WilliamMillerpossessedstrongmentalpowers，disciplinedbythoughtandstudy；andheaddedtothesethewisdomofheavenbyconnectinghimselfwiththeSourceofwisdom。Hewasamanofsterlingworth，whocouldnotbutcommandrespectandesteemwhereverintegrityofcharacterandmoralexcellencewerevalued。UnitingtruekindnessofheartwithChristianhumilityandthepowerofself-control，hewasattentiveandaffabletoall，readytolistentotheopinionsofothersandtoweightheirarguments。
WithoutpassionorexcitementhetestedalltheoriesanddoctrinesbythewordofGod，andhissoundreasoningandthoroughknowledgeoftheScripturesenabledhimtorefuteerrorandexposefalsehood。
Yethedidnotprosecutehisworkwithoutbitteropposition。AswithearlierReformers，thetruthswhichhepresentedwerenotreceivedwithfavorbypopularreligiousteachers。AsthesecouldnotmaintaintheirpositionbytheScriptures，theyweredriventoresorttothesayingsanddoctrinesofmen，tothetraditionsoftheFathers。ButthewordofGodwastheonlytestimonyacceptedbythepreachersoftheadventtruth。\"TheBible，andtheBibleonly，\"wastheirwatchword。ThelackofScriptureargumentonthepartoftheiropponentswassuppliedbyridiculeandscoffing。Time，means，andtalentswereemployedinmaligningthosewhose336
onlyoffensewasthattheylookedwithjoyforthereturnoftheirLordandwerestrivingtoliveholylivesandtoexhortotherstoprepareforHisappearing。
Earnestweretheeffortsputforthtodrawawaythemindsofthepeoplefromthesubjectofthesecondadvent。Itwasmadetoappearasin，somethingofwhichmenshouldbeashamed，tostudytheprophecieswhichrelatetothecomingofChristandtheendoftheworld。ThusthepopularministryunderminedfaithinthewordofGod。Theirteachingmademeninfidels，andmanytooklicensetowalkaftertheirownungodlylusts。ThentheauthorsoftheevilchargeditalluponAdventists。
Whiledrawingcrowdedhousesofintelligentandattentivehearers，Miller’snamewasseldommentionedbythereligiouspressexceptbywayofridiculeordenunciation。Thecarelessandungodlyemboldenedbythepositionofreligiousteachers，resortedtoopprobriousepithets，tobaseandblasphemouswitticisms，intheireffortstoheapcontumelyuponhimandhiswork。Thegray-headedmanwhohadleftacomfortablehometotravelathisownexpensefromcitytocity，fromtowntotown，toilingunceasinglytobeartotheworldthesolemnwarningofthejudgmentnear，wassneeringlydenouncedasafanatic，aliar，aspeculatingknave。
Theridicule，falsehood，andabuseheapeduponhimcalledforthindignantremonstrance，evenfromthesecularpress。\"Totreatasubjectofsuchoverwhelmingmajestyandfearfulconsequences，\"withlightnessandribaldrywasdeclaredbyworldlymentobe\"notmerelytosportwiththefeelingsofitspropagatorsandadvocates，\"but\"tomakeajestofthedayofjudgment，toscoffattheDeityHimself，andcontemntheterrorsofHisjudgmentbar。\"——Bliss，page183。
Theinstigatorofallevilsoughtnotonlytocounteracttheeffectoftheadventmessage，buttodestroythemessengerhimself。MillermadeapracticalapplicationofScripturetruthtotheheartsofhishearers，reprovingtheirsinsand337
disturbingtheirself-satisfaction，andhisplainandcuttingwordsarousedtheirenmity。Theoppositionmanifestedbychurchmemberstowardhismessageemboldenedthebaserclassestogotogreaterlengths；andenemiesplottedtotakehislifeasheshouldleavetheplaceofmeeting。Butholyangelswereinthethrong，andoneofthese，intheformofaman，tookthearmofthisservantoftheLordandledhiminsafetyfromtheangrymob。Hisworkwasnotyetdone，andSatanandhisemissariesweredisappointedintheirpurpose。
Despiteallopposition，theinterestintheadventmovementhadcontinuedtoincrease。Fromscoresandhundreds，thecongregationshadgrowntoasmanythousands。Largeaccessionshadbeenmadetothevariouschurches，butafteratimethespiritofoppositionwasmanifestedevenagainsttheseconverts，andthechurchesbegantotakedisciplinarystepswiththosewhohadembracedMiller’sviews。Thisactioncalledfortharesponsefromhispen，inanaddresstoChristiansofalldenominations，urgingthatifhisdoctrineswerefalse，heshouldbeshownhiserrorfromtheScriptures。
\"Whathavewebelieved，\"hesaid，\"thatwehavenotbeencommandedtobelievebythewordofGod，whichyouyourselvesallowistherule，andonlyrule，ofourfaithandpractice？Whathavewedonethatshouldcalldownsuchvirulentdenunciationsagainstusfrompulpitandpress，andgiveyoujustcausetoexcludeus[Adventists]fromyourchurchesandfellowship？\"
\"Ifwearewrong，prayshowuswhereinconsistsourwrong。ShowusfromthewordofGodthatweareinerror；wehavehadridiculeenough；thatcanneverconvinceusthatweareinthewrong；thewordofGodalonecanchangeourviews。Ourconclusionshavebeenformeddeliberatelyandprayerfully，aswehaveseentheevidenceintheScriptures。\"——Ibid。，pages250，252。
FromagetoagethewarningswhichGodhassenttotheworldbyHisservantshavebeenreceivedwithlikeincredulityandunbelief。Whentheiniquityoftheantediluvians338
movedHimtobringafloodofwatersupontheearth，HefirstmadeknowntothemHispurpose，thattheymighthaveopportunitytoturnfromtheirevilways。Forahundredandtwentyyearswassoundedintheirearsthewarningtorepent，lestthewrathofGodbemanifestedintheirdestruction。Butthemessageseemedtothemanidletale，andtheybelieveditnot。EmboldenedintheirwickednesstheymockedthemessengerofGod，madelightofhisentreaties，andevenaccusedhimofpresumption。Howdareonemanstandupagainstallthegreatmenoftheearth？IfNoah’smessageweretrue，whydidnotalltheworldseeitandbelieveit？Oneman’sassertionagainstthewisdomofthousands！Theywouldnotcreditthewarning，norwouldtheyseekshelterintheark。
Scofferspointedtothethingsofnature，——totheunvaryingsuccessionoftheseasons，totheblueskiesthathadneverpouredoutrain，tothegreenfieldsrefreshedbythesoftdewsofnight，——andtheycriedout:\"Dothhenotspeakparables？\"Incontempttheydeclaredthepreacherofrighteousnesstobeawildenthusiast；andtheywenton，moreeagerintheirpursuitofpleasure，moreintentupontheirevilways，thanbefore。Buttheirunbeliefdidnothinderthepredictedevent。Godborelongwiththeirwickedness，givingthemampleopportunityforrepentance；butattheappointedtimeHisjudgmentswerevisitedupontherejectersofHismercy。
ChristdeclaresthattherewillexistsimilarunbeliefconcerningHissecondcoming。AsthepeopleofNoah’sday\"knewnotuntiltheFloodcame，andtookthemallaway；so，\"inthewordsofourSaviour，\"shallalsothecomingoftheSonofmanbe。\"Matthew24-39。WhentheprofessedpeopleofGodareunitingwiththeworld，livingastheylive，andjoiningwiththeminforbiddenpleasures；whentheluxuryoftheworldbecomestheluxuryofthechurch；whenthemarriagebellsarechiming，andallarelookingforwardtomanyyearsofworldlyprosperity——then，suddenlyasthe339
lightningflashesfromtheheavens，willcometheendoftheirbrightvisionsanddelusivehopes。
AsGodsentHisservanttowarntheworldofthecomingFlood，soHesentchosenmessengerstomakeknownthenearnessofthefinaljudgment。AndasNoah’scontemporarieslaughedtoscornthepredictionsofthepreacherofrighteousness，soinMiller’sdaymany，evenoftheprofessedpeopleofGod，scoffedatthewordsofwarning。
AndwhywerethedoctrineandpreachingofChrist’ssecondcomingsounwelcometothechurches？WhiletothewickedtheadventoftheLordbringswoeanddesolation，totherighteousitisfraughtwithjoyandhope。ThisgreattruthhadbeentheconsolationofGod’sfaithfulonesthroughalltheages；whyhaditbecome，likeitsAuthor，\"astoneofstumbling\"and\"arockofoffense\"toHisprofessedpeople？ItwasourLordHimselfwhopromisedHisdisciples:\"IfIgoandprepareaplaceforyou，Iwillcomeagain，andreceiveyouuntoMyself。\"John14:3。ItwasthecompassionateSaviour，who，anticipatingthelonelinessandsorrowofHisfollowers，commissionedangelstocomfortthemwiththeassurancethatHewouldcomeagaininperson，evenasHewentintoheaven。AsthedisciplesstoodgazingintentlyupwardtocatchthelastglimpseofHimwhomtheyloved，theirattentionwasarrestedbythewords:\"YemenofGalilee，whystandyegazingupintoheaven？thissameJesus，whichistakenupfromyouintoheaven，shallsocomeinlikemannerasyehaveseenHimgointoheaven。\"Acts1:11。Hopewaskindledafreshbytheangels’message。Thedisciples\"returnedtoJerusalemwithgreatjoy:andwerecontinuallyinthetemple，praisingandblessingGod。\"
Luke24:52，53。TheywerenotrejoicingbecauseJesushadbeenseparatedfromthemandtheywerelefttostrugglewiththetrialsandtemptationsoftheworld，butbecauseoftheangels’assurancethatHewouldcomeagain。
TheproclamationofChrist’scomingshouldnowbe，aswhenmadebytheangelstotheshepherdsofBethlehem，340
goodtidingsofgreatjoy。ThosewhoreallylovetheSaviourcannotbuthailwithgladnesstheannouncementfoundeduponthewordofGodthatHeinwhomtheirhopesofeternallifearecenterediscomingagain，nottobeinsulted，despised，andrejected，asatHisfirstadvent，butinpowerandglory，toredeemHispeople。ItisthosewhodonotlovetheSaviourthatdesireHimtoremainaway，andtherecanbenomoreconclusiveevidencethatthechurcheshavedepartedfromGodthantheirritationandanimosityexcitedbythisHeaven-sentmessage。
ThosewhoacceptedtheadventdoctrinewererousedtothenecessityofrepentanceandhumiliationbeforeGod。ManyhadlongbeenhaltingbetweenChristandtheworld；nowtheyfeltthatitwastimetotakeastand。\"Thethingsofeternityassumedtothemanunwontedreality。Heavenwasbroughtnear，andtheyfeltthemselvesguiltybeforeGod。\"——Bliss，page146。
Christianswerequickenedtonewspirituallife。Theyweremadetofeelthattimewasshort，thatwhattheyhadtodofortheirfellowmenmustbedonequickly。Earthreceded，eternityseemedtoopenbeforethem，andthesoul，withallthatpertainedtoitsimmortalwealorwoe，wasfelttoeclipseeverytemporalobject。TheSpiritofGodresteduponthemandgavepowertotheirearnestappealstotheirbrethren，aswellastosinners，toprepareforthedayofGod。Thesilenttestimonyoftheirdailylifewasaconstantrebuketoformalandunconsecratedchurchmembers。Thesedidnotwishtobedisturbedintheirpursuitofpleasure，theirdevotiontomoney-making，andtheirambitionforworldlyhonor。Hencetheenmityandoppositionexcitedagainsttheadventfaithandthosewhoproclaimedit。
Astheargumentsfromthepropheticperiodswerefoundtobeimpregnable，opposersendeavoredtodiscourageinvestigationofthesubjectbyteachingthatthepropheciesweresealed。ThusProtestantsfollowedinthestepsofRomanists。WhilethepapalchurchwithholdstheBible(seeAppendix)fromthepeople，Protestantchurchesclaimedthatan341
importantpartoftheSacredWord——andthatthepartwhichbringstoviewtruthsspeciallyapplicabletoourtime——couldnotbeunderstood。
MinistersandpeopledeclaredthatthepropheciesofDanielandtheRevelationwereincomprehensiblemysteries。ButChristdirectedHisdisciplestothewordsoftheprophetDanielconcerningeventstotakeplaceintheirtime，andsaid:\"Whosoreadeth，lethimunderstand。\"Matthew24:15。
AndtheassertionthattheRevelationisamystery，nottobeunderstood，iscontradictedbytheverytitleofthebook:\"TheRevelationofJesusChrist，whichGodgaveuntoHim，toshowuntoHisservantsthingswhichmustshortlycometopass……Blessedishethatreadeth，andtheythathearthewordsofthisprophecy，andkeepthosethingswhicharewrittentherein:forthetimeisathand。\"Revelation1:1-3。
Saystheprophet:\"Blessedishethatreadeth\"——therearethosewhowillnotread；theblessingisnotforthem。\"Andtheythathear\"——therearesome，also，whorefusetohearanythingconcerningtheprophecies；theblessingisnotforthisclass。\"Andkeepthosethingswhicharewrittentherein\"——manyrefusetoheedthewarningsandinstructionscontainedintheRevelation；
noneofthesecanclaimtheblessingpromised。Allwhoridiculethesubjectsoftheprophecyandmockatthesymbolsheresolemnlygiven，allwhorefusetoreformtheirlivesandtoprepareforthecomingoftheSonofman，willbeunblessed。
InviewofthetestimonyofInspiration，howdarementeachthattheRevelationisamysterybeyondthereachofhumanunderstanding？Itisamysteryrevealed，abookopened。ThestudyoftheRevelationdirectsthemindtothepropheciesofDaniel，andbothpresentmostimportantinstruction，givenofGodtomen，concerningeventstotakeplaceatthecloseofthisworld’shistory。
ToJohnwereopenedscenesofdeepandthrillinginterestintheexperienceofthechurch。Hesawtheposition，dangers，conflicts，andfinaldeliveranceofthepeopleofGod。He342
recordstheclosingmessageswhicharetoripentheharvestoftheearth，eitherassheavesfortheheavenlygarnerorasfagotsforthefiresofdestruction。Subjectsofvastimportancewererevealedtohim，especiallyforthelastchurch，thatthosewhoshouldturnfromerrortotruthmightbeinstructedconcerningtheperilsandconflictsbeforethem。Noneneedbeindarknessinregardtowhatiscomingupontheearth。
Why，then，thiswidespreadignoranceconcerninganimportantpartofHolyWrit？Whythisgeneralreluctancetoinvestigateitsteachings？Itistheresultofastudiedeffortoftheprinceofdarknesstoconcealfrommenthatwhichrevealshisdeceptions。Forthisreason，ChristtheRevelator，foreseeingthewarfarethatwouldbewagedagainstthestudyoftheRevelation，pronouncedablessinguponallwhoshouldread，hear，andobservethewordsoftheprophecy。
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Chapter19
LightThroughDarknessTheworkofGodintheearthpresents，fromagetoage，astrikingsimilarityineverygreatreformationorreligiousmovement。TheprinciplesofGod’sdealingwithmenareeverthesame。Theimportantmovementsofthepresenthavetheirparallelinthoseofthepast，andtheexperienceofthechurchinformerageshaslessonsofgreatvalueforourowntime。
NotruthismoreclearlytaughtintheBiblethanthatGodbyHisHolySpiritespeciallydirectsHisservantsonearthinthegreatmovementsforthecarryingforwardoftheworkofsalvation。MenareinstrumentsinthehandofGod，employedbyHimtoaccomplishHispurposesofgraceandmercy。
Eachhashisparttoact；toeachisgrantedameasureoflight，adaptedtothenecessitiesofhistime，andsufficienttoenablehimtoperformtheworkwhichGodhasgivenhimtodo。Butnoman，howeverhonoredofHeaven，haseverattainedtoafullunderstandingofthegreatplanofredemption，oreventoaperfectappreciationofthedivinepurposeintheworkforhisowntime。MendonotfullyunderstandwhatGodwouldaccomplishbytheworkwhichHegivesthemtodo；theydonotcomprehend，inallitsbearings，themessagewhichtheyutterinHisname。
\"CanstthoubysearchingfindoutGod？canstthoufindouttheAlmightyuntoperfection？\"\"Mythoughtsarenotyourthoughts，neitherareyourwaysMyways，saiththe344
Lord。Forastheheavensarehigherthantheearth，soareMywayshigherthanyourways，andMythoughtsthanyourthoughts。\"\"IamGod，andthereisnonelikeMe，declaringtheendfromthebeginning，andfromancienttimesthethingsthatarenotyetdone。\"Job11:7；Isaiah55:8，9；46:9，10。
EventheprophetswhowerefavoredwiththespecialilluminationoftheSpiritdidnotfullycomprehendtheimportoftherevelationscommittedtothem。Themeaningwastobeunfoldedfromagetoage，asthepeopleofGodshouldneedtheinstructionthereincontained。
Peter，writingofthesalvationbroughttolightthroughthegospel，says:
Ofthissalvation\"theprophetshaveinquiredandsearcheddiligently，whoprophesiedofthegracethatshouldcomeuntoyou:searchingwhat，orwhatmanneroftimetheSpiritofChristwhichwasinthemdidsignify，whenittestifiedbeforehandthesufferingsofChrist，andtheglorythatshouldfollow。Untowhomitwasrevealed，thatnotuntothemselves，butuntoustheydidminister。\"1Peter1:10-12。
Yetwhileitwasnotgiventotheprophetstounderstandfullythethingsrevealedtothem，theyearnestlysoughttoobtainallthelightwhichGodhadbeenpleasedtomakemanifest。They\"inquiredandsearcheddiligently，\"
\"searchingwhat，orwhatmanneroftimetheSpiritofChristwhichwasinthemdidsignify。\"WhatalessontothepeopleofGodintheChristianage，forwhosebenefitthesepropheciesweregiventoHisservants！\"Untowhomitwasrevealed，thatnotuntothemselves，butuntoustheydidminister。\"
WitnessthoseholymenofGodasthey\"inquiredandsearcheddiligently\"
concerningrevelationsgiventhemforgenerationsthatwereyetunborn。
ContrasttheirholyzealwiththelistlessunconcernwithwhichthefavoredonesoflateragestreatthisgiftofHeaven。Whatarebuketotheease-loving，world-lovingindifferencewhichiscontenttodeclarethatthepropheciescannotbeunderstood！
Thoughthefinitemindsofmenareinadequatetoenter345
intothecounselsoftheInfiniteOne，ortounderstandfullytheworkingoutofHispurposes，yetoftenitisbecauseofsomeerrororneglectontheirownpartthattheysodimlycomprehendthemessagesofHeaven。Notinfrequentlythemindsofthepeople，andevenofGod’sservants，aresoblindedbyhumanopinions，thetraditionsandfalseteachingofmen，thattheyareableonlypartiallytograspthegreatthingswhichHehasrevealedinHisword。ThusitwaswiththedisciplesofChrist，evenwhentheSaviourwaswiththeminperson。TheirmindshadbecomeimbuedwiththepopularconceptionoftheMessiahasatemporalprince，whowastoexaltIsraeltothethroneoftheuniversalempire，andtheycouldnotunderstandthemeaningofHiswordsforetellingHissufferingsanddeath。
ChristHimselfhadsentthemforthwiththemessage:\"Thetimeisfulfilled，andthekingdomofGodisathand:repentye，andbelievethegospel。\"Mark1:15。ThatmessagewasbasedontheprophecyofDaniel9。Thesixty-nineweeksweredeclaredbytheangeltoextendto\"theMessiahthePrince，\"andwithhighhopesandjoyfulanticipationsthediscipleslookedforwardtotheestablishmentofMessiah’skingdomatJerusalemtoruleoverthewholeearth。
TheypreachedthemessagewhichChristhadcommittedtothem，thoughtheythemselvesmisapprehendeditsmeaning。WhiletheirannouncementwasfoundedonDaniel9:25，theydidnotsee，inthenextverseofthesamechapter，thatMessiahwastobecutoff。Fromtheirverybirththeirheartshadbeensetupontheanticipatedgloryofanearthlyempire，andthisblindedtheirunderstandingaliketothespecificationsoftheprophecyandtothewordsofChrist。
TheyperformedtheirdutyinpresentingtotheJewishnationtheinvitationofmercy，andthen，attheverytimewhentheyexpectedtoseetheirLordascendthethroneofDavid，theybeheldHimseizedasamalefactor，scourged，derided，andcondemned，andlifteduponthecrossof346
Calvary。WhatdespairandanguishwrungtheheartsofthosedisciplesduringthedayswhiletheirLordwassleepinginthetomb！
Christhadcomeattheexacttimeandinthemannerforetoldbyprophecy。
ThetestimonyofScripturehadbeenfulfilledineverydetailofHisministry。Hehadpreachedthemessageofsalvation，and\"Hiswordwaswithpower。\"TheheartsofHishearershadwitnessedthatitwasofHeaven。ThewordandtheSpiritofGodattestedthedivinecommissionofHisSon。
ThedisciplesstillclungwithundyingaffectiontotheirbelovedMaster。
Andyettheirmindswereshroudedinuncertaintyanddoubt。IntheiranguishtheydidnotthenrecallthewordsofChristpointingforwardtoHissufferinganddeath。IfJesusofNazarethhadbeenthetrueMessiah，wouldtheyhavebeenthusplungedingriefanddisappointment？ThiswasthequestionthattorturedtheirsoulswhiletheSaviourlayinHissepulcherduringthehopelesshoursofthatSabbathwhichintervenedbetweenHisdeathandHisresurrection。
ThoughthenightofsorrowgathereddarkaboutthesefollowersofJesus，yetweretheynotforsaken。Saiththeprophet:\"WhenIsitindarkness，theLordshallbealightuntome……Hewillbringmeforthtothelight，andI
shallbeholdHisrighteousness。\"\"Yea，thedarknesshidethnotfromThee；
butthenightshinethastheday:thedarknessandthelightarebothaliketoThee。\"Godhathspoken:\"Untotheuprighttherearisethlightinthedarkness。\"\"Iwillbringtheblindbyawaythattheyknewnot；Iwillleadtheminpathsthattheyhavenotknown:Iwillmakedarknesslightbeforethem，andcrookedthingsstraight。ThesethingswillIdountothem，andnotforsakethem。\"Micah7:8，9；Psalms139:12；112:4；Isaiah42:16。
TheannouncementwhichhadbeenmadebythedisciplesinthenameoftheLordwasineveryparticularcorrect，andtheeventstowhichitpointedwereeventhentakingplace。\"Thetimeisfulfilled，thekingdomofGodisathand，\"had347
beentheirmessage。Attheexpirationof\"thetime\"——thesixty-nineweeksofDaniel9，whichweretoextendtotheMessiah，\"theAnointedOne\"——ChristhadreceivedtheanointingoftheSpiritafterHisbaptismbyJohninJordan。Andthe\"kingdomofGod\"whichtheyhaddeclaredtobeathandwasestablishedbythedeathofChrist。Thiskingdomwasnot，astheyhadbeentaughttobelieve，anearthlyempire。Norwasitthatfuture，immortalkingdomwhichshallbesetupwhen\"thekingdomanddominion，andthegreatnessofthekingdomunderthewholeheaven，shallbegiventothepeopleofthesaintsoftheMostHigh；\"thateverlastingkingdom，inwhich\"alldominionsshallserveandobeyHim。\"Daniel7:27。AsusedintheBible，theexpression\"kingdomofGod\"isemployedtodesignateboththekingdomofgraceandthekingdomofglory。ThekingdomofgraceisbroughttoviewbyPaulintheEpistletotheHebrews。AfterpointingtoChrist，thecompassionateintercessorwhois\"touchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities，\"theapostlesays:\"Letusthereforecomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace，thatwemayobtainmercy，andfindgrace。\"Hebrews4:15，16。Thethroneofgracerepresentsthekingdomofgrace；fortheexistenceofathroneimpliestheexistenceofakingdom。InmanyofHisparablesChristusestheexpression\"thekingdomofheaven\"todesignatetheworkofdivinegraceupontheheartsofmen。
Sothethroneofgloryrepresentsthekingdomofglory；andthiskingdomisreferredtointheSaviour’swords:\"WhentheSonofmanshallcomeinHisglory，andalltheholyangelswithHim，thenshallHesituponthethroneofHisglory:andbeforeHimshallbegatheredallnations。\"Matthew25:31，32。Thiskingdomisyetfuture。ItisnottobesetupuntilthesecondadventofChrist。
Thekingdomofgracewasinstitutedimmediatelyafterthefallofman，whenaplanwasdevisedfortheredemptionoftheguiltyrace。ItthenexistedinthepurposeandbythepromiseofGod；andthroughfaith，mencouldbecomeitssubjects。Yetitwasnotactuallyestablisheduntilthedeathof348
Christ。EvenafterenteringuponHisearthlymission，theSaviour，weariedwiththestubbornnessandingratitudeofmen，mighthavedrawnbackfromthesacrificeofCalvary。InGethsemanethecupofwoetrembledinHishand。Hemighteventhenhavewipedtheblood-sweatfromHisbrowandhavelefttheguiltyracetoperishintheiriniquity。HadHedonethis，therecouldhavebeennoredemptionforfallenmen。ButwhentheSaviouryieldedupHislife，andwithHisexpiringbreathcriedout，\"Itisfinished，\"thenthefulfillmentoftheplanofredemptionwasassured。ThepromiseofsalvationmadetothesinfulpairinEdenwasratified。Thekingdomofgrace，whichhadbeforeexistedbythepromiseofGod，wasthenestablished。
ThusthedeathofChrist——theveryeventwhichthediscipleshadlookeduponasthefinaldestructionoftheirhope——wasthatwhichmadeitforeversure。Whileithadbroughtthemacrueldisappointment，itwastheclimaxofproofthattheirbeliefhadbeencorrect。TheeventthathadfilledthemwithmourninganddespairwasthatwhichopenedthedoorofhopetoeverychildofAdam，andinwhichcenteredthefuturelifeandeternalhappinessofallGod’sfaithfulonesinalltheages。
Purposesofinfinitemercywerereachingtheirfulfillment，eventhoughthedisappointmentofthedisciples。WhiletheirheartshadbeenwonbythedivinegraceandpowerofHisteaching，who\"spakeasnevermanspake，\"yetintermingledwiththepuregoldoftheirloveforJesus，wasthebasealloyofworldlyprideandselfishambitions。EveninthePassoverchamber，atthatsolemnhourwhentheirMasterwasalreadyenteringtheshadowofGethsemane，therewas\"astrifeamongthem，whichofthemshouldbeaccountedthegreatest。\"Luke22:24。Theirvisionwasfilledwiththethrone，thecrown，andtheglory，whilejustbeforethemlaytheshameandagonyofthegarden，thejudgmenthall，thecrossofCalvary。Itwastheirprideofheart，theirthirstforworldly349
glory，thathadledthemtoclingsotenaciouslytothefalseteachingoftheirtime，andtopassunheededtheSaviour’swordsshowingthetruenatureofHiskingdom，andpointingforwardtoHisagonyanddeath。Andtheseerrorresultedinthetrial——sharpbutneedful——whichwaspermittedfortheircorrection。Thoughthediscipleshadmistakenthemeaningoftheirmessage，andhadfailedtorealizetheirexpectations，yettheyhadpreachedthewarninggiventhemofGod，andtheLordwouldrewardtheirfaithandhonortheirobedience。TothemwastobeentrustedtheworkofheraldingtoallnationsthegloriousgospeloftheirrisenLord。Itwastopreparethemforthisworkthattheexperiencewhichseemedtothemsobitterhadbeenpermitted。
AfterHisresurrectionJesusappearedtoHisdisciplesonthewaytoEmmaus，and，\"beginningatMosesandalltheprophets，HeexpoundeduntotheminalltheScripturesthethingsconcerningHimself。\"Luke24:27。Theheartsofthediscipleswerestirred。Faithwaskindled。Theywere\"begottenagainintoalivelyhope\"evenbeforeJesusrevealedHimselftothem。ItwasHispurposetoenlightentheirunderstandingandtofastentheirfaithuponthe\"surewordofprophecy。\"Hewishedthetruthtotakefirmrootintheirminds，notmerelybecauseitwassupportedbyHispersonaltestimony，butbecauseoftheunquestionableevidencepresentedbythesymbolsandshadowsofthetypicallaw，andbythepropheciesoftheOldTestament。ItwasneedfulforthefollowersofChristtohaveanintelligentfaith，notonlyintheirownbehalf，butthattheymightcarrytheknowledgeofChristtotheworld。Andastheveryfirststepinimpartingthisknowledge，Jesusdirectedthedisciplesto\"Mosesandalltheprophets。\"SuchwasthetestimonygivenbytherisenSaviourtothevalueandimportanceoftheOldTestamentScriptures。
Whatachangewaswroughtintheheartsofthedisciplesastheylookedoncemoreonthelovedcountenanceoftheir350
Master！Luke24:32。Inamorecompleteandperfectsensethaneverbeforetheyhad\"foundHim，ofwhomMosesinthelaw，andtheprophets，didwrite。\"
Theuncertainty，theanguish，thedespair，gaveplacetoperfectassurance，touncloudedfaith。WhatmarvelthatafterHisascensionthey\"werecontinuallyinthetemple，praisingandblessingGod。\"Thepeople，knowingonlyoftheSaviour’signominiousdeath，lookedtoseeintheirfacestheexpressionofsorrow，confusion，anddefeat；buttheysawtheregladnessandtriumph。Whatapreparationthesediscipleshadreceivedfortheworkbeforethem！Theyhadpassedthroughthedeepesttrialwhichitwaspossibleforthemtoexperience，andhadseenhow，whentohumanvisionallwaslost，thewordofGodhadbeentriumphantlyaccomplished。Henceforwardwhatcoulddaunttheirfaithorchilltheardoroftheirlove？Inthekeenestsorrowtheyhad\"strongconsolation，\"ahopewhichwasas\"ananchorofthesoul，bothsureandsteadfast。\"Hebrews6:18，19。TheyhadbeenwitnesstothewisdomandpowerofGod，andtheywere\"persuaded，thatneitherdeath，norlife，norangels，norprincipalities，norpowers，northingspresent，northingstocome，norheight，nordepth，noranyothercreature，\"wouldbeabletoseparatethemfrom\"theloveofGod，whichisinChristJesusourLord。\"\"Inallthesethings，\"theysaid，\"wearemorethanconquerorsthroughHimthatlovedus。\"Romans8:38，39，37。\"ThewordoftheLordendurethforever。\"1Peter1:25。And\"whoishethatcondemneth？ItisChristthatdied，yearather，thatisrisenagain，whoisevenattherighthandofGod，whoalsomakethintercessionforus。\"Romans8:34。
SaiththeLord:\"Mypeopleshallneverbeashamed。\"Joel2:26。\"Weepingmayendureforanight，butjoycomethinthemorning。\"Psalm30:5。WhenonHisresurrectiondaythesedisciplesmettheSaviour，andtheirheartsburnedwithinthemastheylistenedtoHiswords；whentheylookedupontheheadandhandsandfeetthathadbeenbruisedforthem；when，beforeHisascension，Jesusledthemoutas351
farasBethany，andliftingupHishandsinblessing，badethem，\"Goyeintoalltheworld，andpreachthegospel，\"adding，\"Lo，Iamwithyoualway\"
(Mark16:15；Matthew28:20)；whenontheDayofPentecostthepromisedComforterdescendedandthepowerfromonhighwasgivenandthesoulsofthebelieversthrilledwiththeconsciouspresenceoftheirascendedLord——then，eventhough，likeHis，theirpathwayledthroughsacrificeandmartyrdom，wouldtheyhaveexchangedtheministryofthegospelofHisgrace，withthe\"crownofrighteousness\"tobereceivedatHiscoming，forthegloryofanearthlythrone，whichhadbeenthehopeoftheirearlierdiscipleship？Hewhois\"abletodoexceedingabundantlyaboveallthatweaskorthink，\"hadgrantedthem，withthefellowshipofHissufferings，thecommunionofHisjoy——thejoyof\"bringingmanysonsuntoglory，\"joyunspeakable，an\"eternalweightofglory，\"towhich，saysPaul，\"ourlightaffliction，whichisbutforamoment，\"is\"notworthytobecompared。\"
Theexperienceofthediscipleswhopreachedthe\"gospelofthekingdom\"atthefirstadventofChrist，haditscounterpartintheexperienceofthosewhoproclaimedthemessageofHissecondadvent。Asthediscipleswentoutpreaching，\"Thetimeisfulfilled，thekingdomofGodisathand，\"soMillerandhisassociatesproclaimedthatthelongestandlastpropheticperiodbroughttoviewintheBiblewasabouttoexpire，thatthejudgmentwasathand，andtheeverlastingkingdomwastobeusheredin。ThepreachingofthedisciplesinregardtotimewasbasedontheseventyweeksofDaniel9。ThemessagegivenbyMillerandhisassociatesannouncedtheterminationofthe2300daysofDaniel8:14，ofwhichtheseventyweeksformapart。Thepreachingofeachwasbaseduponthefulfillmentofadifferentportionofthesamegreatpropheticperiod。
Likethefirstdisciples，WilliamMillerandhisassociatesdidnot，themselves，fullycomprehendtheimportofthemessagewhichtheybore。
Errorsthathadbeenlongestablished352
inthechurchpreventedthemfromarrivingatacorrectinterpretationofanimportantpointintheprophecy。Therefore，thoughtheyproclaimedthemessagewhichGodhadcommittedtothemtobegiventotheworld，yetthroughamisapprehensionofitsmeaningtheysuffereddisappointment。
InexplainingDaniel8:14，\"Untotwothousandandthreehundreddays；thenshallthesanctuarybecleansed，\"Miller，ashasbeenstated，adoptedthegenerallyreceivedviewthattheearthisthesanctuary，andhebelievedthatthecleansingofthesanctuaryrepresentedthepurificationoftheearthbyfireatthecomingoftheLord。When，therefore，hefoundthatthecloseofthe2300dayswasdefinitelyforetold，heconcludedthatthisrevealedthetimeofthesecondadvent。Hiserrorresultedfromacceptingthepopularviewastowhatconstitutesthesanctuary。
Inthetypicalsystem，whichwasashadowofthesacrificeandpriesthoodofChrist，thecleansingofthesanctuarywasthelastserviceperformedbythehighpriestintheyearlyroundofministration。Itwastheclosingworkoftheatonement——aremovalorputtingawayofsinfromIsrael。ItprefiguredtheclosingworkintheministrationofourHighPriestinheaven，intheremovalorblottingoutofthesinsofHispeople，whichareregisteredintheheavenlyrecords。Thisserviceinvolvesaworkofinvestigation，aworkofjudgment；anditimmediatelyprecedesthecomingofChristinthecloudsofheavenwithpowerandgreatglory；forwhenHecomes，everycasehasbeendecided。SaysJesus:\"MyrewardiswithMe，togiveeverymanaccordingashisworkshallbe。\"Revelation22:12。Itisthisworkofjudgment，immediatelyprecedingthesecondadvent，thatisannouncedinthefirstangel’smessageofRevelation14:7:\"FearGod，andgiveglorytoHim；forthehourofHisjudgmentiscome。\"
Thosewhoproclaimedthiswarninggavetherightmessageattherighttime。
Butastheearlydisciplesdeclared，\"Thetimeisfulfilled，andthekingdomofGodisathand，\"
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basedontheprophecyofDaniel9，whiletheyfailedtoperceivethatthedeathoftheMessiahwasforetoldinthesamescripture，soMillerandhisassociatespreachedthemessagebasedonDaniel8:14andRevelation14:7，andfailedtoseethattherewerestillothermessagesbroughttoviewinRevelation14，whichwerealsotobegivenbeforetheadventoftheLord。Asthedisciplesweremistakeninregardtothekingdomtobesetupattheendoftheseventyweeks，soAdventistsweremistakeninregardtotheeventtotakeplaceattheexpirationofthe2300days。Inbothcasestherewasanacceptanceof，orratheranadherenceto，popularerrorsthatblindedthemindtothetruth。BothclassesfulfilledthewillofGodindeliveringthemessagewhichHedesiredtobegiven，andboth，throughtheirownmisapprehensionoftheirmessage，suffereddisappointment。
YetGodaccomplishedHisownbeneficentpurposeinpermittingthewarningofthejudgmenttobegivenjustasitwas。Thegreatdaywasathand，andinHisprovidencethepeoplewerebroughttothetestofadefinitetime，inordertorevealtothemwhatwasintheirhearts。Themessagewasdesignedforthetestingandpurificationofthechurch。TheyweretobeledtoseewhethertheiraffectionsweresetuponthisworldoruponChristandheaven。
TheyprofessedtolovetheSaviour；nowtheyweretoprovetheirlove。Weretheyreadytorenouncetheirworldlyhopesandambitions，andwelcomewithjoytheadventoftheirLord？Themessagewasdesignedtoenablethemtodiscerntheirtruespiritualstate；itwassentinmercytoarousethemtoseektheLordwithrepentanceandhumiliation。
Thedisappointmentalso，thoughtheresultoftheirownmisapprehensionofthemessagewhichtheygave，wastobeoverruledforgood。Itwouldtesttheheartsofthosewhohadprofessedtoreceivethewarning。InthefaceoftheirdisappointmentwouldtheyrashlygiveuptheirexperienceandcastawaytheirconfidenceinGod’sword？orwouldthey，in354
prayerandhumility，seektodiscernwheretheyhadfailedtocomprehendthesignificanceoftheprophecy？Howmanyhadmovedfromfear，orfromimpulseandexcitement？Howmanywerehalfheartedandunbelieving？MultitudesprofessedtolovetheappearingoftheLord。Whencalledtoendurethescoffsandreproachoftheworld，andthetestofdelayanddisappointment，wouldtheyrenouncethefaith？BecausetheydidnotimmediatelyunderstandthedealingsofGodwiththem，wouldtheycastasidetruthssustainedbytheclearesttestimonyofHisword？
ThistestwouldrevealthestrengthofthosewhowithrealfaithhadobeyedwhattheybelievedtobetheteachingofthewordandtheSpiritofGod。Itwouldteachthem，asonlysuchanexperiencecould，thedangerofacceptingthetheoriesandinterpretationsofmen，insteadofmakingtheBibleitsowninterpreter。Tothechildrenoffaiththeperplexityandsorrowresultingfromtheirerrorwouldworktheneededcorrection。Theywouldbeledtoacloserstudyofthepropheticword。Theywouldbetaughttoexaminemorecarefullythefoundationoftheirfaith，andtorejecteverything，howeverwidelyacceptedbytheChristianworld，thatwasnotfoundedupontheScripturesoftruth。
Withthesebelievers，aswiththefirstdisciples，thatwhichinthehouroftrialseemeddarktotheirunderstandingwouldafterwardbemadeplain。Whentheyshouldseethe\"endoftheLord\"theywouldknowthat，notwithstandingthetrialresultingfromtheirerrors，Hispurposesoflovetowardthemhadbeensteadilyfulfilling。TheywouldlearnbyablessedexperiencethatHeis\"verypitiful，andoftendermercy；\"thatallHispaths\"aremercyandtruthuntosuchaskeepHiscovenantandHistestimonies。\"
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Chapter20
AGreatReligiousAwakeningAGreatreligiousawakeningundertheproclamationofChrist’ssooncomingisforetoldintheprophecyofthefirstangel’smessageofRevelation14。
Anangelisseenflying\"inthemidstofheaven，havingtheeverlastinggospeltopreachuntothemthatdwellontheearth，andtoeverynation，andkindred，andtongue，andpeople。\"\"Withaloudvoice\"heproclaimsthemessage:\"FearGod，andgiveglorytoHim；forthehourofHisjudgmentiscome:andworshipHimthatmadeheaven，andearth，andthesea，andthefountainsofwaters。\"Verses6，7。
Thefactthatanangelissaidtobetheheraldofthiswarningissignificant。Bythepurity，theglory，andthepoweroftheheavenlymessenger，divinewisdomhasbeenpleasedtorepresenttheexaltedcharacteroftheworktobeaccomplishedbythemessageandthepowerandglorythatweretoattendit。Andtheangel’sflight\"inthemidstofheaven，\"the\"loudvoice\"withwhichthewarningisuttered，anditspromulgationtoall\"thatdwellontheearth，\"——\"toeverynation，andkindred，andtongue，andpeople，\"——giveevidenceoftherapidityandworld-wideextentofthemovement。
Themessageitselfshedslightastothetimewhenthismovementistotakeplace。Itisdeclaredtobeapartofthe\"everlastinggospel；\"anditannouncestheopeningofthe356
judgment。Themessageofsalvationhasbeenpreachedinallages；butthismessageisapartofthegospelwhichcouldbeproclaimedonlyinthelastdays，foronlythenwoulditbetruethatthehourofjudgmenthadcome。Thepropheciespresentasuccessionofeventsleadingdowntotheopeningofthejudgment。ThisisespeciallytrueofthebookofDaniel。Butthatpartofhisprophecywhichrelatedtothelastdays，Danielwasbiddentocloseupandseal\"tothetimeoftheend。\"Nottillwereachthistimecouldamessageconcerningthejudgmentbeproclaimed，basedonthefulfillmentoftheseprophecies。Butatthetimeoftheend，saystheprophet，\"manyshallruntoandfro，andknowledgeshallbeincreased。\"Daniel12:4。
TheapostlePaulwarnedthechurchnottolookforthecomingofChristinhisday。\"Thatdayshallnotcome，\"hesays，\"excepttherecomeafallingawayfirst，andthatmanofsinberevealed。\"2Thessalonians2:3。Nottillafterthegreatapostasy，andthelongperiodofthereignofthe\"manofsin，\"canwelookfortheadventofourLord。The\"manofsin，\"whichisalsostyled\"themysteryofiniquity，\"\"thesonofperdition，\"and\"thatwicked，\"representsthepapacy，which，asforetoldinprophecy，wastomaintainitssupremacyfor1260years。Thisperiodendedin1798。ThecomingofChristcouldnottakeplacebeforethattime。PaulcoverswithhiscautionthewholeoftheChristiandispensationdowntotheyear1798。ItisthissideofthattimethatthemessageofChrist’ssecondcomingistobeproclaimed。
Nosuchmessagehaseverbeengiveninpastages。Paul，aswehaveseen，didnotpreachit；hepointedhisbrethrenintothethenfar-distantfutureforthecomingoftheLord。TheReformersdidnotproclaimit。MartinLutherplacedthejudgmentaboutthreehundredyearsinthefuturefromhisday。
Butsince1798thebookofDanielhasbeenunsealed，knowledgeoftheprophecieshasincreased，andmanyhaveproclaimedthesolemnmessageofthejudgmentnear。
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LikethegreatReformationofthesixteenthcentury，theadventmovementappearedindifferentcountriesofChristendomatthesametime。InbothEuropeandAmericamenoffaithandprayerwereledtothestudyoftheprophecies，and，tracingdowntheinspiredrecord，theysawconvincingevidencethattheendofallthingswasathand。IndifferentlandstherewereisolatedbodiesofChristianswho，solelybythestudyoftheScriptures，arrivedatthebeliefthattheSaviour’sadventwasnear。
In1821，threeyearsafterMillerhadarrivedathisexpositionofthepropheciespointingtothetimeofthejudgment，Dr。JosephWolff，\"themissionarytotheworld，\"begantoproclaimtheLord’ssooncoming。WolffwasborninGermany，ofHebrewparentage，hisfatherbeingaJewishrabbi。
WhileveryyounghewasconvincedofthetruthoftheChristianreligion。Ofanactive，inquiringmind，hehadbeenaneagerlistenertotheconversationsthattookplaceinhisfather’shouseasdevoutHebrewsdailyassembledtorecountthehopesandanticipationsoftheirpeople，thegloryofthecomingMessiah，andtherestorationofIsrael。OnedayhearingJesusofNazarethmentioned，theboyinquiredwhoHewas。\"AJewofthegreatesttalent，\"wastheanswer；\"butasHepretendedtobetheMessiah，theJewishtribunalsentencedHimtodeath。\"\"Why，\"rejoinedthequestioner，\"isJerusalemdestroyed，andwhyareweincaptivity？\"\"Alas，alas！\"answeredhisfather，\"becausetheJewsmurderedtheprophets。\"Thethoughtwasatoncesuggestedtothechild:\"PerhapsJesuswasalsoaprophet，andtheJewskilledHimwhenHewasinnocent。\"——TravelsandAdventuresoftheRev。JosephWolff，vol。1，p。6。Sostrongwasthisfeelingthat，thoughforbiddentoenteraChristianchurch，hewouldoftenlingeroutsidetolistentothepreaching。
WhenonlysevenyearsoldhewasboastingtoanagedChristianneighborofthefuturetriumphofIsraelattheadventoftheMessiah，whentheoldmansaidkindly:\"Dearboy，IwilltellyouwhotherealMessiahwas:HewasJesus358
ofNazareth，……whomyourancestorshavecrucified，astheydidtheprophetsofold。Gohomeandreadthefifty-thirdchapterofIsaiah，andyouwillbeconvincedthatJesusChrististheSonofGod。\"——Ibid。，vol。1，p。
7。Convictionatoncefasteneduponhim。Hewenthomeandreadthescripture，wonderingtoseehowperfectlyithadbeenfulfilledinJesusofNazareth。WerethewordsoftheChristiantrue？Theboyaskedofhisfatheranexplanationoftheprophecy，butwasmetwithasilencesosternthatheneveragaindaredtorefertothesubject。This，however，onlyincreasedhisdesiretoknowmoreoftheChristianreligion。
TheknowledgehesoughtwasstudiouslykeptfromhiminhisJewishhome；
but，whenonlyelevenyearsold，helefthisfather’shouseandwentoutintotheworldtogainforhimselfaneducation，tochoosehisreligionandhislifework。Hefoundahomeforatimewithkinsmen，butwassoondrivenfromthemasanapostate，andaloneandpennilesshehadtomakehisownwayamongstrangers。Hewentfromplacetoplace，studyingdiligentlyandmaintaininghimselfbyteachingHebrew。ThroughtheinfluenceofaCatholicinstructorhewasledtoaccepttheRomishfaithandformedthepurposeofbecomingamissionarytohisownpeople。Withthisobjecthewent，afewyearslater，topursuehisstudiesintheCollegeofthePropagandaatRome。
Herehishabitofindependentthoughtandcandidspeechbroughtuponhimtheimputationofheresy。Heopenlyattackedtheabusesofthechurchandurgedthenecessityofreform。Thoughatfirsttreatedwithspecialfavorbythepapaldignitaries，hewasafteratimeremovedfromRome。Underthesurveillanceofthechurchhewentfromplacetoplace，untilitbecameevidentthathecouldneverbebroughttosubmittothebondageofRomanism。
Hewasdeclaredtobeincorrigibleandwasleftatlibertytogowherehepleased。HenowmadehiswaytoEnglandand，professingtheProtestantfaith，unitedwiththeEnglishChurch。Aftertwoyears’studyhesetout，in1821，uponhismission。
WhileWolffacceptedthegreattruthofChrist’sfirst359
adventas\"aManofSorrows，andacquaintedwithgrief，\"hesawthatthepropheciesbringtoviewwithequalclearnessHissecondadventwithpowerandglory。AndwhilehesoughttoleadhispeopletoJesusofNazarethasthePromisedOne，andtopointthemtoHisfirstcominginhumiliationasasacrificeforthesinsofmen，hetaughtthemalsoofHissecondcomingasakinganddeliverer。
\"JesusofNazareth，thetrueMessiah，\"hesaid，\"whosehandsandfeetwerepierced，whowasbroughtlikealambtotheslaughter，whowastheManofSorrowsandacquaintedwithgrief，whoafterthescepterwastakenfromJudah，andthelegislativepowerfrombetweenhisfeet，camethefirsttime；
shallcomethesecondtimeinthecloudsofheaven，andwiththetrumpoftheArchangel\"(JosephWolff，ResearchesandMissionaryLabors，page62)
\"andshallstandupontheMountofOlives；andthatdominion，onceconsignedtoAdamoverthecreation，andforfeitedbyhim(Genesis1:26；3:17)，shallbegiventoJesus。Heshallbekingoveralltheearth。Thegroaningsandlamentationsofthecreationshallcease，butsongsofpraisesandthanksgivingsshallbeheard……WhenJesuscomesinthegloryofHisFather，withtheholyangels，……thedeadbelieversshallrisefirst。1
Thessalonians4:16；1Corinthians15:32。ThisiswhatweChristianscallthefirstresurrection。Thentheanimalkingdomshallchangeitsnature(Isaiah11:6-9)，andbesubdueduntoJesus。Psalm8。Universalpeaceshallprevail。\"——JournaloftheRev。JosephWolff，pages378，379。\"TheLordagainshalllookdownupontheearth，andsay，’Behold，itisverygood。’\"——
Ibid。，page294。
WolffbelievedthecomingoftheLordtobeathand，hisinterpretationofthepropheticperiodsplacingthegreatconsummationwithinaveryfewyearsofthetimepointedoutbyMiller。Tothosewhourgedfromthescripture，\"Ofthatdayandhourknowethnoman，\"thatmenaretoknownothingconcerningthenearnessoftheadvent，Wolffreplied:\"DidourLordsaythatthatdayandhourshouldneverbeknown？DidHenotgiveussignsofthetimes，inorder360
thatwemayknowatleasttheapproachofHiscoming，asoneknowstheapproachofthesummerbythefigtreeputtingforthitsleaves？Matthew24:32。Arewenevertoknowthatperiod，whilstHeHimselfexhortethusnotonlytoreadDanieltheprophet，buttounderstandit？andinthatveryDaniel，whereitissaidthatthewordswereshutuptothetimeoftheend(whichwasthecaseinhistime)，andthat’manyshallruntoandfro’(aHebrewexpressionforobservingandthinkinguponthetime)，’andknowledge’
(regardingthattime)’shallbeincreased。’Daniel12:4。Besidesthis，ourLorddoesnotintendtosaybythis，thattheapproachofthetimeshallnotbeknown，butthattheexact’dayandhourknowethnoman。’Enough，Hedoessay，shallbeknownbythesignsofthetimes，toinduceustoprepareforHiscoming，asNoahpreparedtheark。\"——Wolff，ResearchesandMissionaryLabors，pages404，405。
Concerningthepopularsystemofinterpreting，ormisinterpreting，theScriptures，Wolffwrote:\"ThegreaterpartoftheChristianchurchhaveswervedfromtheplainsenseofScripture，andhaveturnedtothephantomizingsystemoftheBuddhists，whobelievethatthefuturehappinessofmankindwillconsistinmovingaboutintheair，andsupposethatwhentheyarereadingJewstheymustunderstandGentiles；andwhentheyreadJerusalem，theymustunderstandthechurch；andifitissaidearth，itmeanssky；andforcomingoftheLordtheymustunderstandtheprogressofthemissionarysocieties；andgoinguptothemountainoftheLord’shouse，signifiesagrandclassmeetingofMethodists。\"——JournaloftheRev。JosephWolff，page96。
Duringthetwenty-fouryearsfrom1821to1845，Wolfftraveledextensively:
inAfrica，visitingEgyptandAbyssinia；inAsia，traversingPalestine，Syria，Persia，Bokhara，andIndia。HealsovisitedtheUnitedStates，onthejourneythitherpreachingontheislandofSaintHelena。HearrivedinNewYorkinAugust，1837；and，afterspeakinginthatcity，hepreachedinPhiladelphiaandBaltimore，andfinallyproceededtoWashington。Here，hesays，\"onamotionbrought361
forwardbytheex-President，JohnQuincyAdams，inoneofthehousesofCongress，theHouseunanimouslygrantedtometheuseoftheCongressHallforalecture，whichIdeliveredonaSaturday，honoredwiththepresenceofallthemembersofCongress，andalsoofthebishopofVirginia，andoftheclergyandcitizensofWashington。ThesamehonorwasgrantedtomebythemembersofthegovernmentofNewJerseyandPennsylvania，inwhosepresenceIdeliveredlecturesonmyresearchesinAsia，andalsoonthepersonalreignofJesusChrist。\"——Ibid。，pages398，399。
Dr。WolfftraveledinthemostbarbarouscountrieswithouttheprotectionofanyEuropeanauthority，enduringmanyhardshipsandsurroundedwithcountlessperils。Hewasbastinadoedandstarved，soldasaslave，andthreetimescondemnedtodeath。Hewasbesetbyrobbers，andsometimesnearlyperishedfromthirst。Oncehewasstrippedofallthathepossessedandlefttotravelhundredsofmilesonfootthroughthemountains，thesnowbeatinginhisfaceandhisnakedfeetbenumbedbycontactwiththefrozenground。
Whenwarnedagainstgoingunarmedamongsavageandhostiletribes，hedeclaredhimself\"providedwitharms\"——\"prayer，zealforChrist，andconfidenceinHishelp。\"\"Iamalso，\"hesaid，\"providedwiththeloveofGodandmyneighborinmyheart，andtheBibleisinmyhand。\"——W。H。D。
Adams，InPerilsOft，page192。TheBibleinHebrewandEnglishhecarriedwithhimwhereverhewent。Ofoneofhislaterjourneyshesays:\"I……
kepttheBibleopeninmyhand。IfeltmypowerwasintheBook，andthatitsmightwouldsustainme。\"——Ibid。，page201。
Thusheperseveredinhislaborsuntilthemessageofthejudgmenthadbeencarriedtoalargepartofthehabitableglobe。AmongJews，Turks，Parsees，Hindus，andmanyothernationalitiesandraceshedistributedthewordofGodinthesevarioustonguesandeverywhereheraldedtheapproachingreignoftheMessiah。
InhistravelsinBokharahefoundthedoctrineoftheLord’ssooncomingheldbyaremoteandisolatedpeople。
362
TheArabsofYemen，hesays，\"areinpossessionofabookcalledSeera，whichgivesnoticeofthesecondcomingofChristandHisreigninglory；
andtheyexpectgreateventstotakeplaceintheyear1840。\"——JournaloftheRev。JosephWolff，page377。\"InYemen……IspentsixdayswiththechildrenofRechab。Theydrinknowine，plantnovineyard，sownoseed，andliveintents，andremembergoodoldJonadab，thesonofRechab；andIfoundintheircompanychildrenofIsrael，ofthetribeofDan，……whoexpect，withthechildrenofRechab，thespeedyarrivaloftheMessiahinthecloudsofheaven。\"——Ibid。，page389。
AsimilarbeliefwasfoundbyanothermissionarytoexistinTatary。ATatarpriestputthequestiontothemissionaryastowhenChristwouldcomethesecondtime。Whenthemissionaryansweredthatheknewnothingaboutit，thepriestseemedgreatlysurprisedatsuchignoranceinonewhoprofessedtobeaBibleteacher，andstatedhisownbelief，foundedonprophecy，thatChristwouldcomeabout1844。
Asearlyas1826theadventmessagebegantobepreachedinEngland。ThemovementheredidnottakesodefiniteaformasinAmerica；theexacttimeoftheadventwasnotsogenerallytaught，butthegreattruthofChrist’ssooncominginpowerandglorywasextensivelyproclaimed。Andthisnotamongthedissentersandnonconformistsonly。MourantBrock，anEnglishwriter，statesthataboutsevenhundredministersoftheChurchofEnglandwereengagedinpreaching\"thisgospelofthekingdom。\"Themessagepointingto1844asthetimeoftheLord’scomingwasalsogiveninGreatBritain。AdventpublicationsfromtheUnitedStateswerewidelycirculated。
BooksandjournalswererepublishedinEngland。Andin1842RobertWinter，anEnglishmanbybirth，whohadreceivedtheadventfaithinAmerica，returnedtohisnativecountrytoheraldthecomingoftheLord。Manyunitedwithhiminthework，andthemessageofthejudgmentwasproclaimedinvariouspartsofEngland。
363
InSouthAmerica，inthemidstofbarbarismandpriest-craft，Lacunza，aSpaniardandaJesuit，foundhiswaytotheScripturesandthusreceivedthetruthofChrist’sspeedyreturn。Impelledtogivethewarning，yetdesiringtoescapethecensuresofRome，hepublishedhisviewsundertheassumednameof\"RabbiBen-Ezra，\"representinghimselfasaconvertedJew。Lacunzalivedintheeighteenthcentury，butitwasabout1825thathisbook，havingfounditswaytoLondon，wastranslatedintotheEnglishlanguage。ItspublicationservedtodeepentheinterestalreadyawakeninginEnglandinthesubjectofthesecondadvent。
InGermanythedoctrinehadbeentaughtintheeighteenthcenturybyBengel，aministerintheLutheranChurchandacelebratedBiblicalscholarandcritic。Uponcompletinghiseducation，Bengelhad\"devotedhimselftothestudyoftheology，towhichthegraveandreligioustoneofhismind，deepenedbyhisearlytraininganddiscipline，naturallyinclinedhim。Likeotheryoungmenofthoughtfulcharacter，beforeandsince，hehadtostrugglewithdoubtsanddifficultiesofareligiousnature，andhealludes，withmuchfeeling，tothe’manyarrowswhichpiercedhispoorheart，andmadehisyouthhardtobear。’\"BecomingamemberoftheconsistoryofWurttemberg，headvocatedthecauseofreligiousliberty。\"Whilemaintainingtherightsandprivilegesofthechurch，hewasanadvocateforallreasonablefreedombeingaccordedtothosewhofeltthemselvesbound，ongroundsofconscience，towithdrawfromhercommunion。\"——EncyclopaediaBritannica，9thed。，art。\"Bengel。\"Thegoodeffectsofthispolicyarestillfeltinhisnativeprovince。
ItwaswhilepreparingasermonfromRevelation21foradventSundaythatthelightofChrist’ssecondcomingbrokeinuponBengel’smind。ThepropheciesoftheRevelationunfoldedtohisunderstandingasneverbefore。
Overwhelmedwithasenseofthestupendousimportanceandsurpassinggloryofthescenespresentedbytheprophet，hewasforcedtoturnforatimefromthecontemplationofthesubject。Inthe364
pulpititagainpresenteditselftohimwithallitsvividnessandpower。
Fromthattimehedevotedhimselftothestudyoftheprophecies，especiallythoseoftheApocalypse，andsoonarrivedatthebeliefthattheypointedtothecomingofChristasnear。ThedatewhichhefixeduponasthetimeofthesecondadventwaswithinaveryfewyearsofthatafterwardheldbyMiller。
Bengel’swritingshavebeenspreadthroughoutChristendom。HisviewsofprophecywerequitegenerallyreceivedinhisownstateofWurttemberg，andtosomeextentinotherpartsofGermany。Themovementcontinuedafterhisdeath，andtheadventmessagewasheardinGermanyatthesametimethatitwasattractingattentioninotherlands。AtanearlydatesomeofthebelieverswenttoRussiaandthereformedcolonies，andthefaithofChrist’ssooncomingisstillheldbytheGermanchurchesofthatcountry。
ThelightshonealsoinFranceandSwitzerland。AtGenevawhereFarelandCalvinhadspreadthetruthoftheReformation，Gaussenpreachedthemessageofthesecondadvent。Whileastudentatschool，GaussenhadencounteredthatspiritofrationalismwhichpervadedallEuropeduringthelatterpartoftheeighteenthandtheopeningofthenineteenthcentury；andwhenheenteredtheministryhewasnotonlyignorantoftruefaith，butinclinedtoskepticism。Inhisyouthhehadbecomeinterestedinthestudyofprophecy。
AfterreadingRollin’sAncientHistory，hisattentionwascalledtothesecondchapterofDaniel，andhewasstruckwiththewonderfulexactnesswithwhichtheprophecyhadbeenfulfilled，asseeninthehistorian’srecord。HerewasatestimonytotheinspirationoftheScriptures，whichservedasananchortohimamidtheperilsoflateryears。Hecouldnotrestsatisfiedwiththeteachingsofrationalism，andinstudyingtheBibleandsearchingforclearerlighthewas，afteratime，ledtoapositivefaith。
AshepursuedhisinvestigationoftheprophecieshearrivedatthebeliefthatthecomingoftheLordwasathand。Impressedwiththesolemnityandimportanceofthisgreat365
truth，hedesiredtobringitbeforethepeople；butthepopularbeliefthatthepropheciesofDanielaremysteriesandcannotbeunderstoodwasaseriousobstacleinhisway。Hefinallydetermined——asFarelhaddonebeforehiminevangelizingGeneva——tobeginwiththechildren，throughwhomhehopedtointeresttheparents。
\"Idesirethistobeunderstood，\"heafterwardsaid，speakingofhisobjectinthisundertaking，\"itisnotbecauseofitssmallimportance，butonthecontrarybecauseofitsgreatvalue，thatIwishedtopresentitinthisfamiliarform，andthatIaddressedittothechildren。Idesiredtobeheard，andIfearedthatIwouldnotbeifIaddressedmyselftothegrownpeoplefirst。\"\"Ideterminedthereforetogototheyoungest。Igatheranaudienceofchildren；ifthegroupenlarges，ifitisseenthattheylisten，arepleased，interested，thattheyunderstandandexplainthesubject，Iamsuretohaveasecondcirclesoon，andintheirturn，grownpeoplewillseethatitisworththeirwhiletositdownandstudy。Whenthisisdone，thecauseisgained。\"——L。Gaussen，DanieltheProphet，vol。2，Preface。
Theeffortwassuccessful。Asheaddressedthechildren，olderpersonscametolisten。Thegalleriesofhischurchwerefilledwithattentivehearers。
Amongthemweremenofrankandlearning，andstrangersandforeignersvisitingGeneva；andthusthemessagewascarriedtootherparts。
Encouragedbythissuccess，Gaussenpublishedhislessons，withthehopeofpromotingthestudyofthepropheticbooksinthechurchesoftheFrench-speakingpeople。\"Topublishinstructiongiventothechildren，\"saysGaussen，\"istosaytoadults，whotoooftenneglectsuchbooksunderthefalsepretensethattheyareobscure，’Howcantheybeobscure，sinceyourchildrenunderstandthem？’\"\"Ihadagreatdesire，\"headds，\"torenderaknowledgeofthepropheciespopularinourflocks，ifpossible。\"\"Thereisnostudy，indeed，whichitseemstomeanswerstheneedsofthetimebetter。\"\"Itisbythisthatwearetoprepareforthetribulationnearathand，andwatchandwaitforJesusChrist。\"
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ThoughoneofthemostdistinguishedandbelovedofpreachersintheFrenchlanguage，Gaussenwasafteratimesuspendedfromtheministry，hisprincipaloffensebeingthatinsteadofthechurch’scatechism，atameandrationalisticmanual，almostdestituteofpositivefaith，hehadusedtheBibleingivinginstructiontotheyouth。Heafterwardbecameteacherinatheologicalschool，whileonSundayhecontinuedhisworkascatechist，addressingthechildrenandinstructingthemintheScriptures。Hisworksonprophecyalsoexcitedmuchinterest。Fromtheprofessor’schair，throughthepress，andinhisfavoriteoccupationasteacherofchildrenhecontinuedformanyyearstoexertanextensiveinfluenceandwasinstrumentalincallingtheattentionofmanytothestudyoftheprophecieswhichshowedthatthecomingoftheLordwasnear。
InScandinaviaalsotheadventmessagewasproclaimed，andawidespreadinterestwaskindled。Manywererousedfromtheircarelesssecuritytoconfessandforsaketheirsins，andseekpardoninthenameofChrist。Buttheclergyofthestatechurchopposedthemovement，andthroughtheirinfluencesomewhopreachedthemessagewerethrownintoprison。InmanyplaceswherethepreachersoftheLord’ssooncomingwerethussilenced，Godwaspleasedtosendthemessage，inamiraculousmanner，throughlittlechildren。Astheywereunderage，thelawofthestatecouldnotrestrainthem，andtheywerepermittedtospeakunmolested。
Themovementwaschieflyamongthelowerclass，anditwasinthehumbledwellingsofthelaborersthatthepeopleassembledtohearthewarning。Thechild-preachersthemselvesweremostlypoorcottagers。Someofthemwerenotmorethansixoreightyearsofage；andwhiletheirlivestestifiedthattheylovedtheSaviour，andweretryingtoliveinobediencetoGod’sholyrequirements，theyordinarilymanifestedonlytheintelligenceandabilityusuallyseeninchildrenofthatage。Whenstandingbeforethepeople，367
however，itwasevidentthattheyweremovedbyaninfluencebeyondtheirownnaturalgifts。Toneandmannerchanged，andwithsolemnpowertheygavethewarningofthejudgment，employingtheverywordsofScripture:\"FearGod，andgiveglorytoHim；forthehourofHisjudgmentiscome。\"Theyreprovedthesinsofthepeople，notonlycondemningimmoralityandvice，butrebukingworldlinessandbacksliding，andwarningtheirhearerstomakehastetofleefromthewrathtocome。
Thepeopleheardwithtrembling。TheconvictingSpiritofGodspoketotheirhearts。ManywereledtosearchtheScriptureswithnewanddeeperinterest，theintemperateandimmoralwerereformed，othersabandonedtheirdishonestpractices，andaworkwasdonesomarkedthatevenministersofthestatechurchwereforcedtoacknowledgethatthehandofGodwasinthemovement。
ItwasGod’swillthatthetidingsoftheSaviour’scomingshouldbegivenintheScandinaviancountries；andwhenthevoicesofHisservantsweresilenced，HeputHisSpirituponthechildren，thattheworkmightbeaccomplished。WhenJesusdrewneartoJerusalemattendedbytherejoicingmultitudesthat，withshoutsoftriumphandthewavingofpalmbranches，heraldedHimastheSonofDavid，thejealousPhariseescalleduponHimtosilencethem；butJesusansweredthatallthiswasinfulfillmentofprophecy，andiftheseshouldholdtheirpeace，theverystoneswouldcryout。Thepeople，intimidatedbythethreatsofthepriestsandrulers，ceasedtheirjoyfulproclamationastheyenteredthegatesofJerusalem；butthechildreninthetemplecourtsafterwardtookuptherefrain，and，wavingtheirbranchesofpalm，theycried:\"HosannatotheSonofDavid！\"Matthew21:8-16。WhenthePharisees，sorelydispleased，saiduntoHim，\"HearestThouwhatthesesay？\"Jesusanswered，\"Yea；haveyeneverread，OutofthemouthofbabesandsucklingsThouhastperfectedpraise？\"AsGodwroughtthroughchildren368
atthetimeofChrist’sfirstadvent，soHewroughtthroughthemingivingthemessageofHissecondadvent。God’swordmustbefulfilled，thattheproclamationoftheSaviour’scomingshouldbegiventoallpeoples，tongues，andnations。
ToWilliamMillerandhiscolaborersitwasgiventopreachthewarninginAmerica。Thiscountrybecamethecenterofthegreatadventmovement。Itwasherethattheprophecyofthefirstangel’smessagehaditsmostdirectfulfillment。ThewritingsofMillerandhisassociateswerecarriedtodistantlands。Wherevermissionarieshadpenetratedinalltheworld，weresentthegladtidingsofChrist’sspeedyreturn。Farandwidespreadthemessageoftheeverlastinggospel:\"FearGod，andgiveglorytoHim；forthehourofHisjudgmentiscome。\"
ThetestimonyoftheprophecieswhichseemedtopointtothecomingofChristinthespringof1844tookdeepholdofthemindsofthepeople。Asthemessagewentfromstatetostate，therewaseverywhereawakenedwidespreadinterest。Manywereconvincedthattheargumentsfromthepropheticperiodswerecorrect，and，sacrificingtheirprideofopinion，theyjoyfullyreceivedthetruth。Someministerslaidasidetheirsectarianviewsandfeelings，lefttheirsalariesandtheirchurches，andunitedinproclaimingthecomingofJesus。Therewerecomparativelyfewministers，however，whowouldacceptthismessage；thereforeitwaslargelycommittedtohumblelaymen。Farmerslefttheirfields，mechanicstheirtools，traderstheirmerchandise，professionalmentheirpositions；andyetthenumberofworkerswassmallincomparisonwiththeworktobeaccomplished。Theconditionofanungodlychurchandaworldlyinginwickedness，burdenedthesoulsofthetruewatchmen，andtheywillinglyenduredtoil，privation，andsuffering，thattheymightcallmentorepentanceuntosalvation。ThoughopposedbySatan，theworkwentsteadilyforward，andtheadventtruthwasacceptedbymanythousands。
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Everywherethesearchingtestimonywasheard，warningsinners，bothworldlingsandchurchmembers，tofleefromthewrathtocome。LikeJohntheBaptist，theforerunnerofChrist，thepreacherslaidtheaxattherootofthetreeandurgedalltobringforthfruitmeetforrepentance。Theirstirringappealswereinmarkedcontrasttotheassurancesofpeaceandsafetythatwereheardfrompopularpulpits；andwhereverthemessagewasgiven，itmovedthepeople。Thesimple，directtestimonyoftheScriptures，sethomebythepoweroftheHolySpirit，broughtaweightofconvictionwhichfewwereablewhollytoresist。Professorsofreligionwererousedfromtheirfalsesecurity。Theysawtheirbackslidings，theirworldlinessandunbelief，theirprideandselfishness。ManysoughttheLordwithrepentanceandhumiliation。Theaffectionsthathadsolongclungtoearthlythingstheynowfixeduponheaven。TheSpiritofGodresteduponthem，andwithheartssoftenedandsubduedtheyjoinedtosoundthecry:\"FearGod，andgiveglorytoHim；forthehourofHisjudgmentiscome。\"
Sinnersinquiredwithweeping:\"WhatmustIdotobesaved？\"Thosewhoseliveshadbeenmarkedwithdishonestywereanxioustomakerestitution。AllwhofoundpeaceinChristlongedtoseeotherssharetheblessing。Theheartsofparentswereturnedtotheirchildren，andtheheartsofchildrentotheirparents。Thebarriersofprideandreserveweresweptaway。
Heartfeltconfessionsweremade，andthemembersofthehouseholdlaboredforthesalvationofthosewhowerenearestanddearest。Oftenwasheardthesoundofearnestintercession。EverywhereweresoulsindeepanguishpleadingwithGod。Manywrestledallnightinprayerfortheassurancethattheirownsinswerepardoned，orfortheconversionoftheirrelativesorneighbors。
AllclassesflockedtotheAdventistmeetings。Richandpoor，highandlow，were，fromvariouscauses，anxioustohearforthemselvesthedoctrineofthesecondadvent。TheLordheldthespiritofoppositionincheckwhileHisservants370
explainedthereasonsoftheirfaith。Sometimestheinstrumentwasfeeble；
buttheSpiritofGodgavepowertoHistruth。Thepresenceofholyangelswasfeltintheseassemblies，andmanyweredailyaddedtothebelievers。AstheevidencesofChrist’ssooncomingwererepeated，vastcrowdslistenedinbreathlesssilencetothesolemnwords。Heavenandearthseemedtoapproacheachother。ThepowerofGodwasfeltuponoldandyoungandmiddle-aged。
Mensoughttheirhomeswithpraisesupontheirlips，andthegladsoundrangoutuponthestillnightair。Nonewhoattendedthosemeetingscaneverforgetthosescenesofdeepestinterest。
TheproclamationofadefinitetimeforChrist’scomingcalledforthgreatoppositionfrommanyofallclasses，fromtheministerinthepulpitdowntothemostreckless，Heaven-daringsinner。Thewordsofprophecywerefulfilled:\"Thereshallcomeinthelastdaysscoffers，walkingaftertheirownlusts，andsaying，WhereisthepromiseofHiscoming？forsincethefathersfellasleep，allthingscontinueastheywerefromthebeginningofthecreation。\"2Peter3:3，4。ManywhoprofessedtolovetheSaviour，declaredthattheyhadnooppositiontothedoctrineofthesecondadvent；
theymerelyobjectedtothedefinitetime。ButGod’sall-seeingeyereadtheirhearts。TheydidnotwishtohearofChrist’scomingtojudgetheworldinrighteousness。Theyhadbeenunfaithfulservants，theirworkswouldnotbeartheinspectionoftheheart-searchingGod，andtheyfearedtomeettheirLord。LiketheJewsatthetimeofChrist’sfirstadventtheywerenotpreparedtowelcomeJesus。TheynotonlyrefusedtolistentotheplainargumentsfromtheBible，butridiculedthosewhowerelookingfortheLord。
Satanandhisangelsexulted，andflungthetauntinthefaceofChristandholyangelsthatHisprofessedpeoplehadsolittleloveforHimthattheydidnotdesireHisappearing。
\"Nomanknoweththedaynorthehour\"wastheargumentmostoftenbroughtforwardbyrejectersoftheadventfaith。Thescriptureis:\"Ofthatdayandhourknowethno371
man，nonottheangelsofheaven，butMyFatheronly。\"Matthew24:36。A
clearandharmoniousexplanationofthistextwasgivenbythosewhowerelookingfortheLord，andthewrongusemadeofitbytheiropponentswasclearlyshown。ThewordswerespokenbyChristinthatmemorableconversationwithHisdisciplesuponOlivetafterHehadforthelasttimedepartedfromthetemple。Thediscipleshadaskedthequestion:\"WhatshallbethesignofThycoming，andoftheendoftheworld？\"Jesusgavethemsigns，andsaid:\"Whenyeshallseeallthesethings，knowthatitisnear，evenatthedoors。\"Verses3，33。OnesayingoftheSaviourmustnotbemadetodestroyanother。ThoughnomanknoweththedaynorthehourofHiscoming，weareinstructedandrequiredtoknowwhenitisnear。WearefurthertaughtthattodisregardHiswarning，andrefuseorneglecttoknowwhenHisadventisnear，willbeasfatalforusasitwasforthosewholivedinthedaysofNoahnottoknowwhenthefloodwascoming。Andtheparableinthesamechapter，contrastingthefaithfulandtheunfaithfulservant，andgivingthedoomofhimwhosaidinhisheart，\"MyLorddelayethHiscoming，\"showsinwhatlightChristwillregardandrewardthosewhomHefindswatching，andteachingHiscoming，andthosedenyingit。\"Watchtherefore，\"Hesays。\"Blessedisthatservant，whomhisLordwhenHecomethshallfindsodoing。\"Verses42，46。\"Ifthereforethoushaltnotwatch，I
willcomeontheeasathief，andthoushaltnotknowwhathourIwillcomeuponthee。\"Revelation3:3。
PaulspeaksofaclasstowhomtheLord’sappearingwillcomeunawares。\"ThedayoftheLordsocomethasathiefinthenight。Forwhentheyshallsay，Peaceandsafety；thensuddendestructioncomethuponthem，……andtheyshallnotescape。\"Butheadds，tothosewhohavegivenheedtotheSaviour’swarning:\"Ye，brethren，arenotindarkness，thatthatdayshouldovertakeyouasathief。Yeareallthechildrenoflight，andthechildrenoftheday:wearenotofthenight，norofdarkness。\"1Thessalonians5:2-5。
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ThusitwasshownthatScripturegivesnowarrantformentoremaininignoranceconcerningthenearnessofChrist’scoming。Butthosewhodesiredonlyanexcusetorejectthetruthclosedtheirearstothisexplanation，andthewords\"Nomanknoweththedaynorthehour\"continuedtobeechoedbytheboldscofferandevenbytheprofessedministerofChrist。Asthepeoplewereroused，andbegantoinquirethewayofsalvation，religiousteacherssteppedinbetweenthemandthetruth，seekingtoquiettheirfearsbyfalselyinterpretingthewordofGod。Unfaithfulwatchmenunitedintheworkofthegreatdeceiver，crying，Peace，peace，whenGodhadnotspokenpeace。LikethePhariseesinChrist’sday，manyrefusedtoenterthekingdomofheaventhemselves，andthosewhowereenteringintheyhindered。Thebloodofthesesoulswillberequiredattheirhand。
Themosthumbleanddevotedinthechurcheswereusuallythefirsttoreceivethemessage。ThosewhostudiedtheBibleforthemselvescouldnotbutseetheunscripturalcharacterofthepopularviewsofprophecy；andwhereverthepeoplewerenotcontrolledbytheinfluenceoftheclergy，wherevertheywouldsearchthewordofGodforthemselves，theadventdoctrineneededonlytobecomparedwiththeScripturestoestablishitsdivineauthority。
