Time of Trouble [including Jacob’s Trouble]

About four months since I had a vision of events all in the future. I saw the TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was. JESUS told me it was the TIME OF JACOB’S TROUBLE, and that we should be delivered out of it by the VOICE of GOD. Then I saw the four angels cease to hold the four winds. And I saw famine, pestilence and sword–nation rose against nation, and the whole world was in confusion. Then we cried to GOD day and night for deliverance, until we began to hear the bells on JESUS’ garment. And I saw JESUS rise up in the HOLIEST, and as he came out we heard the tinkling of the bells and knew that our High Priest was coming out. Then we heard the VOICE of GOD which shook the heavens and the earth, and gave the 144,000 the day and hour of JESUS coming. Then the SAINTS were free, united, and full of the GLORY of GOD, for he has turned their captivity. And I saw a flaming cloud come where JESUS’ stood. Then JESUS laid off his priestly garment and put on his Kingly robe, and took his place on the cloud which carried him to the East, where it first appeared to the SAINTS on earth–a small black cloud which was the sign of the SON of MAN. While the cloud was passing from the HOLIEST to the East, which took a number of days, the synagogue of Satan worshipped at the SAINT’S feet. {Broadside1, April 6, 1846 par. 8} {DS, March 14, 1846 par. 2}

This, will be the TROUBLE, (Jeremiah 30:5-8) out of which, the SAINTS will be delivered by the VOICE of GOD. {WLF 12.7 1847}

And I saw that if GOD had changed the SABBATH, from the seventh to the first day, He would have changed the writing of the SABBATH COMMANDMENT, written on the tables of stone, which are now in the ark, in the MOST HOLY PLACE of the TEMPLE in heaven; [Revelation 11:19.] and it would read thus: the first day is the SABBATH of the LORD thy GOD. But I saw that it read the same as when written on the tables of stone by the FINGER of GOD, and delivered to Moses in Sinai, “But the SEVENTH DAY is the SABBATH of the LORD thy GOD.” [Exodus 20:10.] I saw that the HOLY SABBATH is, and will be, the separating wall between the true Israel of GOD and unbelievers; and that the SABBATH is the great question, to unite the hearts of GOD’S DEAR WAITING SAINTS. And if one believed, and kept the SABBATH, and received the blessing attending it, and then gave it up, and broke the holy COMMANDMENT, they would shut the gates of the Holy City against themselves, as sure as there was a GOD that rules in heaven above. I saw that GOD had children, who do not see and KEEP the SABBATH. They had not rejected the light on it. And at the commencement of the TIME OF TROUBLE, we were filled with the HOLY GHOST as we went forth [Hosea 6:2, 3.] and proclaimed the SABBATH more fully. This enraged the church, and nominal Adventists, as they could not refute the SABBATH TRUTH. And at this time, GOD’S CHOSEN, all saw clearly that we had the truth, and they came out and endured the persecution with us. And I saw the sword, famine, pestilence, and great confusion in the land. [Ezekiel 7:10-19. 2 ESDRAS 15:5-27] The wicked thought that we had brought the judgments down on them. They rose up and took counsel to rid the earth of us, thinking that then the evil would be stayed. [2 ESDRAS 16:68-74.] {WLF 18.4 1847}

I saw all that “would not receive the mark of the Beast, and of his Image, in their foreheads or in their hands,” could not buy or sell. [Revelation 13:15-17.] I saw that the number (666) of the Image Beast was made up; [Revelation 13:18.] and that it was the Beast that changed the SABBATH, and the Image Beast had followed on after, and kept the Pope’s, and not GOD’S SABBATH. And all we were required to do, was to give up GOD’S SABBATH, and keep the Pope’s, and then we should have the mark of the Beast, and of his image. {WLF 19.1 1847}

In the TIME OF TROUBLE, we all fled from the cities and villages, [Ezekiel 7:15, 16. Luke 17:30-36. SEE CAMPBELL’S TRANSLATION.] but were pursued by the wicked, who entered the houses of the SAINTS with the sword. They raised the sword to kill us, but it broke, and fell, as powerless as a straw. Then we all cried day and night for deliverance, and the cry came up before GOD. [Luke 18:7,8.] The sun came up, and the moon stood still. [Habakkuk 3:11.] The streams ceased to flow. [2 ESDRAS 6:24.] Dark heavy clouds came up, and clashed against each other. [2 ESDRAS 15:34,35.] But there was one clear place of settled glory, from whence came the VOICE of GOD like many waters, which shook the heavens, and the earth. [Joel 3:16. Hebrews 12:25-27.] The sky opened and shut, and was in commotion. [Revelation 6:14. Matthew 24:29.] The mountains shook like a reed in the wind, and cast out ragged rocks all around. The sea boiled like a pot, and cast out stones upon the land. [Habakkuk 3:8-10. Isaiah 2:19-21.] And as GOD spoke the day and hour of JESUS’ coming, [Ezekiel 12:25. Mark 13:32.] and delivered the everlasting COVENANT to HIS PEOPLE, [Ezekiel 20:37. Hebrews 12:22-25.] He spoke one sentence, and then paused, while the words were rolling through the earth! [Jeremiah 25:30, 31.] The Israel of GOD stood with their eyes fixed upwards, listening to the words as they came from the mouth of JEHOVAH, and rolled through the earth like peals of loudest thunder! It was awfully solemn. At the end of every sentence, the SAINTS shouted, Glory! Hallelujah! Their countenances were lighted up with the GLORY of GOD; and they shone with the glory as Moses’ face did when he came down from Sinai. The wicked could not look on them, for the glory. [Song of Solomon 5:1-5.] And when the never ending blessing was pronounced on those who had honored GOD, in KEEPING HIS SABBATH HOLY, there was a mighty shout of victory over the Beast, and over his Image. {WLF 19.2 1847}

The TIME OF TROUBLE has commenced, it is begun. The reason why the four winds have not let go, is because the SAINTS are not all sealed. It’s on the increase, and will increase more and more; the trouble will never end until the earth is rid of the wicked. {Ms1-1848}

Yea, publish the things thou hast seen and heard, and the BLESSING of GOD will attend. Look ye! that rising is in strength, and grows brighter and brighter. That truth is the seal, that’s why it comes last. The shut door we have had. GOD has taught and taught, but that experience is not the seal, and that COMMANDMENT that has been trodden under foot will be exalted. And when ye get that you will go through the TIME OF TROUBLE. {Ms1-1848}

I saw a COVERING that GOD was drawing over HIS PEOPLE to protect them in the TIME OF TROUBLE, and every soul that was decided upon the truth was to be COVERED with this COVERING of ALMIGHTY GOD. Satan knew this and was also at work in mighty power. I saw that the mysterious knocking in New York was the power of Satan clothed in a religious garb to lull the deceived to more security and to draw the minds of GOD’S PEOPLE to look at that and cause them to doubt the TEACHINGS of GOD among HIS PEOPLE. {Lt5-1849}

I saw that Satan was at work in these ways to distract, draw away, and deceive GOD’S PEOPLE just now in this sealing time more than ever before. I saw some who were not standing stiffly, their knees were trembling, their feet were sliding, because they were not planted firmly on present truth, and the COVERING of ALMIGHTY GOD would not be drawn over them. While they were thus trembling Satan was trying his every art to hold them where they were until the sealing was over and the COVERING drawn over GOD’S PEOPLE, and they left out without protection in the time of slaughter. GOD has begun to draw this COVERING over HIS PEOPLE, therefore it will very soon be drawn over all of those who are to have a shelter in the TIME OF TROUBLE or day of the Lord. {Lt5-1849}

Bless GOD the prayer of faith will bring the dew of heaven and our souls will be watered by it. Hold on to faith, let your feelings be what they will. O, how my soul feels for the FLOCK of GOD. I long to be out among them. I often awake myself CRYING to GOD’S PEOPLE to get ready, get ready that the CLOAK of ALMIGHTY GOD may be thrown around them and they be hid in the TIME OF TROUBLE. I shall be deprived [of] the privilege of meeting with you in conference. I feel the privation but the will of the Lord be done. My heart and mind will be there, and my prayers shall be for you that GOD would work among you. {Lt8-1849}

I saw that our adversaries had been trying to open the door in the outer apartment and to close the door in the inner apartment where the ARK is containing the TWO TABLETS of STONE on which were written the TEN COMMANDMENTS by GOD’S OWN FINGER. I saw that Satan was using every device in this time to keep the minds of GOD’S PEOPLE from present truth and cause them to waver. I saw a COVERING that GOD was drawing over HIS PEOPLE to protect them in the TIME OF TROUBLE, and every soul that was decided on the truth was to be COVERED with this COVERING of ALMIGHTY GOD. Satan knew this and was also at work in mighty power. {Ms1-1849}

At the commencement of the HOLY SABBATH (Jan. 5) I was taken off in vision to the MOST HOLY PLACE, where I saw JESUS still interceding for Israel. On the bottom of His garment was a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate. Then I saw that JESUS would not leave the MOST HOLY PLACE until every case was decided, either for salvation or destruction. I saw that the wrath of GOD could not come until JESUS had finished His work in the MOST HOLY PLACE, laid off His priestly attire, and clothed Himself with the garments of vengeance. Then JESUS will step out from between the Father and man, and GOD will keep silent no longer, but pour out His wrath on those who have rejected His truth. I saw that the anger of the nations, the wrath of GOD, and the time to judge the dead, were separate events, one following the other. I saw that Michael had not stood up, and that the TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was, had not yet commenced. I saw that the nations are now getting angry, but when our High Priest has finished His work in the SANCTUARY, then He will stand up, put on the garments of vengeance, and then will the seven last plagues be poured out. {Ms2-1849}

I saw the state of some who professed to stand on present truth, but disregarded the visions—the way GOD had chosen to teach, in some cases, those who erred from BIBLE TRUTH. I saw that in striking against the visions, they did not strike against the worm,—the feeble instrument that GOD spoke through, but against the HOLY GHOST. I saw it was a small thing to speak against the instrument, but it was dangerous to slight the WORDS of GOD. I saw if they were in error and GOD chose to show them their errors through visions, and they disregarded the TEACHINGS of GOD through visions, they would be left to take their own way, and run in the way of error, and think they were right until they would find it out too late. Then in the TIME OF TROUBLE I heard them CRY to GOD in agony—why didst Thou not show us our wrong, that we might have gotten right, and ready for this time. Then an angel pointed to them, and said—my Father taught but you would not be instructed. He spoke through visions but you disregarded His voice, and He gave you up to your own ways to be filled with your own doings. {Ms2-1849}

The Lord has shown me in vision that it is contrary to the BIBLE to make any preparations for our temporal wants in the TIME OF TROUBLE. I saw that if the SAINTS have food laid up by them, or in the fields in that TIME OF TROUBLE, when sword, famine and pestilence is in the land, it will be taken from them by violent hands. {Ms3-1849}

Then will be the time for us to TRUST in GOD, and He will sustain us. I saw that our bread and water would be sure at that time and we shall not lack or suffer hunger. The Lord has shown me that some of His children would fear when they see the price of food rising, and they would buy food and lay it by for the TIME OF TROUBLE. Then in the time of need I saw them go to their food and look at it and it had bred worms, and was full of living creatures and not fit for use. {Ms3-1849}

About one week since the Lord showed me in vision that houses and lands will be of no use in the TIME OF TROUBLE; and that in that time they could not be disposed of. I saw that it was the WILL of GOD that the SAINTS should cut loose from every encumbrance, dispose of their houses and lands before the TIME OF TROUBLE comes, and thus make a COVENANT with GOD by sacrifice. I saw they would sell if they laid their property on the ALTAR and earnestly inquired for duty. GOD will teach them when to dispose of these things. Then they will be free in the TIME OF TROUBLE and have no clogs to weigh them down. {Ms3-1849}

I also saw that GOD had not required all of HIS PEOPLE to dispose of their property at the same time, but in a time of need He would teach them, if they desired to be taught, when to sell, and how much to sell. I saw that some had been required to dispose of their property in past time to sustain the Advent cause; while He had permitted others to keep theirs until a time of need. Then as the cause needs it their duty is to sell. {Ms3-1849}

To the CHURCH of GOD who KEEP the SABBATH—the SEAL of the LIVING GOD. {Ms3-1849}

Have pity; speed them on. There is commotion in heaven! No more proclamation; every case fixed. My Lord and my God! Speed Thy messengers (repeated many times). The mansions are about ready. Heirs of GOD and joint heirs with CHRIST. It is high time that self was denied. The mind will be clearer. They are to be done away. The TIME OF TROUBLE is coming; who will stand? {Ms6-1849}

O spare (repeated). Think ye that the ark will move there? It is not a HOLY PLACE. Look, GOD will not bear always (repeated). He is great. He is mighty. He has been trifled with; will not bear always. The work will be done up speedily; the burden may be 100 miles off. Look, a little. Spare (repeated). Hide away under the COVERING. Get beneath it. Do not stand outside. Hide away quickly. The four angels are about to let go; then the TIME OF TROUBLE. {Ms6-1849}

Everything has got to be proclaimed upon the housetops. If the sins are confessed before that time. That time will be an awful time. If confessed, it must be done right early. Every secret thing must come to light. If confessed before that time, thy sins will be placed on the scapegoat and borne away. {Ms6-1849}

TIME OF TROUBLE, it will come right early. The signs shall be reacted over again; the day and hour will then be known. The sea will boil like a pot. Their faces will then shine like Moses’. He appears in the east; His sword girded on His thigh. Then deliverance comes, perfect and entire, and GOD’S PEOPLE will be caught up on the white cloud. {Ms6-1849}

Satan is now using every device in this sealing time, to keep the minds of GOD’S PEOPLE from the present, sealing truth; and to cause them to waver. I saw a COVERING that GOD was drawing over his people, to protect them in the TIME OF TROUBLE; and every soul that was decided on the truth, and was pure in heart, was to be COVERED with the COVERING of ALMIGHTY GOD. {RH, August 1, 1849 par. 6}

SABBATH afternoon one of our number was sick, and requested prayers that he might be healed. We all united in applying to the Physician who never lost a case, and while healing power came down, and the sick was healed, the SPIRIT fell upon me and I was taken off in vision. I saw the state of some who stood on present truth, but disregarded the visions,–the way GOD had chosen to teach in some cases, those who erred from BIBLE TRUTH. I saw that in striking against the visions they did not strike against the worm–the feeble instrument that GOD spake through; but against the HOLY GHOST. I saw it was a small thing to speak against the instrument, but it was dangerous to slight the WORDS of GOD. I saw if they were in error and GOD chose to show them their errors through visions, and they disregarded the TEACHINGS of GOD through visions, they would be left to take their own way, and run in the way of error, and think they were right, until they would find it out too late. Then in the TIME OF TROUBLE I heard them CRY to GOD in agony–“Why didst thou not show us our wrong, that we might have got right and been ready for this time?” Then an angel pointed to them and said–“My Father taught, but you would not be taught.–He spoke through visions, but you disregarded HIS VOICE, and he gave you up to your own ways, to be filled with your own doings.” {Broadside2, January 31, 1849 par. 3a}

Then I saw four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and were on their way to accomplish it. JESUS was clothed with Priestly garments. He gazed in pity on the REMNANT, then raised his hands upward, and with a voice of deep pity cried–‘My Blood, Father, my Blood, my Blood, my Blood.” Then I saw an exceeding bright light come from GOD, who sat upon the great white throne, and was shed all about JESUS. Then I saw an angel with a commission from JESUS, swiftly flying to the four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and waving something up and down in his hand, and crying with a LOUD VOICE–“Hold,! Hold! Hold! Hold! until the SERVANTS of GOD are sealed in their foreheads.”–I asked my accompanying angel the meaning of what I heard, and what the four angels were about to do. He said to me that it was GOD that restrained the powers, and that he gave his angels charge over things on the earth, and that the four angels had power from GOD to hold the four winds, and that they were about to let the four winds go, and while they had started on their mission to let them go, the merciful eye of JESUS gazed on the REMNANT that were not all sealed, then he raised his hands to the Father and plead with him that he had spilled his blood for them. Then another angel was commissioned to fly swiftly to the four angels, and bid them hold until the SERVANTS of GOD were sealed with the SEAL of the LIVING GOD in their foreheads. {Broadside2, January 31, 1849 par. 3b}

For two years past, the Lord has shown me in vision, repeatedly, that it is contrary to the BIBLE to make any provision for our temporal wants in the TIME OF TROUBLE. I saw that if the SAINTS have food laid up by them, or in the fields, in the TIME OF TROUBLE when sword, famine, and pestilence are in the land, it will be taken from them by violent hands and strangers would reap their fields. Then will be the time for us to trust wholly in GOD, and he will sustain us. I saw that our bread and water would be sure at that time, and we should not lack, or suffer hunger.–The Lord has shown me that some of his children would fear when they see the price of food rising, and they would buy food and lay it by for the TIME OF TROUBLE. Then in a time of need, I saw them go to their food and look at it, and it had bred worms, and was full of living creatures, and not fit for use. About one week since, the Lord showed me in vision, that houses and lands would be of no use in the TIME OF TROUBLE, and in that time they could not be disposed of. I saw it was the WILL of GOD that the SAINTS should cut loose from every encumbrance–dispose of their houses and lands before the TIME OF TROUBLE comes, and make a COVENANT with GOD by sacrifice. I saw they would sell if they laid their property on the ALTAR and earnestly inquired for duty. Then GOD will teach them when to dispose of these things. Then they will be free in the TIME OF TROUBLE, and have no clogs to weigh them down. {Broadside2, January 31, 1849 par. 9}

I saw if they held on to their property, and did not inquire duty of the Lord, he would not make duty known, and they would be permitted to keep their property, and then in the TIME OF TROUBLE their property would come up before them like a mountain to crush them. Then they tried to get rid of it, but could not. I heard them mourn like this,–the cause was languishing–GOD’S PEOPLE were suffering for truth, and we made no effort to supply the lack, and now our property is useless. Oh! that we had let it go, and laid up treasure in heaven. I saw a sacrifice did not increase, but decrease, and was consumed. I also saw that GOD had not required all of his people to dispose of their property at the same time, but in a time of need he would teach them, if they desired to be taught, when to sell and how much to sell. I saw that some had been required to dispose of their property in past time to sustain the advent cause, while he permitted others to keep theirs until a time of need. Then as the cause needs it, their duty is to sell. {Broadside2, January 31, 1849 par. 10}

Now is the time to lay up treasure in heaven, and to set our hearts in order, ready for the TIME OF TROUBLE. Those only who have clean hands and a pure heart will stand that trying time. Now is the time for the LAW of GOD to be in our minds (foreheads), and written in our hearts. The Lord has shown me the danger of letting our minds be filled with worldly thoughts and cares. I saw that some minds were led away from present truth and a love of the HOLY BIBLE, by reading other exciting books; and others were filled with perplexity and care for what they shall eat, drink and wear. I saw some, looking too far off for the coming of the Lord. Time has continued on a few years longer than they expected, therefore they think it may continue a few years more, and in this way their minds are being led from present truth, out after the world. In these things I saw great danger; for if the mind is filled with other things, present truth is shut out, and there is no place in our foreheads for the SEAL of the LIVING GOD. This SEAL is the SABBATH. I saw that the time for JESUS to be in the MOST HOLY PLACE was nearly finished, and that time can last but a very little longer; and what leisure time we have should be spent in searching the BIBLE, which is to judge us in the last day. {Broadside2, January 31, 1849 par. 11}

I saw that she was sealed and would come up at the VOICE of GOD and stand upon the earth, and would be with the 144,000. I saw we need not mourn for her; she would rest in the TIME OF TROUBLE, and all that we could mourn for was our loss in being deprived of her company. I saw her death would result in good. {Lt10-1850}

I will take time to write you a few lines. I earnestly desire to see you. I pray GOD to bless and sanctify you. I felt today the necessity of being all, all ready, that when the TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was, shall come, we may be hid. O my Brother and Sister, I wish all of GOD’S PEOPLE could get a sight of it as GOD has shown it me. The work of the Lord is going on. SOULS are coming into the truth and soon the work will be all done. Keep up good courage, hope in GOD, let nothing weigh thee down. We have the truth. We know it. Praise the Lord. I saw yesterday our work was not to the shepherds who have rejected the former messages, but to the honest deceived who are led astray. I saw the (false) shepherds would soon be fed with judgment. Let the truth come out everywhere we go, the seventh day is the SABBATH of the Lord our GOD. Cheer up. There are better days coming. {Lt18-1850}

Then I saw how little some realized the holiness of GOD, and what they must be in order to live in His sight, through the TIME OF TROUBLE. I begged of JESUS to make those who were believing His appearing like Himself. {Ms5-1851}

I saw that this world was rocked in the cradle of security so that communications might not be cut off from place to place, and that messengers might have full time to carry the message to the CHILDREN of GOD, that they receive it and be sealed with the SEAL of the LIVING GOD, and be prepared to pass through the TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was. I saw that it must be a time of peace in order for the SERVANTS of GOD to do their work for souls. {Ms5-1851}

Then I was shown concerning the wicked who now die and are happy. I saw in their sickness and death if they should once realize their awful condition they would die in such agony of mind, and would make such appeals, as would frighten some to profess the truth that did not love it, that never could be saved, and go through the TIME OF TROUBLE, and others would be deranged. And again if they felt their lost condition, it would show that Satan had not power enough over them to blind their minds so they could not feel their own condition. I saw that the wicked were Satan’s lawful prey, and that they were completely deceived by him, therefore now is the time when there are no bands in the death of the wicked. {Ms5-1851}

Duty in View of the TIME OF TROUBLE

The Lord has shown me repeatedly, that it is contrary to the BIBLE to make any provision for our temporal wants in the TIME OF TROUBLE. I saw that if the SAINTS had food laid up by them, or in the fields, in the TIME OF TROUBLE, when sword, famine and pestilence are in the land, it would be taken from them by violent hands, and strangers would reap their fields. Then will be the time for us to trust wholly in GOD, and he will sustain us. I saw that our bread and water would be sure at that time, and we should not lack or suffer hunger; for GOD was able to spread a table for us in the wilderness. And if necessary, he would send ravens to feed us as he did to feed Elijah, or rain manna from heaven, as he did for the Israelites. {ExV 44.1 1851}

I saw that houses and lands would be of no use to the SAINTS in the TIME OF TROUBLE, for they would then have to flee from their possessions, before infuriated mobs, and at that time they could not be disposed of to advance the cause of present truth. I was shown that it was the WILL of GOD that the SAINTS should cut loose from every encumbrance before the TIME OF TROUBLE comes, and make a COVENANT with GOD by sacrifice. If they have their property on the altar, and earnestly inquire of GOD for duty, he will teach them when to dispose of these things. Then they will be free in the TIME OF TROUBLE, and have no clogs to weigh them down. {ExV 45.1 1851}

I saw that the message “sell that ye have and give alms,” had not been given, by some, in its clear light, and that the object of the words of our Saviour had not been clearly presented. I saw that the object of selling was not to give to those who are able to labor and support themselves, but to spread the truth. It is a sin to support and indulge in idleness, those who are able to labor. Some have been zealous to attend all the meetings; not to GLORIFY GOD, but for the “loaves and fishes.” Such had much better been at home laboring with their hands, “the thing that is good,” to supply the wants of their families, and to have something to give to sustain the precious cause of present truth. {ExV 45.3 1851}

My dear brethren and sisters—Let the COMMANDMENTS of GOD, and the TESTIMONY of JESUS CHRIST be in your minds continually, and let them crowd worldly thoughts and cares from the mind. When you lie down and when you rise up let them be your meditation. Live and act wholly in reference to the coming of the SON of MAN. The sealing time is very short, and soon will be over. Now is the time to make our calling and election sure, while the four angels are holding the four winds. {ExV 46.2 1851}

Heaven will be cheap enough, if we obtain it through suffering. We must deny self all along the way, die to self daily, and have JESUS alone appear, and have his glory continually in view. I saw that those who of late have embraced the truth would have to know what it was to suffer for CHRIST’S sake. That they would have trials to pass through that would be keen and cutting, in order that they may be purified, and fitted through suffering to receive the SEAL of the LIVING GOD, pass through the TIME OF TROUBLE, and see the King in his beauty, and dwell in the PRESENCE of GOD, and in the society of PURE and HOLY ANGELS. {ExV 54.3 1851}

I also saw that many did not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord, without a High Priest in the SANCTUARY, through the TIME OF TROUBLE. Those who receive the SEAL of the LIVING GOD, and are protected in the TIME OF TROUBLE, must reflect the IMAGE of JESUS fully. {ExV 58.2 1851}

I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful, and were looking to the time of the “refreshing” and “latter rain” to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord, and to live in his sight. O, how many I saw in the TIME OF TROUBLE without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation, therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a HOLY GOD. Those who refuse to be hewed by the prophets, and do not purify their souls in obeying the whole truth, and are willing to believe that their condition is far better than it really is, will come up to the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that they needed to be hewed and squared for the building. But there will be no time then to do it; and no Mediator to plead their cause before the Father. Before this time, the awfully solemn declaration has gone forth, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” I saw that none could share the “refreshing,” unless they obtain the victory over every besetment, all pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action. We should, therefore, be drawing nearer and nearer to the Lord, and be earnestly seeking that preparation necessary to enable us to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. Let all remember that GOD is HOLY, and none but holy beings can ever dwell in his presence. {ExV 58.3 1851}

At this time there was fanaticism in Maine. Some refrained wholly from labor, and disfellowshipped all those who would not receive their views on this point, and some other things which they held to be religious duties. GOD revealed these errors to me in vision, and sent me to his erring children to declare them; but many of them wholly rejected the message, and charged me with conforming to the world. On the other hand, the Nominal Adventists charged me with fanaticism, and I was falsely, and by some wickedly represented as being the leader of the fanaticism that I was actually laboring to do away. Different times were repeatedly set for the Lord to come, and were urged upon the brethren.–But the Lord shewed me that they would all pass by, for the TIME OF TROUBLE must come before the COMING of CHRIST, and that every time that was set, and passed by, would only weaken the FAITH of GOD’S PEOPLE. For this I was charged with being with the evil servant, that said in his heart, “My Lord delayeth his coming.” {RH, July 21, 1851 par. 14}

I saw that GOD had children, who do not see and KEEP the SABBATH. They had not rejected the light on it. And at the commencement of the TIME OF TROUBLE, we were filled with the HOLY GHOST as we went forth and proclaimed the SABBATH more fully. This enraged the churches, and nominal Adventists, as they could not refute the SABBATH TRUTH. And at this time GOD’S CHOSEN all saw clearly that we had the truth, and they came out and endured the persecution with us. And I saw the sword, famine, pestilence and great confusion in the land. The wicked thought that we had brought the judgments down on them. They rose up and took counsel to rid the earth of us, thinking that then the evil would be stayed. {RH, July 21, 1851 par. 12}

The sins of Israel must go to judgment beforehand. Every sin must be confessed at the SANCTUARY, then the work will move. It must be done now. The REMNANT in the TIME OF TROUBLE will cry, My God! my God! why hast Thou forsaken me? {Ms1-1852}

If the sins do not go beforehand to judgment they will never go. Thy people (repeated four times) not ready (three times). In that time one sin uncovered will crush the soul. Heaven will give no answer. That time will try men’s souls. Confusion will take place and their desire will not be accomplished. Can ye not see?—subjects of grace in that TIME OF TROUBLE one, or once sealed, sealed for heaven. Get ready! Get ready! Get ready! Get ready, almost finished. {Ms2-1852}

That desire was with the people to dethrone their kings, but it would not be accomplished, for kings would reign until CHRIST begins to reign. Said she, I saw away off there in Europe just as things were moving to accomplish their desires there would appear to be a slacking up once or twice. This would serve to harden the hearts of the wicked, but the work would not settle down, only appear to; for the minds of the rulers were as intent in sustaining themselves, as were the minds of the people to get the ascendancy. I saw that each party ruled and rulers were stretching their thoughts intensely on this work before them. The sins of Israel must go to judgment beforehand. Every sin must be confessed at the SANCTUARY. Then the work will move, it must be done now (“Now” probably referred to some present.) The REMNANT in the TIME OF TROUBLE will cry, “My GOD, my GOD, why has Thou forsaken me?” {Ms2-1852}

Now, Brethren, look at these parents who heeded not the ADMONITION of GOD for themselves and children. GOD wanted to save them and their children; they rejected the TEACHINGS of GOD, and while they were rejecting light from Heaven their children became hardened and lost, without GOD and without hope in the world. What kind of an account will those parents have to render to GOD for children committed to their trust? How will they feel in the TIME OF TROUBLE as they see their children withering beneath the PLAGUES of GOD unmixed with mercy? {Lt3-1853}

If those who have been in the church for weeks and months have not learned the straightness of the way, and what it is to be Christians, and can not hear all the straight truths of the WORD of GOD, it were better that they were cut off from Israel. It is too late in the day to feed with milk. If souls a month or two old in the truth, who are about to enter the TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was, can not hear all the straight truth, or endure the strong meat of the straightness of the way, how will they stand in the day of battle? Truths that we have been years learning must be learned in a few months by those who now embrace the THIRD ANGEL’S MESSAGE. We had to search and wait the opening of truth, receiving a ray of light here, and a ray there, laboring and pleading for GOD to reveal truth to us. But now the truth is plain; its rays are brought together. The blazing light of truth, when it is presented as it should be, can be now seen and brought to bear upon the heart. There is no need of milk after souls are convinced of the truth. As soon as the conviction of truth is yielded to and the heart willing, the truth should have its effect, the truth will work like leaven, and purify and purge away the passions of the natural heart. It is a disgrace for those who have been in the truth for years to talk of feeding souls who have been months in the truth, upon milk. It shows they know little of the leadings of the SPIRIT of the LORD, and realize not the time we are living in. Those who embrace the truth now will have to step fast. There will have to be a breaking up of heart before the Lord, a rending of heart, and not the garment. {Ms1-1854}

Parents, I saw, stood in the place of GOD to their children, and they will have to render an awful account whether they have been faithful to the little few that have been committed to their trust. I saw that you were rearing children to be cut down by the destroying angel unless you speedily turn square about and be faithful to your children. Think you that GOD can cover or hide iniquity in children and preserve them whom He hates? No, never. GOD hates unruly children who manifest passion and evil tempers, etc. He can not save them in the TIME OF TROUBLE. They will be eternally lost through parents’ neglect. Their blood will be upon their parents. How can parents be saved with the blood of their children upon them, when they might have saved their children? GOD says, “I know Abraham, that he will command his household after him.” {Ms1-1854}

I saw that you were rearing children to be cut down by the destroying angel unless you speedily turn square about and be faithful to your children. Think you GOD can cover or hide iniquity and preserve children whom He hates? No, never. GOD hates unruly children who manifest passion, evil tempers, etc. He cannot save them in the TIME OF TROUBLE. They will be eternally lost. Parents, negligent, unfaithful parents, their blood will be upon you, and can you expect to be saved in the DAY of GOD’S FIERCE ANGER with the blood of your children upon you,—children who might have been saved had you acted as faithful parents should? GOD said of Abraham, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him,” and He gave him the name of being the father of the faithful. {Ms3-1854}

I saw that the destroying angel was to slay utterly old and young, men and women, and little children. I then saw that if the Advent parents would have their children saved in the TIME OF TROUBLE from the destroying sword they must take care of them now. They must subdue their passions and correct their wrongs faithfully and with vigilance, [and] suffer not a wrong in them for a moment. I saw that the parents, many of them who believe the present truth, will see their children cut down before their eyes because they have been so tender of their children. They have not used the rod as they should, and their evil propensities have been indulged, and GOD cannot save them because He cannot cover iniquity. I saw that the parents stood in the place of GOD to their children. GOD had intrusted them to the parents’ care and they would have to render an account if they had been unfaithful of their trust. {Ms7-1854}

I saw that the HOLY SABBATH is, and will be, the separating wall between the true Israel of GOD and unbelievers; and that the SABBATH is the great question, to unite the hearts of GOD’S DEAR, WAITING SAINTS. I saw that GOD had children, who do not see and KEEP the SABBATH. They had not rejected the light on it. And at the commencement of the TIME OF TROUBLE, we were filled with the HOLY GHOST as we went forth and proclaimed the SABBATH more fully. {ExV54 3.2 1854}

The commencement of the TIME OF TROUBLE, here mentioned, does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out; but to a short period just before they are poured out, while CHRIST is in the SANCTUARY. At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, TROUBLE will be coming on the earth, the nations will be angry, yet held in check, So as not to prevent the work of the THIRD ANGEL. At that time the “latter rain,” or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the LOUD VOICE of the THIRD ANGEL, and prepare the SAINTS to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out. {ExV54 3.4 1854}

I told you that I saw you could not GLORIFY GOD by taking the step you have contemplated, as you have glorified Him in your past life. Instead of having less care while engaged in the great work, as you approach the TIME OF TROUBLE your care will be doubled, your anxiety increased. In no way are you bettering your situation. Instead of marrying one that can take care of, and nurse you, it is just the opposite. I saw that in this thing your eye has not been single to the GLORY of GOD and the advancement of His cause. Since your return home you have been losing spiritual strength and energy. You have not, while engaged in this matter, grown in grace. {Lt1-1855}

I then inquired if James would be spared or would be removed before the TIME OF TROUBLE. Said the angel, What is that to thee? Follow JESUS, follow the opening providence of GOD. Have unwavering faith in His promises. Walk by faith and not by sight. {Ms3-1855}

I saw that you both naturally loved this world, loved money, and this is, and still will be, a snare to you. You cling to money closely, especially Brother Gardner. I saw that you would have to view these things in altogether a different light before you can be fitted up and prepared for the TIME OF TROUBLE. I saw that in order for you to have heath and the BLESSING of GOD you must keep the possessions out of your heart, you must get rid of a covetous spirit. You must have your substance where you can use it for GOD’S GLORY in His cause, as well as to use it for your own self-interest. {Lt11-1856}

Some, I saw, had made crosses for themselves and killing duties to break down their will over. But I saw that there were crosses and duties enough in GOD’S WORD to slay every individual without getting new duties or tests. I saw that a TIME OF TROUBLE was before us, when stern necessity will compel the PEOPLE of GOD to live on bread and water; but I saw that GOD did not require HIS PEOPLE to live so now. {Ms2-1858}

GOD COMMANDS that all whom He has not especially called to labor in word and doctrine should labor with their hands [doing] the thing that is good, and supply their own necessities, and have wherewith to bestow upon others. And I saw that it was the WILL of GOD that they should eat wholesome food to strengthen the system or the TEMPLE of GOD. But in the TIME OF TROUBLE none will labor with their hands. Their SUFFERINGS will be MENTAL, and GOD will provide food for them. {Ms2-1858}

Chapter XXXVI. – The TROUBLE.

I saw the SAINTS leaving the cities and villages, and associating in companies together, and living in the most solitary places. Angels provided them food and water; but the wicked were suffering with hunger and thirst. Then I saw the leading men of earth consulting together, and Satan and his angels were busy around them. I saw a writing, and copies of it scattered in different parts of the land, giving orders, that unless the SAINTS should yield their peculiar faith, give up the SABBATH, and observe the first day, they were at liberty, after such a time, to put them to death. But in this time the SAINTS were calm and composed, trusting in GOD, and leaning upon his promise, that a way of escape would be made for them. In some places, before the time for the writing to be executed, the wicked rushed upon the SAINTS to slay them; but angels in the form of men of war fought for them. Satan wished to have the privilege of destroying the SAINTS of the MOST HIGH; but JESUS bade his angels watch over them, for GOD would be honored by making a COVENANT with those who had kept his law in the sight of the heathen round about them; and JESUS would be honored by translating the faithful, waiting ones, who had so long expected him, without their seeing death. {1SG 201.1 1858}

Soon I saw the SAINTS suffering great mental anguish. They seemed to be surrounded with the wicked inhabitants of earth. Every appearance was against them. Some began to fear that GOD had left them at last to perish by the hand of the wicked. But if their eyes could have been opened, they would have seen themselves surrounded by ANGELS of GOD. Next came the multitude of the angry wicked, and next a mass of evil angels, hurrying on the wicked to slay the SAINTS. But as they would attempt to approach them, they would first have to pass this company of mighty, HOLY ANGELS, which was impossible. The ANGELS of GOD were causing them to recede, and also causing the evil angels who were pressing around them, to fall back. It was an hour of terrible, fearful agony to the SAINTS. They cried day and night unto GOD for deliverance. To outward appearance, there was no possibility of their escape. The wicked had already commenced their triumphing, and were crying out, Why don’t your GOD deliver you out of our hands? Why don’t you go up, and save your lives? The SAINTS heeded them not. They were wrestling with GOD like Jacob. The angels longed to deliver them; but they must wait a little longer, and drink of the cup, and be baptized with the baptism. The angels, faithful to their trust, kept their watch. The time had about come when GOD was to manifest his mighty power, and gloriously deliver them. GOD would not suffer his name to be reproached among the heathen. For his name’s glory he would deliver every one of those who had patiently waited for him, and whose names were written in the book. {1SG 202.1 1858}

I was pointed back to faithful Noah. The rain descended, the floods came, Noah, and his family had entered the ark, and GOD shut them in. Noah had faithfully warned the inhabitants of the old world, while they had mocked and derided him. And as the waters descended upon the earth, and as one after another were being drowned, they beheld that ark that they had made so much sport of, riding safely upon the waters, preserving the faithful Noah and his family. So I saw that the PEOPLE of GOD, who had warned the world of his coming wrath, would be delivered. They had faithfully warned the inhabitants of the earth, and GOD would not suffer the wicked to destroy those who were expecting translation, and who would not bow to the decree of the beast, or receive his mark. I saw that if the wicked were permitted to slay the SAINTS, Satan and all his evil host, and all who hate GOD, would be gratified. And O, what a time of triumph it would be for his Satanic majesty, to have power, in the last closing struggle, over those who had so long waited to behold Him whom they loved. Those who have mocked at the idea of the SAINTS going up, will witness the care of GOD for his people, and their glorious deliverance. {1SG 203.1 1858}

As the SAINTS left the cities and villages, they were pursued by the wicked. They raised their swords to kill the SAINTS, but they broke, and fell as powerless as a straw. ANGELS of GOD shielded the SAINTS. As they cried day and night for deliverance, their cry came up before GOD. {1SG 204.1 1858}

Your life is not secure. Apply your means as you want it while you can. You may live to go through the TIME OF TROUBLE with the REMNANT, and you may be one of that number who are called blessed. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord,” etc. Your head is already white. You are ripening up for the great harvest. Act the part faithfully which GOD assigns you, that at His coming it may be said of you, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” etc. {Lt4-1859}

We returned to Grantham. On our way I fell from the wagon and so injured my side that I had to be carried into the house. That night I suffered great pain. Sister Foss prayed for me, and I united in pleading with GOD for His blessing and relief from pain. About midnight the blessing of the Lord rested upon me, and those in the house were awakened by hearing my voice while in vision. This was the first time I had a view of the VOICE of GOD in connection with the TIME OF TROUBLE. In the same vision I was shown that the CAUSE of GOD had been wounded in Maine and His children disheartened and scattered by a fanatical spirit, and that J. Turner and J. H., whom we had placed confidence in, were scattering the flock, and under a cloak of godliness were casting fear among the trembling, conscientious ones. I saw that we must go and bear our testimony in Maine. I related what I had seen to those present. {Ms10-1859}

I saw that Sister Sarah Jones partakes of the same spirit as that of her mother. Brother Charles and Sister Sarah have erred in bringing up their child. He was not subdued young. Old Sister Howard petted and indulged her children until they have no power of endurance. A little difficulty or trial cast them down. Instead of developing a character and enduring trial and bearing with courage and perseverance, they sink under the cloud. Said the angel, “If thou hast run with the footmen and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace wherein thou trustedest they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” Jeremiah 12:5. The TIME OF TROUBLE is before us, and if there is lack of courage and ambition now, how will they pass the fearful scenes of that trying hour? {Ms4-1860}

During family prayer that night, the SPIRIT of the LORD rested upon me, and I was taken off in vision. A curtain was raised, and the cases of these men, and a few others in union with them, were clearly shown me. They were practising deception upon GOD’S LITTLE FLOCK, meanwhile professing to be chosen servants of the Lord. It was shown me that the Lord would tear off the pious garb they had drawn around themselves, and disclose their dark designs and iniquitous deeds; deeds that some had scarcely thought of. We then returned to Springfield. On the way I fell from the wagon and so injured my side that I had to be carried into the house. That night my suffering was great. Sister Foss joined with me in pleading for GOD’S BLESSING, and for relief from pain. About midnight the blessing sought rested upon me. Those in the house were awakened by hearing my voice while in vision. This was the first time I had a view of the VOICE of GOD in connection with the TIME OF TROUBLE. {2SG 48.1 1860}

At this time visions were given me to correct the errors of those who had taken the extreme view of some texts of SCRIPTURE, and refrained wholly from labor, and rejected all those who would not receive their views on this point, and some other things which they held to be religious duties. GOD revealed these errors to me in vision, and sent me to his erring children to declare them; but many of them wholly rejected the message, and charged me with conforming to the world. On the other hand, the nominal Adventists charged me with fanaticism, and I was falsely, and by some, wickedly, represented as being the leader of the fanaticism that I was laboring to do away. Different times were set for the Lord to come, and were urged upon the brethren. But the Lord showed me that they would pass by, for the TIME OF TROUBLE must come before the COMING of CHRIST, and that every time that was set, and passed, would only weaken the FAITH of GOD’S PEOPLE. For this I was charged with being with the evil servant, that said in his heart, “My Lord delayeth his coming.” {2SG 58.1 1860}

I speak plainly: I do not think this will discourage a true Christian; and I do not want any of you to come up to the TIME OF TROUBLE without a well grounded hope in your Redeemer. Determine to know the worst of your case. Ascertain if you have an inheritance on high. Deal truly with your own soul. Remember that a church without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing will JESUS present to his Father. {2SG 264.1 1860}

While looking in the BIBLE for a verse for Willie to commit to memory to repeat in the SABBATH School, these words arrested my attention, “The Lord is good. A strong hold in the TIME OF TROUBLE, and he knoweth them that trust in him.” I could but weep over these words, they seemed so appropriate. The whole burden upon my mind was for my husband, and the church in Wisconsin. My husband realized the BLESSING of GOD while in Wisconsin. The Lord was to him a stronghold in TIME OF TROUBLE. He sustained him while he bore a decided testimony against the wild fanaticism there, and upheld him by his free SPIRIT. {2SG 295a.1 1860}

Different times were set for the Lord to come, and were urged upon the brethren. But the Lord showed me that they would pass by, for the TIME OF TROUBLE must take place before the COMING of CHRIST, and that every time that was set, and passed, would weaken the FAITH of GOD’S PEOPLE. For this I was charged with being the evil servant that said: “My Lord delayeth His coming.” {1T 72.2 1855-1868}

The TIME OF TROUBLE is just before us; and then stern necessity will require the PEOPLE of GOD to deny self, and to eat merely enough to sustain life; but GOD will prepare us for that time. In that fearful hour our necessity will be GOD’S OPPORTUNITY to impart His strengthening power, and to sustain HIS PEOPLE. But now GOD requires them to labor with their hands, the thing that is good, and lay by them in store as He has prospered them, and do their part in sustaining the cause of truth. This is a duty enjoined upon all who are not especially called to labor in word and doctrine, to devote their time to proclaiming to others the way of life and salvation. {1T 206.1 1855-1868}

Those who labor with their hands must nourish their strength to perform his labor, and those also who labor in word and doctrine must nourish their strength; for Satan and his evil angels are warring against them to tear down their strength. They should seek rest of body and mind from wearing labor when they can, and should eat of nourishing, strengthening food to build up their strength; for they will be obliged to exercise all the strength they have. I saw that it does not GLORIFY GOD in the least for any of HIS PEOPLE to make a TIME OF TROUBLE for themselves. There is a TIME OF TROUBLE just before GOD’S PEOPLE, and He will prepare them for that fearful conflict. {1T 206.2 1855-1868}

At the transfiguration, JESUS was glorified by His Father. We hear Him say: “Now is the SON of MAN glorified, and GOD is glorified in Him.” Thus before His betrayal and crucifixion He was strengthened for His last dreadful sufferings. As the MEMBERS of the BODY of CHRIST approach the period of their last conflict, “the TROUBLE,” they will grow up into CHRIST, and will partake largely of HIS SPIRIT. As the THIRD MESSAGE swells to a LOUD CRY, and as great power and glory attend the closing work, the FAITHFUL PEOPLE OF GOD will partake of that glory. It is the latter rain which revives and strengthens them to pass through the TIME OF TROUBLE. Their faces will shine with the glory of that light which attends the THIRD ANGEL. {1T 353.3 1855-1868}

Are the youth in a position where they can with meekness and fear give an answer to every man that asketh a reason of their hope? I saw that the youth greatly fail of understanding our position. Terrible scenes are just before them, a TIME OF TROUBLE which will test the value of character. Those who have the truth abiding in them will then be developed. Those who have shunned the cross, neglected the word of life, and paid adoration to their own poor selves will be found wanting. They are ensnared by Satan, and will learn too late that they have made a terrible mistake. The pleasures they have sought after prove bitter in the end. Said the angel: “Sacrifice all for GOD. Self must die. The natural desires and propensities of the unrenewed heart must be subdued.” Flee to the neglected BIBLE; the words of inspiration are spoken to you; pass them not lightly by. You will meet every word again, to render an account whether you have been a doer of the work, shaping your life according to the holy TEACHINGS of GOD’S WORD. Holiness of heart and life are necessary. All who have taken the name of CHRIST and have enlisted in His service should be good soldiers of the cross. They should show that they are dead to the world, and that their life is hid with CHRIST in GOD. {1T 507.4 1855-1868}

That which brings sickness of body and mind to nearly all is dissatisfied feelings and discontented repinings. They have not GOD, they have not the hope which reaches to that within the veil, which is as an anchor to the soul both sure and steadfast. All who possess this hope will purify themselves even as He is pure. Such are free from restless longings, repinings, and discontent; they are not continually looking for evil and brooding over borrowed trouble. But we see many who are having a TIME OF TROUBLE beforehand; anxiety is stamped upon every feature; they seem to find no consolation, but have a continual fearful looking for of some dreadful evil. {1T 566.1 1855-1868}

The distress and anguish of my mind as I saw the vine lying upon the ground was beyond description. Many passed and looked pityingly upon it, and I waited anxiously for a friendly hand to raise it; but no help was offered. I inquired why no hand raised the vine. Presently I saw an angel come to the apparently deserted vine. He spread out his arms and placed them beneath the vine and raised it so that it stood upright, saying: “Stand toward heaven, and let thy tendrils entwine about GOD. Thou art shaken from human support. Thou canst stand, in the STRENGTH of GOD, and flourish without it. Lean upon GOD alone, and thou shalt never lean in vain, or be shaken therefrom.” I felt inexpressible relief, amounting to joy, as I saw the neglected vine cared for. I turned to the angel and inquired what these things meant. Said he: “Thou art this vine. All this thou wilt experience, and then, when these things occur, thou shalt fully understand the figure of the vine. GOD will be to thee a present help in TIME OF TROUBLE.” From this time I was settled as to my duty and never more free in bearing my testimony to the people. If I ever felt the arm of the Lord holding me up, it was at that meeting. My husband was also free and clear in his preaching, and the testimony of all was: We have had an excellent meeting. {1T 583.3 1855-1868}

You listen to a discourse; the truth affects you, and the nobler powers of your mind arouse to control your actions. You see how little you have sacrificed for GOD, how closely self has been cherished, and you are swayed to the right by the influence of the truth; but when you pass from under this sacred, sanctifying, soothing influence, you do not possess it in your own heart, and you soon fall into the same barren, ungenial state of feeling. Work, work, you must work; brain, bone, and muscle are taxed to the utmost to get means which your imagination tells you must be obtained, or want and starvation will be your lot. This is a delusion of Satan, one of his wily snares to lead you to perdition. “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” But you make for yourself a TIME OF TROUBLE beforehand. {1T 697.1 1855-1868}

Our journey west was so rapid we could obtain but little rest. We traveled much nights and arrived home in the night from Chicago almost worn [out], yet we attended the tent meeting at Newton. It was an excellent meeting. Returned home 14 miles after the Sunday afternoon meeting. I was too weary to rest that night and the next day was very sick. I was in as severe pain as I ever suffered. No remedies within our reach gave me the least relief. We at length called for the brethren to pray for me. My husband anointed me and I was immediately healed, arose and dressed and praised GOD for His merciful kindness that He was a present help in TIME OF TROUBLE. {Lt7-1862}

May 27, 1862 The Future.

As the members of the body of CHRIST approach the period of their last conflict, “the TROUBLE,” they will grow up into CHRIST, and will partake largely of his SPIRIT. As the THIRD MESSAGE swells to a LOUD CRY, and as great power and glory attends the closing work, the FAITHFUL PEOPLE OF GOD will partake of that glory. It is the latter rain which revives and strengthens them to pass through the TIME OF TROUBLE. Their faces will shine with the glory of that light which attends the THIRD ANGEL. {RH, May 27, 1862 par. 2}

I saw that GOD would in a wonderful manner preserve his people through the TIME OF TROUBLE. As JESUS poured out his soul in agony in the garden, they will earnestly cry and agonize with him day and night for deliverance. The decree will go forth that they must disregard the SABBATH of the FOURTH COMMANDMENT, and honor the first day, or lose their lives; but they will not yield, and trample under their feet the SABBATH of the Lord, and honor an institution of the Papacy. Satan’s host, and wicked men, will surround them, and exult over them, because there will seem to be no way of escape for them. But in the midst of their revelry and triumph, there is peal upon peal of the loudest thunder. The heavens have gathered blackness, and are only illuminated by the blazing light and terrible glory from heaven, as GOD utters HIS VOICE from his HOLY HABITATION. {RH, May 27, 1862 par. 3}

The foundations of the earth shake, buildings totter and fall with a terrible crash. The sea boils like a pot, and the whole earth is in terrible commotion. The captivity of the righteous is turned, and with sweet and solemn whisperings they say to each other, “We are delivered. It is the VOICE of GOD.” With solemn awe they listen to the words of the voice. The wicked hear, but understand not the words of the VOICE of GOD. They fear and tremble, while the SAINTS rejoice. Satan and his angels, and wicked men, who had been exulting that the PEOPLE of GOD were in their power, that they might destroy them from off the earth, witness the glory conferred upon those who have honored the HOLY LAW of GOD. They behold the faces of the righteous lighted up, and reflecting the IMAGE of JESUS. Those who were so eager to destroy the SAINTS could not endure the glory resting upon the delivered ones, and they fell like dead men to the earth. Satan and evil angels fled from the presence of the SAINTS GLORIFIED. Their power to annoy them was gone forever. {RH, May 27, 1862 par. 4}

JACOB and Esau represent two classes; JACOB the righteous, and Esau the wicked. JACOB’S DISTRESS when he learned that Esau was marching against him with four hundred men, represents the TROUBLE of the righteous as the decree goes forth to put them to death, just before the coming of the Lord. As the wicked gather about them they will be filled with anguish, for like JACOB they can see no escape for their lives. The angel placed himself before JACOB, and he took hold of the angel and held him, and wrestled with him all night. So also will the righteous, in their TIME OF TROUBLE and anguish, wrestle in prayer with GOD, as JACOB wrestled with the angel. JACOB in his DISTRESS prayed all night for deliverance from the hand of Esau. The righteous in their mental anguish will CRY to GOD day and night for deliverance from the hand of the wicked who surround them. {3SG 131.1 1864}

Those professed believers who come up to the TIME OF TROUBLE unprepared, will, in their despair, confess their sins before all in words of burning anguish, while the wicked exult over their distress. The case of all such is hopeless. When CHRIST stands up, and leaves the MOST HOLY PLACE, then the TIME OF TROUBLE commences, and the case of every soul is decided, and there will be no atoning blood to cleanse from sin and pollution. As JESUS leaves the MOST HOLY, he speaks in tones of decision and kingly authority, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” {3SG 134.1 1864}

Those who have delayed a preparation for the DAY of GOD cannot obtain it in the TIME OF TROUBLE, or at any future period. The righteous will not cease their earnest agonizing cries for deliverance. They cannot bring to mind any particular sins, but in their whole life they can see but little good. Their sins had gone beforehand to judgment, and pardon had been written. Their sins had been borne away into the land of forgetfulness, and they could not bring them to remembrance. Certain destruction threatens them, and like JACOB they will not suffer their faith to grow weak, because their prayers are not immediately answered. Though suffering the pangs of hunger, they will not cease their intercessions. They lay hold of the STRENGTH of GOD as JACOB laid hold of the angel, and the language of their soul is, “I will not let thee go except thou bless me.” The SAINTS at length prevail like JACOB, and are gloriously delivered by the VOICE of GOD. {3SG 134.2 1864}

That season of distress and anguish will require an effort of earnestness and determined faith that can endure delay and hunger, and will not fail under weakness, though severely tried. The period of probation is the time granted to all to prepare for the DAY of GOD. If any neglect the preparation, and heed not the faithful warnings given, they will be without excuse. Jacob’s earnest, persevering wrestling with the angel should be an example for Christians. Jacob prevailed, because he was persevering and determined. All who desire the BLESSING of GOD, as did Jacob, and will lay hold of the promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed, as he succeeded. Why there is so little exercise of true faith, and so little of the weight of truth resting upon many professed believers is because they are indolent, in spiritual things. They are unwilling to make exertions, to deny self, to agonize before GOD, to pray long and earnestly for the blessing, and therefore they do not obtain it. That faith which will live through the TIME OF TROUBLE must be in daily exercise now. Those who do not make strong efforts now to exercise persevering faith will be wholly unprepared to exercise that faith which will enable them to stand in the day of trouble. {3SG 135.1 1864}

Many have their present wants supplied, yet they will not trust the Lord for the future. They manifest unbelief, and sink into despondency and gloom at anticipated want. Some are in continual trouble lest they shall come to want, and their children suffer. When difficulties arise, or when they are brought into strait places–when their faith and love to GOD is tested, they shrink from the trial, and murmur at the process by which GOD has chosen to purify them. Their love does not prove pure and perfect, to bear all things. The FAITH of the PEOPLE of the GOD of HEAVEN should be strong, active, and enduring–the substance of things hoped for. Then the language of such will be, Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name; for he hath dealt bountifully with me. Self-denial is considered by some to be real suffering. Depraved appetites are indulged. And a restraint upon the unhealthy appetite would lead even many professed Christians to now start back, as though actual starvation would be the consequence of a plain diet. And, like the children of Israel, they would prefer slavery, diseased bodies, and even death, rather than to be deprived of the flesh-pots. Bread and water is all that is promised to the REMNANT in the TIME OF TROUBLE. {3SG 251.2 1864}

Our Redeemer, laying aside his glory and majesty, to take human nature, and to die man’s sacrifice, was a miracle of GOD. It was GOD’S WISE ARRANGEMENT to save fallen man. GOD requires HIS PEOPLE to be laborers together with him. He requires them to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul, and present their bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to GOD, which is the only service he will accept from reasonable mortals. JESUS has stooped very low in order to reach man in his low estate. And GOD requires of man to make earnest efforts, and deny self, that he may preserve his vigor of mind, and elevate himself, and imitate the example of him in whom was no guile. Then will he be benefited with the atonement of CHRIST. As the Lord bade faithful Noah before the flood, Come thou, and all thy house, into the ark, he will, previous to the TIME OF TROUBLE, say to HIS FAITHFUL SAINTS, who have been preparing for translation, “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee. Hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth, also, shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” {4aSG 149.1 1864}

A form of godliness will not save them. They must have a deep and living experience; this alone will save them in the TIME OF TROUBLE. Then their work will be tried of what sort it is, and if it is gold, silver, and precious stones, they will be hid as in the secret of the Lord’s pavilion. But if their work is hay, wood, and stubble, nothing can shield them from the fierceness of JEHOVAH’s wrath. {4bSG 12.1 1864}

Some, I saw, have a prejudice against our rulers and laws; but if it was not for law, this world would be in an awful condition. GOD restrains our rulers, for the hearts of all are in his hands. Bounds are set, beyond which they cannot go. Many of our rulers are those whom Satan controls; but I saw that GOD has his agents, even among the rulers; and some of them will yet be converted to the truth. They are now acting the part that GOD would have them. When Satan works through his agents, propositions are made that, if carried out, would impede the WORK of GOD, and would produce great evil. The good angels move upon these agents of GOD to oppose the propositions, with strong reasons, which Satan’s agents cannot resist. A few of GOD’S AGENTS will have power to bear down a great mass of evil. Thus the work will go on until the THIRD MESSAGE has done its work, and at the loud cry of the THIRD ANGEL, these agents will have an opportunity to receive the truth, and some of them will be converted, and endure with the SAINTS through the TIME OF TROUBLE. When JESUS leaves the MOST HOLY, HIS RESTRAINING SPIRIT is withdrawn from rulers and people. They are left to the control of evil angels. Then such laws will be made by the counsel and direction of Satan, that unless time should be very short, no flesh could be saved. {4bSG 44.2 1864}

In the TIME OF TROUBLE, just previous to the COMING of CHRIST, the lives of the righteous will be preserved through the ministration of HOLY ANGELS. Those who come up to that trying time, neglecting to obey GOD’S COMMANDS, will have no security of their lives. Angels cannot protect them from the wrath of their enemies while they are living in neglect of any known duty, or express command of JEHOVAH. {3SG 196.1 1864}

I helped him into the house, but he could not speak to me until in the house he indistinctly uttered, “Pray, pray.” We dropped upon our knees and cried to GOD who had ever been to us a present help in TIME OF TROUBLE. He soon uttered words of praise and gratitude to GOD, that he could use his arm. His hand was partially restored, but not fully. We sent for an electric battery, but none of us had experience sufficient to apply electricity in this critical case. A proposition was made to have the owner of the battery called to apply it. The physician came and applied the battery. We were trying to exercise FAITH in GOD. We called in a few who had faith, and our earnest petitions ascended to Heaven for help from above. The rich blessing of Heaven came frequently upon us all. Still there seemed to be a draw-back to our faith–the physician applying the battery. We prayerfully considered the matter, and when he next came, told him we should no longer need his services. After this we felt no hindrance to our faith. My husband and myself felt the need of our drawing near to GOD. And as we by confessions and prayer drew near to GOD, we had the blessed assurance that he drew near to us. How unspeakably precious was the sense of GOD’S boundless mercy toward us, his afflicted children! The stroke that had fallen upon my husband might have been final, or left him with one-half of his body palsied and dead. We wept for joy, that amid our affliction the care of GOD was toward us. The mighty Maker of the world–the omnipotent Ruler of the universe, was our Father! Precious, exceedingly precious, were these seasons of COMMUNION with GOD! Much of the time my husband was happy in the Lord. Day and night the praise of GOD was upon his lips, and the sick room was truly a heavenly place. {RH, February 20, 1866 par. 11}

Daniel and his companions were captives in a strange land, but GOD suffered not the envy and hatred of their enemies to prevail against them. The righteous have ever obtained help from above. How often have the enemies of GOD united their strength and wisdom to destroy the character and influence of a few simple persons who trusted in GOD. But because the Lord was for them, none could prevail against them. Only let the FOLLOWERS of CHRIST be united, and they will prevail. Let them be separated from their idols and from the world, and the world will not separate them from GOD. CHRIST is our present, all-sufficient Saviour. In Him all fullness dwells. It is the privilege of Christians to know indeed that CHRIST is in them of a truth. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” All things are possible to him that believeth; and whatsoever things we desire when we pray, if we believe that we receive them we shall have them. This faith will penetrate the darkest cloud and bring rays of light and hope to the drooping, desponding soul. It is the absence of this faith and trust which brings perplexity, distressing fears, and surmisings of evil. GOD will do great things for HIS PEOPLE when they put their entire trust in Him. “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Pure and undefiled religion will be exemplified in the life. CHRIST will prove a never-failing source of strength, a present help in every TIME OF TROUBLE. {2T 139.2 1868-1871}

To live for Heaven will pay. To live for GOD will bring a sure reward in the end and present happiness and peace. How encouraging to know that JESUS understands our infirmities, our weakness. He is our large-hearted, sympathizing Friend, a present help in every TIME OF TROUBLE. The consolation coming [from] GOD is valuable and with it we have an assurance of love that is exercised toward us that is inexpressible. {Lt25-1871}

A sister says she loves the Lord, but she often says and does that which is wrong; this has hindered her progress. She has had severe conflicts and passed through many trying scenes; but the Lord has sustained her, and been to her a very present help in TIME OF TROUBLE. {RH, April 27, 1876 par. 53}

If the believers in the truth are not sustained by their faith in these comparatively peaceful days, what will uphold them when the grand test comes, and the decree goes forth against all those who will not worship the image of the beast, and receive his mark in their foreheads or in their hands? This solemn period is not far off. Instead of becoming weak and irresolute, the PEOPLE of GOD should be gathering strength and courage for the TIME OF TROUBLE. {RH, September 21, 1876 par. 4}

Do you really understand the situation? Did you count the cost? Did you consider that it is far better to be childless in these days of wickedness and peril than to have children to suffer with the parents? I have been shown that most of the rising generation will be swept off by death prior to the TIME OF TROUBLE. Some will live, but most children of believing and unbelieving parents will be spared the day of trial for GOD’S PEOPLE. Could you have looked at these things aright you would have both entered the field as workers for GOD. {Lt51a-1878}

The purification of the PEOPLE of GOD cannot be accomplished without their suffering. GOD permits the fires of affliction to consume the dross, to separate the worthless from the valuable, that the pure metal may shine forth. He passes us from one fire to another, testing our true worth. If we cannot bear these trials, what will we do in the TIME OF TROUBLE? If prosperity or adversity discover falseness, pride, or selfishness in our hearts, what shall we do when GOD tries every man’s work as by fire, and lays bare the secrets of all hearts? {4T 85.1 1876-1881}

Said JESUS: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve GOD and mammon.” If we are true SERVANTS of GOD, there should be no question in our minds as to whether we will obey HIS COMMANDMENTS or consult our own temporal interests. If the believers in the truth are not sustained by their faith in these comparatively peaceful days, what will uphold them when the grand test comes and the decree goes forth against all those who will not worship the image of the beast and receive his mark in their foreheads or in their hands? This solemn period is not far off. Instead of becoming weak and irresolute, the PEOPLE of GOD should be gathering strength and courage for the TIME OF TROUBLE. {4T 251.1 1876-1881}

Chapter XIII. – Continued.

Jacob and the Angel.

In his distress, JACOB laid hold of the angel, and held him and wrestled with him all night. So also will the righteous, in the time of their trouble wrestle with GOD in prayer. JACOB prayed all night for deliverance from the hand of Esau. The righteous in their mental anguish will CRY to GOD day and night for deliverance from the hands of the wicked who surround them. JACOB confessed his unworthiness: “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which thou hast showed unto thy servant.” The righteous will have a deep sense of their shortcomings, and with many tears will acknowledge their utter unworthiness, and, like JACOB, will plead the PROMISES of GOD through CHRIST, made to just such dependent, helpless, repenting sinners. {ST, November 27, 1879 par. 2}

JACOB took firm hold of the angel and would not let him go. As he made supplication with tears, the angel reminded him of his past wrongs, and endeavored to escape from him, to test and prove him. So will the righteous in the day of their anguish, be tested, proved, and tried, to manifest their strength of faith, their perseverance, and unshaken confidence in the POWER of GOD to deliver them. {ST, November 27, 1879 par. 3}

JACOB would not be turned away. He knew that GOD was merciful, and he appealed to his mercy. He pointed back to his past sorrow for, and repentance of, his wrongs, and urged his petition for deliverance from the hand of Esau. Thus his importuning continued all night. As he reviewed his past wrongs, he was driven almost to despair. But he knew that he must have help from GOD or perish. He held the angel fast, and urged his petition with agonizing, earnest cries, until he prevailed. Thus will it be with the righteous. As they review the events of their past lives, their hopes will almost sink. But as they realize that it is a case of life or death, they will earnestly cry unto GOD, and appeal to him in regard to their past sorrow for, and humble repentance of, their many sins, and then will refer to his promise: “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me.” Thus will their earnest petitions be offered to GOD day and night. GOD would not have heard the prayer of JACOB, and mercifully saved his life, if he had not previously repented of his wrongs in obtaining the blessing by fraud. Every effort was put forward by Satan and his host to discourage JACOB and break his hold upon GOD by forcing upon him a sense of the sin of his falsehood and deception. But JACOB was not left alone; the Captain of the Lord’s host, attended by an army of angels, was close beside the depressed, fear-stricken man, that he might not perish. {ST, November 27, 1879 par. 4}

The righteous, like JACOB, will manifest unyielding faith and earnest determination, which will take no denial. They will feel their unworthiness, but will have no concealed wrongs to reveal. If they had sins, unconfessed and unrepented of, to appear then before them, while tortured with fear and anguish, they would be overwhelmed. Despair would cut off their earnest faith, and they could not have confidence to plead with GOD thus earnestly for deliverance, their precious moments would be spent in confessing hidden sins, and bewailing their hopeless condition. {ST, November 27, 1879 par. 5}

In these days of peril those who have been unfaithful in their duties in life, and whose mistakes and sins of neglect are registered against them in the book in Heaven, unrepented of and unforgiven, will be overcome by Satan. Every one is to be tested and severely tried. Satan will exert all his energies, and call to his aid his evil host, who will exercise all their experience, artifice, and cunning, to deceive souls and wrest them from the hands of JESUS CHRIST. He makes them believe they may be unfaithful in the minor duties of life, and GOD will not see, GOD will not notice; but that Being who numbers the hairs of our head, and marks the fall of the little sparrow, notices every deviation from truth, every departure from honor and integrity in both secular and religious things. These errors and sins corrupt the man, and disqualify him for the society of HEAVENLY ANGELS. By his defiled character he has placed himself under the flag of Satan. The arch deceiver has power over this class. The more exalted their profession, the more honorable the position they have held, the more grievous their course in the sight of GOD, the more sure the triumph of Satan. These will have no shelter in the TROUBLE. Their sins will then appear of such magnitude that they will have no confidence to pray, no heart to wrestle as did JACOB. On the other hand, those who have been of like passion, erring and sinful in their lives, but who have repented of their sins, and in genuine sorrow confessed them, will have pardon written against their names in the heavenly records. They will be hid ‘in the day of the Lord’s anger. Satan will attack this class, but like JACOB they have taken hold of the STRENGTH of GOD, and true to his character he is at peace with them, and sends angels to comfort and bless and sustain them in their time of peril. The TROUBLE will test every one, and distinguish the genuine Christian from the one who is so only in name. {ST, November 27, 1879 par. 6}

By self-surrender and confiding faith JACOB gained what he had failed to gain by conflict in his own strength. GOD would here fully make known to his servant that it was divine power and grace alone that could give him the life and peace he so much craved. This lesson is for all time. Those who live in the last days must pass through an experience similar to that of JACOB. Foes will be all around them, ready to condemn and destroy. Alarm and despair will seize them, for it appears to them as to JACOB in his distress, that GOD himself has become an avenging enemy. It is the DESIGN of GOD to arouse the dormant energies of his people to look out of and away from self to One who can bring help and salvation, that the promises given for just such a time may be seen in their preciousness, and relied upon with unwavering trust. Here faith is proved. {ST, November 27, 1879 par. 11}

Deep anguish of soul will be felt by the PEOPLE of GOD, yet their sufferings cannot be compared with the agony endured by our adorable Redeemer in the garden of Gethsemane. He was bearing the weight of our sins; we endure anguish on our own account. Wrestling with GOD — how few know what it is! To wrestle with GOD is to have the soul drawn out with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch, while waves of despair that no language can express sweep over the soul; and yet the suppliant will not yield, but clings with deathlike tenacity to the promise. {ST, November 27, 1879 par. 12}

JACOB specified no particular thing for the Lord to bestow upon him; he sought only a blessing; he knew that the Lord would give him a blessing appropriate to meet the necessities of the case at that time. GOD blessed him then and there; and on the field of conflict he was made a prince among men. Thus will it be with the agonized ones who prevail with GOD in the TROUBLE. Dangers thicken on every side, and it is difficult to fix the eye of faith upon the promises amidst the certain evidences of immediate destruction. But in the midst of revelry and violence, there falls upon the ear peal upon peal of the loudest thunder. The heavens have gathered blackness and are only illuminated with the blazing light and terrible glory from Heaven. GOD utters HIS VOICE from HIS HOLY HABITATION. The captivity of his people is turned. With sweet and subdued voices they say to one another, GOD is our friend. We shall be safe from the power of wicked men. In solemn awe they listen to the words proceeding from the THRONE of GOD. Those surrounding the righteous are then in their time of distress and inexpressible fear. The horror of despair seizes them, and these poor infatuated ones seem now to understand themselves. Those who have been deceived by the fables preached to them by their ministers now charge upon them the loss of their souls: You have preached to us falsehoods. We have believed a lie, and are lost, forever lost. {ST, November 27, 1879 par. 13}

This is the time referred to by Malachi: “Then shall ye return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth GOD and him that serveth him not.” {ST, November 27, 1879 par. 14}

Those who have fallen by sin and iniquity may receive the pardoning love of GOD. By repentance and faith, the transgressors of his law may come to GOD through CHRIST. And when we have come to CHRIST, and have taken the steps requisite in conversion, we are to seek those things that are above, where CHRIST sitteth on the right hand of GOD. When we are burdened with care and sorrow why do we not go right to our Saviour, and claim his promises, and find him a very present help in every TIME OF TROUBLE? We are not left to be the sport of Satan’s temptations. GOD has given us precious promises by which we are to become partakers of the divine nature. In CHRIST is our help. When we come with repentance and faith, however polluted and sinful, we shall find him the sinner’s Saviour. He has said, “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” The sinner may carry his load to Calvary, and lay it down at the foot of the cross. It is the privilege of every one to leave sin and transgression, and to become a loyal subject of the GOD of HEAVEN. We may be clothed with the righteousness of CHRIST, but his righteousness will not be a covering for the least iniquity. “Wash you, make you clean.” There has been a fountain opened for Judah and Jerusalem, and every stain may be cleansed away. {ST, July 29, 1889 par. 12}

During the TIME OF TROUBLE, the position of GOD’S PEOPLE will be similar to the position of Joshua. They will not be ignorant of the work going on in heaven in their behalf. They will realize that sin is recorded against their names, but they will also know that the sins of all who repent and lay hold of the merits of CHRIST will be canceled. JESUS says: “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” The judgment of the dead has been going on, and soon the judgment will begin upon the living, and every case will be decided. It will be known whose names are retained upon the book of life, and whose are blotted out. Every day the ANGELS of GOD keep a record of the transactions of men, and these records stand open to the eyes of angels, and CHRIST, and GOD. Those who have manifested true repentance for sin, and by living faith in CHRIST are obedient to GOD’S COMMANDMENTS, will have their names retained in the book of life, and they will be confessed before the Father and before the HOLY ANGELS. JESUS will say, “They are mine; I have purchased them with my own blood.” {ST, June 2, 1890 par. 4}

The TIME OF TROUBLE is soon to break upon us, and the decree will go forth that everyone who will not keep the first day of the week shall be put to death. Those who have not regarded the SABBATH as they should, who have exalted their business above GOD’S COMMANDMENT, will trample upon the SABBATH and keep the first day of the week, because they have consulted their own convenience before the honor of GOD. They did not learn to bring themselves into harmony with the SABBATH, but sought to bring the SABBATH to meet their own convenience. With the preparation they have made, they are no more fitted to stand in the day of judgment than the greatest sinner. Their ideas are confused; they have tried to serve GOD and mammon; they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Those who LOVE GOD with all the heart, and their neighbor as themselves, will be the only ones who will stand the test of the decree. When Satan brings his power to bear upon half-hearted professors, he will sweep them over to his side, he will claim his right to do with them as he pleases. But of those who honor GOD, the Lord says, “They shall be mine, . . . in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” {ST, June 2, 1890 par. 5}

Those who are in the favor of GOD will not be deceived. Many now pass as Sabbath-keepers who, when the test comes upon the question, will no longer have a place among those who observe GOD’S COMMANDMENTS. The prophet says, “Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth GOD and him that serveth him not.” Those who are determined to have their own way, who measure themselves by their own standard, will have their TIME OF TROUBLE. The prophet declares: “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.” {ST, June 2, 1890 par. 6}

The Sun of Righteousness shall arise upon those who have kept the COMMANDMENTS of GOD. Those who think that they can set their will against GOD’S will are in the greatest danger. Those who wish to be COVERED in the DAY of GOD’S ANGER, must be true to GOD now. Now is the time to show our fidelity to GOD, and our faith in CHRIST. The sins that have been committed against GOD will be blotted out if they are repented of. CHRIST said: “Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair miter upon his head. So they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by. And the angel of the Lord protested unto Joshua, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts: If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.” Who are these that stand by?–The ANGELS of GOD. They will be as a wall of fire round about the PEOPLE of GOD, and the hosts of evil will not be able to pass their ranks. The angels of Satan are working with the children of disobedience to inspire them with madness against those who are loyal to the LAW of GOD. Although the PEOPLE of GOD are despised by the world, and “it doth not yet appear what we shall be,” yet the wicked will one day see GOD’S PEOPLE glorified; they will see the promise fulfilled, “Them that honor me, I will honor.” {ST, June 2, 1890 par. 7}

No amount of tribulation can separate us from CHRIST. If he leads us to Rephidim, it is because he sees that it is for our good and for his name’s glory. If we will look to him in trusting faith, he will, in his own time, turn the bitterness of Marah into sweetness. He can open the flinty rock, and cause cooling streams to flow forth. Then shall we not lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for past mercies, and go forward with full assurance that he is an ever-present help in TIME OF TROUBLE? He has been with us in our past experiences, and his word to us is, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” {ST, September 17, 1896 par. 10}

The righteous have ever obtained help from above. How often have the enemies of GOD combined to destroy the character and influence of a few simple persons who trusted in God! But because the Lord was for them, none could prevail against them. Only let the FOLLOWERS of CHRIST be united, and they will prevail. Let them be separated from their idols and from the world, and the world will not separate them from GOD. CHRIST is our present, all-sufficient Saviour. In him all fulness dwells. It is the privilege of Christians to know that CHRIST is in them of a truth. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” All things are possible to him that believeth; and whatsoever things we desire when we pray, if we believe that we receive them, we shall have them. This faith will penetrate the darkest cloud, and bring hope to the drooping, desponding soul. It is the absence of this faith and trust which brings perplexity, distressing fears, and surmisings of evil. GOD will do great things for his people when they will put their entire trust in him. CHRIST will prove a never-failing source of strength, a present help in every TIME OF TROUBLE. {ST, September 2, 1897 par. 14}

Next morning we started on our way to Springfield. The road was very bad. We had to travel over bare ground, and then through snow drifts that still remained. I fell from the wagon and so injured my side that I rode many miles in great pain, and was not able to walk into the house when we arrived at our destination. That night I could not rest nor sleep, my sufferings were so great. Sister Foss and myself united in pleading with GOD for his blessing and relief from pain. About midnight the blessing sought rested upon me. Those in the house were awakened by hearing my voice while in vision. This was the first time I had a view of the VOICE of GOD in connection with the TIME OF TROUBLE. {LS80 213.1 1880}

The above, relative to time-setting, was printed nearly thirty years ago, and the books have been circulated everywhere. Yet some ministers claiming to be well acquainted with me, make the statements that I have set time after time for the Lord to come and those times have passed, therefore my visions are false. These false statements no doubt are received by many as truth. Those who know me and are acquainted with my labors will make no such report in candor. This is the testimony I have borne ever since the passing of the time in 1844: ‘Time after time will be set by different ones which will pass by; and the influence of this time-setting will be to destroy the FAITH of GOD’S PEOPLE.’ If I had seen in vision, and borne my testimony to definite time, I could not have written and published, in the face of this testimony, that all times that should be set would pass, for the TIME OF TROUBLE must come before the COMING of CHRIST. Certainly for the last thirty years, that is, since the publication of this statement, I would not be inclined to set time for CHRIST to come, and thus place myself under the same condemnation with those whom I was reproving. I had no vision until 1845 which was after the passing of the time of general expectation in 1844. I was then shown that many would be deceived, and would set different times for the Lord to come, and urge them upon their brethren. But the Lord showed me that these times would pass; for the TIME OF TROUBLE must come before the COMING of CHRIST; and that every time thus set and passed, would only weaken the FAITH of GOD’S PEOPLE. Has not this testimony which has been before the public nearly thirty years in published form been fulfilled in every particular? {LS80 221.1a 1880}

The First-day Adventists have set time after time, and notwithstanding the repeated failures, they have gathered courage to set new times. GOD has not led them in this. Many of them have denounced the prophetic time, and the fulfillment of marked events in prophecy, because the time passed in 1844, and did not bring the expected event. They rejected the true prophetic time, and the enemy has had power to bring strong delusions upon them that they should believe a lie. I have borne the testimony since the passing of the time in 1844, that there should be no definite time set by which to test GOD’S PEOPLE. The great test on time was in 1843 and 1844; and all who have set time since these great periods marked in prophecy were deceiving and being deceived. {LS80 221.1b 1880}

Said I, “Brother John, you do not know me. The more trying the situation, the more fortitude I possess. I shall give way to no outbursts of grief if my heart break. I serve GOD not impulsively, but intelligently. I have a Saviour who will be to me a very present help in TIME OF TROUBLE. I am a Christian. I know in whom I have believed. He expects from me implicit unwavering submission. {Lt9-1881}

On approaching the chamber where a husband and father had just breathed his last, we would be filled with astonishment to hear, not the voice of mourning, the melancholy strains of some funeral chant, but a song of sacred praise, joyous and triumphant as the Passover Hallel. Surely, the widow and fatherless would be deemed lacking in affection for the departed. Yet how could these afflicted ones, who have lost their staff and counselor, and who must now lean more entirely upon GOD–how could they more surely brace their souls for danger and conflict than by calling to mind what their Heavenly Father has done for them, how he has proved himself a present help in TIME OF TROUBLE? {RH, November 1, 1881 par. 15}

I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until JESUS’ work was done in the SANCTUARY, and then will come the seven last plagues. These plagues enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had brought the JUDGMENTS of GOD upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the SAINTS, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the TROUBLE. Then all the SAINTS cried out with anguish of spirit, and were delivered by the VOICE of GOD. The 144,000 triumphed. Their faces were lighted up with the GLORY of GOD. Then I was shown a company who were howling in agony. On their garments was written in large characters, “Thou art weighed in the balance, and found wanting.” I asked who this company were. The angel said, “These are they who have once kept the SABBATH and have given it up.” I heard them cry with a LOUD VOICE, “We have believed in Thy coming, and taught it with energy.” And while they were speaking, their eyes would fall upon their garments and see the writing, and then they would wail aloud. I saw that they had drunk of the deep waters, and fouled the residue with their feet–trodden the SABBATH underfoot– and that was why they were weighed in the balance and found wanting. {EW 36.2 1882}

Houses and lands will be of no use to the SAINTS in the TIME OF TROUBLE, for they will then have to flee before infuriated mobs, and at that time their possessions cannot be disposed of to advance the cause of present truth. I was shown that it is the WILL of GOD that the SAINTS should cut loose from every encumbrance before the TIME OF TROUBLE comes, and make a COVENANT with GOD through sacrifice. If they have their property on the ALTAR and earnestly inquire of GOD for duty, He will teach them when to dispose of these things. Then they will be free in the TIME OF TROUBLE and have no clogs to weigh them down. {EW 56.3 1882}

I saw that if any held on to their property and did not inquire of the Lord as to their duty, He would not make duty known, and they would be permitted to keep their property, and in the TIME OF TROUBLE it would come up before them like a mountain to crush them, and they would try to dispose of it, but would not be able. I heard some mourn like this: “The cause was languishing, GOD’S PEOPLE were starving for the truth, and we made no effort to supply the lack; now our property is useless. Oh, that we had let it go, and laid up treasure in heaven!” I saw that a sacrifice did not increase, but it decreased and was consumed. I also saw that GOD had not required all of HIS PEOPLE to dispose of their property at the same time; but if they desired to be taught, He would teach them, in a time of need, when to sell and how much to sell. Some have been required to dispose of their property in times past to sustain the Advent cause, while others have been permitted to keep theirs until a time of need. Then, as the cause needs it, their duty is to sell. {EW 57.1 1882}

This view was given in 1847 when there were but very few of the Advent brethren observing the SABBATH, and of these but few supposed that its observance was of sufficient importance to draw a line between the PEOPLE of GOD and unbelievers. Now the fulfilment of that view is beginning to be seen. “The commencement of that TIME OF TROUBLE,” here mentioned does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just before they are poured out, while CHRIST is in the SANCTUARY. At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the THIRD ANGEL. At that time the “latter rain,” or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the LOUD VOICE of the THIRD ANGEL, and prepare the SAINTS to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out. {EW 85.3 1882}

The TIME OF TROUBLE

It was an hour of fearful, terrible agony to the SAINTS. Day and night they cried unto GOD for deliverance. To outward appearance, there was no possibility of their escape. The wicked had already begun to triumph, crying out, “Why doesn’t your GOD deliver you out of our hands? Why don’t you go up and save your lives?” But the SAINTS heeded them not, Like JACOB, they were wrestling with GOD. The angels longed to deliver them, but they must wait a little longer; the PEOPLE of GOD must drink of the cup and be baptized with the baptism. The angels, faithful to their trust, continued their watch. GOD would not suffer His name to be reproached among the heathen. The time had nearly come when He was to manifest His mighty power and gloriously deliver HIS SAINTS. For His name’s glory He would deliver every one of those who had patiently waited for Him and whose names were written in the book. {EW 283.2}

Friday night several heard my voice exclaiming, “Look, Look!” Whether I was dreaming or in vision I cannot tell. I slept alone. The TIME OF TROUBLE was upon us. I saw our people in great distress, weeping and praying, pleading the sure PROMISES of GOD, while the wicked were all around us, mocking us and threatening to destroy. They ridiculed our feebleness, they mocked at the smallness of our numbers, and taunted us with words calculated to cut deep. They charged us with taking an independent position from all the rest of the world. They had cut off our resources so that we could not buy or sell, and referred to our abject poverty and stricken condition. They could not see how we could live without the world. We were dependent upon the world, and we must concede to the customs, practices, and laws of the world, or go out of it. If we were the only people in the world whom the Lord favored, the appearances were awfully against us. {Lt6-1884}

Oh, may GOD endue us with His SPIRIT and make us strong in His strength! In that great day of supreme and final triumph it will be seen that the righteous were strong and that wickedness in all its forms and with all its pride was a weak and miserable failure and defeat. We will cling close to JESUS, we will trust Him, we will seek HIS GRACE and His great salvation. We must hide in JESUS, for He is a covert from the storm, a present help in TIME OF TROUBLE. {Lt6-1884}

I do not know what called out these remarks, only the thought that many will look away from present duties, present comfort and blessings, and be borrowing trouble in regard to the future crisis. This will be making a TIME OF TROUBLE beforehand, and we will receive no grace for any such anticipated troubles. Rejoice in GOD always. Today PRAISE GOD for HIS GRACE, and continue to praise Him every day. When the scene of sore conflict comes, we have learned the lesson of holy confidence, of blessed trust, and we place our hands in the hands of CHRIST, our feet on the Rock of Ages, and we are secure from storm, from tempest. We are to wait on our Lord; JESUS will be an ever-present help in every time of need. We may be glad in the Lord. We may show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. My meditation of Him shall be sweet—of Him to whom I have committed the keeping of my soul. {Lt11a-1884}

We must now be learning the lessons of faith if we would stand in that TIME OF TROUBLE which is coming upon all the world to try them who dwell upon the face of the earth. We must have the courage of heroes and the faith of martyrs. {Lt14-1884}

We have just read the matter in regard to the TIME OF TROUBLE. Brother [Uriah] Smith thinks that chapter by no means should be left out of Volume 4. He says there is not a sentence in it that is not essentially needed. This seemed to make a very deep impression upon the his mind, and I thought I would write to you in reference to this matter. I have read it and it is just a thrilling power with it. I see nothing that will exclude it from the book for general sale among unbelievers. {Lt59-1884}

Before his crucifixion the Saviour explained to his disciples that he was to be put to death, and to rise again from the tomb; and angels were present to impress his words on minds and hearts. But the disciples were looking for temporal deliverance from the Roman yoke, and they could not tolerate the thought that He in whom all their hopes centered should suffer an ignominious death. The words which they needed to remember were banished from their minds; and when the time of trial came, it found them unprepared. The death of JESUS as fully destroyed their hopes as if he had not forewarned them. So in the prophecies the future is opened before us as plainly as it was opened to the disciples by the words of CHRIST. The events connected with the close of probation and the work of preparation for the TIME OF TROUBLE, are clearly brought to view. But multitudes have no more understanding of these important truths than if they had never been revealed. Satan watches to catch away every impression that would make them wise unto salvation, and the TIME OF TROUBLE will find them unready. {4SP 412.1 1884}

But as long as JESUS remains man’s intercessor in the SANCTUARY above, the restraining influence of the HOLY SPIRIT is felt by rulers and people. It still controls, to some extent, the laws of the land. Were it not for these laws, the condition of the world would be much worse than it now is. While many of our rulers are active agents of Satan, GOD also has his agents among the leading men of the nation. The enemy moves upon his servants to propose measures that would greatly impede the WORK of GOD; but statesmen who fear the Lord are influenced by HOLY ANGELS to oppose such propositions with unanswerable arguments. Thus a few men will hold in check a powerful current of evil. The opposition of the enemies of truth will be restrained that the THIRD MESSAGE may do its work. When the loud cry shall be given, it will arrest the attention of these leading men through whom the Lord is now working, and some of them will accept it, and will stand with the PEOPLE of GOD through the TIME OF TROUBLE. {4SP 429.1 1884}

Chapter XXXIV. – The TIME OF TROUBLE.

At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. [Daniel 12:1.] {4SP 431.1 1884}

When the THIRD MESSAGE closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The PEOPLE of GOD have accomplished their work; they have received the latter rain, or the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and they are prepared for the trying hour before them. Angels are hurrying to and fro in Heaven. An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done, that the SEAL of GOD has been placed upon his people. Then JESUS ceases his intercession in the SANCTUARY above. He lifts his hands, and with a LOUD VOICE says, “It is done;” and all the angelic host lay off their crowns as he makes the solemn announcement: “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” [Revelation 22:11] Every case has been decided for life or death. CHRIST has made the atonement for his people, and blotted out their sins. The number of his subjects is made up; “the kingdom and dominion and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,” is about to be given to the heirs of salvation, and JESUS is to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. {4SP 431.2 1884}

When he leaves the SANCTUARY, darkness covers the inhabitants of the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must live in the sight of a HOLY GOD without an intercessor. The restraint which has been upon the wicked is removed, and Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent. The power attending the last warning has enraged them, and their anger is kindled against all who have received the message. The PEOPLE of GOD are then plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress described by the prophet as the TROUBLE:– {4SP 432.1 1884}

Thus saith the Lord: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. “All faces are turned into paleness. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the TROUBLE; but he shall be saved out of it.” [Jeremiah 30:5-7.] {4SP 432.2 1884}

JACOB’S night of anguish, when he wrestled in prayer for deliverance from the hand of Esau, [Genesis 32:24-30.] represents the experience of GOD’S PEOPLE in the TIME OF TROUBLE. Because of the deception practiced to secure his father’s blessing, intended for Esau, JACOB had fled for his life, alarmed by his brother’s deadly threats. After remaining for many years an exile, he had set out, at GOD’S COMMAND, to return with his wives and children, his flocks and herds, to his native country. On reaching the borders of the land, he was filled with terror by the tidings of Esau’s approach at the head of a band of warriors, doubtless bent upon revenge. JACOB’S company, unarmed and defenseless, seemed about to fall helpless victims of violence and slaughter. And to the burden of anxiety and fear was added the crushing weight of self-reproach; for it was his own sin that had brought this danger. His only hope was in the MERCY of GOD; his only defense must be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing undone on his own part to atone for the wrong to his brother, and to avert the threatened danger. So should the FOLLOWERS of CHRIST, as they approach the TIME OF TROUBLE, make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of conscience. {4SP 432.3 1884}

Having sent his family away, that they may not witness his distress, JACOB remains alone to intercede with GOD. He confesses his sin, and gratefully acknowledges the MERCY of GOD toward him, while with deep humiliation he pleads the COVENANT made with his fathers, and the promises to himself in the night vision at Bethel and in the land of his exile. The crisis in his life has come; everything is at stake. In the darkness and solitude he continues praying and humbling himself before GOD. Suddenly a hand is laid upon his shoulder. He thinks that an enemy is seeking his life, and with all the energy of despair he wrestles with his assailant. As the day begins to break, the stranger puts forth his superhuman power; at his touch the strong man seems paralyzed, and he falls, a helpless, weeping suppliant, upon the neck of his mysterious antagonist. JACOB knows now that it is the Angel of the COVENANT with whom he has been in conflict. Though disabled, and suffering the keenest pain, he does not relinquish his purpose. Long has he endured perplexity, remorse, and trouble for his sin; now he must have the assurance that it is pardoned. The divine visitant seems about to depart; but JACOB clings to him, pleading for a blessing. The Angel urges, “Let me go; for the day breaketh;” but the patriarch exclaims, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” What confidence, what firmness and perseverance, are here displayed! Had this been a boastful, presumptuous claim, JACOB would have been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his weakness and unworthiness, yet trusts the MERCY of a COVENANT-KEEPING GOD. {4SP 433.1 1884}

He had power over the Angel, and prevailed. [Hosea 12:4.] Through humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of Heaven. He had fastened his trembling grasp upon the PROMISES of GOD, and the heart of Infinite Love could not turn away the sinner’s plea. As an evidence of his triumph, and an encouragement to others to imitate his example, his name was changed from one which was a reminder of his sin, to one that commemorated his victory. And the fact that JACOB had prevailed with GOD was an assurance that he would prevail with men. He no longer feared to encounter his brother’s anger; for the Lord was his defense. {4SP 434.1 1884}

Satan had accused JACOB before the ANGELS of GOD, claiming the right to destroy him because of his sin; he had moved upon Esau to march against him; and during the patriarch’s long night of wrestling, Satan endeavored to force upon him a sense of his guilt, in order to discourage him, and break his hold upon GOD. JACOB was driven almost to despair; but he knew that without help from Heaven he must perish. He had sincerely repented of his great sin, and he appealed to the MERCY of GOD. He would not be turned from his purpose, but held fast the Angel, and urged his petition with earnest, agonizing cries, until he prevailed. Heavenly messengers were sent to move upon Esau’s heart, and his purpose of hatred and revenge was changed to fraternal affection. {4SP 434.2 1884}

As Satan influenced Esau to march against JACOB, so he will stir up the wicked to destroy GOD’S PEOPLE in the TIME OF TROUBLE. And as he accused JACOB, he will urge his accusations against the PEOPLE of GOD. He numbers the world as his subjects; but the little company who keep the COMMANDMENTS of GOD are resisting his supremacy. If he could blot them from the earth, his triumph would be complete. He sees that HOLY ANGELS are guarding them, and he infers that their sins have been pardoned; but he does not know that their cases have been decided in the SANCTUARY above. He has an accurate knowledge of the sins which he has tempted them to commit, and he presents these before GOD in the most exaggerated light, representing this people to be just as deserving as himself of exclusion from the favor of GOD. He declares that the Lord cannot in justice forgive their sins, and yet destroy him and his angels. He claims them as his prey, and demands that they be given into his hands to destroy. {4SP 435.1 1884}

As Satan accuses the PEOPLE of GOD on account of their sins, the Lord permits him to try them to the uttermost. Their confidence in GOD, their faith and firmness, will be severely tested. As they review the past, their hopes sink; for in their whole lives they can see little good. They are fully conscious of their weakness and unworthiness. Satan endeavors to terrify them with the thought that their cases are hopeless, that the stain of their defilement will never be washed away. He hopes to so destroy their faith that they will yield to his temptations, and turn from their allegiance to GOD. {4SP 436.1 1884}

Though GOD’S PEOPLE will be surrounded by enemies who are bent upon their destruction, yet the anguish which they suffer is not a dread of persecution for the truth’s sake; they fear that every sin has not been repented of, and that through some fault in themselves they shall fail to realize the fulfillment of the Saviour’s promise, “I will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world.” If they could have the assurance of pardon, they would not shrink from torture or death; but should they prove unworthy, and lose their lives because of their own defects of character, then GOD’S holy name would be reproached. {4SP 436.2 1884}

On every hand they hear the plottings of treason, and see the active working of rebellion; and there is aroused within them an intense desire, an earnest yearning of soul, that this great apostasy may be terminated, and the wickedness of the wicked may come to an end. But while they plead with GOD to stay the work of rebellion, there is a throb of self-reproach that they themselves have no more power to resist and urge back the mighty tide of evil. They feel that had they always employed all their ability in the SERVICE of CHRIST, going forward from strength to strength, Satan’s forces would have less power to prevail against them. {4SP 436.3 1884}

They afflict their souls before GOD, pointing to their past repentance of their many sins, and pleading the Saviour’s promise, “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] Their faith does not fail because their prayers are not immediately answered. Though suffering the keenest anxiety, terror, and distress, they do not cease their intercessions. They lay hold of the STRENGTH of GOD as JACOB laid hold of the Angel; and the language of their souls is, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” {4SP 437.1 1884}

Had not JACOB previously repented of his sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud, GOD would not have heard his prayer and mercifully preserved his life. So in the TIME OF TROUBLE, if the PEOPLE of GOD had unconfessed sins to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, they would be overwhelmed; despair would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence to plead with GOD for deliverance. But while they have a deep sense of their unworthiness, they have no concealed wrongs to reveal. Their sins have gone beforehand to Judgment, and have been blotted out; and they cannot bring them to remembrance. {4SP 437.2 1884}

Satan leads many to believe that GOD will overlook their unfaithfulness in the minor affairs of life; but the Lord shows in his dealings with Jacob that he will in no wise sanction or tolerate evil. All who endeavor to excuse or conceal their sins, and permit them to remain upon the books of Heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven, will be overcome by Satan. The more exalted their profession, and the more honorable the position which they hold, the more grievous is their course in the sight of GOD, and the more sure the triumph of their great adversary. Those who delay a preparation for the DAY of GOD cannot obtain it in the TIME OF TROUBLE or at any subsequent time. The case of all such is hopeless. Those professed Christians who come up to that last fearful conflict unprepared, will, in their despair, confess their sins in words of burning anguish, while the wicked exult over their distress. {4SP 437.3 1884}

Yet JACOB’S history is an assurance that GOD will not cast off those who have been deceived and tempted and betrayed into sin, but who have returned unto him with true repentance. While Satan seeks to destroy this class, GOD will send his angels to comfort and protect them in the time of peril. The assaults of Satan are fierce and determined, his delusions are terrible; but the Lord’s eye is upon his people, and his ear listens to their cries. Their affliction is great, the flames of the furnace seem about to consume them; but the Refiner will bring them forth as gold tried in the fire. GOD’S LOVE for his children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity; but it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace fire; their earthliness must be removed that the image of CHRIST may be perfectly reflected. {4SP 438.1 1884}

The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger,–a faith that will not faint, though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. JACOB prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of GOD’S PROMISES as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before GOD, to pray long and earnestly for his blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with GOD–how few know what it is! How few have ever had their souls drawn out after GOD with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the PROMISES of GOD. {4SP 438.2 1884}

Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest danger of falling under the power of Satanic delusions and the decree to compel the conscience. And even if they endure the test, they will be plunged into deeper distress and anguish in the TIME OF TROUBLE, because they have never made it a habit to TRUST in GOD. The lessons of faith which they have neglected, they will be forced to learn under a terrible pressure of discouragement. {4SP 439.1 1884}

We should now acquaint ourselves with GOD by proving his promises. Angels record every prayer that is earnest and sincere. We should rather dispense with selfish gratifications than neglect COMMUNION with GOD. The deepest poverty, the greatest self-denial, with his approval, is better than riches, honors, ease, and friendship without it. We must take time to pray. If we allow our minds to be absorbed by worldly interests, the Lord may give us time by removing from us our idols of gold, of houses, or of fertile lands. {4SP 439.2 1884}

The young would not be seduced into sin if they would refuse to enter any path, save that upon which they could ask GOD’S BLESSING. If the messengers who bear the last solemn warning to the world would pray for the BLESSING of GOD, not in a cold, listless, lazy manner, but fervently and in faith, as did JACOB, they would find many places where they could say, “I have seen GOD face to face, and my life is preserved.” They would be accounted of Heaven as princes, having power to prevail with GOD and with men. {4SP 440.1 1884}

The TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was, is soon to open upon us; and we shall need an experience which we do not now possess, and which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the ordeal. And now, while the precious Saviour is making an atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in CHRIST. GOD’S PROVIDENCE is the school in which we are to learn the meekness and lowliness of JESUS. The Lord is ever setting before us, not the way we would choose, which is easier and pleasanter to us, but the true aims of life. None can neglect or defer this work but at the most fearful peril to their souls. {4SP 440.2 1884}

The apostle John in vision heard a LOUD VOICE in Heaven exclaiming, “Woe to the inhabiters 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.” [Revelation 12:12.] Fearful are the scenes which call forth this exclamation from the heavenly voice. The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction reaches its culmination in the TIME OF TROUBLE. GOD’S long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected his mercy, despised his love, and trampled upon his law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation, and the Lord withdraws his protection, and leaves them to the mercy of the leader they have chosen. Satan will have power over those who have yielded themselves to his control, and he will plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the ANGELS of GOD cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old. {4SP 440.3 1884}

A single angel destroyed all the first-born of the Egyptians, and filled the land with mourning. When David offended against GOD by numbering the people, one angel caused that terrible destruction by which his sin was punished. The same destructive power exercised by HOLY ANGELS when GOD COMMANDS, will be exercised by evil angels when he allows. There are forces now ready, and only waiting the divine permission, to spread desolation everywhere. {4SP 441.1 1884}

Fearful sights of a supernatural character will soon be revealed in the heavens, in token of the power of miracle-working demons. The spirits of devils will go forth to the kings of the earth and to the whole world. Rulers and subjects will be alike deceived. Persons will arise pretending to be CHRIST, and claiming the title and the worship which belong to the world’s Redeemer. They will perform wonderful miracles of healing, and will profess to have revelations from Heaven contradicting the testimony of the SCRIPTURES. {4SP 441.2 1884}

As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will attempt to personate CHRIST. The church has long professed to look to the Saviour’s advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now the great deceiver will make it appear that CHRIST has come. In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the SON of GOD given by John in the Revelation. [Revelation 1:13-15.] The glory that surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet beheld. The shout of triumph rings out upon the air, “CHRIST has come! CHRIST has come!” The people prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands, and pronounces a blessing upon them, as CHRIST blessed his disciples when he was personally upon the earth. His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle, compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly truths which the Saviour uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in his assumed character of CHRIST, he claims to have changed the SABBATH to Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed. He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day are blaspheming his name by refusing to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth. This is the strong, almost overmastering delusion. Like the Samaritans who were deceived by Simon Magus, the multitudes, from the least to the greatest, give heed to these sorceries, saying, This is “the great POWER of GOD.” {4SP 442.1 1884}

But the PEOPLE of GOD will not be misled. The teachings of this false CHRIST are not in accordance with the SCRIPTURES. His blessing is pronounced upon the worshipers of the beast and his image,–the very class upon whom the BIBLE declares that GOD’S unmingled wrath shall be poured out. And, furthermore, Satan is not permitted to counterfeit the manner of CHRIST’S advent. The SCRIPTURES teach that “as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the SON of MAN be;” [Matthew 24:27.] that he “cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him;” [Revelation 1:7.] that he will “descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD;” [1 Thessalonians 4:16.] that he will “come in his glory, and all the HOLY ANGELS with him,” [Matthew 25:31.] and will “send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect.” [Matthew 24:31.] Those who have received the love of the truth will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive. By the testimony of the SCRIPTURES they will detect the deceiver in his disguise. {4SP 443.1 1884}

To all, the testing time will come. By the sifting of temptation, the genuine Christian will be revealed. Are the PEOPLE of GOD now so firmly established upon his word that they would not yield to the evidence of their senses? Would they, in such a crisis, cling to the BIBLE, and the BIBLE only? Satan will, if possible, prevent them from obtaining a preparation to stand in that day. He will so arrange affairs as to hedge up their way, entangle them with earthly treasures, cause them to carry a heavy, wearisome burden, that their hearts may be overcharged with the cares of this life, and the day of trial may come upon them as a thief. {4SP 443.2 1884}

Satan will continue to act a double part. Appearing to be the dispenser of great blessings and divine truths, he will, by his lying wonders, hold the world under his control; and at the same time he will indulge his malignity by causing distress and destruction, and will accuse GOD’S PEOPLE as the cause of the fearful convulsions of nature and the strife and bloodshed among men which are desolating the earth. Thus he will excite to greater intensity the spirit of hatred and persecution against them. GOD never forces the will or the conscience; but Satan will employ the most cruel measures to control the consciences of men, and to secure worship to himself. And this work of compulsion is always in favor of human creeds and laws, and in defiance of GOD’S HOLY LAW. {4SP 444.1 1884}

In the last conflict the SABBATH will be the special point of controversy throughout all Christendom. Secular rulers and religious leaders will unite to enforce the observance of the Sunday; and as milder measures fail, the most oppressive laws will be enacted. It will be urged that the few who stand in opposition to an institution of the church and a law of the land ought not to be tolerated, and a decree will finally be issued denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment, and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death. Romanism in the Old World, and apostate Protestantism in the New, will pursue a similar course toward those who honor the divine precepts. {4SP 444.2 1884}

The PEOPLE of GOD will then flee from the cities and villages, and associate together in companies, dwelling in the most desolate and solitary places. Many will find refuge in the strongholds of the mountains. Like the Christians of the Piedmont valleys, they will make the high places of the earth their sanctuaries, and will thank GOD for the “munitions of rocks.” But many of all nations and all classes, high and low, rich and poor, black and white, will be cast into the most unjust and cruel bondage. The BELOVED of GOD pass weary days, bound in chains, shut in by prison bars, sentenced to be slain, some apparently left to die of starvation in dark and loathsome dungeons. No human ear is open to hear their moans; no human hand is ready to lend them help. {4SP 445.1 1884}

Will the Lord forget his people in this trying hour? Did he forget faithful Noah when judgments were visited upon the antediluvian world? Did he forget Lot when the fire came down from heaven to consume the cities of the plain? Did he forget Joseph surrounded by idolaters in Egypt? Did he forget Elijah when the oath of Jezebel threatened him with the fate of the Baal prophets? Did he forget Jeremiah in the dark and dismal pit of his prison-house? Did he forget the three worthies in the fiery furnace? or Daniel in the den of lions? CHRIST cannot forsake those who are as the apple of his eye, the purchase of his precious blood. {4SP 445.2 1884}

Though the PEOPLE of GOD endure privation, and even suffer for want of food, they are not left to perish. While GOD’S JUDGMENTS are visited upon the earth, and the wicked are dying from hunger and thirst, angels provide the righteous with food and water. Said JESUS, in his lessons of faith to his disciples: “Consider the ravens; for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and GOD feedeth them; how much more are ye better than the fowls?” [Luke 12:24.] “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” [Matthew 10:29-31.] {4SP 446.1 1884}

Yet to human sight it will appear that the PEOPLE of GOD must soon SEAL their TESTIMONY with their blood, as did the martyrs before them. They themselves begin to fear that the Lord has left them to fall by the hand of their enemies. It is a time of fearful agony. Day and night they cry unto GOD for deliverance. The wicked exult, and the jeering cry is heard, “Where now is your faith? Why does not GOD deliver you out of our hands if you are indeed his people?” But the waiting ones remember JESUS dying upon Calvary’s cross, and the chief priests and rulers shouting in mockery, “He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.” [Matthew 27:42.] Like JACOB, all are wrestling with GOD. Their countenances express their internal struggle. Paleness sits upon every face. Yet they cease not their earnest intercession. {4SP 446.2 1884}

Could men see with heavenly vision, they would behold companies of angels that excel in strength stationed about those who have kept the word of CHRIST’S PATIENCE. With sympathizing tenderness, angels have witnessed their distress, and have heard their prayers. They are waiting the WORD of their COMMANDER to snatch them from their peril. But they must wait yet a little longer. The PEOPLE of GOD must drink of the cup, and be baptized with the baptism. The very delay, so painful to them, is the best answer to their petitions. As they endeavor to wait trustingly for the Lord to work, they are led to exercise faith, hope, and patience, which have been too little exercised during their religious experience. Yet for the elect’s sake, the TIME OF TROUBLE will be shortened. The end will come more quickly than men expect. The wheat will be gathered and bound in sheaves for the garner of GOD; the tares will be bound as fagots for the fires of destruction. {4SP 447.1 1884}

The heavenly sentinels, faithful to their trust, continue their watch. In some cases, before the time specified in the decree, enemies will rush upon the waiting ones to put them to death. But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed about every faithful soul. Some are assailed in their flight from the cities and villages; but the swords raised against them break and fall as powerless as a straw. Others are defended by angels in the form of men of war. {4SP 447.2 1884}

In all ages GOD has wrought through HOLY ANGELS for the succor and deliverance of his people. Celestial beings have taken an active part in the affairs of men. They have appeared clothed in garments that shone as the lightning; they have come as men, in the garb of wayfarers. Angels have appeared in human form to MEN of GOD. They have rested, as if weary, under the oaks at noon. They have accepted the hospitalities of human homes. They have acted as guides to benighted travelers. They have, with their own hands, kindled the fires of the altar. They have opened prison doors, and set free the servants of the Lord. Clothed with the panoply of Heaven, they came to roll away the stone from the Saviour’s tomb. {4SP 447.3 1884}

In the form of men, angels are often in the assemblies of the righteous, and they visit the assemblies of the wicked, as they went to Sodom, to make a record of their deeds, to determine whether they have passed the boundary of GOD’S FORBEARANCE. The Lord delights in mercy; and for the sake of a few who really serve him, he restrains calamities, and prolongs the tranquillity of multitudes. Little do sinners against GOD realize that they are indebted for their own lives to the faithful few whom they delight to ridicule and oppress. {4SP 448.1 1884}

Though the rulers of this world know it not, yet often in their councils angels have been spokesmen. Human eyes have looked upon them; human ears have listened to their appeals; human lips have opposed their suggestions and ridiculed their counsels; human hands have met them with insult and abuse. In the council hall and the court of justice, these heavenly messengers have shown an intimate acquaintance with human history; they have proved themselves better able to plead the cause of the oppressed than their ablest and most eloquent defenders. They have defeated purposes and arrested evils that would have greatly retarded the WORK of GOD, and would have caused great suffering to his people. In the hour of peril and distress let it never be forgotten that “the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” [Psalm 34:7] {4SP 448.2 1884}

With earnest longing, GOD’S PEOPLE await the tokens of their coming King. As the watchmen are accosted, “What of the night?” the answer is given unfalteringly, “‘The morning cometh, and also the night.’ Light is gleaming upon the clouds above the mountain tops. Soon will there be a revealing of His glory. The Sun of Righteousness is about to shine forth. The morning and the night come hand in hand,–the opening of endless day to the righteous, the settling down of eternal night to the wicked.” {4SP 449.1 1884}

As the wrestling ones urge their petitions before GOD, the vail separating them from the unseen seems almost withdrawn. The heavens glow with the dawning of eternal day, and, like the melody of angel songs, the words fall upon the ear, “Stand fast to your allegiance. Help is coming.” CHRIST, the almighty victor, holds out to his weary soldiers a crown of immortal glory; and HIS VOICE comes from the gates ajar: “Lo, I am with you. Be not afraid. I am acquainted with all your sorrows; I have borne your griefs. You are not warring against untried enemies. I have fought the battle in your behalf, and in my name you are more than conquerors.” {4SP 449.2 1884}

The precious Saviour will send help just when we need it. The way to Heaven is consecrated by his footprints. Every thorn that wounds our feet has wounded his. Every cross that we are called to bear, he has borne before us. The Lord permits conflicts, to prepare the soul for peace. If we had no storms, no shadows, we could not appreciate the sunshine. The TIME OF TROUBLE is a fearful ordeal for GOD’S PEOPLE; but it is the time for every true believer to look up, and by faith he may see the bow of promise encircling him. {4SP 449.3 1884}

The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head; they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. I, even I, am he that comforteth you; who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the SON of MAN which shall be made as grass; and forgettest the Lord thy Maker; . . . and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor? The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail. But I am the LORD thy GOD, that divided the sea, whose waves roared. The Lord of hosts is his name. And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have COVERED thee in the shadow of mine hand. {4SP 450.1 1884}

Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted and drunken, but not with wine: Thus saith thy Lord the Lord, and thy GOD that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again. But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over. [Isaiah 51:11-16, 21-23.] {4SP 450.2 1884}

The eye of GOD, looking down the ages, was fixed upon the crisis which his people are to meet, when earthly powers shall be arrayed against them. Like the captive exile, they will be in fear of death by starvation or by violence. But the Holy One who divided the Red Sea before Israel, will manifest his mighty power and turn their captivity. “They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” [Malachi 3:17.] If the blood of CHRIST’S FAITHFUL WITNESSES were shed at this time, it would not, like the blood of the martyrs, be as seed sown to yield a harvest for GOD. Their fidelity would not be a testimony to convince others of the truth; for the obdurate heart has beaten back the waves of mercy until they return no more. If the righteous were now left to fall a prey to their enemies, it would be a triumph for the prince of darkness. But CHRIST has spoken: “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee; hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity.” [Isaiah 26:20, 21.] Glorious will be the deliverance of those who have patiently waited for him, and whose names are written in the book of life. {4SP 451.1 1884}

The path to freedom from sin is through crucifixion of self, and conflict with the powers of darkness. Let none be discouraged in view of the severe trials to be met in the TROUBLE, which is yet before them. They are to work earnestly, anxiously, not for that time, but for today. What we want is to have a knowledge of the truth as it is in CHRIST now, and a personal experience now. In these precious closing hours of probation, we have a deep and living experience to gain. We shall thus form characters that will insure our deliverance in the TIME OF TROUBLE. {RH, August 12, 1884 par. 10}

The TIME OF TROUBLE is the crucible that is to bring out CHRIST-LIKE CHARACTERS. It is designed to lead the PEOPLE of GOD to renounce Satan and his temptations. The last conflict will reveal Satan to them in his true character, that of a cruel tyrant, and it will do for them what nothing else could do, up-root him entirely from their affections. For to love and cherish sin, is to love and cherish its author, that deadly foe of CHRIST. When they excuse sin and cling to perversity of character, they give Satan a place in their affections, and pay him homage. {RH, August 12, 1884 par. 11}

I feel distressed as I look upon our people and know that they are holding very loosely the temperance question. It has been a mystery to me how any of our people with all the light they have had, could manufacture and sell cider. From the light GOD has given me, every member among us should sign the pledge and be connected with the temperance association. Some have backslidden and tampered with tea and coffee. Those who break the laws of health will become blinded in their minds and break the LAW of GOD. We should unite with other people just as far as we can and not sacrifice principle. This does not mean that we should join their lodges and societies, but that we should let them know that we are most heartily in sympathy with the temperance question. We should not work solely for our own people, but should bestow labor also upon noble minds outside of our ranks. We should be at the head in the temperance reform. We want our sisters who are now injuring themselves by wrong habits to put them away and come to the front and be workers in reform. The reason why many of us will fall in the TIME OF TROUBLE is because of laxity in temperance and indulgence of appetite. {RH, October 21, 1884 par. 1}

Moses preached a great deal on this subject, and the reason the people did not go through to the promised land was because of repeated indulgence of appetite. Nine-tenths of the wickedness among the children of today is caused by intemperance in eating and drinking. Adam and Eve lost Eden through the indulgence of appetite, and we can only regain it by the denial of the same. {RH, October 21, 1884 par. 2}

I think we have something to be thankful for. We ought to be glad, and rejoice in GOD; for he has given us many mercies. The thought comes to me that we may have a Thanksgiving in the future without any giving. It may be that the TIME OF TROUBLE will be upon us. But today let us rejoice that we are granted this opportunity of coming within the courts of the Lord. We ought to come with humble thanks for all his mercies that have been given us all through the year. But I fear too many of us encourage the habit of looking always upon the dark side of life, and that at a time when GOD has crowned us with his goodness and mercy. This is wrong. We should be enjoying the sunshine of his golden blessings, that have crowned the year with plenty. When GOD pours his blessings into our hearts, we should not shut them up as we would precious ointment, lest the perfume escape; we should bestow them upon those around us, that they also may be glad and rejoice. In my experience I have found that when I brought joy to the hearts of others, my own soul rejoiced, and was filled with the melting SPIRIT of GOD. In the morning and all through the day, a sense of GOD’S goodness filled my heart, and it awakened such feelings of gratitude as I cannot express. {RH, December 23, 1884 par. 2}

We are living in an age when the LAW of GOD is made void. Deceptive errors prevail to an alarming degree. Multitudes, forgetting that “sin is the transgression of the law,” are following the lead of that great law-breaker, the man of sin. But genuine faith has not become extinct. There are two parties in the world,–the advocates of truth and purity as well as the advocates of error and corruption; and the earnest inquiry of each soul should be, What is truth? At the last we must all stand in one party or the other; and in which company do we wish to be found when JESUS shall come in the clouds of heaven? We shall all want a Saviour to stand in our defense in that awful time described by the prophet as a “TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation.” And when CHRIST shall separate the righteous from the wicked, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats; and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left, we shall all want to be on the right hand. We shall not then esteem it an honor to be found with the multitudes in the paths of transgression. {RH, January 13, 1885 par. 6}

The time is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth prohibiting men to buy or sell of any man save him that hath the mark of the beast. We came near having this realized in California a short time since; but this was only the threatening of the blowing of the four winds. As yet they are held by the four angels. We are not just ready. There is a work yet to be done, and then the angels will be bidden to let go, that the four winds may blow upon the earth. That will be a decisive time for GOD’S CHILDREN, a TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation. Now is our opportunity to work. {5T 152.2 1882-1889}

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the book. When this TIME OF TROUBLE comes, every case is decided; there is no longer probation, no longer mercy for the impenitent. The SEAL of the LIVING GOD is upon HIS PEOPLE. This small REMNANT, unable to defend themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth that are marshaled by the dragon host, make GOD their defense. The decree has been passed by the highest earthly authority that they shall worship the beast and receive his mark under pain of persecution and death. May GOD help HIS PEOPLE now, for what can they then do in such a fearful conflict without His assistance! {5T 212.5 1882-1889}

Courage, fortitude, faith, and implicit TRUST in GOD’S POWER to save do not come in a moment. These heavenly graces are acquired by the experience of years. By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right the CHILDREN of GOD were sealing their destiny. Beset with temptations without number, they knew they must resist firmly or be conquered. They felt that they had a great work to do, and at any hour they might be called to lay off their armor; and should they come to the close of life with their work undone, it would be an eternal loss. They eagerly accepted the light from heaven, as did the first disciples from the lips of JESUS. When those early Christians were exiled to mountains and deserts, when left in dungeons to die with hunger, cold, and torture, when martyrdom seemed the only way out of their distress, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for CHRIST, who was crucified for them. Their worthy example will be a comfort and encouragement to the PEOPLE of GOD who will be brought into the TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was. {5T 213.1 1882-1889}

In this age of the world, as the scenes of earth’s history are soon to close and we are about to enter upon the TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was, the fewer the marriages contracted, the better for all, both men and women. Above all, when Satan is working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, let Christians beware of connecting themselves with unbelievers. GOD has spoken. All who fear Him will submit to His wise injunctions. Our feelings, impulses, and affections must flow heavenward, not earthward, not in the low, base channel of sensual thought and indulgence. It is time now that every soul should stand as in the sight of the heart-searching GOD. {5T 366.1 1882-1889}

As the approach of the Roman armies was a sign to the disciples of the impending destruction of Jerusalem, so may this apostasy be a sign to us that the limit of GOD’S FORBEARANCE is reached, that the measure of our nation’s iniquity is full, and that the angel of mercy is about to take her flight, never to return. The PEOPLE of GOD will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress which prophets have described as the TROUBLE. The cries of the faithful, persecuted ones ascend to heaven. And as the blood of Abel cried from the ground, there are voices also CRYING to GOD from martyrs’ graves, from the sepulchers of the sea, from mountain caverns, from convent vaults: “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” {5T 451.2 1882-1889}

You need a counselor that will not err; one whom hearsay will not prejudice; one whom narrow ideas will not unbalance his judgment. A path opens on one side, but whether it is the path for you to walk in or to shun is that which you do not discern, and no mortal man can tell you. Another path closes before you, and whether it is the turning aside in another direction or to try your steadfast purpose, none are wise enough to determine. You need a Guide, a Power unseen by mortal eyes, who can judge your motives and the purposes and intents of your heart to guide your ways. The Star in the East will guide your ways if you will only follow it. You are never alone. You are never in a place where you have no one to have interest in you. Our heavenly Father has given His Son to die for you. The cross of Calvary testified that He takes a deep interest in your welfare, for you are the purchase of the SON of GOD. And you are the subject of many prayers. If you but feel right and do right, all will be well. If you ask the help of GOD, you will not ask in vain. The Lord is at work in many ways to win your hearty confidence. In nothing does He take more delight than to have you unburden, come to Him for light and strength, and He has promised that you shall find rest to your soul. If you will find heart and voice to pray, He will be sure to hear, and an arm will be reached down to save you. There is a GOD that hears prayer; and when all other resources fail, He is your refuge, a very present help in TIME OF TROUBLE. {Lt2-1886}

I hope you will not become discouraged. I hope you will consider that you are engaged in a work where you can be a great blessing to humanity. You are not to expect that your best and most taxing efforts may always be appreciated; but you are not working merely for wages, but to do the work more important to be done than the one who ministers in word and doctrine. I know that you are often tempted and tried. I know that the Lord will not leave you to wrestle with these temptations alone. Only believe JESUS is your helper, a very present help in TIME OF TROUBLE. Somehow today it seemed to me I must see you and bid you look up; yes, look up through the mist, through the clouds to the Sun of righteousness. You must not be depressed. It is the depressing discouragements that are sapping your life forces. You must be cheerful even though disappointed in men. JESUS understands, JESUS is true, JESUS is your Saviour. Only a little while of trial, a little moment of affliction, then an eternal weight of glory. {Lt22-1886}

Where, we ask, is the happiness in such a life? The Lord is our refuge. There is a defense in the midst of us, mightier than all the powers of kingdoms. The glory of the Lord, He will be our front guard, He will be our reward, our very present help in TIME OF TROUBLE. All things earthly will be dissolved, and the apostle asks, “What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness. Looking for and hasting until the coming of the DAY of GOD, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?” 2 Peter 3:11, 12. {Lt102-1886}

God will help us in time of need, but He will not compel us to love and obey Him. We must give Him our undivided love. He wants us to trust Him and confide in Him. He understands our wants and has ample resources to help in every TIME OF TROUBLE. We are not left to fight our own battles, but we have the help of CHRIST, and in His name we can come off victorious. {Ms46-1886}

Live the life of faith day by day. Do not become anxious and distressed about the TIME OF TROUBLE, and thus have a TIME OF TROUBLE beforehand. Do not keep thinking, “I am afraid I shall not stand in the great testing day.” You are to live for the present, for this day only. Tomorrow is not yours. Today you are to maintain the victory over self. Today you are to live a life of prayer. Today you are to fight the good fight of faith. Today you are to believe that GOD blesses you. And as you gain the victory over darkness and unbelief, you will meet the requirements of the Master, and will become a blessing to those around you. {HS 142.3 1886}

I feel an intense desire that our brethren and sisters shall be correct representatives of JESUS. Do not pierce his wounds afresh, and put him to an open shame, by an inconsistent life. Become thoroughly acquainted with the reasons of our faith, and show by word and act that CHRIST is dwelling in your hearts by faith. May GOD help you to walk with JESUS. If you do, you will be the light of the world, and in the TIME OF TROUBLE he will say, “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee; hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.”Monday morning, Sept. 28. {HS 144.3 1886}

Wonderful events are soon to open before the world. The end of all things is at hand. The TIME OF TROUBLE is about to come upon the PEOPLE of GOD. Then it is that the decree will go forth forbidding those who KEEP the SABBATH of the Lord to buy or sell, and threatening them with punishment, and even death, if they do not observe the first day of the week as the SABBATH. {HS 156.1 1886}

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. By this we see the importance of having our names written in the book of life. All whose names are registered there will be delivered from Satan’s power, and CHRIST will command that their filthy garments be removed, and that they be clothed with his righteousness. “And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” {HS 156.2 1886}

In the TIME OF TROUBLE, Satan stirs up the wicked, and they encircle the PEOPLE of GOD to destroy them. But he does not know that “pardon” has been written opposite their names in the books of heaven. He does not know that the command has been given, “Take away the filthy garments” from them, clothe them with “change of raiment,” and set “a fair mitre” upon their heads. {HS 156.3 1886}

That which especially excites the enmity of the world in our day is the presentation of the claims of the FOURTH COMMANDMENT. And this is the special work for the PEOPLE of GOD at this time. The prophet John, looking down to the last days, saw that the TEMPLE of GOD was open in heaven, and the ark of his testament was seen. That ark contains GOD’S HOLY LAW, and John sees a people whose eyes are directed to the TEMPLE; their attention is fixed upon the law contained in the ark. “Here are they that keep the COMMANDMENTS of GOD, and the FAITH of JESUS.” Heaven is watching this work with the deepest interest. Angels are watching the development of character, and are weighing moral worth. They are bidden to place a mark upon those who are loyal to GOD’S COMMANDMENTS; such will have special help from GOD to endure the test and proving of the TIME OF TROUBLE. {HS 196.3 1886}

There is no question as to whose banner those ranked under who thus persecuted the SAINTS. Their master, Satan, alone could instigate men to inflict such terrible cruelties, such intense sufferings, such excruciating agony, upon their fellow-men. Those ages of cruel restriction of liberty of conscience are now in the past; but, we inquire, how long before Satan will, through his devices, again bring upon GOD’S PEOPLE a TIME OF TROUBLE? Satan is a deceiver, a murderer, and his power will be felt in the near future by those who love and fear GOD. {HS 242.3 1886}

Then we are to have godliness and faith. We are to believe in GOD and his promises, and in his power to help and save us. We must believe him; for he is well able and more than willing to help us in TIME OF TROUBLE, to comfort us in times of affliction and distress, and to deliver us out of all our trials and difficulties. Troubles and difficulties will come, and we must confide in GOD. If our children do not do as we wish them, what course are we going to take in the matter? give them up because we see that they do not have the SPIRIT of God?–Never! it should only make them dearer to our hearts. We must come before GOD with them in our prayers. We must present them before the THRONE of GOD, and say, Lord, here are the children thou hast given me, and I cannot rest day nor night till thou hast brought them into the ark. I cannot enjoy it to be in the ark unless my children are there also. {RH, December 21, 1886 par. 4}

Now I want to read another SCRIPTURE: “Be careful for nothing,” What does that mean? Why, don’t cross a bridge before you get to it. Don’t make a TIME OF TROUBLE before it comes. You will get to it soon enough, brethren. We are to think of today, and if we do well the duties of today, we will be ready for the duties of tomorrow. “But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD.” Thanksgiving is to be brought in. “And the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS.” Then we are not given over into the hands of the devil; we have a loving heavenly Father, and He has given His Son to bear our iniquity. {Ms7-1888}

Now, brethren, I want to say that why we have not had more of the power and of the grace of our Lord JESUS CHRIST and to be able to present it to the people is because we have been reaching out to human agencies for strength whereas we should have gone right to the Fountain Head, CHRIST JESUS. If others can go to the Fountain, you can to there. So in TIME OF TROUBLE and discouragement and perplexity, go to the Fountain Head and there receive the strength you need. {Ms13-1888}

Chapter XXXIX – “The TIME OF TROUBLE”

Those who honor the LAW of GOD have been accused of bringing judgments upon the world, and they will be regarded as the cause of the fearful convulsions of nature and the strife and bloodshed among men that are filling the earth with woe. The power attending the last warning has enraged the wicked; their anger is kindled against all who have received the message, and Satan will excite to still greater intensity the spirit of hatred and persecution. {GC88 614.3 1888}

When GOD’S presence was finally withdrawn from the Jewish nation, priests and people knew it not. Though under the control of Satan, and swayed by the most horrible and malignant passions, they still regarded themselves as the chosen of GOD. The ministration in the TEMPLE continued; sacrifices were offered upon its polluted altars, and daily the divine blessing was invoked upon a people guilty of the blood of GOD’S DEAR SON, and seeking to slay his ministers and apostles. So when the irrevocable decision of the SANCTUARY has been pronounced, and the destiny of the world has been forever fixed, the inhabitants of the earth will know it not. The forms of religion will be continued by a people from whom the SPIRIT of GOD has been finally withdrawn; and the Satanic zeal with which the prince of evil will inspire them for the accomplishment of his malignant designs, will bear the semblance of zeal for GOD. {GC88 614.4 1888}

As the SABBATH has become the special point of controversy throughout Christendom, and religious and secular authorities have combined to enforce the observance of the Sunday, the persistent refusal of a small minority to yield to the popular demand, will make them objects of universal execration. It will be urged that the few who stand in opposition to an institution of the church and a law of the State, ought not to be tolerated; that it is better for them to suffer than for whole nations to be thrown into confusion and lawlessness. The same argument eighteen hundred years ago was brought against CHRIST by the “rulers of the people.” “It is expedient for us,” said the wily Caiaphas, “that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.” [John 11:50.] This argument will appear conclusive; and a decree will finally be issued against those who hallow the SABBATH of the FOURTH COMMANDMENT, denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment, and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death. Romanism in the Old World, and apostate Protestantism in the New, will pursue a similar course toward those who honor all the divine precepts. {GC88 615.1 1888}

The PEOPLE of GOD will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress described by the prophet as the TROUBLE. “Thus saith the Lord: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.” “All faces are turned into paleness. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it; it is even the TROUBLE; but he shall be saved out of it.” [Jeremiah 30:5-7.] {GC88 616.1 1888}

Jacob’s history is also an assurance that GOD will not cast off those who have been deceived, and tempted, and betrayed into sin, but who have returned unto him with true repentance. While Satan seeks to destroy this class, GOD will send his angels to comfort and protect them in the time of peril. The assaults of Satan are fierce and determined, his delusions are terrible; but the Lord’s eye is upon his people, and his ear listens to their cries. Their affliction is great, the flames of the furnace seem about to consume them; but the Refiner will bring them forth as gold tried in the fire. GOD’S LOVE for his children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity; but it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace fire; their earthliness must be consumed that the image of CHRIST may be perfectly reflected. {GC88 621.1 1888}

The “TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was,” is soon to open upon us; and we shall need an experience which we do not now possess, and which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the ordeal. In that time of trial, every soul must stand for himself before GOD. Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in the land, “as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.” [Ezekiel 14:20.] {GC88 622.3 1888}

Now, while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in CHRIST. Not even by a thought could our Saviour be brought to yield to the power of temptation. Satan finds in human hearts some point where he can gain a foot-hold; some sinful desire is cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their power. But CHRIST declared of himself, “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.” [John 14:30.] Satan could find nothing in the SON of GOD that would enable him to gain the victory. He had kept his Father’s COMMANDMENTS, and there was no sin in him that Satan could use to his advantage. This is the condition in which those must be found who shall stand in the TIME OF TROUBLE. {GC88 622.4 1888}

It is in this life that we are to separate sin from us, through faith in the atoning blood of CHRIST. Our precious Saviour invites us to join ourselves to him, to unite our weakness to his strength, our ignorance to his wisdom, our unworthiness to his merits. GOD’S PROVIDENCE is the school in which we are to learn the meekness and lowliness of JESUS. The Lord is ever setting before us, not the way we would choose, which seems easier and pleasanter to us, but the true aims of life. It rests with us to co-operate with the agencies which Heaven employs, in the work of conforming our characters to the divine model. None can neglect or defer this work but at the most fearful peril to their souls. {GC88 623.1 1888}

And, furthermore, Satan is not permitted to counterfeit the manner of CHRIST’S advent. The Saviour has warned his people against deception upon this point, and has clearly foretold the manner of HIS SECOND COMING. “There shall arise false CHRISTS, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. . . . Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the SON of MAN be.” [Matthew 24:24-27, 31; 25:31; Revelation 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17.] This coming, there is no possibility of counterfeiting. It will be universally known—witnessed by the whole world. {GC88 625.1 1888}

Only those who have been diligent students of the SCRIPTURES, and who have received the love of the truth, will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive. By the BIBLE TESTIMONY these will detect the deceiver in his disguise. To all, the testing time will come. By the sifting of temptation, the genuine Christian will be revealed. Are the PEOPLE of GOD now so firmly established upon his WORD that they would not yield to the evidence of their senses? Would they, in such a crisis, cling to the BIBLE, and the BIBLE only? Satan will, if possible, prevent them from obtaining a preparation to stand in that day. He will so arrange affairs as to hedge up their way, entangle them with earthly treasures, cause them to carry a heavy, wearisome burden, that their hearts may be overcharged with the cares of this life, and the day of trial may come upon them as a thief. {GC88 625.2 1888}

As the decree issued by the various rulers of Christendom against Commandment-keepers shall withdraw the protection of government, and abandon them to those who desire their destruction, the PEOPLE of GOD will flee from the cities and villages, and associate together in companies, dwelling in the most desolate and solitary places. Many will find refuge in the strongholds of the mountains. Like the Christians of the Piedmont valleys, they will make the high places of the earth their sanctuaries, and will thank GOD for the “munitions of rocks.” [Isaiah 33:16.] But many of all nations, and all classes, high and low, rich and poor, black and white, will be cast into the most unjust and cruel bondage. The BELOVED of GOD pass weary days, bound in chains, shut in by prison bars, sentenced to be slain, some apparently left to die of starvation in dark and loathsome dungeons. No human ear is open to hear their moans; no human hand is ready to lend them help. {GC88 625.3 1888}

Zion said, JEHOVAH hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands. [Isaiah 49:14-16.] The Lord of hosts has said, “He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of his eye.” [Zechariah 2:8.] {GC88 626.2 1888}

Though enemies may thrust them into prison, yet dungeon walls cannot cut off the communication between their souls and CHRIST. One who sees their every weakness, who is acquainted with every trial, is above all earthly powers; and angels will come to them in lonely cells, bringing light and peace from Heaven. The prison will be as a palace; for the rich in faith dwell there, and the gloomy walls will be lighted up with heavenly light, as when Paul and Silas prayed and sung praises at midnight in the Philippian dungeon. {GC88 626.3 1888}

GOD’S JUDGMENTS will be visited upon those who are seeking to oppress and destroy his people. His long forbearance with the wicked emboldens men in transgression, but their punishment is none the less certain and terrible because it is long delayed. “The Lord shall rise up as in Mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act.” [Isaiah 28:21.] To our MERCIFUL GOD the act of punishment is a strange act. “As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked,” [Ezekiel 33:11.] The Lord is “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,” “forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Yet he will “by no means clear the guilty.” “The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.” [Exodus 34:6, 7; Nahum 1:3.] By terrible things in righteousness he will vindicate the authority of his downtrodden law. The severity of the retribution awaiting the transgressor may be judged by the Lord’s reluctance to execute justice. The nation with which he bears long, and which he will not smite until it has filled up the measure of its iniquity in GOD’S account, will finally drink the cup of wrath unmixed with mercy. {GC88 627.1 1888}

When CHRIST ceases his intercession in the SANCTUARY, the unmingled wrath threatened against those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark, [Revelation 14:9, 10.] will be poured out. The plagues upon Egypt when GOD was about to deliver Israel, were similar in character to those more terrible and extensive judgments which are to fall upon the world just before the final deliverance of GOD’S PEOPLE. Says the Revelator, in describing these terrific scourges, “There fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshiped his image.” The sea “became as the blood of a dead man, and every living soul died in the sea.” And “the rivers and fountains of waters became blood.” [Revelation 16:2-6, 8, 9.] Terrible as these inflictions are, GOD’S JUSTICE stands fully vindicated. The angel of GOD declares, “Thou art righteous, O Lord, . . . because thou hast judged thus. For they have shed the blood of SAINTS and PROPHETS, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. [Revelation 16:2-6, 8, 9.] By condemning the PEOPLE of GOD to death they have as truly incurred the guilt of their blood, as if it had been shed by their hands. In like manner CHRIST declared the Jews of his time guilty of all the blood of holy men which had been shed since the days of Abel; for they possessed the same spirit, and were seeking to do the same work, with these murderers of the prophets. {GC88 627.2 1888}

In the plague that follows, power is given to the sun “to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat.” [Revelation 16:2-6, 8, 9.] The prophets thus describe the condition of the earth at this fearful time: “The land mourneth;. . . because the harvest of the field is perished.” “All the trees of the field are withered; because joy is withered away from the sons of men.” “The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate.” “How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture. . . . The rivers of waters are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness.” “The songs of the TEMPLE shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord GOD; there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence.” [Joel 1:10-12, 17-20; Amos 8:3.] {GC88 628.1 1888}

These PLAGUES are NOT UNIVERSAL, or the inhabitants of the earth would be wholly cut off. Yet they will be the most awful scourges that have ever been known to mortals. All the judgments upon men, prior to the close of probation, have been mingled with mercy. The pleading blood of CHRIST has shielded the sinner from receiving the full measure of his guilt; but in the final Judgment, wrath is poured out unmixed with mercy. {GC88 628.2 1888}

In that day, multitudes will desire the shelter of GOD’S MERCY which they have so long despised. “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.” [Amos 8:11, 12.] {GC88 629.1 1888}

The PEOPLE of GOD will not be free from suffering; but while persecuted and distressed, while they endure privation, and suffer for want of food, they will not be left to perish. That GOD who cared for Elijah will not pass by one of his self-sacrificing children. He who numbers the hairs of their head will care for them, and in time of famine they shall be satisfied. While the wicked are dying from hunger and pestilence, angels will shield the righteous, and supply their wants. To him that “walketh righteously” is the promise, “Bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.” “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the GOD of Israel will not forsake them.” [Isaiah 33:16; 41:17.] {GC88 629.2 1888}

Although the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls; yet shall they that fear him “rejoice in the Lord,” and joy in the GOD of their salvation. [Habakkuk 3:17, 18.] {GC88 629.3 1888}

The Lord is thy keeper; the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil; he shall preserve thy soul. “He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust; his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the MOST HIGH, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” [Psalm 121:5-7; 91:3-10.] {GC88 629.4 1888}

Upon the crystal sea before the throne, that sea of glass as it were mingled with fire,—so resplendent is it with the GLORY of GOD,—are gathered the company that have “gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name.” [Revelation 15:2.] With the LAMB upon Mount Zion, “having the harps of GOD,” they stand, the hundred and forty and four thousand that were redeemed from among men; and there is heard, as the sound of many waters, and as the sound of a great thunder, “the voice of harpers harping with their harps.” [Revelation 14:1-5; 15:3; 7:14-17] And they sing “a new song” before the throne, a song which no man can learn save the hundred and forty and four thousand. It is the song of Moses and the LAMB,—a song of deliverance. None but the hundred and forty-four thousand can learn that song; for it is the song of their experience,—an experience such as no other company have ever had. “These are they which follow the LAMB whithersoever he goeth.” These, having been translated from the earth, from among the living, are counted as “the first-fruits unto GOD and to the LAMB.” “These are they which came out of great tribulation;” [Revelation 14:1-5; 15:3; Revelation 7:14-17.] they have passed through the TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation; they have endured the anguish of the TROUBLE; they have stood without an intercessor through the final outpouring of GOD’S JUDGMENTS. But they have been delivered, for they have “washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the LAMB.” “In their mouth was found no guile; for they are without fault” before GOD. “Therefore are they before the THRONE of GOD, and serve him day and night in his TEMPLE; and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.” [Revelation 14:1-5; 15:3; Revelation 7:14-17.] They have seen the earth wasted with famine and pestilence, the sun having power to scorch men with great heat, and they themselves have endured suffering, hunger, and thirst. But “they shall hunger no more; neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat; for the LAMB which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” [Revelation 14:1-5; 15:3; 7:14-17.] {GC88 648.3 1888}

At this time, war was declared against them by the Philistines, who were ever aggressive; and though they had been punished repeatedly by the hand of the Lord, for their oppression of Israel, they were still hostile and unsubdued. The armies of Israel pitched tents at Ebenezer. They had little fear of failing in this conflict; for they had often put the armies of the Philistines to flight. But the Lord was not with them. They had not honored GOD, and he could not honor them. The priests had degraded his worship, and the people had transgressed his laws. He could not cover them in the TIME OF TROUBLE, nor be their defense in battle. Their strength had departed. “The Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men.” The people were terrified and in dismay, and when they came “into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us today before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the COVENANT of the Lord out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.” {RH, March 20, 1888 par. 8}

God had opened to us our strength, and we need to know something about it and be prepared for the TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation. But here is our strength, CHRIST our righteousness. Let us ask Isaiah who is to be our strength. Well, he answers, and it comes echoing down along the lines to our time: “For unto us a child is born, and unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty GOD, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6. Is not that enough for us? Cannot we cover ourselves all over with it? Do we need any of our own self-esteem? No, we cannot have that. We must hide in CHRIST, and we can hide in the mighty strength of Israel’s GOD. Thus we work to meet the powers of darkness. We fight not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places. And it is only in CHRIST that we can meet them. {Ms5-1889}

We do not want to manufacture a TIME OF TROUBLE before it comes, but it is essential that we cultivate faith and implicit TRUST in GOD. We want no idle, inactive faith, but faith that works by love and purifies the soul. {Ms21-1889}

The trouble with us is that we have never fallen upon the Rock. We are wrapped up in our own self-righteousness. Had we not better believe and mix the truth with faith, having that faith which works by love? Shall we not, in all our connection with each other see CHRIST in all, and love one another as CHRIST loves us? Let us take CHRIST as our precious Saviour, and He will be to us a present help in every TIME OF TROUBLE. {Ms32-1889}

As in the days of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, so in the closing period of earth’s history the Lord will work mightily in behalf of those who stand steadfastly for the right. He who walked with the Hebrew worthies in the fiery furnace will be with His followers wherever they are. His abiding presence will comfort and sustain. In the midst of the TIME OF TROUBLE–TROUBLE such as has not been since there was a nation–His chosen ones will stand unmoved. Satan with all the hosts of evil cannot destroy the weakest of GOD’S SAINTS. Angels that excel in strength will protect them, and in their behalf JEHOVAH will reveal Himself as a “God of gods,” able to save to the uttermost those who have put their trust in Him.– Prophets and Kings, p. 513. {SL 41.2 1889}

We read these words in Daniel’s prophecy: “And at that time, Michael shall stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” I want to be among that number who shall have their names written in the book, who shall be delivered. I want the overcomer’s reward. The masterly temptations of Satan will overpower many who now profess to believe the truth. Their unworthy course of action, their denial of CHRIST, will make it necessary for GOD to blot their names from the book of life. But O, may it not be so with us! JESUS has said, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding, in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” {RH, March 26, 1889 par. 12}

It is time that we understood the high claims that GOD has upon us. Many of us have had a dyspeptic religion. We have fed our souls on dark forebodings and unbelief, and the most indigestible food. An abundance of wholesome spiritual food has been provided in the WORD of GOD. Now let us turn over a new leaf in our experience. Let us confess and forsake our sins, and come to CHRIST for the bread of life. Do not stop to bemoan yourself, but roll your burden into the open sepulcher. Our blessed Lord is a very present help in every TIME OF TROUBLE. We are required to represent our Lord in life and in character. Satan has misrepresented our Lord, and we have unconsciously aided him in his work. The Lord revealed his true character to Moses. The servant of GOD was pleading with him in the mount, and he said, “I beseech thee, show me thy glory.” And the Lord said, “I will make all my goodness pass before thee; and will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.” Then the Father proclaimed himself as a GOD who was merciful and gracious; who would pardon iniquity, transgression, and sin; who was abundant in goodness and truth. Will you not venture upon his promise, and claim him as your God? If you talk darkness, you will have plenty of darkness; if you talk light, you will have an abundance of light. “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” This is the condition of the man who trusts in the Lord; but there is another condition into which we may come that is not of this order. The prophet describes the state of him who trusts in man in these words: “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.” {RH, April 16, 1889 par. 6}

When CHRIST abides with you, and you abide with him, you will have something more to say than you have said in the years that are past. You will have a message that will cut through the fleshly tables of the heart, a message that will divide between the joints and marrow, and discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. If we would have wisdom and knowledge to enable us to go through the TIME OF TROUBLE that is before us, we must be gathering it now by daily exercise of faith. We do not desire that you should be anxious about the TIME OF TROUBLE, but we want you to take up your work right where it is, and do it faithfully day by day. There are souls in your own church and neighborhood that need help. Those who show promise of becoming efficient laborers in the Lord’s moral vineyard, should be sent to our College, that they may fit themselves to carry this message of truth to the people. All around us there is talent that should be utilized in the CAUSE of GOD. CHRIST did not go to the schools of learning, and take men of high attainment to do his work, for he could not use them. They had an understanding of forms and ceremonies, but that was about all. JESUS called the unlearned fishermen to his work; but before he sent them forth, he took them into his school, and taught them himself, that they might be fitted for winning souls for eternal life. Brethren and sisters, are you doing your work right in your own homes? Do you realize that the night is coming, in which no man can work? {RH, June 11, 1889 par. 5}

Just before us is a TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was, and those who are weaving the principles of truth into their practical life will soon understand what the wrath of the dragon means. Every soul who loves GOD will be tested in regard to HIS SACRED LAW. Christians must stand on the elevated and holy ground which advanced truth has given them. The light shining forth from the SCRIPTURES for these last days, will qualify those who walk in it, to stand before magistrates and rulers, and will enable them to lift up the true standard of religion by their intelligent knowledge of the WORD of GOD. The WORD of GOD has been neglected, but it is high time to wake to the necessity of diligent and prayerful study of the SCRIPTURES. GOD would have us study the history of his dealing with men and nations in the past, that we may learn to respect and obey his messages, that we may take heed to his warnings and counsels. {RH, November 5, 1889 par. 1}

There is a TIME OF TROUBLE coming to the PEOPLE of GOD, but we are not to keep that constantly before the people and rein them up to have a TIME OF TROUBLE beforehand. There is to be a shaking among GOD’S PEOPLE, but this is not the present truth to carry to the churches, but results [from] decisions made to refuse to receive the truth presented. {Lt15a-1890}

Today we saw Rheba. Willie and I went up after dinner. Willie went up early this morning. She does not look very badly, but her eyes, to me, tell the worst story that I can hear. In looking in them, I read no hope. I have seen so much of these things I can tell, pretty surely. She will not be one that will suffer much, but oh, if the Lord sees it is best and she sleeps through the TIME OF TROUBLE, it is well with her soul. She has no little ones like yourself. Oh, my faith says, I cannot give her up. Lord, save, Lord save, but then the Lord knows what is best and I will not feel so deeply over anything. {Lt56-1890}

I have not slept since three o’clock. I arose at four and sent earnest supplications to heaven for light and for grace to do the will of my heavenly Father. I shall surely receive for I have the pledged word of Him whom I cannot doubt, who has said, “Ask and ye shall receive; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” There has nothing failed me of all the promises which the Lord has made. He has been better unto me than my fears. I will not allow doubt to shroud my soul. I will cherish faith. I will make GOD my stronghold in every TIME OF TROUBLE. What should I do without JESUS? What could I do if left to my own ignorance and feebleness? But thank the Lord, I am not! I realize that special assistance and special blessings come to me when I am suffering with infirmities, and I testify that the Lord is my strong tower. Unto Him I run and am safe. {Ms50-1890}

Thus GOD will destroy the wicked from off the earth. But the righteous will be preserved in the midst of these commotions, as Noah was preserved in the ark. GOD will be their refuge, and under His wings shall they trust. Says the psalmist: “Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the MOST HIGH, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee.” Psalm 91:9, 10. “In the TIME OF TROUBLE He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me.” Psalm 27:5. GOD’S promise is, “Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name.” Psalm 91:14. {PP 110.3 1890}

JACOB’S experience during that night of wrestling and anguish represents the trial through which the PEOPLE of GOD must pass just before CHRIST’S SECOND COMING. The prophet Jeremiah, in holy vision looking down to this time, said, “We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. . . . All faces are turned into paleness. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the TROUBLE; but he shall be saved out of it.” Jeremiah 30:5-7. {PP 201.1 1890}

When CHRIST shall cease His work as mediator in man’s behalf, then this TIME OF TROUBLE will begin. Then the case of every soul will have been decided, and there will be no atoning blood to cleanse from sin. When JESUS leaves His position as man’s intercessor before GOD, the solemn announcement is made, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Revelation 22:11. Then the restraining SPIRIT of GOD is withdrawn from the earth. As Jacob was threatened with death by his angry brother, so the PEOPLE of GOD will be in peril from the wicked who are seeking to destroy them. And as the patriarch wrestled all night for deliverance from the hand of Esau, so the righteous will CRY to GOD day and night for deliverance from the enemies that surround them. {PP 201.2 1890}

In the TIME OF TROUBLE just before the COMING of CHRIST, the righteous will be preserved through the ministration of HEAVENLY ANGELS; but there will be no security for the transgressor of GOD’S LAW. Angels cannot then protect those who are disregarding one of the divine precepts. {PP 256.1 1890}

At His own will GOD summons the forces of nature to overthrow the might of His enemies–“fire, and hail; snow, and vapor; stormy wind fulfilling His word.” Psalm 148:8. When the heathen Amorites had set themselves to resist His purposes, GOD interposed, casting down “great stones from heaven” upon the enemies of Israel. We are told of a greater battle to take place in the closing scenes of earth’s history, when “JEHOVAH hath opened His armory, and hath brought forth the weapons of His indignation.” Jeremiah 50:25. “Hast thou,” he inquires, “entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, which I have reserved against the TIME OF TROUBLE, against the day of battle and war?” Job 38:22, 23. {PP 509.3 1890}

These words are important and solemn, and it would be profitable to us should we take them home with us, and search the SCRIPTURES in reference to their true meaning. The hour of temptation is to come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth; and although we do not wish to make a TIME OF TROUBLE for ourselves, nor do we wish to groan over trials in the future, still we should be so closely connected with GOD that we shall not fall under the temptation when it does come. “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his GOD.” {RH, April 15, 1890 par. 2}

Job says, “If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me; what then shall I do when GOD riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him? . . . If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof; . . . if I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering; if his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sleep; if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate: then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone. For destruction from GOD was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.” If this same fear, and this love of righteousness were in our churches and in all our institutions, what a transformation would take place! “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he repay him again.” “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in TIME OF TROUBLE. The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.” {HM, July 1, 1891 par. 17}

Those who labor at camp-meeting should frequently engage in prayer and counsel together, that they may labor intelligently. The practical lessons of CHRIST are to be often repeated. CHRIST and his righteousness are to be so blended with the THIRD ANGEL’s message that the whole world may be lightened with his glory. All should have a personal, experimental knowledge of what JESUS may be to them, or they cannot proclaim the truth as it is in JESUS. Personal faith in the efficacy of the blood of CHRIST in our own behalf, gives “peace and assurance forever.” In the TIME OF TROUBLE and test, we shall fear no evil; for who can lay anything to the charge of GOD’S ELECT? The Lord justifies them for the sake of CHRIST, who gave his precious blood for their redemption. {RH, July 14, 1891 par. 4}

The great DAY of GOD is at hand. “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.” {Lt2c-1892}

May the Lord encircle you in the arms of His mercy; and when tried, when tempted, may you flee to Him for refuge, and find in Him a present help in every TIME OF TROUBLE. Be of good courage. Learn daily of JESUS, and He will be unto you all that you could desire. {Lt21a-1892}

The TIME OF TROUBLE is before us. The angels are, as it were, just loosening the four winds, but they cannot loose them yet. The church is too far behind her privileges. The PEOPLE of GOD are too indolent. Many are unfaithful; many are unclean and polluted. We are not prepared for the crisis. The question is, How long will GOD wait for our tardy movements? Instead of lying before GOD in humility, man has exalted himself and has indulged in high ideas of his own importance and loftiness, and his eyes have been closed to the glory of CHRIST. When CHRIST beams forth upon the soul, all glory is rendered unto Him who is seen to be the only One full of grace and truth. His glory alone should fill the soul. {Lt24-1892}

I do not know that it is best to relate my experience since coming to Australia, and I will only say that I have been greatly afflicted and have been nearly helpless for the past nine months. But the Lord has been gracious unto me. I have had most precious seasons during the long, waking hours of the night. JESUS has been by my side, an ever present help in TIME OF TROUBLE. I have suffered much pain, and when temptation like a flood pressed in upon me, the SPIRIT of the LORD has lifted up a standard against the enemy, and the darkness has been dispelled by the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. I have enjoyed sweet COMMUNION with GOD. {Lt25-1892}

The Lord “doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” “Like as a Father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him, for he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” He knows our heart, for He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether or not those for whom petitions are offered would be able to endure the trial and test that would come upon them if they lived. He knows the end from the beginning. Many will be laid away to sleep in JESUS before the fiery ordeal of the TIME OF TROUBLE shall come upon our world. This is another reason why we should always say after our earnest petition, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, O Lord, be done.” Such a petition will never be registered in heaven as a faithless prayer. {Ms26a-1892}

We each have a battle to fight with the fallen foe. We should begin the conflict in the light of the BIBLE, gaining victories over self, giving no place to the evil one. We should not sin against GOD by indulging sinful thoughts or speaking murmuring words. We should not let the enemy control our powers in the least, but throw all the weight of our influence on the side of CHRIST. GOD has pledged his word that his grace will be sufficient for us in our greatest necessity, in our sorest distress. Appropriating this grace, CHRIST will be found to be a very present help in TIME OF TROUBLE. {BEcho, December 1, 1892 par. 2}

The world is full of projects to attract the PEOPLE of GOD from their service to heaven. Men who claim to believe the truth accept propositions to advance the truth according to worldly methods; but our hope is in GOD, and we are to make this plain by importuning him for help, by refusing to be molded by the world’s plan. We are to look to JESUS, showing to believers and unbelievers that our dependence is in GOD. It is at the throne of supplication that the pride of man is rebuked, and the honor and glory is rolled back to the Source of all power. We are to keep ourselves in a position of humble acknowledgment of GOD’S unnumbered mercies, in a position of earnest supplication for his grace; for if we walk in the sparks of our kindling, we shall lie down in sorrow. As GOD’S AGENTS we are to pray more, to labor more, but not in self-sufficiency, supposing that we can go on in our finite strength and do the work that is required of us. He whom we serve is to be our efficiency, our stronghold in every TIME OF TROUBLE. {RH, August 23, 1892 par. 8}

If you would stand through the TIME OF TROUBLE, you must know CHRIST, and appropriate the gift of his righteousness, which he imputes to the repentant sinner. Human wisdom will not avail to devise a plan of salvation. Human philosophy is vain, the fruits of the loftiest powers of man are worthless, aside from the great plan of the divine Teacher. No glory is to redound to man; all human help and glory lies in the dust; for the truth as it is in JESUS is the only available agent by which man may be saved. Man is privileged to connect with CHRIST, and then the divine and the human combine; and in this union the hope of man must rest alone; for it is as the SPIRIT of GOD touches the soul that the powers of the soul are quickened, and man becomes a new creature in CHRIST JESUS. He was manifested to bring life and immortality to light. He says, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” The psalmist declares, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” {RH, November 22, 1892 par. 8}

Remember that you will never reach a higher standard than you yourselves set. Set your mark high and then, step by step, even though it be by painful effort, by self-denial and self-sacrifice ascend the whole length of the ladder of progress. Let nothing hinder you. CHRIST will be to you a present help in every TIME OF TROUBLE. Stand like Daniel, the faithful statesman, a man whom no temptation could corrupt. Do not disappoint your parents and friends, and there is Another to be considered. Do not disappoint Him who so loved you that He gave His own life to cancel your sins. He says, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” Remember this. If you have made mistakes, you certainly gain a victory if you see these mistakes and regard them as beacons of warning. I need not tell you that thus you turn defeat into victory, disappointing the enemy, and honoring your Redeemer. {Ms49-1893}

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and SEAL the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. {Ms50-1893}

We read in Isaiah, “If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity: and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought and make fat thy bones; and thou shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” And the psalmist says, “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in TIME OF TROUBLE. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing; thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.” {Lt24-1894}

I am writing this letter by lamp light, sitting upon my bed. I could not sleep longer than half past two a.m. The Lord lives and reigns. There is to be such a TIME OF TROUBLE as there never was since there was a nation. Already nations are angry, already Satan is working with signs and lying wonders, and this will increase until the end. GOD will use His enemies as instruments to punish those who have followed their own pernicious ways whereby the truth of GOD has been misrepresented, misjudged, and dishonored. These enemies of GOD are living evidences of the truth of His Word; they are fulfilling that which holy men of old spake as they were moved by the HOLY GHOST. GOD does not forewarn HIS PEOPLE of trifles; the repetition of caution and warnings shows that there is importance in that which was spoken. Do those who claim to want light treat the light with the respect which is due? {Lt44-1894}

O how carefully should we move now, when we are in the very shadow of that TIME OF TROUBLE which is fast approaching, such as never was since there was a nation. We are not safe now in indulging our own desires, in having our own way, in following the imagination of our own hearts. Those who have done this in times past have lessons to unlearn, and lessons to learn of JESUS our Pattern. The peril of believers is great. Unbelief in the soul will marshall her power while faith is striving to gain the mastery in the battle. Many battles will have to be fought in the heart of the believer. {Lt85-1894}

We are thankful that we can come to CHRIST as the poor suffering ones came to CHRIST in the TEMPLE. We hope that this house will be a house of prayer, and that those who enter here will realize that they are coming to meet with GOD. CHRIST has said, “Where two or three are met together, there am I in the midst.” We do not expect to be able to furnish you with a minister always; but you must have root in yourselves. You must learn to draw for yourselves from the fountain of life. You have not dared to trample under foot the COMMANDMENTS of GOD, and have stepped out on unpopular truth, let the result be what it may. Will the Saviour ever turn away to leave you to struggle alone? No, never. But He never told His disciples that they should have no trials, no self-denial to endure, no sacrifices to make. The Master was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. “Ye know the grace of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, how that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty, might be rich.” We thank GOD that in your poverty you can call GOD your Father. Poverty is coming upon this world, and there will be a TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation. There will be wars and rumors of wars, and the faces of men will gather paleness. You may have to suffer distress, you may go hungry sometimes, but GOD will not forsake you in your suffering. He will test your faith. We are not to live to please ourselves. We are here to manifest CHRIST to the world, to represent Him and His power to mankind. {Ms37-1894}

When in the night season I am once awake, that is the end of it. I cannot sleep after that, and my mind begins to travel, travel. How few of our people understand the terrible crisis that is upon us. We do not want to make a TIME OF TROUBLE beforehand, but there is the greatest necessity for us to know something of the working of the powers of darkness and of the iniquity that abounds, that we may feel the importance of rising up to the emergency. Why, the nations are tottering everywhere, their safety and security and strong bulwarks that they think are really protecting them and making them safe, why, it will be but a very little time until they will see that they are shaken, hopelessly shaken, and all their hopes that are centered in this world are just shaken to pieces; and we are not half awake. {Ms42-1894}

The Lord will manifest His tender compassion to all who are contrite in heart. His love is revealed toward the believing, trusting soul. His pity and compassion are over all his creatures, and He will show Himself strong in behalf of those who fear Him. He is moved toward HIS PEOPLE, who are exposed to the temptations of a relentless foe, and who are yet unable in their own strength to meet Him. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities and bears us up in His hands all the days of our lives. If we will be obedient to HIS COMMANDMENTS, which always point out the safe and right way, we shall not fall a prey to Satan’s temptations. It is only as we walk in the path of obedience that we show our LOVE for CHRIST; thus we keep close to His side where the wicked one toucheth us not, and where he cannot pluck us out of our Saviour’s hands. If we comply with the conditions of salvation, JESUS can give us a clear evidence of His continual presence and unfailing love, and He will assure us that the PROMISES of GOD are “yea and Amen” in Him. He will be a very present help in TIME OF TROUBLE. {Ms67-1894}

The time is drawing near when it will be fully demonstrated that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the LIVING GOD. There shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation, and the severest of punishment will fall upon those who have educated the people to accept error in place of the truth to walk in paths that have not been cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. GOD keeps a reckoning with nations, and when men fully make his law void, then destruction cometh. The Lord is permitting him who is a hater of GOD and man to do his will on land and sea. GOD’S PROTECTING MERCY is gradually being withdrawn. Calamities on land and sea are warnings from GOD telling the earth what shall be when his light is wholly rejected. Overtures of mercy are still presented to the human family; but this will not long continue; for the figures of iniquity are steadily increasing. The fallen churches are uniting with the world and apostatizing from the truth, and the ministry of wrath is about to begin. On the register above the summing of impiety is kept with unerring accuracy and the figures are fast reaching their limit. Still GOD is at work calling to repentance, presenting promises for forgiveness and favor. GOD would use every entrusted capability, every jot of consecrated influence. Ingratitude, contempt of the restraining grace of CHRIST which would keep men back from presumptuous sins, from pride, selfishness, and covetousness, prevails on every hand. Now is the time when every particle of influence should be put into exercise, not to work on Satan’s side of the question, but on the Lord’s side. Not a new COMMANDMENT, but the old COMMANDMENT, which we had from the beginning is to be vindicated. Vigorous piety is to increase and make for itself a place on the earth. The standard of truth is to be elevated in new places, and to be carried into regions beyond. GOD calls for men to consecrate themselves wholly and to place themselves and their means upon the ALTAR for the building up of the interests of GOD’S KINGDOM in the world. Everything is to be done that can be done to shed forth light into the darkened places of the earth, and we have but little time in which to do a great work. Will you not be on the Lord’s side in the last battle of the controversy? {Ms105-1894}

We hope that this house will be a house of prayer, and that those who enter here will realize that they are coming to meet with GOD. CHRIST has said, “Where two or three are met together in My name, there am I in the midst.” We do not expect to be able to furnish you with a minister always; but you must have root in yourselves. You must learn to draw for yourselves from the fountain of life. You have not dared to trample under foot the COMMANDMENTS of GOD, and have stepped out on unpopular truth, let the result be what it may. Will the Saviour ever turn away to leave you to struggle alone?–No, never. But He never told His disciples that they should have no trials, no self-denial to endure, no sacrifices to make. The Master was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. “Ye know the grace of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, how that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty, might be rich.” We thank GOD that in your poverty, you can call GOD your Father. Poverty is coming upon this world, and there will be a TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation. There will be wars and rumours of wars, and the faces of men will gather paleness. You may have to suffer; but GOD will not forsake you in your need. He will test your faith. We are not to live to please ourselves. We are here to manifest CHRIST to the world, to represent Him and His power to mankind. {BEcho, October 8, 1894 par. 3}

We are in the very shadow of the TIME OF TROUBLE which is fast approaching, a TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation. {HM, December 1, 1894 par. 2}

Over and over the message has been given to me that we are not to say one word, not to publish one sentence, unless positively essential in vindicating the truth, that will stir up our enemies against us, and arouse their passions to a white heat by personalities. Our work will soon be closed up, and soon the TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was will come upon us, of which we have but little idea. {Lt11-1895}

The HOLY SPIRIT does not work with men who love to be sharp and critical. The spirit has been cherished in meeting debaters, and some have formed the habit of squaring for a combat. They repeat the errors that their opponents have presented, and endeavored to refute them. GOD is dishonored in this. Keep back the sharp thrusts; do not learn in Satan’s school his methods of warfare. The enemy is best discomfited when no notice is taken of the errors, when truth is advanced which will make these errors of none effect. The HOLY SPIRIT does not inspire the words of censure and condemnation. A TIME OF TROUBLE is before us, such as never was since the beginning of nations, and every honest soul who has not had the light of truth will then take a stand for CHRIST. Those who believe the truth are to be newly converted to the Master’s use every day. Then they will be vessels unto honor. {Lt21-1895}

And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. Zechariah 3:1. These things are written for our benefit, and we are to study the WORD in all these things now, for they concern us, particularly. There is to be such a TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was since there was a nation. Our work is to study to weed out of all our discourses everything that savors of retaliation and defiance and making a drive against churches and individuals, because this is not CHRIST’S way and method. He did not pronounce scathing rebukes against those who knew not the truth, but against those whom GOD had made the depositaries of sacred responsibilities, a people chosen and favored with every temporal and spiritual advantage, and yet bearing no fruit. {Lt35-1895}

Many will be astonished to see how many things have been cherished and remembered that will give point to the arguments of our adversaries. Many will be surprised to hear their own words strained into a meaning that they never designed them to have. Then how careful should our workers be that they do not speak impulsively, but that they speak guardedly in all things. Let all be careful lest by unguarded statements they bring on a TIME OF TROUBLE before the crisis comes that will try men’s souls. {Lt36-1895}

When the TIME OF TROUBLE shall come, then every soul will be tested to the utmost of his capacity. The martyrs were not made in the time of trial, by fire and flame. They were enabled to endure for CHRIST’S sake the greater suffering invented by Satanic agencies and carried out by human agents. Satan unites man’s attributes with his own. He is an accuser of his brethren, a traitor, a betrayer, a thief, a murderer. Satan works through human evil agencies to do harm to their fellow men. CHRIST’S WORK was to be an example of how every other person upon the earth should work. “He came to Nazareth where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the SABBATH DAY, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written.” Luke 4:16, 17. {Lt114-1895}

When trials come, we are not to fret and complain, not to rebel, not to worry ourselves out of the arms of CHRIST, but humble the soul before GOD. Cry unto Him that He may give rest and peace. We should bear the yoke of CHRIST in TIME OF TROUBLE, and instead of allowing ourselves to be repulsed, we should hear the voice that invites us, saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” {Ms38-1895}

It requires moral courage to take a position to keep the COMMANDMENTS of the Lord. An opposer of the truth once said that it was only weak-minded people, foolish, ignorant persons, who would turn away from the churches to keep the seventh day as the SABBATH; but a minister who had embraced the truth, replied, “If you think it takes weak-minded persons, just try it.” It takes moral courage, firmness, decision, perseverance, and very much prayer to step out on the unpopular side. We are thankful that we can come to CHRIST as the poor suffering ones came to CHRIST in the TEMPLE. We hope that this house will be a house of prayer, and that those who enter here will realize that they are coming to meet with GOD. CHRIST has said, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” We do not expect to be able to furnish you with a minister always; but you must have root in yourselves. You must learn to draw for yourselves from the fountain of life. You have not dared to trample under foot the COMMANDMENTS of GOD, and have stepped out on unpopular truth, let the result be what it may. Will the Saviour ever turn away to leave you to struggle alone?–No, never. But he never told his disciples that they should have no trials, no self-denial to endure, no sacrifices to make. The Master was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. “Ye know the grace of our Lord JESUS CHRIST, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty, might be rich.” We thank GOD that in your poverty, you can call GOD your Father. Poverty is coming upon this world, and there will be a TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation. There will be wars and rumors of wars, and the faces of men will gather paleness. You may have to suffer distress, you may go hungry sometimes; but GOD will not forsake you in your suffering. He will test your faith. We are not to live to please ourselves. We are here to manifest CHRIST to the world, to represent him and his power to mankind. {RH, September 3, 1895 par. 2}

If they had understood CHRIST, they would have understood the Father, for all heaven was given to them in the gift of CHRIST. Oh, if the Jewish nation had but opened their eyes and hearts to JESUS, they would have known that he was longing to bestow upon them every blessing! They would have had the assurance of his presence, the revelation of the invisible world, the knowledge that angels are their comrades in the great battle for eternal life. They would have understood that more than angels were with them, for they would have become acquainted with the Commander of the universe of heaven. They would have heard HIS VOICE saying, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” You are engaged as my soldiers to fight the good fight of faith, and you will not fail nor be discouraged. Though Satan may press you, you will look to me, and know that you are fighting in the very presence of the universe of heaven, and that your invisible Leader will be your fortress, “a present help in TIME OF TROUBLE.” It is in this way that all the CHILDREN of GOD are to be overcomers. They will endure as seeing Him who is invisible. They do this by earnest, unceasing prayer, following on to know the Lord, whose goings forth are prepared as the morning. “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true GOD, and JESUS CHRIST, whom thou hast sent.” {SSW, April 1, 1895 par. 4}

Untried character is not reliable. We are to be tried by temptation in order that we may learn to seek wisdom from GOD, and to flee to the stronghold in TIME OF TROUBLE. He alone will be successful in resisting temptation who finds help and grace from GOD. Individually we stand as did our first parents –face to face with manifold temptations that solicit mind and heart. All heaven is watching with intense interest, to see whether we will look unto JESUS and submit ourselves to his will, or whether in the temptation we shall follow the inclinations of the natural heart and the solicitations of the evil one. O, how often you have lost the battle because you have acted independent of him who has made you his own by creation and by redemption! Yielding to the solicitations of evil, you have experienced evil as did Adam when he fell into the snare; but those who through faith are kept by the POWER of GOD, learn good and precious things. They experience the peace of CHRIST which passeth understanding. In resisting temptation, you refuse to be confederate with Satan, and place yourselves under the banner of JESUS CHRIST. In the sight of heavenly intelligences, you develop yourself as a conqueror. It is made manifest that you are a SON of GOD. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, not of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of GOD.” You represent CHRIST in true goodness of character, and understand what these words signify, “And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. . . . And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.” You receive grace, you develop grace; and as you reveal grace in your words, in your spirit and actions, GOD pours upon you a larger measure of grace. In proportion as you surrender yourselves to the working of the HOLY SPIRIT, you are supplied with heavenly grace. You are molded and fashioned a vessel unto honor, and become a channel through which GOD makes manifest his grace to the world. {YI, September 26, 1895 par. 3}

We have just received letters from you, and Willie has just read them to Brother Sisley and myself. I regard your reasoning and statements as correct. I am very much pained as I see how readily those who write for our papers make unkind thrusts and allusions that will certainly do harm, and that will hedge up the way, and hinder us from doing the work that we should to reach all classes, the Catholics included. It is our work to speak the truth in love, and not to mix in with the truth, the unsanctified elements of the natural heart, and speak things that savor of the same spirit possessed by our enemies. All sharp thrusts will come back upon us in double measure when the power is in the hands of those who can exercise it for our injury. Over and over the message has been given to me that we are not to say one word, not to publish one sentence, unless positively essential in vindicating the truth, that will stir up our enemies against us, and arouse their passions to a white heat. Our work will soon be closed up, and soon the TIME OF TROUBLE such as there never was will come upon us, of which we have but little idea. {SpTA03 24.1 1895}

The Lord does not move upon his workers to make them take a course which will bring on the TIME OF TROUBLE before the time. Let them not build up a wall of separation between themselves and the world, by advancing their own ideas and notions. There is now altogether too much of this throughout our borders. The message of warning has not reached large numbers of the world, in the very cities that are right at hand, and to number Israel is not to work after GOD’S ORDER. Just as long as we are in this world, and the SPIRIT of GOD is striving with the world, we are to receive as well as to impart favors. We are to give to the world the light of truth as presented in the SACRED SCRIPTURES, and we are to receive from the world that which GOD moves upon them to do in behalf of his cause. The Lord still moves upon the hearts of kings and rulers in behalf of his people, and it becomes those who are so deeply interested in the religious liberty question not to cut off any favors, or withdraw themselves from the help that GOD has moved men to give, for the advancement of his cause. We find examples in the WORD of GOD concerning this very matter. Cyrus, king of Persia, made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it into writing saying, “Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord GOD of HEAVEN hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? his GOD be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord GOD of Israel.” A second COMMANDMENT was issued by Darius for the building of the house of the Lord, and is recorded in the sixth chapter of Ezra. The Lord GOD of Israel has placed his goods in the hands of unbelievers, but they are to be used in favor of doing the works that must be done for a fallen world. The agents through whom these gifts come, may open up avenues through which the truth may go, they may have no sympathy with the work, and no faith in CHRIST, and no practice in his words; but their gifts are not to be refused on that account. {SpTA03 33.1 1895}

In this TIME OF TROUBLE, when we long to advance, and yet are unable to because of the difficulties which confront us, let every member of the church remember that he is a chosen agent, called by GOD to do an appointed work. We have done all we thought it possible for us to do, and we must not fall into discouragements because trials come. A good work has been begun in this place, and does the Lord intend that it shall stop now? No, I answer, No. Let not any heart fail, for the Lord knows that we need means with which to build a meeting house and school. There is no money in the treasury, but shall our faith demand sight before it can work? GOD forbid. Let us trust in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; His thoughts are not our thoughts, or His ways our ways, “for as the heavens are higher than the earth,” saith the Lord, “so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” {Lt24b-1896}

No amount of tribulation can separate us from CHRIST. If He leads us to Rephidim, it is because He sees that it is for our good and for His name’s glory. And if we will look to Him in trusting faith, He will, in His own time, turn the bitterness of Marah into sweetness. He can open the flinty rock and cause cooling streams to flow forth. Then shall we not lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for past mercies, and go forward with full assurance that He is an ever-present help in TIME OF TROUBLE? He has been with us in our past experiences, and HIS WORD to us is, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” {Lt24-1896}

Knowing this, what manner of persons ought we to be? Shall we exalt human wisdom, and point to finite, changeable, erring men as a dependence in TIME OF TROUBLE; or shall we exemplify our faith by our TRUST in GOD’S POWER, revealing the net of false theories, religions, and philosophies which Satan has spread to catch unwary souls? By thus doing the WORD of GOD, we shall we lights in the world, for if the WORD of GOD is practiced, we show to all those who come within the sphere of our influence that we reverence and respect GOD, and that we are working under His administration. By a humble circumspect walk, by love, forbearance, long-suffering, and gentleness, GOD expects His servants to manifest Him to the world. {Lt78-1896}

In these last days the history of the Jewish nation is being repeated in the [professed] Christian world, and men are doing despite to the SPIRIT of GOD and, notwithstanding the example before them of the Jewish nation, they are doing as they did, and the time is now soon to come when it will be demonstrated that it is a fearful thing to have worn out the patience of GOD. There shall be throughout the whole earth a TIME OF TROUBLE such as there never was since there was a nation, and the punishment will fall more surely upon those who have educated and deceived the people to accept of errors in the place of truth, to turn from the COMMANDMENTS of GOD to walk in paths GOD has not cast up for them to walk in. GOD keeps a reckoning with nations, and when the LAW of GOD is fully made void, then the destruction cometh. {Ms69a-1896}

And at that time shall Michael stand up, that great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation, even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book, and many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. {Lt72-1897}

The Lord has His promises for all who will do His requirements. “Blessed is he that considereth the poor, the Lord will deliver him in TIME OF TROUBLE.” “The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he shall be blessed upon the earth, and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.” “The Lord will strengthen him upon a bed of languishing. Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.” “Trust in the Lord and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” “Honor the Lord with thy substance and with the first fruits of all thy increase, so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” {Lt83-1897}

I will pen a few lines to you this morning. I hope and pray that you will not lose faith, or become discouraged. We all have our individuality; this cannot be submerged in another. You have a soul to save or to lose. The Lord will be to you a present help in every TIME OF TROUBLE. He would have you stand at your post of duty, relying wholly upon Him who has loved us and died for us. {Lt124-1897}

Come unto me, CHRIST says, “all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” All who depend upon the Lord JESUS CHRIST, who seek Him with their whole heart, will find in Him a very present help in TIME OF TROUBLE, and will be shown their duty. The Lord is much nearer to those who desire to know His will than are those in Battle Creek, or in the next neighborhood. He Himself declares, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” {Lt130-1897}

There are little things that will come up in school matters that are not of just the right order. Fun and frolic, natural to children and youth, will be entered into that will need to be checked. Brother Hughes is the man for the place. We need so much the PRESENCE of GOD to guide us in all wisdom. I know that the Lord is a present help in every TIME OF TROUBLE. {Lt138-1897}

All should have a personal, experimental knowledge of what JESUS may be to them, or they cannot proclaim the truth as it is in JESUS. Personal faith in the efficacy of the blood of CHRIST in our own behalf, gives “peace and assurance forever.” In the TIME OF TROUBLE and test, we shall fear no evil; for who can lay anything to the charge of GOD’S ELECT? The Lord justifies them for the sake of CHRIST, who gave his precious blood for their redemption. {PH089 27.3 1897}

I have not special light to point out just what course should be pursued. You are on the ground, and as things develop, be sure you are in agreement with the Lord JESUS CHRIST. He says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; … and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” May the Lord be your strength and your shield. May the Lord be your stronghold in the TIME OF TROUBLE. It is the cause and the WORK of GOD you are to vindicate and jealously guard. It is not yourself that you are to defend but the Lord’s work and the Lord’s cause. Keep the GLORY of GOD in view, and urge the matter of His instrumentality that has been ever used to hold up His work. But when men, poor, weak, finite men, in their own wisdom departed from divine wisdom, then the Lord left them to their own foolish devising. Oh may the Lord GOD of Israel not suffer His name to be reproached by the folly of men wise in their own conceit! {Lt137a-1898}

Seek the Lord most earnestly. Amid the reproaches of the world, amid all the trials that come, work on. Let not thine hand be slack. Do not fail nor be discouraged. “The LORD thy GOD in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save thee.” Remember that He is a present help in every TIME OF TROUBLE. Rest in His love. He will save. “He will joy over thee with singing.” {Ms165-1898}

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. “The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord; He is their strength in the TIME OF TROUBLE. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.” {ST, September 8, 1898 par. 7}

It means very much to every soul how he uses his Lord’s goods. “At that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people, and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book…. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament: and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever…. Many shall be purified and made white and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” {Lt143-1899}

We need now to strip ourselves for the race, to harness ourselves for the battle. The TIME OF TROUBLE is upon us. Let the ponderous volumes of history, and the variety of other books, be exchanged for the simple lessons of CHRIST. He says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.” Why do not all who believe in CHRIST do all that He told them to do? Why do they worry and perplex their souls with reading that will not do one-twentieth part for them that CHRIST’S WORDS will do? Much reading is spoiling some of our ministers, so that they know not how to feed the FLOCK of GOD with spiritual food. GOD help us to understand what it means to learn of CHRIST. {Lt164-1899}

This promise is yours. You may be comforted and trust in the Lord. The Lord has often instructed me that many little ones are to be laid away before the TIME OF TROUBLE. We shall see our children again. We shall meet them and know them in the heavenly courts. Put your trust in the Lord, and be not afraid. {Lt196-1899}

CHRIST’S obedience to His Father’s COMMANDMENTS is to be the measure of our obedience. Those who follow CHRIST, if they would become complete in Him, must keep their will surrendered to the WILL of GOD. Abundant provision has been made that those who will seek GOD with the whole heart may find Him a present help in every TIME OF TROUBLE. Help has been laid on One that is mighty. CHRIST has promised, I will be your helper. I am the vine; ye are the branches. As the branch cannot bear fruit except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. {Ms48-1899}

And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. Let everyone inquire, “Is my name written there?” Do not think about your brethren and sisters for fear they are not ready, but think about yourself. You want to know where you are, and to know that CHRIST is formed within, the hope of glory. You want to be constantly singing, and when you do that you will stop your criticizing. If you are beholding Him, you will not have time for anything else. And if you see His face, it will be reflected in your face. All this mourning and groaning is dishonoring GOD, for “whoso offereth praise, glorifieth GOD.” {Ms93a-1899}

There will be a TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation. “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the book. .. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” {Ms114-1899}

Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in TIME OF TROUBLE. The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he shall be blessed upon the earth; and thou wilt not deliver him into the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing; thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. “Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily, thou shalt be fed.” “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase; so shall thy barns be willed with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, and it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” {Ms145-1899}

Those who are planning to be missionaries should consider how great and perplexing are family responsibilities, how much time and energy they consume. Her family cares and household burdens call the mother away from the work, and necessitate the father devoting much of his time to the home life. Ere long we are to be brought into strait and trying places, and the many children brought into the world will in mercy be taken away before the TIME OF TROUBLE comes. Then why entail so much responsibility upon the wife? Souls that are perishing in their sins must be labored for, yet this work we have scarcely touched with the tips of our fingers. Let not men and women go forth as missionaries unless they understand what it means to be a missionary. The true missionary is a laborer together with GOD, to go where GOD’S SPIRIT leads, to hold himself free from earthly embarrassments to labor for the salvation of souls. {Ms152-1899}

All who put their TRUST in GOD will come off more than conquerors. “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noon day…. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him in his hand…. The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord; he is their strength in the TIME OF TROUBLE. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them; he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.” {Ms153-1899}

Our physicians are to show Christlike simplicity in every line of their work. If they are clothed with the panoply of heaven—Christlike meekness and lowliness—they will be truly successful. But conformity to the world, to gain its favor and recognition, will bring weakness. No such concession is to be made. Our hope and strength do not depend on outside appearances. Those who are influenced against the truth by a lack of extravagance in house, in furniture, in dress, in equipage, show that they are incapable of understanding the merit of truth. They are not capable of appreciating the gospel of CHRIST. GOD is dishonored when those connected with the work, which is to prepare a people to stand the test of the TIME OF TROUBLE before us, forsake Him to follow the fashions of the world. {Ms172-1899}

What work are we doing for the Lord? Have we consecrated ourselves to him? When we join the church, we enter into solemn COVENANT to use our GOD-GIVEN POWERS in exerting a healthful influence. This GOD desires us to do at all times and in all places. In this age of the world, when iniquity abounds, discouragement will come to every soul. Let us take all our perplexities to GOD in prayer. He is our refuge in TIME OF TROUBLE. Do we desire to have our prayers answered? Then we must not be faint-hearted. We must not allow Satan to cast his hellish shadow between our souls and GOD. This he will strive every day to do. And many of the professed CHILDREN of GOD wrap themselves about with this dark shadow. But this need not be. When Satan tempts us to doubt, faith must rise in unfaltering strength, refusing to yield to the darkness, saying, Lord, I cast my helpless soul on thee. I must have light. I must feel the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shining into my soul. When we seek the Lord with full purpose of heart, our sincere prayers will cleave the darkness, and the light of CHRIST’S GLORY will clothe the soul. {RH, July 11, 1899 par. 9}

The incarnate I AM is our abiding Sacrifice. The I AM is our Redeemer, our Substitute, our Surety. He is the Daysman between GOD and the human soul, our Advocate in the courts of heaven, our unwearying Intercessor, pleading in our behalf His merits and His atoning sacrifice. The I AM is our Saviour. In Him our hopes of eternal life are centered. He is an ever-present help in TIME OF TROUBLE. In Him is the assurance of every promise. We must acknowledge and receive this almighty Saviour; we must behold Him, that we may be like Him in character. “As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on His name.” {ST, May 3, 1899 par. 15}

After a short intermission, a meeting was held for the children and young people. In the evening a tent full of attentive hearers listened to a discourse by Brother Daniells upon the TIME OF TROUBLE. The truths he presented regarding the coming of the Lord seemed new and strange to the citizens of Geelong. We earnestly hope and pray that the seed sown may spring up unto life eternal. {Lt42-1900}

My brother I feel pained as I write. When I think of the TIME OF TROUBLE that is just upon us, or I may say has begun, but as yet has not burst upon us to the full, O how my heart aches, ready to burst, when I see human beings who are dependent upon GOD every moment for His keeping power yet who chide and become irritable and sore over supposed deficiencies or neglect of their brethren, who are carrying the heaviest responsibilities. I have heard people say, Such a minister passed me by and never looked at me at all, while these very men have come to me for counsel, their souls bowed down as a cart beneath sheaves, not because they supposed themselves slighted, but because they could not see how to relieve the pressure of debt upon the work. They prayed as they walked. They were not looking at anything earthly, but to the great sympathizing CHRIST in the HEAVENLY SANCTUARY. Every heart knoweth its own bitterness. {Lt48a-1900}

Brother Farnsworth spoke last night upon the millennium, and the subject was made so plain and easy that a child could understand it. Elder Daniells spoke Sunday night upon the TIME OF TROUBLE, and the tent was filled. Some persons will certainly have to hear the truth, if they have never heard it before. The trumpet has surely given a certain sound to prepare for the battle. If such preaching does not awaken the people, I do not know what will awaken them. I believe that the Lord will make the work effective. Brother Watson is very thankful and grateful for this great blessing to Geelong, for this place needed just this kind of work. {Lt49a-1900}

John writes, “I beheld, and heard the voice of many angels round about the throne.” Angels were united in the work of Him who had broken the seals and taken the book. Four mighty angels hold back the powers of this earth till the SERVANTS of GOD are sealed in their foreheads. The nations of the world are eager for conflict; but they are held in check by the angels. When this restraining power is removed, there will come a TIME OF TROUBLE and anguish. Deadly instruments of warfare will be invented. Vessels, with their living cargo, will be entombed in the great deep. All who have not the spirit of truth will unite under the leadership of satanic agencies. But they are to be kept under control till the time shall come for the great battle of Armageddon. {Lt79-1900}

The physician should be a man of earnest prayer, that he may impart to others the light and hope and faith which he receives. He should himself possess the hope which is sure and steadfast, the hope that JESUS is a very present help in every TIME OF TROUBLE. He should reverence the WORD of GOD. This WORD is exceedingly precious to the receiver, for it sanctifies the soul. The Christian physician studies the WORD of GOD, and is prepared to soothe those who are tossed by doubt and fear. He knows the value of the Redeemer’s love and presence. He can speak with assurance to the soul hovering between life and death. Who knows but that in these last moments faith and hope may spring up in the heart and give inspiring energy to the apparently dying one? Who knows but that the compassionate Saviour may speak the word, “You shall live to sound forth my praises”? {Ms25-1900}

I told Brother Starr to bring him in, and then I comforted him as a mother would comfort a child. I talked hope to him, and courage and faith and more perfect trust. He seemed so glad to tell me his feelings, and I felt so glad to speak hope and courage to the poor, tempted, bewildered soul. I told him to have no fears, to just put his TRUST in GOD and not be troubled, not to make a TIME OF TROUBLE for himself. The Lord would have us cheerful, full of hope and courage and faith, treading firmly at every step. {Ms101-1900}

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before GOD; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Then men will have a clear, sharp remembrance of all their transactions in this life. Not a word or a deed will escape their memory. There will be trying times. And while we are not to mourn over the TIME OF TROUBLE to come, let us, as CHRIST’S FOLLOWERS, search our hearts as with a lighted candle to see what manner of spirit we are of. For our present and eternal good, let us criticize our actions, to see how they stand in the light of the LAW of GOD. For this law is our standard. Let every soul search his own heart. {Lt22-1901}

The time will come when we may have to discard some of the articles of diet we now use, such as milk and cream and eggs; but my message is that you must not bring yourself to a TIME OF TROUBLE beforehand, and thus afflict yourself with death. Wait till the Lord prepares the way before you. {Lt37-1901}

The time may come when it will not be safe to use milk. But if the cows are healthy and the milk thoroughly cooked, there is no necessity of creating a TIME OF TROUBLE beforehand. Let no one feel that he must bear a message as to what our people shall place on their tables in every particular. Those who take an extreme position will in the end see that the results are not what they thought they would be. The Lord will lead us by His own right hand, if we will be led. Love and purity—these are the fruits borne upon a good tree. “Every one that loveth is born of GOD and knoweth GOD.” {Lt39-1901}

Last mail I sent Brother and Sister Kress a letter telling them to be careful not to carry the diet question too far and make a TIME OF TROUBLE beforehand. Brother and Sister Kress are in danger of doing this. They must remember that it has taken years for us to learn how to prepare hygienic food and that there are yet many improvements to be made. In every section of the country there will be food preparations made, and the profits coming from their sale will not be used merely in one line of work. Again and again the Lord has plainly set this before me. The Sanitarium carries one line of education, the school another line of education. But both are working in the same cause to accomplish the same ends. {Lt53-1901}

Sister White: I acknowledge that. I have written thus to Dr. Kress. I told him that as a physician he should understand when his blood was getting impoverished. “Now,” said I, “if GOD spares your life through this attack, don’t you ever bring yourself into that position again. Never say that persons must not eat any milk or any butter or any eggs or anything of that kind.” Said I, “Just keep that to yourself; do not come out with such statements. People have to be educated by degrees; and these are the least harmful of this kind of food—if you know you have got pure milk and eggs.” “As to butter,” said I, “I do not hold to it. I do not put it on my table at all, and only use it sometimes in cooking, when we have no cream or milk. I use that in cooking, but we do not put butter on our table.” But I told Dr. Kress, “You must not tell the people that they must not have milk, or they must not have so and so.” The time will come when they cannot have these things, but do not make a TIME OF TROUBLE beforehand. Do not tell them they must dispense with milk and cream and all such things, because the poor people have to have something to live on, and they cannot provide themselves with these health foods; for they are not able to.” I know about this extreme that you speak of. They have not, it is true, the faculty to put foods together to make them palatable, and then they say, “I am starving to death on the vegetarian diet.” They would not need to starve to death, if they only knew how to prepare the foods properly. They have to learn how. Someone should educate them. I have a cook here from Battle Creek. She knows how to put these things together. She does not have to do it so much while we have everything from the garden, like green corn, you know, and these things that come off from the ground. We have enough to eat, with bread and fruit and such things; but the time will come in the winter when we shall want these dishes. But I have a good cook. When I was at the doctor’s home in Battle Creek, she put things together as I had never seen them put together, and they were tasteful, palatable. {Ms82a-1901}

The question is asked often, How about the TIME OF TROUBLE? I answer, Wait until you get to it; for if I should try to tell you, you would not understand anything about it. If you go forward step by step, when you get to the TIME OF TROUBLE you will be prepared for it. Whether I shall be killed, whether I shall die—this is not the question at all. If the stroke of death should come upon me, I will get life again in a little while. {Ms174-1901}

Many are GOD’S PROMISES to those who minister to His afflicted ones. He says: “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in TIME OF TROUBLE. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.” “Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.” Psalm 41:1-3; 37:3. “Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.” “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Proverbs 3:9, 10; 11:24; Proverbs 19:17; 11:25. {6T 306.4 1901}

The time will come when unguarded expressions of a denunciatory character, that have been carelessly spoken or written by our brethren, will be used by our enemies to condemn us. These will not be used merely to condemn those who made the statements, but will be charged upon the whole body of Adventists. Our accusers will say that on such and such a day one of our responsible men said thus and so against the administration of the laws of this government. Many will be astonished to see how many things have been cherished and remembered that will give point to the arguments of our adversaries. Many will be surprised to hear their own words strained into a meaning that they did not intend them to have. Then let our workers be careful to speak guardedly at all times and under all circumstances. Let all beware lest by reckless expressions they bring on a TIME OF TROUBLE before the great crisis which is to try men’s souls. {6T 394.3 1901}

Adam’s transgression of GOD’S LAW involved the entire future of the human family. All nature is confused; for GOD forbade the earth to carry out the purpose he had originally designed for it. Let there be no peace to the wicked, saith the Lord. The curse of GOD is upon all creation. Every year it makes itself more decidedly felt. But GOD is moving slowly in his great purpose, for the benefit of the righteous. Soon the vials of his wrath will be poured out. If but ten righteous persons had been found in Sodom, GOD would not have devoted the city to destruction. Let us see that our hearts are right with GOD, and he will be our defense in the TIME OF TROUBLE. {GCB, April 23, 1901 par. 6}

The physician needs to have a very close connection with GOD. He should be a man of earnest prayer, never losing his hold on GOD’S helpful, strengthening power. He should look to his Saviour, saying, “I sanctify myself through the grace freely given me, that those to whom I minister may also be sanctified.” If he would impart to others light and hope and faith, he should himself possess that hope which is sure and steadfast, the hope that JESUS is a very present help in every TIME OF TROUBLE. {PHJ, February 1, 1901 par. 4}

July 16, 1901 A Present Help in Every TIME OF TROUBLE.

In the world there are false theories which deny the existence of Satan, or make him so hideous as to encourage doubt of his existence. The world has no just conception of Satan. He is not thought of as the prince of the world, the general of a vast rebellion, a being logical and philosophical, possessing a powerful intellect. But thus it is. The adversary of GOD and leader in the great controversy waged against the world’s Redeemer, his deceptive powers have been sharpened by constant practice; and in the final crisis he will deceive to their own ruin those who do not now seek to understand his methods of working. {RH, July 16, 1901 par. 1}

Satan resolved to bend all his energies to defeat the plan of redemption. When the Redeemer came to this world, His path from the manger to the cross was marked with pain and sorrow. At every step He encountered the enemy, who sought in every way to turn Him from His purpose of love. And Satan works against Christians today as he worked against their Leader. He who in Eden used Eve to tempt Adam, uses men in this age to tempt their fellow men. {RH, July 16, 1901 par. 2}

The great master of evil conceals himself, working behind the scenes. He lays his plans with wonderful ingenuity, so arranging matters that men will not have time to think of the things of eternity. As his instruments do the work assigned them, he directs and controls. He gives all who will serve him plenty to do. He can keep mind and hand employed. He fills those under his guidance with ambitious hopes for worldly greatness. {RH, July 16, 1901 par. 3}

Thus Satan is playing the game of life for the souls of men, and he is succeeding in a way surprising even to himself. Men are straining every nerve to gain earthly treasure, but when eternal riches are offered them, they turn carelessly away. Very easily the enemy persuades them to renounce their supreme good. Satan hides CHRIST and heaven from their view, because they choose to have it so. Led by him, they worship the world and the things of the world. Too late they will find that they must stand before GOD without a fit preparation, to hear the words, “Depart from me,” and to be forever banished from the divine presence. {RH, July 16, 1901 par. 4}

In his work Satan pretends to be very religious. He finds this the most effective way of carrying on the work he began in heaven. Under his guidance the Christian world has made void the LAW of GOD by tearing down the SEVENTH-DAY SABBATH, and exalting in its stead a common working day. As men depart further and further from GOD, Satan is permitted to have power over the children of disobedience. He hurls destruction among men. There is calamity by land and sea. Property and life are destroyed by fire and flood. Satan resolves to charge this upon those who refuse to bow to the idol which he has set up. His agents point to Seventh-day Adventists as the cause of the trouble. “These people stand out in defiance of law,” they say. “They desecrate Sunday. Were they compelled to obey the law for Sunday observance, there would be a cessation of these terrible judgments.” {RH, July 16, 1901 par. 5}

The civil power is called to the aid of the Church in persecuting those who keep holy the seventh day. The Church and the world are united in trampling upon GOD’S COMMANDMENTS, and those who obey these COMMANDMENTS they threaten with death. John declares, “The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the REMNANT of her seed, which keep the COMMANDMENTS of GOD, and have the TESTIMONY of JESUS CHRIST.” The decree goes forth that no man shall be allowed to buy or sell save he that has the mark or the number of the Beast. {RH, July 16, 1901 par. 6}

As GOD’S PEOPLE approach the final crisis, they must with increasing power proclaim the message He has given them. The warning must be given to the churches. GOD’S REQUIREMENTS must be laid before those who are transgressing His law. They must be made to understand that this is a life and death question. GOD’S REMNANT people are to fill the earth with the cry of the THIRD ANGEL. {RH, July 16, 1901 par. 7}

Here is the patience of the SAINTS: here are they that keep the COMMANDMENTS of GOD, and the FAITH of JESUS. These are they who are repairing the breach in the LAW of GOD. In the face of bitter opposition, they take their stand under the banner of Prince Immanuel, proclaiming, bravely and fearlessly, the message He has given them. {RH, July 16, 1901 par. 8}

God watches over these faithful witnesses, and abundantly rewards their confidence. The way to His throne is always open to them. He sees and supplies their wants. They find their safety in looking to Him. When JEHOVAH gives them His protection, and says of them, Ye are laborers together with me, they are safe in the midst of the greatest danger. Satan tries to deceive them, but GOD lifts up for them a standard against the enemy. Those who work righteousness have an ever-present help in TIME OF TROUBLE. In every time of need He is near. When they are tempted, He stands as their defense, saying, “I will guide thee with mine eye.” I will deliver thee from perplexity, and be a covert for thee against the strife of tongues. {RH, July 16, 1901 par. 9}

The cause is the Lord’s. He is on board the ship as commander-in-chief. He will guide us safely into port. He can command the winds and the waves, and they will obey Him. If we follow His directions, we have no need to be anxious or troubled. In Him we may trust. He bestows His richest endowments upon those who love Him and keep HIS COMMANDMENTS. He will never forsake those who work in His lines. {RH, July 16, 1901 par. 10}

Satan will strive to retain every soul in his strong power. He will not willingly relinquish his dominion over men. Therefore the work of advancing the gospel will meet with great opposition from his synagogue. His last effort will be a desperate one, but his overthrow will be complete. {RH, July 16, 1901 par. 11}

September 17, 1901 A TIME OF TROUBLE.

God is a vigilant observer of the actions of the children of men. Nothing occurs in earth or heaven without the knowledge of the Creator. Nothing can happen without His permission. He on whom the fate of an empire may depend is watched over with a vigilance which knows no relaxation by Him who “giveth salvation unto kings,” to whom belong “the shields of the earth.” And the poor man is as tenderly watched over as the monarch upon his throne. {RH, September 17, 1901 par. 1}

God is constantly at work for the good of His creatures. Satan is also constantly at work, but for evil. The prince of the power of the air is the agent of destruction, the one who causes suffering and misery. Times without number GOD has interposed to avert death, to keep men, women, and children in safety when Satan purposed a result wholly disastrous. {RH, September 17, 1901 par. 2}

God made everything good and beautiful; but evil gained entrance into the earth, and with it came defilement and degradation. It is GOD’S PURPOSE to obliterate all traces of sin from His handiwork, to restore human beings to their original purity. To fulfill this purpose, GOD’S ONLY SON, equal with the Father, assumed human nature. He stooped to our estate that He might lift us from a fallen, degraded condition to the PURE and HOLY condition of Adam when he came from the hand of the Creator. As soon as man joined Satan in transgression, CHRIST took the field to fight in his behalf. He entered the conflict, and fought successfully the battle with the prince of evil. {RH, September 17, 1901 par. 3}

This world has been signally blessed by GOD. Human beings are the recipients of countless mercies. Providence watches over and shields them. Upon them are poured the choicest gifts in heaven’s treasury. Yet notwithstanding this, men show a growing disregard for GOD and a growing contempt for His law and for the salvation placed within their reach by the death of the Saviour. {RH, September 17, 1901 par. 4}

Men have lifted themselves up in pride and self-sufficiency, casting down the needy and oppressing the hireling in his wages. Against them have been registered covetousness, pride, and self-indulgence. They show contempt for the laws which govern GOD’S kingdom. GOD has borne long with them; but in response to His amazing forbearance, men are approaching that degree of iniquity which the antediluvians reached, to perish in the waters of the flood, and which the Sodomites reached, to be destroyed by fire from heaven. {RH, September 17, 1901 par. 5}

Some believe Satan’s assertion that there will be a second probation. They say that even though they now resist the SPIRIT of GOD, refusing to improve their day of grace, they will be given another opportunity to gain heaven. But those who cherish this belief are under a deception which leads to ruin. When GOD gave CHRIST to our world, He gave in this one gift all the treasures of heaven. He held back nothing. He can do no more than He has done to bring men to repentance. He has no means held in reserve for their salvation. {RH, September 17, 1901 par. 6}

God bears long with the rebellion and apostasy of His subjects. Even when His mercy is despised and His love scorned and derided, He bears with men until the last resource for leading them to repentance is exhausted. But there are limits to His forbearance. From those who to the end continue in obstinate rebellion, He removes His protecting care. Providence will no longer shield them from Satan’s power. They will have sinned away their day of grace. {RH, September 17, 1901 par. 7}

God keeps a reckoning with the nations. Not a sparrow falls to the ground without His notice. Those who work evil toward their fellow men, saying, How doth GOD know? will one day be called upon to meet long-deferred vengeance. In this age a more than common contempt is shown to GOD. Men have reached a point in insolence and disobedience which shows that their cup of iniquity is almost full. Many have well-nigh passed the boundary of mercy. Soon GOD will show that He is indeed the LIVING GOD. He will say to the angels, “No longer combat Satan in his efforts to destroy. Let him work out his malignity upon the children of disobedience; for the cup of their iniquity is full. They have advanced from one degree of wickedness to another, adding daily to their lawlessness. I will no longer interfere to prevent the destroyer from doing his work.” {RH, September 17, 1901 par. 8}

This time is right upon us. The SPIRIT of GOD is being withdrawn from the earth. When the angel of mercy folds her wings and departs, Satan will do the evil deeds he has long wished to do. Storm and tempest, war and bloodshed,–in these things he delights, and thus he gathers in his harvest. And so completely will men be deceived by him that they will declare that these calamities are the result of the desecration of the first day of the week. From the pulpits of the popular churches will be heard the statement that the world is being punished because Sunday is not honored as it should be. And it will require no great stretch of imagination for men to believe this. They are guided by the enemy, and therefore they reach conclusions which are entirely false. {RH, September 17, 1901 par. 9}

Satan will bring in pleasing fables to meet the minds of all who love not the truth. With angry zeal he will accuse COMMANDMENT-keepers. Furious because he cannot pervert their faith, he will vent his rage upon them. He will give to his angels the work of hardening wicked men against the truth. Knowing that he has but a short time, he will work with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. In the form of friends who have died, fallen angels will come to the children of men, just and unjust. Thus Satan will deceive those who, had they honored the law of JEHOVAH, would have been barricaded against temptation. {RH, September 17, 1901 par. 10}

When CHRIST was upon this earth, He declared of the nation that rejected Him, “In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the Commandments of men.” They made void the LAW of GOD by loading it down with needless ceremonies. They tore down the Lord’s standard of righteousness, blinding the eyes and hardening the hearts of the people, leading them to believe a lie in the place of truth. Were CHRIST upon the earth today, He would say to many professed Christians, “Ye are both ignorant of the SCRIPTURES and of the POWER of GOD.” {RH, September 17, 1901 par. 11}

Satan claims the world, but there is a little company who withstand his devices, and contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the SAINTS. Satan sets himself to destroy this COMMANDMENT-KEEPING company. But GOD is their tower of defense. He will raise up for them a standard against the enemy. He will be to them “as an hiding place from the wind,” and “as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” He will say to them, “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” {RH, September 17, 1901 par. 12}

In a variety of figures, matters have been presented to me regarding the church members who are dwarfed in spirituality because they do not look to JESUS, their ever-present help in TIME OF TROUBLE. I see men bearing a heavy burden of responsibility, but they are not gaining the strength of hope and courage by exercising FAITH in GOD. The promise is, “Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” But when in trouble many think that they must write to their earthly friends, telling them their perplexities, and begging for help. Under trying circumstances, unbelief comes in, and the way seems dark. And all the time JESUS, the great Burden-bearer, stands beside them, saying, Come unto me, and I will give you the rest for which you are longing. Why will we turn from him? {Lt1-1902}

During the life of JESUS on earth, He frequently said to His disciples, “Follow me.” “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Obstacles will certainly confront us on our way; but we must bravely, uncomplainingly press onward. The Lord is good. He is a present help in TIME OF TROUBLE. If we tell the Lord all our troubles and we believe His Word, He will hear and answer prayer. He invites us to come to Him. “Ask,” He says, “and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” The treasure-house is full. We may draw from it continually. Never will it become exhausted. {Lt14-1902}

Under such an influence, combined with the influence of good treatment and wholesome food, the sick find health. The feeble step recovers its elasticity. The eyes regain their brightness. The hopeless become hopeful. The once despondent countenance wears an expression of cheerfulness. The complaining tones of the voice give place to tones of content. The words express the belief, “God is a refuge and strength; a very present help in TIME OF TROUBLE.” The clouded hope of the Christian is brightened. Faith returns. The word is heard, “Yea, though I walk through the valley and shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod, and Thy staff they comfort me.” “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in GOD my Saviour.” “He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” The acknowledgement of GOD’S GOODNESS in providing these blessings invigorates the mind. GOD is very near and is pleased to see His gifts appreciated. {Ms44-1902}

It is not necessary that there be voices of contention in GOD’S SERVICE. Those who work for GOD are to work in unity. They are to live a life of prayer, distinguished from the world by their Christlikeness. They are to trust in the Lord, calling on Him for help in TIME OF TROUBLE. {Ms99-1902}

We have a very serious work before us. We read in Daniel, “At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of his people; and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was since there was a nation even unto that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” {Ms121-1902}

God is in earnest with us. To every man He has given his work. Every one is to do his part. A clear, decided testimony is to be borne; for a people is to be prepared to meet a TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation. {Ms136-1902}

Fathers and mothers, how stands your record? Have you been faithful to your trust? As you have seen your children inclined to follow a course that you knew would result in impurity of thought and word and act, have you, first asking GOD for help, tried to show them their danger? Have you pointed out to them the peril of following a path of their own choosing? Mothers, have you neglected your GOD-GIVEN work,–the greatest work ever committed to mortals? Have you refused to bear your GOD-given responsibilities? In the TIME OF TROUBLE just before us, when the JUDGMENTS of GOD fall upon the impure and unholy, will your children curse you because of your indulgence? {RH, December 23, 1902 par. 7}

Maggie has just informed me that you will receive a letter from me, if I send it in the morning’s mail. It is now four o’clock in the afternoon. I must write to you to let you know that my entire trust is in GOD. By figures and symbols I have been deeply impressed that we need not take upon ourselves any burdens that we do not know how to manage in detail. Satan is a cunning, deceptive general, and we must not give heed to everything that shall be devised by him. We need not feel compelled to work out the solution of every problem that we cannot understand in order to meet Satan’s wiles. Nor am I to keep my mind reigned up to thwart Satan’s devices. Why?—Because GOD is supreme. He is our stronghold in TIME OF TROUBLE and perplexity. If we put our entire trust in Him, we shall find that He is an all-sufficient Guide. {Lt195-1903}

Satan will do that which will close the Southern field against the truth, if the Lord does not interpose. And the trades unions will be one of the agencies that will bring upon this earth a TIME OF TROUBLE such as has not been since the world began. {Lt200-1903}

The world has certainly been taken captive by satanic agencies, and a TIME OF TROUBLE such as has not been since there was a nation is soon to come. This is why I desire so much to have means. I want to prepare books for publication, and I want to establish memorials for God—schools and sanitariums and meetinghouses. {Lt201-1903}

Satan, the originator of evil, is now revealing his power in the children of men. This is his hour and the power of darkness. Apparently he controls the world. The gospel messenger will find that there is a power moving the world to greater and still greater opposition to CHRIST and HIS MESSAGE. The last great conflict between the forces of good and evil is spoken of as “a TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was.” The violence which fills the earth will exceed that which existed before the destruction of the old world. {Lt268-1903}

Satan is working with all his power to hinder the WORK of GOD. If GOD’S PEOPLE occupy a portion of their time in teaching the delusive sentiments of Satan, the kingdom of evil will rejoice. When those having a knowledge of the path over which GOD has led us give heed to seducing spirits, and depart from the faith, the time and effort required to correct the evils that follow are so much time and effort taken from the work of proclaiming the gospel message. We must warn our brethren and sisters not to give heed to false theories, and to beware of those who have allowed themselves to be ensnared. {Lt268-1903}

If ever GOD’S WATCHMEN needed to be on their guard, it is now, just before the time which is to be a TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation. The trumpet must give a certain sound. There will be a general proclamation of truth, the whole earth will be lightened with the GLORY of GOD, but those only will recognize the light who have sought to know the difference between holiness and sin. {Lt268-1903}

Merely being members of the church will avail nothing in the controversy before us. GOD is weighing men and their doings in the golden scales of the SANCTUARY. The TIME OF TROUBLE will surely search out and try every pretender. Those who claim to be Christians and yet act as sinners will be punished as sinners. Proportionate to the degree to which they have used their opportunities and talents to hinder the CAUSE of GOD will be the severity of their punishment. {Ms18-1903}

There shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. [Daniel 12:1] And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever. {Ms23-1903}

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: Though war should rise up against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in HIS TEMPLE. For in the TIME OF TROUBLE, He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me upon a rock. {Ms110-1903}

CHRIST desires to give all who receive Him power to become the sons of GOD. He is a very present help in every TIME OF TROUBLE. Let us be ashamed of our wavering faith. Those who are weak in moral power have only themselves to blame that they do not resist the enemy. We have no excuse for failing to do our best. The BIBLE has been placed in our hands as a guide. It is a light shining in a dark place. All who choose can walk in the light. All who choose can come to CHRIST and find the help they need. {Ms130-1903}

In the future we must meet stern realities—trials that will test our loyalty to GOD and His truth. The beautiful theories that are being presented by some will not help us in the hour of trial and difficulty. We are to study the truths of the three angels’ messages and to believe in and worship a GOD who is able to carry us through the TIME OF TROUBLE. GOD desires [us] to act like men and women who have the truth. The FIRST, SECOND, and THIRD ANGELS’ MESSAGES are presented in the last book of the BIBLE—in Revelation. This book is not a mystery; it is a message to the churches, easily understood by those who have willing ears to hear the instruction that CHRIST came to deliver to us through His servant John. {Ms154-1903}

Seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in TIME OF TROUBLE. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.” “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” Isaiah 1:17; Psalm 41:1, 2; Proverbs 19:17. {Ed 141.1 1903}

Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the TROUBLE; but he shall be saved out of it. Jeremiah 30:7. {Ed 181.2 1903}

Scenes similar to those described in these words will take place. We see evidence that Satan is fast obtaining the control of human minds, who have not the fear of GOD before them. Let all read and understand the prophecies of this book, for we are now entering upon the TIME OF TROUBLE spoken of: {Lt103-1904}

Fearful tests and trials await the PEOPLE of GOD. The spirit of war is stirring the nations from one end of the earth to the other. But in the midst of the TIME OF TROUBLE that is coming—a TIME OF TROUBLE such as has not been since there was a nation—GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE will stand unmoved. Satan and his angels cannot destroy them; for angels that excel in strength will protect them. {Lt119-1904}

I can write no more now. I am bidden to present this to my brethren, for them to carry to others, who are not at this meeting. Work with all diligence in harmony with CHRIST. We have not a moment to spend in contention. Every soul is to be hidden with CHRIST in GOD. There is to be a TIME OF TROUBLE such as was not since there was a nation. Those who have any realization of this will not regard it as a virtue to make little differences a hindrance to their own spirituality and to the advancement of the WORK of GOD. Let the Lord’s entrusted means be put in operation, that new fields may be opened. Let lines of work be set in operation to warn the cities and villages as fast as possible; for the time will soon be upon us when the enemy will imbue all wicked men with his devising. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His COVENANT. GOD calls upon HIS PEOPLE to assist with their means, that in the places which He has specified should be worked, there may be wise men to carry the work forward. {Lt165-1904}

Revelation 3 Verses 9, 10. The hour of temptation is coming upon the world in a far stronger light, but the JUDGMENTS of GOD are also coming upon the world. And we shall find that soon there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE as never was since there was a nation, for thus saith the GOD of Israel. {Ms159-1904}

Now, these things I present before you. All the highest sophistry I have seen, would come. I have seen it for years. I have warned for years that it would come. Well, it has come. Now all these sophistries will not prove anything that will sustain you in the TIME OF TROUBLE and anguish that must come upon the world, to every soul, to try all that dwell on the face of the whole earth. I want to tell you, every soul, keep your tongues with a bridle. {Ms160-1904}

When the children of Israel were journeying through the wilderness, the Lord protected them from venomous serpents; but the time came when, because of Israel’s transgression, impenitence, and stubbornness, the Lord removed His restraining power from these reptiles, and many of the people were bitten and died. Then it was that the brazen serpent was uplifted, that all who repented and looked to it in faith might live. {8T 50.2 1904}

In the time of confusion and trouble before us, a TIME OF TROUBLE such as has not been since there was a nation, the uplifted Saviour will be presented to the people in all lands, that all who look to Him in faith may live. {8T 50.3 1904}

The JUDGMENTS of GOD are in the land. The wars and rumors of wars, the destruction by fire and flood, say clearly that the TIME OF TROUBLE, which is to increase until the end, is very near at hand. We have no time to lose. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecies of the eleventh of Daniel have almost reached their final fulfilment. {RH, November 24, 1904 par. 8}

We are coming into troublous times, but let not one of the PEOPLE of GOD, by his individual course of action, create a TIME OF TROUBLE beforehand. We are to follow on to know the Lord. We can not put our trust in any human being, but we will trust in the Lord GOD of Israel. We have an individual case pending in the courts of heaven, and we cannot afford to make mistakes that will lead others into a wrong course of action. An earnest desire to be humble and to walk circumspectly before the Lord is our only safety. {Lt117-1905}

My brethren, you and I must not lose our FAITH in GOD. Every man is being tested and tried. Will we bear a clean-cut testimony and in the spirit of the great Teacher be determined to seek the Lord? Let us cultivate faith. We are not meeting men, but satanic agencies; and we must lay hold upon the power that is mighty to save to the uttermost all who come unto Him. Work, and watch, and pray. Our work is to bring sound doctrine into actual contact with men’s souls, that it may produce sound practice. The form of sound words is to be prized above every earthly thing, but unless these words are carried on in pure principles, what is the value of them? We must now look for battles, but we must not be disheartened, afraid, or ashamed. The heart-searcher knows that men are perpetrating sin, regardless of their souls. We have talked of the TIME OF TROUBLE. Well, it is hastening on. Watch unto prayer. {Lt333-1905}

If you cannot [keep] a lawyer’s business without sacrificing righteousness and truth, give up that business. Break the spell now. Become a heroic reformer. Touch not one case that comes to you that will make you a partaker of the evil work to plague and discourage and make difficulties for the Lord’s people who are doing His work. Will you set yourself, Judge Arthur, to oppose the gracious designs of GOD, in preparing a people to stand in the TIME OF TROUBLE, such a TIME OF TROUBLE as has never been since there was a nation? Your eternal interest now is at stake. Break away from the controversy of the doctor. His spell is upon you. His science of influence is exerting on every occasion where he dares. But this spell will soon be broken by all who will take a decided stand. {Lt367-1905}

The GOD of all GRACE had been with them, helping them in every time of need, guiding them to their present location, placing underneath them His everlasting arms, shedding upon them the light of His countenance, in TIME OF TROUBLE strengthening and encouraging them with words of assurance and comfort, communicating to them the joy of His salvation, aiding them in ways beyond their thought or expectation. What should have been the language of their thoughts? {Ms115-1905}

I thank the Lord for a good night’s rest. I slept until three o’clock. I did not sleep much the night after the SABBATH; for during the night a very impressive scene passed before me. There seemed to be great confusion and the conflict of armies. A messenger from the Lord stood before me, and said, “Call your household. I will lead you; follow me.” He led me down a dark passage, through a forest, then through the clefts of mountains, and said, “Here you are safe.” There were others who had been led to this retreat. The heavenly messenger said, “The TIME OF TROUBLE has come as a thief in the night, as the Lord warned you it would come.” {Ms153-1905}

My mind is drawn out to write. I cannot sleep, and I am so burdened it is no use to attempt to sleep. The presentation to me is that the whole world is becoming that which will bring about that TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation, and the coming of the Lord JESUS in the clouds of heaven will be speedily brought to a close. Who will be prepared for this great day? {Ms176-1905}

Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. {RH, November 23, 1905 par. 12}

The signs of the end are fast fulfilling. The TIME OF TROUBLE is very near us now. We are to be brought into strait places in a way in which we have not been brought heretofore. The TIME OF TROUBLE is near, and we are to awake to a realization of this. We are to be sure that our feet are in the narrow path. We need an experience that we have not yet had, that we may have the assurance that the GOD of ALL GRACE is a very present help in time of need. The TIME OF TROUBLE—trouble such as was not since there was a nation—is right upon us, and we are like the sleeping virgins. We are to awake and ask the Lord JESUS to place underneath us His everlasting arms and carry us through the time of trial before us. {Lt54-1906}

Well, there is help for us in GOD. The result of every conflict in which we engage depends upon how we manage the matter. If we flee to the stronghold, we may run into it and be safe. By faith we can grasp a hand that will hold us as long as we hold fast. Everything depends upon Him who is invisible, and yet sure—a stronghold in TIME OF TROUBLE. We have a refuge and a present help in every time of need. Troubles we cannot avoid; but GOD is in every place. Let us hold fast the promise that His presence will be with us if we seek Him in simplicity and with the whole heart. Let not any of us despond. He careth for every soul of His blood-bought heritage. His lovingkindness changeth not. Let us accept the promise, “Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” {Lt80-1906}

I was very sorry my health was so poor when you were with us. I feared I was near the close of my life. I have refused to speak in our churches for months because of the danger from impure air. Again and again I have nearly lost my life, addressing people indoors. But my life has been spared because my work was not done. But I am writing, writing now because there is a TIME OF TROUBLE just before us, which we all must meet. This is why I carry the burden I do, for souls are in peril. I do want to save every soul that I possibly can; for if we can save them, they will live through the ceaseless ages of eternity. This is why I have travelled so much to bear my testimony before thousands. I know that the instruction I receive is given me of GOD, and I would not forbear giving it to the people. I must speak the words I am given to speak. {Lt112-1906}

The Lord has been working with Elder Simpson, teaching him how to give to the people this last warning message. His method of making the words of the BIBLE prove the truth for this time, and his use of the symbols presented in Revelation and Daniel, are effective. Let the young men learn as for their lives what is truth and how it should be presented. We are living in the last days of the great conflict; the truth alone will hold us securely in this TIME OF TROUBLE. The way should be prepared for Elder Simpson to give the message, and our young men should attend his evening meetings. {Lt349-1906}

Those who once were teachers of righteousness, but who have turned from the truth, are wandering in the mists of error. Satan with much persistency is striving for the mastery. CHRIST calls upon those who are still at Battle Creek to obtain a class of education of a character altogether different from the education that they have been receiving there. Students, the Lord JESUS calls upon you to fulfil His commission given just before His ascension to meet the heavenly armies that escorted Him to the CITY of GOD, there to be GLORIFIED with that MOST PRECIOUS COMPANY of SAINTS that were resurrected when gloom came about the crucified Redeemer, when awful darkness covered the dying Sufferer, and the rocks rent, and men were terrified and exclaimed, “This was the SON of GOD that was crucified!” That resurrected company represented those who would come forth from their graves after the TIME OF TROUBLE that is to come upon our world. Those who came forth from their graves appeared before their believing relatives and bore their testimony before them. {Ms41-1906}

From the condition of things in our world, we can see that we are indeed living in the last days. “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.” {Lt70-1906}

Before the SON of MAN appears in the clouds of heaven, everything in nature will be convulsed. Lightning from heaven, uniting with the fire in the earth, will cause the mountains to burn like a furnace and pour out their floods of lava over villages and cities. Molten masses of rock, thrown into the water by the upheaval of things hidden in the earth, will cause the water to boil, and they will send forth rocks and earth. There will be mighty earthquakes and great destruction of human life. But as in the days of the great deluge Noah was preserved in the ark that GOD had prepared for him, so in these days of destruction and calamity GOD will be the refuge of His believing ones. Through the psalmist, He declares: “Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the MOST HIGH, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” “For in the TIME OF TROUBLE He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock.” Then shall we not make the Lord our surety and our defense? {Lt258-1907}

The TIME OF TROUBLE has already begun. We hear continually of riots and accidents, or murders and robberies. Human life is no longer safe unless under the protection of GOD. GOD’S SERVANTS must not be surprised that they meet with great difficulties and persecution at this time. In His day, the world’s Redeemer, the SON of GOD, was shamefully treated by the people He came to bless. He had to go from city to city to ensure His safety, and this persecution followed Him until His work on earth was accomplished. {Lt266-1907}

The TIME OF TROUBLE is right upon us; we are told that this time is to approach as a thief in the night. But if our life is hid with CHRIST in GOD, we need have no fear. Be of good courage in the Lord. When you feel your weakness, and put your TRUST in GOD, He will be your strength, your frontguard and your rereward. {Lt272-1907}

We have just had a council meeting with Brother and Sister Wessels and Brother and Sister Cummings. Brother J. J. Wessels is manager of the Paradise Valley Sanitarium, and Dr. R. S. Cummings is our new physician. His wife will act as matron. These souls, we sincerely hope, will walk humbly before GOD. If they put their trust in the Lord, and walk in His counsel, they will be strengthened and greatly blessed. Satan is watching every opportunity to tempt and worry souls until their courage is gone. But the Lord is a stronghold in TIME OF TROUBLE. {Lt392-1907}

I have been carrying a heavy burden. I must now write distinctly, that if I should be taken away suddenly, my testimony shall be left in behalf of those who shall be alive to meet the troublous times before us, for the TIME OF TROUBLE hath commenced. All who live godly in CHRIST JESUS are safe and will have their life hid with CHRIST in GOD. {Ms157-1907}

I came here to tell you this more than anything else, and I want to tell you that the Lord GOD of HEAVEN will answer the prayer of humble faith. But we are far away from where we should be. Far away. Self, self, self is striving for the monopoly. Self is striving for the prominence and self-indulgence, but we are to be a people to stand before the world as a representation of CHRIST’S SELF-DENIAL. He came into our world to die for us, to give His life for us, and they mocked Him, and they put a crown of thorns upon His head. They opposed Him in every way possible, that human beings could do, and it was the devil that led them to do it, and the TIME OF TROUBLE is right before us. We are right in it now. We are in it in these cities, but GOD helps us. We want to know what it means to be converted. We do not half of us know. We are not converted. We have tugged along all our own natural temperaments, our own natural ideas, and we carry them with us, and that has been one thing that has led me to this camp meeting. {Ms189-1907}

Daniel is today standing in his lot, and we are to give him place to speak to the people. Our message is to go forth as a lamp that burneth. “At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.” {AUCR, March 11, 1907 par. 10}

Remember that in every TIME OF TROUBLE JESUS is near you, seeking to impress his image upon you. He is trying to help you to carry the cross. He is close beside you, seeking to lead you to see how sorry he is that you make mistakes. He is always ready to clasp the hand stretched out for aid. {RH, June 20, 1907 par. 6}

We are close to the time spoken of by Daniel the prophet: “At that time shall Michael stand up, that great Prince that standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation, even to that same time: but at that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.” The Lord is about to do a short and effectual work in the earth. Oh, that our leading workers would realize this and shun their work of criticizing and forbidding. When the Judge of all the earth shall come to render to every man his reward, those who have laid plans that have hindered the cause of truth will be held responsible for their actions, with all the evil that has resulted therefrom. {Ms1-1908}

But we must not unnecessarily arouse prejudice that would close the way against the proclamation of the THIRD ANGEL’S MESSAGE to the white people. They need this message; for a TIME OF TROUBLE is before us, such as never was since there was a nation. {Ms103-1908}

The DAY of GOD’S VENGEANCE is just before us. “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince that standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” {SW, March 24, 1908 par. 2}

When the TIME OF TROUBLE comes, every case will have been decided. No longer will probation linger; no longer will there be mercy for the impenitent. Our own course of action is determining whether we shall be destroyed with the workers of iniquity, or delivered with the PEOPLE of GOD. The Lord is willing to help us. While his face “is against them that do evil,” his eyes “are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayer.” {SW, March 24, 1908 par. 3}

We are on the very verge of the TIME OF TROUBLE, and perplexities that are scarcely dreamed of are before us. A power from beneath is leading men to war against Heaven. Human beings have confederated with satanic agencies to make void the LAW of GOD. The inhabitants of the world are fast becoming as the inhabitants of the world in Noah’s day, who were swept away by the Flood, and as the inhabitants of Sodom, who were consumed by fire from heaven. The powers of Satan are at work to keep minds diverted from eternal realities. The enemy has arranged matters to suit his own purposes. Worldly business, sports, the fashions of the day –these things occupy the minds of men and women. Amusements and unprofitable reading spoil the judgment. In the broad road that leads to eternal ruin there walks a long procession. The world, filled with violence, reveling, and drunkenness, is converting the church. The LAW of GOD, the divine standard of righteousness, is declared to be of no effect. {9T 43.2 1909}

Let not those who write for our papers make unkind thrusts and allusions that will certainly do harm and that will hedge up the way and hinder us from doing the work that we should do in order to reach all classes, the Catholics included. It is our work to speak the truth in love and not to mix in with the truth the unsanctified elements of the natural heart and speak things that savor of the same spirit possessed by our enemies. All sharp thrusts will come back upon us in double measure when the power is in the hands of those who can exercise it for injury. Over and over the message has been given to me that we are not to say one word, not to publish one sentence, especially by way of personalities, unless positively essential in vindicating the truth, that will stir up our enemies against us and arouse their passions to a white heat. Our work will soon be closed up, and soon the TIME OF TROUBLE, such as never was, will come upon us, of which we have but little idea. {9T 240.4 1909}

There is to be a TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation. Our work is to study to weed out of all our discourses everything that savors of retaliation and defiance and making a drive against churches and individuals, because this is not CHRIST’S WAY and METHOD. {9T 244.2 1909}

All sharp thrusts will come back upon us in double measure when the power is in the hands of those who can exercise it for our injury. Over and over the message has been given to me that we are not to say one word, not to publish one sentence, unless positively essential in vindicating the truth, that will stir up our enemies against us, and arouse their passions to a white heat. Our work will soon be closed up, and soon the TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was will come upon us, of which we have but little idea. {RH, March 16, 1911 par. 6}

In the night season there was represented to me the great need of thorough changes among us as a people, and especially in our households. I was shown that reformations must be wrought in families that have long professed to serve the Lord, but whose lives have not been acceptable in His sight. There is need of repentance and conversion; and in every family there needs to be a diligent seeking unto GOD; for we are living amidst the perils of the last days. Soon the TIME OF TROUBLE will break upon us; and unless decided changes are made, there will be few prepared to meet the Lord. Many will lose the eternal rewards prepared for the people who walk in all the ways of the Lord. {Ms78-1912}

Our GOD shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my SAINTS together unto me; those that have made a COVENANT with me by sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for GOD is JUDGE HIMSELF. {RH, March 14, 1912 par. 9}

Children are left to come up, instead of being trained up. * * * Parents stand in the place of GOD to their children, and they will have to render an account whether they have been faithful to the little few committed to their care. Parents, some of you are rearing children to be cut down by the destroying angel, unless you speedily change your course and be faithful to them. GOD cannot cover iniquity, even in children. He cannot love unruly children, who manifest passion, and he cannot save them in the TIME OF TROUBLE. Will you suffer your children to be lost through your neglect? Unfaithful parents! their blood will be upon you, and is not your salvation doubtful, with the blood of your children upon you? {GMM, November 19, 1913 par. 2}

In order to preserve health, temperance in all things is necessary,–temperance in labor, temperance in eating and drinking. . . . The body, which GOD calls his TEMPLE, should be preserved in as healthy a condition as possible. . . . GOD requires his people to be laborers together with him. He requires them to “abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul,” and present their “bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto GOD,” which is the only service he will accept from reasonable mortals. JESUS has stooped very low in order to reach man in his low estate. And GOD requires of man to make earnest efforts, and deny self, that he may preserve his vigor of mind, and elevate himself, and imitate the example of him in whom was no guile. Then will he be benefited with the atonement of CHRIST. As the Lord bade faithful Noah before the flood, “Come thou and all thy house into the ark,” he will, previous to the TIME OF TROUBLE, say to HIS FAITHFUL SAINTS, who have been preparing for translation, “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.” {RH, April 2, 1914 par. 18}

As I saw the neglected vine cared for, I felt inexpressible relief, amounting to joy, I turned to the angel and inquired what these things meant. Said he: “Thou art this vine. All this thou wilt experience, and then, when these things occur, thou shalt fully understand the figure of the vine. GOD will be to thee a present help in TIME OF TROUBLE.” {LS 176.3 1915}

In this time of “trouble and darkness” and “dimness of anguish” (verse 22), the future was made bright by means of many precious communications to the CHURCH of GOD concerning her future triumph. Judah was to suffer much from Assyrian oppression, and from the scourgings of other nations, and was finally to be carried away captive; yet this sore chastisement, grievous though it might seem at the time, would be used by a merciful Providence as a means of salvation. “By this,” Isaiah declared, “shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin.” Isaiah 27:9. At the close of the period of captivity, those who had remained faithful, together with those who might choose henceforth to serve the LIVING GOD, were to be permitted to return to the land of their fathers. {RH, April 8, 1915 par. 11}

God's Word Explained

Pages

Time of Trouble [including Jacob’s Trouble]