God and listened to His instructions, feasting upon the words which fell so graciously from His lips. His words were full of meaning, yet so plain that the weakest could understand them. {EW 160.1} Satan and his angels blinded the eyes and darkened the understanding of
the Jews, and stirred up the chief of the people and the rulers to take the
Saviour's life. Others were sent to bring Jesus unto them; but as they came near
where He was they were greatly amazed. They saw Him filled with sympathy and
compassion, as He witnessed human woe. They heard Him in love and tenderness
speak encouragingly to the weak and afflicted. They also heard Him, in a voice
of authority, rebuke the power of Satan and bid his captives go free. They
listened to the words of wisdom that fell from His lips, and they were
captivated; they could not lay hands on Him. They Thus far the cunning and hatred of Satan had not broken up the plan of salvation. The time for the accomplishment of the object for which Jesus came into the world was drawing near. Satan and his angels consulted together and decided to inspire Christ's own nation to cry eagerly for His blood and heap upon Him cruelty and scorn. They hoped that Jesus would resent such treatment and fail to maintain His humility and meekness. {EW 161.1} While Satan was laying his plans, Jesus was carefully opening to His
disciples the sufferings through which He must pass--that He would be crucified
and that He would rise again the third day. But their understanding seemed dull,
and they could not comprehend what He told them. 39 The Transfiguration
Elijah had walked with God. His work had been painful and trying, for the Lord through him had reproved the sins of Israel. Elijah was a prophet of God; yet he was compelled to flee from place to place to save his life. His own nation hunted him like a wild beast that they might destroy him. But God translated Elijah. Angels bore him in glory and triumph to heaven. {EW 162.2} Moses was greater than any who had lived before him. He had been highly
honored of God, being privileged to talk with the Lord face to face, as a man
speaks with a friend. He was permitted to see the bright light and excellent
glory that enshrouded the Father. The Lord through Moses delivered the children
of Israel from Egyptian bondage. Moses was a mediator for his people, often
standing between them and the wrath of God. When the anger of the Lord was
greatly kindled against Israel for their unbelief, their murmurings, and their
grievous sins, Moses' love for them was tested. God proposed to destroy them When Israel murmured against God and against Moses because they could get no water, they accused him of leading them out to kill them and their children. God heard their murmurings and bade Moses speak to the rock, that the people might have water. Moses smote the rock in wrath and took the glory to himself. The continual waywardness and murmuring of the children of Israel had caused him the keenest sorrow, and for a little time he forgot how much the Lord had borne with them, and that their murmuring was not against him, but against God. He thought only of himself, how deeply he was wronged, and how little gratitude they manifested in return for his deep love for them. {EW 163.1} It was God's plan to bring often His people into strait places, and then in their necessity to deliver them by His power, that they might realize His love and care for them, and thus be led to serve and honor Him. But Moses had failed to honor God and magnify His name before the people that they might glorify Him. In this he brought upon himself the Lord's displeasure. {EW 163.2} When Moses came down from the mount with the two tables of stone and saw
Israel worshiping the golden calf, his anger was greatly kindled, and he threw
down the tables of stone and broke them. I saw that Moses did not sin in this.
He was wroth for God, jealous for His glory. But when he yielded to the natural
feelings of his heart and took to himself the honor which was due to God, he
sinned, and for that sin God would not suffer him to enter the land of Canaan.
Satan had been trying to find something wherewith to accuse Moses before the angels. He exulted at his success in leading him to displease God, and he told the angels that he could overcome the Saviour of the world when He should come to redeem man. For his transgression, Moses came under the power of Satan-- the dominion of death. Had he remained steadfast, the Lord would have brought him to the Promised Land, and would then have translated him to heaven without his seeing death. {EW 164.1} Moses passed through death, but Michael came down and gave him life before his body had seen corruption. Satan tried to hold the body, claiming it as his; but Michael resurrected Moses and took him to heaven. Satan railed bitterly against God, denouncing Him as unjust in permitting his prey to be taken from him; but Christ did not rebuke His adversary, though it was through his temptation that the servant of God had fallen. He meekly referred him to His Father, saying, "The Lord rebuke thee." {EW 164.2} Jesus had told His disciples that there were some standing with Him who
should not taste of death till they should see the kingdom of God come with
power. At the transfiguration this promise was fulfilled. The countenance of
Jesus was there changed and shone like the sun. His raiment was white and
glistening. Moses was present to represent those who will be raised from the
dead at the second appearing of Jesus. And Elijah, who was translated without
seeing death, represented those who will be changed to immortality at Christ's
second coming and will be translated to heaven without seeing death. The
disciples beheld with astonishment and fear the excellent majesty of Jesus and
the cloud that overshadowed them, and heard the voice of God in terrible
majesty, saying, "This is My beloved Son; hear Him." 40 The Betrayal of Christ
The priests and rulers of the Jews hated Jesus; but multitudes thronged
to listen to His words of wisdom and to witness His mighty works. The people
were stirred with the deepest interest and anxiously followed Jesus to hear the
instructions of this wonderful teacher. Many of the rulers believed on Him, but
Judas knew how anxious they were to obtain Jesus and offered to betray
Him to the chief priests and elders for a few pieces of silver. His love of
money led him to agree to betray his Lord into the hands of His bitterest
enemies. Satan was working directly through Judas, and in the midst of the
impressive scene of the last supper, the traitor was devising plans to betray
his Master. Jesus sorrowfully told His disciples that all of them would be
offended because of Him that night. But Peter ardently affirmed that although
all others should be offended because of Him, he would not be offended. Jesus
said to Peter: "Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art
converted, strengthen thy brethren." Luke 22:31,32. I beheld Jesus in the garden with His disciples. In deep sorrow He bade them watch and pray, lest they should enter into temptation. He knew that their faith was to be tried, and their hopes disappointed, and that they would need all the strength which they could obtain by close watching and fervent prayer. With strong cries and weeping, Jesus prayed, "Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done." The Son of God prayed in agony. Great drops of blood gathered upon His face and fell to the ground. Angels were hovering over the place, witnessing the scene, but only one was commissioned to go and strengthen the Son of God in His agony. There was no joy in heaven. The angels cast their crowns and harps from them and with the deepest interest silently watched Jesus. They wished to surround the Son of God, but the commanding angels suffered them not, lest, as they should behold His betrayal, they should deliver Him; for the plan had been laid, and it must be fulfilled. {EW 167.1} After Jesus had prayed, He came to His disciples; but they were sleeping. In that dreadful hour He had not the sympathy and prayers of even His disciples. Peter, who was so zealous a short time before, was heavy with sleep. Jesus reminded him of his positive declarations and said to him, "What, could ye not watch with Me one hour?" Three times the Son of God prayed in agony. Then Judas, with his band of armed men, appeared. He approached his Master as usual, to salute Him. The band surrounded Jesus; but there He manifested His divine power, as He said, "Whom seek ye?" "I am He." They fell backward to the ground. Jesus made this inquiry that they might witness His power and have evidence that He could deliver Himself from their hands if He would. {EW 167.2} The disciples began to hope as they saw the multitude The disciples feared for their own lives, and they all forsook Him and
fled. Jesus was left alone in the hands of the murderous mob. Oh, what a triumph
of Satan then! And what sadness and sorrow with the angels of God! Many
companies of holy angels, each with a tall commanding angel at their head, were
sent to witness the scene. They were to record every insult and cruelty imposed
upon the Son of God, and to register every pang of anguish which Jesus should
suffer; for the very men who joined in this dreadful scene are to see it all
again in living characters. 41 The Trial of Christ
Peter followed his Lord after His betrayal. He was anxious to see what
would be done with Jesus. But when he was accused of being one of His disciples,
fear for his own safety led him to declare that he knew not the man. The
disciples were noted for the purity of their language, and Peter, to convince
his accusers that he was not one of Christ's disciples, denied the charge the
third time with cursing and swearing. Jesus, who was at some distance from
Peter, turned a sorrowful reproving gaze upon him. Then the disciple remembered
the words which Jesus had spoken to him in the upper chamber, and also his own
zealous assertion, "Though all men shall be offended because of Thee, yet will I
never be offended." He had denied his Lord, even with cursing and swearing; but
that look of Jesus' melted Peter's heart and saved him. He wept bitterly and
repented of his great sin, and The multitude were clamorous for the blood of Jesus. They cruelly scourged Him, and put upon Him an old purple kingly robe, and bound His sacred head with a crown of thorns. They put a reed into His hand, and bowed to Him, and mockingly saluted Him, "Hail, king of the Jews!" They then took the reed from His hand and smote Him with it upon the head, causing the thorns to penetrate His temples, sending the blood trickling down His face and beard. {EW 170.1} It was difficult for the angels to endure the sight. They would have delivered Jesus, but the commanding angels forbade them, saying that it was a great ransom which was to be paid for man; but it would be complete and would cause the death of him who had the power of death. Jesus knew that angels were witnessing the scene of His humiliation. The weakest angel could have caused that mocking throng to fall powerless and could have delivered Jesus. He knew that if He should desire it of His Father, angels would instantly release Him. But it was necessary that He should suffer the violence of wicked men, in order to carry out the plan of salvation. {EW 170.2} Jesus stood meek and humble before the infuriated multitude, while they
offered Him the vilest abuse. They spit in His face--that face from which they
will one day desire to hide, which will give light to the city of God and shine
brighter than the sun. Christ did not cast upon the offenders an angry look.
They covered His head with an old garment, blindfolding Him, and then struck Him
in the face and cried out, "Prophesy, who is it that smote Thee?" There was
commotion among the angels. They would have rescued Him instantly; but their
commanding angels restrained them. Some of the disciples had gained confidence to enter where Jesus was and witness His trial. They expected that He would manifest His divine power, and deliver Himself from the hands of His enemies, and punish them for their cruelty toward Him. Their hopes would rise and fall as the different scenes transpired. Sometimes they doubted, and feared that they had been deceived. But the voice heard at the mount of transfiguration, and the glory they there beheld, strengthened their faith that He was the Son of God. They called to mind the scenes which they had witnessed, the miracles which they had seen Jesus perform in healing the sick, opening the eyes of the blind, unstopping the deaf ears, rebuking and casting out devils, raising the dead to life, and even calming the wind and the sea. They could not believe that He would die. They hoped that He would yet rise in power, and with His commanding voice disperse that bloodthirsty multitude, as when He entered the temple and drove out those who were making the house of God a place of merchandise, when they fled before Him as if pursued by a company of armed soldiers. The disciples hoped that Jesus would manifest His power and convince all that He was the King of Israel. {EW 171.1} Judas was filled with bitter remorse and shame at his treacherous act in
betraying Jesus. And when he witnessed the abuse which the Saviour endured, he
was overcome. He had loved Jesus, but had loved money more. He had not thought
that Jesus would suffer Himself to be taken by the mob which he led on. He had
expected Him to work a miracle, and deliver Himself from them. But when he saw
the infuriated multitude in the judgment hall, thirsting for blood, he deeply
felt his guilt; and while many were vehemently accusing Jesus, Judas rushed
through the multitude, confessing that he had sinned in betraying For a short time vexation and confusion kept the priests silent. They did not wish the people to know that they had hired one of the professed followers of Jesus to betray Him into their hands. Their hunting Jesus like a thief and taking Him secretly, they wished to hide. But the confession of Judas, and his haggard, guilty appearance, exposed the priests before the multitude, showing that it was hatred that had caused them to take Jesus. As Judas loudly declared Jesus to be innocent, the priests replied, "What is that to us? see thou to that." They had Jesus in their power, and were determined to make sure of Him. Judas, overwhelmed with anguish, threw the money that he now despised at the feet of those who had hired him, and, in anguish and horror, went and hanged himself. {EW 172.1} Jesus had many sympathizers in the company about Him, and His answering
nothing to the many questions put to Him amazed the throng. Under all the
mockery and violence of the mob, not a frown, not a troubled expression, rested
upon His features. He was dignified and composed. The spectators looked upon Him
with wonder. They compared His perfect form and firm, dignified bearing with the
appearance of those who sat in judgment against Him, and said to one another
that He appeared more like a king than any of the rulers. He bore no marks of
being a criminal. His eye was mild, clear, and undaunted, His forehead broad and
high. Every feature was strongly marked with benevolence and noble principle.
His patience and forbearance were so unlike man that many trembled. Even Herod
and Pilate were greatly troubled at His noble, Godlike bearing. From the first, Pilate was convicted that Jesus was no common man. He believed Him to be an excellent character, and entirely innocent of the charges brought against Him. The angels who were witnessing the scene marked the convictions of the Roman governor, and to save him from engaging in the awful act of delivering Christ to be crucified, an angel was sent to Pilate's wife, and gave her information through a dream that it was the Son of God in whose trial her husband was engaged, and that He was an innocent sufferer. She immediately sent a message to Pilate, stating that she had suffered many things in a dream on account of Jesus and warning him to have nothing to do with that holy man. The messenger, pressing hastily through the crowd, placed the letter in the hands of Pilate. As he read, he trembled and turned pale, and at once determined to have nothing to do with putting Christ to death. If the Jews would have the blood of Jesus, he would not give his influence to it, but would labor to deliver Him. {EW 173.1} When Pilate heard that Herod was in Jerusalem, he was greatly relieved;
for he hoped to free himself from all responsibility in the trial and
condemnation of Jesus. He at once sent Him, with His accusers, to Herod. This
ruler had become hardened in sin. The murder of John the Baptist had left upon
his conscience a stain from which he could not free himself. When he heard of
Jesus and the mighty works wrought by Him, he feared and trembled, believing Him
to be John the Baptist risen from the dead. When Jesus was placed in his hands
by Pilate, Herod considered the act an acknowledgment of his power, authority,
and judgment. This had the effect to make friends of the two rulers, who had
before been enemies. Herod was pleased to see Jesus, expecting Him to work some
mighty miracle for his satisfaction. But it was not the Jesus answered nothing to the many questions put to Him by Herod; neither did He reply to His enemies, who were vehemently accusing Him. Herod was enraged because Jesus did not appear to fear his power, and with his men of war he derided, mocked, and abused the Son of God. Yet he was astonished at the noble, Godlike appearance of Jesus when shamefully abused, and fearing to condemn Him, he sent Him again to Pilate. {EW 174.1} Satan and his angels were tempting Pilate and trying to lead him on to his own ruin. They suggested to him that if he did not take part in condemning Jesus others would; the multitude were thirsting for His blood; and if he did not deliver Him to be crucified, he would lose his power and worldly honor and would be denounced as a believer on the impostor. Through fear of losing his power and authority, Pilate consented to the death of Jesus. And notwithstanding he placed the blood of Jesus upon His accusers, and the multitude received it, crying, "His blood be on us, and on our children," yet Pilate was not clear; he was guilty of the blood of Christ. For his own selfish interest, his love of honor from the great men of earth, he delivered an innocent man to die. If Pilate had followed his own convictions, he would have had nothing to do with condemning Jesus. {EW 174.2} The appearance and words of Jesus during His trial made a deep
impression upon the minds of many who were present on that occasion. The result
of the influence thus exerted was apparent after His resurrection. Among those
who were then added to the church, there were many whose conviction dated from
the time of Jesus' trial. Satan's rage was great as he saw that all the cruelty which he had led
the Jews to inflict on Jesus had not called forth from Him the slightest murmur.
Although He had taken upon Himself man's nature, He was sustained by a Godlike
fortitude, and departed not in the least from the will of His Father. The mother of Jesus was there. Her heart was pierced with anguish such as none but a fond mother can feel; yet, with the disciples, she still hoped that Christ would work some mighty miracle and deliver Himself from His murderers. She could not endure the thought that He would suffer Himself to be crucified. But the preparations were made, and Jesus was laid upon the cross. The hammer and the nails were brought. The hearts of the disciples fainted within them. The mother of Jesus was bowed with agony almost beyond endurance. Before the Saviour was nailed to the cross, the disciples bore her from the scene, that she might not hear the crashing of the spikes as they were driven through the bone and muscle of His tender hands and feet. Jesus murmured not, but groaned in agony. His face was pale, and large drops of sweat stood upon His brow. Satan exulted in the suffering through which the Son of God was passing, yet feared that his efforts to thwart the plan of salvation had been in vain, that his kingdom was lost, and that he must finally be destroyed. {EW 176.1} After Jesus had been nailed to the cross, it was raised and with great
force thrust into the place which had been prepared for it in the ground,
tearing the flesh and causing the most intense suffering. To make the death of
Jesus as shameful as possible, two thieves were crucified with Him, one on each
side. The thieves were taken by force, and after much resistance on their part,
their arms were thrust back and nailed to their crosses. But Jesus meekly
submitted. He needed no one to force His arms back upon the cross. While the
thieves were cursing their executioners, the Saviour in agony prayed for His
enemies, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." It was not
merely agony of body which Christ endured; the sins of the whole world were upon
Him. As Jesus hung upon the cross, some who passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads as if bowing to a king, and said to Him, "Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save Thyself. If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross." Satan used the same words to Christ in the wilderness-- "If Thou be the Son of God." The chief priests, elders, and scribes mockingly said, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him." The angels who hovered over the scene of Christ's crucifixion were moved to indignation as the rulers derided Him and said, "If He be the Son God, let Him deliver Himself". They wished there to come to the rescue of Jesus and deliver Him, but they were not suffered to do so. The object of His mission was not yet accomplished. {EW 177.1} As Jesus hung upon the cross during those long hours of agony, He did not forget His mother. She had returned to the terrible scene, for she could not longer remain away from her Son. The last lesson of Jesus was one of compassion and humanity. He looked upon the grief-stricken face of His mother, and then upon His beloved disciple John. He said to His mother, "Woman, behold thy son!" Then He said to John, "Behold thy mother!" And from that hour John took her to his own house. {EW 177.2} Jesus thirsted in His agony, and they gave Him vinegar and gall to
drink; but when He tasted it, He refused it. The angels had viewed the agony of
their loved Commander until they could behold no longer, and they veiled their
faces from the sight. The sun refused to look upon the awful scene. Jesus cried
with a loud voice, which struck terror to the hearts of His murderers, "It is
finished." Then the veil of the temple was rent from the top to the bottom, the
Satan did not then exult as he had done. He had hoped to break up the plan of salvation; but it was laid too deep. And now by the death of Christ he knew that he himself must finally die, and his kingdom be given to Jesus. He held a council with his angels. He had prevailed nothing against the Son of God, and now they must increase their efforts and with their power and cunning turn to His followers. They must prevent all whom they could from receiving the salvation purchased for them by Jesus. By so doing Satan could still work against the government of God. Also it would be for his own interest to keep from Jesus as many as possible. For the sins of those who are redeemed by the blood of Christ will at last be rolled back upon the originator of sin, and he must bear their punishment, while those who do not accept salvation through Jesus will suffer the penalty of their own sins. {EW 178.1} The life of Christ had ever been without worldly wealth, honor, or display. His humility and self-denial had been in striking contrast to the pride and self-indulgence of the priests and elders. His spotless purity was a continual reproof of their sins. They despised Him for His humility, holiness, and purity. But those who despised Him here will one day see Him in the grandeur of heaven and the unsurpassed glory of His Father. {EW 178.2} In the judgment hall He was surrounded by enemies who were thirsting for
His blood; but those hardened ones who cried out, "His blood be on us, and on
our children," will behold Him an honored King. All Poor, weak, miserable man spat in the face of the King of glory, while a shout of brutal triumph arose from the mob at the degrading insult. They marred with blows and cruelty that face which filled all heaven with admiration. They will again behold that face, bright as the noonday sun, and will seek to flee from before it. Instead of that shout of brutal triumph, they will wail because of Him. {EW 179.1} Jesus will present His hands with the marks of His crucifixion. The marks of this cruelty He will ever bear. Every print of the nails will tell the story of man's wonderful redemption and the dear price by which it was purchased. The very men who thrust the spear into the side of the Lord of life will behold the print of the spear and will lament with deep anguish the part which they acted in marring His body. {EW 179.2} His murderers were greatly annoyed by the superscription, "The King of the Jews," placed upon the cross above His head. But then they will be obliged to see Him in all His glory and kingly power. They will behold on His vesture and on His thigh, written in living characters, "King of kings, and Lord of lords." They cried to Him mockingly, as He hung upon the cross, "Let Christ, the King of Israel, descend from the cross, that we may see and believe." They will behold Him then with kingly power and authority. They will demand no evidence of His being King of Israel; but overwhelmed with a sense of His majesty and exceeding glory, they will be compelled to acknowledge, "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord." {EW 179.3} The shaking of the earth, the rending of the rocks, Notwithstanding the disciples had been disappointed in their hopes concerning Jesus, they yet loved Him and desired to give His body an honored burial, but knew not how to obtain it. Joseph of Arimathaea, a wealthy and influential councilor of the Jews and a true disciple of Jesus, went privately yet boldly to Pilate and begged from him the Saviour's body. He dared not go openly, because of the hatred of the Jews. The disciples feared that an effort would be made by them to prevent the body of Christ from having an honored resting place. Pilate granted the request, and the disciples took the lifeless form down from the cross, while in deep anguish they mourned over their blighted hopes. Carefully the body was wrapped in fine linen, and laid in Joseph's new sepulcher. {EW 180.1} The women who had been Christ's humble followers while He lived, would
not leave Him until they saw Him laid in the tomb and a stone of great weight
placed before the door, lest His enemies should seek to obtain His body. But
they need not have feared; for I saw that the angelic host watched with untold
interest in the resting place of Jesus, earnestly waiting Christ's murderers feared that He might yet come to life and escape
them. They therefore asked of Pilate a watch to guard the sepulcher until the
third day. This was granted, and the stone at the door was sealed, lest His
disciples should steal Him away and say that He had risen from the dead. 43 The Resurrection of
Christ Terror seized the Roman guard. Where was now their power to keep the body of Jesus? They did not think of their duty or of the disciples' stealing Him away. As the light of the angels shone around, brighter than the sun, that Roman guard fell as dead men to the ground. One of the angels laid hold of the great stone and rolled it away from the door of the sepulcher and seated himself upon it. The other entered the tomb and unbound the napkin from the head of Jesus. Then the angel from heaven, with a voice that caused the earth to quake, cried out, "Thou Son of God, Thy Father calls Thee! Come forth." Death could hold dominion over Him no longer. Jesus arose from the dead, a triumphant conqueror. In solemn awe the angelic host gazed upon the scene. And as Jesus came forth from the sepulcher, those shining angels prostrated themselves to the earth in worship, and hailed Him with songs of victory and triumph. {EW 182.1} Satan's angels had been compelled to flee before the bright, penetrating light of the heavenly angels, and they bitterly complained to their king that their prey had been violently taken from them, and that He whom they so much hated had risen from the dead. Satan and his hosts had exulted that their power over fallen man had caused the Lord of life to be laid in the grave, but short was their hellish triumph. For as Jesus walked forth from His prison house a majestic conqueror, Satan knew that after a season he must die, and his kingdom pass unto Him whose right it was. He lamented and raged that notwithstanding all his efforts, Jesus had not been overcome, but had opened a way of salvation for man, and whosoever would might walk in it and be saved. {EW 182.2} The evil angels and their commander met in council to consider how they
could still work against the As the host of heavenly angels departed from the sepulcher and the light
and glory passed away, the Roman guard ventured to raise their heads and look
about them. They were filled with amazement as they saw that the great stone had
been rolled from the door of the sepulcher and that the body of Jesus was gone.
They hastened to the city to make known to the priests and elders what they had
seen. As those murderers listened to the marvelous report, paleness sat upon
every face. Horror seized them at the thought of what they had done. If the
report was correct, they were lost. For a time they sat in silence, looking upon
one another's faces, not knowing what to do or what to say. To accept the report
would be to condemn themselves. They went aside to consult as to what should be
done. They reasoned that if the report brought by the guard should be circulated
among the people, those who put Christ to death would be slain as His murderers.
It was decided to hire the soldiers to keep the matter secret. The priests and
elders offered them a large sum of money, saying, "Say ye, His disciples came by
night, and stole Him away while we slept." And when the guard inquired what
would be done with them for sleeping at their post, the Jewish officers promised
to persuade the governor and secure their safety. For the sake of money, the
Roman When Jesus, as He hung upon the cross, cried out, "It is finished," the rocks rent, the earth shook, and some of the graves were opened. When He arose a victor over death and the grave, while the earth was reeling and the glory of heaven shone around the sacred spot, many of the righteous dead, obedient to His call, came forth as witnesses that He had risen. Those favored, risen saints came forth glorified. They were chosen and holy ones of every age, from creation down even to the days of Christ. Thus while the Jewish leaders were seeking to conceal the fact of Christ's resurrection, God chose to bring up a company from their graves to testify that Jesus had risen, and to declare His glory. {EW 184.1} Those risen ones differed in stature and form, some being more noble in appearance than others. I was informed that the inhabitants of earth had been degenerating, losing their strength and comeliness. Satan has the power of disease and death, and with every age the effects of the curse have been more visible, and the power of Satan more plainly seen. Those who lived in the days of Noah and Abraham resembled the angels in form, comeliness, and strength. But every succeeding generation have been growing weaker and more subject to disease, and their life has been of shorter duration. Satan has been learning how to annoy and enfeeble the race. {EW 184.2} Those who came forth after the resurrection of Jesus appeared to many,
telling them that the sacrifice for man was completed, that Jesus, whom the Jews
crucified, had risen from the dead; and in proof of their words they declared,
"We be risen with Him." They bore testimony that it was by His mighty power that
they had been called forth from their graves. As the news spread from city to city and from town to town, the Jews in their turn feared for their lives and concealed the hatred which they cherished toward the disciples. Their only hope was to spread their lying report. And those who wished this lie to be true accepted it. Pilate trembled as he heard that Christ had risen. He could not doubt the testimony given, and from that hour peace left him forever. For the sake of worldly honor, for fear of losing his authority and his life, he had delivered Jesus to die. He was now fully convinced that it was not merely an innocent man of whose blood he was guilty, but the Son of God. Miserable to its close was the life of Pilate. Despair and anguish crushed every hopeful, joyful feeling. He refused to be comforted and died a most miserable death. {EW 185.1} Herod's [IT WAS HEROD ANTIPAS WHO TOOK PART IN THE TRIAL OF CHRIST, AND
HEROD AGRIPPA I WHO PUT JAMES TO DEATH. AGRIPPA WAS NEPHEW AND BROTHER-IN-LAW OF
ANTIPAS. THROUGH INTRIGUE HE SECURED THE THRONE OF ANTIPAS FOR HIMSELF, AND ON
COMING TO POWER PURSUED THE SAME COURSE TOWARD THE CHRISTIANS THAT ANTIPAS HAD
FOLLOWED. IN THE HERODIAN DYNASTY THERE WERE SIX PERSONS WHO BORE THE NAME OF
HEROD. IT THUS SERVED IN A MEASURE AS A GENERAL TITLE, THE INDIVIDUALS BEING
DESIGNATED BY OTHER NAMES, AS ANTIPAS, PHILIP, AGRIPPA, ETC. SO WE MIGHT SAY
CZAR NICHOLAS, CZAR ALEXANDER, ETC. IN THE PRESENT INSTANCE THIS USE OF THE TERM
BECOMES MORE NATURAL AND APPROPRIATE INASMUCH AS AGRIPPA, WHEN HE PUT JAMES TO
DEATH, OCCUPIED THE THRONE OF ANTIPAS, WHO A LITTLE BEFORE HAD BEEN CONCERNED IN
THE TRIAL OF CHRIST; AND HE MANIFESTED THE SAME CHARACTER. IT WAS THE SAME
HERODIAN SPIRIT, ONLY IN ANOTHER PERSONALITY, AS "THE DRAGON" OF REVELATION
12:17 IS THE SAME AS THE DRAGON OF VERSE 3, THE REAL INSPIRING POWER IN EACH
BEING THE DRAGON OF VERSE 9. IN THE ONE CASE HE WORKS THROUGH PAGAN ROME; IN THE
OTHER THROUGH OUR OWN GOVERNMENT.] heart had grown still harder; and when he
heard that Christ had risen, he was not much Early in the morning of the first day of the week, before it was yet light, holy women came to the sepulcher, bringing sweet spices to anoint the body of Jesus. They found that the heavy stone had been rolled away from the door of the sepulcher, and the body of Jesus was not there. Their hearts sank within them, and they feared that their enemies had taken away the body. Suddenly they beheld two angels in white apparel, their faces bright and shining. These heavenly beings understood the errand of the women and immediately told them that Jesus was not there; He had risen, but they could behold the place where He had lain. They bade them go and tell His disciples that He would go before them into Galilee. With fear and great joy the women hurried back to the sorrowing disciples and told them the things which they had seen and heard. {EW 186.1} The disciples could not believe that Christ had risen, but, with the
women who had brought the report, ran hastily to the sepulcher. They found that
Jesus was not there; they saw His linen clothes, but could not believe the good
news that He had risen from the dead. They returned home marveling at what As she turned from the sepulcher, she saw Jesus standing near, but knew Him not. He spoke to her tenderly, inquiring the cause of her sorrow and asking whom she was seeking. Supposing that He was the gardener, she begged Him, if He had borne away her Lord, to tell her where he had laid Him, that she might take Him away. Jesus spoke to her with His own heavenly voice, saying, "Mary!" She was acquainted with the tones of that dear voice, and quickly answered, "Master!" and in her joy was about to embrace Him; but Jesus said, "Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God." Joyfully she hastened to the disciples with the good news. Jesus quickly ascended to His Father to hear from His lips that He accepted the sacrifice, and to receive all power in heaven and upon earth. {EW 187.1} Angels like a cloud surrounded the Son of God and bade the everlasting
gates be lifted up, that the King of glory might come in. I saw that while Jesus
was with that bright heavenly host, in the presence of God, and surrounded by
His glory, He did not At this time Thomas was not present. He would not humbly receive the report of the disciples, but firmly and self-confidently affirmed that he would not believe unless he should put his fingers in the prints of the nails and his hand in the side where the cruel spear was thrust. In this he showed a lack of confidence in his brethren. If all should require the same evidence, none would now receive Jesus and believe in His resurrection. But it was the will of God that the report of the disciples should be received by those who could not themselves see and hear the risen Saviour. God was not pleased with the unbelief of Thomas. When Jesus again met with His disciples, Thomas was with them; and when he beheld Jesus, he believed. But he had declared that he would not be satisfied without the evidence of feeling added to sight, and Jesus gave him the evidence which he had desired. Thomas cried out, "My Lord and my God!" But Jesus reproved him for his unbelief, saying, "Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." {EW 188.1} In like manner those who have had no experience in the first and second
angels' messages must receive them from others who had an experience and
followed down through the messages. As Jesus was rejected, so I saw that these
messages have been rejected. And as the disciples declared that there is
salvation in no other name under heaven, given among men, so also should the
servants of God faithfully and fearlessly warn those who embrace but a part of
the truths While the holy women were carrying the report that Jesus had risen, the Roman guard were circulating the lie that had been put into their mouths by the chief priests and elders, that the disciples came by night, while they slept, and stole the body of Jesus. Satan had put this lie into the hearts and mouths of the chief priests, and the people stood ready to receive their word. But God had made this matter sure, and placed this important event, upon which our salvation depends, beyond all doubt; and it was impossible for priests and elders to cover it up. Witnesses were raised from the dead to testify to Christ's resurrection. {EW 189.1} Jesus remained with His disciples forty days, causing them joy and
gladness of heart as He opened to them more fully the realities of the kingdom
of God. He commissioned them to bear testimony to the things which they had seen
and heard concerning His sufferings, death, and resurrection, that He had made a
sacrifice for sin, and that all who would might come unto Him and find life.
With faithful tenderness He told them that they would be persecuted and
distressed; but they would find relief in recalling their experience and
remembering the words which He had spoken to them. He told them that He had
overcome the temptations of Satan and obtained the victory through trials and
suffering. Satan could have no more power over Him, but would bring his
temptations to bear more directly upon them and upon all who should believe in
His name. But they could overcome as He had overcome. Jesus endowed His
disciples with power to work miracles, and told them that although they should
be persecuted by wicked men, He would from time to time send His angels to
deliver them; their His anxious followers gladly listened to His teachings, eagerly feasting
upon every word which fell from His holy lips. Now they certainly knew that He
was the Saviour of the world. His words sank deep into their hearts, and they
sorrowed that they must soon be parted from their heavenly Teacher and no longer
hear comforting, gracious words from His lips. But again their hearts were
warmed with love and exceeding joy, as Jesus told them that He would go and
prepare mansions for them and come again and receive them, that they might be
ever with Him. He promised also to send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to guide
them into all truth. "And He lifted up His hands, and blessed them." As the disciples gazed sorrowfully toward heaven to catch the last glimpse of their ascending Lord, two angels clothed in white apparel stood by them and said to them, "Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven." The disciples and the mother of Jesus, who with them had witnessed the ascension of the Son of God, spent the following night in talking over His wonderful acts and the strange and glorious events which had taken place within a short time. {EW 191.1} Satan again counseled with his angels, and with bitter hatred against
God's government told them that while he retained his power and authority upon
earth their efforts must be tenfold stronger against the followers of Jesus.
They had prevailed nothing against Christ but must overthrow His followers, if
possible. In every generation they must seek to ensnare those who would believe
in Jesus. He related to his angels When Jesus died, the priests thought that no more miracles would be
performed among them, that the excitement would die out and the people would
again turn to the traditions of men. But lo! right among them the disciples were
working miracles, and the people were filled with amazement. Jesus had been
crucified, and they wondered where His followers had obtained this power. When
He was alive, they thought that He imparted power to them; but when He died,
they expected the miracles to cease. Peter understood their perplexity and said
to them, "Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly
on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The
God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath
glorified His Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of
Pilate, when he The chief priests and elders could not bear these words, and at their command Peter and John were seized and put in prison. But thousands had been converted and led to believe in the resurrection and ascension of Christ by hearing only one discourse from the disciples. The priests and elders were troubled. They had slain Jesus that the minds of the people might be turned to themselves; but the matter was now worse than before. They were openly accused by the disciples of being the murderers of the Son of God, and they could not determine to what extent these things might grow or how they themselves would be regarded by the people. They would gladly have put Peter and John to death, but dared not, for fear of the people. {EW 193.1} On the following day the apostles were brought before the council. The
very men who had eagerly cried for the blood of the Just One were there. They
had heard Peter deny his Lord with cursing and swearing when charged with being
one of His disciples, and they hoped again to intimidate him. But Peter had been
converted, and he now saw an opportunity to remove the stain of that hasty,
cowardly denial and to exalt the name which he had dishonored. With holy
boldness, and in the power of the Spirit, he fearlessly declared unto them, "By
the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from
the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the
stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the
The people were astonished at the boldness of Peter and John and took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus; for their noble, fearless conduct was like that of Jesus when before His enemies. Jesus, by one look of pity and sorrow, reproved Peter when he had denied Him, and now as he boldly acknowledged his Lord, Peter was approved and blessed. As a token of the approbation of Jesus, he was filled with the Holy Spirit. {EW 194.1} The priests dared not manifest the hatred which they felt toward the disciples. They commanded them to go aside out of the council, and then conferred among themselves, saying, "What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it." They were afraid to have the report of this good deed spread among the people. Should it become generally known, the priests felt that their own power would be lost, and they would be looked upon as the murderers of Jesus. Yet all that they dared to do was to threaten the apostles and command them to speak no more in the name of Jesus, lest they die. But Peter declared boldly that they could but speak the things which they had seen and heard. {EW 194.2} By the power of Jesus the disciples continued to heal the afflicted and
the sick who were brought to them. Hundreds enlisted daily under the banner of a
crucified, risen, and ascended Saviour. The priests and elders, and those
particularly engaged with them, were alarmed. Again they put the apostles in
prison, hoping that the excitement would subside. Satan and his angels exulted;
but the angels of God opened the The council assembled and sent for their prisoners. The officers unclosed the prison doors; but those whom they sought were not there. They returned to the priests and elders and said, "The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within." "Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." {EW 195.1} Those Jewish leaders were hypocrites; they loved the praise of men more than they loved God. Their hearts had become so hardened that the most mighty works wrought by the apostles only enraged them. They knew that if the disciples preached Jesus, His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, it would fasten guilt upon them as His murderers. They were not as willing to receive the blood of Jesus as when they vehemently cried, "His blood be on us, and on our children." {EW 195.2} The apostles boldly declared that they ought to obey God rather than
men. Said Peter, "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and
hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a
Saviour, for to give repentance The priests unwillingly released their prisoners, after beating them and commanding them to speak no more in the name of Jesus. "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." Thus the word of God grew and multiplied. The disciples boldly testified to the things which they had seen and heard, and through the name of Jesus they performed mighty miracles. They fearlessly charged the blood of Jesus upon those who had been so willing to receive it when they were permitted to have power over the Son of God. {EW 196.1} I saw that angels of God were commissioned to guard with special care
the sacred, important truths which were to serve as an anchor to the disciples
of As Stephen stood before his judges, the light of the glory of God rested upon his countenance. "And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel." When called upon to answer to the charges brought against him, he began at Moses and the prophets and reviewed the history of the children of Israel and the dealings of God with them and showed how Christ had been foretold in prophecy. He referred to the history of the temple and declared that God dwelleth not in temples made with hands. The Jews worshiped the temple and were filled with greater indignation at anything spoken against that building than if it had been spoken against God. As Stephen spoke of Christ and referred to the temple, he saw that the people were rejecting his words; and he fearlessly rebuked them: "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost." While they observed the outward ordinances of their religion, their hearts were corrupt and full of deadly evil. He referred to the cruelty of their fathers in persecuting the prophets, and declared that those whom he addressed had committed a greater sin in rejecting and crucifying Christ. "Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers." {EW 198.1} As these plain, cutting truths were spoken, the priests and rulers were
enraged, and they rushed upon Stephen, gnashing their teeth. "But he, being full
of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God,"
and said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the
right I saw that Stephen was a mighty man of God, especially raised up to fill
an important place in the church. Satan exulted in his death; for he knew that
the disciples would greatly feel his loss. But Satan's triumph was short; for in
that company, witnessing the death of Stephen, there was one to whom Jesus was
to reveal Himself. Saul took no part in casting the stones at Stephen, yet he
consented to his death. He was zealous in persecuting the church of God, hunting
them, seizing them in their houses, and delivering them to those who would slay
them. Saul was a man of ability and education; his zeal and learning caused him
to be highly esteemed by the Jews, while he was feared by many of the disciples
of Christ. His talents were effectively employed by Satan in carrying forward
his rebellion against the Son of God, and those who believed in Him. But God can
break the power of the great adversary and set free those who are led captive by
him. Christ had selected Saul as a "chosen vessel" to preach His name, to
strengthen His disciples in their work, and to more than fill the place of
Stephen. The men who were with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. As the light passed away and Saul arose from the earth and opened his eyes, he found himself totally deprived of sight. The glory of the light of heaven had blinded him. They led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus, and he was three days without sight, neither did he eat nor drink. The Lord then sent His angel to one of the very men whom Saul had hoped to take captive and revealed to him in vision that he should go into the street called Straight, "and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight." {EW 200.2} Ananias feared that there might be some mistake in this matter, and
began to relate to the Lord what he had heard of Saul. But the Lord said unto
Ananias, Immediately Saul received sight and arose and was baptized. He then taught in the synagogues that Jesus was indeed the Son of God. All who heard him were amazed and inquired, "Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?" But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews. They were again in trouble. All were acquainted with Saul's opposition to Jesus and his zeal in hunting out and delivering up to death all who believed on His name; and his miraculous conversion convinced many that Jesus was the Son of God. Saul related his experience in the power of the Holy Spirit. He was persecuting unto death, binding and delivering into prison both men and women, when, as he journeyed to Damascus, suddenly a great light from heaven shone round about him, and Jesus revealed Himself to him, and taught him that He was the Son of God. {EW 201.1} As Saul thus boldly preached Jesus, he exerted a powerful influence. He
had a knowledge of the Scriptures, and after his conversion a divine light shone
upon the prophecies concerning Jesus, which enabled him clearly and boldly to
present the truth and to correct any perversion of the Scriptures. With the
Spirit of God resting upon him, he would in a clear 48 The Jews Decide to Kill
Paul Led by Satan, the unbelieving Jews watched the gates of Damascus day and night, that as Paul should pass out, they might immediately kill him. But Paul had been informed that the Jews were seeking his life, and the disciples let him down over the wall in a basket by night. At this failure to carry out their purposes, the Jews were ashamed and indignant, and Satan's object was defeated. {EW 202.2} After this, Paul went to Jerusalem to join himself to the disciples; but
they were all afraid of him. They could not believe that he was a disciple. His
life had been hunted by the Jews in Damascus, and his own brethren would not
receive him; but Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and declared
But Satan was stirring up the Jews to destroy Paul, and Jesus bade him leave Jerusalem. In company with Barnabas, he went into other cities, preaching Jesus and working miracles, and many were converted. As one man was healed who had always been lame, the people who worshiped idols were about to sacrifice to the disciples. Paul was grieved, and told them that he and his fellow laborer were only men and that the God who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all things that are therein, must alone be worshiped. Thus Paul exalted God before the people; but he could scarcely restrain them. The first conception of faith in the true God, and of the worship and honor due to Him, was being formed in their minds; and as they were listening to Paul, Satan was urging on the unbelieving Jews of other cities to follow after Paul to destroy the good work wrought through him. These Jews stirred up the minds of those idolaters by false reports against Paul. The wonder and admiration of the people now changed to hate, and they who a short time before were ready to worship the disciples, stoned Paul and drew him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But as the disciples were standing about Paul and mourning over him, to their joy he rose up and went with them into the city. {EW 203.1} Again, as Paul and Silas preached Jesus, a certain woman possessed with
a spirit of divination followed them, crying, "These men are the servants of the
most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation." Thus she followed the
disciples many days. But Paul was grieved; for this crying after them diverted
the minds of the people from the truth. Satan's object in leading her to do this
was to disgust the people Her masters were pleased that she cried after the disciples; but when the evil spirit left her, and they saw her a meek disciple of Christ, they were enraged. They had gathered much money by her fortunetelling, and now the hope of their gain was gone. Satan's object was defeated; but his servants caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the market place, unto the rulers, and to the magistrates, saying, "These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city." And the multitude rose up together against them, and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely, who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison and made their feet fast in the stocks. But the angels of the Lord accompanied them within the prison walls, and caused their imprisonment to tell to the glory of God, and show to the people that God was in the work, and with His chosen servants. {EW 204.1} At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God, and
suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison
were shaken; and I saw that immediately the angel of God loosed everyone's
bands. The keeper of the prison, upon awaking and seeing the prison doors open,
was affrighted. He thought that the prisoners had escaped, and that he must be
punished with death. But as he was about to kill himself, Paul cried with a loud
voice, saying, "Do thyself no harm: for we are all here." The power of God there convicted the jailer. He called for a light, and springing in, came trembling and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out, and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." The keeper of the prison then assembled his whole household, and Paul preached unto them Jesus. Thus the jailer's heart was united to those of his brethren, and he washed their stripes, and he and all his house were baptized that night. He then set food before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. {EW 205.1} The wonderful news of the manifestation of the power of God in opening
the prison doors, and in the conversion of the keeper and his family, was soon
spread abroad. The rulers heard of these things, and were afraid, and sent to
the jailer, requesting him to let Paul and Silas go. But Paul would not leave
the prison in a private manner; he was not willing that the manifestation of the
power of God should be concealed. He said unto them, "They have beaten us openly
uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust
us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out." When
these words were told to the magistrates, and it was known that the apostles
were Roman citizens, the rulers were alarmed for fear they would make complaint
to the emperor of their unlawful treatment. And they came and besought them, and
brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city. During Paul's absence from Jerusalem, he wrote many letters to different places, relating his experience and bearing a powerful testimony. But some strove to destroy the influence of those letters. They were forced to admit that his letters were weighty and powerful, but they declared that his bodily presence was weak and his speech contemptible. {EW 206.2} The facts in the case were that Paul was a man of great learning, and
his wisdom and manners charmed his hearers. Learned men were pleased with his
knowledge, and many of them believed on Jesus. When before kings and large
assemblies, he would pour forth such eloquence as would fascinate all before
him. This greatly enraged the priests and elders. Paul could Again the Lord appeared to Paul and revealed to him that he must go up
to Jerusalem, that he would there be bound and suffer for His name. Although he
was a prisoner for a great length of time, yet the Lord carried forward His
special work through him. His bonds were to be the means of spreading the
knowledge of Christ and thus glorifying God. As he was sent from city to city
for his trial, his testimony concerning Jesus and the interesting incidents of
his own conversion were related before kings and governors, that they should be
left without excuse concerning Jesus. Thousands believed on Him and rejoiced in
His name. I saw that God's special purpose was fulfilled in the journey of Paul
upon the sea; He designed that the ship's crew might thus witness the power of
God through Paul and that the heathen also might hear the name of Jesus, and
that many might be converted through the teaching of Paul and by witnessing the
miracles he wrought. Kings and governors were charmed by his reasoning, and as
with zeal and the power of the Holy Spirit he preached Jesus and related the
interesting events of his experience, conviction fastened upon them that Jesus
was the Son of God. While some wondered with amazement as they listened to Paul,
one cried out, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." Yet the most of
those who heard thought that at some future time they would I was shown the work of Satan in first blinding the eyes of the Jews so that they would not receive Jesus as their Saviour; and next in leading them, through envy because of His mighty works, to desire His life. Satan entered one of Christ's own followers and led him on to betray Him into the hands of His enemies, that they might crucify the Lord of life and glory. {EW 208.1} After Jesus arose from the dead, the Jews added sin to sin as they sought to hide the fact of His resurrection by hiring the Roman guard to testify to a falsehood. But the resurrection of Jesus was made doubly sure by the resurrection of a multitude of witnesses at the same time. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, and to above five hundred at once, while those whom He brought up with Him appeared unto many, declaring that Jesus had risen. {EW 208.2} Satan had caused the Jews to rebel against God by refusing to receive
His Son, and by staining their hands with His most precious blood. No matter how
powerful the evidence now produced that Jesus was the Son of God, the Redeemer
of the world, they had murdered Him, and would not receive any evidence in His
favor. Their only hope and consolation, like that of Satan after his fall, was
in trying to prevail against the Son of God. They therefore continued their
rebellion by persecuting the disciples of Christ, and putting them to death.
Nothing fell so harshly on their ears as the name of Jesus whom they had
crucified; and they were determined not to listen to any evidence in His favor.
As when the Holy Spirit through Stephen declared the mighty evidence of Jesus'
Satan rejoiced that the Jews were safe in his snare. They still continued their useless forms, their sacrifices, and ordinances. As Jesus hung upon the cross and cried, "It is finished," the veil of the temple was rent in twain from top to bottom, to signify that God would no longer meet with the priests in the temple, to accept their sacrifices and ordinances, and also to show that the partition wall between the Jews and the Gentiles was broken down. Jesus had made an offering of Himself for both, and if saved at all, both must believe in Him as the only offering for sin, the Saviour of the world. {EW 209.1} When the soldier pierced the side of Jesus as He hung upon the cross,
there came out two distinct streams, one of blood, the other of water. The blood
was to wash away the sins of those who should believe in His name, and the water
was to represent that living water which is obtained from Jesus to give life to
the believer. Although Satan rejoiced because of the sufferings of the saints, yet he
was not satisfied. He wanted control of the mind as well as the body. The
sufferings that they endured only drove them closer to the Lord, leading them to
love one another, and causing them to fear more than ever to offend Him. Satan
wished to lead them to displease God; then they would lose their strength,
fortitude, and firmness. Although thousands were slain, yet others were
springing up to supply their places. Satan saw that he was losing his subjects;
for although they suffered persecution and death, yet they were secured to Jesus
Christ, to be the subjects of His kingdom. Satan therefore laid his plans to
fight more successfully against the government of God and overthrow the church.
He led the heathen idolaters to embrace a part of the Christian faith. They
professed to believe in the crucifixion I saw that at last the standard was lowered, and that the heathen were uniting with the Christians. Although these worshipers of idols professed to be converted, they brought their idolatry with them into the church, only changing the objects of their worship to images of saints, and even of Christ and of Mary His mother. As the followers of Christ gradually united with them, the Christian religion became corrupted and the church lost its purity and power. Some refused to unite with them; such preserved their purity and worshiped God alone. They would not bow down to an image of anything in the heavens above or in the earth beneath. {EW 211.1} Satan exulted over the fall of so many; and then he stirred up the fallen church to force those who would preserve the purity of their religion either to yield to their ceremonies and image worship or be put to death. The fires of persecution were again kindled against the true church of Christ, and millions were slain without mercy. {EW 211.2} It was presented before me in the following manner: A large company of
heathen idolaters bore a black banner, upon which were figures of the sun, moon,
and stars. This company seemed to be very fierce and angry. I was then shown
another company bearing a pure white banner, upon which was written, "Purity and
holiness unto the Lord." Their countenances were marked with firmness and
heavenly I saw the company of idolaters consulting together. Failing to make the Christians yield, they agreed to another plan. I saw them lower their banner and then approach that firm Christian company and make propositions to them. At first their propositions were utterly refused. Then I saw the Christian company consulting together. Some said that they would lower the banner, accept the propositions, and save their lives, and at last they could gain strength to raise their banner among the heathen. A few, however, would not yield to this plan, but firmly chose to die holding their banner rather than to lower it. Then I saw many lower the banner and unite with the heathen; but the firm and steadfast would again seize it and bear it on high. I saw that persons were continually leaving the company of those who bore the pure banner, and were uniting with the idolaters under the black banner, to persecute those bearing the white banner. Many were slain, yet the white banner was held high, and believers were raised up to rally around it. {EW 212.1} The Jews who first aroused the rage of the heathen against Jesus were
not to escape unpunished. In the judgment hall, as Pilate hesitated to condemn
Jesus, the infuriated Jews cried, "His blood be on us, and on our children." The
fulfillment of this terrible curse which they called down upon their own heads,
the Jewish nation has experienced. The heathen and those called Christians alike
have been their foes. Those professed Christians, in their zeal for Christ, The blood of Christ and of the disciples, whom they had put to death,
was upon them, and they were visited with terrible judgments. The curse of God
followed them, and they were a byword and a derision to the heathen and to
so-called Christians. They were degraded, shunned, and detested, as if the brand
of Cain were upon them. Yet I saw that God had marvelously preserved this people
and scattered them over the world that they might be looked upon as specially
visited by the curse of God. I saw that God had forsaken the Jews as a nation;
but that individuals among them will yet be converted and be enabled to tear the
veil from their hearts and see that the prophecy concerning them has been
fulfilled; they will receive Jesus as the Saviour of the world and see the great
sin of their nation in rejecting and crucifying Him. The people were wholly deceived. They were taught that the popes and priests were Christ's representatives, when in fact they were the representatives of Satan, and those who bowed to them worshiped Satan. The people called for the Bible; but the priests considered it dangerous to let them have it to read for themselves, lest they should become enlightened and expose the sins of their leaders. The people were taught to receive every word from these deceivers as from the mouth of God. They held that power over the mind which God alone should hold. If any dared to follow their own convictions, the same hate which Satan and the Jews exercised toward Jesus would be kindled against them, and those in authority would thirst for their blood. {EW 214.1} I was shown a time when Satan especially triumphed. Multitudes of
Christians were slain in a dreadful manner, because they would preserve the
purity of their religion. The Bible was hated, and efforts were made to rid the
earth of it. The people were forbidden to read it, on pain of death; and all the
copies which could be found were burned. But I saw that God had a special care
for His Word. He protected it. At different periods there were but a very few
copies of the Bible in existence, yet He would not suffer His Word to be lost,
for in the last days copies of it were to be so multiplied that every family
could possess it. I saw that when there were but few copies of the Bible, it was
precious and comforting to the persecuted followers of Jesus. It was read in the
most secret manner, and those who had this exalted privilege felt that they had
had an interview with God, with His Son Jesus, and with His disciples. But this
blessed privilege cost many of them their lives. If discovered, they were taken
to the headsman's block, to the stake, or to the dungeon to die of starvation.
Satan could not hinder the plan of salvation. Jesus was crucified, and rose again the third day. But Satan told his angels that he would make the crucifixion and resurrection tell to his advantage. He was willing that those who professed faith in Jesus should believe that the laws regulating the Jewish sacrifices and offerings ceased at the death of Christ, if he could push them farther and make them believe that the law of ten commandments also died with Christ. {EW 215.1} I saw that many readily yielded to this device of Satan. All heaven was moved with indignation as they saw the holy law of God trampled underfoot. Jesus and all the heavenly host were acquainted with the nature of God's law; they knew that He would not change or abrogate it. The hopeless condition of man after the fall caused the deepest sorrow in heaven, and moved Jesus to offer to die for the transgressors of God's holy law. But if that law could be abrogated, man might have been saved without the death of Jesus. Consequently His death did not destroy the law of His Father, but magnified and honored it and enforced obedience to all its holy precepts. {EW 215.2} Had the church remained pure and steadfast, Satan could not have deceived them, and led them to trample on the law of God. In this bold plan, Satan strikes directly against the foundation of God's government in heaven and on earth. His rebellion caused him to be expelled from heaven. After he rebelled, in order to save himself he wished God to change His law, but was told before the whole heavenly host that God's law was unalterable. Satan knows that if he can cause others to violate God's law, he has gained them to his cause; for every transgressor of that law must die. {EW 215.3} Satan decided to go still farther. He told his angels that some would be
so jealous of God's law that Thus Satan used the resurrection to serve his purpose. He and his angels rejoiced that the errors they had prepared took so well with the professed friends of Christ. What one looked upon with religious horror, another would receive. Thus different errors were received and defended with zeal. The will of God, so plainly revealed in His Word, was covered up with errors and traditions, which have been taught as the commandments of God. Although this heaven-daring deception will be suffered to be carried on until the second appearing of Jesus, yet through all this time of error and deception, God has not been left without witnesses. Amid the darkness and persecution of the church there have always been true and faithful ones who kept all of God's commandments. {EW 216.1} I saw that the angelic host were filled with amazement as they beheld
the sufferings and death of the King of glory. But I saw that it was no marvel
to them that the Lord of life and glory, He who filled all heaven with joy and
splendor, should break the bands of death, and walk forth from His prison house,
a triumphant conqueror. Therefore, if either of these events should be
commemorated by a day of rest, it is the crucifixion. But I saw that neither of
these Both of these important events have their memorials. By partaking of the Lord's supper, the broken bread and the fruit of the vine, we show forth the Lord's death until He comes. The scenes of His sufferings and death are thus brought fresh to our minds. The resurrection of Christ is commemorated by our being buried with Him by baptism, and raised out of the watery grave, in likeness of His resurrection, to live in newness of life. {EW 217.1} I was shown that the law of God would stand fast forever, and exist in
the new earth to all eternity. At the creation, when the foundations of the
earth were laid, the sons of God looked with admiration upon the work of the
Creator, and all the heavenly host shouted for joy. It was then that the
foundation of the Sabbath was laid. At the close of the six days of creation,
God rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made; and He
blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because that in it He had rested from
all His work. The Sabbath was instituted in Eden before the fall, and was
observed by Adam and Eve, and all the heavenly host. God rested on the seventh
day, and blessed and hallowed it. I saw that the Sabbath never will be done
away; but that the redeemed saints, and all the angelic host, will observe it in
honor of the great Creator to all eternity. It was a marvel to me that Satan could succeed so well in making men believe that the words of God, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die," mean that the soul that sinneth it shall not die, but live eternally in misery. Said the angel, "Life is life, whether it is in pain or happiness. Death is without pain, without joy, without hatred." {EW 218.2} Satan told his angels to make a special effort to spread the lie first
repeated to Eve in Eden, "Ye shall not surely die." And as the error was
received by the people, and they were led to believe that man was immortal,
Satan led them on to believe that the sinner Another extreme which Satan has led the people to adopt is entirely to overlook the justice of God, and the threatenings in His Word, and to represent Him as being all mercy, so that not one will perish, but that all, both saint and sinner, will at last be saved in His kingdom. {EW 219.1} In consequence of the popular errors of the immortality of the soul and endless misery, Satan takes advantage of another class and leads them to regard the Bible as an uninspired book. They think it teaches many good things; but they cannot rely upon it and love it, because they have been taught that it declares the doctrine of eternal misery. {EW 219.2} Another class Satan leads on still further, even to deny the existence of God. They can see no consistency in the character of the God of the Bible, if He will inflict horrible tortures upon a portion of the human family to all eternity. Therefore they deny the Bible and its Author and regard death as an eternal sleep. {EW 219.3} There is still another class who are fearful and I saw that the heavenly host were filled with indignation at this bold work of Satan. I inquired why all these delusions should be suffered to take effect upon the minds of men when the angels of God were powerful, and if commissioned, could easily break the enemy's power. Then I saw that God knew that Satan would try every art to destroy man; therefore He had caused His word to be written out, and had made His purposes in regard to the human race so plain that the weakest need not err. After having given His word to man, He had carefully preserved it from destruction by Satan or his angels, or by any of his agents or representatives. While other books might be destroyed, this was to be immortal. And near the close of time, when the delusions of Satan should increase, it was to be so multiplied that all who desired might have a copy, and, if they would, might arm themselves against the deceptions and lying wonders of Satan. {EW 220.1} I saw that God had especially guarded the Bible; yet when copies of it
were few, learned men had in some instances changed the words, thinking that
they were making it more plain, when in reality they were mystifying that which
was plain, by causing it to lean I saw that the angels of God are never to control the will. God sets before man life and death. He can have his choice. Many desire life, but still continue to walk in the broad road. They choose to rebel against God's government, notwithstanding His great mercy and compassion in giving His Son to die for them. Those who do not choose to accept of the salvation so dearly purchased, must be punished. But I saw that God would not shut them up in hell to endure endless misery, neither will He take them to heaven; for to bring them into the company of the pure and holy would make them exceedingly miserable. But He will destroy them utterly and cause them to be as if they had not been; then His justice will be satisfied. He formed man out of the dust of the earth, and the disobedient and unholy will be consumed by fire and return to dust again. I saw that the benevolence and compassion of God in this matter should lead all to admire His character and to adore His holy name. After the wicked are destroyed from off the earth, all the heavenly host will say, "Amen!" {EW 221.1} Satan looks with great satisfaction upon those who profess the name of
Christ, yet closely adhere to the delusions which he himself has originated. His
work is still to devise new delusions, and his power and art in this direction
continually increase. He led his representatives, the popes and the priests, to
exalt themselves, and to stir up the people to bitterly persecute Oh, how precious to Luther was this new and glorious light which had dawned upon his dark understanding and driven away his superstition! He prized it higher than the richest earthly treasure. The Word of God was new. Everything was changed. The book he had dreaded because he could not see beauty in it, was now life, eternal life, to him. It was his joy, his consolation, his blessed teacher. Nothing could induce him to leave its study. He had feared death; but as he read the Word of God, all his terrors disappeared, and he admired the character of God and loved Him. He searched the Bible for himself and feasted upon the rich treasures it contained; then he searched it for the church. He was disgusted with the sins of those in whom he had trusted for salvation, and as he saw many others enshrouded in the same darkness which had covered him, he anxiously sought an opportunity to point them to the Lamb of God, who alone taketh away the sin of the world. {EW 223.1} Raising his voice against the errors and sins of the papal church, he
earnestly endeavored to break the chain of darkness which was confining
thousands and causing them to trust in works for salvation. He longed to be
enabled to open to their minds the true riches of the grace of God and the
excellence of salvation obtained through Jesus Christ. In the power of the Holy
Spirit he cried out against the existing sins of the leaders of the church; and
as he met the storm of opposition from the priests, his courage failed not; for
he firmly relied upon the strong arm of God, and confidently trusted in Him for
victory. As he pushed I saw that Luther was ardent and zealous, fearless and bold, in reproving sin and advocating the truth. He cared not for wicked men or devils; he knew that he had One with him mightier than they all. Luther possessed zeal, courage, and boldness, and at times was in danger of going to extremes. But God raised up Melanchthon, who was just the opposite in character, to aid Luther in carrying on the work of reformation. Melanchthon was timid, fearful, cautious, and possessed great patience. He was greatly beloved of God. His knowledge of the Scriptures was great, and his judgment and wisdom excellent. His love for the cause of God was equal to Luther's. The hearts of these men the Lord knit together; they were inseparable friends. Luther was a great help to Melanchthon when in danger of being fearful and slow, and Melanchthon in turn was a great help to Luther when in danger of moving too fast. Melanchthon's farseeing caution often averted trouble which would have come upon the cause had the work been left alone to Luther; and ofttimes the work would not have been pushed forward had it been left to Melanchthon alone. I was shown the wisdom of God in choosing these two men to carry on the work of reformation. {EW 224.1} I was then carried back to the days of the apostles and saw that God
chose as companions an ardent, zealous Peter and a mild, patient John. Sometimes
Peter was impetuous, and often when this was the case the beloved disciple would
check him. This, however, did not reform him. But after he had denied his Lord,
repented, and been converted, all he needed God raised up men to cry against the existing sins of the papal church and carry forward the Reformation. Satan sought to destroy these living witnesses; but the Lord made a hedge about them. Some, for the glory of His name, were permitted to seal with their blood the testimony they had borne; but there were other powerful men, like Luther and Melanchthon, who could best glorify God by living and exposing the sins of priests, popes, and kings. These trembled before the voice of Luther, and his fellow laborers. Through those chosen men, rays of light began to scatter the darkness, and very many joyfully received the light and walked in it. And when one witness was slain, two or more were raised up to take his place. {EW 225.1} But Satan was not satisfied. He could only have power over the body. He
could not make believers yield their faith and hope. And even in death they
triumphed with a bright hope of immortality at the resurrection of the just.
They had more than mortal energy. They dared not sleep for a moment, but kept
the Christian armor girded about them, prepared for a conflict, not merely with
spiritual foes, but with Satan in the form of men whose constant cry was, "Give
up your faith, or die." These few Christians were strong in God, and more
precious in His sight than half a world who bear the name of Christ, and yet are
cowards in His cause. While the church was persecuted, its members were united
and loving; they were strong in God. Sinners were not permitted to 54 The Church and the
World United Satan therefore decided that he must come in a milder form. He had
already corrupted the doctrines of the Bible, and traditions which were to ruin
millions were taking deep root. Restraining his hate, he decided not to urge on
his subjects to such bitter persecution, but lead the church to contend for
various traditions, instead of for the faith once delivered to The church is not now the separate and peculiar people she was when the fires of persecution were kindled against her. How is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed! I saw that if the church had always retained her peculiar, holy character, the power of the Holy Spirit which was imparted to the disciples would still be with her. The sick would be healed, devils would be rebuked and cast out, and she would be mighty and a terror to her enemies. {EW 227.1} I saw a very large company professing the name of Christ, but God did
not recognize them as His. He had no pleasure in them. Satan seemed to assume a
religious character and was very willing that the people should think they were
Christians. He was even anxious that they should believe in Jesus, His
crucifixion, and His resurrection. Satan and his angels fully believe all this
themselves, and tremble. But if this faith does not provoke to good works, and
lead those who profess it to imitate the self-denying life of Christ, Satan is
not disturbed; for they merely assume the Christian name, while their hearts are
still carnal, and he can use them in his service even better than if they made
no profession. Hiding their deformity under the name of Christian, they pass
along with their unsanctified natures, and their evil passions unsubdued. This
gives occasion for the unbeliever to reproach Christ with their imperfections,
and causes those who do possess pure and undefiled religion to be brought into
disrepute. The ministers preach smooth things to suit carnal professors. They dare not preach Jesus and the cutting truths of the Bible; for if they should, these carnal professors would not remain in the church. But as many of them are wealthy, they must be retained, although they are no more fit to be there than Satan and his angels. This is just as Satan would have it. The religion of Jesus is made to appear popular and honorable in the eyes of the world. The people are told that those who profess religion will be more honored by the world. Such teachings differ very widely from the teachings of Christ. His doctrine and the world could not be at peace. Those who followed Him had to renounce the world. These smooth things originated with Satan and his angels. They formed the plan, and nominal professors carried it out. Pleasing fables were taught and readily received, and hypocrites and open sinners united with the church. If the truth had been preached in its purity, it would soon have shut out this class. But there was no difference between the professed followers of Christ and the world. I saw that if the false covering had been torn off from the members of the churches, there would have been revealed such iniquity, vileness, and corruption that the most diffident child of God would have had no hesitancy in calling these professed Christians by their right name, children of their father, the devil; for his works they did. {EW 228.1} Jesus and all the heavenly host looked with disgust upon the scene; yet
God had a message for the church that was sacred and important. If received, it
would make a thorough reformation in the church, revive the living testimony
that would purge out hypocrites and sinners, and bring the church again into
favor with God. As he followed down the prophecies, he saw that the inhabitants of the
earth were living in the closing scenes of this world's history, yet they knew
it not. He looked at the churches and saw that they were corrupt; they had taken
their affections from Jesus and placed them on the world; they were seeking for
worldly honor, instead of that honor which cometh from above; grasping for
worldly riches, instead of laying up their treasure in heaven. He could see
hypocrisy, darkness, and death everywhere. His spirit was stirred within him.
God called him to leave his farm, as He called Elisha to leave his oxen and the
field of his labor to follow Elijah. With trembling, William Miller began to
unfold to the people the mysteries of the kingdom of God, carrying his hearers
down through the prophecies to the second advent of I was carried back to the days of the disciples and was shown that God had a special work for the beloved John to accomplish. Satan was determined to hinder this work, and he led on his servants to destroy John. But God sent His angel and wonderfully preserved him. All who witnessed the great power of God manifested in the deliverance of John were astonished, and many were convinced that God was with him, and that the testimony which he bore concerning Jesus was correct. Those who sought to destroy him were afraid to attempt again to take his life, and he was permitted to suffer on for Jesus. He was falsely accused by his enemies and was shortly banished to a lonely island, where the Lord sent His angel to reveal to him events which were to take place upon the earth and the state of the church down to the end --her backslidings and the position which she should occupy if she would please God and finally overcome. {EW 230.1} The angel from heaven came to John in majesty, his countenance beaming
with the excellent glory of God. He revealed to John scenes of deep and
thrilling interest in the history of the church of God and brought before him
the perilous conflicts which Christ's followers were to endure. John saw them
passing through fiery trials, made white and tried, and, finally, victorious
overcomers, gloriously saved in the kingdom of God. The countenance of the angel
grew radiant with joy and was exceeding glorious, as he showed John the final
triumph of the church of God. As the apostle beheld the final deliverance of the
church, he was carried away with the glory of the scene and Preachers and people have looked upon the book of Revelation as mysterious and of less importance than other portions of the Sacred Scriptures. But I saw that this book is indeed a revelation given for the especial benefit of those who should live in the last days, to guide them in ascertaining their true position and their duty. God directed the mind of William Miller to the prophecies and gave him great light upon the book of Revelation. {EW 231.1} If Daniel's visions had been understood, the people could better have
understood the visions of John. But at the right time, God moved upon His chosen
servant, who, with clearness and in the power of the Holy Spirit, opened the
prophecies and showed the harmony of the visions of Daniel and John and other
portions of the Bible, and pressed home upon the hearts of the people the
sacred, fearful warnings of the Word to prepare for the coming of the Son of
man. Deep and solemn conviction rested upon the minds of those who heard him,
and ministers and people, sinners and infidels, turned to the Lord and sought a
preparation to stand in the judgment. Angels of God accompanied William Miller in his mission. He was firm and
undaunted, fearlessly proclaiming the message committed to his trust. A world
lying in wickedness and a cold, worldly church were enough to call into action
all his energies and lead him willingly to endure toil, privation, and
suffering. Although opposed by professed Christians and the world, and buffeted
by Satan and his angels, he ceased not to preach the everlasting gospel to
crowds wherever he was invited, sounding far and near the cry, "Fear God, and
give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come." Ministers laid aside their sectarian views and feelings and united in
proclaiming the coming of Jesus. Wherever the message was given, it moved the
people. Sinners repented, wept, and prayed for forgiveness, Thousands were led to embrace the truth preached by William Miller, and servants of God were raised up in the spirit and power of Elijah to proclaim the message. Like John, the forerunner of Jesus, those who preached this solemn message felt compelled to lay the ax at the root of the tree, and call upon men to bring forth fruits meet for repentance. Their testimony was calculated to arouse and powerfully affect the churches and manifest their real character. And as the solemn warning to flee from the wrath to come was sounded, many who were united with the churches received the healing message; they saw their backslidings, and with bitter tears of repentance and deep agony of soul, humbled themselves before God. And as the Spirit of God rested upon them, they helped to sound the cry, "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come." {EW 233.1} The preaching of definite time called forth great opposition from all
classes, from the minister in the pulpit down to the most reckless,
heaven-daring sinner. "No man knoweth the day nor the hour," was heard from the
hypocritical minister and the bold scoffer. Neither would be instructed and
corrected by those who were pointing to the year when they believed the Ministers who would not accept this saving message themselves hindered
those who would have received it. The blood of souls is upon them. Preachers and
people joined to oppose this message from heaven and to persecute William Miller
and those who united with him in the work. Falsehoods were circulated to injure
his influence; and at different times after he had plainly declared the counsel
of God, applying cutting truths to the hearts of his hearers, great rage was
kindled against him, and as he left the place of meeting, some waylaid him in
order to take his life. But angels of God were sent to protect him, and they led
him safely away from the angry mob. His work was not yet finished. The most devoted gladly received the message. They knew that it was from God and that it was delivered at the right time. Angels were watching with the deepest interest the result of the heavenly message, and when the churches turned from and rejected it, they in sadness consulted with Jesus. He turned His face from the churches and bade His angels faithfully watch over the precious ones who did not reject the testimony, for another light was yet to shine upon them. {EW 235.1} I saw that if professed Christians had loved their Saviour's appearing, if they had placed their affections on Him, and had felt that there was none upon the earth to be compared with Him, they would have hailed with joy the first intimation of His coming. But the dislike which they manifested, as they heard of their Lord's coming, was a decided proof that they did not love Him. Satan and his angels triumphed, and cast it in the face of Christ and His holy angels, that His professed people had so little love for Jesus that they did not desire His second appearing. {EW 235.2} I saw the people of God joyful in expectation, looking for their Lord.
But God designed to prove them. His hand covered a mistake in the reckoning of
the prophetic periods. Those who were looking for their Lord did not discover
this mistake, and the most learned men who opposed the time also failed to see
it. God designed that His people should meet with a disappointment. The time
passed, and those who had looked with joyful expectation for their Saviour were
sad and disheartened, while those who had not loved the appearing of Jesus, but
embraced the message through fear, were pleased that He did not come at the time
of expectation. Their profession had not affected the heart and purified the
life. The passing of the time was well calculated to reveal such hearts. Jesus and all the heavenly host looked with sympathy and love upon those who had with sweet expectation longed to see Him whom their souls loved. Angels were hovering around them, to sustain them in the hour of their trial. Those who had neglected to receive the heavenly message were left in darkness, and God's anger was kindled against them, because they would not receive the light which He had sent them from heaven. Those faithful, disappointed ones, who could not understand why their Lord did not come, were not left in darkness. Again they were led to their Bibles to search the prophetic periods. The hand of the Lord was removed from the figures, and the mistake was explained. They saw that the prophetic periods reached to 1844, and that the same evidence which they had presented to show that the prophetic periods closed in 1843, proved that they would terminate in 1844. Light from the Word of God shone upon their position, and they discovered a tarrying time--"Though it [the vision] tarry, wait for it." In their love for Christ's immediate coming, they had overlooked the tarrying of the vision, which was calculated to manifest the true waiting ones. Again they had a point of time. Yet I saw that many of them could not rise above their severe disappointment to possess that degree of zeal and energy which had marked their faith in 1843. {EW 236.1} Satan and his angels triumphed over them, and those who would not
receive the message congratulated themselves upon their farseeing judgment and
wisdom The believers in this message were oppressed in the churches. For a
time, those who would not receive the message were restrained by fear from
acting out the sentiments of their hearts; but the passing of the time revealed
their true feelings. They wished to silence the testimony which the waiting ones
felt compelled to bear, that the prophetic periods extended to 1844. With
clearness the believers explained their mistake and gave the reasons why they
expected their Lord in 1844. Their opposers could bring no arguments against the
powerful reasons offered. Yet the anger of the churches was kindled; they were
determined not to listen to evidence, and to shut the testimony out of the
churches, so the others could not hear it. Those who dared not withhold from
others the light which God had given them, were shut out of the churches; but
Jesus was with them, and they were joyful in the light of His countenance. They
were prepared to receive the message of the second angel. 57 The Second Angel's Message
[SEE APPENDIX.] Near the close of the second angel's message, [SEE APPENDIX.] I saw a great light from heaven shining upon the people of God. The rays of this light seemed bright as the sun. And I heard the voices of angels crying, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!" {EW 238.1} This was the midnight cry, which was to give power to the second angel's message. Angels were sent from heaven to arouse the discouraged saints and prepare them for the great work before them. The most talented men were not the first to receive this message. Angels were sent to the humble, devoted ones, and constrained them to raise the cry, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!" Those entrusted with the cry made haste, and in the power of the Holy Spirit sounded the message, and aroused their discouraged brethren. This work did not stand in the wisdom and learning of men, but in the power of God, and His saints who heard the cry could not resist it. The most spiritual received this message first, and those who had formerly led in the work were the last to receive and help swell the cry, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him!" {EW 238.2} In every part of the land, light was given upon the second angel's message, and the cry melted the hearts of thousands. It went from city to city, and from village to village, until the waiting people of God were fully aroused. In many churches the message was not permitted to be given, and a large company who had the living testimony left these fallen churches. A mighty work was accomplished by the midnight cry. The message was heart-searching, leading the believers to seek a living experience for themselves. They knew that they could not lean upon one another. {EW 238.3} The saints anxiously waited for their Lord with fasting, watching, and
almost constant prayer. Even some sinners looked forward to the time with
terror; A spirit of solemn and earnest prayer was everywhere felt by the saints. A holy solemnity was resting upon them. Angels were watching with the deepest interest the effect of the message, and were elevating those who received it, and drawing them from earthly things to obtain large supplies from salvation's fountain. God's people were then accepted of Him. Jesus looked upon them with pleasure, for His image was reflected in them. They had made a full sacrifice, an entire consecration, and expected to be changed to immortality. But they were destined again to be sadly disappointed. The time to which they looked, expecting deliverance, passed; they were still upon the earth, and the effects of the curse never seemed more visible. They had placed their affections on heaven, and in sweet anticipation had tasted immortal deliverance; but their hopes were not realized. {EW 239.1} The fear that had rested upon many of the people did not at once
disappear; they did not immediately triumph over the disappointed ones. But as
no visible tokens of God's wrath appeared, they recovered from the fear which
they had felt and commenced their ridicule and scoffing. The people of God were
again A glorious light then rested down upon these companies, to enlighten all
who would receive it. Some of those who were in darkness received the light and
rejoiced. Others resisted the light from heaven, saying that it was sent to lead
them astray. The light passed away from them, and they were left in darkness.
Those who had received the light from Jesus joyfully cherished the increase of
precious light which was shed upon them. Their faces beamed with holy I saw those who cherished the light looking upward with ardent desire, expecting Jesus to come and take them to Himself. Soon a cloud passed over them, and their faces were sorrowful. I inquired the cause of this cloud and was shown that it was their disappointment. The time when they expected their Saviour had passed, and Jesus had not come. As discouragement settled upon the waiting ones, the ministers and leading men whom I had before noticed, rejoiced, and all those who had rejected the light triumphed greatly, while Satan and his evil angels also exulted. {EW 241.1} Then I heard the voice of another angel saying, "Babylon is fallen, is
fallen!" A light shone upon those desponding ones, and with ardent desires for
His appearing, they again fixed their eyes upon Jesus. I saw a number of angels
conversing with the one who had cried, "Babylon is fallen," and these united
with Then I heard a voice saying to those who had been pushed and derided,
"Come out from among them, and touch not the unclean." In obedience to this
voice, a large number broke the cords which bound them, and leaving the
companies that were in darkness, joined those who had previously gained their
freedom, and joyfully united their voices with them. I heard the voice of
earnest, agonizing prayer from a few who still remained with the companies that
were in darkness. The ministers and leading men were passing around in these
different companies, fastening the cords more firmly; but still I heard this
voice of earnest prayer. Then I saw those who had been praying reach out their
hands for help toward the united company who were free, rejoicing in God. The
answer from them, as they earnestly looked to heaven, and pointed upward, was,
"Come out from among them, and be separate." I saw individuals struggling for
freedom, and at last they broke the cords that bound them. They resisted the
efforts which were made to fasten the cords tighter and refused to heed the
repeated assertions: "God is with us." "We have the truth with us." Persons were continually leaving the companies that were in darkness and joining the free company, who appeared to be in an open field raised above the earth. Their gaze was directed upward, the glory of God rested upon them, and they joyfully shouted His praise. They were closely united and seemed to be wrapped in the light of heaven. Around this company were some who came under the influence of the light, but who were not particularly united to the company. All who cherished the light shed upon them were gazing upward with intense interest, and Jesus looked upon them with sweet approbation. They expected Him to come and longed for His appearing. They did not cast one lingering look to earth. But again a cloud settled upon the waiting ones, and I saw them turn their weary eyes downward. I inquired the cause of this change. Said my accompanying angel, "They are again disappointed in their expectations. Jesus cannot yet come to earth. They must endure greater trials for His sake. They must give up errors and traditions received from men and turn wholly to God and His Word. They must be purified, made white, and tried. Those who endure that bitter trial will obtain an eternal victory." {EW 243.1} Jesus did not come to the earth as the waiting, joyful company expected,
to cleanse the sanctuary by purifying the earth by fire. I saw that they were
correct in their reckoning of the prophetic periods; prophetic time closed in
1844, and Jesus entered the most holy place to cleanse the sanctuary at the
ending of the days. Their mistake consisted in not understanding what the
sanctuary was and the nature of its cleansing. As I looked again at the waiting,
disappointed company, they appeared sad. They carefully examined the evidences
of their faith and followed down through the reckoning of the prophetic periods,
but I was shown the disappointment of the disciples as they came to the sepulcher and found not the body of Jesus. Mary said, "They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him." Angels told the sorrowing disciples that their Lord had risen, and would go before them into Galilee. {EW 244.1} In like manner I saw that Jesus regarded with the deepest compassion the disappointed ones who had waited for His coming; and He sent His angels to direct their minds that they might follow Him where He was. He showed them that this earth is not the sanctuary, but that He must enter the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary to make an atonement for His people and to receive the kingdom from His Father, and that He would then return to the earth and take them to dwell with Him forever. The disappointment of the first disciples well represents the disappointment of those who expected their Lord in 1844. {EW 244.2} I was carried back to the time when Christ rode triumphantly into
Jerusalem. The joyful disciples believed that He was then to take the kingdom
and reign a temporal prince. They followed their King with high hopes. They cut
down the beautiful palm branches, and took off their outer garments, and with
enthusiastic zeal spread them in the way; and some went before, and others
followed, crying, "Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the
name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest." The excitement disturbed the
Pharisees, and they wished Jesus to rebuke His disciples. But He said unto them,
"If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." The
prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 must be fulfilled; yet the disciples were doomed I saw that the disappointment of those who believed in the coming of the
Lord in 1844 was not equal to the disappointment of the first disciples.
Prophecy was fulfilled in the first and second angels' messages. They were given
at the right time and accomplished the work which God designed to accomplish by
them. Satan and his angels were busily engaged in seeking to attract the minds of as many as possible from the light. The company who rejected it were left in darkness. I saw the angel of God watching with the deepest interest His professed people, to record the character which they developed as the message of heavenly origin was presented to them. And as very many who professed love for Jesus turned from the heavenly message with scorn, derision, and hatred, an angel with a parchment in his hand made the shameful record. All heaven was filled with indignation that Jesus should be thus slighted by His professed followers. {EW 246.1} I saw the disappointment of the trusting ones, as they did not see their Lord at the expected time. It had been God's purpose to conceal the future and to bring His people to a point of decision. Without the preaching of definite time for the coming of Christ, the work designed of God would not have been accomplished. Satan was leading very many to look far in the future for the great events connected with the judgment and the end of probation. It was necessary that the people be brought to seek earnestly for a present preparation. {EW 246.2} As the time passed, those who had not fully received the light of the
angel united with those who had despised the message, and they turned upon the
disappointed ones with ridicule. Angels marked the situation of Christ's
professed followers. The passing of the definite time had tested and proved
them, and very many were weighed in the balance and found wanting. They loudly
claimed to be Christians, yet in almost every particular failed to follow
Christ. Satan exulted at the state of the professed followers of Jesus. Another mighty angel was commissioned to descend to earth. Jesus placed in his hand a writing, and as he came to the earth, he cried, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen." Then I saw the disappointed ones again raise their eyes to heaven, looking with faith and hope for their Lord's appearing. But many seemed to remain in a stupid state, as if asleep; yet I could see the trace of deep sorrow upon their countenances. The disappointed ones saw from the Scriptures that they were in the tarrying time, and that they must patiently wait the fulfillment of the vision. The same evidence which led them to look for their Lord in 1843, led them to expect Him in 1844. Yet I saw that the majority did not possess that energy which marked their faith in 1843. Their disappointment had dampened their faith. {EW 247.1} As the people of God united in the cry of the second angel, the heavenly
host marked with the deepest interest the effect of the message. They saw many
who bore the name of Christians turn with scorn and derision upon those who had
been disappointed. As the words fell from mocking lips, "You have not gone up
yet!" an angel wrote them. Said the angel, "They mock God." I was pointed back
to a similar sin committed in ancient times. Elijah had been translated Jesus commissioned other angels to fly quickly to revive and strengthen the drooping faith of His people and prepare them to understand the message of the second angel and the important move which was soon to be made in heaven. I saw these angels receive great power and light from Jesus and fly quickly to earth to fulfill their commission to aid the second angel in his work. A great light shone upon the people of God as the angels cried, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him." Then I saw these disappointed ones rise and in harmony with the second angel proclaim, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him." The light from the angels penetrated the darkness everywhere. Satan and his angels sought to hinder this light from spreading and having its designed effect. They contended with the angels from heaven, telling them that God had deceived the people, and that with all their light and power they could not make the world believe that Christ was coming. But notwithstanding Satan strove to hedge up the way and draw the minds of the people from the light, the angels of God continued their work. {EW 248.1} Those who received the light appeared very happy. They looked
steadfastly toward heaven and longed for the appearing of Jesus. Some were
weeping and praying Those who rejected and opposed the light of the first angel's message, lost the light of the second, and could not be benefited by the power and glory which attended the message, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh." Jesus turned from them with a frown; for they had slighted and rejected Him. Those who received the message were wrapped in a cloud of glory. They greatly feared to offend God, and waited and watched and prayed to know His will. I saw Satan and his angels seeking to shut this divine light from the people of God; but as long as the waiting ones cherished the light and kept their eyes raised from earth to Jesus, Satan could have no power to deprive them of its precious rays. The message given from heaven enraged Satan and his angels, and led those who professed to love Jesus, but despised His coming, to scorn and deride the faithful, trusting ones. But an angel marked every insult, every slight, every wrong, which the children of God received from their professed brethren. {EW 249.1} Very many raised their voices to cry, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!"
and left their brethren who did not love the appearing of Jesus, and who would
not suffer them to dwell upon His second coming. I saw Jesus turn His face from
those who rejected and despised His coming, and then He bade angels lead His
people out from among the unclean, lest they should be defiled. Those who were
obedient to the message Jesus sent His angels to direct the minds of the disappointed ones to the most holy place, where He had gone to cleanse the sanctuary and make a special atonement for Israel. Jesus told the angels that all who found Him would understand the work which He was to perform. I saw that while Jesus was in the most holy place He would be married to the New Jerusalem; and after His work should be accomplished in the holiest, He would descend to the earth in kingly power and take to Himself the precious ones who had patiently waited His return. {EW 251.1} I was shown what did take place in heaven at the close of the prophetic periods in 1844. As Jesus ended His ministration in the holy place and closed the door of that apartment, a great darkness settled upon those who had heard and rejected the message of His coming, and they lost sight of Him. Jesus then clothed Himself with precious garments. Around the bottom of His robe was a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate. A breastplate of curious work was suspended from His shoulders. As He moved, this glittered like diamonds, magnifying letters which looked like names written or engraved upon the breastplate. Upon His head was something which had the appearance of a crown. When fully attired, He was surrounded by angels, and in a flaming chariot He passed within the second veil. {EW 251.2} I was then bidden to take notice of the two apartments of the heavenly
sanctuary. The curtain, or door, was opened, and I was permitted to enter. In
the first apartment I saw the candlestick with seven lamps, the table of
shewbread, the altar of incense, and the Two lovely cherubs, one on each end of the ark, stood with their wings outstretched above it, and touching each other above the head of Jesus as He stood before the mercy seat. Their faces were turned toward each other, and they looked downward to the ark, representing all the angelic host looking with interest at the law of God. Between the cherubim was a golden censer, and as the prayers of the saints, offered in faith, came up to Jesus, and He presented them to His father, a cloud of fragrance arose from the incense, looking like smoke of most beautiful colors. Above the place where Jesus stood, before the ark, was exceedingly bright glory that I could not look upon; it appeared like the throne of God. As the incense ascended to the Father, the excellent glory came from the throne to Jesus, and from Him it was shed upon those whose prayers had come up like sweet incense. Light poured upon Jesus in rich abundance and overshadowed the mercy seat, and the train of glory filled the temple. I could not long look upon the surpassing brightness. No language can describe it. I was overwhelmed and turned from the majesty and glory of the scene. {EW 252.1} I was also shown a sanctuary upon the earth containing two apartments.
It resembled the one in heaven, and I was told that it was a figure of the As Jesus died on Calvary, He cried, "It is finished," and the veil of
the temple was rent in twain, from the top to the bottom. This was to show that
the services of the earthly sanctuary were forever finished, and that God would
no more meet with the priests in their earthly temple, to accept their
sacrifices. The blood of Jesus was then shed, which was to be offered by Himself
in the heavenly sanctuary. As the priest entered the most holy once a year to
cleanse the earthly sanctuary, so Jesus entered the most holy of the heavenly,
at the end of the 2300 days of Daniel 8, in 1844, to make a final atonement for
all who could be benefited by His mediation, and thus to cleanse the sanctuary.
After Jesus opened the door of the most holy, the light of the Sabbath
was seen, and the people of God were tested, as the children of Israel were
tested anciently, to see if they would keep God's law. I saw It was represented to me that the remnant followed Jesus into the most
holy place and beheld the ark and the mercy seat, and were captivated with their
glory. Jesus then raised the cover of the ark, and lo! the tables of stone, with
the ten commandments written upon them. They trace down the lively oracles, but
start back with trembling when they see the fourth commandment among the ten
holy precepts, with a brighter light shining upon it than upon the other nine,
and a halo of glory all around it. They find nothing there informing them that
the Sabbath has been abolished, or changed to the first day of the week. The
commandment reads as when spoken by the voice of God in solemn and awful
grandeur upon the mount, while the lightnings flashed and the thunders rolled;
it is the same as when written with His own finger on the tables of stone: "Six
days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath
of the Lord thy God." They are amazed as they behold the care taken of the ten
commandments. They see them placed close by Jehovah, overshadowed and protected
by His holiness. They see that they have been trampling upon the fourth
commandment of the decalogue, and have observed a I saw the incense in the censer smoke as Jesus offered their confessions and prayers to His Father. And as it ascended, a bright light rested upon Jesus and upon the mercy seat; and the earnest, praying ones, who were troubled because they had discovered themselves to be transgressors of God's law, were blessed, and their countenances lighted up with hope and joy. They joined in the work of the third angel and raised their voices to proclaim the solemn warning. But few at first received it; yet the faithful continued with energy to proclaim the message. Then I saw many embrace the message of the third angel and unite their voices with those who had first given the warning, and they honored God by observing His sanctified rest day. {EW 256.1} Many who embraced the third message had not had an experience in the two former messages. Satan understood this, and his evil eye was upon them to overthrow them; but the third angel was pointing them to the most holy place, and those who had had an experience in the past messages were pointing them the way to the heavenly sanctuary. Many saw the perfect chain of truth in the angels' messages, and gladly received them in their order, and followed Jesus by faith into the heavenly sanctuary. These messages were represented to me as an anchor to the people of God. Those who understand and receive them will be kept from being swept away by the many delusions of Satan. {EW 256.2} After the great disappointment in 1844, Satan and his angels were busily
engaged in laying snares to unsettle the faith of the body. He affected the
minds My attention was then called to William Miller. He looked perplexed and
was bowed with anxiety and distress for his people. The company who had been
united and loving in 1844 were losing their love, opposing one another, and
falling into a cold, backslidden state. As he beheld this, grief wasted his
strength. I saw leading men watching him, and fearing lest he should receive the
third angel's message and the commandments of God. And as he would lean toward
the light from heaven, these men would lay some plan to draw his mind away. A
human influence was exerted to keep him in darkness and to retain his influence
among those who opposed the truth. At length William Miller raised his voice
against the light from heaven. He failed in not receiving the message which
would have fully explained his disappointment and cast a light and glory on the
past, which would have revived his exhausted energies, brightened his hope, and
led him to glorify God. He leaned to human wisdom instead of divine, but being
broken with arduous labor in his Master's cause and If William Miller could have seen the light of the third message, many things which looked dark and mysterious to him would have been explained. But his brethren professed so deep love and interest for him, that he thought he could not tear away from them. His heart would incline toward the truth, and then he looked at his brethren; they opposed it. Could he tear away from those who had stood side by side with him in proclaiming the coming of Jesus? He thought they surely would not lead him astray. {EW 258.1} God suffered him to fall under the power of Satan, the dominion of
death, and hid him in the grave from those who were constantly drawing him from
the truth. Moses erred as he was about to enter the Promised Land. So also, I
saw that William Miller erred as he was soon to enter the heavenly Canaan, in
suffering his influence to go against the truth. Others led him to this; others
must account for it. But angels watch the precious dust of this servant of God,
and he will come forth at the sound of the last trump. I was pointed back to the proclamation of the first advent of Christ.
John was sent in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way of Jesus.
Those who rejected the testimony of John were not benefited by the teachings of
Jesus. Their opposition to the message that foretold His coming placed them
where they could not readily receive the strongest evidence that He was the
Messiah. Satan led on those who rejected the message of John to go still
farther, to reject and crucify Christ. In doing this they placed themselves
where they could not receive the blessing on the day of Pentecost, which would
have taught them the way into the heavenly sanctuary. The rending Many look with horror at the course of the Jews in rejecting and
crucifying Christ; and as they read the history of His shameful abuse, they
think they love Him, and would not have denied Him as did Peter, or crucified
Him as did the Jews. But God who reads the hearts of all, has brought to the
test that love for Jesus which they professed to feel. All heaven watched with
the deepest interest the reception of the first angel's message. But many who
professed to love Jesus, and who shed tears as they read the story of the cross,
derided the good news of His coming. Instead of receiving the message with
gladness, they declared it to be a delusion. They hated those who loved His
appearing and shut them out of the churches. Those who rejected the first
message could not be benefited by the second; neither were they benefited by the
midnight cry, which was to prepare them to enter with Jesus by faith into the
most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. And by rejecting the two former
messages, they have so darkened their understanding that they can see no light
in the third angel's I saw that God has honest children among the nominal Adventists and the
fallen churches, and before the plagues shall be poured out, ministers and
people will be called out from these churches and will gladly receive the truth.
Satan knows this; and before the loud cry of the third angel is given, he raises
an excitement in these religious bodies, that those who have rejected the truth
may think that God is with them. He hopes to deceive the honest and lead them to
think that God is still working for the churches. But the light will shine, and
all who are honest will leave the fallen churches, and take their stand with the
remnant. I saw that the saints must have a thorough understanding of present truth, which they will be obliged to maintain from the Scriptures. They must understand the state of the dead; for the spirits of devils will yet appear to them, professing to be beloved relatives or friends, who will declare to them unscriptural doctrines. They will do all in their power to excite sympathy and will work miracles before them to confirm what they declare. The people of God must be prepared to withstand these spirits with the Bible truth that the dead know not anything, and that they who thus appear are the spirits of devils. {EW 262.2} We must examine well the foundation of our hope; for we shall have to
give a reason for it from the Scriptures. This delusion will spread, and we
shall have to contend with it face to face; and unless we are prepared for it,
we shall be ensnared and overcome. But if we do what we can on our part to be
ready for the conflict that is just before us, God will do His part, and His
all-powerful arm will protect us. He would sooner send every angel out of glory
to make a hedge about faithful souls, than have them deceived and led away by
the lying wonders of Satan. I saw the rapidity with which this delusion was spreading. A train of cars was shown me, going with the speed of lightning. The angel bade me look carefully. I fixed my eyes upon the train. It seemed that the whole world was on board. Then he showed me the conductor, a fair, stately person, whom all the passengers looked up to and reverenced. I was perplexed and asked my attending angel who it was. He said, "It is Satan. He is the conductor, in the form of an angel of light. He has taken the world captive. They are given over to strong delusions, to believe a lie that they may be damned. His agent, the highest in order next to him, is the engineer, and others of his agents are employed in different offices as he may need them, and they are all going with lightning speed to perdition." {EW 263.1} I asked the angel if there were none left. He bade me look in the opposite direction, and I saw a little company traveling a narrow pathway. All seemed to be firmly united by the truth. This little company looked careworn, as if they had passed through severe trials and conflicts. And it appeared as if the sun had just arisen from behind a cloud and shone upon their countenances, causing them to look triumphant as if their victories were nearly won. {EW 263.2} I saw that the Lord has given the world opportunity to discover the
snare. This one thing is evidence enough for the Christian if there were no
other; there is no difference made between the precious and the vile. Thomas
Paine, whose body has now moldered to dust and who is to be called forth at the
end of the one thousand years, at the second resurrection, to receive his
reward, and suffer the second death, is represented by Satan as being in heaven,
and highly exalted there. Satan used him on earth as long as he could, and now
he is carrying on the same work He who is the father of lies, blinds and deceives the world by sending forth his angels to speak for the apostles, and to make it appear that they contradict what they wrote by the dictation of the Holy Ghost when on earth. These lying angels make the apostles to corrupt their own teachings and to declare them to be adulterated. By so doing, Satan delights to throw professed Christians and all the world into uncertainty about the Word of God. That holy Book cuts directly across his track and thwarts his plans; therefore he leads men to doubt the divine origin of the Bible. Then he sets up the infidel Thomas Paine, as if when he died he were ushered into heaven, and now, united with the holy apostles whom he hated on earth, were engaged in teaching the world. {EW 264.1} Satan assigns to each of his angels a part to act. He enjoins upon them
all to be sly, artful, cunning. He instructs some of them to act the part of the
apostles and to speak for them, while others are to act the part of infidels and
wicked men who died cursing God, but now appear to be very religious. There is
no difference made between the most holy apostles and the vilest infidels. They
are both made to teach the same thing. It matters not whom Satan makes to speak,
if his object is only accomplished. He was intimately connected with Paine upon
earth, aiding him in his work, and it is an easy thing for him to know the very
words and the handwriting of one who The fact that Satan claims that one whom he loved so well, and who hated God so perfectly, is now with the holy apostles and angels in glory, should be enough to remove the veil from all minds and discover to them the dark, mysterious works of Satan. He virtually says to the world and to infidels, "No matter how wicked you are, no matter whether you believe or disbelieve in God or the Bible, live as you please, heaven is your home; for all know that if Thomas Paine is in heaven, and so exalted, they will surely get there." This is so glaring that all may see if they will. Satan is now doing, through individuals like Thomas Paine, what he has been trying to do since his fall. He is, through his power and lying wonders, tearing away the foundation of the Christian's hope and putting out the sun that is to light the narrow way to heaven. He is making the world believe that the Bible is uninspired, no better than a storybook, while he holds out something to take its place; namely, spiritual manifestations. {EW 265.1} Here is a channel wholly devoted to himself, under his control, and he
can make the world believe what he will. The book that is to judge him and his
followers, he puts back into the shade, just where he wants it. The Saviour of
the world he makes to be no more than a common man; and as the Roman guard that
watched the tomb of Jesus spread the lying report that the chief priests and
elders put into their I saw that Satan carries out his plans well. As the servants of God
appoint meetings, Satan with his angels is on the ground to hinder the work. He
is constantly putting suggestions into the minds of God's people. He leads some
in one way and some in another, always taking advantage of evil traits in the
brethren and sisters, exciting and stirring up their natural besetments. If they
are disposed to be selfish and covetous, Satan takes his stand by their side,
and with all his power seeks to lead them to indulge their besetting sins. The
grace of God and the light of truth may melt away their covetous, selfish
feelings for a little, but if they do not obtain entire victory, Satan comes in
when they are not under a saving influence and withers every noble, generous
principle, and they think that too much is required of them. They become weary
of well-doing and forget the great Satan took advantage of the covetous, selfish disposition of Judas and led him to murmur when Mary poured the costly ointment upon Jesus. Judas looked upon this as a great waste, and declared that the ointment might have been sold and given to the poor. He cared not for the poor, but considered the liberal offering to Jesus extravagant. Judas prized his Lord just enough to sell Him for a few pieces of silver. And I saw that there were some like Judas among those who profess to be waiting for their Lord. Satan controls them, but they know it not. God cannot approve of the least degree of covetousness or selfishness, and He abhors the prayers and exhortations of those who indulge these evil traits. As Satan sees that his time is short, he leads men on to be more and more selfish and covetous, and then exults as he sees them wrapped up in themselves, close, penurious, and selfish. If the eyes of such could be opened, they would see Satan in hellish triumph, exulting over them and laughing at the folly of those who accept his suggestions and enter his snares. {EW 268.1} Satan and his angels mark all the mean and covetous acts of these
persons and present them to Jesus and His holy angels, saying reproachfully,
"These are Christ's followers! They are preparing to be translated!" Satan
compares their course with passages of Scripture in which it is plainly rebuked
and then taunts the heavenly angels, saying, "These are following Christ and His
Word! These are the fruit of Christ's sacrifice and redemption!" Angels turn in
disgust from the scene. God requires a constant doing on the part of His people;
and when they become weary of well-doing, He becomes weary of them. I saw that
He is greatly displeased with the least manifestation Evil angels crowded around, pressing darkness upon them to shut out
Jesus from their view, that their eyes might be drawn to the darkness that
surrounded them, and thus they be led to distrust God and murmur against Him.
Their only safety was in keeping their eyes directed upward. Angels of God had
charge over His people, and as the poisonous atmosphere of evil angels was
pressed around these anxious ones, the As the praying ones continued their earnest cries, at times a ray of light from Jesus came to them, to encourage their hearts and light up their countenances. Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resisting the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud. The angels of God left these and went to the aid of the earnest, praying ones. I saw angels of God hasten to the assistance of all who were struggling with all their power to resist the evil angels and trying to help themselves by calling upon God with perseverance. But His angels left those who made no effort to help themselves, and I lost sight of them. {EW 270.1} I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this is what will cause a shaking among God's people. {EW 270.2} I saw that the testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance; all who truly receive it will obey it and be purified. {EW 270.3} Said the angel, "List ye!" Soon I heard a voice like many musical
instruments all sounding in perfect strains, sweet and harmonious. It surpassed
any music I had ever heard, seeming to be full of mercy, compassion, and
elevating, holy joy. It thrilled through The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out and left by the way. The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, and their places were immediately filled by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks. Evil angels still pressed around them, but could have no power over them. {EW 271.1} I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great
power. It had effect. Many had been bound; some wives by their husbands, and
some children by their parents. The honest who had been prevented from hearing
the truth now eagerly laid hold upon it. All fear of their relatives was gone,
and the truth alone was exalted to them. They had been hungering and thirsting
for truth; it was dearer and more precious than life. I asked what had made this
great change. An angel answered, "It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the
presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel." Great power was with these chosen ones. Said the angel, "Look ye!" My attention was turned to the wicked, or unbelievers. They were all astir. The zeal and power with the people of God had aroused and enraged them. Confusion, confusion, was on every side. I saw measures taken against the company who had the light and power of God. Darkness thickened around them; yet they stood firm, approved of God, and trusting in Him. I saw them perplexed; next I heard them crying unto God earnestly. Day and night their cry ceased not: "Thy will, O God, be done! If it can glorify Thy name, make a way of escape for Thy people! Deliver us from the heathen around about us. They have appointed us unto death; but Thine arm can bring salvation." These are all the words which I can bring to mind. All seemed to have a deep sense of their unworthiness and manifested entire submission to the will of God; yet, like Jacob, every one, without an exception, was earnestly pleading and wrestling for deliverance. {EW 272.1} Soon after they had commenced their earnest cry, the angels, in sympathy, desired to go to their deliverance. But a tall, commanding angel suffered them not. He said, "The will of God is not yet fulfilled. They must drink of the cup. They must be baptized with the baptism." {EW 272.2} Soon I heard the voice of God, which shook the heavens and the earth.
There was a mighty earthquake. Buildings were shaken down on every side. I then
heard a triumphant shout of victory, loud, musical, and clear. I looked upon the
company, who, a short time before, were in such distress and bondage. Their
captivity was turned. A glorious light shone upon them. How beautiful they then
looked! All marks of care and weariness were gone, and health and beauty were
seen in every countenance. Their Said the angel, "Nothing less than the whole armor of righteousness can
enable man to overcome the powers of darkness and retain the victory over them.
Satan has taken full possession of the churches as a body. I saw that since Jesus left the holy place of the heavenly sanctuary and
entered within the second veil, the churches have been filling up with every
unclean and hateful bird. I saw great iniquity and vileness in the churches; yet
their members profess to be Christians. Their profession, their prayers, and
their exhortations are an abomination in the sight of God. Said the angel, "God
will not smell in their assemblies. Selfishness, fraud, and deceit are practiced
by them without the reprovings of conscience. And over all these evil traits
they throw the cloak of religion." I was shown the pride of the nominal
churches. God is not in their thoughts; their carnal minds dwell upon
themselves; they decorate their poor mortal bodies, and then look upon
themselves with satisfaction and pleasure. Jesus and the angels look upon them
in anger. Said the angel, "Their sins and pride have reached unto heaven. Their
portion is prepared. Justice and judgment have slumbered long, but will soon
awake. Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." The fearful
threatenings of the third angel are to be realized, and all the wicked are to
drink of the wrath of God. An innumerable host of evil angels are spreading over
the whole land and crowding the churches. These agents of Satan look upon the
religious bodies All heaven beholds with indignation human beings, the workmanship of God, reduced by their fellow men to the lowest depths of degradation and placed on a level with the brute creation. Professed followers of that dear Saviour whose compassion was ever moved at the sight of human woe, heartily engage in this enormous and grievous sin, and deal in slaves and souls of men. Human agony is carried from place to place and bought and sold. Angels have recorded it all; it is written in the book. The tears of the pious bondmen and bondwomen, of fathers, mothers, and children, brothers and sisters, are all bottled up in heaven. God will restrain His anger but little longer. His wrath burns against this nation and especially against the religious bodies that have sanctioned this terrible traffic and have themselves engaged in it. Such injustice, such oppression, such sufferings, are looked upon with heartless indifference by many professed followers of the meek and lowly Jesus. And many of them can themselves inflict, with hateful satisfaction, all this indescribable agony; and yet they dare to worship God. It is solemn mockery; Satan exults over it and reproaches Jesus and His angels with such inconsistency, saying, with hellish triumph, "Such are Christ's followers!" {EW 275.1} These professed Christians read of the sufferings of the martyrs, and
tears course down their cheeks. They wonder that men could ever become so
hardened as to practice such cruelty toward their fellow men. Yet those who
think and speak thus are at the same time holding human beings in slavery. And
this is not all; they sever the ties of nature and cruelly oppress their fellow
men. They can inflict most inhuman torture with the same relentless cruelty
manifested by I saw that the slave master [SEE APPENDIX.] will have to answer for the
soul of his slave whom he has kept in ignorance; and the sins of the slave will
be visited upon the master. God cannot take to heaven the slave who has been
kept in ignorance and degradation, knowing nothing of God or the Bible, fearing
nothing but his master's lash, and holding a lower position than the brutes. But
He does the best thing for him that a compassionate God can do. He permits him
to be as if he had not been, while the master must endure the seven last plagues
and then come up in the second resurrection and suffer the second, most awful
death. Then the justice of God will be satisfied. Angels were sent to aid the mighty angel from heaven, and I heard voices
which seemed to sound everywhere, "Come out of her, My people, that ye be not
partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have
reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." This message
seemed to be an addition to the third message, joining it as the midnight cry
joined the second angel's message in 1844. The glory of God rested upon the The light that was shed upon the waiting ones penetrated everywhere, and those in the churches who had any light, who had not heard and rejected the three messages, obeyed the call and left the fallen churches. Many had come to years of accountability since these messages had been given, and the light shone upon them, and they were privileged to choose life or death. Some chose life and took their stand with those who were looking for their Lord and keeping all His commandments. The third message was to do its work; all were to be tested upon it, and the precious ones were to be called out from the religious bodies. A compelling power moved the honest, while the manifestation of the power of God brought a fear and restraint upon their unbelieving relatives and friends so that they dared not, neither had they the power to, hinder those who felt the work of the Spirit of God upon them. The last call was carried even to the poor slaves, and the pious among them poured forth their songs of rapturous joy at the prospect of their happy deliverance. Their masters could not check them; fear and astonishment kept them silent. Mighty miracles were wrought, the sick were healed, and signs and wonders followed the believers. God was in the work, and every saint, fearless of consequences, followed the convictions of his own conscience and united with those who were keeping all the commandments of God; and with power they sounded abroad the third message. I saw that this message will close with power and strength far exceeding the midnight cry. {EW 278.1} Servants of God, endowed with power from on high I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven. An angel with a writer's
inkhorn by his side returned from the earth and reported to Jesus that his work
was done, and the saints were numbered and sealed. Then I saw Jesus, who had
been ministering before the ark containing the ten commandments, throw down the
censer. He raised His hands, and with a loud voice said, "It is done." And all
the angelic host laid off their crowns as Jesus made the solemn Every case had been decided for life or death. While Jesus had been ministering in the sanctuary, the judgment had been going on for the righteous dead, and then for the righteous living. Christ had received His kingdom, having made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The subjects of the kingdom were made up. The marriage of the Lamb was consummated. And the kingdom, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, was given to Jesus and the heirs of salvation, and Jesus was to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. {EW 280.1} As Jesus moved out of the most holy place, I heard the tinkling of the
bells upon His garment; and as He left, a cloud of darkness covered the
inhabitants of the earth. There was then no mediator between guilty man and an
offended God. While Jesus had been standing between God and guilty man, a
restraint was upon the people; but when He stepped out from between man and the
Father, the restraint was removed and Satan had entire control of the finally
impenitent. It was impossible for the plagues to be poured out while Jesus
officiated in the sanctuary; but as His work there is finished, and His
intercession closes, there is nothing to stay the wrath of God, and it breaks
with fury upon the shelterless head of the guilty sinner, who has slighted
salvation and hated reproof. In that fearful time, after the close of Jesus'
mediation, the saints were living in the sight of a holy God without an
intercessor. Every case was decided, every jewel numbered. Jesus tarried a
moment in the outer apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, and the sins which had
been confessed while He was in the Then I saw Jesus lay off His priestly attire and clothe Himself with His most kingly robes. Upon His head were many crowns, a crown within a crown. Surrounded by the angelic host, He left heaven. The plagues were falling upon the inhabitants of the earth. Some were denouncing God and cursing Him. Others rushed to the people of God and begged to be taught how they might escape His judgments. But the saints had nothing for them. The last tear for sinners had been shed, the last agonizing prayer offered, the last burden borne, the last warning given. The sweet voice of mercy was no more to invite them. When the saints, and all heaven, were interested for their salvation, they had no interest for themselves. Life and death had been set before them. Many desired life, but made no effort to obtain it. They did not choose life, and now there was no atoning blood to cleanse the guilty, no compassionate Saviour to plead for them, and cry, "Spare, spare the sinner a little longer." All heaven had united with Jesus, as they heard the fearful words, "It is done. It is finished." The plan of salvation had been accomplished, but few had chosen to accept it. And as mercy's sweet voice died away, fear and horror seized the wicked. With terrible distinctness they heard the words, "Too late! too late!" {EW 281.1} Those who had not prized God's Word were hurrying to and fro, wandering
from sea to sea, and from the north to the east, to seek the Word of the Lord.
Said the angel, "They shall not find it. There is a famine in the land; not a
famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but for hearing the words of the Lord.
What would they not give for one word of approval from God! but no, they must
hunger and thirst on. Day after day have they slighted salvation, Many of the wicked were greatly enraged as they suffered the effects of
the plagues. It was a scene of fearful agony. Parents were bitterly reproaching
their children, and children their parents, brothers their sisters, and sisters
their brothers. Loud, wailing cries were heard in every direction, "It was you
who kept me from receiving the truth which would have saved me from this awful
hour." The people turned upon their ministers with bitter hate and reproached
them, saying, "You have not warned us. You told us that all the world was to be
converted, and cried, Peace, peace, to quiet every fear that was aroused. You
have not told us of this hour; and those who warned us of it you declared to be
fanatics and evil men, who would ruin us." But I saw that the ministers did not
escape the wrath of God. Their suffering was tenfold greater than that of their
people. Soon I saw the saints suffering great mental anguish. They seemed to be surrounded by the wicked inhabitants of the earth. Every appearance was against them. Some began to fear that God had at last left them to perish by the hand of the wicked. But if their eyes could have been opened, they would have seen themselves surrounded by angels of God. Next came the multitude of the angry wicked, and next a mass of evil angels, hurrying on the wicked to slay the saints. But before they could approach God's people, the wicked must first pass this company of mighty, holy angels. This was impossible. The angels of God were causing them to recede and also causing the evil angels who were pressing around them to fall back. {EW 283.1} It was an hour of fearful, terrible agony to the saints. Day and night
they cried unto God for deliverance. To outward appearance, there was no
possibility of their escape. The wicked had already begun to triumph, crying
out, "Why doesn't your God deliver you out of our hands? Why don't you go up and
save your lives?" But the saints heeded them not, I was pointed back to faithful Noah. When the rain descended and the flood came, Noah and his family had entered the ark, and God had shut them in. Noah had faithfully warned the inhabitants of the antediluvian world, while they had mocked and derided him. And as the waters descended upon the earth, and one after another was drowning, they beheld that ark, of which they had made so much sport, riding safely upon the waters, preserving the faithful Noah and His family. So I saw that the people of God, who had faithfully warned the world of His coming wrath, would be delivered. God would not suffer the wicked to destroy those who were expecting translation and who would not bow to the decree of the beast or receive his mark. I saw that if the wicked were permitted to slay the saints, Satan and all his evil host, and all who hate God, would be gratified. And oh, what a triumph it would be for his satanic majesty to have power, in the last closing struggle, over those who had so long waited to behold Him whom they loved! Those who have mocked at the idea of the saints' going up will witness the care of God for His people and behold their glorious deliverance. {EW 284.1} As the saints left the cities and villages, they were pursued by the
wicked, who sought to slay them. But The sky opened and shut and was in commotion. The mountains shook like a
reed in the wind and cast out ragged rocks all around. The sea boiled like a pot
and cast out stones upon the land. And as God spoke the day and the hour of
Jesus' coming and delivered the everlasting covenant to His people, He spoke one
sentence, and then paused, while the words were rolling through the earth. The
Israel of God stood with their eyes fixed upward, listening to Then commenced the jubilee, when the land should rest. I saw the pious slave rise in victory and triumph, and shake off the chains that bound him, while his wicked master was in confusion and knew not what to do; for the wicked could not understand the words of the voice of God. {EW 286.1} Soon appeared the great white cloud, upon which sat the Son of man. When
it first appeared in the distance, this cloud looked very small. The angel said
that it was the sign of the Son of man. As it drew nearer the earth, we could
behold the excellent glory and majesty of Jesus as He rode forth to conquer. A
retinue of holy angels, with bright, glittering crowns upon their heads,
escorted Him on His way. No language can describe the glory of the scene. The
living cloud of majesty and unsurpassed glory came still nearer, and we could
clearly behold the lovely person of Jesus. He did not wear a crown of thorns,
but a crown of glory rested upon His holy brow. Upon His vesture and thigh was a
name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords. His countenance was as bright as
the noonday sun, His eyes were as a flame of fire, and His feet had the
appearance of fine brass. His voice sounded like many musical instruments. The
The earth mightily shook as the voice of the Son of God called forth the sleeping saints. They responded to the call and came forth clothed with glorious immortality, crying, "Victory, victory, over death and the grave! O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" Then the living saints and the risen ones raised their voices in a long, transporting shout of victory. Those bodies that had gone down into the grave bearing the marks of disease and death came up in immortal health and vigor. The living saints are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and caught up with the risen ones, and together they meet their Lord in the air. Oh, what a glorious meeting! Friends whom death had separated were united, never more to part. {EW 287.1} On each side of the cloudy chariot were wings, and beneath it were
living wheels; and as the chariot rolled upward, the wheels cried, "Holy," and
the wings, as they moved, cried, "Holy," and the retinue of holy I then saw Jesus leading His people to the tree of life, and again we heard His lovely voice, richer than any music that ever fell on mortal ear, saying, "The leaves of this tree are for the healing of the nations. Eat ye all of it." Upon the tree of life was most beautiful fruit, of which the saints could partake freely. In the city was a most glorious throne, from which proceeded a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal. On each side of this river was the tree of life, and on the banks of the river were other beautiful trees bearing fruit which was good for food. {EW 289.1} Language is altogether too feeble to attempt a description of heaven. As
the scene rises before me, I am lost in amazement. Carried away with the
surpassing splendor and excellent glory, I lay down the pen, and exclaim, "Oh,
what love! what wondrous love!" The most exalted language fails to describe the
glory of heaven or the matchless depths of a Saviour's love. The earth looked like a desolate wilderness. Cities and villages, shaken down by the earthquake, lay in heaps. Mountains had been moved out of their places, leaving large caverns. Ragged rocks, thrown out by the sea, or torn out of the earth itself, were scattered all over its surface. Large trees had been uprooted and were strewn over the land. Here is to be the home of Satan with his evil angels for a thousand years. Here he will be confined, to wander up and down over the broken surface of the earth and see the effects of his rebellion against God's law. For a thousand years he can enjoy the fruit of the curse which he has caused. Limited alone to the earth, he will not have the privilege of ranging to other planets, to tempt and annoy those who have not fallen. During this time, Satan suffers extremely. Since his fall his evil traits have been in constant exercise. But he is then to be deprived of his power, and left to reflect upon the part which he has acted since his fall, and to look forward with trembling and terror to the dreadful future, when he must suffer for all the evil that he has done and be punished for all the sins that he has caused to be committed. {EW 290.1} I heard shouts of triumph from the angels and from the redeemed saints, which sounded like ten thousand musical instruments, because they were to be no more annoyed and tempted by Satan and because the inhabitants of other worlds were delivered from his presence and his temptations. {EW 290.2} Then I saw thrones, and Jesus and the redeemed saints sat upon them; and
the saints reigned as kings After the judgment of the wicked dead had been finished, at the end of
the one thousand years, Jesus left the city, and the saints and a train of the
angelic host followed Him. Jesus descended upon a great mountain, which as soon
as His feet touched it, parted asunder and became a mighty plain. Then we looked
up and saw the great and beautiful city, with twelve foundations, and twelve
gates, three on each side, and an angel at each gate. We cried out, "The city!
the great city! it is coming down from God out of heaven!" And it came down in
all its splendor and dazzling glory and settled in the mighty plain which Jesus
had prepared for it. All are seeking to hide in the rocks, to shield themselves from the
terrible glory of Him whom they once despised. And, overwhelmed and pained with
His majesty and exceeding glory, they with one accord raise their voices, and
with terrible distinctness exclaim, "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of
the Lord!" Then Jesus and the holy angels, accompanied by all the saints, again go to the city, and the bitter lamentations and wailings of the doomed wicked fill the air. Then I saw that Satan again commenced his work. He passed around among his subjects, and made the weak and feeble strong, and told them that he and his angels were powerful. He pointed to the countless millions who had been raised. There were mighty warriors and kings who were well skilled in battle and who had conquered kingdoms. And there were mighty giants and valiant men who had never lost a battle. There was the proud, ambitious Napoleon, whose approach had caused kingdoms to tremble. There stood men of lofty stature and dignified bearing, who had fallen in battle while thirsting to conquer. As they come forth from their graves, they resume the current of their thoughts where it ceased in death. They possess the same desire to conquer which ruled when they fell. Satan consults with his angels, and then with those kings and conquerors and mighty men. Then he looks over the vast army, and tells them that the company in the city is small and feeble, and that they can go up and take it, and cast out its inhabitants, and possess its riches and glory themselves. {EW 293.1} Satan succeeds in deceiving them, and all immediately begin to prepare
themselves for battle. There are many skillful men in that vast army, and they
construct all kinds of implements of war. Then with Satan at their head, the
multitude move on. Kings and warriors follow close after Satan, and the
multitude follow after in companies. Each company has its leader, and order is
observed as they march over the broken surface of the earth to the Holy City.
Jesus closes the gates of the city, and this vast army surround it, and place
themselves in battle array, expecting a fierce conflict. Jesus and all the
angelic host and Satan and his angels suffered long. Satan bore not only the weight and
punishment of his own sins, but Said the angel, "Satan is the root, his children are the branches. They
are now consumed root and branch. They have died an everlasting death. They are
never to have a resurrection, and God will have a clean universe." I then looked
and saw the fire which had consumed the wicked, burning up the rubbish and
purifying the earth. Again I looked and saw the earth purified. There was not a
single sign of the curse. The broken, uneven surface of the earth now looked
like a level, extensive plain. God's entire universe was clean, and the great
controversy was forever ended. Wherever we looked, everything upon which the eye
rested was beautiful and holy. And all the redeemed host, old and young, great
and small, cast their glittering crowns at the feet of their Redeemer, and
prostrated themselves in adoration before Him, and worshiped Him that liveth
forever and ever. The beautiful new earth, with all its glory, was the eternal
inheritance of the saints. The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the
kingdom under the whole heaven, was then given to the saints of the Most High,
who were to possess it forever, even forever and ever. 75 APPENDIX PAGES 13-20: "MY FIRST VISION."--THAT WHICH IS PRESENTED IN THIS CHAPTER WAS FIRST PUBLISHED BY THE EDITOR OF THE DAY-STAR ON JANUARY 24, 1846, AS "A LETTER FROM SISTER HARMON" DATED "PORTLAND, MAINE, DEC. 20, 1845." IT APPEARED AGAIN IN PRINT IN 1846, 1847, AND 1851 UNDER THE TITLE "TO THE REMNANT SCATTERED ABROAD." THE PRESENT TITLE WAS ASSIGNED IN 1882 IN THE REPRINTING OF EXPERIENCE AND VIEWS. {EW 297.1} DETAILED AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNTS AS PUBLISHED IN 1860 AND 1885 PRESENT THAT WHICH APPEARS HERE AS TWO DISTINCT VISIONS. SEE "MY FIRST VISION" IN SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. 2, PP. 30-35; TESTIMONIES, VOL. 1, PP. 58-61; AND "VISION OF THE NEW EARTH," IN SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. 2, PP. 52-55; TESTIMONIES, VOL. 1, PP. {EW 297.2} PAGES 15-20: PORTRAYAL OF FUTURE EVENTS.--AS MRS. WHITE DESCRIBED THAT WHICH GOD REVEALED TO HER CONCERNING FUTURE EVENTS, SHE DID SO, AT TIMES, AS ONE PARTICIPATING IN THESE EVENTS, WHETHER THEY WERE IN THE PAST OR THE PRESENT OR THE FUTURE. IN RESPONSE TO INQUIRIES AS TO HER STATE IN VISION, SHE WROTE: {EW 297.3} "WHEN THE LORD SEES FIT TO GIVE A VISION, I AM TAKEN INTO THE PRESENCE OF JESUS AND ANGELS, AND AM ENTIRELY LOST TO EARTHLY THINGS. . . . MY ATTENTION IS OFTEN DIRECTED TO SCENES TRANSPIRING UPON EARTH. AT TIMES I AM CARRIED FAR AHEAD INTO THE FUTURE AND SHOWN WHAT IS TO TAKE PLACE. THEN AGAIN I AM SHOWN THINGS AS THEY HAVE OCCURRED IN THE PAST."--SPIRITUAL GIFTS, VOL. 2, P. 292. {EW 297.4} ELLEN WHITE, AN ADVENTIST HERSELF, WROTE AS ONE PRESENT WHO SAW AND HEARD THAT WHICH IS YET TO TAKE PLACE; E.G., EARLY WRITINGS: {EW 297.5} "SOON WE HEARD THE VOICE OF GOD LIKE MANY WATERS, WHICH GAVE US THE DAY AND HOUR OF JESUS' COMING."--PAGE 15. {EW 297.6} "WE ALL ENTERED THE CLOUD TOGETHER, AND WERE SEVEN DAYS ASCENDING TO THE SEA OF GLASS, WHEN JESUS BROUGHT THE CROWNS, AND WITH HIS OWN RIGHT HAND PLACED THEM ON OUR HEADS."--PAGE 16. {EW 297.7} "WE ALL MARCHED IN AND FELT THAT WE HAD A PERFECT RIGHT IN THE CITY." {EW 297.8} "WE SAW THE TREE OF LIFE AND THE THRONE OF GOD." {EW 297.9} "WITH JESUS AT OUR HEAD WE ALL DESCENDED FROM THE CITY DOWN TO THIS EARTH."--PAGE 17. {EW 297.10} "AS WE WERE ABOUT TO ENTER THE HOLY TEMPLE . . ." {EW 297.11} "THE WONDERFUL THINGS I THERE SAW I CANNOT DESCRIBE."-- PAGE 19. {EW 297.12} AFTER THE VISION SHE WAS ABLE TO RECALL MUCH OF WHAT HAD BEEN SHOWN TO
HER, BUT THAT WHICH WAS SECRET, AND NOT TO BE REVEALED, SHE COULD NOT RECALL. AS
A PART OF THE SCENE OF WHAT IS TO TAKE PLACE WHEN GOD'S PEOPLE ARE DELIVERED
(PAGE 285), SHE HEARD ANNOUNCED "THE DAY AND HOUR OF JESUS' COMING" (PAGE 15;
SEE ALSO PAGE 34). BUT OF THIS SHE LATER WROTE: "I HAVE NOT THE SLIGHTEST KNOWLEDGE AS TO THE TIME SPOKEN BY THE VOICE OF GOD. I HEARD THE HOUR PROCLAIMED, BUT HAD NO REMEMBRANCE OF THAT HOUR AFTER I CAME OUT OF VISION. SCENES OF SUCH THRILLING, SOLEMN INTEREST PASSED BEFORE ME, AS NO LANGUAGE IS ADEQUATE TO DESCRIBE. IT WAS ALL A LIVING REALITY TO ME."--ELLEN G. WHITE LETTER 38, 1888, PUBLISHED IN SELECTED MESSAGES, BOOK 1, P. 76. {EW 298.1} THE FACT THAT SHE SEEMED TO BE PARTICIPATING IN CERTAIN EVENTS OFFERED NO GUARANTEE THAT SHE WOULD BE A PARTICIPANT WHEN THE EVENTS OCCURRED. {EW 298.2} PAGE 17: BRETHREN FITCH AND STOCKMAN.--IN THE ACCOUNT OF HER FIRST VISION MRS. WHITE MAKES REFERENCE TO "BRETHREN FITCH AND STOCKMAN" AS MEN SHE MET AND CONVERSED WITH IN THE NEW JERUSALEM. BOTH WERE MINISTERS WITH WHOM ELLEN WHITE HAD BEEN ACQUAINTED AND WHO HAD TAKEN AN ACTIVE PART IN PROCLAIMING THE MESSAGE OF THE EXPECTED ADVENT OF CHRIST, BUT WHO HAD DIED SHORTLY BEFORE THE DISAPPOINTMENT OF OCTOBER 22, 1844. {EW 298.3} CHARLES FITCH, A PRESBYTERIAN MINISTER, ACCEPTED THE ADVENT MESSAGE FROM READING WILLIAM MILLER'S LECTURES AND THROUGH HIS MEETING WITH JOSIAH LITCH. HE THREW HIMSELF WHOLEHEARTEDLY INTO THE PROCLAMATION OF THE EXPECTED ADVENT OF CHRIST AT THE CLOSE OF THE 2300-YEAR PERIOD, AND BECAME A PROMINENT LEADER IN THE ADVENT AWAKENING. IN 1842 HE DESIGNED THE PROPHETIC CHART USED SO EFFECTIVELY AND REFERRED TO IN EARLY WRITINGS ON PAGE 74. HE DIED A LITTLE MORE THAN A WEEK BEFORE OCTOBER 22, 1844. HIS DEATH CAME ABOUT THROUGH ILLNESS CONTRACTED THROUGH OVER-EXPOSURE IN CONDUCTING THREE BAPTISMAL SERVICES ON A CHILLY AUTUMN DAY. (SEE PROPHETIC FAITH OF OUR FATHERS, VOL. 4, PP. 533-545.) {EW 298.4} LEVI F. STOCKMAN WAS A YOUTHFUL METHODIST MINISTER OF THE STATE OF MAINE WHO IN 1842, WITH ABOUT THIRTY OTHER METHODIST MINISTERS, EMBRACED AND BEGAN TO PREACH THE SECOND ADVENT OF CHRIST. HE WAS LABORING IN PORTLAND, MAINE, WHEN IN 1843 HIS HEALTH FAILED. HE DIED OF TUBERCULOSIS ON JUNE 25, 1844. IT WAS TO HIM THAT MRS. WHITE, AS A GIRL, WENT FOR ADVICE WHEN IN HER DISCOURAGEMENT GOD SPOKE TO HER IN TWO DREAMS. (SEE EARLY WRITINGS, PP. 12, 78-81; PROPHETIC FAITH OF OUR FATHERS, VOL. 4, PP. 780-782.) {EW 298.5} PAGE 21: MESMERISM.--IN ORDER TO JUSTIFY THEIR OPPOSITION, SOME EARLY ENEMIES OF THE VISIONS SUGGESTED THAT ELLEN WHITE'S EXPERIENCE WAS BROUGHT ABOUT THROUGH MESMERISM, A PHENOMENON KNOWN TODAY AS HYPNOSIS. HYPNOSIS IS A STATE RESEMBLING SLEEP, INDUCED THROUGH THE POWER OF SUGGESTION, THE HYPNOTIZED SUBJECT BEING IN RAPPORT WITH THE ONE INDUCING THE STATE AND RESPONSIVE TO HIS SUGGESTIONS. WHEN, HOWEVER, AS MRS. WHITE HERE REPORTS, A MESMERIZING PHYSICIAN ATTEMPTED TO HYPNOTIZE HER, HE WAS HELPLESS IN HER PRESENCE. {EW 298.6} ELLEN WHITE EARLY IN HER EXPERIENCE WAS CAUTIONED REGARDING THE PERILS
OF HYPNOSIS, AND IN LATER YEARS, ON A NUMBER OF PAGE 33: NOMINAL ADVENTISTS.--THOSE WHO UNITED IN SOUNDING THE FIRST AND SECOND ANGELS' MESSAGES BUT WHO REJECTED THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE WITH ITS SABBATH TRUTH, BUT NONETHELESS CONTINUED TO ESPOUSE THE ADVENT HOPE, ARE REFERRED TO BY MRS. WHITE AS THE "NOMINAL ADVENTISTS," OR THOSE WHO "REJECT THE PRESENT TRUTH" (PAGE 69), ALSO "DIFFERENT PARTIES OF PROFESSED ADVENT BELIEVERS" (PAGE 124). IN OUR EARLY LITERATURE THESE PEOPLE WERE ALSO REFERRED TO AS "FIRST-DAY ADVENTISTS." {EW 299.1} A LARGE NUMBER OF CHRISTIANS WERE DISAPPOINTED IN THE AUTUMN OF 1844 WHEN CHRIST DID NOT COME AS THEY EXPECTED. THE ADVENTISTS DIVIDED INTO SEVERAL GROUPS, THE SURVIVORS OF WHICH TODAY COMPRISE THE ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH, A SMALL BODY, AND THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS. {EW 299.2} ONLY A FEW AMONG THE ADVENTISTS MAINTAINED THEIR CONFIDENCE IN THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY IN 1844, BUT THOSE WHO DID STEPPED FORWARD INTO THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE WITH ITS SEVENTH-DAY SABBATH. OF THE EXPERIENCE AT THAT CRITICAL PERIOD ELLEN WHITE LATER WROTE: {EW 299.3} "HAD ADVENTISTS, AFTER THE GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT IN 1844, HELD FAST THEIR FAITH, AND FOLLOWED ON UNITEDLY IN THE OPENING PROVIDENCE OF GOD, RECEIVING THE MESSAGE OF THE THIRD ANGEL AND IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT PROCLAIMING IT TO THE WORLD, THEY WOULD HAVE SEEN THE SALVATION OF GOD, THE LORD WOULD HAVE WROUGHT MIGHTILY WITH THEIR EFFORTS, THE WORK WOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETED, AND CHRIST WOULD HAVE COME ERE THIS TO RECEIVE HIS PEOPLE TO THEIR REWARD. {EW 299.4} "BUT IN THE PERIOD OF DOUBT AND UNCERTAINTY THAT FOLLOWED THE DISAPPOINTMENT, MANY OF THE ADVENT BELIEVERS YIELDED THEIR FAITH. DISSENSIONS AND DIVISIONS CAME IN. THE MAJORITY OPPOSED WITH VOICE AND PEN THE FEW WHO, FOLLOWING IN THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD, RECEIVED THE SABBATH REFORM AND BEGAN TO PROCLAIM THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE. MANY WHO SHOULD HAVE DEVOTED THEIR TIME AND TALENTS TO THE ONE PURPOSE OF SOUNDING WARNING TO THE WORLD, WERE ABSORBED IN OPPOSING THE SABBATH TRUTH, AND IN TURN, THE LABOR OF ITS ADVOCATES WAS NECESSARILY SPENT IN ANSWERING THESE OPPONENTS AND DEFENDING THE TRUTH. THUS THE WORK WAS HINDERED, AND THE WORLD WAS LEFT IN DARKNESS. HAD THE WHOLE ADVENTIST BODY UNITED UPON THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD AND THE FAITH OF JESUS, HOW WIDELY DIFFERENT WOULD HAVE BEEN OUR HISTORY!" --SELECTED MESSAGES, BOOK 1, P. 68. {EW 299.5} PAGES 42-45: OPEN AND SHUT DOOR.--AS MRS. WHITE DISCUSSED THE GREAT
ADVENT MOVEMENT AND THE DISAPPOINTMENT OF OCTOBER 22, 1844, IN THE GREAT
CONTROVERSY AND REFERRED TO THE POSITIONS TAKEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE
DISAPPOINTMENT, SHE MAKES MENTION CONCERNING HER OWN PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP TO THIS MATTER, SHE WROTE IN 1874 THAT SHE "NEVER HAD A VISION THAT NO MORE SINNERS WOULD BE CONVERTED." NOR DID SHE EVER TEACH THIS VIEW. "IT WAS THE LIGHT GIVEN ME OF GOD," SHE WROTE AT ANOTHER TIME, "THAT CORRECTED OUR ERROR, AND ENABLED US TO SEE THE TRUE POSITION." (SELECTED MESSAGES, BOOK 1, PP. 74, 63.) {EW 300.1} PAGES 43, 44, AND 86: MYSTERIOUS KNOCKINGS IN NEW YORK, AND ROCHESTER KNOCKINGS.--REFERENCE IS HERE MADE TO INCIDENTS RELATING TO THE BEGINNINGS OF MODERN SPIRITUALISM. IN 1848 MYSTERIOUS RAPPINGS WERE HEARD IN THE HOME OF THE FOX FAMILY AT HYDESVILLE, A COMMUNITY ABOUT THIRTY-FIVE MILES EAST OF THE CITY OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK. AT A TIME WHEN THERE WERE VARIOUS CONJECTURES AS TO THE CAUSE OF THE RAPPINGS, ELLEN WHITE ANNOUNCED, ON THE AUTHORITY OF THE VISION GIVEN TO HER, THAT THEY WERE A MANIFESTATION OF SPIRITUALISM, THAT THIS PHENOMENON WOULD DEVELOP RAPIDLY, AND IN THE NAME OF RELIGION WOULD GAIN POPULARITY AND DECEIVE MULTITUDES, DEVELOPING INTO SATAN'S LAST-DAY MASTERPIECE OF DECEPTION. {EW 300.2} PAGE 50: MESSENGERS WITHOUT A MESSAGE.--THIS EXPRESSION APPEARS IN AN ACCOUNT OF A VIEW GIVEN TO ELLEN WHITE ON JANUARY 26, 1850. AT THIS TIME THE SABBATHKEEPING ADVENTISTS HAD NO CHURCH ORGANIZATION. NEARLY ALL WERE FEARFUL THAT ANY TYPE OF ORGANIZATION WOULD BRING IN FORMALITY AMONG THE BELIEVERS. BUT AS TIME WENT ON, DISCORDANT ELEMENTS BEGAN TO MAKE THEIR WAY INTO THE RANKS. MESSAGES OF WARNING CAME FROM ELLEN WHITE, AND THE SABBATHKEEPING ADVENTISTS WERE LED STEP BY STEP TO ADOPT THE FORMS OF CHURCH ORGANIZATION. AS A RESULT THE COMPANIES OF BELIEVERS WERE KNIT TOGETHER MORE CLOSELY THAN BEFORE; A WAY WAS DEVISED TO GIVE RECOGNITION TO MINISTERS WHO GAVE EVIDENCE THAT THEY COULD PREACH THE MESSAGE AND SUPPORT IT WITH THEIR LIVES; AND PROVISION WAS MADE TO CAST OUT THOSE WHO, UNDER THE PRETEXT OF PRESENTING TRUTH, TAUGHT ERROR. SEE "HISTORICAL PROLOGUE." {EW 300.3} PAGES 61, 62: UNITY OF THE SHEPHERDS.--SEE NOTE FOR PAGE 50, MESSENGERS WITHOUT A MESSAGE. {EW 300.4} PAGE 75: DUTY TO GO TO OLD JERUSALEM.--MRS. WHITE REFERS TO ERRONEOUS VIEWS THEN HELD BY A VERY FEW. THE NEXT YEAR, IN THE REVIEW AND HERALD OF OCTOBER 7, 1851, JAMES WHITE WRITES OF "THE DISTRACTING, UNPROFITABLE VIEWS RELATIVE TO OLD JERUSALEM AND THE JEWS, ETC., THAT ARE AFLOAT AT THE PRESENT TIME," AND OF "THE STRANGE NOTIONS THAT SOME HAVE RUN INTO, THAT THE SAINTS HAVE YET TO GO TO OLD JERUSALEM. ETC., ETC." {EW 300.5} PAGE 77: EDITOR OF THE DAY-STAR.--ENOCH JACOBS LIVED IN PAGE 86: SEE APPENDIX NOTE FOR PAGES 43, 44. {EW 301.1} PAGE 89: THOMAS PAINE.--THE WRITINGS OF THOMAS PAINE WERE WELL KNOWN AND WIDELY READ IN THE UNITED STATES IN THE 1840'S. HIS BOOK AGE OF REASON WAS A DEISTIC WORK AND DETRIMENTAL TO CHRISTIAN FAITH AND PRACTICE. THE BOOK BEGAN WITH THE WORDS "I BELIEVE IN ONE GOD AND NO MORE." PAINE HAD NO FAITH IN CHRIST, AND HE WAS USED SUCCESSFULLY BY SATAN IN HIS ATTACKS UPON THE CHURCH. AS MRS. WHITE INDICATED, IF SUCH A MAN AS PAINE COULD FIND ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN AND BE HIGHLY HONORED THERE, ANY SINNER, WITHOUT A REFORMATION OF LIFE AND WITHOUT FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, COULD FIND ADMITTANCE. SHE EXPOSED THIS FALLACY IN VIGOROUS LANGUAGE AND POINTED OUT THE IRRATIONALITY OF SPIRITUALISM. {EW 301.2} PAGE 101: PERFECTIONISM.--SOME OF THE EARLY ADVENTISTS, SHORTLY AFTER THE 1844 EXPERIENCE, LOST THEIR HOLD ON GOD AND DRIFTED INTO FANATICISM. ELLEN WHITE MET THESE EXTREMISTS WITH A "THUS SAITH THE LORD." SHE REBUKED THOSE WHO TAUGHT A STATE OF PERFECTION IN THE FLESH AND THEREFORE COULD NOT SIN. OF SUCH MRS. WHITE LATER WROTE: {EW 301.3} "THEY HELD THAT THOSE WHO ARE SANCTIFIED CANNOT SIN. AND THIS NATURALLY LED TO THE BELIEF THAT THE AFFECTIONS AND DESIRES OF THE SANCTIFIED ONES WERE ALWAYS RIGHT, AND NEVER IN DANGER OF LEADING THEM INTO SIN. IN HARMONY WITH THESE SOPHISTRIES, THEY WERE PRACTISING THE WORST SINS UNDER THE GARB OF SANCTIFICATION, AND THROUGH THEIR DECEPTIVE, MESMERIC INFLUENCE WERE GAINING A STRANGE POWER OVER SOME OF THEIR ASSOCIATES, WHO DID NOT SEE THE EVIL OF THESE APPARENTLY BEAUTIFUL BUT SEDUCTIVE THEORIES. . . . {EW 301.4} "CLEARLY THE DECEPTIONS OF THESE FALSE TEACHERS WERE LAID OPEN BEFORE
ME, AND I SAW THE FEARFUL ACCOUNT THAT STOOD AGAINST THEM IN THE BOOK OF
RECORDS, AND THE TERRIBLE GUILT THAT RESTED UPON THEM FOR PROFESSING COMPLETE
HOLINESS WHILE THEIR DAILY ACTS WERE OFFENSIVE IN THE SIGHT OF GOD."--LIFE
SKETCHES, PP. 83, 84. PAGES 116 AND 117: THE LORD'S SUPPER; WOMEN WASHING MEN'S FEET, AND THE HOLY KISS.--THE PIONEERS OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, HAVING ACCEPTED THE SABBATH TRUTH, EAGERLY REACHED OUT TO FOLLOW THE WORD OF GOD IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME THEY WERE CAREFUL TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST DISTORTED INTERPRETATIONS OF THE WORD AND ANY EXTREMES OR FANATICISM. THEY SAW CLEARLY THE PRIVILEGES AND THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER ESTABLISHED FOR THE CHURCH BY OUR LORD. THERE WAS SOME QUESTION ABOUT FOOT WASHING AND THE HOLY KISS. IN THIS VISION THE LORD MADE CLEAR CERTAIN DELICATE POINTS THAT WOULD GUIDE AND GUARD THE EMERGING CHURCH. {EW 302.1} AS TO THE MATTER OF THE FREQUENCY WITH WHICH THE ORDINANCES SHOULD BE OBSERVED, SOME INSISTED ON ONCE A YEAR; BUT THE INSTRUCTION WAS GIVEN THAT THE LORD'S SUPPER SHOULD BE MORE FREQUENTLY PRACTICED. TODAY THE CHURCH FOLLOWS THE PLAN OF OBSERVING THE ORDINANCES FOUR TIMES ANNUALLY. {EW 302.2} COUNSEL WAS GIVEN CONCERNING THE WASHING OF FEET. APPARENTLY THERE WERE SOME DIFFERENCES OF OPINION AS TO THE PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED. SOME HAD MOVED INJUDICIOUSLY AND THE RESULT HAD BEEN "CONFUSION." COUNSEL WAS GIVEN THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHOULD BE PERFORMED WITH CARE AND RESERVE, IN SUCH A WAY AS NOT TO AROUSE PREJUDICE. THERE WAS SOME QUESTION ABOUT THE PROPRIETY OF MEN AND WOMEN WASHING ONE ANOTHER'S FEET. ON THIS POINT ELLEN WHITE BROUGHT FORTH SCRIPTURE EVIDENCE WHICH INDICATED THAT IT WOULD BE PROPER FOR A WOMAN--APPARENTLY UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS--TO WASH THE FEET OF A MAN, BUT SHE COUNSELED AGAINST A MAN WASHING THE FEET OF A WOMAN. {EW 302.3} CONCERNING THE HOLY KISS, THE SDA BIBLE COMMENTARY STATES: {EW 302.4} "IN THE EAST, ESPECIALLY, THE KISS WAS A COMMON MODE OF EXPRESSING LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP IN GREETING. (SEE LUKE 7:45; ACTS 20:37.) THE 'HOLY KISS,' OR 'KISS OF CHARITY' (1 PETER 5:14), WAS A SYMBOL OF CHRISTIAN AFFECTION. IT SEEMS TO HAVE BECOME A CUSTOM WITH EARLY CHRISTIANS TO EXCHANGE THIS GREETING AT THE TIME OF THE LORD'S SUPPER (JUSTIN MARTYR FIRST APOLOGY 65). LATER WRITINGS INDICATE THAT IT WAS NOT THE CUSTOM TO GIVE THIS `HOLY KISS' TO ONE OF THE OPPOSITE SEX (APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTIONS II. 57; VIII. 11)."-- THE SDA BIBLE COMMENTARY, VOL. 7, PP. 257, 258. {EW 302.5} IT WAS THE CUSTOM AMONG THE EARLY SABBATHKEEPING ADVENTISTS TO EXCHANGE THE HOLY KISS AT THE ORDINANCE OF HUMILITY. NO REFERENCE IS MADE TO OBVIOUS IMPROPRIETY OF EXCHANGING THE HOLY KISS BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN, BUT THERE IS A CALL FOR ALL TO ABSTAIN FROM ALL APPEARANCE OF EVIL. {EW 302.6} PAGE 118: MAKING A NOISE.--THE GOSPEL NET DRAWS IN ALL TYPES OF PEOPLE.
THERE WERE SOME WHO FELT THAT THEIR RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE WAS NOT GENUINE UNLESS
MARKED BY NOISY, DEMONSTRATIVE SHOUTS OF PRAISE TO GOD, LOUD AND EXCITED
PRAYERS, AND ANIMATED AMENS. HERE AGAIN THE CHURCH IN ITS EARLY EXPERIENCE WAS
GIVEN A NOTE OF WARNING, CALLING FOR DECORUM AND SOLEMNITY IN THE WORSHIP OF
GOD. PAGES 229-232: WILLIAM MILLER.--IN THE REFERENCES TO THE GREAT ADVENT AWAKENING IN AMERICA IN THE 1830'S AND 1840'S, WILLIAM MILLER IS OFTEN MENTIONED. IN THE BOOK THE GREAT CONTROVERSY AN ENTIRE CHAPTER IS DEVOTED TO THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF WILLIAM MILLER UNDER THE TITLE "AN AMERICAN REFORMER" (PAGES 317-342). WILLIAM MILLER WAS BORN IN PITTSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, IN 1782 AND DIED IN LOW HAMPTON, NEW YORK, IN 1849. AT THE AGE OF FOUR HE MOVED WITH HIS PARENTS TO LOW HAMPTON, NEW YORK, NEAR LAKE CHAMPLAIN AND GREW UP ON A FRONTIER FARM. HE WAS ALWAYS STUDIOUS AND A CAREFUL READER. HE BECAME A LEADER IN HIS COMMUNITY. IN 1816 HE SET ABOUT TO GIVE CAREFUL STUDY TO THE WORD OF GOD, AND HIS STUDY LED HIM TO THE GREAT TIME PROPHECIES AND THE PROPHECIES RELATING TO THE SECOND ADVENT. HE CONCLUDED THAT THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST WAS NEAR. AFTER REVIEWING HIS POSITIONS OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS AND ASSURING HIMSELF AS TO THEIR CERTAINTY, HE RESPONDED IN EARLY AUGUST, 1831, TO AN INVITATION TO PUBLICLY PRESENT HIS VIEWS ON THE PROPHECIES. FROM THEN ON HIS TIME WAS DEVOTED LARGELY TO THE HERALDING OF THE ADVENT MESSAGE. IN DUE TIME HE WAS JOINED BY HUNDREDS OF OTHER PROTESTANT MINISTERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE GREAT ADVENT AWAKENING OF THE 1840'S. {EW 303.1} AT THE TIME OF THE DISAPPOINTMENT ON OCTOBER 22, 1844, MILLER WAS WORN AND ILL. HE DEPENDED LARGELY ON HIS YOUNGER ASSOCIATES WHO STOOD WITH HIM IN PROCLAIMING THE ADVENT MESSAGE. THEY LED HIM TO REJECT THE SABBATH TRUTH AS IT CAME TO HIS ATTENTION SOON AFTER THE DISAPPOINTMENT. FOR THIS THEY, AND NOT WILLIAM MILLER, WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. ELLEN WHITE WRITES OF THIS EXPERIENCE ON PAGE 258, AND ASSURES US THAT MILLER WILL BE AMONG THOSE WHO WILL BE CALLED FROM THEIR GRAVES AT THE SOUND OF THE LAST TRUMP. {EW 303.2} PAGES 232-240, 254-258: THREE ANGELS' MESSAGES OF REVELATION 14.--IN A
SERIES OF THREE CHAPTERS, BEGINNING ON PAGE 232, ELLEN WHITE DISCUSSES THE
FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD ANGELS' MESSAGES. SHE WAS WRITING FOR THOSE WHO WITH
HER HAD PASSED THROUGH THE GREAT ADVENT AWAKENING AND THE DISAPPOINTMENTS OF THE
SPRING AND FALL OF 1844. SHE DID NOT ATTEMPT TO ENTER INTO AN EXPLANATION OF
THESE THREE MESSAGES, BUT ASSUMED THAT HER READERS HAD A FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THIS
EXPERIENCE. SHE PRESENTED THAT WHICH WOULD BRING COURAGE AND UNDERSTANDING TO
HER FELLOW BELIEVERS IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR EXPERIENCE. WE MUST TURN TO HER BOOK
THE GREAT CONTROVERSY FOR A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE BURDEN OF THESE MESSAGES.
THE FIRST ANGEL'S MESSAGE SOUNDED THE WARNING OF THE APPROACH OF THE HOUR OF
GOD'S JUDGMENT. SEE THE GREAT CONTROVERSY. CHAPTERS "HERALDS OF THE MORNING,"
PAGES 299-316, "AN AMERICAN REFORMER," PAGES 317-342; AND "A GREAT RELIGIOUS
AWAKENING," PAGES 355-374. FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE MESSAGE OF THE SECOND
ANGEL, SEE THE CHAPTER "A WARNING REJECTED," BEGINNING ON PAGE 375. THE ACCOUNT
OF THE DISAPPOINTMENT IS PRESENTED IN THE CHAPTERS "PROPHECIES FULFILLED," PAGES
391-408; PAGE 238: CLOSE OF THE SECOND ANGEL'S MESSAGE.--WHILE WE UNDERSTAND CLEARLY THAT THE MESSAGES OF THE FIRST AND SECOND AND THIRD ANGELS ARE MESSAGES THAT HAVE THEIR APPLICATION TODAY, WE RECOGNIZE ALSO THAT IN THEIR INITIAL PROCLAMATION THE SOUNDING OF THE FIRST ANGEL'S MESSAGE WITH ITS DECLARATION THAT "THE HOUR OF GOD'S JUDGMENT IS COME" IS LINKED WITH THE PROCLAMATION OF THE EXPECTED ADVENT OF CHRIST IN THE 1830'S AND EARLY 1840'S. THE SECOND ANGEL'S MESSAGE HAD ITS INITIAL SOUNDING EARLY IN THE SUMMER OF 1844 IN THE CALL TO THE ADVENT BELIEVERS TO COME OUT OF THE NOMINAL CHURCHES THAT HAD REJECTED THE PROCLAMATION OF THE FIRST ANGEL'S MESSAGE. AND WHILE IT IS TRUE THAT THE SECOND ANGEL'S MESSAGE CONTINUES TO BE PRESENT TRUTH, THERE WAS A CLIMACTIC CLOSING UP OF THE SECOND ANGEL'S MESSAGE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING OCTOBER 22, 1844. WHEN THE MESSAGES OF THE THREE ANGELS COME PROMINENTLY BEFORE THE WORLD AGAIN JUST BEFORE THE SECOND ADVENT OF CHRIST, THE ANGEL OF REVELATION 18:1 JOINS IN THE PROCLAMATION OF THE SECOND ANGEL IN THE MESSAGE THAT "BABYLON IS FALLEN." "COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE." SEE THE CHAPTER "THE FINAL WARNING" IN THE GREAT CONTROVERSY, PAGES 603-612. {EW 304.1} PAGE 254: SEE APPENDIX NOTE FOR PAGES 232-240. {EW 304.2} PAGE 276: SLAVES AND MASTER.--ACCORDING TO REVELATION 6:15, 16 THERE WILL BE SLAVERY AT THE SECOND ADVENT OF CHRIST. HERE WE FIND THE WORDS "EVERY BONDMAN, AND EVERY FREE MAN." THE STATEMENT BY ELLEN WHITE UNDER DISCUSSION INDICATES THAT SHE WAS SHOWN IN VISION THE SLAVE AND THE SLAVE MASTER AT THE SECOND ADVENT OF CHRIST. IN THIS SHE IS IN PERFECT ACCORD WITH THE BIBLE. BOTH JOHN AND MRS. WHITE WERE SHOWN CONDITIONS THAT WOULD EXIST AT THE SECOND COMING OF OUR LORD. WHILE IT IS TRUE THAT NEGRO SLAVES IN THE UNITED STATES WERE FREED BY THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION, WHICH WENT INTO EFFECT SIX YEARS AFTER STATEMENT UNDER DISCUSSION WAS PENNED, THE MESSAGE IS NOT MADE INVALID, FOR EVEN TODAY THERE ARE MILLIONS OF MEN AND WOMEN IN ACTUAL OR VIRTUAL SLAVERY IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO PASS JUDGMENT ON A PROPHECY OF THE FUTURE UNTIL WE HAVE REACHED THE TIME FOR THE FULFILLMENT OF THAT PROPHECY. {EW 304.3} RARE INDEED IT IS IN THESE CHANGING TIMES THAT A BOOK LIVES ON THROUGH A
CENTURY IN EVER-INCREASING DEMAND AND TAKES ITS PLACE IN CURRENT READING BY THE
SIDE OF BOOKS DEALING WITH PRESENT ISSUES. YET SUCH IS THE ENVIABLE RECORD OF
EARLY WRITINGS OF ELLEN G. WHITE. THROUGH THE YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN MANY
PRINTINGS OF THE SEVERAL EDITIONS. IT NOW APPEARS IN A FIFTH AMERICAN EDITION. |
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