It is not designed that these articles on the subject of Divine Healing shall be regarded as either exhaustive or argumentative. Their purpose is carefully to consider some of the fundamental principles underlying all true healing; and all true healing is divine healing. In this day and age of the world, when so many teachings, errors, and isms are going forth under the guise of divine healing, it is highly essential that every Bible student and lover of truth should become thoroughly acquainted with the foundation principles of health and disease, of sin and righteousness. We have to-day true science, and alongside of it “science” that is only “science falsely so-called.” And just so there is healing that is truly divine, but very often side by side with it may be discovered the teachings of a so-called healing that is false and deceptive, having its origin from beneath. That there is a true healing is evidenced not only by the many bogus healers and their counterfeit healing, but also by that hunger and thirst manifested by so many for truth and light on the subject of the healing of the soul and body.
The farmer faithfully and diligently tills his broad acres; otherwise he would not expect to receive a bountiful harvest at the reaping time. The energetic professional man cultivates his business during the major part of his waking hours; otherwise he would expect soon to go into bankruptcy. The artist spends long years in learning how to mix the different colors so as to bring out those wonderful effects which call forth the admiration of the multitudes. Likewise, those who engage in any calling or profession diligently sow for the harvest they expect to reap. But there are few who have the thought clearly and distinctly fixed in their minds that health must be sown for and cultivated with precisely the same diligence.
Health is not a matter of chance. Its acquirement is based upon laws of cause and effect, which are as eternal as God's own throne. Many a youth who has been reared in the city, if he should attempt to raise a crop of farm products, would not know the difference between pumpkin seeds and melon seeds; and so there are many who stumble along in life, even reaching the years of maturity, who actually give so little thought to the question of sowing for health that they are unable to recognize the “seeds of health,” which must be sown in order to reap its harvest. They expect somehow, somewhere, by accident or Providential interference, to stumble onto the proper things to do, and in the end they hope to be rewarded by gaining that inestimable treasure, good health, a harvest which, while greatly desired, they have never sown for. These same persons would not expect to be successful in business enterprises in which they manifested the same amount of presumption, carelessness, and indifference.
GOD WORKS THE MIRACLE OF HEALTH
God will bless every seed that is sown for health; but unfortunately the question of co-operation with God is treated by many, as by Naaman, with utter indifference, and a presumption that would seem startling if it were not that they are so sincere. They think, as did Naaman, that sooner or later God will, without any effort or response on their part, come to them, “and stand . . . and strike His hand over the place” of their disease, and thus they be able to stand forth in perfect health when a thousand fall on one side, and ten thousand on the other!
It is God who must work for us the miracle of health, whether it is accomplished in the twinkling of an eye, or whether it requires months or years; but the responsibility of having it performed always rests upon the human agent. “Having done all, to stand. Stand therefore.” Eph. 6:13, 14. But there is not a promise in all the Scripture that we shall stand either physically or spiritually unless we have done “all,” no matter how simple that “all” may be.
He who would reap a harvest of perfect health, should have a conscience void of offense toward God and man. He must appreciate the truth that every promise in the Bible is yea and amen to him. He must get a glimpse of how much of heaven he can obtain here below. He need not become one of the procession who appear like a band of crippled mourners journeying to the eternal city. The great miracle of physical and spiritual health is the gift of God, just as the crop of wheat or corn on the farmer’s soil. In every case the responsibility of having the miracle performed rests upon the human agent. We must plant the seed. Of course this would be an utterly useless task if it were not for the life-giving power that God places within the seed.
GOD THE CREATOR, MAN THE CO-OPERATOR
In order for God to impart to man the gift of both physical and spiritual health, hearty physical and spiritual co-operation on the part of the human agent is necessary. In a moral sense, many seek to do right simply because they fear they will be eternally lost if they do not. Likewise, some are willing to come into harmony, at least to a certain extent, with physical law because they have learned from sad experience that they must suffer if they do not. This is an entirely wrong motive for obedience. It is one so saturated with selfishness that God can not consistently reward it with the fullness of blessing. If a person with such a disposition were taken to heaven, he would sooner or later create dissatisfaction.
A mother may drag her child across the floor when it does not wish to go. It may pull back, and dig its heels into the carpet, and yet the mother may drag it along by main force; and so it is with those who give up wrong habits of living simply because of their unpleasant results. They yield obedience only when driven from the path of disobedience by the stern consequences of transgression. How much easier it would be for the mother to lead the child if it followed willingly. Likewise, how much more God can do for a man, both physically and spiritually, when he does right because it is right! In other words, “If there be first a willing mind” (2 Cor. 8:12); in which case God will restore the sufferer as rapidly as it is possible for his permanent good and for God’s glory.
SATAN’S DECEPTION
Satan is ever seeking to make it appear that man, when sowing for good, will never reap the harvest for which he is sowing; and on the other hand, when sowing for evil, somehow, at sometime, he may escape the disastrous harvest. To those who would gain the blessing of physical health and spiritual rest, the devil is constantly saying the very same thing, in effect, that he said to Christ on the mount of temptation: It is not necessary for you to go through this three and one-half years of patient, tedious, and often painful sowing in order to reap the harvest you seek—the reclamation of fallen man and the world on which he lives. It is not true that man reaps only what he sows. Bow down to my plan. Accept the shorter way,—the way that promises a reaping without a sowing,—and you may have this world now, right now.161
Thus did Satan reason with our Saviour, and thus does he reason with man to-day. He will tell you that it is not necessary to go through the taxing process of sowing for spiritual and physical health. He will tell you of a miraculous power abroad in the world, which can give health right away, independently of your physical habits or moral condition. Yes, you can have it “right away,” if you will only ignore the great truths of cause and effect, of sowing and reaping, and condescend to accept his perversion of the laws of God, and the heaven-born principles that spring from the divine statutes. Consequently, every apparent miracle the devil works is intended, first and last, to lead the human mind away from obedience to the laws of God.
This attempt at the evasion of the law of sowing and reaping is nothing more nor less than seeking to evade obedience to divine law. Those who look for and desire these miraculous manifestations more than they appreciate and practice the living principles of eternal truth are sure to be carried away with these miracle-working deceptions and perversions. Inspiration has clearly sounded two great warnings for the inhabitants of earth in the remnant of time: First, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Gal. 6:7. Second, “Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.”
The elect of God must be in possession of that discernment which will see beneath the surface of all miracles, and detect the real spirit of these workings which wear the garb of truth, but, being void of the spirit and flavor of truth, seek to establish their authenticity and authority by miracle working, signs, and lying wonders.
Leave the Future
“LEAVE the future; let it rest,
Simply on the Saviour’s will;
Leave the future; they are blest
Who, confiding, hoping still,
Trust His mercy
To provide for every want,
And to save from every ill.”
The Secret of Support in Trouble
“He that knows how to pray has the secret of support in trouble, and of relief from anxiety; the power of soothing every care, and filling the soul with entire trust and confidence for the future.”
A WORKER'S DREAM
I SAT down in an armchair, wearied with my work. The Church wore an aspect of thrift and prosperity. As for myself, I was joyous in my work. The whole community was more or less moved with the prevailing excitement, as the work went on. I soon lost myself in a sort of half-forgetfulness. A stranger entered the room, without any preliminary “tap” or “Come in.”
The stranger came toward me, and extending his hand, said, “How is your zeal?” I was quite well pleased with my zeal, and doubted not that the stranger would be when he should know its proportions. Instantly I put my hand into my bosom, brought it forth, and presented it to him for inspection. He took it, and placing it in his scale, weighed it carefully. “One hundred pounds!” I heard him say. I could scarcely suppress an audible note of satisfaction; but I caught his earnest look as he noted down the weight; and I saw that he had drawn no conclusion, but was intent on further investigation.
He broke the mass to atoms, put it in the crucible, and put the crucible into the fire. When the mass was thoroughly fused, he took it out, and set it down to cool. At the touch of the hammer, it fell apart. It was tested and weighed, the stranger making minute notes as the process went on. When he had finished, he presented the notes to me, with a look of mingled sorrow and compassion, as he left the room. I opened the “notes,” and read:—
ANALYSIS OF THE ZEAL OF A CANDIDATE FOR A CROWN OF GLORY
Bigotry ........................ 12 parts.
Personal ambition ................ 25 "
Love of praise ................... 23 "
Pride of talent .................. 18 "
Love of authority ................ 15 "
Love to God ...................... 4 "
Love to man ...................... 3 "
When I looked at the figures, my heart sank. At first I thought to dispute the correctness of the record. Suddenly it became a mirror, and I saw my heart reflected in it. The record was true. I cried out, “Lord, save me!” Kneeling down at my chair, with the paper in my hand, I besought God, with many tears, to save me from myself. With a cry of anguish I awoke. I was in great distress. I did not find rest, nor did I pause, till the refining fire came down and went through my heart, searching, probing, melting, burning, filling all its chambers with light, and hallowing my whole heart to God.
That light and that love are in my soul to-day; and when the toils and tears of my pilgrimage are ended, I expect to kneel at the feet of the divine Alchemist, and praise Him for the revelations of that day, which showed me where I stood, and turned my feet into a better way.
A PLEA FOR OUR GIRLS
By Belle Beck Gibson
BELLE BECK GIBSON
There lies before me a letter containing a command that I dare not disobey, “Work for the girls, Sister Gibson, work for the girls.” This is the cry that comes from one of these girls, for whom I, and every sister, yes, and brother, in our ranks must work as for eternity. We must redeem the time; for the days are indeed evil. Oh, that I could speak in a voice that would reach every one, in the interest of this important subject! My heart is greatly burdened with it; it is a work that has appealed to me since I was one of the girls, and saw and felt the necessity of a more determined and continuous effort to save these precious children of the Church.
The question is often asked, “Why is it that such a large per cent of Adventist girls grow up outside of the truth, with no interest in, nor regard for, it?” This is a question that deserves our serious thought and study. Why is it? I thank God now for the trials of my girlhood, which then seemed greater than I could bear, and which, but for God’s care and the influence of godly parents, I never could have borne; for they enabled me to enter into the sorrows and discouragements of the girls of to-day, as I never could have done without them.
In laboring for the youth of our churches, I have often, I may say always, had the same experience. They are easily melted, easily led, and respond readily up to a certain point; and when that is reached, all efforts are unavailing; they do not grow, hence will soon lose ground and fall into a formal, indifferent state. At first it puzzled me not a little, and I redoubled my efforts and prayers, but as, one by one, they came to me, privately, the secret was made known to me, and oh, the pity of it! The sin lay at the doors of the fathers and mothers, and older members of the Church. These children would not be raised above them. So they have lost the blessings they received, and have slowly, but too surely, drifted away, until I can now count one dozen girls who are making no profession at all, and seldom or never darken the doors of the church where they came so near the Lord and His mercy seat.
O brethren and sisters, let us awake! We are sleeping, unconscious of the sad fact that our precious girls, the purchase of our Saviour’s blood, are drifting, drifting, out on the sea of sin and death. Who will reach out a loving hand to draw them back? Who will clasp these erring children, these straying lambs, to their hearts, and say, “Forgive us, we knew not what we did. Come back, and let us start together in the path of truth, love, and mercy.”
I venture to say there is scarcely a girl, unless the delay has been too protracted, who would not relent; and if she knew there would be love, and prayers, and encouragement from the members of the Church, to welcome her, would come back into the fold once more. When one of these whose feet are slipping over the brink, does come back to attend services, through some lingering tenderness or for the sake of sister or mother, she is met by curious or half-averted glances, and whispers of, “Why, there is Susie Brown!” which reach the sharp, sensitive ears of the one mentioned, and spurs her to rebellion, and anger, and a determination “never to go back again, to be stared at and talked about.”
Now these things are facts, and should be dealt with as such. Why can not we older ones meet these girls with kind, simple greeting, neither noticing their long absence nor commenting upon it? Let them see God’s tender love shining in our faces, and feel it in our warm hand-clasp, or in the invitation to sit beside us or to visit us.
“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone.” Sin is sin, and we are told there are no degrees of sin; so are not we who are neglecting these lambs of the fold as guilty in the sight of God as they? We shall have all this to meet in the judgment. May God help us to face the situation now. In a recent Testimony we are told never to censure the wayward, but to lead them with love and tenderness to see a better way.
Many of us feel that if we could go to a foreign field to labor for perishing souls, we should do so gladly, while at our very doors is this work for our own girls, who are just as precious in the sight of God as are those in far-away fields; and we can not reach over this work to do some other, without being held accountable for that which we have neglected. Let us awake, let us be up and doing, with our hearts filled with the Spirit of God, and lifted to Him continually for wisdom, and for more of the tender love and mercy of Jesus in our lives. Without these, how are we to meet the question in the great day of the Lord, “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?”
THE ANGEL'S RECORD
By Mrs. E. R. Lewis
Is it true that in the courts of heaven,
Before the Father's throne,
A record stands of all our work,
Of every seed that's sown?
Then, what has been my sowing to-day?
What will the angel's record say?
Is it true they understand our thoughts,
And chronicle them with care?
Will that record fix our destiny
For glory or despair?
Have all my thoughts been pure to-day?
What will the angels' record say?
Yes, for each idle word we speak,
And every evil thought,
The Lord hath said that every one
Should be to judgment brought.
Then what have you been sowing to-day?
What would you have the angel say?
Yes, soon, ah, soon, in the clouds of heaven
The Judge shall be revealed!
The sentence passed by heaven's court
Can never be repealed.
Then, precious soul, make no delay;
Examine the seed you're sowing to-day.
—Mrs. E. R. Lewis.
LOSS AND GAIN
By Mrs. P. Alderman
MRS. P. ALDERMAN
Ever increasing is my little store
Of love—not sordid gold;
And home grows brighter as I near the shore
Where lies the peaceful fold.
Not as the world our Lord computeth loss;
He makes our loss all gain;
And gain is loss, and only sordid dross,
If Christ we do not claim.
Oh, what a bargain when we choose the world!
Lose life, and heaven, and love,—
Give, for the slight and transient joys of earth,
Our blissful home above.
GOOD LIFE, LONG LIFE
By Horatius Bonar
He liveth long who liveth well,
All else is but life flung away!
He liveth longest who can tell
Of true things truly done each day.
Then fill each hour with what will last;
Buy up the moments as they go.
The life above, when this is past,
Is the ripe fruit of life below.
Sow love, and taste its fruitage pure!
Sow peace, and reap its harvest bright!
Sow sunbeams on the rock and moor,
And find a harvest home of light!
— Horatius Bonar.
Trust Him
Susie Williams was a retiring, timid girl of twenty when she was married to Thomas Brown, a sturdy farmer boy of twenty-two. They had begun the Christian life early, and at the time of their marriage were both members of the Presbyterian Church. They at once decided to rear the family altar in their home, and have thanks returned at their table, though it was anything but the custom in the neighborhood in which they lived.
They soon had the opportunity of hearing the Wesleyan Methodists preach. And as they believed about the same that these did, with a few additional things, such as the plain dress, and they also were opposed to raising money to pay their minister and their church expenses by having socials, ice-cream parties, etc., Thomas and his wife decided to cast their lot with them. From their own study of the Word they were convinced that paying tithe is according to their Heavenly Father's plan; so they began at once. Not long after this they heard the Third Angel's Message, and although they fought it at first, they did it honestly; and when they were convinced of the truth, it was with a whole heart that they accepted it. As with others, on receiving this truth their great desire was to take it to those who knew it not. They firmly believed that any one who would investigate it would accept it.
The canvassing work was just beginning, and Thomas decided that this was the work for him; and although he very much disliked to leave his happy home and his timid little wife and baby boys, he could believe nothing else than that the Lord was calling him. They talked it all over together, and decided that this was the work for him. He was soon ready to take his departure. Mrs. Brown managed to keep back the tears until he was gone, and then she gave way to her feelings; and as baby Burt was asleep and Charlie at play, she prayed and cried, but finally told the Lord that she would give her husband to Him and His work if she might only have wisdom to raise her darling boys aright. Yet she often felt lonely, and longed to hear her husband's merry whistle, which had so often told of his home coming.
She decided to take her children one fine afternoon and call on her friends, and perhaps she would receive some words of encouragement; but these were the words that greeted her at every place, "So you are a widow now." "Shouldn't have thought Tom would have left you alone this time of year." "Does he think that he can make a living selling books?" "I tried canvassing once, but found it hard work and poor pay." Too timid to defend her husband and his work, she went home feeling that they did not understand.
Not long after this the Seventh-day Adventist minister and his wife were coming to the neighborhood; and Mrs. Brown invited them to make her home theirs while there, hoping to receive encouragement from them. The first evening was spent very pleasantly indeed; but just before retiring, Sister C. said: "What a pity you have the children, and can not go with your husband. It is lonely for you to live this way." "The children are very dear to me," said Mrs. Brown, "and we think it much better for them to have a settled home." "Yes," said Sister C., "but I have decided to stay close by my husband; for I do not think Eve would have sinned if she had not wandered from Adam."
When they had retired for the night, Mrs. Brown once more gave way to her feelings—not with a feeling of rebellion in her heart, but with resignation and thankfulness that she had one Friend in whom she could trust, One who knew all things, and would sympathize in all her trouble. So again she gave her all to the Lord, and asked wisdom to rear her little ones aright. More than twelve years have passed, and Tom is still in the canvassing work. The boys have grown to sturdy fellows, and Mrs. Brown still feels the loss of her husband; but she is glad that he has been able to spend so many years in the Lord's work, and that they have not been separated by the cruel hand of death. She has learned from whom she can get sympathy and help, and her prayer still is for wisdom to direct the boys aright.
MOCK TURKEY
THE following has been given us by a sister who knows what it is to get along without having everything she would like to do with, and we are glad to print it for the help of other sisters similarly situated:—
Toast some bread brown, then roll it until it is like granola. Mash some thoroughly cooked beans. After the bread is rolled, all the boiling water it will absorb should be poured on it, but do not use enough to make it soggy. Mix about equal parts of bread and beans, although it is well to use a little more bread than beans. Take two well-beaten eggs, a small onion chopped, mix thoroughly with the bread and beans, salt to taste, and spread in a pan, and roast. Make a dressing of milk and flour to place over the top, in order to keep it from becoming too crusty.
When the roast is sliced, it looks much like meat, and I know of nothing better to take the place of meat. This is something that every Seventh-day Adventist woman can make. Peas may be used in place of beans if desired, and sage may also be added. Instead of roasting, it may be cut in thin slices, and fried with a little butter. When thus prepared, it is called Vegetable Chicken.
REQUESTS FOR PRAYER.
An afflicted sister requests prayer for her father, mother, and son, who are not in the truth.
A sister who is in deep trial requests prayer for one of her family, who has given up the truth, that he may be reclaimed, and that she may have strength to endure to the end, and wisdom to take just the course that will be pleasing to God.
“I write to ask an interest in your prayers. Pray that my husband may accept all truth for these times,108that he may realize the solemn times in which we are living, and that he may consecrate himself to the service of the Master. Pray also for his mother, who is taking an interest in the Sabbath question; and pray for me, that I may always be faithful.”
A sister requests prayer for her husband and her sister-in-law, who were both raised in the truth; but soon after the death of their mother they gave it up. The sister-in-law has secretly used tobacco for many years, and this stands between her and Christ.
A sister requests prayer for her sister, who is one of the survivors of the Galveston catastrophe. She had a narrow escape, but now speaks of it as a light thing. Pray that she may give her heart to God before the soon-coming great and dreadful day of the Lord.
“I plead for prayers for my family, and for myself, that in my life my family may see something Christlike. I have three boys, and I feel especially anxious about the oldest one. It is only God who can keep him. My heart will break if my boys follow in the footsteps of their father, who drinks. Pray as you never prayed before, sisters.”
EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE
I HAVE had poor health for many years, and have been a slave to patent medicines; but after learning it was wrong to use them, I desired to leave them off; and after hearing of Sister Henry’s wonderful experience of healing, I thought that I might also be healed. She wrote me a very kind letter. Time moved on for nearly a year, during which I had my hopes and fears, but was not healed. But for three months I have taken no drugs, have wanted none, and have gained in flesh. I have no pains nor aches in my body, and am doing the work for myself and husband. Some say it is a wonder. I praise the Lord for what He has done for me. I hope these lines may reach the eye of some poor soul like myself, and that they may encourage him to wait and trust in the Lord.
The help I get from the short sketches of practical experience in this department is more than words can tell. I am now living among French people. There are only six English-speaking Protestant families here, and we can not speak French, so it is rather lonely; but Jesus is with us. My husband and I teach a Sunday-school of about seventeen pupils, and enjoy it much. I am trying to get acquainted with the French, with the view of putting some of our literature into their hands. We have not been here long, but we love God’s precious truth, and mean to do what we can to advance it.
I well remember when I was led to this precious truth—for I went to it, instead of its coming to me. I picked up a tract, entitled “Sunday Not the Sabbath.” I was then doing housework in an Eastern city, a stranger in a strange land. I received the light on Wednesday, and kept the next Sabbath. I praise the Lord that I immediately found fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters; and ever since, my controlling desire has been to scatter the precious truth so that others will see it.
It was in 1885 when I found the truth, and I remained with those of like faith for about six months, when I returned to my native land, bringing a quantity of our publications with me, and an outfit for canvassing. This was an entirely new experience for me. I had taught school in several country settlements, and I determined to revisit them, and circulate the truth. Accordingly, after the home greetings, I started on a journey of thirty miles, passing through wilderness places, clearings, and settlements. I took supplies of tracts, but was strongly impressed that I should sell “Great Controversy.” I had good success, and the Lord was with me. I often hung up the prophetic chart, and gave a Bible talk, and the people were much interested. My health was not very good, but the Lord gave me strength for each day. Once I had to go nine miles through a timbered district, and when about half-way through, I had an interesting experience with some persons who were getting hay from an old farm. They gave me a lunch, and I gave them some tracts. I had a glorious experience in the Lord on this trip, and sold about thirty dollars’ worth of books.
I write this sketch of my experience to encourage the young women, and especially the girls, who often feel that they can not go out and give the truth to the people as men can. But I know that God has a work for women and girls. We must not sit down at ease, or the blood of souls will be required at our hands. There are few of us indeed who do not have some spare time in which we can visit a neighbor, or scatter literature. I am doing nearly all the work, including part of the sewing and knitting, as well as nearly all the housework, for a family of five; and I find time to help a poor sick neighbor, or in some other way to spread the truth, and in return I receive great showers of blessing. May the Lord help us all to awake out of sleep, and work as never before, “for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”
The Home of the Saved
By Mrs. E. R. Lewis
There's a beautiful haven, a home of delight,
Where sorrows ne'er enter, nor shadows of night,
But all things are perfect, resplendent in light,
In that beautiful home of the saved.
Rev. 21:25.
There's a beautiful river, by faith I see,
Whose sweet, crystal waters now boundless and free,
Neath the evergreen boughs of that life-giving tree,
In that beautiful home of the saved.
Rev. 22:1.
There are beautiful mansions awaiting us there,
The great Master Builder has gone to prepare,
In the grandeur of earth there is naught to compare
With that beautiful home of the saved.
John 14:3.
The redeemed of the Lord in their garments of white
Shall join in glad anthems with angels of light,
And the praise of their Maker, their chiefest delight,
In that beautiful home of the saved.
Rev. 7:9.
From loftiest mountain, or verdure-clad plain,
I hear the sweet echo repeat the refrain;
For this blood-purchased land will forever remain
The beautiful home of the saved.
Isa. 66:22.
In the closing part of Revelation 13 John saw the Church brought into deadly conflict with the Beast and his Image, and the worship of that Beast enforced on pain of death. But looking beyond the smoke and din of battle, he beholds, in the first four verses of chapter 14, the company of the believers upon Mount Zion, with the Lamb, having, instead of the mark of the Beast, the “Father’s name written in their foreheads.” They all had harps, and were singing a song that no one could learn but the one hundred and forty-four thousand. As to who they are, and from what period of the world’s history they came, there is no question; for the record says they “were redeemed from the earth.” “These were redeemed from among men.” Enoch and Elijah are the only ones who have ever been translated from the earth. But here is a company translated from among men—not from their graves, but from among men. There is but one such company referred to in the Scriptures, and they are the ones caught up with the innumerable company who are taken up from their graves. I Thess. 4:17; 1 Cor. 15:51. These “follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.” There is no guile found in their mouth; for they are without fault before the throne of God. Verse 5; Zeph. 3:12, 13.
These have been educated and disciplined in trial. They lived out an unpopular truth. They were purified in the furnace of affliction. For the truth’s sake they endured opposition, hatred, calumny. They endured self-denial and bitter disappointments. They “have come from garrets, from hovels, from dungeons, from scaffolds, from mountains, from deserts, from the caves of the earth, from the caverns of the sea. On earth they were destitute, afflicted, tormented.” But now they are beyond the reach of Satan and his emissaries.
The warning of verses 6 and 7 is significant. By the purity, the glory, and the power of an angel from heaven, God represents the character of the work of this message. And the angel’s flight “in the midst of heaven,” the “loud voice” with which the warning is uttered, and the promulgation to all “that dwell on the earth,” “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (verse 6), give evidence of the rapidity and extent of the movement. The message of salvation has been preached in all ages; but this message is a part of the gospel which could be proclaimed only in the last days; for only then would it be true that the hour of judgment had come. The prophecies present a succession of events leading down to the opening of the judgment. This is especially true of the book of Daniel. But that part of the prophecies that relates to the last days, Daniel was bidden to close up and seal till “the time of the end.” Dan. 12:4. Not until we reach this time could a message concerning the judgment be proclaimed, based on a fulfillment of these prophecies. But at the time of the end, says the prophet, “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” The great apostle to the Gentiles preached that the day of judgment would come (Acts 24:25); but this message is, “The hour of His judgment IS come.” The prophecies of Daniel formed the bases of this proclamation. It culminated in A. D. 1844.
“As the churches refused to receive the First Angel’s Message, they rejected the light from heaven, and fell from the favor of God. They trusted to their own strength, and by opposing the first message placed themselves where they could not see the light of the Second Angel’s Message. But the beloved of God, who were oppressed, accepted the message, ‘Babylon is fallen,’ and left the churches.
“Near the close of the Second Angel’s Message I saw a great light from heaven shining upon the people of God. The rays of light seemed bright as the sun. And I heard the voices of angels crying, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him! This was the midnight cry, which was to give power to the Second Angel’s Message. . . . In every part of the land, light was given upon the Second Angel’s Message, and the cry melted the hearts of thousands. It went from city to city, and from village to village, until the waiting people of God were fully aroused. In many churches the message was not permitted to be given, and a large company who had the living testimony left these fallen churches. . . . The message was heart-searching, leading the believers to seek a living experience for themselves. They knew that they could not lean upon one another.”—“Early Writings,” pages 101, 102.
It would be impossible to frame words so that the reader would form any correct idea of those times. Thousands upon thousands left the churches, and looked for the Lord. It was the sweet experience referred to in chap. 10:9, 10. Prophecy was fulfilled, but the Lord did not come. A more solemn message was to be proclaimed—the Third Angel’s Message. Rev. 14:9-12.
“As the ministration of Jesus closed in the holy place, and He passed into the holiest, and stood before the ark containing the law of God, He sent another mighty angel with a third message to the world. A parchment was placed in the angel’s hand, and as he descended to earth in power and majesty, he proclaimed a fearful warning, with the most terrible threatening ever borne to man.”—“Early Writings,” page 116. Read the entire article on The Third Angel’s Message. Those who neglect or reject this solemn warning will not only drink of the unmixed wrath of God contained in the seven vials poured out in the seven last plagues, but will also go into the lake of fire at the end of the one thousand years. In the loud cry of the loud cry, which the Church is now entering, the message of Rev. 18:1-5 will be given. It will be the last call this world will ever hear. It is a warning against worshiping the Beast and his Image. It is the last struggle the people of God will have in this world. The precious will be separated from the vile by the truth this message contains. The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus is the platform of the people of God in these times. To-day mercy lingers. Soon it will be too late. Reader, shall you and I be prepared to be sheltered in the day of God?