GodhasgivenusHiswordthatwemaybecomeacquaintedwithitsteachingsandknowforourselveswhatHerequiresofus。WhenthelawyercametoJesuswiththeinquiry，\"WhatshallIdotoinheriteternallife？\"theSaviourreferredhimtotheScriptures，saying:\"Whatiswritteninthelaw？howreadestthou？\"Ignorancewillnotexcuseyoungorold，norreleasethemfromthepunishmentdueforthetransgressionofGod’slaw；becausethereisintheirhandsafaithfulpresentationofthatlawandofitsprinciplesandclaims。Itisnotenoughtohavegoodintentions；itisnotenoughtodowhatamanthinksisrightorwhattheministertellshimisright。Hissoul’ssalvationisatstake，andheshouldsearchtheScripturesforhimself。Howeverstrongmaybehisconvictions，howeverconfidenthemaybethattheministerknowswhatistruth，thisisnothisfoundation。Hehasachartpointingouteverywaymarkontheheavenwardjourney，andheoughtnottoguessatanything。
ItisthefirstandhighestdutyofeveryrationalbeingtolearnfromtheScriptureswhatistruth，andthentowalkinthelightandencourageotherstofollowhisexample。WeshoulddaybydaystudytheBiblediligently，weighingeverythoughtandcomparingscripturewithscripture。WithdivinehelpwearetoformouropinionsforourselvesaswearetoanswerforourselvesbeforeGod。
ThetruthsmostplainlyrevealedintheBiblehavebeeninvolvedindoubtanddarknessbylearnedmen，who，withapretenseofgreatwisdom，teachthattheScriptureshaveamystical，asecret，spiritualmeaningnotapparentinthelanguageemployed。Thesemenarefalseteachers。Itwasto599
suchaclassthatJesusdeclared:\"YeknownottheScriptures，neitherthepowerofGod。\"Mark12:24。ThelanguageoftheBibleshouldbeexplainedaccordingtoitsobviousmeaning，unlessasymbolorfigureisemployed。
Christhasgiventhepromise:\"IfanymanwilldoHiswill，heshallknowofthedoctrine。\"John7:17。IfmenwouldbuttaketheBibleasitreads，iftherewerenofalseteacherstomisleadandconfusetheirminds，aworkwouldbeaccomplishedthatwouldmakeangelsgladandthatwouldbringintothefoldofChristthousandsuponthousandswhoarenowwanderinginerror。
WeshouldexertallthepowersofthemindinthestudyoftheScripturesandshouldtasktheunderstandingtocomprehend，asfarasmortalscan，thedeepthingsofGod；yetwemustnotforgetthatthedocilityandsubmissionofachildisthetruespiritofthelearner。Scripturaldifficultiescanneverbemasteredbythesamemethodsthatareemployedingrapplingwithphilosophicalproblems。WeshouldnotengageinthestudyoftheBiblewiththatself-reliancewithwhichsomanyenterthedomainsofscience，butwithaprayerfuldependenceuponGodandasinceredesiretolearnHiswill。WemustcomewithahumbleandteachablespirittoobtainknowledgefromthegreatIAM。Otherwise，evilangelswillsoblindourmindsandhardenourheartsthatweshallnotbeimpressedbythetruth。
ManyaportionofScripturewhichlearnedmenpronounceamystery，orpassoverasunimportant，isfullofcomfortandinstructiontohimwhohasbeentaughtintheschoolofChrist。OnereasonwhymanytheologianshavenoclearerunderstandingofGod’swordis，theyclosetheireyestotruthswhichtheydonotwishtopractice。AsunderstandingofBibletruthdependsnotsomuchonthepowerofintellectbroughttothesearchasonthesinglenessofpurpose，theearnestlongingafterrighteousness。
TheBibleshouldneverbestudiedwithoutprayer。TheHolySpiritalonecancauseustofeeltheimportanceofthose600
thingseasytobeunderstood，orpreventusfromwrestingtruthsdifficultofcomprehension。ItistheofficeofheavenlyangelstopreparetheheartsotocomprehendGod’swordthatweshallbecharmedwithitsbeauty，admonishedbyitswarnings，oranimatedandstrengthenedbyitspromises。Weshouldmakethepsalmist’spetitionourown:\"OpenThoumineeyes，thatI
maybeholdwondrousthingsoutofThylaw。\"Psalm119:18。Temptationsoftenappearirresistiblebecause，throughneglectofprayerandthestudyoftheBible，thetemptedonecannotreadilyrememberGod’spromisesandmeetSatanwiththeScriptureweapons。Butangelsareroundaboutthosewhoarewillingtobetaughtindivinethings；andinthetimeofgreatnecessitytheywillbringtotheirremembrancetheverytruthswhichareneeded。Thus\"whentheenemyshallcomeinlikeaflood，theSpiritoftheLordshallliftupastandardagainsthim。\"Isaiah59:19。
JesuspromisedHisdisciples:\"TheComforter，whichistheHolyGhost，whomtheFatherwillsendinMyname，Heshallteachyouallthings，andbringallthingstoyourremembrance，whatsoeverIhavesaiduntoyou。\"John14:26。ButtheteachingsofChristmustpreviouslyhavebeenstoredinthemindinorderfortheSpiritofGodtobringthemtoourremembranceinthetimeofperil。\"ThywordhaveIhidinmineheart，\"saidDavid，\"thatI
mightnotsinagainstThee。\"Psalm119:11。
Allwhovaluetheireternalinterestsshouldbeontheirguardagainsttheinroadsofskepticism。Theverypillarsoftruthwillbeassailed。Itisimpossibletokeepbeyondthereachofthesarcasmsandsophisms，theinsidiousandpestilentteachings，ofmoderninfidelity。Satanadaptshistemptationstoallclasses。Heassailstheilliteratewithajestorsneer，whilehemeetstheeducatedwithscientificobjectionsandphilosophicalreasoning，alikecalculatedtoexcitedistrustorcontemptoftheScriptures。Evenyouthoflittleexperiencepresumetoinsinuatedoubtsconcerningthefundamental601
principlesofChristianity。Andthisyouthfulinfidelity，shallowasitis，hasitsinfluence。ManyarethusledtojestatthefaithoftheirfathersandtododespitetotheSpiritofgrace。Hebrews10:29。ManyalifethatpromisedtobeanhonortoGodandablessingtotheworldhasbeenblightedbythefoulbreathofinfidelity。AllwhotrusttotheboastfuldecisionsofhumanreasonandimaginethattheycanexplaindivinemysteriesandarriveattruthunaidedbythewisdomofGodareentangledinthesnareofSatan。
Wearelivinginthemostsolemnperiodofthisworld’shistory。Thedestinyofearth’steemingmultitudesisabouttobedecided。Ourownfuturewell-beingandalsothesalvationofothersoulsdependuponthecoursewhichwenowpursue。WeneedtobeguidedbytheSpiritoftruth。EveryfollowerofChristshouldearnestlyinquire:\"Lord，whatwiltThouhavemetodo？\"WeneedtohumbleourselvesbeforetheLord，withfastingandprayer，andtomeditatemuchuponHisword，especiallyuponthescenesofthejudgment。WeshouldnowseekadeepandlivingexperienceinthethingsofGod。Wehavenotamomenttolose。Eventsofvitalimportancearetakingplacearoundus；weareonSatan’senchantedground。Sleepnot，sentinelsofGod；thefoeislurkingnear，readyatanymoment，shouldyoubecomelaxanddrowsy，tospringuponyouandmakeyouhisprey。
ManyaredeceivedastotheirtrueconditionbeforeGod。Theycongratulatethemselvesuponthewrongactswhichtheydonotcommit，andforgettoenumeratethegoodandnobledeedswhichGodrequiresofthem，butwhichtheyhaveneglectedtoperform。ItisnotenoughthattheyaretreesinthegardenofGod。TheyaretoanswerHisexpectationbybearingfruit。Heholdsthemaccountablefortheirfailuretoaccomplishallthegoodwhichtheycouldhavedone，throughHisgracestrengtheningthem。Inthebooksofheaventheyareregisteredascumberersoftheground。Yetthecaseofeventhisclassisnotutterlyhopeless。WiththosewhohaveslightedGod’smercyandabusedHisgrace，theheartof602
long-sufferingloveyetpleads。\"WhereforeHesaith，Awakethouthatsleepest，andarisefromthedead，andChristshallgivetheelight。Seethenthatyewalkcircumspectly，……redeemingthetime，becausethedaysareevil。\"Ephesians5:14-16。
Whenthetestingtimeshallcome，thosewhohavemadeGod’swordtheirruleoflifewillberevealed。Insummerthereisnonoticeabledifferencebetweenevergreensandothertrees；butwhentheblastsofwintercome，theevergreensremainunchanged，whileothertreesarestrippedoftheirfoliage。SothefalseheartedprofessormaynotnowbedistinguishedfromtherealChristian，butthetimeisjustuponuswhenthedifferencewillbeapparent。Letoppositionarise，letbigotryandintoleranceagainbearsway，letpersecutionbekindled，andthehalfheartedandhypocriticalwillwaverandyieldthefaith；butthetrueChristianwillstandfirmasarock，hisfaithstronger，hishopebrighter，thanindaysofprosperity。
Saysthepsalmist:\"Thytestimoniesaremymeditation。\"\"ThroughThypreceptsIgetunderstanding:thereforeIhateeveryfalseway。\"Psalm119:99，104。
\"Happyisthemanthatfindethwisdom。\"\"Heshallbeasatreeplantedbythewaters，andthatspreadethoutherrootsbytheriver，andshallnotseewhenheatcometh，butherleafshallbegreen；andshallnotbecarefulintheyearofdrought，neithershallceasefromyieldingfruit。\"Proverbs3:13；Jeremiah17:8。
(603)
Chapter38
TheFinalWarning\"Isawanotherangelcomedownfromheaven，havinggreatpower；andtheearthwaslightenedwithhisglory。Andhecriedmightilywithastrongvoice，saying，Babylonthegreatisfallen，isfallen，andisbecomethehabitationofdevils，andtheholdofeveryfoulspirit，andacageofeveryuncleanandhatefulbird。\"\"AndIheardanothervoicefromheaven，saying，Comeoutofher，Mypeople，thatyebenotpartakersofhersins，andthatyereceivenotofherplagues。\"Revelation18:1，2，4。
ThisscripturepointsforwardtoatimewhentheannouncementofthefallofBabylon，asmadebythesecondangelofRevelation14(verse8)，istoberepeated，withtheadditionalmentionofthecorruptionswhichhavebeenenteringthevariousorganizationsthatconstituteBabylon，sincethatmessagewasfirstgiven，inthesummerof1844。Aterribleconditionofthereligiousworldisheredescribed。Witheveryrejectionoftruththemindsofthepeoplewillbecomedarker，theirheartsmorestubborn，untiltheyareentrenchedinaninfidelhardihood。IndefianceofthewarningswhichGodhasgiven，theywillcontinuetotrampleupononeofthepreceptsoftheDecalogue，untiltheyareledtopersecutethosewhoholditsacred。ChristissetatnoughtinthecontemptplaceduponHiswordandHispeople。Astheteachingsofspiritualismareacceptedbythechurches，the604
restraintimposeduponthecarnalheartisremoved，andtheprofessionofreligionwillbecomeacloaktoconcealthebasestiniquity。Abeliefinspiritualmanifestationsopensthedoortoseducingspiritsanddoctrinesofdevils，andthustheinfluenceofevilangelswillbefeltinthechurches。
OfBabylon，atthetimebroughttoviewinthisprophecy，itisdeclared:
\"Hersinshavereacheduntoheaven，andGodhathrememberedheriniquities。\"
Revelation18:5。Shehasfilledupthemeasureofherguilt，anddestructionisabouttofalluponher。ButGodstillhasapeopleinBabylon；andbeforethevisitationofHisjudgmentsthesefaithfulonesmustbecalledout，thattheypartakenotofhersinsand\"receivenotofherplagues。\"Hencethemovementsymbolizedbytheangelcomingdownfromheaven，lighteningtheearthwithhisgloryandcryingmightilywithastrongvoice，announcingthesinsofBabylon。Inconnectionwithhismessagethecallisheard:\"Comeoutofher，Mypeople。\"Theseannouncements，unitingwiththethirdangel’smessage，constitutethefinalwarningtobegiventotheinhabitantsoftheearth。
Fearfulistheissuetowhichtheworldistobebrought。Thepowersofearth，unitingtowaragainstthecommandmentsofGod，willdecreethat\"all，bothsmallandgreat，richandpoor，freeandbond\"(Revelation13:16)，shallconformtothecustomsofthechurchbytheobservanceofthefalsesabbath。Allwhorefusecompliancewillbevisitedwithcivilpenalties，anditwillfinallybedeclaredthattheyaredeservingofdeath。
Ontheotherhand，thelawofGodenjoiningtheCreator’srestdaydemandsobedienceandthreatenswrathagainstallwhotransgressitsprecepts。
Withtheissuethusclearlybroughtbeforehim，whoevershalltrampleuponGod’slawtoobeyahumanenactmentreceivesthemarkofthebeast；heacceptsthesignofallegiancetothepowerwhichhechoosestoobeyinsteadofGod。Thewarningfromheavenis:\"Ifanymanworshipthebeast605
andhisimage，andreceivehismarkinhisforehead，orinhishand，thesameshalldrinkofthewineofthewrathofGod，whichispouredoutwithoutmixtureintothecupofHisindignation。\"Revelation14:9，10。
ButnotoneismadetosufferthewrathofGoduntilthetruthhasbeenbroughthometohismindandconscience，andhasbeenrejected。Therearemanywhohaveneverhadanopportunitytohearthespecialtruthsforthistime。Theobligationofthefourthcommandmenthasneverbeensetbeforetheminitstruelight。Hewhoreadseveryheartandtrieseverymotivewillleavenonewhodesireaknowledgeofthetruth，tobedeceivedastotheissuesofthecontroversy。Thedecreeisnottobeurgeduponthepeopleblindly。Everyoneistohavesufficientlighttomakehisdecisionintelligently。
TheSabbathwillbethegreattestofloyalty，foritisthepointoftruthespeciallycontroverted。Whenthefinaltestshallbebroughttobearuponmen，thenthelineofdistinctionwillbedrawnbetweenthosewhoserveGodandthosewhoserveHimnot。Whiletheobservanceofthefalsesabbathincompliancewiththelawofthestate，contrarytothefourthcommandment，willbeanavowalofallegiancetoapowerthatisinoppositiontoGod，thekeepingofthetrueSabbath，inobediencetoGod’slaw，isanevidenceofloyaltytotheCreator。Whileoneclass，byacceptingthesignofsubmissiontoearthlypowers，receivethemarkofthebeast，theotherchoosingthetokenofallegiancetodivineauthority，receivethesealofGod。
Heretoforethosewhopresentedthetruthsofthethirdangel’smessagehaveoftenbeenregardedasmerealarmists。TheirpredictionsthatreligiousintolerancewouldgaincontrolintheUnitedStates，thatchurchandstatewouldunitetopersecutethosewhokeepthecommandmentsofGod，havebeenpronouncedgroundlessandabsurd。Ithasbeenconfidentlydeclaredthatthislandcouldneverbecomeotherthanwhatithasbeen——thedefenderofreligiousfreedom。But606
asthequestionofenforcingSundayobservanceiswidelyagitated，theeventsolongdoubtedanddisbelievedisseentobeapproaching，andthethirdmessagewillproduceaneffectwhichitcouldnothavehadbefore。
IneverygenerationGodhassentHisservantstorebukesin，bothintheworldandinthechurch。Butthepeopledesiresmooththingsspokentothem，andthepure，unvarnishedtruthisnotacceptable。Manyreformers，inenteringupontheirwork，determinedtoexercisegreatprudenceinattackingthesinsofthechurchandthenation。Theyhoped，bytheexampleofapureChristianlife，toleadthepeoplebacktothedoctrinesoftheBible。ButtheSpiritofGodcameuponthemasitcameuponElijah，movinghimtorebukethesinsofawickedkingandanapostatepeople；theycouldnotrefrainfrompreachingtheplainutterancesoftheBible——doctrineswhichtheyhadbeenreluctanttopresent。Theywereimpelledtozealouslydeclarethetruthandthedangerwhichthreatenedsouls。ThewordswhichtheLordgavethemtheyuttered，fearlessofconsequences，andthepeoplewerecompelledtohearthewarning。
Thusthemessageofthethirdangelwillbeproclaimed。Asthetimecomesforittobegivenwithgreatestpower，theLordwillworkthroughhumbleinstruments，leadingthemindsofthosewhoconsecratethemselvestoHisservice。ThelaborerswillbequalifiedratherbytheunctionofHisSpiritthanbythetrainingofliteraryinstitutions。Menoffaithandprayerwillbeconstrainedtogoforthwithholyzeal，declaringthewordswhichGodgivesthem。ThesinsofBabylonwillbelaidopen。Thefearfulresultsofenforcingtheobservancesofthechurchbycivilauthority，theinroadsofspiritualism，thestealthybutrapidprogressofthepapalpower——allwillbeunmasked。Bythesesolemnwarningsthepeoplewillbestirred。Thousandsuponthousandswilllistenwhohaveneverheardwordslikethese。Inamazementthey607
hearthetestimonythatBabylonisthechurch，fallenbecauseofhererrorsandsins，becauseofherrejectionofthetruthsenttoherfromheaven。Asthepeoplegototheirformerteacherswiththeeagerinquiry，Arethesethingsso？theministerspresentfables，prophesysmooththings，tosoothetheirfearsandquiettheawakenedconscience。Butsincemanyrefusetobesatisfiedwiththemereauthorityofmenanddemandaplain\"ThussaiththeLord，\"thepopularministry，likethePhariseesofold，filledwithangerastheirauthorityisquestioned，willdenouncethemessageasofSatanandstirupthesin-lovingmultitudestorevileandpersecutethosewhoproclaimit。
AsthecontroversyextendsintonewfieldsandthemindsofthepeoplearecalledtoGod’sdowntroddenlaw，Satanisastir。Thepowerattendingthemessagewillonlymaddenthosewhoopposeit。Theclergywillputforthalmostsuperhumaneffortstoshutawaythelightlestitshouldshineupontheirflocks。Byeverymeansattheircommandtheywillendeavortosuppressthediscussionofthesevitalquestions。Thechurchappealstothestrongarmofcivilpower，and，inthiswork，papistsandProtestantsunite。AsthemovementforSundayenforcementbecomesmoreboldanddecided，thelawwillbeinvokedagainstcommandmentkeepers。Theywillbethreatenedwithfinesandimprisonment，andsomewillbeofferedpositionsofinfluence，andotherrewardsandadvantages，asinducementstorenouncetheirfaith。Buttheirsteadfastansweris:\"ShowusfromthewordofGodourerror\"——thesamepleathatwasmadebyLutherundersimilarcircumstances。Thosewhoarearraignedbeforethecourtsmakeastrongvindicationofthetruth，andsomewhohearthemareledtotaketheirstandtokeepallthecommandmentsofGod。Thuslightwillbebroughtbeforethousandswhootherwisewouldknownothingofthesetruths。
608
ConscientiousobediencetothewordofGodwillbetreatedasrebellion。
BlindedbySatan，theparentwillexerciseharshnessandseveritytowardthebelievingchild；themasterormistresswilloppressthecommandment-keepingservant。Affectionwillbealienated；childrenwillbedisinheritedanddrivenfromhome。ThewordsofPaulwillbeliterallyfulfilled:\"AllthatwilllivegodlyinChristJesusshallsufferpersecution。\"2Timothy3:12。
AsthedefendersoftruthrefusetohonortheSunday-sabbath，someofthemwillbethrustintoprison，somewillbeexiled，somewillbetreatedasslaves。Tohumanwisdomallthisnowseemsimpossible；butastherestrainingSpiritofGodshallbewithdrawnfrommen，andtheyshallbeunderthecontrolofSatan，whohatesthedivineprecepts，therewillbestrangedevelopments。TheheartcanbeverycruelwhenGod’sfearandloveareremoved。
Asthestormapproaches，alargeclasswhohaveprofessedfaithinthethirdangel’smessage，buthavenotbeensanctifiedthroughobediencetothetruth，abandontheirpositionandjointheranksoftheopposition。Byunitingwiththeworldandpartakingofitsspirit，theyhavecometoviewmattersinnearlythesamelight；andwhenthetestisbrought，theyarepreparedtochoosetheeasy，popularside。Menoftalentandpleasingaddress，whooncerejoicedinthetruth，employtheirpowerstodeceiveandmisleadsouls。Theybecomethemostbitterenemiesoftheirformerbrethren。
WhenSabbathkeepersarebroughtbeforethecourtstoanswerfortheirfaith，theseapostatesarethemostefficientagentsofSatantomisrepresentandaccusethem，andbyfalsereportsandinsinuationstostiruptherulersagainstthem。
InthistimeofpersecutionthefaithoftheLord’sservantswillbetried。
Theyhavefaithfullygiventhewarning，lookingtoGodandtoHiswordalone。God’sSpirit，movingupontheirhearts，hasconstrainedthemtospeak。Stimulated609
withholyzeal，andwiththedivineimpulsestronguponthem，theyenteredupontheperformanceoftheirdutieswithoutcoldlycalculatingtheconsequencesofspeakingtothepeoplethewordwhichtheLordhadgiventhem。Theyhavenotconsultedtheirtemporalinterests，norsoughttopreservetheirreputationortheirlives。Yetwhenthestormofoppositionandreproachburstsuponthem，some，overwhelmedwithconsternation，willbereadytoexclaim:\"Hadweforeseentheconsequencesofourwords，wewouldhaveheldourpeace。\"Theyarehedgedinwithdifficulties。Satanassailsthemwithfiercetemptations。Theworkwhichtheyhaveundertakenseemsfarbeyondtheirabilitytoaccomplish。Theyarethreatenedwithdestruction。
Theenthusiasmwhichanimatedthemisgone；yettheycannotturnback。Then，feelingtheirutterhelplessness，theyfleetotheMightyOneforstrength。
Theyrememberthatthewordswhichtheyhavespokenwerenottheirs，butHiswhobadethemgivethewarning。Godputthetruthintotheirhearts，andtheycouldnotforbeartoproclaimit。
ThesametrialshavebeenexperiencedbymenofGodinagespast。Wycliffe，Huss，Luther，Tyndale，Baxter，Wesley，urgedthatalldoctrinesbebroughttothetestoftheBibleanddeclaredthattheywouldrenounceeverythingwhichitcondemned。Againstthesemenpersecutionragedwithrelentlessfury；yettheyceasednottodeclarethetruth。Differentperiodsinthehistoryofthechurchhaveeachbeenmarkedbythedevelopmentofsomespecialtruth，adaptedtothenecessitiesofGod’speopleatthattime。
Everynewtruthhasmadeitswayagainsthatredandopposition；thosewhowereblessedwithitslightweretemptedandtried。TheLordgivesaspecialtruthforthepeopleinanemergency。Whodarerefusetopublishit？HecommandsHisservantstopresentthelastinvitationofmercytotheworld。
Theycannotremainsilent，exceptattheperiloftheirsouls。Christ’sambassadors610
havenothingtodowithconsequences。TheymustperformtheirdutyandleaveresultswithGod。
Astheoppositionrisestoafiercerheight，theservantsofGodareagainperplexed；foritseemstothemthattheyhavebroughtthecrisis。ButconscienceandthewordofGodassurethemthattheircourseisright；andalthoughthetrialscontinue，theyarestrengthenedtobearthem。Thecontestgrowscloserandsharper，buttheirfaithandcouragerisewiththeemergency。Theirtestimonyis:\"WedarenottamperwithGod’sword，dividingHisholylaw；callingoneportionessentialandanothernonessential，togainthefavoroftheworld。TheLordwhomweserveisabletodeliverus。
Christhasconqueredthepowersofearth；andshallwebeafraidofaworldalreadyconquered？\"
PersecutioninitsvariedformsisthedevelopmentofaprinciplewhichwillexistaslongasSatanexistsandChristianityhasvitalpower。NomancanserveGodwithoutenlistingagainsthimselftheoppositionofthehostsofdarkness。Evilangelswillassailhim，alarmedthathisinfluenceistakingthepreyfromtheirhands。Evilmen，rebukedbyhisexample，willunitewiththeminseekingtoseparatehimfromGodbyalluringtemptations。Whenthesedonotsucceed，thenacompellingpowerisemployedtoforcetheconscience。
ButsolongasJesusremainsman’sintercessorinthesanctuaryabove，therestraininginfluenceoftheHolySpiritisfeltbyrulersandpeople。Itstillcontrolstosomeextentthelawsoftheland。Wereitnotfortheselaws，theconditionoftheworldwouldbemuchworsethanitnowis。WhilemanyofourrulersareactiveagentsofSatan，GodalsohasHisagentsamongtheleadingmenofthenation。TheenemymovesuponhisservantstoproposemeasuresthatwouldgreatlyimpedetheworkofGod；butstatesmenwhofeartheLordareinfluencedbyholyangelstoopposesuchpropositionswithunanswerablearguments。Thusafewmenwill611
holdincheckapowerfulcurrentofevil。Theoppositionoftheenemiesoftruthwillberestrainedthatthethirdangel’smessagemaydoitswork。
Whenthefinalwarningshallbegiven，itwillarresttheattentionoftheseleadingmenthroughwhomtheLordisnowworking，andsomeofthemwillacceptit，andwillstandwiththepeopleofGodthroughthetimeoftrouble。
Theangelwhounitesintheproclamationofthethirdangel’smessageistolightenthewholeearthwithhisglory。Aworkofworld-wideextentandunwontedpowerishereforetold。Theadventmovementof1840-44wasagloriousmanifestationofthepowerofGod；thefirstangel’smessagewascarriedtoeverymissionarystationintheworld，andinsomecountriestherewasthegreatestreligiousinterestwhichhasbeenwitnessedinanylandsincetheReformationofthesixteenthcentury；butthesearetobeexceededbythemightymovementunderthelastwarningofthethirdangel。
TheworkwillbesimilartothatoftheDayofPentecost。Asthe\"formerrain\"wasgiven，intheoutpouringoftheHolySpiritattheopeningofthegospel，tocausetheupspringingofthepreciousseed，sothe\"latterrain\"
willbegivenatitsclosefortheripeningoftheharvest。\"Thenshallweknow，ifwefollowontoknowtheLord:Hisgoingforthispreparedasthemorning；andHeshallcomeuntousastherain，asthelatterandformerrainuntotheearth。\"Hosea6:3。\"Begladthen，yechildrenofZion，andrejoiceintheLordyourGod:forHehathgivenyoutheformerrainmoderately，andHewillcausetocomedownforyoutherain，theformerrain，andthelatterrain。\"Joel2:23。\"Inthelastdays，saithGod，IwillpouroutofMySpirituponallflesh。\"\"Anditshallcometopass，thatwhosoevershallcallonthenameoftheLordshallbesaved。\"Acts2:17，21。
ThegreatworkofthegospelisnottoclosewithlessmanifestationofthepowerofGodthanmarkeditsopening。Theprophecieswhichwerefulfilledintheoutpouringofthe612
formerrainattheopeningofthegospelareagaintobefulfilledinthelatterrainatitsclose。Hereare\"thetimesofrefreshing\"towhichtheapostlePeterlookedforwardwhenhesaid:\"Repentyetherefore，andbeconverted，thatyoursinsmaybeblottedout，whenthetimesofrefreshingshallcomefromthepresenceoftheLord；andHeshallsendJesus。\"Acts3:19，20。
ServantsofGod，withtheirfaceslightedupandshiningwithholyconsecration，willhastenfromplacetoplacetoproclaimthemessagefromheaven。Bythousandsofvoices，allovertheearth，thewarningwillbegiven。Miracleswillbewrought，thesickwillbehealed，andsignsandwonderswillfollowthebelievers。Satanalsoworks，withlyingwonders，evenbringingdownfirefromheaveninthesightofmen。Revelation13:13。
Thustheinhabitantsoftheearthwillbebroughttotaketheirstand。
ThemessagewillbecarriednotsomuchbyargumentasbythedeepconvictionoftheSpiritofGod。Theargumentshavebeenpresented。Theseedhasbeensown，andnowitwillspringupandbearfruit。Thepublicationsdistributedbymissionaryworkershaveexertedtheirinfluence，yetmanywhosemindswereimpressedhavebeenpreventedfromfullycomprehendingthetruthorfromyieldingobedience。Nowtheraysoflightpenetrateeverywhere，thetruthisseeninitsclearness，andthehonestchildrenofGodseverthebandswhichhaveheldthem。Familyconnections，churchrelations，arepowerlesstostaythemnow。Truthismorepreciousthanallbesides。Notwithstandingtheagenciescombinedagainstthetruth，alargenumbertaketheirstandupontheLord’sside。
(613)
Chapter39
TheTimeofTrouble\"AtthattimeshallMichaelstandup，thegreatPrincewhichstandethforthechildrenofthypeople:andthereshallbeatimeoftrouble，suchasneverwassincetherewasanationeventothatsametime:andatthattimethypeopleshallbedelivered，everyonethatshallbefoundwritteninthebook。\"Daniel12:1。
Whenthethirdangel’smessagecloses，mercynolongerpleadsfortheguiltyinhabitantsoftheearth。ThepeopleofGodhaveaccomplishedtheirwork。
Theyhavereceived\"thelatterrain，\"\"therefreshingfromthepresenceoftheLord，\"andtheyarepreparedforthetryinghourbeforethem。Angelsarehasteningtoandfroinheaven。Anangelreturningfromtheearthannouncesthathisworkisdone；thefinaltesthasbeenbroughtupontheworld，andallwhohaveprovedthemselvesloyaltothedivinepreceptshavereceived\"thesealofthelivingGod。\"ThenJesusceasesHisintercessioninthesanctuaryabove。HeliftsHishandsandwithaloudvoicesays，\"Itisdone；\"andalltheangelichostlayofftheircrownsasHemakesthesolemnannouncement:\"Hethatisunjust，lethimbeunjuststill:andhewhichisfilthy，lethimbefilthystill:andhethatisrighteous，lethimberighteousstill:andhethatisholy，lethimbeholystill。\"Revelation22:11。Everycasehasbeendecidedforlifeordeath。ChristhasmadetheatonementforHispeopleand614
blottedouttheirsins。ThenumberofHissubjectsismadeup；\"thekingdomanddominion，andthegreatnessofthekingdomunderthewholeheaven，\"isabouttobegiventotheheirsofsalvation，andJesusistoreignasKingofkingsandLordoflords。
WhenHeleavesthesanctuary，darknesscoverstheinhabitantsoftheearth。
InthatfearfultimetherighteousmustliveinthesightofaholyGodwithoutanintercessor。Therestraintwhichhasbeenuponthewickedisremoved，andSatanhasentirecontrolofthefinallyimpenitent。God’slong-sufferinghasended。TheworldhasrejectedHismercy，despisedHislove，andtrampleduponHislaw。Thewickedhavepassedtheboundaryoftheirprobation；theSpiritofGod，persistentlyresisted，hasbeenatlastwithdrawn。Unshelteredbydivinegrace，theyhavenoprotectionfromthewickedone。Satanwillthenplungetheinhabitantsoftheearthintoonegreat，finaltrouble。AstheangelsofGodceasetoholdincheckthefiercewindsofhumanpassion，alltheelementsofstrifewillbeletloose。ThewholeworldwillbeinvolvedinruinmoreterriblethanthatwhichcameuponJerusalemofold。
Asingleangeldestroyedallthefirst-bornoftheEgyptiansandfilledthelandwithmourning。WhenDavidoffendedagainstGodbynumberingthepeople，oneangelcausedthatterribledestructionbywhichhissinwaspunished。
ThesamedestructivepowerexercisedbyholyangelswhenGodcommands，willbeexercisedbyevilangelswhenHepermits。Thereareforcesnowready，andonlywaitingthedivinepermission，tospreaddesolationeverywhere。
ThosewhohonorthelawofGodhavebeenaccusedofbringingjudgmentsupontheworld，andtheywillberegardedasthecauseofthefearfulconvulsionsofnatureandthestrifeandbloodshedamongmenthatarefillingtheearthwithwoe。Thepowerattendingthelastwarninghasenragedthewicked；theirangeriskindledagainstallwho615
havereceivedthemessage，andSatanwillexcitetostillgreaterintensitythespiritofhatredandpersecution。
WhenGod’spresencewasfinallywithdrawnfromtheJewishnation，priestsandpeopleknewitnot。ThoughunderthecontrolofSatan，andswayedbythemosthorribleandmalignantpassions，theystillregardedthemselvesasthechosenofGod。Theministrationinthetemplecontinued；sacrificeswereoffereduponitspollutedaltars，anddailythedivineblessingwasinvokeduponapeopleguiltyofthebloodofGod’sdearSonandseekingtoslayHisministersandapostles。Sowhentheirrevocabledecisionofthesanctuaryhasbeenpronouncedandthedestinyoftheworldhasbeenforeverfixed，theinhabitantsoftheearthwillknowitnot。TheformsofreligionwillbecontinuedbyapeoplefromwhomtheSpiritofGodhasbeenfinallywithdrawn；andthesataniczealwithwhichtheprinceofevilwillinspirethemfortheaccomplishmentofhismalignantdesigns，willbearthesemblanceofzealforGod。
AstheSabbathhasbecomethespecialpointofcontroversythroughoutChristendom，andreligiousandsecularauthoritieshavecombinedtoenforcetheobservanceoftheSunday，thepersistentrefusalofasmallminoritytoyieldtothepopulardemandwillmakethemobjectsofuniversalexecration。
Itwillbeurgedthatthefewwhostandinoppositiontoaninstitutionofthechurchandalawofthestateoughtnottobetolerated；thatitisbetterforthemtosufferthanforwholenationstobethrownintoconfusionandlawlessness。ThesameargumenteighteenhundredyearsagowasbroughtagainstChristbythe\"rulersofthepeople。\"\"Itisexpedientforus，\"saidthewilyCaiaphas，\"thatonemanshoulddieforthepeople，andthatthewholenationperishnot。\"John11:50。Thisargumentwillappearconclusive；
andadecreewillfinallybeissuedagainstthosewhohallowtheSabbathofthefourthcommandment，denouncingthemasdeservingoftheseverestpunishmentandgiving616
thepeopleliberty，afteracertaintime，toputthemtodeath。RomanismintheOldWorldandapostateProtestantismintheNewwillpursueasimilarcoursetowardthosewhohonorallthedivineprecepts。
ThepeopleofGodwillthenbeplungedintothosescenesofafflictionanddistressdescribedbytheprophetasthetimeofJacob’strouble。\"ThussaiththeLord:Wehaveheardavoiceoftrembling，offear，andnotofpeace……Allfacesareturnedintopaleness。Alas！forthatdayisgreat，sothatnoneislikeit:itiseventhetimeofJacob’strouble；butheshallbesavedoutofit。\"Jeremiah30:5-7。
Jacob’snightofanguish，whenhewrestledinprayerfordeliverancefromthehandofEsau(Genesis32:24-30)，representstheexperienceofGod’speopleinthetimeoftrouble。Becauseofthedeceptionpracticedtosecurehisfather’sblessing，intendedforEsau，Jacobhadfledforhislife，alarmedbyhisbrother’sdeadlythreats。Afterremainingformanyyearsanexile，hehadsetout，atGod’scommand，toreturnwithhiswivesandchildren，hisflocksandherds，tohisnativecountry。Onreachingthebordersoftheland，hewasfilledwithterrorbythetidingsofEsau’sapproachattheheadofabandofwarriors，doubtlessbentuponrevenge。
Jacob’scompany，unarmedanddefenseless，seemedabouttofallhelplessvictimsofviolenceandslaughter。Andtotheburdenofanxietyandfearwasaddedthecrushingweightofself-reproach，foritwashisownsinthathadbroughtthisdanger。HisonlyhopewasinthemercyofGod；hisonlydefensemustbeprayer。Yetheleavesnothingundoneonhisownparttoatoneforthewrongtohisbrotherandtoavertthethreateneddanger。SoshouldthefollowersofChrist，astheyapproachthetimeoftrouble，makeeveryexertiontoplacethemselvesinaproperlightbeforethepeople，todisarmprejudice，andtoavertthedangerwhichthreatenslibertyofconscience。
Havingsenthisfamilyaway，thattheymaynotwitnesshisdistress，JacobremainsalonetointercedewithGod。He617
confesseshissinandgratefullyacknowledgesthemercyofGodtowardhimwhilewithdeephumiliationhepleadsthecovenantmadewithhisfathersandthepromisestohimselfinthenightvisionatBethelandinthelandofhisexile。Thecrisisinhislifehascome；everythingisatstake。InthedarknessandsolitudehecontinuesprayingandhumblinghimselfbeforeGod。
Suddenlyahandislaiduponhisshoulder。Hethinksthatanenemyisseekinghislife，andwithalltheenergyofdespairhewrestleswithhisassailant。Asthedaybeginstobreak，thestrangerputsforthhissuperhumanpower；athistouchthestrongmanseemsparalyzed，andhefalls，ahelpless，weepingsuppliant，upontheneckofhismysteriousantagonist。
JacobknowsnowthatitistheAngelofthecovenantwithwhomhehasbeeninconflict。Thoughdisabledandsufferingthekeenestpain，hedoesnotrelinquishhispurpose。Longhasheenduredperplexity，remorse，andtroubleforhissin；nowhemusthavetheassurancethatitispardoned。Thedivinevisitantseemsabouttodepart；butJacobclingstoHim，pleadingforablessing。TheAngelurges，\"LetMego，forthedaybreaketh；\"butthepatriarchexclaims，\"IwillnotletTheego，exceptThoublessme。\"Whatconfidence，whatfirmnessandperseverance，areheredisplayed！Hadthisbeenaboastful，presumptuousclaim，Jacobwouldhavebeeninstantlydestroyed；buthiswastheassuranceofonewhoconfesseshisweaknessandunworthiness，yettruststhemercyofacovenant-keepingGod。
\"HehadpowerovertheAngel，andprevailed。\"Hosea12:4。Throughhumiliation，repentance，andself-surrender，thissinful，erringmortalprevailedwiththeMajestyofheaven。HehadfastenedhistremblinggraspuponthepromisesofGod，andtheheartofInfiniteLovecouldnotturnawaythesinner’splea。Asanevidenceofhistriumphandanencouragementtootherstoimitatehisexample，hisnamewaschangedfromonewhichwasareminderofhissin，toonethatcommemoratedhisvictory。AndthefactthatJacob618
hadprevailedwithGodwasanassurancethathewouldprevailwithmen。Henolongerfearedtoencounterhisbrother’sanger，fortheLordwashisdefense。
SatanhadaccusedJacobbeforetheangelsofGod，claimingtherighttodestroyhimbecauseofhissin；hehadmoveduponEsautomarchagainsthim；
andduringthepatriarch’slongnightofwrestling，SatanendeavoredtoforceuponhimasenseofhisguiltinordertodiscouragehimandbreakhisholduponGod。Jacobwasdrivenalmosttodespair；butheknewthatwithouthelpfromheavenhemustperish。Hehadsincerelyrepentedofhisgreatsin，andheappealedtothemercyofGod。Hewouldnotbeturnedfromhispurpose，butheldfasttheAngelandurgedhispetitionwithearnest，agonizingcriesuntilheprevailed。
AsSataninfluencedEsautomarchagainstJacob，sohewillstirupthewickedtodestroyGod’speopleinthetimeoftrouble。AndasheaccusedJacob，hewillurgehisaccusationsagainstthepeopleofGod。Henumberstheworldashissubjects；butthelittlecompanywhokeepthecommandmentsofGodareresistinghissupremacy。Ifhecouldblotthemfromtheearth，histriumphwouldbecomplete。Heseesthatholyangelsareguardingthem，andheinfersthattheirsinshavebeenpardoned；buthedoesnotknowthattheircaseshavebeendecidedinthesanctuaryabove。Hehasanaccurateknowledgeofthesinswhichhehastemptedthemtocommit，andhepresentsthesebeforeGodinthemostexaggeratedlight，representingthispeopletobejustasdeservingashimselfofexclusionfromthefavorofGod。HedeclaresthattheLordcannotinjusticeforgivetheirsinsandyetdestroyhimandhisangels。Heclaimsthemashispreyanddemandsthattheybegivenintohishandstodestroy。
AsSatanaccusesthepeopleofGodonaccountoftheirsins，theLordpermitshimtotrythemtotheuttermost。TheirconfidenceinGod，theirfaithandfirmness，willbeseverelytested。Astheyreviewthepast，theirhopessink；
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forintheirwholelivestheycanseelittlegood。Theyarefullyconsciousoftheirweaknessandunworthiness。Satanendeavorstoterrifythemwiththethoughtthattheircasesarehopeless，thatthestainoftheirdefilementwillneverbewashedaway。HehopessotodestroytheirfaiththattheywillyieldtohistemptationsandturnfromtheirallegiancetoGod。
ThoughGod’speoplewillbesurroundedbyenemieswhoarebentupontheirdestruction，yettheanguishwhichtheysufferisnotadreadofpersecutionforthetruth’ssake；theyfearthateverysinhasnotbeenrepentedof，andthatthroughsomefaultinthemselvestheywillfailtorealizethefulfillmentoftheSaviour’spromise:I\"willkeeptheefromthehouroftemptation，whichshallcomeuponalltheworld。\"Revelation3:10。Iftheycouldhavetheassuranceofpardontheywouldnotshrinkfromtortureordeath；butshouldtheyproveunworthy，andlosetheirlivesbecauseoftheirowndefectsofcharacter，thenGod’sholynamewouldbereproached。
Oneveryhandtheyheartheplottingsoftreasonandseetheactiveworkingofrebellion；andthereisarousedwithinthemanintensedesire，anearnestyearningofsoul，thatthisgreatapostasymaybeterminatedandthewickednessofthewickedmaycometoanend。ButwhiletheypleadwithGodtostaytheworkofrebellion，itiswithakeensenseofself-reproachthattheythemselveshavenomorepowertoresistandurgebackthemightytideofevil。TheyfeelthathadtheyalwaysemployedalltheirabilityintheserviceofChrist，goingforwardfromstrengthtostrength，Satan’sforceswouldhavelesspowertoprevailagainstthem。
TheyafflicttheirsoulsbeforeGod，pointingtotheirpastrepentanceoftheirmanysins，andpleadingtheSaviour’spromise:\"LethimtakeholdofMystrength，thathemaymakepeacewithMe；andheshallmakepeacewithMe。\"Isaiah27:5。Theirfaithdoesnotfailbecausetheirprayers620
arenotimmediatelyanswered。Thoughsufferingthekeenestanxiety，terror，anddistress，theydonotceasetheirintercessions。TheylayholdofthestrengthofGodasJacoblaidholdoftheAngel；andthelanguageoftheirsoulsis:\"IwillnotletTheego，exceptThoublessme。\"
HadnotJacobpreviouslyrepentedofhissininobtainingthebirthrightbyfraud，Godwouldnothaveheardhisprayerandmercifullypreservedhislife。So，inthetimeoftrouble，ifthepeopleofGodhadunconfessedsinstoappearbeforethemwhiletorturedwithfearandanguish，theywouldbeoverwhelmed；despairwouldcutofftheirfaith，andtheycouldnothaveconfidencetopleadwithGodfordeliverance。Butwhiletheyhaveadeepsenseoftheirunworthiness，theyhavenoconcealedwrongstoreveal。Theirsinshavegonebeforehandtojudgmentandhavebeenblottedout，andtheycannotbringthemtoremembrance。
SatanleadsmanytobelievethatGodwilloverlooktheirunfaithfulnessintheminoraffairsoflife；buttheLordshowsinHisdealingswithJacobthatHewillinnowisesanctionortolerateevil。Allwhoendeavortoexcuseorconcealtheirsins，andpermitthemtoremainuponthebooksofheaven，unconfessedandunforgiven，willbeovercomebySatan。Themoreexaltedtheirprofessionandthemorehonorablethepositionwhichtheyhold，themoregrievousistheircourseinthesightofGodandthemoresurethetriumphoftheirgreatadversary。ThosewhodelayapreparationforthedayofGodcannotobtainitinthetimeoftroubleoratanysubsequenttime。Thecaseofallsuchishopeless。
ThoseprofessedChristianswhocomeuptothatlastfearfulconflictunpreparedwill，intheirdespair，confesstheirsinsinwordsofburninganguish，whilethewickedexultovertheirdistress。TheseconfessionsareofthesamecharacteraswasthatofEsauorofJudas。Thosewhomakethem，lamenttheresultoftransgression，butnotitsguilt。Theyfeel621
notruecontrition，noabhorrenceofevil。Theyacknowledgetheirsin，throughfearofpunishment；but，likePharaohofold，theywouldreturntotheirdefianceofHeavenshouldthejudgmentsberemoved。
Jacob’shistoryisalsoanassurancethatGodwillnotcastoffthosewhohavebeendeceivedandtemptedandbetrayedintosin，butwhohavereturneduntoHimwithtruerepentance。WhileSatanseekstodestroythisclass，GodwillsendHisangelstocomfortandprotecttheminthetimeofperil。TheassaultsofSatanarefierceanddetermined，hisdelusionsareterrible；buttheLord’seyeisuponHispeople，andHisearlistenstotheircries。Theirafflictionisgreat，theflamesofthefurnaceseemabouttoconsumethem；
buttheRefinerwillbringthemforthasgoldtriedinthefire。God’sloveforHischildrenduringtheperiodoftheirseveresttrialisasstrongandtenderasinthedaysoftheirsunniestprosperity；butitisneedfulforthemtobeplacedinthefurnaceoffire；theirearthlinessmustbeconsumed，thattheimageofChristmaybeperfectlyreflected。
Theseasonofdistressandanguishbeforeuswillrequireafaiththatcanendureweariness，delay，andhunger——afaiththatwillnotfaintthoughseverelytried。Theperiodofprobationisgrantedtoalltoprepareforthattime。Jacobprevailedbecausehewasperseveringanddetermined。Hisvictoryisanevidenceofthepowerofimportunateprayer。AllwhowilllayholdofGod’spromises，ashedid，andbeasearnestandperseveringashewas，willsucceedashesucceeded。Thosewhoareunwillingtodenyself，toagonizebeforeGod，topraylongandearnestlyforHisblessing，willnotobtainit。WrestlingwithGod——howfewknowwhatitis！HowfewhaveeverhadtheirsoulsdrawnoutafterGodwithintensityofdesireuntileverypowerisonthestretch。Whenwavesofdespairwhichnolanguagecanexpresssweepoverthesuppliant，howfewclingwithunyieldingfaithtothepromisesofGod。
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Thosewhoexercisebutlittlefaithnow，areinthegreatestdangeroffallingunderthepowerofsatanicdelusionsandthedecreetocompeltheconscience。Andeveniftheyendurethetesttheywillbeplungedintodeeperdistressandanguishinthetimeoftrouble，becausetheyhavenevermadeitahabittotrustinGod。Thelessonsoffaithwhichtheyhaveneglectedtheywillbeforcedtolearnunderaterriblepressureofdiscouragement。
WeshouldnowacquaintourselveswithGodbyprovingHispromises。Angelsrecordeveryprayerthatisearnestandsincere。WeshouldratherdispensewithselfishgratificationsthanneglectcommunionwithGod。Thedeepestpoverty，thegreatestself-denial，withHisapproval，isbetterthanriches，honors，ease，andfriendshipwithoutit。Wemusttaketimetopray。Ifweallowourmindstobeabsorbedbyworldlyinterests，theLordmaygiveustimebyremovingfromusouridolsofgold，ofhouses，oroffertilelands。
TheyoungwouldnotbeseducedintosiniftheywouldrefusetoenteranypathsavethatuponwhichtheycouldaskGod’sblessing。IfthemessengerswhobearthelastsolemnwarningtotheworldwouldprayfortheblessingofGod，notinacold，listless，lazymanner，butferventlyandinfaith，asdidJacob，theywouldfindmanyplaceswheretheycouldsay:\"IhaveseenGodfacetoface，andmylifeispreserved。\"Genesis32:30。Theywouldbeaccountedofheavenasprinces，havingpowertoprevailwithGodandwithmen。
The\"timeoftrouble，suchasneverwas，\"issoontoopenuponus；andweshallneedanexperiencewhichwedonotnowpossessandwhichmanyaretooindolenttoobtain。Itisoftenthecasethattroubleisgreaterinanticipationthaninreality；butthisisnottrueofthecrisisbeforeus。
Themostvividpresentationcannotreachthemagnitudeoftheordeal。Inthattimeoftrial，everysoulmuststandforhimselfbeforeGod。\"ThoughNoah，Daniel，andJob\"wereintheland，\"asIlive，saiththeLordGod，theyshalldeliverneitherson623
nordaughter；theyshallbutdelivertheirownsoulsbytheirrighteousness。\"Ezekiel14:20。
Now，whileourgreatHighPriestismakingtheatonementforus，weshouldseektobecomeperfectinChrist。NotevenbyathoughtcouldourSaviourbebroughttoyieldtothepoweroftemptation。Satanfindsinhumanheartssomepointwherehecangainafoothold；somesinfuldesireischerished，bymeansofwhichhistemptationsasserttheirpower。ButChristdeclaredofHimself:\"Theprinceofthisworldcometh，andhathnothinginMe。\"John14:30。SatancouldfindnothingintheSonofGodthatwouldenablehimtogainthevictory。HehadkeptHisFather’scommandments，andtherewasnosininHimthatSatancouldusetohisadvantage。Thisistheconditioninwhichthosemustbefoundwhoshallstandinthetimeoftrouble。
Itisinthislifethatwearetoseparatesinfromus，throughfaithintheatoningbloodofChrist。OurpreciousSaviourinvitesustojoinourselvestoHim，touniteourweaknesstoHisstrength，ourignorancetoHiswisdom，ourunworthinesstoHismerits。God’sprovidenceistheschoolinwhichwearetolearnthemeeknessandlowlinessofJesus。TheLordiseversettingbeforeus，notthewaywewouldchoose，whichseemseasierandpleasantertous，butthetrueaimsoflife。Itrestswithustoco-operatewiththeagencieswhichHeavenemploysintheworkofconformingourcharacterstothedivinemodel。Nonecanneglectordeferthisworkbutatthemostfearfulperiltotheirsouls。
TheapostleJohninvisionheardaloudvoiceinheavenexclaiming:\"Woetotheinhabitersoftheearthandofthesea！forthedeviliscomedownuntoyou，havinggreatwrath，becauseheknoweththathehathbutashorttime。\"
Revelation12:12。Fearfularethesceneswhichcallforththisexclamationfromtheheavenlyvoice。ThewrathofSatanincreasesashistimegrowsshort，andhisworkofdeceitanddestructionwillreachitsculminationinthetimeoftrouble。
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Fearfulsightsofasupernaturalcharacterwillsoonberevealedintheheavens，intokenofthepowerofmiracle-workingdemons。Thespiritsofdevilswillgoforthtothekingsoftheearthandtothewholeworld，tofastenthemindeception，andurgethemontounitewithSataninhislaststruggleagainstthegovernmentofheaven。Bytheseagencies，rulersandsubjectswillbealikedeceived。PersonswillarisepretendingtobeChristHimself，andclaimingthetitleandworshipwhichbelongtotheworld’sRedeemer。TheywillperformwonderfulmiraclesofhealingandwillprofesstohaverevelationsfromheavencontradictingthetestimonyoftheScriptures。
Asthecrowningactinthegreatdramaofdeception，SatanhimselfwillpersonateChrist。ThechurchhaslongprofessedtolooktotheSaviour’sadventastheconsummationofherhopes。NowthegreatdeceiverwillmakeitappearthatChristhascome。Indifferentpartsoftheearth，Satanwillmanifesthimselfamongmenasamajesticbeingofdazzlingbrightness，resemblingthedescriptionoftheSonofGodgivenbyJohnintheRevelation。Revelation1:13-15。Theglorythatsurroundshimisunsurpassedbyanythingthatmortaleyeshaveyetbeheld。Theshoutoftriumphringsoutupontheair:\"Christhascome！Christhascome！\"Thepeopleprostratethemselvesinadorationbeforehim，whileheliftsuphishandsandpronouncesablessinguponthem，asChristblessedHisdiscipleswhenHewasupontheearth。Hisvoiceissoftandsubdued，yetfullofmelody。Ingentle，compassionatetoneshepresentssomeofthesamegracious，heavenlytruthswhichtheSaviouruttered；hehealsthediseasesofthepeople，andthen，inhisassumedcharacterofChrist，heclaimstohavechangedtheSabbathtoSunday，andcommandsalltohallowthedaywhichhehasblessed。
Hedeclaresthatthosewhopersistinkeepingholytheseventhdayareblaspheminghisnamebyrefusingtolistentohisangelssenttothemwithlightandtruth。Thisisthestrong，almostovermasteringdelusion。LiketheSamaritanswho625
weredeceivedbySimonMagus，themultitudes，fromtheleasttothegreatest，giveheedtothesesorceries，saying:Thisis\"thegreatpowerofGod。\"Acts8:10。
ButthepeopleofGodwillnotbemisled。TheteachingsofthisfalsechristarenotinaccordancewiththeScriptures。Hisblessingispronouncedupontheworshipersofthebeastandhisimage，theveryclassuponwhomtheBibledeclaresthatGod’sunmingledwrathshallbepouredout。
And，furthermore，SatanisnotpermittedtocounterfeitthemannerofChrist’sadvent。TheSaviourhaswarnedHispeopleagainstdeceptionuponthispoint，andhasclearlyforetoldthemannerofHissecondcoming。\"Thereshallarisefalsechrists，andfalseprophets，andshallshowgreatsignsandwonders；insomuchthat，ifitwerepossible，theyshalldeceivetheveryelect……Whereforeiftheyshallsayuntoyou，Behold，Heisinthedesert；gonotforth；behold，Heisinthesecretchambers；believeitnot。
Forasthelightningcomethoutoftheeast，andshinethevenuntothewest；
soshallalsothecomingoftheSonofmanbe。\"Matthew24:24-27，31；25:31；
Revelation1:7；1Thessalonians4:16，17。Thiscomingthereisnopossibilityofcounterfeiting。Itwillbeuniversallyknown——witnessedbythewholeworld。
OnlythosewhohavebeendiligentstudentsoftheScripturesandwhohavereceivedtheloveofthetruthwillbeshieldedfromthepowerfuldelusionthattakestheworldcaptive。BytheBibletestimonythesewilldetectthedeceiverinhisdisguise。Toallthetestingtimewillcome。BythesiftingoftemptationthegenuineChristianwillberevealed。ArethepeopleofGodnowsofirmlyestablisheduponHiswordthattheywouldnotyieldtotheevidenceoftheirsenses？Wouldthey，insuchacrisis，clingtotheBibleandtheBibleonly？Satanwill，ifpossible，preventthemfromobtainingapreparationtostandinthatday。Hewillsoarrangeaffairsastohedgeuptheirway，entanglethemwithearthlytreasures，causethemtocarryaheavy，wearisomeburden，that626
theirheartsmaybeoverchargedwiththecaresofthislifeandthedayoftrialmaycomeuponthemasathief。
AsthedecreeissuedbythevariousrulersofChristendomagainstcommandmentkeepersshallwithdrawtheprotectionofgovernmentandabandonthemtothosewhodesiretheirdestruction，thepeopleofGodwillfleefromthecitiesandvillagesandassociatetogetherincompanies，dwellinginthemostdesolateandsolitaryplaces。Manywillfindrefugeinthestrongholdsofthemountains。LiketheChristiansofthePiedmontvalleys，theywillmakethehighplacesoftheearththeirsanctuariesandwillthankGodfor\"themunitionsofrocks。\"Isaiah33:16。Butmanyofallnationsandofallclasses，highandlow，richandpoor，blackandwhite，willbecastintothemostunjustandcruelbondage。ThebelovedofGodpasswearydays，boundinchains，shutinbyprisonbars，sentencedtobeslain，someapparentlylefttodieofstarvationindarkandloathsomedungeons。Nohumanearisopentoheartheirmoans；nohumanhandisreadytolendthemhelp。
WilltheLordforgetHispeopleinthistryinghour？DidHeforgetfaithfulNoahwhenjudgmentswerevisitedupontheantediluvianworld？DidHeforgetLotwhenthefirecamedownfromheaventoconsumethecitiesoftheplain？
DidHeforgetJosephsurroundedbyidolatersinEgypt？DidHeforgetElijahwhentheoathofJezebelthreatenedhimwiththefateoftheprophetsofBaal？DidHeforgetJeremiahinthedarkanddismalpitofhisprisonhouse？
DidHeforgetthethreeworthiesinthefieryfurnace？orDanielinthedenoflions？
\"Zionsaid，TheLordhathforsakenme，andmyLordhathforgottenme。Canawomanforgethersuckingchild，thatsheshouldnothavecompassiononthesonofherwomb？yea，theymayforget，yetwillInotforgetthee。Behold，I
havegraventheeuponthepalmsofMyhands。\"Isaiah49:14-16。TheLordhostshassaid:\"HethattouchethyoutoucheththeappleofHiseye。\"
Zechariah2:8。
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Thoughenemiesmaythrustthemintoprison，yetdungeonwallscannotcutoffthecommunicationbetweentheirsoulsandChrist。Onewhoseestheireveryweakness，whoisacquaintedwitheverytrial，isaboveallearthlypowers；
andangelswillcometotheminlonelycells，bringinglightandpeacefromheaven。Theprisonwillbeasapalace；fortherichinfaithdwellthere，andthegloomywallswillbelightedupwithheavenlylightaswhenPaulandSilasprayedandsangpraisesatmidnightinthePhilippiandungeon。
God’sjudgmentswillbevisiteduponthosewhoareseekingtooppressanddestroyHispeople。Hislongforbearancewiththewickedemboldensmenintransgression，buttheirpunishmentisnonethelesscertainandterriblebecauseitislongdelayed。\"TheLordshallriseupasinMountPerazim，HeshallbewrothasinthevalleyofGibeon，thatHemaydoHiswork，Hisstrangework；andbringtopassHisact，Hisstrangeact。\"Isaiah28:21。ToourmercifulGodtheactofpunishmentisastrangeact。\"AsIlive，saiththeLordGod，Ihavenopleasureinthedeathofthewicked。\"Ezekiel33:11。
TheLordis\"mercifulandgracious，long-suffering，andabundantingoodnessandtruth，……forgivinginiquityandtransgressionandsin。\"YetHewill\"bynomeanscleartheguilty。\"TheLordisslowtoanger，andgreatinpower，andwillnotatallacquitthewicked。\"Exodus34:6，7；Nahum1:3。ByterriblethingsinrighteousnessHewillvindicatetheauthorityofHisdowntroddenlaw。TheseverityoftheretributionawaitingthetransgressormaybejudgedbytheLord’sreluctancetoexecutejustice。ThenationwithwhichHebearslong，andwhichHewillnotsmiteuntilithasfilledupthemeasureofitsiniquityinGod’saccount，willfinallydrinkthecupofwrathunmixedwithmercy。
WhenChristceasesHisintercessioninthesanctuary，theunmingledwraththreatenedagainstthosewhoworshipthebeastandhisimageandreceivehismark(Revelation14:9，10)，willbepouredout。TheplaguesuponEgyptwhenGodwasabouttodeliverIsraelweresimilarincharactertothose628
moreterribleandextensivejudgmentswhicharetofallupontheworldjustbeforethefinaldeliveranceofGod’speople。Saystherevelator，indescribingthoseterrificscourges:\"Therefellanoisomeandgrievoussoreuponthemenwhichhadthemarkofthebeast，anduponthemwhichworshipedhisimage。\"Thesea\"becameasthebloodofadeadman:andeverylivingsouldiedinthesea。\"And\"theriversandfountainsofwaters……becameblood。\"Terribleastheseinflictionsare，God’sjusticestandsfullyvindicated。TheangelofGoddeclares:\"Thouartrighteous，OLord，……
becauseThouhastjudgedthus。Fortheyhaveshedthebloodofsaintsandprophets，andThouhastgiventhembloodtodrink；fortheyareworthy。\"
Revelation16:2-6。BycondemningthepeopleofGodtodeath，theyhaveastrulyincurredtheguiltoftheirbloodasifithadbeenshedbytheirhands。InlikemannerChristdeclaredtheJewsofHistimeguiltyofallthebloodofholymenwhichhadbeenshedsincethedaysofAbel；fortheypossessedthesamespiritandwereseekingtodothesameworkwiththesemurderersoftheprophets。
Intheplaguethatfollows，powerisgiventothesun\"toscorchmenwithfire。Andmenwerescorchedwithgreatheat。\"Verses8，9。Theprophetsthusdescribetheconditionoftheearthatthisfearfultime:\"Thelandmourneth；……becausetheharvestofthefieldisperished……Allthetreesofthefieldarewithered:becausejoyiswitheredawayfromthesonsofmen。\"\"Theseedisrottenundertheirclods，thegarnersarelaiddesolate……Howdothebeastsgroan！theherdsofcattleareperplexed，becausetheyhavenopasture……Theriversofwateraredriedup，andthefirehathdevouredthepasturesofthewilderness。\"\"Thesongsofthetempleshallbehowlingsinthatday，saiththeLordGod:thereshallbemanydeadbodiesineveryplace；theyshallcastthemforthwithsilence。\"
Joel1:10-12，17-20；Amos8:3。
Theseplaguesarenotuniversal，ortheinhabitantsoftheearthwouldbewhollycutoff。Yettheywillbethemost629
awfulscourgesthathaveeverbeenknowntomortals。Allthejudgmentsuponmen，priortothecloseofprobation，havebeenmingledwithmercy。ThepleadingbloodofChristhasshieldedthesinnerfromreceivingthefullmeasureofhisguilt；butinthefinaljudgment，wrathispouredoutunmixedwithmercy。
Inthatday，multitudeswilldesiretheshelterofGod’smercywhichtheyhavesolongdespised。\"Behold，thedayscome，saiththeLordGod，thatI
willsendafamineintheland，notafamineofbread，norathirstforwater，butofhearingthewordsoftheLord:andtheyshallwanderfromseatosea，andfromthenortheventotheeast，theyshallruntoandfrotoseekthewordoftheLord，andshallnotfindit。\"Amos8:11，12。
ThepeopleofGodwillnotbefreefromsuffering；butwhilepersecutedanddistressed，whiletheyendureprivationandsufferforwantoffoodtheywillnotbelefttoperish。ThatGodwhocaredforElijahwillnotpassbyoneofHisself-sacrificingchildren。Hewhonumbersthehairsoftheirheadwillcareforthem，andintimeoffaminetheyshallbesatisfied。Whilethewickedaredyingfromhungerandpestilence，angelswillshieldtherighteousandsupplytheirwants。Tohimthat\"walkethrighteously\"isthepromise:\"Breadshallbegivenhim；hiswatersshallbesure。\"\"Whenthepoorandneedyseekwater，andthereisnone，andtheirtonguefailethforthirst，ItheLordwillhearthem，ItheGodofIsraelwillnotforsakethem。\"Isaiah33:15，16；41:17。
\"Althoughthefigtreeshallnotblossom，neithershallfruitbeinthevines；thelaboroftheoliveshallfail，andthefieldsshallyieldnomeat；theflockshallbecutofffromthefold，andthereshallbenoherdinthestalls；\"yetshalltheythatfearHim\"rejoiceintheLord\"andjoyintheGodoftheirsalvation。Habakkuk3:17，18。
\"TheLordisthykeeper:theLordisthyshadeuponthyrighthand。Thesunshallnotsmitetheebyday，northemoonbynight。TheLordshallpreservetheefromallevil:
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Heshallpreservethysoul。\"\"Heshalldelivertheefromthesnareofthefowler，andfromthenoisomepestilence。HeshallcovertheewithHisfathers，andunderHiswingsshaltthoutrust:Histruthshallbethyshieldandbuckler。Thoushaltnotbeafraidfortheterrorbynight；norforthearrowthatfliethbyday；norforthepestilencethatwalkethindarkness；
norforthedestructionthatwastethatnoonday。Athousandshallfallatthyside，andtenthousandatthyrighthand；butitshallnotcomenighthee。Onlywiththineeyesshaltthoubeholdandseetherewardofthewicked。BecausethouhastmadetheLord，whichismyrefuge，eventheMostHigh，thyhabitation；thereshallnoevilbefallthee，neithershallanyplaguecomenighthydwelling。\"Psalms121:5-7；91:3-10。
YettohumansightitwillappearthatthepeopleofGodmustsoonsealtheirtestimonywiththeirbloodasdidthemartyrsbeforethem。TheythemselvesbegintofearthattheLordhasleftthemtofallbythehandoftheirenemies。Itisatimeoffearfulagony。DayandnighttheycryuntoGodfordeliverance。Thewickedexult，andthejeeringcryisheard:\"Wherenowisyourfaith？WhydoesnotGoddeliveryououtofourhandsifyouareindeedHispeople？\"ButthewaitingonesrememberJesusdyinguponCalvary’scrossandthechiefpriestsandrulersshoutinginmockery:\"Hesavedothers；HimselfHecannotsave。IfHebetheKingofIsrael，letHimnowcomedownfromthecross，andwewillbelieveHim。\"Matthew27:42。LikeJacob，allarewrestlingwithGod。Theircountenancesexpresstheirinternalstruggle。Palenesssitsuponeveryface。Yettheyceasenottheirearnestintercession。
Couldmenseewithheavenlyvision，theywouldbeholdcompaniesofangelsthatexcelinstrengthstationedaboutthosewhohavekeptthewordofChrist’spatience。Withsympathizingtenderness，angelshavewitnessedtheirdistressandhaveheardtheirprayers。TheyarewaitingthewordoftheirCommandertosnatchthemfromtheirperil。Buttheymustwaityetalittlelonger。ThepeopleofGodmustdrink631
ofthecupandbebaptizedwiththebaptism。Theverydelay，sopainfultothem，isthebestanswertotheirpetitions。AstheyendeavortowaittrustinglyfortheLordtoworktheyareledtoexercisefaith，hope，andpatience，whichhavebeentoolittleexercisedduringtheirreligiousexperience。Yetfortheelect’ssakethetimeoftroublewillbeshortened。
\"ShallnotGodavengeHisownelect，whichcrydayandnightuntoHim？……
ItellyouthatHewillavengethemspeedily。\"Luke18:7，8。Theendwillcomemorequicklythanmenexpect。ThewheatwillbegatheredandboundinsheavesforthegarnerofGod；thetareswillbeboundasfagotsforthefiresofdestruction。
Theheavenlysentinels，faithfultotheirtrust，continuetheirwatch。
Thoughageneraldecreehasfixedthetimewhencommandmentkeepersmaybeputtodeath，theirenemieswillinsomecasesanticipatethedecree，andbeforethetimespecified，willendeavortotaketheirlives。Butnonecanpassthemightyguardiansstationedabouteveryfaithfulsoul。Someareassailedintheirflightfromthecitiesandvillages；buttheswordsraisedagainstthembreakandfallpowerlessasastraw。Othersaredefendedbyangelsintheformofmenofwar。
Inallages，GodhaswroughtthroughholyangelsforthesuccoranddeliveranceofHispeople。Celestialbeingshavetakenanactivepartintheaffairsofmen。Theyhaveappearedclothedingarmentsthatshoneasthelightning；theyhavecomeasmeninthegarbofwayfarers。AngelshaveappearedinhumanformtomenofGod。Theyhaverested，asifweary，undertheoaksatnoon。Theyhaveacceptedthehospitalitiesofhumanhomes。Theyhaveactedasguidestobenightedtravelers。Theyhave，withtheirownhands，kindledthefiresatthealtar。TheyhaveopenedprisondoorsandsetfreetheservantsoftheLord。Clothedwiththepanoplyofheaven，theycametorollawaythestonefromtheSaviour’stomb。
Intheformofmen，angelsareoftenintheassembliesof632
therighteous；andtheyvisittheassembliesofthewicked，astheywenttoSodom，tomakearecordoftheirdeeds，todeterminewhethertheyhavepassedtheboundaryofGod’sforbearance。TheLorddelightsinmercy；andforthesakeofafewwhoreallyserveHim，Herestrainscalamitiesandprolongsthetranquillityofmultitudes。LittledosinnersagainstGodrealizethattheyareindebtedfortheirownlivestothefaithfulfewwhomtheydelighttoridiculeandoppress。
Thoughtherulersofthisworldknowitnot，yetoftenintheircouncilsangelshavebeenspokesmen。Humaneyeshavelookeduponthem；humanearshavelistenedtotheirappeals；humanlipshaveopposedtheirsuggestionsandridiculedtheircounsels；humanhandshavemetthemwithinsultandabuse。Inthecouncilhallandthecourtofjusticetheseheavenlymessengershaveshownanintimateacquaintancewithhumanhistory；theyhaveprovedthemselvesbetterabletopleadthecauseoftheoppressedthanweretheirablestandmosteloquentdefenders。TheyhavedefeatedpurposesandarrestedevilsthatwouldhavegreatlyretardedtheworkofGodandwouldhavecausedgreatsufferingtoHispeople。Inthehourofperilanddistress\"theangeloftheLordencampethroundaboutthemthatfearHim，anddelivereththem。\"Psalm34:7。
Withearnestlonging，God’speopleawaitthetokensoftheircomingKing。Asthewatchmenareaccosted，\"Whatofthenight？\"theanswerisgivenunfalteringly，\"’Themorningcometh，andalsothenight。’Isaiah21:11，12。
Lightisgleaminguponthecloudsabovethemountaintops。SoontherewillbearevealingofHisglory。TheSunofRighteousnessisabouttoshineforth。
Themorningandthenightarebothathand——theopeningofendlessdaytotherighteous，thesettlingdownofeternalnighttothewicked。\"
AsthewrestlingonesurgetheirpetitionsbeforeGod，theveilseparatingthemfromtheunseenseemsalmostwithdrawn。Theheavensglowwiththedawningofeternalday，andlikethemelodyofangelsongsthewordsfalluponthe633
ear:\"Standfasttoyourallegiance。Helpiscoming。\"Christ，thealmightyVictor，holdsouttoHiswearysoldiersacrownofimmortalglory；andHisvoicecomesfromthegatesajar:\"Lo，Iamwithyou。Benotafraid。Iamacquaintedwithallyoursorrows；Ihaveborneyourgriefs。Youarenotwarringagainstuntriedenemies。Ihavefoughtthebattleinyourbehalf，andinMynameyouaremorethanconquerors。\"
ThepreciousSaviourwillsendhelpjustwhenweneedit。ThewaytoheavenisconsecratedbyHisfootprints。EverythornthatwoundsourfeethaswoundedHis。EverycrossthatwearecalledtobearHehasbornebeforeus。
TheLordpermitsconflicts，topreparethesoulforpeace。ThetimeoftroubleisafearfulordealforGod’speople；butitisthetimeforeverytruebelievertolookup，andbyfaithhemayseethebowofpromiseencirclinghim。
\"TheredeemedoftheLordshallreturn，andcomewithsinginguntoZion；andeverlastingjoyshallbeupontheirhead:theyshallobtaingladnessandjoy；andsorrowandmourningshallfleeaway。I，evenI，amHethatcomfortethyou:whoartthou，thatthoushouldestbeafraidofamanthatshalldie，andofthesonofmanwhichshallbemadeasgrass；andforgettesttheLordthyMaker；……andhastfearedcontinuallyeverydaybecauseofthefuryoftheoppressor，asifhewerereadytodestroy？andwhereisthefuryoftheoppressor？Thecaptiveexilehasteneththathemaybeloosed，andthatheshouldnotdieinthepit，northathisbreadshouldfail。ButIamtheLordthyGod，thatdividedthesea，whosewavesroared:
TheLordofhostsisHisname。AndIhaveputMywordsinthymouth，andI
havecoveredtheeintheshadowofMinehand。\"Isaiah51:11-16。
\"Thereforehearnowthis，thouafflicted，anddrunken，butnotwithwine:
ThussaiththyLordtheLord，andthyGodthatpleadeththecauseofHispeople，Behold，Ihavetakenoutofthinehandthecupoftrembling，eventhedregsofthecupofMyfury；thoushaltnomoredrinkitagain:butI
willputitintothehandofthemthatafflictthee；whichhavesaid634
tothysoul，Bowdown，thatwemaygoover:andthouhastlaidthybodyastheground，andasthestreet，tothemthatwentover。\"Verses21-23。
TheeyeofGod，lookingdowntheages，wasfixeduponthecrisiswhichHispeoplearetomeet，whenearthlypowersshallbearrayedagainstthem。Likethecaptiveexile，theywillbeinfearofdeathbystarvationorbyviolence。ButtheHolyOnewhodividedtheRedSeabeforeIsrael，willmanifestHismightypowerandturntheircaptivity。\"TheyshallbeMine，saiththeLordofhosts，inthatdaywhenImakeupMyjewels；andIwillsparethem，asamansparethhisownsonthatservethhim。\"Malachi3:17。IfthebloodofChrist’sfaithfulwitnesseswereshedatthistime，itwouldnot，likethebloodofthemartyrs，beasseedsowntoyieldaharvestforGod。Theirfidelitywouldnotbeatestimonytoconvinceothersofthetruth；fortheobduratehearthasbeatenbackthewavesofmercyuntiltheyreturnnomore。Iftherighteouswerenowlefttofallapreytotheirenemies，itwouldbeatriumphfortheprinceofdarkness。Saysthepsalmist:\"InthetimeoftroubleHeshallhidemeinHispavilion:inthesecretofHistabernacleshallHehideme。\"Psalm27:5。Christhasspoken:
\"Come，Mypeople，enterthouintothychambers，andshutthydoorsaboutthee:hidethyselfasitwereforalittlemoment，untiltheindignationbeoverpast。For，behold，theLordcomethoutofHisplacetopunishtheinhabitantsoftheearthfortheiriniquity。\"Isaiah26:20，21。GloriouswillbethedeliveranceofthosewhohavepatientlywaitedforHiscomingandwhosenamesarewritteninthebookoflife。
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Chapter40
God’sPeopleDeliveredWhentheprotectionofhumanlawsshallbewithdrawnfromthosewhohonorthelawofGod，therewillbe，indifferentlands，asimultaneousmovementfortheirdestruction。Asthetimeappointedinthedecreedrawsnear，thepeoplewillconspiretorootoutthehatedsect。Itwillbedeterminedtostrikeinonenightadecisiveblow，whichshallutterlysilencethevoiceofdissentandreproof。
ThepeopleofGod——someinprisoncells，somehiddeninsolitaryretreatsintheforestsandthemountains——stillpleadfordivineprotection，whileineveryquartercompaniesofarmedmen，urgedonbyhostsofevilangels，arepreparingfortheworkofdeath。Itisnow，inthehourofutmostextremity，thattheGodofIsraelwillinterposeforthedeliveranceofHischosen。
