The Great
Controversy
Between Christ &
His Angels & Satan & his Angels
E.G.White
1858
An easy to read and fast
moving panorama of the Story of Redemption!
CHAPTER 30
I saw the rapping delusion. Satan has
power to bring the appearance of forms before us purporting to be our relatives
and friends that now sleep in Jesus. It will be made to appear as if they were
present, the words they uttered while here, which we were familiar with, will be
spoken, and the same tone of voice which they had while living will fall upon
the ear. All this is to deceive the world, and ensnare them into the belief of
this delusion.
I saw that the saints must have a thorough understanding
of the present truth, which they will have 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 unscriptural doctrines. They will do all in their power to excite sympathy,
and 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 are the spirits of devils.
I saw that we must examine well the foundation of our
hope, for we shall have to give a reason for it from the Scriptures; for we
shall see this delusion spreading, 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 that they should be 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, who looked 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. Said he, 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 next highest in order 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. 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, and bound together
by the truth.
This little company looked care-worn, as though they had
passed through severe trials and conflicts. And it seemed as if the sun had just
appeared from behind the cloud, and shone upon their countenances, and caused
them to look triumphant, as though their victories were nearly won.
I saw that the Lord had given the world opportunity to
discover the snare. This one thing was 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 mouldered to dust, and who is
to be called forth at the end of the 1000 years, at the second resurrection, to
receive his reward, and suffer the second death, is purported by Satan to be 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; and as he taught on earth, Satan is making it
appear that he is teaching in heaven. And some on earth who have looked with
horror at his life and death, and his corrupt teachings while living, now submit
to be taught by him who was one of the vilest and most corrupt of men; one who
despised God and his law.
He who is the father of lies, blinds and deceives the
world by sending his angels forth to speak for apostles, and make it appear that
they contradict what they wrote when on earth, which was dictated by the Holy
Ghost. These lying angels make the apostles to corrupt their own teachings and
declare them to be adulterated. By so doing he can throw professed Christians,
who have a name to live and are dead, and all the world, into uncertainty about
the word of God; for that cuts directly across his track, and is likely to
thwart his plans. Therefore he gets them to doubt the divine origin of the
Bible, and then sets up the infidel Thomas Paine, as though he was ushered into
heaven when he died, and with the holy apostles whom he hated on earth, is
united, and appears to be teaching the world.
Satan assigns each one of his angels their part to act. He
enjoins upon them to be cunning, artful and sly. He instructs some of them to
act the part of the apostles, and speak for them, while others are to act out
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 who
Satan makes to speak, if his object is only accomplished. He was so intimately
connected with Paine upon earth, and so aided him, that it is an easy thing for
him to know the very words he used, and the very hand-writing of one of his
devoted children 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 that it comes
through Thomas Paine, who was his devoted servant while he lived. But this is
the masterpiece of Satan. All this teaching purporting to be from apostles, and
saints, and wicked men who have died, comes directly from his Satanic majesty.
This should be enough to remove the vail from every mind
and discover unto all the dark, mysterious works of Satan;--that he has got one
whom he loved so well, and who hated God so perfectly, with the holy apostles
and angels in glory: virtually saying to the world and infidels, No matter how
wicked you are; no matter whether you believe in God or the Bible, or
disbelieve; live as you please, heaven is your home; -- for everyone knows 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 doing now what he has been
trying to do since his fall, through individuals like Thomas Paine. He is,
through his power and lying wonders, tearing away the foundation of the
Christians' hope, and putting out their sun that is to lighten them in the
narrow way to heaven. He is making the world believe that the Bible is no better
than a story-book, uninspired, while he holds out something to take its place;
namely, Spiritual Manifestations!
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 false and lying
report that the chief priests and elders put in their mouth, so will the poor,
deluded followers of these pretended spiritual manifestations, repeat, and try
to make it appear, that there is nothing miraculous about our Saviour's birth,
death and resurrection; and they put Jesus with the Bible, back into the shade,
where they want him, and then get the world to look to them and their lying
wonders and miracles, which they declare far exceed the works of Christ. Thus
the world is taken in the snare, and lulled to security; not to find out their
awful deception, until the seven last plagues are poured out. Satan laughs as he
sees his plan succeed so well, and the whole world in the snare.
See Revelation 16:14, 18:2.
CHAPTER 31
I saw Satan and his angels consulting
together. He bade his angels go and lay their snares especially for those who
were looking for Christ's second appearing, and who were keeping all God's
commandments. Satan told his angels that the churches were all asleep. He would
increase his power and lying wonders, and he could hold them. But the sect of
Sabbath-keepers we hate. They are continually working against us, and taking
from us our subjects, to keep that hated law of God.
Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with
cares. If you can make them place their affections upon these things, we have
them yet. They may profess what they please, only make them care more for money
than the success of Christ's kingdom, or the spread of the truths we hate.
Present the world before them in the most attractive light, that they may love
and idolize it. We must keep all the means in our ranks we can. The more means
they have, the more wi1l they injure our kingdom by getting our subjects. And as
they appoint meetings in different places, then we are in danger. Be very
vigilant then. Cause all the distraction you can. Destroy love for each other.
Discourage and dishearten their ministers; for we hate them. Hold up every
plausible excuse to those that have means, lest they hand it out. Control the
money matters if you can, and drive their ministers to want, and distress. This
will weaken their courage and zeal. Battle every inch of ground. Make
covetousness and love of earthly treasures the ruling traits of their character.
As long as these traits rule, salvation and grace stand back. Crowd all you can
around them to attract them, and they will be surely ours. Not only are we sure
of them, but their hateful influence will not be exercised toward others to lead
them to heaven. And those who shall attempt to give, put within them a grudging
disposition, that it may be sparingly.
I saw that Satan carried out his plans well. And as the
servants of God appointed meetings, Satan and his angels understood their
business, and were on the ground to hinder the work of God, and he was
constantly putting suggestions into the minds of God's people. Some he leads 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 is well pleased to take his stand
by their side, and then with all his power he seeks to lead them to manifest
their besetting sins. If the grace of God and the light of truth melt away these
covetous, selfish feelings for a little, and they do not obtain entire victory
over them, when they are not under a saving influence, Satan comes in and
withers up every noble, generous principle, and they think that they have to do
too much. They become weary of well-doing and forget all about the great
sacrifice Jesus made for them, to redeem them from the power of Satan, and
hopeless misery.
Satan took advantage of Judas' covetous, selfish
disposition, and led him to murmur against the ointment Mary dedicated to Jesus.
Judas looked upon it as a great waste; it 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 has the control over them, but they know it not.
Not a particle of covetousness or selfishness can God approbate. He hates it,
and he despises the prayers and exhortations of those who possess it. As Satan
sees his time is short, he leads them on to be more and more selfish, more and
more covetous, and then exults as he sees them wrapt 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. Then he and his angels take the
mean and covetous acts of these individuals, and present them to Jesus and the
holy angels, and reproachfully say, These are Christ's followers! They are
getting ready to be translated! Satan marks their deviating course, and then
compares it with the Bible, with passages which plainly rebuke such things, and
then presents it to annoy the heavenly angels, saying, These are following
Christ and his word! These are the fruits 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 and generous doing, he becomes
weary of them. I saw that God was greatly displeased with the least
manifestation of selfishness on the part of his professed people, for whom Jesus
has not spared his own precious life. Every selfish, covetous individual will
fall out by the way. Like Judas, who sold his Lord, they will sell good
principles, and a noble, generous disposition for a little of earth's gain. All
such will be sifted out from God's people. Those who want heaven, must, with
every energy they possess, be encouraging the principles of heaven. And instead
of their souls withering up with selfishness, they should be expanding with
benevolence, and every opportunity should be improved in doing good to one
another, and increasing and growing more and more into the principles of heaven.
Jesus was held up to me as the perfect pattern. His life was without selfish
interest, and was marked with disinterested benevolence.
See I John 2:15; Luke 12:15; Col. 3:5,6
CHAPTER 32
I saw some with strong faith and
agonizing cries, pleading with God. Their countenances were pale, and marked
with deep anxiety, which expressed their internal struggle. There were firmness
and great earnestness expressed in their countenances, while large drops of
perspiration rose upon their foreheads, and fell. Now and then their faces would
light up with the marks of God's approbation, and again the same solemn,
earnest, anxious look settled upon them.
Evil angels crowded around them, pressing their darkness
upon them, to shut out Jesus from their view, that their eyes might be drawn to
the darkness that surrounded them, and they distrust God, and next murmur
against him. Their only safety was in keeping their eyes directed upward. Angels
were having the charge over the people of God, and as the poisonous atmosphere
from these evil angels was pressed around these anxious ones, the angels, which
had the charge over them, were continually wafting their wings over them to
scatter the thick darkness that surrounded them.
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 them, and went to the aid of those earnest, praying ones. I saw the angels
of God hasten to the assistance of all those who were struggling with all their
energies to resist those evil angels, and trying to help themselves by calling
upon God with perseverance. But the angels left those who made no effort to help
themselves, and I lost sight of them.
As these praying ones continued their earnest cries, at
times a ray of light from Jesus came to them, and encouraged their hearts, and
lighted up their countenances.
I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen. I was shown
that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of
the true Witness to the Laodiceans. It will have its effect upon the heart of
the receiver of the testimony, and it will lead him to exalt the standard and
pour forth the straight truth. This straight testimony some will not bear. They
will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God's people.
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, and all that truly receive it, will obey it, and be purified.
Said the angel, List ye! Soon I heard a voice that sounded
like many musical instruments, all sounding in perfect strains, sweet and
harmonious. It surpassed any music I had ever heard. It seemed to be so full of
mercy, compassion, and elevating, holy joy. It thrilled through my whole being.
Said the angel, Look ye! My attention was then turned to the company I had seen
before, who were mightily shaken. I was shown those whom I had before seen
weeping, and praying with agony of spirit. I saw that the company of guardian
angels around them had doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their
head to their feet. They moved in exact order, firm like a company of soldiers.
Their countenances expressed the severe conflict which they had endured, the
agonizing struggle they had passed through. Yet their features, marked with
severe internal anguish, shone now with the light and glory of heaven. They had
obtained the victory, and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude, and
holy, sacred joy.
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 agonize, persevere, and
plead for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, and
their numbers were immediately made up by others taking hold of the truth, and
coming into the ranks. Still the evil angels pressed around them, but they could
have no power over them.
I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth
in great power. It had effect. I saw those who had been bound; some wives had
been bound by their husbands, and some children had been bound by their parents.
The honest who had been held or prevented from hearing the truth, now eagerly
laid hold of the truth spoken. All fear of their relatives was gone. The truth
alone was exalted to them. It was dearer and more precious than life. They had
been hungering and thirsting for truth. 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 this
company, who were having the power and light of God. Darkness thickened around
them, yet there they stood, approved of God, and trusting in him. I saw them
perplexed. Next I heard them crying unto God earnestly. Through the day and
night their cry ceased not. I heard these words, 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 round about us! They have appointed us unto death; but thine arm can
bring salvation. These are all the words I can bring to mind. They seemed to
have a deep sense of their unworthiness, and manifested entire submission to the
will of God, Yet everyone, without an exception, was earnestly pleading, and
wrestling like Jacob for deliverance.
Soon after they had commenced their earnest cry, the
angels, in sympathy would have gone to their deliverance. But a tall, commanding
angel suffered them not. Said he, The will of God is not yet fulfilled. They
must drink of the cup. They must be baptized with the baptism.
Soon I heard the voice of God, which shook the heavens and
the earth. There was a mighty earthquake. Buildings were shaken down, and fell
on every side. I then heard a triumphant shout of victory, loud, musical and
clear. I looked upon this 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 weariness and marks of care were gone. Health
and beauty were seen in every counte-nance. Their enemies, the heathen around
them, fell like dead men. They could not endure the light that shone upon the
delivered, holy ones. This light and glory remained upon them, until Jesus was
seen in the clouds of heaven, and the faithful, tried company was changed in a
moment, in the twinkling of an eye, from glory to glory. And the graves were
opened and the saints came forth, clothed with immortality, crying victory over
death and the grave, and together with the living saints, were caught up to meet
their Lord in the air; while the rich, musical shouts of glory and victory were
upon every immortal tongue, and proceeding from every sanctified, holy lip.
See Joel 2:12-17; Zechariah 12:10; Revelation 1:5.
CHAPTER 33
I saw the state of the different
churches since the second angel proclaimed their fall. They have been growing
more and more corrupt; yet they bear the name of being Christ's followers. It is
impossible to distinguish them from the world. Their ministers take their text
from the Word, but preach smooth things. The natural heart feels no objection to
this. It is only the spirit and power of the truth, and the salvation of Christ,
that is hateful to the carnal heart. There is nothing in the popular ministry
that stirs the wrath of Satan, makes the sinner tremble, or applies to the heart
and conscience the fearful realities of a judgment soon to come. Wicked men are
generally pleased with a form without true godliness, and they will aid and
support such a religion. Said the angel, Nothing less than the whole armor of
righteousness can overcome, and retain the victory over the powers of darkness.
Satan has taken full possession of the churches as a body. The sayings and
doings of men are dwelt upon instead of the plain cutting truths of the word of
God. Said the angel, The friendship and spirit of the world are at enmity with
God. When truth in its simplicity and strength, as it is in Jesus, is brought to
bear against the spirit of the world, it awakens the spirit of persecution at
once. Many, very many, who profess to be Christians, have not known God. The
character of the natural heart has not been changed, and the carnal mind remains
at enmity with God. They are Satan's own faithful servants, notwithstanding they
have assumed another name.
I saw that since Jesus had left the Holy place of the
heavenly Sanctuary, and had entered within the second vail, the churches were
left as were the Jews; and they have been filling up with every unclean and
hateful bird. I saw great iniquity and vileness in the churches; yet they
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
was not in their thoughts; but 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 looked 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, and I will repay, saith the Lord. The fearful threatenings of
the third angel are to be realized, and they will drink the wrath of God. An
innumerable host of evil angels are spreading themselves over the whole land.
The churches and religious bodies are crowded with them. And they look upon the
religious bodies with exultation; for the cloak of religion covers the greatest
crimes and iniquity.
All heaven beholds with indignation, human beings, the
workmanship of God, reduced to the lowest depths of degradation, and placed on a
level with the brute creation by their fellow men. And professed followers of
that dear Saviour whose compassion was ever moved as he witnessed human woe,
heartily engage in this enormous and grievous sin, and deal in slaves and souls
of men. Angels have recorded it all. It is written in the book. The tears of the
pious bond-men and bond-women, of fathers, mothers and children, brothers and
sisters, are all bottled up in heaven. Agony, human agony, is carried from place
to place, and bought and sold. God will restrain his anger but a little longer.
His anger burns against this nation, and especially against the religious bodies
who have sanctioned, and have themselves engaged in this terrible merchandise.
Such injustice, such oppression, such sufferings, many professed followers of
the meek and lowly Jesus can witness with heartless indifference. And many of
them can inflict with hateful satisfaction, all this indescribable agony
themselves, and yet dare to worship God. It is solemn mockery, and Satan exults
over it, and reproaches Jesus and his angels with such inconsistency, saying,
with hellish triumph, Such are Christ's followers!
These professed Christians read of the sufferings of the
martyrs, and tears course down their cheeks. They wonder that men could ever
possess hearts so hardened as to practice such inhuman cruelties towards their
fellow-men, while at the same time they hold their fellow-men in slavery. And
this is not all. They sever the ties of nature, and cruelly oppress from day to
day their fellow-men. They can inflict most inhuman tortures with relentless
cruelty, which would well compare with the cruelty papists and heathens
exercised towards Christ's followers. Said the angel, It will be more tolerable
for the heathen and for papists in the day of the execution of God's judgment
than for such men. The cries and sufferings of the oppressed have reached unto
heaven, and angels stand amazed at the hard-hearted, untold, agonizing
suffering, man in the image of his Maker, causes his fellow-man. Said the angel,
The names of such are written in blood, crossed with stripes, and flooded with
agonizing, burning tears of suffering. God's anger will not cease until he has
caused the land of light to drink the dregs of the cup of his fury, and until he
has rewarded unto Babylon double. Reward her even as she rewarded you, double
unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled, fill
to her double.
I saw that the slave-master would have to answer for the
soul of his slave whom he has kept in ignorance; and all the sins of the slave
will be visited upon the master. God cannot take the slave to heaven, who has
been kept in ignorance and degradation, knowing nothing of God, or the Bible,
fearing nothing but his master's lash, and not holding so elevated a position as
his master's brute beasts. But he does the best thing for him that a
compassionate God can do. He lets him be as though he had not been; while the
master has to suffer the seven last plagues, and then come up in the second
resurrection, and suffer the second, most awful death. Then the wrath of God
will be appeased.
See Revelation 18, Amos 5:21.
CHAPTER 34
I saw angels hurrying to and fro in
heaven. They were descending to earth, and again ascending to heaven, preparing
for the fulfilment of some important event. Then I saw another mighty angel
commissioned to descend to earth, and unite his voice with the third angel, and
give power and force to his message. Great power and glory were imparted to the
angel, and as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. The light
which went before and followed after this angel, penetrated everywhere, as he
cried mightily, with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is
fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul
spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. The message of the fall of
Babylon, as given by the second angel, is again given, with the addition of the
corruptions which have been entering the churches since 1844. The work of this
angel comes in at the right time, and joins in the last great work of the third
angel's message, as it swells into a loud cry. And the people of God are fitted
up everywhere to stand in the hour of temptation which they are soon to meet. I
saw a great light resting upon them, and they united in the message, and
fearlessly proclaimed with great power the third angel's message.
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, and joined it, as
the midnight cry joined the second angel's message in 1844. The glory of God
rested upon the patient, waiting saints, and they fearlessly gave the last
solemn warning, proclaiming the fall of Babylon, and calling upon God's people
to come out of her; that they might escape her fearful doom.
The light that was shed upon the waiting ones penetrated
everywhere, and those who had any light in the churches, who had not heard and
rejected the three messages, answered to 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 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 moves the honest, while the manifestation
of the power of God holds in fear and restraint relatives and friends, and they
dare not, neither have they power to, hinder those who feel the work of the
Spirit of God upon them. The last call is carried even to the poor slaves, and
the pious among them, with humble expressions, pour forth their songs of
extravagant joy at the prospect of their happy deliverance, and their masters
cannot check them; for a fear and astonishment keep them silent. Mighty miracles
are wrought, the sick are healed, and signs and wonders follow the believers.
God is in the work, and every saint, fearless of consequences, follows the
convictions of his own conscience, and unites with those who are keeping all the
commandments of God; and they sound abroad the third message with power. I saw
that the third message would close with power and strength far exceeding the
midnight cry.
Servants of God, endowed with power from on high, with
their faces lighted up, and shining with holy consecration, went forth
fulfilling their work, and proclaiming the message from heaven. Souls that were
scattered all through the religious bodies answered to the call, and the
precious were hurried out of the doomed churches, as Lot was hurried out of
Sodom before her destruction. God's people were fitted up and strengthened by
the excellent glory which fell upon them in rich abundance, preparing them to
endure the hour of temptation. A multitude of voices I heard everywhere, saying,
Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of
God, and the faith of Jesus.
See Revelation 14:12, Revelation 18, Joel 2:9-11.
CHAPTER 35
I was pointed down to the time when the
third angel's message was closing. The power of God had rested upon his people.
They had accomplished their work, and were prepared for the trying hour before
them. They had received the latter rain, or refreshing from the presence of the
Lord, and the living testimony had been revived. The last great warning had
sounded everywhere, and it had stirred up and enraged the inhabitants of earth,
who would not receive the message.
I saw angels hurrying to and fro in heaven. An angel
returned from the earth with a writer's ink-horn by his side, and reported to
Jesus that his work was done, that 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 upward, and with a loud
voice said, It is done. And all the angelic host laid off their crowns as
Jesus made the solemn declaration, 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 every case was then decided for life or death.
Jesus had blotted out the sins of his people. He had received his kingdom, and
the atonement had been made for the subjects of his kingdom. While Jesus had
been ministering in the Sanctuary, the judgment had been going on for the
righteous dead, and then for the righteous living. The subjects of the kingdom
were made up. The marriage of the Lamb was finished. 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.
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 Jesus stepped out from between
man and the Father, the restraint was removed, and Satan had the control of man.
It was impossible for the plagues to be poured out while Jesus officiated in the
Sanctuary; but as his work there is finished, as 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. The saints in that fearful time, after the close of Jesus' mediation,
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 Most Holy place, he placed back upon the originator of sin, the Devil. He
must suffer the punishment of these sins.
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 -- and 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 should escape the judgments of God. But the saints had nothing
for them. The last tear for sinners had been shed, the last agonizing prayer
offered, the last burden had been borne. The sweet voice of mercy was no more to
invite them. The last note of warning had been given. 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 did not make any
effort to obtain it. They did not choose life, and now there was no atoning
blood to cleanse the sinner. 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 the plan. And as
mercy's sweet voice died away, a fearfulness and horror seized them. With
terrible distinctness they hear, Too late! too late!
Those who had not prized God's word were hurrying to and
fro. They wandered 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 of 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, and prized earthly pleasure, and earthly riches, higher than any
heavenly inducement and treasure. They have rejected Jesus, and despised his
saints. The filthy must remain filthy forever.
A great portion 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 reproaching 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 the
ministers with bitter hate, and reproached them, telling them, You have not
warned us. You told us 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 said were fanatics, and evil men, who would
ruin us. But the ministers, I saw, did not escape the wrath of God. Their
sufferings were ten-fold greater than their people's.
See Ezekiel 9:2-11; Revelation 22:11.
CHAPTER 36
I saw the saints leaving the cities and
villages, and associating in companies together, and living in the most solitary
places. Angels provided them food and water; but the wicked were suffering with
hunger and thirst. Then I saw the leading men of earth consulting together, and
Satan and his angels were busy around them. I saw a writing, and copies of it
scattered in different parts of the land, giving orders, that unless the saints
should yield their peculiar faith, give up the Sabbath, and observe the first
day, they were at liberty, after such a time, to put them to death. But in this
time the saints were calm and composed, trusting in God, and leaning upon his
promise, that a way of escape would be made for them. In some places, before the
time for the writing to be executed, the wicked rushed upon the saints to slay
them; but angels in the form of men of war fought for them. Satan wished to have
the privilege of destroying the saints of the Most High; but Jesus bade his
angels watch over them, for God would be honored by making a covenant with those
who had kept his law in the sight of the heathen round about them; and Jesus
would be honored by translating the faithful, waiting ones, who had so long
expected him, without their seeing death.
Soon I saw the saints suffering great mental anguish. They
seemed to be surrounded with the wicked inhabitants of earth. Every appearance
was against them. Some began to fear that God had left them at last 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 as they would attempt to approach them, they would first have to
pass this company of mighty, holy angels, which 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. It was an hour of terrible, fearful agony to
the saints. They cried day and night unto God for deliverance. To outward
appearance there was no possibility of their escape. The wicked had already
commenced their triumphing, and were crying out, Why doesn't your God deliver
you out of our hands? Why don't you go up, and save your lives? The saints
heeded them not. They were wrestling with God like Jacob. The angels longed to
deliver them; but they must wait a little longer, and drink of the cup, and be
baptized with the baptism. The angels, faithful to their trust, kept their
watch. The time had about come when God was to manifest his mighty power, and
gloriously deliver them. God would not suffer his name to be reproached among
the heathen. For his name's glory he would deliver every one of those who had
patiently waited for him, and whose names were written in the book.
I was pointed back to faithful Noah. The rain descended,
the floods came. Noah and his family had entered the ark, and God shut them in.
Noah had faithfully warned the inhabitants of the old world, while they had
mocked and derided him. And as the waters descended upon the earth, and as one
after another were being drowned, they beheld that ark that they had made so
much sport of, riding safely upon the waters, preserving the faithful Noah and
his family. So I saw that the people of God, who had warned the world of his
coming wrath, would be delivered. They had faithfully warned the inhabitants of
the earth, and 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 O,
what a time of 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 their glorious deliverance.
As the saints left the cities and villages, they were
pursued by the wicked. They raised their swords to kill the saints, but they
broke, and fell as powerless as a straw. Angels of God shielded the saints. As
they cried day and night for deliverance, their cry came up before God.
See Genesis 7:1; Isaiah 33:16, 49:10; Revelation 14:14.
CHAPTER 37
It was at midnight that God chose to
deliver his people. As the wicked were mocking around them, suddenly the sun
appeared, shining in his strength, and the moon stood still. The wicked beheld
the scene with amazement. Signs and wonders followed in quick succession.
Everything seemed turned out of its natural course. The saints beheld the tokens
of their deliverance with solemn joy.
The streams ceased to flow. Dark, heavy clouds came up,
and clashed against each other. But there was one clear place of settled glory,
from whence came the voice of God, like many waters, which shook the heavens and
the earth. There was a mighty earthquake. The graves were shaken open, and those
who had died in faith under the third angel's message, keeping the Sabbath, came
forth from their dusty beds, glorified, to hear the covenant of peace that God
was to make with those who had kept his law.
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 spake
the day and hour of Jesus' coming, and delivered the everlasting covenant to his
people, he spake one sentence, and then paused, while the words were rolling
through the earth. The Israel of God stood with their eyes fixed upwards,
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. At the
end of every sentence the saints shouted, Glory! Hallelujah! Their countenances
were lighted up with the glory of God; and they shone with the glory as did
Moses' face 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. On it sat the Son of man.
This cloud when it first appeared in the distance, looked
very small. The angel said that it was the sign of the Son of man. And as the
cloud approached nearer to the earth, we could behold the excellent glory and
majesty of Jesus as he rode forth to conquer. A holy retinue of angels, with
their 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 decked
his holy brow. Upon his vesture and thigh was a name written - KING OF KINGS
AND LORD OF LORDS. His eyes were as a flame of fire, his feet had the
appearance of fine brass, and his voice sounded like many musical instruments.
His countenance was as bright as the noon-day sun. The earth trembled before
him, and the heavens departed as a scroll when it is rolled together, and every
mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth,
and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men,
and every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and in the
rocks of the mountains. And said to the 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: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to
stand?
Those who a little before would have destroyed God's
faithful children from the earth, had to witness the glory of God which rested
upon them. They had seen them glorified. And amid all the terrible scenes they
had heard the voices of the saints in joyful strains, saying, Lo, this is our
God, we have waited for him, and he will save us. 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 resurrected ones, raised their
voices in a long, transporting shout of victory. Those sickly bodies that had
gone down into the grave came up in immortal health and vigor. The living saints
were changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and caught up with the
resurrected ones, and together they meet their Lord in the air. O what a
glorious meeting. Friends whom death had separated, were united, never more to
part.
On either side of the cloudy chariot were wings, and
beneath it were living wheels; and as the cloudy 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. Before entering the holy city, the saints were arranged in a
perfect square, with Jesus in the midst. He was head and shoulders high above
the saints, and head and shoulders above the angels. His majestic form, and
lovely countenance, could be seen by all in the square.
See Revelation 15:1-4, 6:12-17.
CHAPTER 38
Then I saw a very great number of angels
bring from the city glorious crowns; a crown for every saint with his name
written thereon; and as Jesus called for the crowns, angels presented them to
him, and the lovely Jesus, with his own right hand, placed the crowns on the
heads of the saints. In the same manner, the angels brought the harps, and Jesus
presented them also to the saints. The commanding angels first struck the note,
and then every voice was raised in grateful, happy praise, and every hand
skillfully swept over the strings of the harp, sending forth melodious music in
rich and perfect strains. Then I saw Jesus lead the redeemed company to the gate
of the city. He laid hold of the gate and swung it back on its glittering
hinges, and bade the nations who had kept the truth to enter in. There was
everything in the city to feast the eye. Rich glory they beheld everywhere. Then
Jesus looked upon his redeemed saints; their countenances were radiant with
glory; and as he fixed his loving eyes upon them, he said, with his rich,
musical voice, I behold the travail of my soul, and am satisfied. This rich
glory is yours to enjoy eternally. Your sorrows are ended. There shall be no
more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain. I
saw the redeemed host bow and cast their glittering crowns at the feet of Jesus,
and then, as his lovely hand raised them up, they touched their golden harps,
and filled all heaven with their music, and songs to the Lamb.
I then saw Jesus leading the redeemed host 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, which
the saints could partake of freely. There was a most glorious throne in the
City, and from under the throne proceeded a pure river of water of life, as
clear as crystal. On either side of this river of life was the tree of life. On
the banks of the river were beautiful trees bearing fruit which was good for
food. Language is altogether too feeble to attempt a description of heaven. As
the scene rises before me I am lost in amazement; and carried away with the
surpassing splendor and the excellent glory, I lay down the pen, and exclaim, O
what love! What wondrous love! The most exalted language cannot describe the
glory of heaven, nor the matchless depths of a Saviour's love.
See Revelation 2:10, 21:4, 22:1-6; Isaiah 65:17-25.
CHAPTER 39
I then beheld the earth. The wicked were
dead, and their bodies were lying upon the face of the earth. The inhabitants of
earth had suffered the wrath of God in the seven last plagues. They had gnawed
their tongues for pain and had cursed God. The false shepherds were signal
objects of Jehovah's wrath. Their eyes had consumed away in their holes, and
their tongues in their mouths, while they stood upon their feet. After the
saints were delivered by the voice of God, the rage of the wicked multitude was
turned upon each other. The earth seemed to be deluged with blood, and dead
bodies were from one end of the earth to the other.
The earth was in a most desolate condition. Cities and
villages, shaken down by the earthquake, lay in heaps. Mountains were moved out
of their places, leaving large caverns. The sea had thrown out ragged rocks upon
the earth, and rocks had been torn out of the earth, and were scattered all over
its surface. The earth looked like a desolate wilderness. Large trees were
rooted up, and were strewn over the land. Here is Satan's home, with his evil
angels, through the 1000 years. Here they will be confined, and wander up and
down over the broken surface of the earth, and see the effects of his rebellion
against God's law. The effects of the curse which he has caused, he can enjoy
through the 1000 years. Limited alone to the earth, he will have no privilege of
ranging around to other planets, to tempt and annoy those who have not fallen.
Satan suffers in this time extremely. Since his fall his evil traits have been
in constant exercise. He is then deprived of his power, and left to reflect upon
the part 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 he has done,
and be punished for all the sins he has caused to be committed.
Then 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 the Devil, and the
inhabitants of other worlds were delivered from his presence and his
temptations.
Then I saw thrones, and Jesus and the redeemed saints sat
upon them; and the saints reigned as kings and priests unto God, and the wicked
dead were judged, and their acts were compared with the statute book, the word
of God, and they were judged according to the deeds done in the body. Jesus, in
union with the saints, meted out to the wicked the portion they must suffer,
according to their works; and it was written in the book of death, and set off
against their names. Satan and his angels were also judged by Jesus and the
saints. Satan's punishment was to be far greater than that of those whom he had
deceived. It so far exceeded their punishment that it could not be compared with
theirs. After all those whom he had deceived had perished, Satan was to still
live and suffer on much longer.
After the judgment of the wicked dead was finished, at the
end of the one thousand years, Jesus left the City, and a train of the angelic
host followed him. The saints also went with him. Jesus descended upon a great
and mighty 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, 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.
See Revelation 16:1-21, 20:2, 7:15.
CHAPTER 40
Then Jesus and all the holy retinue of
angels, and all the redeemed saints, left the City. The holy angels surrounded
Jesus, and escorted him on his way, and the train of redeemed saints followed.
Then Jesus in terrible, fearful majesty called forth the wicked dead; and as
they came up with the same feeble, sickly bodies that went into the grave, what
a spectacle! what a scene! At the first resurrection all came forth in immortal
bloom; but at the second, the marks of the curse are visible on all. Kings and
the noble men of earth come forth with the mean and the low, learned and
unlearned together. All behold the Son of man; and those very men who despised
and mocked Jesus, and smote him with the reed, and that put the crown of thorns
upon his sacred brow, behold him in all his kingly majesty. Those who spit upon
him in the hour of his trial, now turn from his piercing gaze, and from the
glory of his countenance. Those who drove the nails through his hands and his
feet, now look upon the marks of his crucifixion. Those who thrust the spear
into his side, behold the marks of their cruelty on his body. And they know that
he is the very One whom they crucified, and derided in his expiring agony. And
then there arises one long protracted wail of agony, as they flee to hide from
the presence of the King of kings and Lord of lords.
All are seeking to hide in the rocks, and shield
themselves from the terrible glory of him whom they once despised. As all are
overwhelmed and pained with his majesty and his exceeding glory, they with one
accord raise their voices, and with terrible distinctness exclaim, Blessed is he
who 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 feeble and weak strong, and then
he told them that he and his angels were powerful. He then 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 men who were valiant, and had never lost a battle. There was
the proud, ambitious Napoleon whose approach had caused kingdoms to tremble.
There stood men of very high stature, and of dignified, lofty bearing, who had
fallen in battle. They fell 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 spirit 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 that City, and cast
out its inhabitants, and possess its riches and glory themselves.
Satan succeeds in deceiving them, and all immediately
commence to fit themselves for battle. They construct weapons of war; for there
are many skillful men in that vast army. And then with Satan at their head, the
multitude move on. Kings and warriors follow close after Satan, and the
multitude follow after in companies. Every company has a 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. They have prepared all kinds of implements of war,
expecting to have a fierce conflict. They arrange themselves around the City.
Jesus and all the angelic host with the glittering crowns upon their heads, and
all the saints with their bright crowns, ascend to the top of the wall of the
City. Jesus speaks with majesty and says, Behold, ye sinners, the reward of the
just! And behold ye my redeemed, the reward of the wicked! The vast multitude
behold the glorious company on the walls of the City. And as they witness the
splendor of their glittering crowns, and see their faces radiant with glory,
expressing the image of Jesus, and then behold the unsurpassed glory and majesty
of the King of kings, and Lord of lords, their courage fails. The sense of the
treasure and the glory which they have lost, rushes upon them, and they have a
realizing sense that the wages of sin is death. They see the holy, happy company
whom they have despised, clothed with glory, honor, immortality and eternal
life, while they are outside of the City with every mean and abominable thing.
See I Thessalonians 4:16,17; Revelation 6:15,16, 20:7-9.
CHAPTER 41
Satan rushes into the midst, and tries
to stir up the multitude to action. But fire from God out of heaven is rained
upon them, and the great men, and the mighty men, and the noble, and poor and
miserable men, are all consumed together. I saw that some were quickly
destroyed, while others suffered longer. They were punished according to the
deeds done in the body. Some were many days consuming, and just as long as there
was a portion of them unconsumed, all the sense of suffering was there. Said the
angel, The worm of life shall not die; their fire shall not be quenched as long
as there is the least particle for it to prey upon.
But Satan and his angels suffered long. Satan not only
bore the weight and punishment of his sins, but the sins of all the redeemed
host had been placed upon him; and he must also suffer for the ruin of the souls
which he had caused. Then I saw that Satan, and all the wicked host, were
consumed, and the justice of God was satisfied; and all the angelic host, and
all the redeemed saints, with a loud voice said, Amen!
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 will never 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 up, and 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. Everywhere we looked,
everything the eye rested upon, 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 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.
See Daniel 7:26,27; Mark 9:44,48; II Peter 3:9-13;
Revelation 20:6-10.
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