第17章

GodhasgivenusHiswordthatwemaybecomeacquaintedwithitsteachingsandknowforourselveswhatHerequiresofus。WhenthelawyercametoJesuswiththeinquiry，"WhatshallIdotoinheriteternallife？"theSaviourreferredhimtotheScriptures，saying:"Whatiswritteninthelaw？howreadestthou？"Ignorancewillnotexcuseyoungorold，norreleasethemfromthepunishmentdueforthetransgressionofGod’slaw；becausethereisintheirhandsafaithfulpresentationofthatlawandofitsprinciplesandclaims。Itisnotenoughtohavegoodintentions；itisnotenoughtodowhatamanthinksisrightorwhattheministertellshimisright。Hissoul’ssalvationisatstake，andheshouldsearchtheScripturesforhimself。Howeverstrongmaybehisconvictions，howeverconfidenthemaybethattheministerknowswhatistruth，thisisnothisfoundation。Hehasachartpointingouteverywaymarkontheheavenwardjourney，andheoughtnottoguessatanything。

ItisthefirstandhighestdutyofeveryrationalbeingtolearnfromtheScriptureswhatistruth，andthentowalkinthelightandencourageotherstofollowhisexample。WeshoulddaybydaystudytheBiblediligently，weighingeverythoughtandcomparingscripturewithscripture。WithdivinehelpwearetoformouropinionsforourselvesaswearetoanswerforourselvesbeforeGod。

ThetruthsmostplainlyrevealedintheBiblehavebeeninvolvedindoubtanddarknessbylearnedmen，who，withapretenseofgreatwisdom，teachthattheScriptureshaveamystical，asecret，spiritualmeaningnotapparentinthelanguageemployed。Thesemenarefalseteachers。Itwasto599

suchaclassthatJesusdeclared:"YeknownottheScriptures，neitherthepowerofGod。"Mark12:24。ThelanguageoftheBibleshouldbeexplainedaccordingtoitsobviousmeaning，unlessasymbolorfigureisemployed。

Christhasgiventhepromise:"IfanymanwilldoHiswill，heshallknowofthedoctrine。"John7:17。IfmenwouldbuttaketheBibleasitreads，iftherewerenofalseteacherstomisleadandconfusetheirminds，aworkwouldbeaccomplishedthatwouldmakeangelsgladandthatwouldbringintothefoldofChristthousandsuponthousandswhoarenowwanderinginerror。

WeshouldexertallthepowersofthemindinthestudyoftheScripturesandshouldtasktheunderstandingtocomprehend，asfarasmortalscan，thedeepthingsofGod；yetwemustnotforgetthatthedocilityandsubmissionofachildisthetruespiritofthelearner。Scripturaldifficultiescanneverbemasteredbythesamemethodsthatareemployedingrapplingwithphilosophicalproblems。WeshouldnotengageinthestudyoftheBiblewiththatself-reliancewithwhichsomanyenterthedomainsofscience，butwithaprayerfuldependenceuponGodandasinceredesiretolearnHiswill。WemustcomewithahumbleandteachablespirittoobtainknowledgefromthegreatIAM。Otherwise，evilangelswillsoblindourmindsandhardenourheartsthatweshallnotbeimpressedbythetruth。

ManyaportionofScripturewhichlearnedmenpronounceamystery，orpassoverasunimportant，isfullofcomfortandinstructiontohimwhohasbeentaughtintheschoolofChrist。OnereasonwhymanytheologianshavenoclearerunderstandingofGod’swordis，theyclosetheireyestotruthswhichtheydonotwishtopractice。AsunderstandingofBibletruthdependsnotsomuchonthepowerofintellectbroughttothesearchasonthesinglenessofpurpose，theearnestlongingafterrighteousness。

TheBibleshouldneverbestudiedwithoutprayer。TheHolySpiritalonecancauseustofeeltheimportanceofthose600

thingseasytobeunderstood，orpreventusfromwrestingtruthsdifficultofcomprehension。ItistheofficeofheavenlyangelstopreparetheheartsotocomprehendGod’swordthatweshallbecharmedwithitsbeauty，admonishedbyitswarnings，oranimatedandstrengthenedbyitspromises。Weshouldmakethepsalmist’spetitionourown:"OpenThoumineeyes，thatI

maybeholdwondrousthingsoutofThylaw。"Psalm119:18。Temptationsoftenappearirresistiblebecause，throughneglectofprayerandthestudyoftheBible，thetemptedonecannotreadilyrememberGod’spromisesandmeetSatanwiththeScriptureweapons。Butangelsareroundaboutthosewhoarewillingtobetaughtindivinethings；andinthetimeofgreatnecessitytheywillbringtotheirremembrancetheverytruthswhichareneeded。Thus"whentheenemyshallcomeinlikeaflood，theSpiritoftheLordshallliftupastandardagainsthim。"Isaiah59:19。

JesuspromisedHisdisciples:"TheComforter，whichistheHolyGhost，whomtheFatherwillsendinMyname，Heshallteachyouallthings，andbringallthingstoyourremembrance，whatsoeverIhavesaiduntoyou。"John14:26。ButtheteachingsofChristmustpreviouslyhavebeenstoredinthemindinorderfortheSpiritofGodtobringthemtoourremembranceinthetimeofperil。"ThywordhaveIhidinmineheart，"saidDavid，"thatI

mightnotsinagainstThee。"Psalm119:11。

Allwhovaluetheireternalinterestsshouldbeontheirguardagainsttheinroadsofskepticism。Theverypillarsoftruthwillbeassailed。Itisimpossibletokeepbeyondthereachofthesarcasmsandsophisms，theinsidiousandpestilentteachings，ofmoderninfidelity。Satanadaptshistemptationstoallclasses。Heassailstheilliteratewithajestorsneer，whilehemeetstheeducatedwithscientificobjectionsandphilosophicalreasoning，alikecalculatedtoexcitedistrustorcontemptoftheScriptures。Evenyouthoflittleexperiencepresumetoinsinuatedoubtsconcerningthefundamental601

principlesofChristianity。Andthisyouthfulinfidelity，shallowasitis，hasitsinfluence。ManyarethusledtojestatthefaithoftheirfathersandtododespitetotheSpiritofgrace。Hebrews10:29。ManyalifethatpromisedtobeanhonortoGodandablessingtotheworldhasbeenblightedbythefoulbreathofinfidelity。AllwhotrusttotheboastfuldecisionsofhumanreasonandimaginethattheycanexplaindivinemysteriesandarriveattruthunaidedbythewisdomofGodareentangledinthesnareofSatan。

Wearelivinginthemostsolemnperiodofthisworld’shistory。Thedestinyofearth’steemingmultitudesisabouttobedecided。Ourownfuturewell-beingandalsothesalvationofothersoulsdependuponthecoursewhichwenowpursue。WeneedtobeguidedbytheSpiritoftruth。EveryfollowerofChristshouldearnestlyinquire:"Lord，whatwiltThouhavemetodo？"WeneedtohumbleourselvesbeforetheLord，withfastingandprayer，andtomeditatemuchuponHisword，especiallyuponthescenesofthejudgment。WeshouldnowseekadeepandlivingexperienceinthethingsofGod。Wehavenotamomenttolose。Eventsofvitalimportancearetakingplacearoundus；weareonSatan’senchantedground。Sleepnot，sentinelsofGod；thefoeislurkingnear，readyatanymoment，shouldyoubecomelaxanddrowsy，tospringuponyouandmakeyouhisprey。

ManyaredeceivedastotheirtrueconditionbeforeGod。Theycongratulatethemselvesuponthewrongactswhichtheydonotcommit，andforgettoenumeratethegoodandnobledeedswhichGodrequiresofthem，butwhichtheyhaveneglectedtoperform。ItisnotenoughthattheyaretreesinthegardenofGod。TheyaretoanswerHisexpectationbybearingfruit。Heholdsthemaccountablefortheirfailuretoaccomplishallthegoodwhichtheycouldhavedone，throughHisgracestrengtheningthem。Inthebooksofheaventheyareregisteredascumberersoftheground。Yetthecaseofeventhisclassisnotutterlyhopeless。WiththosewhohaveslightedGod’smercyandabusedHisgrace，theheartof602

long-sufferingloveyetpleads。"WhereforeHesaith，Awakethouthatsleepest，andarisefromthedead，andChristshallgivetheelight。Seethenthatyewalkcircumspectly，……redeemingthetime，becausethedaysareevil。"Ephesians5:14-16。

Whenthetestingtimeshallcome，thosewhohavemadeGod’swordtheirruleoflifewillberevealed。Insummerthereisnonoticeabledifferencebetweenevergreensandothertrees；butwhentheblastsofwintercome，theevergreensremainunchanged，whileothertreesarestrippedoftheirfoliage。SothefalseheartedprofessormaynotnowbedistinguishedfromtherealChristian，butthetimeisjustuponuswhenthedifferencewillbeapparent。Letoppositionarise，letbigotryandintoleranceagainbearsway，letpersecutionbekindled，andthehalfheartedandhypocriticalwillwaverandyieldthefaith；butthetrueChristianwillstandfirmasarock，hisfaithstronger，hishopebrighter，thanindaysofprosperity。

Saysthepsalmist:"Thytestimoniesaremymeditation。""ThroughThypreceptsIgetunderstanding:thereforeIhateeveryfalseway。"Psalm119:99，104。

"Happyisthemanthatfindethwisdom。""Heshallbeasatreeplantedbythewaters，andthatspreadethoutherrootsbytheriver，andshallnotseewhenheatcometh，butherleafshallbegreen；andshallnotbecarefulintheyearofdrought，neithershallceasefromyieldingfruit。"Proverbs3:13；Jeremiah17:8。

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Chapter38

TheFinalWarning"Isawanotherangelcomedownfromheaven，havinggreatpower；andtheearthwaslightenedwithhisglory。Andhecriedmightilywithastrongvoice，saying，Babylonthegreatisfallen，isfallen，andisbecomethehabitationofdevils，andtheholdofeveryfoulspirit，andacageofeveryuncleanandhatefulbird。""AndIheardanothervoicefromheaven，saying，Comeoutofher，Mypeople，thatyebenotpartakersofhersins，andthatyereceivenotofherplagues。"Revelation18:1，2，4。

ThisscripturepointsforwardtoatimewhentheannouncementofthefallofBabylon，asmadebythesecondangelofRevelation14(verse8)，istoberepeated，withtheadditionalmentionofthecorruptionswhichhavebeenenteringthevariousorganizationsthatconstituteBabylon，sincethatmessagewasfirstgiven，inthesummerof1844。Aterribleconditionofthereligiousworldisheredescribed。Witheveryrejectionoftruththemindsofthepeoplewillbecomedarker，theirheartsmorestubborn，untiltheyareentrenchedinaninfidelhardihood。IndefianceofthewarningswhichGodhasgiven，theywillcontinuetotrampleupononeofthepreceptsoftheDecalogue，untiltheyareledtopersecutethosewhoholditsacred。ChristissetatnoughtinthecontemptplaceduponHiswordandHispeople。Astheteachingsofspiritualismareacceptedbythechurches，the604

restraintimposeduponthecarnalheartisremoved，andtheprofessionofreligionwillbecomeacloaktoconcealthebasestiniquity。Abeliefinspiritualmanifestationsopensthedoortoseducingspiritsanddoctrinesofdevils，andthustheinfluenceofevilangelswillbefeltinthechurches。

OfBabylon，atthetimebroughttoviewinthisprophecy，itisdeclared:

"Hersinshavereacheduntoheaven，andGodhathrememberedheriniquities。"

Revelation18:5。Shehasfilledupthemeasureofherguilt，anddestructionisabouttofalluponher。ButGodstillhasapeopleinBabylon；andbeforethevisitationofHisjudgmentsthesefaithfulonesmustbecalledout，thattheypartakenotofhersinsand"receivenotofherplagues。"Hencethemovementsymbolizedbytheangelcomingdownfromheaven，lighteningtheearthwithhisgloryandcryingmightilywithastrongvoice，announcingthesinsofBabylon。Inconnectionwithhismessagethecallisheard:"Comeoutofher，Mypeople。"Theseannouncements，unitingwiththethirdangel’smessage，constitutethefinalwarningtobegiventotheinhabitantsoftheearth。

Fearfulistheissuetowhichtheworldistobebrought。Thepowersofearth，unitingtowaragainstthecommandmentsofGod，willdecreethat"all，bothsmallandgreat，richandpoor，freeandbond"(Revelation13:16)，shallconformtothecustomsofthechurchbytheobservanceofthefalsesabbath。Allwhorefusecompliancewillbevisitedwithcivilpenalties，anditwillfinallybedeclaredthattheyaredeservingofdeath。

Ontheotherhand，thelawofGodenjoiningtheCreator’srestdaydemandsobedienceandthreatenswrathagainstallwhotransgressitsprecepts。

Withtheissuethusclearlybroughtbeforehim，whoevershalltrampleuponGod’slawtoobeyahumanenactmentreceivesthemarkofthebeast；heacceptsthesignofallegiancetothepowerwhichhechoosestoobeyinsteadofGod。Thewarningfromheavenis:"Ifanymanworshipthebeast605

andhisimage，andreceivehismarkinhisforehead，orinhishand，thesameshalldrinkofthewineofthewrathofGod，whichispouredoutwithoutmixtureintothecupofHisindignation。"Revelation14:9，10。

ButnotoneismadetosufferthewrathofGoduntilthetruthhasbeenbroughthometohismindandconscience，andhasbeenrejected。Therearemanywhohaveneverhadanopportunitytohearthespecialtruthsforthistime。Theobligationofthefourthcommandmenthasneverbeensetbeforetheminitstruelight。Hewhoreadseveryheartandtrieseverymotivewillleavenonewhodesireaknowledgeofthetruth，tobedeceivedastotheissuesofthecontroversy。Thedecreeisnottobeurgeduponthepeopleblindly。Everyoneistohavesufficientlighttomakehisdecisionintelligently。

TheSabbathwillbethegreattestofloyalty，foritisthepointoftruthespeciallycontroverted。Whenthefinaltestshallbebroughttobearuponmen，thenthelineofdistinctionwillbedrawnbetweenthosewhoserveGodandthosewhoserveHimnot。Whiletheobservanceofthefalsesabbathincompliancewiththelawofthestate，contrarytothefourthcommandment，willbeanavowalofallegiancetoapowerthatisinoppositiontoGod，thekeepingofthetrueSabbath，inobediencetoGod’slaw，isanevidenceofloyaltytotheCreator。Whileoneclass，byacceptingthesignofsubmissiontoearthlypowers，receivethemarkofthebeast，theotherchoosingthetokenofallegiancetodivineauthority，receivethesealofGod。

Heretoforethosewhopresentedthetruthsofthethirdangel’smessagehaveoftenbeenregardedasmerealarmists。TheirpredictionsthatreligiousintolerancewouldgaincontrolintheUnitedStates，thatchurchandstatewouldunitetopersecutethosewhokeepthecommandmentsofGod，havebeenpronouncedgroundlessandabsurd。Ithasbeenconfidentlydeclaredthatthislandcouldneverbecomeotherthanwhatithasbeen——thedefenderofreligiousfreedom。But606

asthequestionofenforcingSundayobservanceiswidelyagitated，theeventsolongdoubtedanddisbelievedisseentobeapproaching，andthethirdmessagewillproduceaneffectwhichitcouldnothavehadbefore。

IneverygenerationGodhassentHisservantstorebukesin，bothintheworldandinthechurch。Butthepeopledesiresmooththingsspokentothem，andthepure，unvarnishedtruthisnotacceptable。Manyreformers，inenteringupontheirwork，determinedtoexercisegreatprudenceinattackingthesinsofthechurchandthenation。Theyhoped，bytheexampleofapureChristianlife，toleadthepeoplebacktothedoctrinesoftheBible。ButtheSpiritofGodcameuponthemasitcameuponElijah，movinghimtorebukethesinsofawickedkingandanapostatepeople；theycouldnotrefrainfrompreachingtheplainutterancesoftheBible——doctrineswhichtheyhadbeenreluctanttopresent。Theywereimpelledtozealouslydeclarethetruthandthedangerwhichthreatenedsouls。ThewordswhichtheLordgavethemtheyuttered，fearlessofconsequences，andthepeoplewerecompelledtohearthewarning。

Thusthemessageofthethirdangelwillbeproclaimed。Asthetimecomesforittobegivenwithgreatestpower，theLordwillworkthroughhumbleinstruments，leadingthemindsofthosewhoconsecratethemselvestoHisservice。ThelaborerswillbequalifiedratherbytheunctionofHisSpiritthanbythetrainingofliteraryinstitutions。Menoffaithandprayerwillbeconstrainedtogoforthwithholyzeal，declaringthewordswhichGodgivesthem。ThesinsofBabylonwillbelaidopen。Thefearfulresultsofenforcingtheobservancesofthechurchbycivilauthority，theinroadsofspiritualism，thestealthybutrapidprogressofthepapalpower——allwillbeunmasked。Bythesesolemnwarningsthepeoplewillbestirred。Thousandsuponthousandswilllistenwhohaveneverheardwordslikethese。Inamazementthey607

hearthetestimonythatBabylonisthechurch，fallenbecauseofhererrorsandsins，becauseofherrejectionofthetruthsenttoherfromheaven。Asthepeoplegototheirformerteacherswiththeeagerinquiry，Arethesethingsso？theministerspresentfables，prophesysmooththings，tosoothetheirfearsandquiettheawakenedconscience。Butsincemanyrefusetobesatisfiedwiththemereauthorityofmenanddemandaplain"ThussaiththeLord，"thepopularministry，likethePhariseesofold，filledwithangerastheirauthorityisquestioned，willdenouncethemessageasofSatanandstirupthesin-lovingmultitudestorevileandpersecutethosewhoproclaimit。

AsthecontroversyextendsintonewfieldsandthemindsofthepeoplearecalledtoGod’sdowntroddenlaw，Satanisastir。Thepowerattendingthemessagewillonlymaddenthosewhoopposeit。Theclergywillputforthalmostsuperhumaneffortstoshutawaythelightlestitshouldshineupontheirflocks。Byeverymeansattheircommandtheywillendeavortosuppressthediscussionofthesevitalquestions。Thechurchappealstothestrongarmofcivilpower，and，inthiswork，papistsandProtestantsunite。AsthemovementforSundayenforcementbecomesmoreboldanddecided，thelawwillbeinvokedagainstcommandmentkeepers。Theywillbethreatenedwithfinesandimprisonment，andsomewillbeofferedpositionsofinfluence，andotherrewardsandadvantages，asinducementstorenouncetheirfaith。Buttheirsteadfastansweris:"ShowusfromthewordofGodourerror"——thesamepleathatwasmadebyLutherundersimilarcircumstances。Thosewhoarearraignedbeforethecourtsmakeastrongvindicationofthetruth，andsomewhohearthemareledtotaketheirstandtokeepallthecommandmentsofGod。Thuslightwillbebroughtbeforethousandswhootherwisewouldknownothingofthesetruths。

608

ConscientiousobediencetothewordofGodwillbetreatedasrebellion。

BlindedbySatan，theparentwillexerciseharshnessandseveritytowardthebelievingchild；themasterormistresswilloppressthecommandment-keepingservant。Affectionwillbealienated；childrenwillbedisinheritedanddrivenfromhome。ThewordsofPaulwillbeliterallyfulfilled:"AllthatwilllivegodlyinChristJesusshallsufferpersecution。"2Timothy3:12。

AsthedefendersoftruthrefusetohonortheSunday-sabbath，someofthemwillbethrustintoprison，somewillbeexiled，somewillbetreatedasslaves。Tohumanwisdomallthisnowseemsimpossible；butastherestrainingSpiritofGodshallbewithdrawnfrommen，andtheyshallbeunderthecontrolofSatan，whohatesthedivineprecepts，therewillbestrangedevelopments。TheheartcanbeverycruelwhenGod’sfearandloveareremoved。

Asthestormapproaches，alargeclasswhohaveprofessedfaithinthethirdangel’smessage，buthavenotbeensanctifiedthroughobediencetothetruth，abandontheirpositionandjointheranksoftheopposition。Byunitingwiththeworldandpartakingofitsspirit，theyhavecometoviewmattersinnearlythesamelight；andwhenthetestisbrought，theyarepreparedtochoosetheeasy，popularside。Menoftalentandpleasingaddress，whooncerejoicedinthetruth，employtheirpowerstodeceiveandmisleadsouls。Theybecomethemostbitterenemiesoftheirformerbrethren。

WhenSabbathkeepersarebroughtbeforethecourtstoanswerfortheirfaith，theseapostatesarethemostefficientagentsofSatantomisrepresentandaccusethem，andbyfalsereportsandinsinuationstostiruptherulersagainstthem。

InthistimeofpersecutionthefaithoftheLord’sservantswillbetried。

Theyhavefaithfullygiventhewarning，lookingtoGodandtoHiswordalone。God’sSpirit，movingupontheirhearts，hasconstrainedthemtospeak。Stimulated609

withholyzeal，andwiththedivineimpulsestronguponthem，theyenteredupontheperformanceoftheirdutieswithoutcoldlycalculatingtheconsequencesofspeakingtothepeoplethewordwhichtheLordhadgiventhem。Theyhavenotconsultedtheirtemporalinterests，norsoughttopreservetheirreputationortheirlives。Yetwhenthestormofoppositionandreproachburstsuponthem，some，overwhelmedwithconsternation，willbereadytoexclaim:"Hadweforeseentheconsequencesofourwords，wewouldhaveheldourpeace。"Theyarehedgedinwithdifficulties。Satanassailsthemwithfiercetemptations。Theworkwhichtheyhaveundertakenseemsfarbeyondtheirabilitytoaccomplish。Theyarethreatenedwithdestruction。

Theenthusiasmwhichanimatedthemisgone；yettheycannotturnback。Then，feelingtheirutterhelplessness，theyfleetotheMightyOneforstrength。

Theyrememberthatthewordswhichtheyhavespokenwerenottheirs，butHiswhobadethemgivethewarning。Godputthetruthintotheirhearts，andtheycouldnotforbeartoproclaimit。

ThesametrialshavebeenexperiencedbymenofGodinagespast。Wycliffe，Huss，Luther，Tyndale，Baxter，Wesley，urgedthatalldoctrinesbebroughttothetestoftheBibleanddeclaredthattheywouldrenounceeverythingwhichitcondemned。Againstthesemenpersecutionragedwithrelentlessfury；yettheyceasednottodeclarethetruth。Differentperiodsinthehistoryofthechurchhaveeachbeenmarkedbythedevelopmentofsomespecialtruth，adaptedtothenecessitiesofGod’speopleatthattime。

Everynewtruthhasmadeitswayagainsthatredandopposition；thosewhowereblessedwithitslightweretemptedandtried。TheLordgivesaspecialtruthforthepeopleinanemergency。Whodarerefusetopublishit？HecommandsHisservantstopresentthelastinvitationofmercytotheworld。

Theycannotremainsilent，exceptattheperiloftheirsouls。Christ’sambassadors610

havenothingtodowithconsequences。TheymustperformtheirdutyandleaveresultswithGod。

Astheoppositionrisestoafiercerheight，theservantsofGodareagainperplexed；foritseemstothemthattheyhavebroughtthecrisis。ButconscienceandthewordofGodassurethemthattheircourseisright；andalthoughthetrialscontinue，theyarestrengthenedtobearthem。Thecontestgrowscloserandsharper，buttheirfaithandcouragerisewiththeemergency。Theirtestimonyis:"WedarenottamperwithGod’sword，dividingHisholylaw；callingoneportionessentialandanothernonessential，togainthefavoroftheworld。TheLordwhomweserveisabletodeliverus。

Christhasconqueredthepowersofearth；andshallwebeafraidofaworldalreadyconquered？"

PersecutioninitsvariedformsisthedevelopmentofaprinciplewhichwillexistaslongasSatanexistsandChristianityhasvitalpower。NomancanserveGodwithoutenlistingagainsthimselftheoppositionofthehostsofdarkness。Evilangelswillassailhim，alarmedthathisinfluenceistakingthepreyfromtheirhands。Evilmen，rebukedbyhisexample，willunitewiththeminseekingtoseparatehimfromGodbyalluringtemptations。Whenthesedonotsucceed，thenacompellingpowerisemployedtoforcetheconscience。

ButsolongasJesusremainsman’sintercessorinthesanctuaryabove，therestraininginfluenceoftheHolySpiritisfeltbyrulersandpeople。Itstillcontrolstosomeextentthelawsoftheland。Wereitnotfortheselaws，theconditionoftheworldwouldbemuchworsethanitnowis。WhilemanyofourrulersareactiveagentsofSatan，GodalsohasHisagentsamongtheleadingmenofthenation。TheenemymovesuponhisservantstoproposemeasuresthatwouldgreatlyimpedetheworkofGod；butstatesmenwhofeartheLordareinfluencedbyholyangelstoopposesuchpropositionswithunanswerablearguments。Thusafewmenwill611

holdincheckapowerfulcurrentofevil。Theoppositionoftheenemiesoftruthwillberestrainedthatthethirdangel’smessagemaydoitswork。

Whenthefinalwarningshallbegiven，itwillarresttheattentionoftheseleadingmenthroughwhomtheLordisnowworking，andsomeofthemwillacceptit，andwillstandwiththepeopleofGodthroughthetimeoftrouble。

Theangelwhounitesintheproclamationofthethirdangel’smessageistolightenthewholeearthwithhisglory。Aworkofworld-wideextentandunwontedpowerishereforetold。Theadventmovementof1840-44wasagloriousmanifestationofthepowerofGod；thefirstangel’smessagewascarriedtoeverymissionarystationintheworld，andinsomecountriestherewasthegreatestreligiousinterestwhichhasbeenwitnessedinanylandsincetheReformationofthesixteenthcentury；butthesearetobeexceededbythemightymovementunderthelastwarningofthethirdangel。

TheworkwillbesimilartothatoftheDayofPentecost。Asthe"formerrain"wasgiven，intheoutpouringoftheHolySpiritattheopeningofthegospel，tocausetheupspringingofthepreciousseed，sothe"latterrain"

willbegivenatitsclosefortheripeningoftheharvest。"Thenshallweknow，ifwefollowontoknowtheLord:Hisgoingforthispreparedasthemorning；andHeshallcomeuntousastherain，asthelatterandformerrainuntotheearth。"Hosea6:3。"Begladthen，yechildrenofZion，andrejoiceintheLordyourGod:forHehathgivenyoutheformerrainmoderately，andHewillcausetocomedownforyoutherain，theformerrain，andthelatterrain。"Joel2:23。"Inthelastdays，saithGod，IwillpouroutofMySpirituponallflesh。""Anditshallcometopass，thatwhosoevershallcallonthenameoftheLordshallbesaved。"Acts2:17，21。

ThegreatworkofthegospelisnottoclosewithlessmanifestationofthepowerofGodthanmarkeditsopening。Theprophecieswhichwerefulfilledintheoutpouringofthe612

formerrainattheopeningofthegospelareagaintobefulfilledinthelatterrainatitsclose。Hereare"thetimesofrefreshing"towhichtheapostlePeterlookedforwardwhenhesaid:"Repentyetherefore，andbeconverted，thatyoursinsmaybeblottedout，whenthetimesofrefreshingshallcomefromthepresenceoftheLord；andHeshallsendJesus。"Acts3:19，20。

ServantsofGod，withtheirfaceslightedupandshiningwithholyconsecration，willhastenfromplacetoplacetoproclaimthemessagefromheaven。Bythousandsofvoices，allovertheearth，thewarningwillbegiven。Miracleswillbewrought，thesickwillbehealed，andsignsandwonderswillfollowthebelievers。Satanalsoworks，withlyingwonders，evenbringingdownfirefromheaveninthesightofmen。Revelation13:13。

Thustheinhabitantsoftheearthwillbebroughttotaketheirstand。

ThemessagewillbecarriednotsomuchbyargumentasbythedeepconvictionoftheSpiritofGod。Theargumentshavebeenpresented。Theseedhasbeensown，andnowitwillspringupandbearfruit。Thepublicationsdistributedbymissionaryworkershaveexertedtheirinfluence，yetmanywhosemindswereimpressedhavebeenpreventedfromfullycomprehendingthetruthorfromyieldingobedience。Nowtheraysoflightpenetrateeverywhere，thetruthisseeninitsclearness，andthehonestchildrenofGodseverthebandswhichhaveheldthem。Familyconnections，churchrelations，arepowerlesstostaythemnow。Truthismorepreciousthanallbesides。Notwithstandingtheagenciescombinedagainstthetruth，alargenumbertaketheirstandupontheLord’sside。

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Chapter39

TheTimeofTrouble"AtthattimeshallMichaelstandup，thegreatPrincewhichstandethforthechildrenofthypeople:andthereshallbeatimeoftrouble，suchasneverwassincetherewasanationeventothatsametime:andatthattimethypeopleshallbedelivered，everyonethatshallbefoundwritteninthebook。"Daniel12:1。

Whenthethirdangel’smessagecloses，mercynolongerpleadsfortheguiltyinhabitantsoftheearth。ThepeopleofGodhaveaccomplishedtheirwork。

Theyhavereceived"thelatterrain，""therefreshingfromthepresenceoftheLord，"andtheyarepreparedforthetryinghourbeforethem。Angelsarehasteningtoandfroinheaven。Anangelreturningfromtheearthannouncesthathisworkisdone；thefinaltesthasbeenbroughtupontheworld，andallwhohaveprovedthemselvesloyaltothedivinepreceptshavereceived"thesealofthelivingGod。"ThenJesusceasesHisintercessioninthesanctuaryabove。HeliftsHishandsandwithaloudvoicesays，"Itisdone；"andalltheangelichostlayofftheircrownsasHemakesthesolemnannouncement:"Hethatisunjust，lethimbeunjuststill:andhewhichisfilthy，lethimbefilthystill:andhethatisrighteous，lethimberighteousstill:andhethatisholy，lethimbeholystill。"Revelation22:11。Everycasehasbeendecidedforlifeordeath。ChristhasmadetheatonementforHispeopleand614

blottedouttheirsins。ThenumberofHissubjectsismadeup；"thekingdomanddominion，andthegreatnessofthekingdomunderthewholeheaven，"isabouttobegiventotheheirsofsalvation，andJesusistoreignasKingofkingsandLordoflords。

WhenHeleavesthesanctuary，darknesscoverstheinhabitantsoftheearth。

InthatfearfultimetherighteousmustliveinthesightofaholyGodwithoutanintercessor。Therestraintwhichhasbeenuponthewickedisremoved，andSatanhasentirecontrolofthefinallyimpenitent。God’slong-sufferinghasended。TheworldhasrejectedHismercy，despisedHislove，andtrampleduponHislaw。Thewickedhavepassedtheboundaryoftheirprobation；theSpiritofGod，persistentlyresisted，hasbeenatlastwithdrawn。Unshelteredbydivinegrace，theyhavenoprotectionfromthewickedone。Satanwillthenplungetheinhabitantsoftheearthintoonegreat，finaltrouble。AstheangelsofGodceasetoholdincheckthefiercewindsofhumanpassion，alltheelementsofstrifewillbeletloose。ThewholeworldwillbeinvolvedinruinmoreterriblethanthatwhichcameuponJerusalemofold。

Asingleangeldestroyedallthefirst-bornoftheEgyptiansandfilledthelandwithmourning。WhenDavidoffendedagainstGodbynumberingthepeople，oneangelcausedthatterribledestructionbywhichhissinwaspunished。

ThesamedestructivepowerexercisedbyholyangelswhenGodcommands，willbeexercisedbyevilangelswhenHepermits。Thereareforcesnowready，andonlywaitingthedivinepermission，tospreaddesolationeverywhere。

ThosewhohonorthelawofGodhavebeenaccusedofbringingjudgmentsupontheworld，andtheywillberegardedasthecauseofthefearfulconvulsionsofnatureandthestrifeandbloodshedamongmenthatarefillingtheearthwithwoe。Thepowerattendingthelastwarninghasenragedthewicked；theirangeriskindledagainstallwho615

havereceivedthemessage，andSatanwillexcitetostillgreaterintensitythespiritofhatredandpersecution。

WhenGod’spresencewasfinallywithdrawnfromtheJewishnation，priestsandpeopleknewitnot。ThoughunderthecontrolofSatan，andswayedbythemosthorribleandmalignantpassions，theystillregardedthemselvesasthechosenofGod。Theministrationinthetemplecontinued；sacrificeswereoffereduponitspollutedaltars，anddailythedivineblessingwasinvokeduponapeopleguiltyofthebloodofGod’sdearSonandseekingtoslayHisministersandapostles。Sowhentheirrevocabledecisionofthesanctuaryhasbeenpronouncedandthedestinyoftheworldhasbeenforeverfixed，theinhabitantsoftheearthwillknowitnot。TheformsofreligionwillbecontinuedbyapeoplefromwhomtheSpiritofGodhasbeenfinallywithdrawn；andthesataniczealwithwhichtheprinceofevilwillinspirethemfortheaccomplishmentofhismalignantdesigns，willbearthesemblanceofzealforGod。

AstheSabbathhasbecomethespecialpointofcontroversythroughoutChristendom，andreligiousandsecularauthoritieshavecombinedtoenforcetheobservanceoftheSunday，thepersistentrefusalofasmallminoritytoyieldtothepopulardemandwillmakethemobjectsofuniversalexecration。

Itwillbeurgedthatthefewwhostandinoppositiontoaninstitutionofthechurchandalawofthestateoughtnottobetolerated；thatitisbetterforthemtosufferthanforwholenationstobethrownintoconfusionandlawlessness。ThesameargumenteighteenhundredyearsagowasbroughtagainstChristbythe"rulersofthepeople。""Itisexpedientforus，"saidthewilyCaiaphas，"thatonemanshoulddieforthepeople，andthatthewholenationperishnot。"John11:50。Thisargumentwillappearconclusive；

andadecreewillfinallybeissuedagainstthosewhohallowtheSabbathofthefourthcommandment，denouncingthemasdeservingoftheseverestpunishmentandgiving616

thepeopleliberty，afteracertaintime，toputthemtodeath。RomanismintheOldWorldandapostateProtestantismintheNewwillpursueasimilarcoursetowardthosewhohonorallthedivineprecepts。

ThepeopleofGodwillthenbeplungedintothosescenesofafflictionanddistressdescribedbytheprophetasthetimeofJacob’strouble。"ThussaiththeLord:Wehaveheardavoiceoftrembling，offear，andnotofpeace……Allfacesareturnedintopaleness。Alas！forthatdayisgreat，sothatnoneislikeit:itiseventhetimeofJacob’strouble；butheshallbesavedoutofit。"Jeremiah30:5-7。

Jacob’snightofanguish，whenhewrestledinprayerfordeliverancefromthehandofEsau(Genesis32:24-30)，representstheexperienceofGod’speopleinthetimeoftrouble。Becauseofthedeceptionpracticedtosecurehisfather’sblessing，intendedforEsau，Jacobhadfledforhislife，alarmedbyhisbrother’sdeadlythreats。Afterremainingformanyyearsanexile，hehadsetout，atGod’scommand，toreturnwithhiswivesandchildren，hisflocksandherds，tohisnativecountry。Onreachingthebordersoftheland，hewasfilledwithterrorbythetidingsofEsau’sapproachattheheadofabandofwarriors，doubtlessbentuponrevenge。

Jacob’scompany，unarmedanddefenseless，seemedabouttofallhelplessvictimsofviolenceandslaughter。Andtotheburdenofanxietyandfearwasaddedthecrushingweightofself-reproach，foritwashisownsinthathadbroughtthisdanger。HisonlyhopewasinthemercyofGod；hisonlydefensemustbeprayer。Yetheleavesnothingundoneonhisownparttoatoneforthewrongtohisbrotherandtoavertthethreateneddanger。SoshouldthefollowersofChrist，astheyapproachthetimeoftrouble，makeeveryexertiontoplacethemselvesinaproperlightbeforethepeople，todisarmprejudice，andtoavertthedangerwhichthreatenslibertyofconscience。

Havingsenthisfamilyaway，thattheymaynotwitnesshisdistress，JacobremainsalonetointercedewithGod。He617

confesseshissinandgratefullyacknowledgesthemercyofGodtowardhimwhilewithdeephumiliationhepleadsthecovenantmadewithhisfathersandthepromisestohimselfinthenightvisionatBethelandinthelandofhisexile。Thecrisisinhislifehascome；everythingisatstake。InthedarknessandsolitudehecontinuesprayingandhumblinghimselfbeforeGod。

Suddenlyahandislaiduponhisshoulder。Hethinksthatanenemyisseekinghislife，andwithalltheenergyofdespairhewrestleswithhisassailant。Asthedaybeginstobreak，thestrangerputsforthhissuperhumanpower；athistouchthestrongmanseemsparalyzed，andhefalls，ahelpless，weepingsuppliant，upontheneckofhismysteriousantagonist。

JacobknowsnowthatitistheAngelofthecovenantwithwhomhehasbeeninconflict。Thoughdisabledandsufferingthekeenestpain，hedoesnotrelinquishhispurpose。Longhasheenduredperplexity，remorse，andtroubleforhissin；nowhemusthavetheassurancethatitispardoned。Thedivinevisitantseemsabouttodepart；butJacobclingstoHim，pleadingforablessing。TheAngelurges，"LetMego，forthedaybreaketh；"butthepatriarchexclaims，"IwillnotletTheego，exceptThoublessme。"Whatconfidence，whatfirmnessandperseverance，areheredisplayed！Hadthisbeenaboastful，presumptuousclaim，Jacobwouldhavebeeninstantlydestroyed；buthiswastheassuranceofonewhoconfesseshisweaknessandunworthiness，yettruststhemercyofacovenant-keepingGod。

"HehadpowerovertheAngel，andprevailed。"Hosea12:4。Throughhumiliation，repentance，andself-surrender，thissinful，erringmortalprevailedwiththeMajestyofheaven。HehadfastenedhistremblinggraspuponthepromisesofGod，andtheheartofInfiniteLovecouldnotturnawaythesinner’splea。Asanevidenceofhistriumphandanencouragementtootherstoimitatehisexample，hisnamewaschangedfromonewhichwasareminderofhissin，toonethatcommemoratedhisvictory。AndthefactthatJacob618

hadprevailedwithGodwasanassurancethathewouldprevailwithmen。Henolongerfearedtoencounterhisbrother’sanger，fortheLordwashisdefense。

SatanhadaccusedJacobbeforetheangelsofGod，claimingtherighttodestroyhimbecauseofhissin；hehadmoveduponEsautomarchagainsthim；

andduringthepatriarch’slongnightofwrestling，SatanendeavoredtoforceuponhimasenseofhisguiltinordertodiscouragehimandbreakhisholduponGod。Jacobwasdrivenalmosttodespair；butheknewthatwithouthelpfromheavenhemustperish。Hehadsincerelyrepentedofhisgreatsin，andheappealedtothemercyofGod。Hewouldnotbeturnedfromhispurpose，butheldfasttheAngelandurgedhispetitionwithearnest，agonizingcriesuntilheprevailed。

AsSataninfluencedEsautomarchagainstJacob，sohewillstirupthewickedtodestroyGod’speopleinthetimeoftrouble。AndasheaccusedJacob，hewillurgehisaccusationsagainstthepeopleofGod。Henumberstheworldashissubjects；butthelittlecompanywhokeepthecommandmentsofGodareresistinghissupremacy。Ifhecouldblotthemfromtheearth，histriumphwouldbecomplete。Heseesthatholyangelsareguardingthem，andheinfersthattheirsinshavebeenpardoned；buthedoesnotknowthattheircaseshavebeendecidedinthesanctuaryabove。Hehasanaccurateknowledgeofthesinswhichhehastemptedthemtocommit，andhepresentsthesebeforeGodinthemostexaggeratedlight，representingthispeopletobejustasdeservingashimselfofexclusionfromthefavorofGod。HedeclaresthattheLordcannotinjusticeforgivetheirsinsandyetdestroyhimandhisangels。Heclaimsthemashispreyanddemandsthattheybegivenintohishandstodestroy。

AsSatanaccusesthepeopleofGodonaccountoftheirsins，theLordpermitshimtotrythemtotheuttermost。TheirconfidenceinGod，theirfaithandfirmness，willbeseverelytested。Astheyreviewthepast，theirhopessink；

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forintheirwholelivestheycanseelittlegood。Theyarefullyconsciousoftheirweaknessandunworthiness。Satanendeavorstoterrifythemwiththethoughtthattheircasesarehopeless，thatthestainoftheirdefilementwillneverbewashedaway。HehopessotodestroytheirfaiththattheywillyieldtohistemptationsandturnfromtheirallegiancetoGod。

ThoughGod’speoplewillbesurroundedbyenemieswhoarebentupontheirdestruction，yettheanguishwhichtheysufferisnotadreadofpersecutionforthetruth’ssake；theyfearthateverysinhasnotbeenrepentedof，andthatthroughsomefaultinthemselvestheywillfailtorealizethefulfillmentoftheSaviour’spromise:I"willkeeptheefromthehouroftemptation，whichshallcomeuponalltheworld。"Revelation3:10。Iftheycouldhavetheassuranceofpardontheywouldnotshrinkfromtortureordeath；butshouldtheyproveunworthy，andlosetheirlivesbecauseoftheirowndefectsofcharacter，thenGod’sholynamewouldbereproached。

Oneveryhandtheyheartheplottingsoftreasonandseetheactiveworkingofrebellion；andthereisarousedwithinthemanintensedesire，anearnestyearningofsoul，thatthisgreatapostasymaybeterminatedandthewickednessofthewickedmaycometoanend。ButwhiletheypleadwithGodtostaytheworkofrebellion，itiswithakeensenseofself-reproachthattheythemselveshavenomorepowertoresistandurgebackthemightytideofevil。TheyfeelthathadtheyalwaysemployedalltheirabilityintheserviceofChrist，goingforwardfromstrengthtostrength，Satan’sforceswouldhavelesspowertoprevailagainstthem。

TheyafflicttheirsoulsbeforeGod，pointingtotheirpastrepentanceoftheirmanysins，andpleadingtheSaviour’spromise:"LethimtakeholdofMystrength，thathemaymakepeacewithMe；andheshallmakepeacewithMe。"Isaiah27:5。Theirfaithdoesnotfailbecausetheirprayers620

arenotimmediatelyanswered。Thoughsufferingthekeenestanxiety，terror，anddistress，theydonotceasetheirintercessions。TheylayholdofthestrengthofGodasJacoblaidholdoftheAngel；andthelanguageoftheirsoulsis:"IwillnotletTheego，exceptThoublessme。"

HadnotJacobpreviouslyrepentedofhissininobtainingthebirthrightbyfraud，Godwouldnothaveheardhisprayerandmercifullypreservedhislife。So，inthetimeoftrouble，ifthepeopleofGodhadunconfessedsinstoappearbeforethemwhiletorturedwithfearandanguish，theywouldbeoverwhelmed；despairwouldcutofftheirfaith，andtheycouldnothaveconfidencetopleadwithGodfordeliverance。Butwhiletheyhaveadeepsenseoftheirunworthiness，theyhavenoconcealedwrongstoreveal。Theirsinshavegonebeforehandtojudgmentandhavebeenblottedout，andtheycannotbringthemtoremembrance。

SatanleadsmanytobelievethatGodwilloverlooktheirunfaithfulnessintheminoraffairsoflife；buttheLordshowsinHisdealingswithJacobthatHewillinnowisesanctionortolerateevil。Allwhoendeavortoexcuseorconcealtheirsins，andpermitthemtoremainuponthebooksofheaven，unconfessedandunforgiven，willbeovercomebySatan。Themoreexaltedtheirprofessionandthemorehonorablethepositionwhichtheyhold，themoregrievousistheircourseinthesightofGodandthemoresurethetriumphoftheirgreatadversary。ThosewhodelayapreparationforthedayofGodcannotobtainitinthetimeoftroubleoratanysubsequenttime。Thecaseofallsuchishopeless。

ThoseprofessedChristianswhocomeuptothatlastfearfulconflictunpreparedwill，intheirdespair，confesstheirsinsinwordsofburninganguish，whilethewickedexultovertheirdistress。TheseconfessionsareofthesamecharacteraswasthatofEsauorofJudas。Thosewhomakethem，lamenttheresultoftransgression，butnotitsguilt。Theyfeel621

notruecontrition，noabhorrenceofevil。Theyacknowledgetheirsin，throughfearofpunishment；but，likePharaohofold，theywouldreturntotheirdefianceofHeavenshouldthejudgmentsberemoved。

Jacob’shistoryisalsoanassurancethatGodwillnotcastoffthosewhohavebeendeceivedandtemptedandbetrayedintosin，butwhohavereturneduntoHimwithtruerepentance。WhileSatanseekstodestroythisclass，GodwillsendHisangelstocomfortandprotecttheminthetimeofperil。TheassaultsofSatanarefierceanddetermined，hisdelusionsareterrible；buttheLord’seyeisuponHispeople，andHisearlistenstotheircries。Theirafflictionisgreat，theflamesofthefurnaceseemabouttoconsumethem；

buttheRefinerwillbringthemforthasgoldtriedinthefire。God’sloveforHischildrenduringtheperiodoftheirseveresttrialisasstrongandtenderasinthedaysoftheirsunniestprosperity；butitisneedfulforthemtobeplacedinthefurnaceoffire；theirearthlinessmustbeconsumed，thattheimageofChristmaybeperfectlyreflected。

Theseasonofdistressandanguishbeforeuswillrequireafaiththatcanendureweariness，delay，andhunger——afaiththatwillnotfaintthoughseverelytried。Theperiodofprobationisgrantedtoalltoprepareforthattime。Jacobprevailedbecausehewasperseveringanddetermined。Hisvictoryisanevidenceofthepowerofimportunateprayer。AllwhowilllayholdofGod’spromises，ashedid，andbeasearnestandperseveringashewas，willsucceedashesucceeded。Thosewhoareunwillingtodenyself，toagonizebeforeGod，topraylongandearnestlyforHisblessing，willnotobtainit。WrestlingwithGod——howfewknowwhatitis！HowfewhaveeverhadtheirsoulsdrawnoutafterGodwithintensityofdesireuntileverypowerisonthestretch。Whenwavesofdespairwhichnolanguagecanexpresssweepoverthesuppliant，howfewclingwithunyieldingfaithtothepromisesofGod。

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Thosewhoexercisebutlittlefaithnow，areinthegreatestdangeroffallingunderthepowerofsatanicdelusionsandthedecreetocompeltheconscience。Andeveniftheyendurethetesttheywillbeplungedintodeeperdistressandanguishinthetimeoftrouble，becausetheyhavenevermadeitahabittotrustinGod。Thelessonsoffaithwhichtheyhaveneglectedtheywillbeforcedtolearnunderaterriblepressureofdiscouragement。

WeshouldnowacquaintourselveswithGodbyprovingHispromises。Angelsrecordeveryprayerthatisearnestandsincere。WeshouldratherdispensewithselfishgratificationsthanneglectcommunionwithGod。Thedeepestpoverty，thegreatestself-denial，withHisapproval，isbetterthanriches，honors，ease，andfriendshipwithoutit。Wemusttaketimetopray。Ifweallowourmindstobeabsorbedbyworldlyinterests，theLordmaygiveustimebyremovingfromusouridolsofgold，ofhouses，oroffertilelands。

TheyoungwouldnotbeseducedintosiniftheywouldrefusetoenteranypathsavethatuponwhichtheycouldaskGod’sblessing。IfthemessengerswhobearthelastsolemnwarningtotheworldwouldprayfortheblessingofGod，notinacold，listless，lazymanner，butferventlyandinfaith，asdidJacob，theywouldfindmanyplaceswheretheycouldsay:"IhaveseenGodfacetoface，andmylifeispreserved。"Genesis32:30。Theywouldbeaccountedofheavenasprinces，havingpowertoprevailwithGodandwithmen。

The"timeoftrouble，suchasneverwas，"issoontoopenuponus；andweshallneedanexperiencewhichwedonotnowpossessandwhichmanyaretooindolenttoobtain。Itisoftenthecasethattroubleisgreaterinanticipationthaninreality；butthisisnottrueofthecrisisbeforeus。

Themostvividpresentationcannotreachthemagnitudeoftheordeal。Inthattimeoftrial，everysoulmuststandforhimselfbeforeGod。"ThoughNoah，Daniel，andJob"wereintheland，"asIlive，saiththeLordGod，theyshalldeliverneitherson623

nordaughter；theyshallbutdelivertheirownsoulsbytheirrighteousness。"Ezekiel14:20。

Now，whileourgreatHighPriestismakingtheatonementforus，weshouldseektobecomeperfectinChrist。NotevenbyathoughtcouldourSaviourbebroughttoyieldtothepoweroftemptation。Satanfindsinhumanheartssomepointwherehecangainafoothold；somesinfuldesireischerished，bymeansofwhichhistemptationsasserttheirpower。ButChristdeclaredofHimself:"Theprinceofthisworldcometh，andhathnothinginMe。"John14:30。SatancouldfindnothingintheSonofGodthatwouldenablehimtogainthevictory。HehadkeptHisFather’scommandments，andtherewasnosininHimthatSatancouldusetohisadvantage。Thisistheconditioninwhichthosemustbefoundwhoshallstandinthetimeoftrouble。

Itisinthislifethatwearetoseparatesinfromus，throughfaithintheatoningbloodofChrist。OurpreciousSaviourinvitesustojoinourselvestoHim，touniteourweaknesstoHisstrength，ourignorancetoHiswisdom，ourunworthinesstoHismerits。God’sprovidenceistheschoolinwhichwearetolearnthemeeknessandlowlinessofJesus。TheLordiseversettingbeforeus，notthewaywewouldchoose，whichseemseasierandpleasantertous，butthetrueaimsoflife。Itrestswithustoco-operatewiththeagencieswhichHeavenemploysintheworkofconformingourcharacterstothedivinemodel。Nonecanneglectordeferthisworkbutatthemostfearfulperiltotheirsouls。

TheapostleJohninvisionheardaloudvoiceinheavenexclaiming:"Woetotheinhabitersoftheearthandofthesea！forthedeviliscomedownuntoyou，havinggreatwrath，becauseheknoweththathehathbutashorttime。"

Revelation12:12。Fearfularethesceneswhichcallforththisexclamationfromtheheavenlyvoice。ThewrathofSatanincreasesashistimegrowsshort，andhisworkofdeceitanddestructionwillreachitsculminationinthetimeoftrouble。

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Fearfulsightsofasupernaturalcharacterwillsoonberevealedintheheavens，intokenofthepowerofmiracle-workingdemons。Thespiritsofdevilswillgoforthtothekingsoftheearthandtothewholeworld，tofastenthemindeception，andurgethemontounitewithSataninhislaststruggleagainstthegovernmentofheaven。Bytheseagencies，rulersandsubjectswillbealikedeceived。PersonswillarisepretendingtobeChristHimself，andclaimingthetitleandworshipwhichbelongtotheworld’sRedeemer。TheywillperformwonderfulmiraclesofhealingandwillprofesstohaverevelationsfromheavencontradictingthetestimonyoftheScriptures。

Asthecrowningactinthegreatdramaofdeception，SatanhimselfwillpersonateChrist。ThechurchhaslongprofessedtolooktotheSaviour’sadventastheconsummationofherhopes。NowthegreatdeceiverwillmakeitappearthatChristhascome。Indifferentpartsoftheearth，Satanwillmanifesthimselfamongmenasamajesticbeingofdazzlingbrightness，resemblingthedescriptionoftheSonofGodgivenbyJohnintheRevelation。Revelation1:13-15。Theglorythatsurroundshimisunsurpassedbyanythingthatmortaleyeshaveyetbeheld。Theshoutoftriumphringsoutupontheair:"Christhascome！Christhascome！"Thepeopleprostratethemselvesinadorationbeforehim，whileheliftsuphishandsandpronouncesablessinguponthem，asChristblessedHisdiscipleswhenHewasupontheearth。Hisvoiceissoftandsubdued，yetfullofmelody。Ingentle，compassionatetoneshepresentssomeofthesamegracious，heavenlytruthswhichtheSaviouruttered；hehealsthediseasesofthepeople，andthen，inhisassumedcharacterofChrist，heclaimstohavechangedtheSabbathtoSunday，andcommandsalltohallowthedaywhichhehasblessed。

Hedeclaresthatthosewhopersistinkeepingholytheseventhdayareblaspheminghisnamebyrefusingtolistentohisangelssenttothemwithlightandtruth。Thisisthestrong，almostovermasteringdelusion。LiketheSamaritanswho625

weredeceivedbySimonMagus，themultitudes，fromtheleasttothegreatest，giveheedtothesesorceries，saying:Thisis"thegreatpowerofGod。"Acts8:10。

ButthepeopleofGodwillnotbemisled。TheteachingsofthisfalsechristarenotinaccordancewiththeScriptures。Hisblessingispronouncedupontheworshipersofthebeastandhisimage，theveryclassuponwhomtheBibledeclaresthatGod’sunmingledwrathshallbepouredout。

And，furthermore，SatanisnotpermittedtocounterfeitthemannerofChrist’sadvent。TheSaviourhaswarnedHispeopleagainstdeceptionuponthispoint，andhasclearlyforetoldthemannerofHissecondcoming。"Thereshallarisefalsechrists，andfalseprophets，andshallshowgreatsignsandwonders；insomuchthat，ifitwerepossible，theyshalldeceivetheveryelect……Whereforeiftheyshallsayuntoyou，Behold，Heisinthedesert；gonotforth；behold，Heisinthesecretchambers；believeitnot。

Forasthelightningcomethoutoftheeast，andshinethevenuntothewest；

soshallalsothecomingoftheSonofmanbe。"Matthew24:24-27，31；25:31；

Revelation1:7；1Thessalonians4:16，17。Thiscomingthereisnopossibilityofcounterfeiting。Itwillbeuniversallyknown——witnessedbythewholeworld。

OnlythosewhohavebeendiligentstudentsoftheScripturesandwhohavereceivedtheloveofthetruthwillbeshieldedfromthepowerfuldelusionthattakestheworldcaptive。BytheBibletestimonythesewilldetectthedeceiverinhisdisguise。Toallthetestingtimewillcome。BythesiftingoftemptationthegenuineChristianwillberevealed。ArethepeopleofGodnowsofirmlyestablisheduponHiswordthattheywouldnotyieldtotheevidenceoftheirsenses？Wouldthey，insuchacrisis，clingtotheBibleandtheBibleonly？Satanwill，ifpossible，preventthemfromobtainingapreparationtostandinthatday。Hewillsoarrangeaffairsastohedgeuptheirway，entanglethemwithearthlytreasures，causethemtocarryaheavy，wearisomeburden，that626

theirheartsmaybeoverchargedwiththecaresofthislifeandthedayoftrialmaycomeuponthemasathief。

AsthedecreeissuedbythevariousrulersofChristendomagainstcommandmentkeepersshallwithdrawtheprotectionofgovernmentandabandonthemtothosewhodesiretheirdestruction，thepeopleofGodwillfleefromthecitiesandvillagesandassociatetogetherincompanies，dwellinginthemostdesolateandsolitaryplaces。Manywillfindrefugeinthestrongholdsofthemountains。LiketheChristiansofthePiedmontvalleys，theywillmakethehighplacesoftheearththeirsanctuariesandwillthankGodfor"themunitionsofrocks。"Isaiah33:16。Butmanyofallnationsandofallclasses，highandlow，richandpoor，blackandwhite，willbecastintothemostunjustandcruelbondage。ThebelovedofGodpasswearydays，boundinchains，shutinbyprisonbars，sentencedtobeslain，someapparentlylefttodieofstarvationindarkandloathsomedungeons。Nohumanearisopentoheartheirmoans；nohumanhandisreadytolendthemhelp。

WilltheLordforgetHispeopleinthistryinghour？DidHeforgetfaithfulNoahwhenjudgmentswerevisitedupontheantediluvianworld？DidHeforgetLotwhenthefirecamedownfromheaventoconsumethecitiesoftheplain？

DidHeforgetJosephsurroundedbyidolatersinEgypt？DidHeforgetElijahwhentheoathofJezebelthreatenedhimwiththefateoftheprophetsofBaal？DidHeforgetJeremiahinthedarkanddismalpitofhisprisonhouse？

DidHeforgetthethreeworthiesinthefieryfurnace？orDanielinthedenoflions？

"Zionsaid，TheLordhathforsakenme，andmyLordhathforgottenme。Canawomanforgethersuckingchild，thatsheshouldnothavecompassiononthesonofherwomb？yea，theymayforget，yetwillInotforgetthee。Behold，I

havegraventheeuponthepalmsofMyhands。"Isaiah49:14-16。TheLordhostshassaid:"HethattouchethyoutoucheththeappleofHiseye。"

Zechariah2:8。

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Thoughenemiesmaythrustthemintoprison，yetdungeonwallscannotcutoffthecommunicationbetweentheirsoulsandChrist。Onewhoseestheireveryweakness，whoisacquaintedwitheverytrial，isaboveallearthlypowers；

andangelswillcometotheminlonelycells，bringinglightandpeacefromheaven。Theprisonwillbeasapalace；fortherichinfaithdwellthere，andthegloomywallswillbelightedupwithheavenlylightaswhenPaulandSilasprayedandsangpraisesatmidnightinthePhilippiandungeon。

God’sjudgmentswillbevisiteduponthosewhoareseekingtooppressanddestroyHispeople。Hislongforbearancewiththewickedemboldensmenintransgression，buttheirpunishmentisnonethelesscertainandterriblebecauseitislongdelayed。"TheLordshallriseupasinMountPerazim，HeshallbewrothasinthevalleyofGibeon，thatHemaydoHiswork，Hisstrangework；andbringtopassHisact，Hisstrangeact。"Isaiah28:21。ToourmercifulGodtheactofpunishmentisastrangeact。"AsIlive，saiththeLordGod，Ihavenopleasureinthedeathofthewicked。"Ezekiel33:11。

TheLordis"mercifulandgracious，long-suffering，andabundantingoodnessandtruth，……forgivinginiquityandtransgressionandsin。"YetHewill"bynomeanscleartheguilty。"TheLordisslowtoanger，andgreatinpower，andwillnotatallacquitthewicked。"Exodus34:6，7；Nahum1:3。ByterriblethingsinrighteousnessHewillvindicatetheauthorityofHisdowntroddenlaw。TheseverityoftheretributionawaitingthetransgressormaybejudgedbytheLord’sreluctancetoexecutejustice。ThenationwithwhichHebearslong，andwhichHewillnotsmiteuntilithasfilledupthemeasureofitsiniquityinGod’saccount，willfinallydrinkthecupofwrathunmixedwithmercy。

WhenChristceasesHisintercessioninthesanctuary，theunmingledwraththreatenedagainstthosewhoworshipthebeastandhisimageandreceivehismark(Revelation14:9，10)，willbepouredout。TheplaguesuponEgyptwhenGodwasabouttodeliverIsraelweresimilarincharactertothose628

moreterribleandextensivejudgmentswhicharetofallupontheworldjustbeforethefinaldeliveranceofGod’speople。Saystherevelator，indescribingthoseterrificscourges:"Therefellanoisomeandgrievoussoreuponthemenwhichhadthemarkofthebeast，anduponthemwhichworshipedhisimage。"Thesea"becameasthebloodofadeadman:andeverylivingsouldiedinthesea。"And"theriversandfountainsofwaters……becameblood。"Terribleastheseinflictionsare，God’sjusticestandsfullyvindicated。TheangelofGoddeclares:"Thouartrighteous，OLord，……

becauseThouhastjudgedthus。Fortheyhaveshedthebloodofsaintsandprophets，andThouhastgiventhembloodtodrink；fortheyareworthy。"

Revelation16:2-6。BycondemningthepeopleofGodtodeath，theyhaveastrulyincurredtheguiltoftheirbloodasifithadbeenshedbytheirhands。InlikemannerChristdeclaredtheJewsofHistimeguiltyofallthebloodofholymenwhichhadbeenshedsincethedaysofAbel；fortheypossessedthesamespiritandwereseekingtodothesameworkwiththesemurderersoftheprophets。

Intheplaguethatfollows，powerisgiventothesun"toscorchmenwithfire。Andmenwerescorchedwithgreatheat。"Verses8，9。Theprophetsthusdescribetheconditionoftheearthatthisfearfultime:"Thelandmourneth；……becausetheharvestofthefieldisperished……Allthetreesofthefieldarewithered:becausejoyiswitheredawayfromthesonsofmen。""Theseedisrottenundertheirclods，thegarnersarelaiddesolate……Howdothebeastsgroan！theherdsofcattleareperplexed，becausetheyhavenopasture……Theriversofwateraredriedup，andthefirehathdevouredthepasturesofthewilderness。""Thesongsofthetempleshallbehowlingsinthatday，saiththeLordGod:thereshallbemanydeadbodiesineveryplace；theyshallcastthemforthwithsilence。"

Joel1:10-12，17-20；Amos8:3。

Theseplaguesarenotuniversal，ortheinhabitantsoftheearthwouldbewhollycutoff。Yettheywillbethemost629

awfulscourgesthathaveeverbeenknowntomortals。Allthejudgmentsuponmen，priortothecloseofprobation，havebeenmingledwithmercy。ThepleadingbloodofChristhasshieldedthesinnerfromreceivingthefullmeasureofhisguilt；butinthefinaljudgment，wrathispouredoutunmixedwithmercy。

Inthatday，multitudeswilldesiretheshelterofGod’smercywhichtheyhavesolongdespised。"Behold，thedayscome，saiththeLordGod，thatI

willsendafamineintheland，notafamineofbread，norathirstforwater，butofhearingthewordsoftheLord:andtheyshallwanderfromseatosea，andfromthenortheventotheeast，theyshallruntoandfrotoseekthewordoftheLord，andshallnotfindit。"Amos8:11，12。

ThepeopleofGodwillnotbefreefromsuffering；butwhilepersecutedanddistressed，whiletheyendureprivationandsufferforwantoffoodtheywillnotbelefttoperish。ThatGodwhocaredforElijahwillnotpassbyoneofHisself-sacrificingchildren。Hewhonumbersthehairsoftheirheadwillcareforthem，andintimeoffaminetheyshallbesatisfied。Whilethewickedaredyingfromhungerandpestilence，angelswillshieldtherighteousandsupplytheirwants。Tohimthat"walkethrighteously"isthepromise:"Breadshallbegivenhim；hiswatersshallbesure。""Whenthepoorandneedyseekwater，andthereisnone，andtheirtonguefailethforthirst，ItheLordwillhearthem，ItheGodofIsraelwillnotforsakethem。"Isaiah33:15，16；41:17。

"Althoughthefigtreeshallnotblossom，neithershallfruitbeinthevines；thelaboroftheoliveshallfail，andthefieldsshallyieldnomeat；theflockshallbecutofffromthefold，andthereshallbenoherdinthestalls；"yetshalltheythatfearHim"rejoiceintheLord"andjoyintheGodoftheirsalvation。Habakkuk3:17，18。

"TheLordisthykeeper:theLordisthyshadeuponthyrighthand。Thesunshallnotsmitetheebyday，northemoonbynight。TheLordshallpreservetheefromallevil:

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Heshallpreservethysoul。""Heshalldelivertheefromthesnareofthefowler，andfromthenoisomepestilence。HeshallcovertheewithHisfathers，andunderHiswingsshaltthoutrust:Histruthshallbethyshieldandbuckler。Thoushaltnotbeafraidfortheterrorbynight；norforthearrowthatfliethbyday；norforthepestilencethatwalkethindarkness；

norforthedestructionthatwastethatnoonday。Athousandshallfallatthyside，andtenthousandatthyrighthand；butitshallnotcomenighthee。Onlywiththineeyesshaltthoubeholdandseetherewardofthewicked。BecausethouhastmadetheLord，whichismyrefuge，eventheMostHigh，thyhabitation；thereshallnoevilbefallthee，neithershallanyplaguecomenighthydwelling。"Psalms121:5-7；91:3-10。

YettohumansightitwillappearthatthepeopleofGodmustsoonsealtheirtestimonywiththeirbloodasdidthemartyrsbeforethem。TheythemselvesbegintofearthattheLordhasleftthemtofallbythehandoftheirenemies。Itisatimeoffearfulagony。DayandnighttheycryuntoGodfordeliverance。Thewickedexult，andthejeeringcryisheard:"Wherenowisyourfaith？WhydoesnotGoddeliveryououtofourhandsifyouareindeedHispeople？"ButthewaitingonesrememberJesusdyinguponCalvary’scrossandthechiefpriestsandrulersshoutinginmockery:"Hesavedothers；HimselfHecannotsave。IfHebetheKingofIsrael，letHimnowcomedownfromthecross，andwewillbelieveHim。"Matthew27:42。LikeJacob，allarewrestlingwithGod。Theircountenancesexpresstheirinternalstruggle。Palenesssitsuponeveryface。Yettheyceasenottheirearnestintercession。

Couldmenseewithheavenlyvision，theywouldbeholdcompaniesofangelsthatexcelinstrengthstationedaboutthosewhohavekeptthewordofChrist’spatience。Withsympathizingtenderness，angelshavewitnessedtheirdistressandhaveheardtheirprayers。TheyarewaitingthewordoftheirCommandertosnatchthemfromtheirperil。Buttheymustwaityetalittlelonger。ThepeopleofGodmustdrink631

ofthecupandbebaptizedwiththebaptism。Theverydelay，sopainfultothem，isthebestanswertotheirpetitions。AstheyendeavortowaittrustinglyfortheLordtoworktheyareledtoexercisefaith，hope，andpatience，whichhavebeentoolittleexercisedduringtheirreligiousexperience。Yetfortheelect’ssakethetimeoftroublewillbeshortened。

"ShallnotGodavengeHisownelect，whichcrydayandnightuntoHim？……

ItellyouthatHewillavengethemspeedily。"Luke18:7，8。Theendwillcomemorequicklythanmenexpect。ThewheatwillbegatheredandboundinsheavesforthegarnerofGod；thetareswillbeboundasfagotsforthefiresofdestruction。

Theheavenlysentinels，faithfultotheirtrust，continuetheirwatch。

Thoughageneraldecreehasfixedthetimewhencommandmentkeepersmaybeputtodeath，theirenemieswillinsomecasesanticipatethedecree，andbeforethetimespecified，willendeavortotaketheirlives。Butnonecanpassthemightyguardiansstationedabouteveryfaithfulsoul。Someareassailedintheirflightfromthecitiesandvillages；buttheswordsraisedagainstthembreakandfallpowerlessasastraw。Othersaredefendedbyangelsintheformofmenofwar。

Inallages，GodhaswroughtthroughholyangelsforthesuccoranddeliveranceofHispeople。Celestialbeingshavetakenanactivepartintheaffairsofmen。Theyhaveappearedclothedingarmentsthatshoneasthelightning；theyhavecomeasmeninthegarbofwayfarers。AngelshaveappearedinhumanformtomenofGod。Theyhaverested，asifweary，undertheoaksatnoon。Theyhaveacceptedthehospitalitiesofhumanhomes。Theyhaveactedasguidestobenightedtravelers。Theyhave，withtheirownhands，kindledthefiresatthealtar。TheyhaveopenedprisondoorsandsetfreetheservantsoftheLord。Clothedwiththepanoplyofheaven，theycametorollawaythestonefromtheSaviour’stomb。

Intheformofmen，angelsareoftenintheassembliesof632

therighteous；andtheyvisittheassembliesofthewicked，astheywenttoSodom，tomakearecordoftheirdeeds，todeterminewhethertheyhavepassedtheboundaryofGod’sforbearance。TheLorddelightsinmercy；andforthesakeofafewwhoreallyserveHim，Herestrainscalamitiesandprolongsthetranquillityofmultitudes。LittledosinnersagainstGodrealizethattheyareindebtedfortheirownlivestothefaithfulfewwhomtheydelighttoridiculeandoppress。

Thoughtherulersofthisworldknowitnot，yetoftenintheircouncilsangelshavebeenspokesmen。Humaneyeshavelookeduponthem；humanearshavelistenedtotheirappeals；humanlipshaveopposedtheirsuggestionsandridiculedtheircounsels；humanhandshavemetthemwithinsultandabuse。Inthecouncilhallandthecourtofjusticetheseheavenlymessengershaveshownanintimateacquaintancewithhumanhistory；theyhaveprovedthemselvesbetterabletopleadthecauseoftheoppressedthanweretheirablestandmosteloquentdefenders。TheyhavedefeatedpurposesandarrestedevilsthatwouldhavegreatlyretardedtheworkofGodandwouldhavecausedgreatsufferingtoHispeople。Inthehourofperilanddistress"theangeloftheLordencampethroundaboutthemthatfearHim，anddelivereththem。"Psalm34:7。

Withearnestlonging，God’speopleawaitthetokensoftheircomingKing。Asthewatchmenareaccosted，"Whatofthenight？"theanswerisgivenunfalteringly，"’Themorningcometh，andalsothenight。’Isaiah21:11，12。

Lightisgleaminguponthecloudsabovethemountaintops。SoontherewillbearevealingofHisglory。TheSunofRighteousnessisabouttoshineforth。

Themorningandthenightarebothathand——theopeningofendlessdaytotherighteous，thesettlingdownofeternalnighttothewicked。"

AsthewrestlingonesurgetheirpetitionsbeforeGod，theveilseparatingthemfromtheunseenseemsalmostwithdrawn。Theheavensglowwiththedawningofeternalday，andlikethemelodyofangelsongsthewordsfalluponthe633

ear:"Standfasttoyourallegiance。Helpiscoming。"Christ，thealmightyVictor，holdsouttoHiswearysoldiersacrownofimmortalglory；andHisvoicecomesfromthegatesajar:"Lo，Iamwithyou。Benotafraid。Iamacquaintedwithallyoursorrows；Ihaveborneyourgriefs。Youarenotwarringagainstuntriedenemies。Ihavefoughtthebattleinyourbehalf，andinMynameyouaremorethanconquerors。"

ThepreciousSaviourwillsendhelpjustwhenweneedit。ThewaytoheavenisconsecratedbyHisfootprints。EverythornthatwoundsourfeethaswoundedHis。EverycrossthatwearecalledtobearHehasbornebeforeus。

TheLordpermitsconflicts，topreparethesoulforpeace。ThetimeoftroubleisafearfulordealforGod’speople；butitisthetimeforeverytruebelievertolookup，andbyfaithhemayseethebowofpromiseencirclinghim。

"TheredeemedoftheLordshallreturn，andcomewithsinginguntoZion；andeverlastingjoyshallbeupontheirhead:theyshallobtaingladnessandjoy；andsorrowandmourningshallfleeaway。I，evenI，amHethatcomfortethyou:whoartthou，thatthoushouldestbeafraidofamanthatshalldie，andofthesonofmanwhichshallbemadeasgrass；andforgettesttheLordthyMaker；……andhastfearedcontinuallyeverydaybecauseofthefuryoftheoppressor，asifhewerereadytodestroy？andwhereisthefuryoftheoppressor？Thecaptiveexilehasteneththathemaybeloosed，andthatheshouldnotdieinthepit，northathisbreadshouldfail。ButIamtheLordthyGod，thatdividedthesea，whosewavesroared:

TheLordofhostsisHisname。AndIhaveputMywordsinthymouth，andI

havecoveredtheeintheshadowofMinehand。"Isaiah51:11-16。

"Thereforehearnowthis，thouafflicted，anddrunken，butnotwithwine:

ThussaiththyLordtheLord，andthyGodthatpleadeththecauseofHispeople，Behold，Ihavetakenoutofthinehandthecupoftrembling，eventhedregsofthecupofMyfury；thoushaltnomoredrinkitagain:butI

willputitintothehandofthemthatafflictthee；whichhavesaid634

tothysoul，Bowdown，thatwemaygoover:andthouhastlaidthybodyastheground，andasthestreet，tothemthatwentover。"Verses21-23。

TheeyeofGod，lookingdowntheages，wasfixeduponthecrisiswhichHispeoplearetomeet，whenearthlypowersshallbearrayedagainstthem。Likethecaptiveexile，theywillbeinfearofdeathbystarvationorbyviolence。ButtheHolyOnewhodividedtheRedSeabeforeIsrael，willmanifestHismightypowerandturntheircaptivity。"TheyshallbeMine，saiththeLordofhosts，inthatdaywhenImakeupMyjewels；andIwillsparethem，asamansparethhisownsonthatservethhim。"Malachi3:17。IfthebloodofChrist’sfaithfulwitnesseswereshedatthistime，itwouldnot，likethebloodofthemartyrs，beasseedsowntoyieldaharvestforGod。Theirfidelitywouldnotbeatestimonytoconvinceothersofthetruth；fortheobduratehearthasbeatenbackthewavesofmercyuntiltheyreturnnomore。Iftherighteouswerenowlefttofallapreytotheirenemies，itwouldbeatriumphfortheprinceofdarkness。Saysthepsalmist:"InthetimeoftroubleHeshallhidemeinHispavilion:inthesecretofHistabernacleshallHehideme。"Psalm27:5。Christhasspoken:

"Come，Mypeople，enterthouintothychambers，andshutthydoorsaboutthee:hidethyselfasitwereforalittlemoment，untiltheindignationbeoverpast。For，behold，theLordcomethoutofHisplacetopunishtheinhabitantsoftheearthfortheiriniquity。"Isaiah26:20，21。GloriouswillbethedeliveranceofthosewhohavepatientlywaitedforHiscomingandwhosenamesarewritteninthebookoflife。

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Chapter40

God’sPeopleDeliveredWhentheprotectionofhumanlawsshallbewithdrawnfromthosewhohonorthelawofGod，therewillbe，indifferentlands，asimultaneousmovementfortheirdestruction。Asthetimeappointedinthedecreedrawsnear，thepeoplewillconspiretorootoutthehatedsect。Itwillbedeterminedtostrikeinonenightadecisiveblow，whichshallutterlysilencethevoiceofdissentandreproof。

ThepeopleofGod——someinprisoncells，somehiddeninsolitaryretreatsintheforestsandthemountains——stillpleadfordivineprotection，whileineveryquartercompaniesofarmedmen，urgedonbyhostsofevilangels，arepreparingfortheworkofdeath。Itisnow，inthehourofutmostextremity，thattheGodofIsraelwillinterposeforthedeliveranceofHischosen。