Time of Trouble

From the light GOD has given me, every member among us should sign the pledge and be connected with the TEMPERANCE association.

Those who break the LAWS of HEALTH will become blinded in their minds and break the LAW of GOD.

The reason why many of us will fall in the TIME of TROUBLE is because of laxity in TEMPERANCE and INDULGENCE of APPETITE.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

The righteous, like Jacob, will manifest UNYIELDING FAITH and EARNEST DETERMINATION, which will take no denial.

But while they have a DEEP SENSE of their UNWORTHINESS, they 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.

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.

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, just before CHRIST’S SECOND COMING.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.]

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.”

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.”

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.

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?”

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.

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.

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.

The earth, also, shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rejoice in GOD always.

Today PRAISE GOD for HIS GRACE, and continue to praise Him every day.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.” [ Isaiah 26:20 ]

Glorious will be the deliverance of those who have patiently waited for him, and whose names are written in the BOOK of LIFE.

I know that you are OFTEN TEMPTED and TRIED.

Only believe JESUS is your helper, a very present help in TIME of TROUBLE.

You must not be depressed.

It is the depressing discouragements that are sapping your life forces.

You must be cheerful.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Many battles will have to be fought in the heart of the believer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the PROMISES of GOD.

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.

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.

And if we will look to Him in TRUSTING FAITH, He will, in His own time, turn the bitterness of Marah into sweetness.

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.

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.

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.

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]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 [blotted out] 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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

It rests with us to co-operate with the agencies which Heaven employs, in the work of CONFORMING our CHARACTERS to the DIVINE MODEL.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

It requires moral courage to take a position to KEEP the COMMANDMENTS of the Lord.

It takes MORAL COURAGE, FIRMNESS, DECISION, PERSEVERANCE, and VERY MUCH PRAYER to step out on the unpopular side.

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.

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.

In the future we must meet stern realities – trials that will TEST OUR LOYALTY to GOD and HIS TRUTH.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Let the TRUTH come out everywhere we go, the SEVENTH DAY is the SABBATH of the LORD our GOD.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

GOD keeps a reckoning with nations, and when the LAW of GOD is fully made void, then the destruction cometh.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The TIME of TROUBLE is coming; who will stand?

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 saw that our BREAD and WATER would be sure at the TIME of TROUBLE, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

“The Lord is good.

A strong hold in the TIME of TROUBLE, and he knoweth them that trust in him.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

GOD will be to thee a present help in TIME of TROUBLE.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.]

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.

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.

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.

To the CHURCH of GOD who KEEP the SABBATH – the SEAL of the LIVING GOD.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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 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.

The work will be done up speedily; the burden may be 100 miles off.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

It is the privilege of Christians to know that CHRIST is in them of a TRUTH.

This faith will penetrate the darkest cloud, and bring hope to the drooping, desponding soul.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

At the commencement of the HOLY SABBATH 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 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.

The REMNANT in the TIME of TROUBLE will cry, “My GOD, my GOD, why has Thou forsaken me?”

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.

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.”

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.”

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. [Rephidim is one of the places visited by the Israelites in the biblical account of the Exodus from Egypt. This episode is described in the Book of Exodus. The Israelites under Moses have come from the Wilderness of Sin. At Rephidim, they can find no water to drink, and angrily demand that Moses give them water. The Battle of Rephidim, was a battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites, which occurred in Rephidim while the former were moving towards the Promised Land.]

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.”

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.

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.

TIME of TROUBLE, it will come right early.

The signs shall be reacted over again; the DAY and HOUR will then be known.

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.

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.

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.”

A DECREE went forth to SLAY the SAINTS, which caused them to CRY DAY and NIGHT for DELIVERANCE.

This was the TROUBLE.

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. [. . . that it is better for them to suffer than for whole nations to be thrown into confusion and lawlessness.]

Romanism in the Old World, and apostate Protestantism in the New, will pursue a similar course toward those who honor the DIVINE PRECEPTS.

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.

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.

The same argument eighteen hundred years [ now two thousand 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.

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.]

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.

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.

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; the PEOPLE of GOD must 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.

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.

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.” [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.

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.

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.]

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.

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.

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.]

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.

Friday night several heard my voice exclaiming, “Look, Look!” Whether I was dreaming or in vision I cannot tell.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

And I have put MY WORDS in thy mouth, and I have COVERED THEE in the shadow of mine hand.

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.

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.

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.]

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Angels cannot then protect those who are disregarding one of the divine precepts.

“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the HOUR of TEMPTATION, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

I saw the TIME of TROUBLE, such as never was.

JESUS told me it was the TROUBLE, and that we should be delivered out of it by the VOICE of GOD. (Jeremiah 30:5-8)

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.

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.

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.]

In the TIME of TROUBLE, we ALL FLED from the CITIES and VILLAGES, [Ezekiel 7:15, 16. Luke 17:30-36.] 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 [faces] 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.

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.

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.

The great DAY of GOD is at hand.

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.”

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.

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.]

Then all the SAINTS cried out with anguish of spirit, and were delivered by the VOICE of GOD.

The 144,000 triumphed.

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.

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Time of Trouble