VOLUME FOUR OF “THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BETWEEN CHRIST AND SATAN.” by George I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, December 2, 1884

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 61, No. 48

VOLUME FOUR OF “THE GREAT CONTROVERSY BETWEEN CHRIST AND SATAN.”

By George I. Butler

The last volume of this remarkable series is now before the public. We rejoice to welcome its appearance, as we have for years greatly desired to peruse it. We have just had the privilege of reading it through, and take pleasure in giving our impressions of it to the readers of the Review.

It is a high commendation, in view of the excellence of the three preceding volumes of the series, to say that Volume IV. equals them. But we can say without hesitation that it far excels them in interest to us. They relate to the past whose history is largely given in the Bible and other books. Much of this relates to the future.

Commencing at the destruction of Jerusalem, A. D. 70, it briefly relates the varying fortunes of God’s people in the pagan and papal persecutions, and clearly delineates the progress of apostasy from apostolic purity to Catholic corruption till the religion of Jesus was almost lost from the earth. Then it sets before us the first dawnings of reformation under Huss, Wycliffe, and others, relates the experience of the Waldenses and others who proved true while the masses were almost gone back to heathenism, then brings out in bold relief the prominent facts in the great Reformation under Luther and his fellow-laborers, and comes as rapidly forward to our own time, giving the prominent characteristics of religious life in each age.

These features are not presented in the form of a dry historical record; but they are all glowing with celestial light, and contain the most precious spiritual lessons, warning us against the most subtle temptations of the great enemy. The experiences of the past are made to teach the most important principles of spiritual instruction for our use in the evil days of the present.

But when we reach the present generation, when the advent messages began to be proclaimed, then the interest becomes still more intense. The work of Father Miller is set before us in a new light, and more clearly than ever before. The disappointment is clearly explained, the most interesting and striking circumstances are portrayed, the experiences of the pioneers in the third angel’s message are set before us, and the progress of the work given, reaching to the present period in our message.

From this point the future experience of God’s people is most graphically described. The forces of evil which Satan is arraying against the last warning message are most clearly delineated, and his cunning schemes are opened before us. Our dangers are pointed out. The conditions of success are made plain, and needed warnings are given. Step by step the mind is carried forward to the great culmination of all earthly history. The work of Spiritualism, and its connection with the popular religion of the day and with popery, is brought to view, and the steps already taken in this direction are made clear. The work of our government in this country and of Catholicism in the old world, in their preparation for the last great conflict, are given, together with the struggles of God’s people, in the pervading darkness, with all forms of error, and the final triumph of those who love and obey the truth.

The closing events of the world’s history are depicted in the most powerful manner. We have never seen anything which would equal these descriptions outside of the Bible. They stir one’s soul with powerful emotions, bringing eternal things very near, and giving the mind a most vivid conception of the closing events of the great controversy between good and evil. The series form a most valuable commentary upon the prophetic word, grouping together into one connected view the scattered expressions of Holy Writ relating to the end of all earthly things.

There are single chapters in this book which are invaluable. The one upon the origin of evil, the rebellion of Satan in heaven, and the dealings of God with him, is one of these. Here is a problem which has been unfathomable to the greatest minds. In a few pages such light is shed upon the subject that we are led to admire the wisdom of God, and clearly discern the character of evil and the importance of the plan of salvation.

The nature of sin, the importance and necessity of God’s law, the mercy of God, and the greatness of Christ’s love, are set before us in words of truth and soberness, of clearness and great power. It seems to me no one could read this volume without being made better by it. It is a volume no person could write without special help from God. Its value is not to be measured by dollars and cents. We earnestly advise all our own people to procure it. We urge them also to circulate it everywhere. We would gladly have it read by the most intelligent and highly educated in the land. It will exalt the truth and the importance of the work. Let it be circulated everywhere.

It can be obtained for $1.00 at the Signs Office, Oakland, Cal., and from the depositories of all our Tract Societies.

G. I. B.