第18章

SaiththeLord；"Yeshallhaveasong，asinthenightwhenaholysolemnityiskept；andgladnessofheart，aswhenonegoeth……tocomeintothemountainoftheLord，totheMightyOneofIsrael。AndtheLordshallcauseHisgloriousvoicetobeheard，andshallshowthelightingdownofHisarm，withtheindignationofHisanger，andwiththeflameofadevouringfire，withscattering，andtempest，andhailstones。"Isaiah30:29，30。

Withshoutsoftriumph，jeering，andimprecation，throngsofevilmenareabouttorushupontheirprey，when，lo，a636

denseblackness，deeperthanthedarknessofthenight，fallsupontheearth。Thenarainbow，shiningwiththegloryfromthethroneofGod，spanstheheavensandseemstoencircleeachprayingcompany。Theangrymultitudesaresuddenlyarrested。Theirmockingcriesdieaway。Theobjectsoftheirmurderousrageareforgotten。WithfearfulforebodingstheygazeuponthesymbolofGod’scovenantandlongtobeshieldedfromitsoverpoweringbrightness。

BythepeopleofGodavoice，clearandmelodious，isheard，saying，"Lookup，"andliftingtheireyestotheheavens，theybeholdthebowofpromise。

Theblack，angrycloudsthatcoveredthefirmamentareparted，andlikeStephentheylookupsteadfastlyintoheavenandseethegloryofGodandtheSonofmanseateduponHisthrone。InHisdivineformtheydiscernthemarksofHishumiliation；andfromHislipstheyheartherequestpresentedbeforeHisFatherandtheholyangels:"Iwillthattheyalso，whomThouhastgivenMe，bewithMewhereIam。"John17:24。Againavoice，musicalandtriumphant，isheard，saying:"Theycome！theycome！holy，harmless，andundefiled。TheyhavekeptthewordofMypatience；theyshallwalkamongtheangels；"andthepale，quiveringlipsofthosewhohaveheldfasttheirfaithutterashoutofvictory。

ItisatmidnightthatGodmanifestsHispowerforthedeliveranceofHispeople。Thesunappears，shininginitsstrength。Signsandwondersfollowinquicksuccession。Thewickedlookwithterrorandamazementuponthescene，whiletherighteousbeholdwithsolemnjoythetokensoftheirdeliverance。Everythinginnatureseemsturnedoutofitscourse。Thestreamsceasetoflow。Dark，heavycloudscomeupandclashagainsteachother。Inthemidstoftheangryheavensisoneclearspaceofindescribableglory，whencecomesthevoiceofGodlikethesoundofmanywaters，saying:

"Itisdone。"Revelation16:17。

Thatvoiceshakestheheavensandtheearth。Thereisa637

mightyearthquake，"suchaswasnotsincemenwereupontheearth，somightyanearthquake，andsogreat。"Verses17，18。Thefirmamentappearstoopenandshut。ThegloryfromthethroneofGodseemsflashingthrough。Themountainsshakelikeareedinthewind，andraggedrocksarescatteredoneveryside。Thereisaroarasofacomingtempest。Theseaislashedintofury。Thereisheardtheshriekofahurricanelikethevoiceofdemonsuponamissionofdestruction。Thewholeearthheavesandswellslikethewavesofthesea。

Itssurfaceisbreakingup。Itsveryfoundationsseemtobegivingway。

Mountainchainsaresinking。Inhabitedislandsdisappear。TheseaportsthathavebecomelikeSodomforwickednessareswallowedupbytheangrywaters。

BabylonthegreathascomeinremembrancebeforeGod，"togiveuntoherthecupofthewineofthefiercenessofHiswrath。"Greathailstones，everyone"abouttheweightofatalent，"aredoingtheirworkofdestruction。Verses19，21。Theproudestcitiesoftheeartharelaidlow。Thelordlypalaces，uponwhichtheworld’sgreatmenhavelavishedtheirwealthinordertoglorifythemselves，arecrumblingtoruinbeforetheireyes。Prisonwallsarerentasunder，andGod’speople，whohavebeenheldinbondagefortheirfaith，aresetfree。

Gravesareopened，and"manyofthemthatsleepinthedustoftheearth……awake，sometoeverlastinglife，andsometoshameandeverlastingcontempt。"Daniel12:2。Allwhohavediedinthefaithofthethirdangel’smessagecomeforthfromthetombglorified，tohearGod’scovenantofpeacewiththosewhohavekeptHislaw。"TheyalsowhichpiercedHim"(Revelation1:7)，thosethatmockedandderidedChrist’sdyingagonies，andthemostviolentopposersofHistruthandHispeople，areraisedtobeholdHiminHisgloryandtoseethehonorplacedupontheloyalandobedient。

Thickcloudsstillcoverthesky；yetthesunnowandthenbreaksthrough，appearingliketheavengingeyeofJehovah。

638

Fiercelightningsleapfromtheheavens，envelopingtheearthinasheetofflame。Abovetheterrificroarofthunder，voices，mysteriousandawful，declarethedoomofthewicked。Thewordsspokenarenotcomprehendedbyall；buttheyaredistinctlyunderstoodbythefalseteachers。Thosewhoalittlebeforeweresoreckless，soboastfulanddefiant，soexultantintheircrueltytoGod’scommandment-keepingpeople，arenowoverwhelmedwithconsternationandshudderinginfear。Theirwailsareheardabovethesoundoftheelements。DemonsacknowledgethedeityofChristandtremblebeforeHispower，whilemenaresupplicatingformercyandgrovelinginabjectterror。

Saidtheprophetsofold，astheybeheldinholyvisionthedayofGod:

"Howlye；forthedayoftheLordisathand；itshallcomeasadestructionfromtheAlmighty。"Isaiah13:6。"Enterintotherock，andhidetheeinthedust，forfearoftheLord，andforthegloryofHismajesty。Theloftylooksofmanshallbehumbled，andthehaughtinessofmenshallbeboweddown，andtheLordaloneshallbeexaltedinthatday。ForthedayoftheLordofhostsshallbeuponeveryonethatisproudandlofty，anduponeveryonethatisliftedup；andheshallbebroughtlow。""Inthatdayamanshallcasttheidolsofhissilver，andtheidolsofhisgold，whichtheymadeeachoneforhimselftoworship，tothemolesandtothebats；togointothecleftsoftherocks，andintothetopsoftheraggedrocks，forfearoftheLord，andforthegloryofHismajesty，whenHearisethtoshaketerriblytheearth。"Isaiah2:10-12，20，21，margin。

Throughariftinthecloudstherebeamsastarwhosebrilliancyisincreasedfourfoldincontrastwiththedarkness。Itspeakshopeandjoytothefaithful，butseverityandwrathtothetransgressorsofGod’slaw。

ThosewhohavesacrificedallforChristarenowsecure，hiddenasinthesecretoftheLord’spavilion。Theyhavebeentested，andbeforetheworldandthedespisersoftruththeyhaveevincedtheirfidelitytoHim639

whodiedforthem。Amarvelouschangehascomeoverthosewhohaveheldfasttheirintegrityintheveryfaceofdeath。Theyhavebeensuddenlydeliveredfromthedarkandterribletyrannyofmentransformedtodemons。Theirfaces，solatelypale，anxious，andhaggard，arenowaglowwithwonder，faith，andlove。Theirvoicesriseintriumphantsong:"Godisourrefugeandstrength，averypresenthelpintrouble。Thereforewillnotwefear，thoughtheearthberemoved，andthoughthemountainsbecarriedintothemidstofthesea；thoughthewatersthereofroarandbetroubled，thoughthemountainsshakewiththeswellingthereof。"Psalm46:1-3。

WhilethesewordsofholytrustascendtoGod，thecloudssweepback，andthestarryheavensareseen，unspeakablygloriousincontrastwiththeblackandangryfirmamentoneitherside。Thegloryofthecelestialcitystreamsfromthegatesajar。Thenthereappearsagainsttheskyahandholdingtwotablesofstonefoldedtogether。Saystheprophet:"TheheavensshalldeclareHisrighteousness:forGodisjudgeHimself。"Psalm50:6。Thatholylaw，God’srighteousness，thatamidthunderandflamewasproclaimedfromSinaiastheguideoflife，isnowrevealedtomenastheruleofjudgment。

Thehandopensthetables，andthereareseenthepreceptsoftheDecalogue，tracedaswithapenoffire。Thewordsaresoplainthatallcanreadthem。

Memoryisaroused，thedarknessofsuperstitionandheresyissweptfromeverymind，andGod’stenwords，brief，comprehensive，andauthoritative，arepresentedtotheviewofalltheinhabitantsoftheearth。

ItisimpossibletodescribethehorroranddespairofthosewhohavetrampleduponGod’sholyrequirements。TheLordgavethemHislaw；theymighthavecomparedtheircharacterswithitandlearnedtheirdefectswhiletherewasyetopportunityforrepentanceandreform；butinordertosecurethefavoroftheworld，theysetasideitspreceptsandtaughtotherstotransgress。Theyhaveendeavoredtocompel640

God’speopletoprofaneHisSabbath。Nowtheyarecondemnedbythatlawwhichtheyhavedespised。Withawfuldistinctnesstheyseethattheyarewithoutexcuse。Theychosewhomtheywouldserveandworship。"Thenshallyereturn，anddiscernbetweentherighteousandthewicked，betweenhimthatservethGodandhimthatservethHimnot。"Malachi3:18。

TheenemiesofGod’slaw，fromtheministersdowntotheleastamongthem，haveanewconceptionoftruthandduty。ToolatetheyseethattheSabbathofthefourthcommandmentisthesealofthelivingGod。Toolatetheyseethetruenatureoftheirspurioussabbathandthesandyfoundationuponwhichtheyhavebeenbuilding。TheyfindthattheyhavebeenfightingagainstGod。ReligiousteachershaveledsoulstoperditionwhileprofessingtoguidethemtothegatesofParadise。Notuntilthedayoffinalaccountswillitbeknownhowgreatistheresponsibilityofmeninholyofficeandhowterriblearetheresultsoftheirunfaithfulness。Onlyineternitycanwerightlyestimatethelossofasinglesoul。FearfulwillbethedoomofhimtowhomGodshallsay:Depart，thouwickedservant。

ThevoiceofGodisheardfromheaven，declaringthedayandhourofJesus’

coming，anddeliveringtheeverlastingcovenanttoHispeople。LikepealsofloudestthunderHiswordsrollthroughtheearth。TheIsraelofGodstandlistening，withtheireyesfixedupward。TheircountenancesarelightedupwithHisglory，andshineasdidthefaceofMoseswhenhecamedownfromSinai。Thewickedcannotlookuponthem。AndwhentheblessingispronouncedonthosewhohavehonoredGodbykeepingHisSabbathholy，thereisamightyshoutofvictory。

Soonthereappearsintheeastasmallblackcloud，abouthalfthesizeofaman’shand。ItisthecloudwhichsurroundstheSaviourandwhichseemsinthedistancetobeshroudedindarkness。ThepeopleofGodknowthistobethesignoftheSonofman。Insolemnsilencetheygazeuponitasit641

drawsnearertheearth，becominglighterandmoreglorious，untilitisagreatwhitecloud，itsbaseaglorylikeconsumingfire，andaboveittherainbowofthecovenant。Jesusridesforthasamightyconqueror。Notnowa"ManofSorrows，"todrinkthebittercupofshameandwoe，Hecomes，victorinheavenandearth，tojudgethelivingandthedead。"FaithfulandTrue，"

"inrighteousnessHedothjudgeandmakewar。"And"thearmieswhichwereinheaven"(Revelation19:11，14)followHim。Withanthemsofcelestialmelodytheholyangels，avast，unnumberedthrong，attendHimonHisway。Thefirmamentseemsfilledwithradiantforms——"tenthousandtimestenthousand，andthousandsofthousands。"Nohumanpencanportraythescene；nomortalmindisadequatetoconceiveitssplendor。"Hisglorycoveredtheheavens，andtheearthwasfullofHispraise。AndHisbrightnesswasasthelight。"

Habakkuk3:3，4。Asthelivingcloudcomesstillnearer，everyeyebeholdsthePrinceoflife。Nocrownofthornsnowmarsthatsacredhead；butadiademofgloryrestsonHisholybrow。Hiscountenanceoutshinesthedazzlingbrightnessofthenoondaysun。"AndHehathonHisvestureandonHisthighanamewritten，Kingofkings，andLordoflords。"Revelation19:16。

BeforeHispresence"allfacesareturnedintopaleness；"upontherejectersofGod’smercyfallstheterrorofeternaldespair。"Theheartmelteth，andthekneessmitetogether，……andthefacesofthemallgatherblackness。"

Jeremiah30:6；Nahum2:10。Therighteouscrywithtrembling:"Whoshallbeabletostand？"Theangels’songishushed，andthereisaperiodofawfulsilence。ThenthevoiceofJesusisheard，saying:"Mygraceissufficientforyou。"Thefacesoftherighteousarelightedup，andjoyfillseveryheart。Andtheangelsstrikeanotehigherandsingagainastheydrawstillnearertotheearth。

TheKingofkingsdescendsuponthecloud，wrappedinflamingfire。Theheavensarerolledtogetherasascroll，theearthtremblesbeforeHim，andeverymountainandisland642

ismovedoutofitsplace。"OurGodshallcome，andshallnotkeepsilence:

afireshalldevourbeforeHim，anditshallbeverytempestuousroundaboutHim。Heshallcalltotheheavensfromabove，andtotheearth，thatHemayjudgeHispeople。"Psalm50:3，4。

"Andthekingsoftheearth，andthegreatmen，andtherichmen，andthechiefcaptains，andthemightymen，andeverybondman，andeveryfreeman，hidthemselvesinthedensandintherocksofthemountains；andsaidtothemountainsandrocks，Fallonus，andhideusfromthefaceofHimthatsittethonthethrone，andfromthewrathoftheLamb:forthegreatdayofHiswrathiscome；andwhoshallbeabletostand？"Revelation6:15-17。

Thederisivejestshaveceased。Lyinglipsarehushedintosilence。Theclashofarms，thetumultofbattle，"withconfusednoise，andgarmentsrolledinblood"(Isaiah9:5)，isstilled。Noughtnowisheardbutthevoiceofprayerandthesoundofweepingandlamentation。Thecryburstsforthfromlipssolatelyscoffing:"ThegreatdayofHiswrathiscome；andwhoshallbeabletostand？"ThewickedpraytobeburiedbeneaththerocksofthemountainsratherthanmeetthefaceofHimwhomtheyhavedespisedandrejected。

Thatvoicewhichpenetratestheearofthedead，theyknow。Howoftenhaveitsplaintive，tendertonescalledthemtorepentance。Howoftenhasitbeenheardinthetouchingentreatiesofafriend，abrother，aRedeemer。TotherejectersofHisgracenoothercouldbesofullofcondemnation，soburdenedwithdenunciation，asthatvoicewhichhassolongpleaded:"Turnye，turnyefromyourevilways；forwhywillyedie？"Ezekiel33:11。Oh，thatitweretothemthevoiceofastranger！SaysJesus:"Ihavecalled，andyerefused；IhavestretchedoutMyhand，andnomanregarded；butyehavesetatnoughtallMycounsel，andwouldnoneofMyreproof。"Proverbs1:24，25。Thatvoiceawakensmemorieswhichtheywouldfainblotout——warningsdespised，invitationsrefused，privilegesslighted。

643

TherearethosewhomockedChristinHishumiliation。WiththrillingpowercometotheirmindstheSufferer’swords，when，adjuredbythehighpriest，Hesolemnlydeclared:"HereaftershallyeseetheSonofmansittingontherighthandofpower，andcominginthecloudsofheaven。"Matthew26:64。NowtheybeholdHiminHisglory，andtheyareyettoseeHimsittingontherighthandofpower。

ThosewhoderidedHisclaimtobetheSonofGodarespeechlessnow。ThereisthehaughtyHerodwhojeeredatHisroyaltitleandbadethemockingsoldierscrownHimking。TherearetheverymenwhowithimpioushandsplaceduponHisformthepurplerobe，uponHissacredbrowthethornycrown，andinHisunresistinghandthemimicscepter，andbowedbeforeHiminblasphemousmockery。ThemenwhosmoteandspituponthePrinceoflifenowturnfromHispiercinggazeandseektofleefromtheoverpoweringgloryofHispresence。ThosewhodrovethenailsthroughHishandsandfeet，thesoldierwhopiercedHisside，beholdthesemarkswithterrorandremorse。

WithawfuldistinctnessdopriestsandrulersrecalltheeventsofCalvary。

Withshudderinghorrortheyrememberhow，waggingtheirheadsinsatanicexultation，theyexclaimed:"Hesavedothers；HimselfHecannotsave。IfHebetheKingofIsrael，letHimnowcomedownfromthecross，andwewillbelieveHim。HetrustedinGod；letHimdeliverHimnow，ifHewillhaveHim。"Matthew27:42，43。

VividlytheyrecalltheSaviour’sparableofthehusbandmenwhorefusedtorendertotheirlordthefruitofthevineyard，whoabusedhisservantsandslewhisson。Theyremember，too，thesentencewhichtheythemselvespronounced:Thelordofthevineyard"willmiserablydestroythosewickedmen。"Inthesinandpunishmentofthoseunfaithfulmenthepriestsandeldersseetheirowncourseandtheirownjustdoom。Andnowthererisesacryofmortalagony。Louderthantheshout，"CrucifyHim，crucifyHim，"

whichrangthroughthestreetsofJerusalem，swellstheawful，644

despairingwail，"HeistheSonofGod！HeisthetrueMessiah！"TheyseektofleefromthepresenceoftheKingofkings。Inthedeepcavernsoftheearth，rentasunderbythewarringoftheelements，theyvainlyattempttohide。

Inthelivesofallwhorejecttruththerearemomentswhenconscienceawakens，whenmemorypresentsthetorturingrecollectionofalifeofhypocrisyandthesoulisharassedwithvainregrets。Butwhatarethesecomparedwiththeremorseofthatdaywhen"fearcomethasdesolation，"when"destructioncomethasawhirlwind"！Proverbs1:27。ThosewhowouldhavedestroyedChristandHisfaithfulpeoplenowwitnesstheglorywhichrestsuponthem。Inthemidstoftheirterrortheyhearthevoicesofthesaintsinjoyfulstrainsexclaiming:"Lo，thisisourGod；wehavewaitedforHim，andHewillsaveus。"Isaiah25:9。

Amidthereelingoftheearth，theflashoflightning，andtheroarofthunder，thevoiceoftheSonofGodcallsforththesleepingsaints。Helooksuponthegravesoftherighteous，then，raisingHishandstoheaven，Hecries:"Awake，awake，awake，yethatsleepinthedust，andarise！"

Throughoutthelengthandbreadthoftheearththedeadshallhearthatvoice，andtheythathearshalllive。Andthewholeearthshallringwiththetreadoftheexceedinggreatarmyofeverynation，kindred，tongue，andpeople。Fromtheprisonhouseofdeaththeycome，clothedwithimmortalglory，crying:"Odeath，whereisthysting？Ograve，whereisthyvictory？"

1Corinthians15:55。Andthelivingrighteousandtherisensaintsunitetheirvoicesinalong，gladshoutofvictory。

Allcomeforthfromtheirgravesthesameinstatureaswhentheyenteredthetomb。Adam，whostandsamongtherisenthrong，isofloftyheightandmajesticform，instaturebutlittlebelowtheSonofGod。Hepresentsamarkedcontrasttothepeopleoflatergenerations；inthisonerespectisshownthegreatdegeneracyoftherace。Butallarisewiththefreshnessandvigorofeternalyouth。Inthebeginning，man645

wascreatedinthelikenessofGod，notonlyincharacter，butinformandfeature。Sindefacedandalmostobliteratedthedivineimage；butChristcametorestorethatwhichhadbeenlost。HewillchangeourvilebodiesandfashionthemlikeuntoHisgloriousbody。Themortal，corruptibleform，devoidofcomeliness，oncepollutedwithsin，becomesperfect，beautiful，andimmortal。Allblemishesanddeformitiesareleftinthegrave。Restoredtothetreeoflifeinthelong-lostEden，theredeemedwill"growup"

(Malachi4:2)tothefullstatureoftheraceinitsprimevalglory。Thelastlingeringtracesofthecurseofsinwillberemoved，andChrist’sfaithfuloneswillappearin"thebeautyoftheLordourGod，"inmindandsoulandbodyreflectingtheperfectimageoftheirLord。Oh，wonderfulredemption！longtalkedof，longhopedfor，contemplatedwitheageranticipation，butneverfullyunderstood。

Thelivingrighteousarechanged"inamoment，inthetwinklingofaneye。"

AtthevoiceofGodtheywereglorified；nowtheyaremadeimmortalandwiththerisensaintsarecaughtuptomeettheirLordintheair。Angels"gathertogetherHiselectfromthefourwinds，fromoneendofheaventotheother。"Littlechildrenarebornebyholyangelstotheirmothers’arms。

Friendslongseparatedbydeathareunited，nevermoretopart，andwithsongsofgladnessascendtogethertotheCityofGod。

Oneachsideofthecloudychariotarewings，andbeneathitarelivingwheels；andasthechariotrollsupward，thewheelscry，"Holy，"andthewings，astheymove，cry，"Holy，"andtheretinueofangelscry，"Holy，holy，holy，LordGodAlmighty。"Andtheredeemedshout，"Alleluia！"asthechariotmovesonwardtowardtheNewJerusalem。

BeforeenteringtheCityofGod，theSaviourbestowsuponHisfollowerstheemblemsofvictoryandinveststhemwiththeinsigniaoftheirroyalstate。

TheglitteringranksaredrawnupintheformofahollowsquareabouttheirKing，whoseformrisesinmajestyhighabovesaintandangel，646

whosecountenancebeamsuponthemfullofbenignantlove。ThroughouttheunnumberedhostoftheredeemedeveryglanceisfixeduponHim，everyeyebeholdsHisglorywhose"visagewassomarredmorethananyman，andHisformmorethanthesonsofmen。"Upontheheadsoftheovercomers，JesuswithHisownrighthandplacesthecrownofglory。Foreachthereisacrown，bearinghisown"newname"(Revelation2:17)，andtheinscription，"HolinesstotheLord。"Ineveryhandareplacedthevictor’spalmandtheshiningharp。Then，asthecommandingangelsstrikethenote，everyhandsweepstheharpstringswithskillfultouch，awakingsweetmusicinrich，melodiousstrains。Raptureunutterablethrillseveryheart，andeachvoiceisraisedingratefulpraise:"UntoHimthatlovedus，andwashedusfromoursinsinHisownblood，andhathmadeuskingsandpriestsuntoGodandHisFather；toHimbegloryanddominionforeverandever。"Revelation1:5，6。

BeforetheransomedthrongistheHolyCity。Jesusopenswidethepearlygates，andthenationsthathavekeptthetruthenterin。TheretheybeholdtheParadiseofGod，thehomeofAdaminhisinnocency。Thenthatvoice，richerthananymusicthateverfellonmortalear，isheard，saying:"Yourconflictisended。""Come，yeblessedofMyFather，inheritthekingdompreparedforyoufromthefoundationoftheworld。"

NowisfulfilledtheSaviour’sprayerforHisdisciples:"Iwillthattheyalso，whomThouhastgivenMe，bewithMewhereIam。""FaultlessbeforethepresenceofHisglorywithexceedingjoy"(Jude24)，ChristpresentstotheFatherthepurchaseofHisblood，declaring:"HereamI，andthechildrenwhomThouhastgivenMe。""ThosethatThougavestMeIhavekept。"Oh，thewondersofredeeminglove！theraptureofthathourwhentheinfiniteFather，lookingupontheransomed，shallbeholdHisimage，sin’sdiscordbanished，itsblightremoved，andthehumanoncemoreinharmonywiththedivine！

647

Withunutterablelove，JesuswelcomesHisfaithfulonestothejoyoftheirLord。TheSaviour’sjoyisinseeing，inthekingdomofglory，thesoulsthathavebeensavedbyHisagonyandhumiliation。AndtheredeemedwillbesharersinHisjoy，astheybehold，amongtheblessed，thosewhohavebeenwontoChristthroughtheirprayers，theirlabors，andtheirlovingsacrifice。Astheygatheraboutthegreatwhitethrone，gladnessunspeakablewillfilltheirhearts，whentheybeholdthosewhomtheyhavewonforChrist，andseethatonehasgainedothers，andthesestillothers，allbroughtintothehavenofrest，theretolaytheircrownsatJesus’feetandpraiseHimthroughtheendlesscyclesofeternity。

AstheransomedonesarewelcomedtotheCityofGod，thereringsoutupontheairanexultantcryofadoration。ThetwoAdamsareabouttomeet。TheSonofGodisstandingwithoutstretchedarmstoreceivethefatherofourrace——thebeingwhomHecreated，whosinnedagainsthisMaker，andforwhosesinthemarksofthecrucifixionareborneupontheSaviour’sform。AsAdamdiscernstheprintsofthecruelnails，hedoesnotfalluponthebosomofhisLord，butinhumiliationcastshimselfatHisfeet，crying:"Worthy，worthyistheLambthatwasslain！"TenderlytheSaviourliftshimupandbidshimlookoncemoreupontheEdenhomefromwhichhehassolongbeenexiled。

AfterhisexpulsionfromEden，Adam’slifeonearthwasfilledwithsorrow。

Everydyingleaf，everyvictimofsacrifice，everyblightuponthefairfaceofnature，everystainuponman’spurity，wasafreshreminderofhissin。

Terriblewastheagonyofremorseashebeheldiniquityabounding，and，inanswertohiswarnings，metthereproachescastuponhimselfasthecauseofsin。Withpatienthumilityhebore，fornearlyathousandyears，thepenaltyoftransgression。FaithfullydidherepentofhissinandtrustinthemeritsofthepromisedSaviour，andhediedinthehopeofaresurrection。

TheSonofGodredeemedman’sfailureandfall；and648

now，throughtheworkoftheatonement，Adamisreinstatedinhisfirstdominion。

Transportedwithjoy，hebeholdsthetreesthatwereoncehisdelight——theverytreeswhosefruithehimselfhadgatheredinthedaysofhisinnocenceandjoy。Heseesthevinesthathisownhandshavetrained，theveryflowersthatheoncelovedtocarefor。Hismindgraspstherealityofthescene；hecomprehendsthatthisisindeedEdenrestored，morelovelynowthanwhenhewasbanishedfromit。TheSaviourleadshimtothetreeoflifeandplucksthegloriousfruitandbidshimeat。Helooksabouthimandbeholdsamultitudeofhisfamilyredeemed，standingintheParadiseofGod。ThenhecastshisglitteringcrownatthefeetofJesusand，fallinguponHisbreast，embracestheRedeemer。Hetouchesthegoldenharp，andthevaultsofheavenechothetriumphantsong:"Worthy，worthy，worthyistheLambthatwasslain，andlivesagain！"ThefamilyofAdamtakeupthestrainandcasttheircrownsattheSaviour’sfeetastheybowbeforeHiminadoration。

ThisreunioniswitnessedbytheangelswhoweptatthefallofAdamandrejoicedwhenJesus，afterHisresurrection，ascendedtoheaven，havingopenedthegraveforallwhoshouldbelieveonHisname。Nowtheybeholdtheworkofredemptionaccomplished，andtheyunitetheirvoicesinthesongofpraise。

Uponthecrystalseabeforethethrone，thatseaofglassasitweremingledwithfire，——soresplendentisitwiththegloryofGod，——aregatheredthecompanythathave"gottenthevictoryoverthebeast，andoverhisimage，andoverhismark，andoverthenumberofhisname。"WiththeLambuponMountZion，"havingtheharpsofGod，"theystand，thehundredandfortyandfourthousandthatwereredeemedfromamongmen；andthereisheard，asthesoundofmanywaters，andasthesoundofagreatthunder，"thevoiceofharpersharpingwiththeirharps。"Andtheysing"anew649

song"beforethethrone，asongwhichnomancanlearnsavethehundredandfortyandfourthousand。ItisthesongofMosesandtheLamb——asongofdeliverance。Nonebutthehundredandforty-fourthousandcanlearnthatsong；foritisthesongoftheirexperience——anexperiencesuchasnoothercompanyhaveeverhad。"ThesearetheywhichfollowtheLambwhithersoeverHegoeth。"These，havingbeentranslatedfromtheearth，fromamongtheliving，arecountedas"thefirstfruitsuntoGodandtotheLamb。"

Revelation15:2，3；14:1-5。"Thesearetheywhichcameoutofgreattribulation；"theyhavepassedthroughthetimeoftroublesuchasneverwassincetherewasanation；theyhaveenduredtheanguishofthetimeofJacob’strouble；theyhavestoodwithoutanintercessorthroughthefinaloutpouringofGod’sjudgments。Buttheyhavebeendelivered，fortheyhave"washedtheirrobes，andmadethemwhiteinthebloodoftheLamb。""Intheirmouthwasfoundnoguile:fortheyarewithoutfault"beforeGod。

"ThereforearetheybeforethethroneofGod，andserveHimdayandnightinHistemple:andHethatsittethonthethroneshalldwellamongthem。"Theyhaveseentheearthwastedwithfamineandpestilence，thesunhavingpowertoscorchmenwithgreatheat，andtheythemselveshaveenduredsuffering，hunger，andthirst。But"theyshallhungernomore，neitherthirstanymore；

neithershallthesunlightonthem，noranyheat。FortheLambwhichisinthemidstofthethroneshallfeedthem，andshallleadthemuntolivingfountainsofwaters:andGodshallwipeawayalltearsfromtheireyes。"

Revelation7:14-17。

InallagestheSaviour’schosenhavebeeneducatedanddisciplinedintheschooloftrial。Theywalkedinnarrowpathsonearth；theywerepurifiedinthefurnaceofaffliction。ForJesus’saketheyenduredopposition，hatred，calumny。TheyfollowedHimthroughconflictssore；theyenduredself-denialandexperiencedbitterdisappointments。Bytheir650

ownpainfulexperiencetheylearnedtheevilofsin，itspower，itsguilt，itswoe；andtheylookuponitwithabhorrence。Asenseoftheinfinitesacrificemadeforitscurehumblesthemintheirownsightandfillstheirheartswithgratitudeandpraisewhichthosewhohaveneverfallencannotappreciate。Theylovemuchbecausetheyhavebeenforgivenmuch。HavingbeenpartakersofChrist’ssufferings，theyarefittedtobepartakerswithHimofHisglory。

TheheirsofGodhavecomefromgarrets，fromhovels，fromdungeons，fromscaffolds，frommountains，fromdeserts，fromthecavesoftheearth，fromthecavernsofthesea。Onearththeywere"destitute，afflicted，tormented。"MillionswentdowntothegraveloadedwithinfamybecausetheysteadfastlyrefusedtoyieldtothedeceptiveclaimsofSatan。Byhumantribunalstheywereadjudgedthevilestofcriminals。Butnow"GodisjudgeHimself。"Psalm50:6。Nowthedecisionsofeartharereversed。"TherebukeofHispeopleshallHetakeaway。"Isaiah25:8。"Theyshallcallthem，Theholypeople，TheredeemedoftheLord。"Hehathappointed"togiveuntothembeautyforashes，theoilofjoyformourning，thegarmentofpraiseforthespiritofheaviness。"Isaiah62:12；61:3。Theyarenolongerfeeble，afflicted，scattered，andoppressed。HenceforththeyaretobeeverwiththeLord。Theystandbeforethethronecladinricherrobesthanthemosthonoredoftheearthhaveeverworn。Theyarecrownedwithdiademsmoregloriousthanwereeverplaceduponthebrowofearthlymonarchs。Thedaysofpainandweepingareforeverended。TheKingofgloryhaswipedthetearsfromallfaces；everycauseofgriefhasbeenremoved。Amidthewavingofpalmbranchestheypourforthasongofpraise，clear，sweet，andharmonious；everyvoicetakesupthestrain，untiltheanthemswellsthroughthevaultsofheaven:"SalvationtoourGodwhichsittethuponthethrone，anduntotheLamb。"Andalltheinhabitantsofheavenrespondintheascription:"Amen:Blessing，andglory，andwisdom，and651

thanksgiving，andhonor，andpower，andmight，beuntoourGodforeverandever。"Revelation7:10，12。

Inthislifewecanonlybegintounderstandthewonderfulthemeofredemption。Withourfinitecomprehensionwemayconsidermostearnestlytheshameandtheglory，thelifeandthedeath，thejusticeandthemercy，thatmeetinthecross；yetwiththeutmoststretchofourmentalpowerswefailtograspitsfullsignificance。Thelengthandthebreadth，thedepthandtheheight，ofredeeminglovearebutdimlycomprehended。Theplanofredemptionwillnotbefullyunderstood，evenwhentheransomedseeastheyareseenandknowastheyareknown；butthroughtheeternalagesnewtruthwillcontinuallyunfoldtothewonderinganddelightedmind。Thoughthegriefsandpainsandtemptationsofearthareendedandthecauseremoved，thepeopleofGodwilleverhaveadistinct，intelligentknowledgeofwhattheirsalvationhascost。

ThecrossofChristwillbethescienceandthesongoftheredeemedthroughalleternity。InChristglorifiedtheywillbeholdChristcrucified。NeverwillitbeforgottenthatHewhosepowercreatedandupheldtheunnumberedworldsthroughthevastrealmsofspace，theBelovedofGod，theMajestyofheaven，Hewhomcherubandshiningseraphdelightedtoadore——humbledHimselftoupliftfallenman；thatHeboretheguiltandshameofsin，andthehidingofHisFather’sface，tillthewoesofalostworldbrokeHisheartandcrushedoutHislifeonCalvary’scross。ThattheMakerofallworlds，theArbiterofalldestinies，shouldlayasideHisgloryandhumiliateHimselffromlovetomanwilleverexcitethewonderandadorationoftheuniverse。AsthenationsofthesavedlookupontheirRedeemerandbeholdtheeternalgloryoftheFathershininginHiscountenance；astheybeholdHisthrone，whichisfromeverlastingtoeverlasting，andknowthatHiskingdomistohavenoend，theybreakforthinrapturoussong:"Worthy，worthyistheLamb652

thatwasslain，andhathredeemedustoGodbyHisownmostpreciousblood！"

Themysteryofthecrossexplainsallothermysteries。InthelightthatstreamsfromCalvarytheattributesofGodwhichhadfilleduswithfearandaweappearbeautifulandattractive。Mercy，tenderness，andparentalloveareseentoblendwithholiness，justice，andpower。WhilewebeholdthemajestyofHisthrone，highandliftedup，weseeHischaracterinitsgraciousmanifestations，andcomprehend，asneverbefore，thesignificanceofthatendearingtitle，"OurFather。"

ItwillbeseenthatHewhoisinfiniteinwisdomcoulddevisenoplanforoursalvationexceptthesacrificeofHisSon。Thecompensationforthissacrificeisthejoyofpeoplingtheearthwithransomedbeings，holy，happy，andimmortal。TheresultoftheSaviour’sconflictwiththepowersofdarknessisjoytotheredeemed，redoundingtothegloryofGodthroughouteternity。AndsuchisthevalueofthesoulthattheFatherissatisfiedwiththepricepaid；andChristHimself，beholdingthefruitsofHisgreatsacrifice，issatisfied。

(653)

Chapter41

DesolationoftheEarth"Hersinshavereacheduntoheaven，andGodhathrememberedheriniquities……Inthecupwhichshehathfilledfilltoherdouble。Howmuchshehathglorifiedherself，andliveddeliciously，somuchtormentandsorrowgiveher:forshesaithinherheart，Isitaqueen，andamnowidow，andshallseenosorrow。Thereforeshallherplaguescomeinoneday，death，andmourning，andfamine；andsheshallbeutterlyburnedwithfire:forstrongistheLordGodwhojudgethher。Andthekingsoftheearth，whohavecommittedfornicationandliveddeliciouslywithher，shallbewailher，andlamentforher，……saying，Alas，alasthatgreatcityBabylon，thatmightycity！forinonehouristhyjudgmentcome。"Revelation18:5-10。

"Themerchantsoftheearth，"thathave"waxedrichthroughtheabundanceofherdelicacies，""shallstandafaroffforthefearofhertorment，weepingandwailing，andsaying，Alas，alasthatgreatcity，thatwasclothedinfinelinen，andpurple，andscarlet，anddeckedwithgold，andpreciousstones，andpearls！Forinonehoursogreatrichesiscometonought。"

Revelation18:11，3，15-17。

SucharethejudgmentsthatfalluponBabyloninthedayofthevisitationofGod’swrath。Shehasfilledupthemeasureofheriniquity；hertimehascome；sheisripefordestruction。

654

WhenthevoiceofGodturnsthecaptivityofHispeople，thereisaterribleawakeningofthosewhohavelostallinthegreatconflictoflife。WhileprobationcontinuedtheywereblindedbySatan’sdeceptions，andtheyjustifiedtheircourseofsin。Therichpridedthemselvesupontheirsuperioritytothosewhowerelessfavored；buttheyhadobtainedtheirrichesbyviolationofthelawofGod。Theyhadneglectedtofeedthehungry，toclothethenaked，todealjustly，andtolovemercy。Theyhadsoughttoexaltthemselvesandtoobtainthehomageoftheirfellowcreatures。Nowtheyarestrippedofallthatmadethemgreatandareleftdestituteanddefenseless。TheylookwithterroruponthedestructionoftheidolswhichtheypreferredbeforetheirMaker。Theyhavesoldtheirsoulsforearthlyrichesandenjoyments，andhavenotsoughttobecomerichtowardGod。Theresultis，theirlivesareafailure；theirpleasuresarenowturnedtogall，theirtreasurestocorruption。Thegainofalifetimeissweptawayinamoment。Therichbemoanthedestructionoftheirgrandhouses，thescatteringoftheirgoldandsilver。Buttheirlamentationsaresilencedbythefearthattheythemselvesaretoperishwiththeiridols。

Thewickedarefilledwithregret，notbecauseoftheirsinfulneglectofGodandtheirfellowmen，butbecauseGodhasconquered。Theylamentthattheresultiswhatitis；buttheydonotrepentoftheirwickedness。Theywouldleavenomeansuntriedtoconqueriftheycould。

Theworldseetheveryclasswhomtheyhavemockedandderided，anddesiredtoexterminate，passunharmedthroughpestilence，tempest，andearthquake。

HewhoistothetransgressorsofHislawadevouringfire，istoHispeopleasafepavilion。

Theministerwhohassacrificedtruthtogainthefavorofmennowdiscernsthecharacterandinfluenceofhisteachings。Itisapparentthattheomniscienteyewasfollowinghimashestoodinthedesk，ashewalkedthestreets，ashemingledwithmeninthevariousscenesoflife。Every655

emotionofthesoul，everylinewritten，everyworduttered，everyactthatledmentorestinarefugeoffalsehood，hasbeenscatteringseed；andnow，inthewretched，lostsoulsaroundhim，hebeholdstheharvest。

SaiththeLord:"TheyhavehealedthehurtofthedaughterofMypeopleslightly，saying，Peace，peace；whenthereisnopeace。""Withliesyehavemadetheheartoftherighteoussad，whomIhavenotmadesad；andstrengthenedthehandsofthewicked，thatheshouldnotreturnfromhiswickedway，bypromisinghimlife。"Jeremiah8:11；Ezekiel13:22。

"WoebeuntothepastorsthatdestroyandscatterthesheepofMypasture！……Behold，Iwillvisituponyoutheevilofyourdoings。""Howl，yeshepherds，andcry；andwallowyourselvesintheashes，yeprincipaloftheflock:foryourdaysforslaughterandofyourdispersionsareaccomplished；……andtheshepherdsshallhavenowaytoflee，northeprincipaloftheflocktoescape。"Jeremiah23:1，2；25:34，35，margin。

MinistersandpeopleseethattheyhavenotsustainedtherightrelationtoGod。TheyseethattheyhaverebelledagainsttheAuthorofalljustandrighteouslaw。Thesettingasideofthedivinepreceptsgaverisetothousandsofspringsofevil，discord，hatred，iniquity，untiltheearthbecameonevastfieldofstrife，onesinkofcorruption。Thisistheviewthatnowappearstothosewhorejectedtruthandchosetocherisherror。Nolanguagecanexpressthelongingwhichthedisobedientanddisloyalfeelforthatwhichtheyhavelostforever——eternallife。Menwhomtheworldhasworshipedfortheirtalentsandeloquencenowseethesethingsintheirtruelight。Theyrealizewhattheyhaveforfeitedbytransgression，andtheyfallatthefeetofthosewhosefidelitytheyhavedespisedandderided，andconfessthatGodhaslovedthem。

Thepeopleseethattheyhavebeendeluded。Theyaccuseoneanotherofhavingledthemtodestruction；butalluniteinheapingtheirbitterestcondemnationupontheministers。Unfaithfulpastorshaveprophesiedsmooththings；theyhaveledtheirhearerstomakevoidthelawofGodandto656

persecutethosewhowouldkeepitholy。Now，intheirdespair，theseteachersconfessbeforetheworldtheirworkofdeception。Themultitudesarefilledwithfury。"Wearelost！"theycry，"andyouarethecauseofourruin；"andtheyturnuponthefalseshepherds。Theveryonesthatonceadmiredthemmostwillpronouncethemostdreadfulcursesuponthem。Theveryhandsthatoncecrownedthemwithlaurelswillberaisedfortheirdestruction。TheswordswhichweretoslayGod’speoplearenowemployedtodestroytheirenemies。Everywherethereisstrifeandbloodshed。

"Anoiseshallcomeeventotheendsoftheearth；fortheLordhathacontroversywiththenations，Hewillpleadwithallflesh；Hewillgivethemthatarewickedtothesword。"Jeremiah25:31。Forsixthousandyearsthegreatcontroversyhasbeeninprogress；theSonofGodandHisheavenlymessengershavebeeninconflictwiththepoweroftheevilone，towarn，enlighten，andsavethechildrenofmen。Nowallhavemadetheirdecisions；

thewickedhavefullyunitedwithSataninhiswarfareagainstGod。ThetimehascomeforGodtovindicatetheauthorityofHisdowntroddenlaw。NowthecontroversyisnotalonewithSatan，butwithmen。"TheLordhathacontroversywiththenations；""Hewillgivethemthatarewickedtothesword。"

Themarkofdeliverancehasbeensetuponthose"thatsighandthatcryforalltheabominationsthatbedone。"Nowtheangelofdeathgoesforth，representedinEzekiel’svisionbythemenwiththeslaughteringweapons，towhomthecommandisgiven:"Slayutterlyoldandyoung，bothmaids，andlittlechildren，andwomen:butcomenotnearanymanuponwhomisthemark；

andbeginatMysanctuary。"Saystheprophet:"Theybeganattheancientmenwhichwerebeforethehouse。"Ezekiel9:1-6。Theworkofdestructionbeginsamongthosewhohaveprofessedtobethespiritualguardiansofthepeople。

Thefalsewatchmenarethefirsttofall。Therearenonetopityortospare。Men，women，maidens，andlittlechildrenperishtogether。

"TheLordcomethoutofHisplacetopunishtheinhabitants657

oftheearthfortheiriniquity:theearthalsoshalldiscloseherblood，andshallnomorecoverherslain。"Isaiah26:21。"AndthisshallbetheplaguewherewiththeLordwillsmiteallthepeoplethathavefoughtagainstJerusalem；Theirfleshshallconsumeawaywhiletheystandupontheirfeet，andtheireyesshallconsumeawayintheirholes，andtheirtongueshallconsumeawayintheirmouth。Anditshallcometopassinthatday，thatagreattumultfromtheLordshallbeamongthem；andtheyshalllayholdeveryoneonthehandofhisneighbor，andhishandshallriseupagainstthehandofhisneighbor。"Zechariah14:12，13。Inthemadstrifeoftheirownfiercepassions，andbytheawfuloutpouringofGod’sunmingledwrath，fallthewickedinhabitantsoftheearth——priests，rulers，andpeople，richandpoor，highandlow。"AndtheslainoftheLordshallbeatthatdayfromoneendoftheearthevenuntotheotherendoftheearth:theyshallnotbelamented，neithergathered，norburied。"Jeremiah25:33。

AtthecomingofChristthewickedareblottedfromthefaceofthewholeearth——consumedwiththespiritofHismouthanddestroyedbythebrightnessofHisglory。ChristtakesHispeopletotheCityofGod，andtheearthisemptiedofitsinhabitants。"Behold，theLordmakeththeearthempty，andmakethitwaste，andturnethitupsidedown，andscatterethabroadtheinhabitantsthereof。""Thelandshallbeutterlyemptied，andutterlyspoiled:fortheLordhathspokenthisword。""Becausetheyhavetransgressedthelaws，changedtheordinance，brokentheeverlastingcovenant。Thereforehaththecursedevouredtheearth，andtheythatdwellthereinaredesolate:thereforetheinhabitantsoftheearthareburned。"

Isaiah24:1，3，5，6。

Thewholeearthappearslikeadesolatewilderness。Theruinsofcitiesandvillagesdestroyedbytheearthquake，uprootedtrees，raggedrocksthrownoutbytheseaortornoutoftheearthitself，arescatteredoveritssurface，whilevastcavernsmarkthespotwherethemountainshavebeenrentfromtheirfoundations。

658

NowtheeventtakesplaceforeshadowedinthelastsolemnserviceoftheDayofAtonement。Whentheministrationintheholyofholieshadbeencompleted，andthesinsofIsraelhadbeenremovedfromthesanctuarybyvirtueofthebloodofthesinoffering，thenthescapegoatwaspresentedalivebeforetheLord；andinthepresenceofthecongregationthehighpriestconfessedoverhim"alltheiniquitiesofthechildrenofIsrael，andalltheirtransgressionsinalltheirsins，puttingthemupontheheadofthegoat。"Leviticus16:21。Inlikemanner，whentheworkofatonementintheheavenlysanctuaryhasbeencompleted，theninthepresenceofGodandheavenlyangelsandthehostsoftheredeemedthesinsofGod’speoplewillbeplaceduponSatan；hewillbedeclaredguiltyofalltheevilwhichhehascausedthemtocommit。Andasthescapegoatwassentawayintoalandnotinhabited，soSatanwillbebanishedtothedesolateearth，anuninhabitedanddrearywilderness。

TherevelatorforetellsthebanishmentofSatanandtheconditionofchaosanddesolationtowhichtheearthistobereduced，andhedeclaresthatthisconditionwillexistforathousandyears。AfterpresentingthescenesoftheLord’ssecondcomingandthedestructionofthewicked，theprophecycontinues:"Isawanangelcomedownfromheaven，havingthekeyofthebottomlesspitandagreatchaininhishand。Andhelaidholdonthedragon，thatoldserpent，whichisthedevil，andSatan，andboundhimathousandyears，andcasthimintothebottomlesspit，andshuthimup，andsetasealuponhim，thatheshoulddeceivethenationsnomore，tillthethousandyearsshouldbefulfilled:andafterthathemustbeloosedalittleseason。"Revelation20:1-3。

Thattheexpression"bottomlesspit"representstheearthinastateofconfusionanddarknessisevidentfromotherscriptures。Concerningtheconditionoftheearth"inthebeginning，"theBiblerecordsaysthatit"waswithoutform，andvoid；anddarknesswasuponthefaceofthedeep。"[*

THEHEBREWWORDHERETRANSLATED"DEEP"ISRENDEREDINTHESEPTUAGINT(GREEK)

TRANSLATIONOFTHEHEBREWOLDTESTAMENTBYTHESAMEWORDRENDERED

"BOTTOMLESSPIT"INREVELATION20:1-3。]

659

Genesis1:2。Prophecyteachesthatitwillbebroughtback，partiallyatleast，tothiscondition。LookingforwardtothegreatdayofGod，theprophetJeremiahdeclares:"Ibeheldtheearth，and，lo，itwaswithoutform，andvoid；andtheheavens，andtheyhadnolight。Ibeheldthemountains，and，lo，theytrembled，andallthehillsmovedlightly。I

beheld，and，lo，therewasnoman，andallthebirdsoftheheavenswerefled。Ibeheld，and，lo，thefruitfulplacewasawilderness，andallthecitiesthereofwerebrokendown。"Jeremiah4:23-26。

HereistobethehomeofSatanwithhisevilangelsforathousandyears。

Limitedtotheearth，hewillnothaveaccesstootherworldstotemptandannoythosewhohaveneverfallen。Itisinthissensethatheisbound:

therearenoneremaining，uponwhomhecanexercisehispower。Heiswhollycutofffromtheworkofdeceptionandruinwhichforsomanycenturieshasbeenhissoledelight。

TheprophetIsaiah，lookingforwardtothetimeofSatan’soverthrow，exclaims:"Howartthoufallenfromheaven，OLucifer，sonofthemorning！

howartthoucutdowntotheground，whichdidstweakenthenations！……

Thouhastsaidinthineheart，Iwillascendintoheaven，IwillexaltmythroneabovethestarsofGod:……IwillbeliketheMostHigh。Yetthoushaltbebroughtdowntohell，tothesidesofthepit。Theythatseetheeshallnarrowlylookuponthee，andconsiderthee，saying，Isthisthemanthatmadetheearthtotremble，thatdidshakekingdoms；thatmadetheworldasawilderness，anddestroyedthecitiesthereof；thatopenednotthehouseofhisprisoners？"Isaiah14:12-17。

Forsixthousandyears，Satan’sworkofrebellionhas"madetheearthtotremble。"Hehad"madetheworldasawilderness，anddestroyedthecitiesthereof。"Andhe"openednotthehouseofhisprisoners。"ForsixthousandyearshisprisonhousehasreceivedGod’speople，andhewouldhaveheldthemcaptiveforever；butChristhadbrokenhisbondsandsettheprisonersfree。

660

EventhewickedarenowplacedbeyondthepowerofSatan，andalonewithhisevilangelsheremainstorealizetheeffectofthecursewhichsinhasbrought。"Thekingsofthenations，evenallofthem，lieinglory，everyoneinhisownhouse[thegrave]。Butthouartcastoutthygravelikeanabominablebranch……Thoushaltnotbejoinedwiththeminburial，becausethouhastdestroyedthyland，andslainthypeople。"Isaiah14:18-20。

Forathousandyears，SatanwillwandertoandfrointhedesolateearthtobeholdtheresultsofhisrebellionagainstthelawofGod。Duringthistimehissufferingsareintense。Sincehisfallhislifeofunceasingactivityhasbanishedreflection；butheisnowdeprivedofhispowerandlefttocontemplatethepartwhichhehasactedsincefirstherebelledagainstthegovernmentofheaven，andtolookforwardwithtremblingandterrortothedreadfulfuturewhenhemustsufferforalltheevilthathehasdoneandbepunishedforthesinsthathehascausedtobecommitted。

ToGod’speoplethecaptivityofSatanwillbringgladnessandrejoicing。

Saystheprophet:"ItshallcometopassinthedaythatJehovahshallgivetheerestfromthysorrow，andfromthytrouble，andfromthehardservicewhereinthouwastmadetoserve，thatthoushalttakeupthisparableagainstthekingofBabylon[hererepresentingSatan]，andsay，Howhaththeoppressorceased！……Jehovahhathbrokenthestaffofthewicked，thescepteroftherulers；thatsmotethepeoplesinwrathwithacontinualstroke，thatruledthenationsinanger，withapersecutionthatnonerestrained。"Verses3-6，R。V。

Duringthethousandyearsbetweenthefirstandthesecondresurrectionthejudgmentofthewickedtakesplace。TheapostlePaulpointstothisjudgmentasaneventthatfollowsthesecondadvent。"Judgenothingbeforethetime，untiltheLordcome，whobothwillbringtolightthehiddenthingsofdarkness，andwillmakemanifestthecounselsof661

thehearts。"1Corinthians4:5。DanieldeclaresthatwhentheAncientofDayscame，"judgmentwasgiventothesaintsoftheMostHigh。"Daniel7:22。

AtthistimetherighteousreignaskingsandpriestsuntoGod。JohnintheRevelationsays:"Isawthrones，andtheysatuponthem，andjudgmentwasgivenuntothem。""TheyshallbepriestsofGodandofChrist，andshallreignwithHimathousandyears。"Revelation20:4，6。Itisatthistimethat，asforetoldbyPaul，"thesaintsshalljudgetheworld。"1Corinthians6:2。InunionwithChristtheyjudgethewicked，comparingtheiractswiththestatutebook，theBible，anddecidingeverycaseaccordingtothedeedsdoneinthebody。Thentheportionwhichthewickedmustsufferismetedout，accordingtotheirworks；anditisrecordedagainsttheirnamesinthebookofdeath。

SatanalsoandevilangelsarejudgedbyChristandHispeople。SaysPaul:

"Knowyenotthatweshalljudgeangels？"Verse3。AndJudedeclaresthat"theangelswhichkeptnottheirfirstestate，butlefttheirownhabitation，Hehathreservedineverlastingchainsunderdarknessuntothejudgmentofthegreatday。"Jude6。

Atthecloseofthethousandyearsthesecondresurrectionwilltakeplace。

ThenthewickedwillberaisedfromthedeadandappearbeforeGodfortheexecutionof"thejudgmentwritten。"Thustherevelator，afterdescribingtheresurrectionoftherighteous，says:"Therestofthedeadlivednotagainuntilthethousandyearswerefinished。"Revelation20:5。AndIsaiahdeclares，concerningthewicked:"Theyshallbegatheredtogether，asprisonersaregatheredinthepit，andshallbeshutupintheprison，andaftermanydaysshalltheybevisited。"Isaiah24:22。

(662)

Chapter42

TheControversyEndedAtthecloseofthethousandyears，Christagainreturnstotheearth。Heisaccompaniedbythehostoftheredeemedandattendedbyaretinueofangels。

AsHedescendsinterrificmajestyHebidsthewickeddeadarisetoreceivetheirdoom。Theycomeforth，amightyhost，numberlessasthesandsofthesea。Whatacontrasttothosewhowereraisedatthefirstresurrection！Therighteouswereclothedwithimmortalyouthandbeauty。Thewickedbearthetracesofdiseaseanddeath。

EveryeyeinthatvastmultitudeisturnedtobeholdthegloryoftheSonofGod。Withonevoicethewickedhostsexclaim:"BlessedisHethatcomethinthenameoftheLord！"ItisnotlovetoJesusthatinspiresthisutterance。

Theforceoftruthurgesthewordsfromunwillinglips。Asthewickedwentintotheirgraves，sotheycomeforthwiththesameenmitytoChristandthesamespiritofrebellion。Theyaretohavenonewprobationinwhichtoremedythedefectsoftheirpastlives。Nothingwouldbegainedbythis。A

lifetimeoftransgressionhasnotsoftenedtheirhearts。Asecondprobation，wereitgiventhem，wouldbeoccupiedaswasthefirstinevadingtherequirementsofGodandexcitingrebellionagainstHim。

ChristdescendsupontheMountofOlives，whence，afterHisresurrection，Heascended，andwhereangelsrepeatedthepromiseofHisreturn。Saystheprophet:"TheLordmyGod663

shallcome，andallthesaintswithThee。""AndHisfeetshallstandinthatdayupontheMountofOlives，whichisbeforeJerusalemontheeast，andtheMountofOlivesshallcleaveinthemidstthereof，……andthereshallbeaverygreatvalley。""AndtheLordshallbekingoveralltheearth:inthatdayshalltherebeoneLord，andHisnameone。"Zechariah14:5，4，9。

AstheNewJerusalem，initsdazzlingsplendor，comesdownoutofheaven，itrestsupontheplacepurifiedandmadereadytoreceiveit，andChrist，withHispeopleandtheangels，enterstheHolyCity。

NowSatanpreparesforalastmightystruggleforthesupremacy。Whiledeprivedofhispowerandcutofffromhisworkofdeception，theprinceofevilwasmiserableanddejected；butasthewickeddeadareraisedandheseesthevastmultitudesuponhisside，hishopesrevive，andhedeterminesnottoyieldthegreatcontroversy。Hewillmarshalallthearmiesofthelostunderhisbannerandthroughthemendeavortoexecutehisplans。ThewickedareSatan’scaptives。InrejectingChristtheyhaveacceptedtheruleoftherebelleader。Theyarereadytoreceivehissuggestionsandtodohisbidding。Yet，truetohisearlycunning，hedoesnotacknowledgehimselftobeSatan。Heclaimstobetheprincewhoistherightfulowneroftheworldandwhoseinheritancehasbeenunlawfullywrestedfromhim。Herepresentshimselftohisdeludedsubjectsasaredeemer，assuringthemthathispowerhasbroughtthemforthfromtheirgravesandthatheisabouttorescuethemfromthemostcrueltyranny。ThepresenceofChristhavingbeenremoved，Satanworkswonderstosupporthisclaims。Hemakestheweakstrongandinspiresallwithhisownspiritandenergy。HeproposestoleadthemagainstthecampofthesaintsandtotakepossessionoftheCityofGod。

Withfiendishexultationhepointstotheunnumberedmillionswhohavebeenraisedfromthedeadanddeclaresthatastheirleaderheiswellabletooverthrowthecityandregainhisthroneandhiskingdom。

664

Inthatvastthrongaremultitudesofthelong-livedracethatexistedbeforetheFlood；menofloftystatureandgiantintellect，who，yieldingtothecontroloffallenangels，devotedalltheirskillandknowledgetotheexaltationofthemselves；menwhosewonderfulworksofartledtheworldtoidolizetheirgenius，butwhosecrueltyandevilinventions，defilingtheearthanddefacingtheimageofGod，causedHimtoblotthemfromthefaceofHiscreation。Therearekingsandgeneralswhoconquerednations，valiantmenwhoneverlostabattle，proud，ambitiouswarriorswhoseapproachmadekingdomstremble。Indeaththeseexperiencednochange。Astheycomeupfromthegrave，theyresumethecurrentoftheirthoughtsjustwhereitceased。

Theyareactuatedbythesamedesiretoconquerthatruledthemwhentheyfell。

Satanconsultswithhisangels，andthenwiththesekingsandconquerorsandmightymen。Theylookuponthestrengthandnumbersontheirside，anddeclarethatthearmywithinthecityissmallincomparisonwiththeirs，andthatitcanbeovercome。TheylaytheirplanstotakepossessionoftherichesandgloryoftheNewJerusalem。Allimmediatelybegintoprepareforbattle。Skillfulartisansconstructimplementsofwar。Militaryleaders，famedfortheirsuccess，marshalthethrongsofwarlikemenintocompaniesanddivisions。

Atlasttheordertoadvanceisgiven，andthecountlesshostmoveson——anarmysuchaswasneversummonedbyearthlyconquerors，suchasthecombinedforcesofallagessincewarbeganonearthcouldneverequal。Satan，themightiestofwarriors，leadsthevan，andhisangelsunitetheirforcesforthisfinalstruggle。Kingsandwarriorsareinhistrain，andthemultitudesfollowinvastcompanies，eachunderitsappointedleader。Withmilitaryprecisiontheserriedranksadvanceovertheearth’sbrokenandunevensurfacetotheCityofGod。BycommandofJesus，thegatesoftheNewJerusalemareclosed，andthearmiesofSatansurroundthecityandmakereadyfortheonset。

665

NowChristagainappearstotheviewofHisenemies。Farabovethecity，uponafoundationofburnishedgold，isathrone，highandliftedup。UponthisthronesitstheSonofGod，andaroundHimarethesubjectsofHiskingdom。ThepowerandmajestyofChristnolanguagecandescribe，nopenportray。ThegloryoftheEternalFatherisenshroudingHisSon。ThebrightnessofHispresencefillstheCityofGod，andflowsoutbeyondthegates，floodingthewholeearthwithitsradiance。

NearestthethronearethosewhowereoncezealousinthecauseofSatan，butwho，pluckedasbrandsfromtheburning，havefollowedtheirSaviourwithdeep，intensedevotion。NextarethosewhoperfectedChristiancharactersinthemidstoffalsehoodandinfidelity，thosewhohonoredthelawofGodwhentheChristianworlddeclareditvoid，andthemillions，ofallages，whoweremartyredfortheirfaith。Andbeyondisthe"greatmultitude，whichnomancouldnumber，ofallnations，andkindreds，andpeople，andtongues，……beforethethrone，andbeforetheLamb，clothedwithwhiterobes，andpalmsintheirhands。"Revelation7:9。Theirwarfareisended，theirvictorywon。Theyhaveruntheraceandreachedtheprize。

Thepalmbranchintheirhandsisasymboloftheirtriumph，thewhiterobeanemblemofthespotlessrighteousnessofChristwhichnowistheirs。

Theredeemedraiseasongofpraisethatechoesandre-echoesthroughthevaultsofheaven:"SalvationtoourGodwhichsittethuponthethrone，anduntotheLamb。"Verse10。Andangelandseraphunitetheirvoicesinadoration。AstheredeemedhavebeheldthepowerandmalignityofSatan，theyhaveseen，asneverbefore，thatnopowerbutthatofChristcouldhavemadethemconquerors。Inallthatshiningthrongtherearenonetoascribesalvationtothemselves，asiftheyhadprevailedbytheirownpowerandgoodness。

Nothingissaidofwhattheyhavedoneorsuffered；buttheburdenofeverysong，thekeynoteofeveryanthem，is:SalvationtoourGodanduntotheLamb。

666

InthepresenceoftheassembledinhabitantsofearthandheaventhefinalcoronationoftheSonofGodtakesplace。Andnow，investedwithsuprememajestyandpower，theKingofkingspronouncessentenceupontherebelsagainstHisgovernmentandexecutesjusticeuponthosewhohavetransgressedHislawandoppressedHispeople。SaystheprophetofGod:"Isawagreatwhitethrone，andHimthatsatonit，fromwhosefacetheearthandtheheavenfledaway；andtherewasfoundnoplaceforthem。AndIsawthedead，smallandgreat，standbeforeGod；andthebookswereopened:andanotherbookwasopened，whichisthebookoflife:andthedeadwerejudgedoutofthosethingswhichwerewritteninthebooks，accordingtotheirworks。"

Revelation20:11，12。

Assoonasthebooksofrecordareopened，andtheeyeofJesuslooksuponthewicked，theyareconsciousofeverysinwhichtheyhaveevercommitted。

Theyseejustwheretheirfeetdivergedfromthepathofpurityandholiness，justhowfarprideandrebellionhavecarriedthemintheviolationofthelawofGod。Theseductivetemptationswhichtheyencouragedbyindulgenceinsin，theblessingsperverted，themessengersofGoddespised，thewarningsrejected，thewavesofmercybeatenbackbythestubborn，unrepentantheart——allappearasifwritteninlettersoffire。

Abovethethroneisrevealedthecross；andlikeapanoramicviewappearthescenesofAdam’stemptationandfall，andthesuccessivestepsinthegreatplanofredemption。TheSaviour’slowlybirth；Hisearlylifeofsimplicityandobedience；HisbaptisminJordan；thefastandtemptationinthewilderness；Hispublicministry，unfoldingtomenheaven’smostpreciousblessings；thedayscrowdedwithdeedsofloveandmercy，thenightsofprayerandwatchinginthesolitudeofthemountains；theplottingsofenvy，hate，andmalicewhichrepaidHisbenefits；theawful，mysteriousagonyinGethsemanebeneaththecrushingweightofthesinsofthewholeworld；Hisbetrayalintothehandsofthemurderous667

mob；thefearfuleventsofthatnightofhorror——theunresistingprisoner，forsakenbyHisbest-loveddisciples，rudelyhurriedthroughthestreetsofJerusalem；theSonofGodexultinglydisplayedbeforeAnnas，arraignedinthehighpriest’spalace，inthejudgmenthallofPilate，beforethecowardlyandcruelHerod，mocked，insulted，tortured，andcondemnedtodie——allarevividlyportrayed。

Andnowbeforetheswayingmultitudearerevealedthefinalscenes——thepatientSufferertreadingthepathtoCalvary；thePrinceofheavenhanginguponthecross；thehaughtypriestsandthejeeringrabblederidingHisexpiringagony；thesupernaturaldarkness；theheavingearth，therentrocks，theopengraves，markingthemomentwhentheworld’sRedeemeryieldedupHislife。

Theawfulspectacleappearsjustasitwas。Satan，hisangels，andhissubjectshavenopowertoturnfromthepictureoftheirownwork。Eachactorrecallsthepartwhichheperformed。Herod，whoslewtheinnocentchildrenofBethlehemthathemightdestroytheKingofIsrael；thebaseHerodias，uponwhoseguiltysoulreststhebloodofJohntheBaptist；theweak，timeservingPilate；themockingsoldiers；thepriestsandrulersandthemaddenedthrongwhocried，"Hisbloodbeonus，andonourchildren！"——allbeholdtheenormityoftheirguilt。TheyvainlyseektohidefromthedivinemajestyofHiscountenance，outshiningthegloryofthesun，whiletheredeemedcasttheircrownsattheSaviour’sfeet，exclaiming:"Hediedforme！"

AmidtheransomedthrongaretheapostlesofChrist，theheroicPaul，theardentPeter，thelovedandlovingJohn，andtheirtrueheartedbrethren，andwiththemthevasthostofmartyrs；whileoutsidethewalls，witheveryvileandabominablething，arethosebywhomtheywerepersecuted，imprisoned，andslain。ThereisNero，thatmonsterofcrueltyandvice，beholdingthejoyandexaltationofthosewhomheoncetortured，andinwhoseextremestanguishhefoundsatanicdelight。Hismotheristheretowitnesstheresultof668

herownwork；toseehowtheevilstampofcharactertransmittedtoherson，thepassionsencouragedanddevelopedbyherinfluenceandexample，havebornefruitincrimesthatcausedtheworldtoshudder。

Therearepapistpriestsandprelates，whoclaimedtobeChrist’sambassadors，yetemployedtherack，thedungeon，andthestaketocontroltheconsciencesofHispeople。TherearetheproudpontiffswhoexaltedthemselvesaboveGodandpresumedtochangethelawoftheMostHigh。ThosepretendedfathersofthechurchhaveanaccounttorendertoGodfromwhichtheywouldfainbeexcused。ToolatetheyaremadetoseethattheOmniscientOneisjealousofHislawandthatHewillinnowisecleartheguilty。TheylearnnowthatChristidentifiesHisinterestwiththatofHissufferingpeople；andtheyfeeltheforceofHisownwords:"InasmuchasyehavedoneituntooneoftheleastoftheseMybrethren，yehavedoneituntoMe。"Matthew25:40。

ThewholewickedworldstandarraignedatthebarofGodonthechargeofhightreasonagainstthegovernmentofheaven。Theyhavenonetopleadtheircause；theyarewithoutexcuse；andthesentenceofeternaldeathispronouncedagainstthem。

Itisnowevidenttoallthatthewagesofsinisnotnobleindependenceandeternallife，butslavery，ruin，anddeath。Thewickedseewhattheyhaveforfeitedbytheirlifeofrebellion。Thefarmoreexceedingandeternalweightofglorywasdespisedwhenofferedthem；buthowdesirableitnowappears。"Allthis，"criesthelostsoul，"Imighthavehad；butIchosetoputthesethingsfarfromme。Oh，strangeinfatuation！Ihaveexchangedpeace，happiness，andhonorforwretchedness，infamy，anddespair。"Allseethattheirexclusionfromheavenisjust。Bytheirlivestheyhavedeclared:

"WewillnothavethisMan[Jesus]toreignoverus。"

Asifentranced，thewickedhavelookeduponthecoronationoftheSonofGod。TheyseeinHishandsthetablesofthedivinelaw，thestatuteswhichtheyhavedespisedand669

transgressed。Theywitnesstheoutburstofwonder，rapture，andadorationfromthesaved；andasthewaveofmelodysweepsoverthemultitudeswithoutthecity，allwithonevoiceexclaim，"GreatandmarvelousareThyworks，LordGodAlmighty；justandtrueareThyways，ThouKingofsaints"

(Revelation15:3)；and，fallingprostrate，theyworshipthePrinceoflife。

SatanseemsparalyzedashebeholdsthegloryandmajestyofChrist。Hewhowasonceacoveringcherubrememberswhencehehasfallen。Ashiningseraph，"sonofthemorning；"howchanged，howdegraded！Fromthecouncilwhereoncehewashonored，heisforeverexcluded。HeseesanothernowstandingneartotheFather，veilingHisglory。HehasseenthecrownplacedupontheheadofChristbyanangelofloftystatureandmajesticpresence，andheknowsthattheexaltedpositionofthisangelmighthavebeenhis。

Memoryrecallsthehomeofhisinnocenceandpurity，thepeaceandcontentthatwerehisuntilheindulgedinmurmuringagainstGod，andenvyofChrist。Hisaccusations，hisrebellion，hisdeceptionstogainthesympathyandsupportoftheangels，hisstubbornpersistenceinmakingnoeffortforself-recoverywhenGodwouldhavegrantedhimforgiveness——allcomevividlybeforehim。Hereviewshisworkamongmenanditsresults——theenmityofmantowardhisfellowman，theterribledestructionoflife，theriseandfallofkingdoms，theoverturningofthrones，thelongsuccessionoftumults，conflicts，andrevolutions。HerecallshisconstanteffortstoopposetheworkofChristandtosinkmanlowerandlower。HeseesthathishellishplotshavebeenpowerlesstodestroythosewhohaveputtheirtrustinJesus。AsSatanlooksuponhiskingdom，thefruitofhistoil，heseesonlyfailureandruin。HehasledthemultitudestobelievethattheCityofGodwouldbeaneasyprey；butheknowsthatthisisfalse。Againandagain，intheprogressofthegreatcontroversy，hehasbeendefeatedandcompelledtoyield。HeknowstoowellthepowerandmajestyoftheEternal。

670

Theaimofthegreatrebelhaseverbeentojustifyhimselfandtoprovethedivinegovernmentresponsiblefortherebellion。Tothisendhehasbentallthepowerofhisgiantintellect。Hehasworkeddeliberatelyandsystematically，andwithmarveloussuccess，leadingvastmultitudestoaccepthisversionofthegreatcontroversywhichhasbeensolonginprogress。Forthousandsofyearsthischiefofconspiracyhaspalmedofffalsehoodfortruth。ButthetimehasnowcomewhentherebellionistobefinallydefeatedandthehistoryandcharacterofSatandisclosed。InhislastgreatefforttodethroneChrist，destroyHispeople，andtakepossessionoftheCityofGod，thearchdeceiverhasbeenfullyunmasked。

Thosewhohaveunitedwithhimseethetotalfailureofhiscause。Christ’sfollowersandtheloyalangelsbeholdthefullextentofhismachinationsagainstthegovernmentofGod。Heistheobjectofuniversalabhorrence。

Satanseesthathisvoluntaryrebellionhasunfittedhimforheaven。HehastrainedhispowerstowaragainstGod；thepurity，peace，andharmonyofheavenwouldbetohimsupremetorture。HisaccusationsagainstthemercyandjusticeofGodarenowsilenced。ThereproachwhichhehasendeavoredtocastuponJehovahrestswhollyuponhimself。AndnowSatanbowsdownandconfessesthejusticeofhissentence。

"WhoshallnotfearThee，OLord，andglorifyThyname？forThouonlyartholy:forallnationsshallcomeandworshipbeforeThee；forThyjudgmentsaremademanifest。"Verse4。Everyquestionoftruthanderrorinthelong-standingcontroversyhasnowbeenmadeplain。Theresultsofrebellion，thefruitsofsettingasidethedivinestatutes，havebeenlaidopentotheviewofallcreatedintelligences。TheworkingoutofSatan’sruleincontrastwiththegovernmentofGodhasbeenpresentedtothewholeuniverse。Satan’sownworkshavecondemnedhim。God’swisdom，Hisjustice，andHisgoodnessstandfullyvindicated。ItisseenthatallHisdealingsinthegreatcontroversyhavebeenconducted671

withrespecttotheeternalgoodofHispeopleandthegoodofalltheworldsthatHehascreated。"AllThyworksshallpraiseThee，OLord；andThysaintsshallblessThee。"Psalm145:10。ThehistoryofsinwillstandtoalleternityasawitnessthatwiththeexistenceofGod’slawisboundupthehappinessofallthebeingsHehascreated。Withallthefactsofthegreatcontroversyinview，thewholeuniverse，bothloyalandrebellious，withoneaccorddeclare:"JustandtrueareThyways，ThouKingofsaints。"

BeforetheuniversehasbeenclearlypresentedthegreatsacrificemadebytheFatherandtheSoninman’sbehalf。ThehourhascomewhenChristoccupiesHisrightfulpositionandisglorifiedaboveprincipalitiesandpowersandeverynamethatisnamed。ItwasforthejoythatwassetbeforeHim——thatHemightbringmanysonsuntoglory——thatHeenduredthecrossanddespisedtheshame。Andinconceivablygreataswasthesorrowandtheshame，yetgreateristhejoyandtheglory。Helooksupontheredeemed，renewedinHisownimage，everyheartbearingtheperfectimpressofthedivine，everyfacereflectingthelikenessoftheirKing。HebeholdsinthemtheresultofthetravailofHissoul，andHeissatisfied。Then，inavoicethatreachestheassembledmultitudesoftherighteousandthewicked，Hedeclares:

"BeholdthepurchaseofMyblood！FortheseIsuffered，fortheseIdied，thattheymightdwellinMypresencethroughouteternalages。"Andthesongofpraiseascendsfromthewhite-robedonesaboutthethrone:"WorthyistheLambthatwasslaintoreceivepower，andriches，andwisdom，andstrength，andhonor，andglory，andblessing。"Revelation5:12。

NotwithstandingthatSatanhasbeenconstrainedtoacknowledgeGod’sjusticeandtobowtothesupremacyofChrist，hischaracterremainsunchanged。Thespiritofrebellion，likeamightytorrent，againburstsforth。Filledwithfrenzy，hedeterminesnottoyieldthegreatcontroversy。ThetimehascomeforalastdesperatestruggleagainsttheKing672

ofheaven。Herushesintothemidstofhissubjectsandendeavorstoinspirethemwithhisownfuryandarousethemtoinstantbattle。Butofallthecountlessmillionswhomhehasalluredintorebellion，therearenonenowtoacknowledgehissupremacy。Hispowerisatanend。ThewickedarefilledwiththesamehatredofGodthatinspiresSatan；buttheyseethattheircaseishopeless，thattheycannotprevailagainstJehovah。TheirrageiskindledagainstSatanandthosewhohavebeenhisagentsindeception，andwiththefuryofdemonstheyturnuponthem。