EGW Second Advent Review And
Sabbath Herald. . . . .Extra
July 21, 1851
Experience and Views
By the request of dear
friends I have consented to give a brief sketch of my experience and views,
with the hope that it will cheer and strengthen the humble, trusting children
of the Lord. {ExV 3.1}
At the age of eleven
years I was converted, and when twelve years old was baptized, and joined the
Methodist Church. At the age of thirteen I heard Bro. Miller deliver his second
course of lectures in Portland, Me. I then felt that I was not holy, not ready
to see Jesus. And when the invitation was given for church members and sinners
to come forward for prayers, I embraced the first opportunity, for I knew that
I must have a great work done for me to fit me for Heaven. My soul was
thirsting for full and free salvation, but knew not how to obtain it. {ExV 3.2}
In 1842 I constantly
attended the Second Advent meetings in Portland, Me., and fully believed the
Lord was coming. I was hungering and thirsting for full salvation, and an
entire conformity to the will of God. Day and night I was struggling to obtain
this priceless treasure, that all the riches of earth
could not purchase. As I was bowed before God praying for this blessing the
duty to go and pray in a public prayer-meeting was presented before me. I had
never prayed vocally in meeting, and drew back from the duty, fearing that if I
should attempt to pray I should be confounded. Every time I went before the
Lord in secret prayer this unfulfilled duty presented itself, until I ceased to
pray, and settled down in a melancholy state, and finally in deep despair. {ExV 3.3}
In this state of mind
I remained for three weeks, with not one ray of light to pierce the thick
clouds of darkness around me. I then had two dreams which gave me a faint ray
of light and hope. After that I opened my mind to my devoted mother. She told
me that I was not lost, and advised me to go and see Bro. Stockman, who then
preached to the Advent people in Portland. I had great confidence in him, for
he was a devoted and beloved servant of Christ. His words affected me and led
me to hope. I returned home, and again went before the Lord, and promised
that I would do and suffer any thing if I could have the smiles of Jesus.
The same duty was presented. There was to be a prayer meeting that evening
which I attended, and when others knelt to pray I bowed with them trembling,
and after two or three had prayed, I opened my mouth in prayer before I was
aware of it, and the promises of God looked to me like so many
precious pearls that were to be received by only asking for them.
As I prayed the burden and agony of soul that I had so long felt left me, and
the blessing of God came upon me like the gentle dew, and I gave glory to God
for what I felt, but I longed for more. I could not be
satisfied till I was filled with the fullness of God. Inexpressible love for
Jesus filled my soul. Wave after wave of glory rolled over me until my body
grew stiff. Everything was shut out from me but Jesus and glory, and I knew
nothing of what was passing around me. {ExV
3.4}
I remained in this
state of body and mind a long time, and when I realized what was around me,
everything seemed changed. Every thing looked
glorious and new, as if smiling and praising God. I was then willing to confess
Jesus everywhere. For six months not a cloud of darkness passed over my mind.
My soul was daily drinking rich draughts of salvation. I thought that those who
loved Jesus would love his coming, so went to the class-meeting and told them what
Jesus had done for me, and what a fullness I enjoyed through believing that the
Lord was coming. The class-leader interrupted me saying, “Through Methodism,” but
I could not give the glory to Methodism, when it was Christ and the hope of his
soon coming that had made me free. {ExV
4.1}
My father’s family
were most all full believers in the Advent, and for bearing testimony to this
glorious doctrine, seven of us were at one time cast out of the
Methodist Church. At this time the words of the Prophet were
exceedingly precious to us. {ExV 5.1}
“Your brethren that
hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let
the Lord be glorified; but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be
ashamed.” Isaiah 66:5. {ExV 5.2}
From this time, up to
December, 1844, my joys, trials and disappointments were like those of my dear
Advent friends around me. At this time I visited one of our Advent sisters, and
in the morning we bowed around the family altar. It was not an exciting
occasion, and there were but five of us present, all females. While
praying the power of God came upon me as I never had felt it before, and I was wrapt up in a vision of God’s glory, and seemed to be
rising higher and higher from the earth, and was shown something of the travels
of the Advent people to the Holy City, as will be seen in the vision hereafter.
{ExV 5.3}
After I came out of
vision everything looked changed, a gloom was spread over all that I beheld. O, how dark this world looked to me. I wept when I
found myself here, and felt homesick. I had seen a better world, and it had
spoiled this for me. I told the view to our little band in Portland, who then
fully believed it to be of God. It was a powerful time. The solemnity of
eternity rested upon us. About one week after this the Lord gave me
another view, and shewed me the trials I must pass through, and that I must go
and relate to others what he had revealed to me, and that I should meet with great opposition, and suffer anguish of
spirit by going. But said the angel “The grace of God is sufficient for you: he
will hold you up.” {ExV 5.4}
After I came out of
this vision I was exceedingly troubled. My health was very poor, and I was but
seventeen years old. I knew that many had fallen through exaltation, and I knew
that if I in any way became exalted that God would leave me, and I should
surely be lost. I went to the Lord in prayer and begged him to lay the burden
on some one else. It seemed to me that I could not
bear it. I lay upon my face a long time, and all the light I could get was
“Make known to others what I have revealed to you.” {ExV
6.1}
In my next vision I
earnestly begged of the Lord, that if I must go and
relate what he had shown me, to keep me from exaltation. Then he shewed me that
my prayer was answered, and if I should be in danger of exaltation his hand
should be laid upon me, and I should be afflicted with sickness.
Said the angel, If you deliver the
messages faithfully, and endure unto the end, you shall eat of the fruit of the
tree of life, and drink of the water of the river of life.
{ExV 6.2}
Soon it was reported
all around that the visions were the result of mesmerism, and many Adventists
were ready to believe, and circulate the report. A physician, who was a
celebrated mesmerizer, told me that my views were
mesmerism, and that I was a very easy subject, and that he could mesmerize me
and give me a vision. I told him that the Lord had
shown me in vision that mesmerism was from the Devil, from the bottomless pit,
and that it would soon go there, with those who continued to use it. I
then gave him liberty to mesmerize me if he could. He tried for more than half
an hour, resorting to different operations, and then gave it up. By faith in
God I was able to resist his influence, so that it did not affect me in the
least. {ExV 6.3}
If I had a vision in
meeting many would say that it was excitement, and that some
one mesmerized me. Then I would go away alone in the woods, where no eye
could see, or ear hear but God’s, and pray to him, and he would sometimes give
me a vision there. I then rejoiced, and told them what God had revealed to me
alone, where no mortal could influence me. But I was told by some that I
mesmerized myself. O, thought I, has it come to this that those who honestly go
to God alone to plead his promises, and to claim his salvation, are to be
charged with being under the foul and soul-damning influence of mesmerism? Do
we ask our kind Father in Heaven for “bread,” only to receive a “stone,” or a
“scorpion?” These things wounded my spirit, and wrung my soul in keen anguish,
well nigh to despair, while many would have me believe that there was no
Holy Ghost, and that all the exercises that holy men of God have experienced
were only mesmerism, or the deceptions of Satan. {ExV 6.4}
At this time there was
fanaticism in Maine. Some refrained wholly from labor,
and disfellowshipped all those who would not receive
their views on this point, and some other things which they held to be
religious duties. God revealed these errors to me in vision, and
sent me to his erring children to declare them; but many of them wholly
rejected the message, and charged me with conforming to the world.
On the other hand, the Nominal Adventists charged me with
fanaticism, and I was falsely, and by some wickedly represented as being the
leader of the fanaticism that I was actually laboring to do away. Different
times were repeatedly set for the Lord to come, and were urged upon the
brethren.—But the Lord shewed me that they would all pass by, for the
time of trouble must come before the coming of Christ, and that every time that
was set, and passed by, would only weaken the faith of God’s people. For
this I was charged with being with the evil servant, that
said in his heart, “My Lord delayeth his coming.”
{ExV 7.1}
All these things
weighed heavily upon my spirits, and in the confusion I was sometimes tempted
to doubt my own experience. And while at family prayers one morning, the
power of God began to rest upon me, and the thought rushed into my mind that it
was mesmerism, and I resisted it. Immediately I was struck dumb, and for a few
moments was lost to everything around me. I then saw my sin in
doubting the power of God, and that for so doing I was struck dumb, and that my
tongue should be loosed in less than twenty-four hours. A
card was held up before me, on which was written in gold letters the chapter
and verse of fifty texts of Scripture. After I came out of vision, I beckoned
for the slate, and wrote upon it that I was dumb, also what I had seen, and
that I wished the large Bible. I took the Bible and readily turned to all the
texts that I had seen upon the card. I was unable to speak all day. Early the
next morning my soul was filled with joy, and my
tongue was loosed to shout the high praises of God. After that I dared not
doubt, or for a moment resist the power of God, however others might think of
me. {ExV 7.2}
In 1846, while at
Fairhaven, Mass., my sister, (who usually accompanied me at that time,) sister
A. and brother G. and myself started in a sail-boat to
visit a family on West’s Island. It was almost night
when we started. We had gone but a short distance when a sudden storm arose. It
thundered and lightened and the rain came in torrents upon us. It seemed plain
that we must be lost, unless God should deliver. {ExV
8.1}
I knelt down in the
boat, and began to cry to God to deliver us. And there upon the tossing
billows, while the water washed over the top of the boat upon us, the rain
descended as I never saw it before, the lightnings flashed and the thunders
rolled, I was taken off in vision, and saw that sooner would every drop of
water in the ocean be dried up than we should perish, for I saw that my work
had but just begun. After I came out of the vision all my fears were gone, and
we sung and praised God, and our little boat was to us a floating Bethel. The
editor of the “Advent Herald” has said that my visions were known to be “the
result of mesmeric operations.” But I ask, what chance
was there for mesmeric operations in such a time as that?
{ExV 8.2}
Bro. G. had more than
he could well attend to, to manage the boat. He tried to anchor, but the anchor
dragged. Our little boat was tossed upon the waves, and driven by the wind,
while it was so dark that we could not see from one end of the boat to the
other. {ExV 9.1}
Soon the anchor held,
and Bro. G. called for help. There were but two houses on the Island, and it
proved that we were near one of them, but not the one where we wished to go.
All the family had retired to rest except a little child, who providentially
heard the call for help upon the water. Her father soon came to our relief, and
in a small boat, took us to the shore. We spent the most of that night in
thanksgiving and praise to God, for his wonderful goodness unto us. {ExV 9.2}
Here I will give the view that was first
published in 1846. In this view I saw only a very few of the events of the
future. More recent views have been more full. I shall
therefore leave out a portion and prevent repetition. {ExV 9.3}
To the Remnant scattered Abroad
As God has shown me
the travels of the Advent people to the Holy City, and the rich reward to be
given those who wait the return of their Lord from the wedding, it may be my
duty to give you a short sketch of what God has revealed to me. The dear saints
have got many trials to pass through. But our light afflictions, which are but
for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of
glory—while we look not at the things which are seen, for the things which are
seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. I have tried
to bring back a good report, and a few grapes from the heavenly Canaan, for
which many would stone me, as the congregation bade stone Caleb and Joshua for
their report, (Numbers 14:10.) But I declare to you, my brethren and sisters in
the Lord, it is a goodly land, and we are well able to go up and possess it. {ExV 9.4}
While praying at the
family altar, the Holy Ghost fell upon me, and I seemed to be rising higher and
higher, far above the dark world. I turned to look for the Advent people in the
world, but could not find them—when a voice said to me, “Look again, and look a
little higher.” At this I raised my eyes and saw a straight and narrow path,
cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were traveling
to the City, which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light
set up behind them at the first end of the path, which an angel told me was the
Midnight Cry. This light shone all along the path, and gave light for their
feet so they might not stumble. And if they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who
was just before them, leading them to the City, they were safe. But soon some
grew weary, and they said the City was a great way off, and they expected to
have entered it before. Then Jesus would encourage them by raising his glorious
right arm, and from his arm came a glorious light which waved over the Advent
band, and they shouted Hallelujah! Others rashly denied the light behind them,
and said that it was not God that had led them out so far. The light behind
them went out leaving their feet in perfect darkness, and they stumbled and got
their eyes off the mark, and lost sight of Jesus, and fell off the path down in
the dark and wicked world below. Soon we heard the voice of God like many
waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus’ coming. The living saints,
144,000, in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it
was thunder and an earthquake. When God spake the time, he poured on us the
Holy Ghost, and our faces began to light up and shine with the glory of God as
Moses’ did when he came down from Mount Sinai. {ExV
10.1}
Note: Word to the Little Flock, p. 14, which
records the vision stated above, renders the above paragraph thusly:
"While
praying at the family altar, the Holy Ghost fell on me, and I seemed to be
rising higher and higher, far above the dark world. I turned to look for the
Advent people in the world, but could not find them--when a voice said to me,
'Look again, and look a little higher.' At this I raised my eyes and saw a
straight and narrow path cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent
people were traveling to the City, which was at the farther end of the path.
They had a bright light set up behind them at the first end of the path, which
an angel told me was the Midnight Cry. This light shone all along the path, and
gave light for their feet so they might not stumble. And if they kept their
eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading them to the City, they
were safe. But soon some grew weary, and they said the City was a great way of,
and they expected to have entered it before. Then Jesus would encourage them by
raising his glorious right arm, and from his arm came a glorious light which waved
over the Advent band, and they shouted Hallelujah! Others rashly denied the
light behind them, and said that it was not God that had led them out so far.
The light behind them went out leaving their feet in perfect darkness, and they
stumbled and got their eyes off the mark and lost sight of Jesus, and fell off
the path down in the dark and wicked world below. It
was just as impossible for
them to get on the path again and go to the City, as all the
wicked world which God had rejected. They fell all the
way along the path one after another, until we heard the voice of God like many
waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus' coming....
By this time the
144,000 were all sealed and perfectly united. On their foreheads was written,
God, New Jerusalem, and a glorious Star containing Jesus' new name." E.G.
White, Word to the Little Flock, p. 14.
At the following
link, a man by the name of Vern Bates comments on the words in pink (above)
which were left out of Eary Writings.
As Ellen White clearly stated that these words were/are still believed by us as
a people, they should not be left out of any current publication of Early
Writings.
http://www.earlysda.com/flock/lflock-egwhite.html
The 144,000 were all sealed
and perfectly united. On their foreheads was written, God,
New Jerusalem, and a glorious Star containing Jesus’ new name.
At our happy, holy state the wicked were enraged, and would rush violently up
to lay hands on us to thrust us in prison, when we would stretch forth the hand
in the name of the Lord, and the wicked would fall helpless to the ground. Then
it was that the synagogue of Satan knew that God had loved us who could wash
one another’s feet, and salute the holy brethren with a holy kiss, and they
worshipped at our feet. Soon our eyes were drawn to the East, for a small black
cloud had appeared about half as large as a man’s hand, which we all knew was
the Sign of the Son of Man. We all in solemn silence gazed on the cloud as it
drew nearer, and became lighter, glorious, and still more glorious, till it was
a great white cloud. The bottom appeared like fire, a rainbow was over it,
around the cloud were ten thousand angels singing a most lovely song. And on it
sat the Son of Man, on his head were crowns, his hair
was white and curly and lay on his shoulders. His feet had the appearance of fire, in his right hand was a sharp sickle, in his left a
silver trumpet. His eyes were as a flame of fire, which searched his children
through and through. Then all faces gathered paleness, and those that God had
rejected gathered blackness. Then we all cried out, who shall be able to stand?
Is my robe spotless? Then the angels ceased to sing, and there was some time of
awful silence, when Jesus spoke. Those who have clean hands and a pure heart
shall be able to stand, my grace is sufficient for you. At this, our faces
lighted up, and joy filled every heart. And the angels struck a note higher and
sung again while the cloud drew still nearer the earth. Then Jesus’ silver
trumpet sounded, as he descended on the cloud, wrapped in flames of fire. He
gazed on the graves of the sleeping saints, then raised his eyes and hands to
heaven and cried, Awake! Awake! Awake! ye that sleep
in the dust and arise. Then there was a mighty earthquake. The graves opened,
and the dead came up clothed with immortality. The 144,000 shouted, Hallelujah!
as they recognized their friends who had been torn
from them by death, and in the same moment we were changed and caught up
together with them to meet the Lord in the air. We all entered the cloud
together, and were seven days ascending to the sea of glass,
when Jesus brought along the crowns and with his own right hand placed them on
our heads. He gave us harps of gold and palms of victory. Here on the sea of
glass the 144,000 stood in a perfect square. Some of them had very bright
crowns, others not so bright. Some crowns appeared heavy with stars, while
others had but few. All were perfectly satisfied with their crowns. And they
were all clothed with a glorious white mantle from their shoulders to their
feet. Angels were all about us as we marched over the sea of glass to the gate
of the City. Jesus raised his mighty glorious arm, laid hold of the pearly gate
and swung it back on its glittering hinges, and said to us, You
have washed your robes in my blood, stood stiffly for my truth, enter in. We
all marched in and felt we had a perfect right in the City. Here we saw the
tree of life and the throne of God. Out of the throne came a pure river of
water, and on either side of the river was the tree of life. On one side of the
river was a trunk of a tree, and a trunk on the other
side of the river, both of pure transparent gold. {ExV
11.1}
At first I thought I
saw two trees. I looked again and saw they were united at the top in one tree.—So it was the tree of life, on either side of the river of
life. Its branches bowed to the place where we stood; and the fruit was
glorious, which looked like gold mixed with silver. We all went under the tree,
and sat down to look at the glory of the place, when brothers Fitch and
Stockman, who had preached the gospel of the kingdom, and whom God had laid in
the grave to save them, came up to us and asked us what we had passed through
while they were sleeping. We tried to call up our greatest trials, but they
looked so small compared with the far more exceeding and eternal weight of
glory that surrounded us, that we could not speak them out, and we all cried
out Alleluia, heaven is cheap enough, and we touched our glorious harps and
made heaven’s arches ring. {ExV 13.1}
With Jesus at our head
we all descended from the City down to this earth, on a great and mighty
mountain, which could not bear Jesus up, and it parted asunder, and there was a
mighty plain. Then we looked up and saw the Great City, with twelve
foundations, twelve gates, three on each side, and an angel at each gate. We
all cried out “The City, the Great City, it’s coming, it’s coming down from God
out of heaven;” and it came and settled on the place where we stood. Then we
began to look at the glorious things outside of the City. There I saw most
glorious houses, that had the appearance of silver,
supported by four pillars, set with pearls, most glorious to behold, which were
to be inhabited by the saints, and in them was a golden shelf. I saw many of
the saints go into the houses, take off their glittering crowns and lay them on
the shelf, then go out into the field by the houses to do something with the
earth; not as we have to do with the earth here; no, no. A glorious light shone
all about their heads and they were continually shouting and offering praises
to God. {ExV 13.2}
And I saw another
field full of all kinds of flowers, and as I plucked them, I cried out, They will never fade. Next I saw a field of tall grass, most
glorious to behold; it was living green, and had a reflection of silver and
gold, as it waved proudly to the glory of King Jesus. Then we entered a field
full of all kinds of beasts—the lion, the lamb, the leopard and the wolf,
altogether in perfect union. We passed through the midst of them, and they
followed on peaceably after. Then we entered a wood, not like the dark woods we
have here, no, no; but light, and all over glorious; the branches of the trees
waved to and fro, and we all cried out, “We will dwell safely in the wilderness
and sleep in the woods.” We passed through the woods, for we were on our way to
Mount Zion. As we were traveling along, we met a company who were also gazing
at the glories of the place. I noticed red as a border on their garments; their
crowns were brilliant; their robes were pure white. As we greeted them, I asked
Jesus who they were. He said they were martyrs that had been slain for him.
With them was an innumerable company of little ones; they had a hem of red on
their garments also. Mount Zion was just before us, and on the Mount was a
glorious temple, and about it were seven other mountains, on which grew roses
and lilies. And I saw the little ones climb, or if they chose, use their little
wings and fly to the top of the mountains, and pluck the never fading
flowers.—There were all kinds of trees around the temple to beautify the place;
the box, the pine, the fir, the oil, the myrtle, the pomegranate and the fig
tree bowed down with the weight of its timely figs, that made the place all
over glorious. And as we were about to enter the holy temple, Jesus raised his
lovely voice and said, Only the 144,000 enter this
place, and we shouted Alleluia. {ExV 14.1}
This temple was
supported by seven pillars, all of transparent gold, set with pearls most
glorious. The glorious things I saw there, I cannot describe. Oh, that I could
talk in the language of Canaan, then could I tell a little of the glory of the
better world. I saw there tables of stone in which
the names of the 144,000 were engraved in letters of gold. After we beheld the
glory of the temple, we went out, and Jesus left us, and went to the City. Soon
we heard his lovely voice again, saying, “Come, my people, you have come out of
great tribulation, and done my will; suffered for me; come in to supper, for I
will gird myself, and serve you.” We shouted Alleluia, glory, and entered into
the City. And I saw a table of pure silver, it was many miles in length, yet
our eyes could extend over it. I saw the fruit of the tree of life, the manna,
almonds, figs, pomegranates, grapes, and many other kinds of fruit. I asked
Jesus to let me eat of the fruit. He said, Not now.
Those who eat of the fruit of this land, go back to earth no more. But in a
little while, if faithful, you shall both eat of the fruit of the tree of life,
and drink of the water of the fountain. And he said, You
must go back to the earth again, and relate to others what I have revealed to
you. Then an angel bore me gently down to this dark world. Sometimes I think I
can stay here no longer, all things of earth look so dreary. I feel very lonely
here, for I have seen a better land. Oh, that I had wings like a dove, then would I fly away and be at rest. {ExV
15.1}
*****
The Lord gave me the
following view in 1847, while at Topsham, Me. The brethren were assembled on
the Sabbath. {ExV 15.2}
We felt an unusual
spirit of prayer. And as we prayed, the Holy Ghost fell upon us. We were very
happy. Soon I was lost to earthly things, and was wrapped up in a vision of
God’s glory. I saw an angel swiftly flying to me. He quickly carried me from
the earth to the Holy City. In the City I saw a temple, which I entered. I
passed through a door before I came to the first vail.
This veil was raised, and I passed into the Holy Place. Here I saw the altar of
incense, the candlestick with seven lamps, and the table on which was the
shew-bread. After viewing the glory of the Holy, Jesus raised the second vail, and I passed into the Holy of Holies. {ExV 15.3}
In the Holiest I saw
an ark; on the top and sides of it was purest gold. On each end of the ark was
a lovely cherub, with their wings spread out over it. Their faces were turned
towards each other, and they looked downwards. Between the angels was a golden
censer. Above the ark, where the angels stood, was an exceeding bright glory, that appeared like a throne where God dwelt. Jesus
stood by the ark. And as the saints’ prayers came up to Jesus, the incense in
the censer would smoke, and he offered up the prayers of the saints with the
smoke of the incense to his Father. In the ark, was
the golden pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of stone which
folded together like a book. Jesus opened them, and I saw the ten commandments written on them with the finger of God. On
one table was four, and on the other six. The four on the first table shone
brighter than the other six. But the fourth (the Sabbath commandment,) shone
above them all; for the Sabbath was set apart to be kept in honor of God’s holy
name. The Holy Sabbath looked glorious—a halo of glory was all around it. I saw
that the Sabbath was not nailed to the cross. If it was, the other nine
commandments were; and we are at liberty to go forth and break them all, as
well as to break the fourth. I saw that God had not changed the Sabbath, for he
never changes. But the Pope had changed it from the seventh to the first day of
the week; for he was to change times and laws. {ExV
16.1}
And I saw that if God
had changed the Sabbath, from the seventh to the first day, he would have
changed the writing of the Sabbath commandment, written on the tables of stone,
which are now in the ark, in the Most Holy Place of the Temple in heaven; and
it would read thus: The first day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. But I saw
that it read the same as when written on the tables of stone by the finger of
God, and delivered to Moses in Sinai, “But the seventh day is the Sabbath of
the Lord thy God.” 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. {ExV 17.1}
I saw that God had
children, who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They had not rejected the light on
it. And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the
Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully. This enraged
the churches, and nominal Adventists, as they could not refute the Sabbath
truth. And at this time God’s chosen all saw clearly that we had the truth, and
they came out and endured the persecution with us. And I saw the sword, famine,
pestilence and great confusion in the land. The wicked thought that we had
brought the judgments down on them. They rose up and took counsel to rid the
earth of us, thinking that then the evil would be stayed. {ExV
17.2}
In the time of
trouble, we all fled from the cities and villages, 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. The sun came up, and the moon stood still. The streams ceased to
flow. Dark heavy clouds came up, and clashed against each other. 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. The sky opened and shut,
and was in commotion. 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. And as God spake the day and hour of Jesus’ coming, and delivered the
everlasting covenant to his people, he spake one sentence, and then paused,
while the words were rolling through the earth. The Israel of God stood with
their eyes fixed upwards, listening to the words as they came from the mouth of
Jehovah, and rolled through the earth like peals of loudest thunder. It was
awfully solemn. At the end of every sentence, the saints shouted, Glory!
Hallelujah! Their countenances were lighted up with the glory of God; and they
shone with the glory as Moses’ face did when he came down from Sinai. The
wicked could not look on them for the glory. 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. {ExV 17.3}
Then
commenced the jubilee, when the land should rest.
I saw the pious slave rise in triumph and victory, and shake off the chains
that bound him, while his wicked master was in confusion, and knew not what to
do; for the wicked could not understand the words of the voice of God. Soon appeared the great white cloud. It looked more lovely than ever before. On it sat the Son of Man. At
first we did not see Jesus on the cloud, but as it drew near the earth, we
could behold his lovely person. This cloud, when it first appeared, was the
Sign of the Son of Man in heaven. The voice of the Son of God called forth the
sleeping saints, clothed with a glorious immortality. The living saints were
changed in a moment, and were caught up with them in the cloudy chariot. It
looked all over glorious as it rolled upwards. On either side of the chariot
were wings, and beneath it wheels. And as the chariot rolled upwards, the
wheels cried Holy, and the wings, as they moved, cried Holy, and the retinue of
Holy Angels around the cloud cried Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty. And the
saints in the cloud cried, Glory, Alleluia. And the chariot rolled upwards to
the Holy City. Jesus threw open the gates of the Golden City, and led us in.
Here we were made welcome, for we had kept the “Commandments’ of God,”
and had a “right to the tree of life.” {ExV 18.1}
The Sealing
At the commencement of
the Holy Sabbath, (January 5th, 1849) we engaged in prayer with Bro. Belden’s
family at Rocky Hill, Con., and the Holy Ghost fell upon us. 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, and 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 silence no longer; but
pour out his wrath on those who have rejected his truth. I saw that the anger
of the nations, the wrath of God, and the time to judge the dead, were separate
events, one following the other. I saw that Michael had not stood up, and that the time of trouble, such as never was, had not
yet commenced. The nations are now getting angry, but when our High Priest has
finished his work in the Sanctuary, he will stand up, put on the garments of
vengeance, and then the seven last plagues will be poured out. 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, and they thought that we had brought them down
upon them, and if they could rid the earth of us, then the plagues would be
stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day
and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob’s trouble. Then all the
saints cried out with anguish of spirit, and were delivered by the voice of
God. Then the 144,000 triumphed. Their faces were lighted up with the glory of
God. Then I was shown a company who were howling in agony. On their garments
was written in large characters, “Thou art weighed in the balance, and found
wanting.” I asked who this company were. The angel said, “These are they who
have once kept the Sabbath and have given it up.” I heard them cry with a loud
voice, “We have believed in thy coming, and taught it with energy.” And while
they were speaking, their eyes would fall upon their garments and see the
writing, and then they would wail aloud. I saw that they had drunk of the deep
waters, and fouled the residue with their feet—trodden the Sabbath under foot,
and that is why they were weighed in the balance and found wanting. Then my
attending angel directed me to the City again, where I saw
four angels winging their way to the gate of the City, and were just
presenting the golden card to the angel at the gate. Then I saw another angel
swiftly flying from the direction of the most excellent glory, and crying with
a loud voice to the other angels, and waving something up and down in his hand.
I asked my attending angel for an explanation of what I saw. He told me that I
could see no more then, but he would shortly show me what those things that I
then saw meant. {ExV 19.1}
Sabbath afternoon one
of our number was sick, and requested prayers that he
might be healed. We all united in applying to the Physician that never lost a
case, and while healing power came down, and the sick was
healed, the Spirit fell upon me and I was taken off in vision. {ExV 20.1}
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 them go, and while their hands were loosening, and the four
winds were about to blow, the merciful eye of Jesus gazed on the remnant that
were not 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. {ExV
21.1}
God’s Love for His People
I have seen the tender
love that God has for his people, and it is very great. I saw an angel over
every saint, with their wings spread about them; and if the saints wept through
discouragement, or were in danger, the angel that ever attended them would fly
quickly upward to carry the tidings, and the angels in the City would cease to
sing. Then Jesus would commission another angel to descend to encourage, watch
over and try to keep them from going out of the narrow path; but if they did
not take heed to the watchful care of these angels, and would not be comforted
by them, and continued to go astray, the angels would look sad and weep. Then
they would bear the tidings upward and all the angels in the City would weep,
and then with a loud voice say, Amen. But if the saints fixed their eyes on the
prize before them, and glorified God by praising him, then the angels would
bear the glad tidings to the City, and the angels in the City would touch their
golden harps and sing with a loud voice—Alleluia! and the heavenly arches would ring with their lovely songs.
I will here state, that there is perfect order and harmony in the Holy City. {ExV 21.2}
All the angels that
are commissioned to visit the earth hold a golden card, which they present to
the angels at the gates of the City as they pass in and out. Heaven is a good
place. I long to be there, and behold my lovely Jesus, who gave his life for
me, and be changed into his glorious image. Oh, for
language to express the glory of the bright world to come. I thirst for the
living streams that make glad the City of our God. {ExV
22.1}
The Lord has given me
a view of other worlds. Wings were given me, and an angel attended me from the
City to a place that was bright and glorious. The grass of the place was living
green, and the birds there warbled a sweet song. The inhabitants of the place
were of all sizes, they were noble, majestic and lovely. They bore the express
image of Jesus, and their countenances beamed with holy joy, expressive of the
freedom and happiness of the place, I asked one of them why they were so much
more lovely than those on the earth. The reply was, “We have lived in strict
obedience to the commandments of God, and have not fallen by disobedience, like
those on the earth.” Then I saw two trees, one looked much like the tree of
life in the City. The fruit of both looked beautiful; but of one they could not
eat. They had power to eat of both, but were forbidden to eat of one. Then my
attending angel said to me, “None in this place have tasted of the forbidden
tree; but if they should eat they would fall.” Then I was taken to a world
which had seven moons. There I saw good old Enoch, who had been translated. On
his right arm he bore a glorious palm, and on each leaf was written Victory.
Around his head was a dazzling white wreath, and leaves on the wreath, and in
the middle of each leaf was written Purity, and around the leaf were stones of
various colors, that shone brighter than the stars, and cast a reflection upon
the letters, and magnified them. On the back part of his head was a bow that
confined the wreath, and upon the bow was written Holiness. Above the wreath
was a lovely crown that shone brighter than the sun. I asked him if this was
the place he was taken to from the earth. He said “It is not, the City is my
home, and I have come to visit this place.” He moved about the place as if
perfectly at home. I begged of my attending angel to let me remain in that
place. I could not bear the thought of coming back to this dark world again.
Then the angel said, You must go back, and if you are
faithful, you, with the 144,000 shall have the privilege of visiting all the
worlds and viewing the handiworks of God. {ExV 22.2}
Shaking of the powers of Heaven
December 16, 1848, the
Lord gave me a view of the shaking of the powers of the heavens. I saw that
when the Lord said “heaven” (in giving the signs recorded by Matthew, Mark and
Luke,) he meant heaven, and when he said “earth” he meant earth. The powers of
heaven are the Sun, Moon and Stars. They rule in the heavens. The powers of
earth are those who bear rule on the earth. The powers of heaven will be shaken
at the voice of God. Then the Sun, Moon and Stars will be moved out of their
places. They will not pass away, but be shaken by the voice of God. {ExV 23.1}
Dark, heavy clouds
came up, and clashed against each other. The atmosphere parted and rolled back,
then we could look up through the open space in Orion,
from whence came the voice of God. The Holy City will come down through that
open space. I saw that the powers of earth are now being shaken, and that
events come in order. War, and rumors of war, sword, famine
and pestilence, are first to shake the powers of earth, then the voice
of God will shake the Sun, Moon and Stars, and this earth also. I saw that the
shaking of the powers in Europe is not (as some teach) the shaking of the
powers of heaven, but it is the shaking of the angry nations. {ExV 24.1}
The Open and Shut Door
Sabbath, March 24th,
1849, we had a sweet and very interesting meeting with the brethren at Topsham,
Me. The Holy Ghost was poured out upon us, and I was taken off in the Spirit to
the City of the living God. Then I was shown that the commandments of God, and
the testimony of Jesus Christ, relating to the shut door, could not be
separated, and that the time for the commandments of God to shine out, with all
their importance, and for God’s people to be tried on the Sabbath truth, was
when the door was opened in the Most Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary,
where the Ark is, containing the ten commandments. This door was not opened
until the mediation of Jesus was finished in the Holy Place of the Sanctuary in
1844. Then, Jesus rose up and shut the door in the Holy Place, and opened the
door in the Most Holy, and passed within the second vail,
where he now stands by the Ark, and where the faith of Israel now reaches. {ExV 24.2}
I saw that Jesus had
shut the door in the Holy Place, and no man can open it: and that he had opened
the door in the Most Holy, and no man can shut it; [Revelation 3:7, 8.] and
that since Jesus has opened the door in the Most Holy Place, which contains the
Ark, the commandments have been shining out to God’s people; and they are being
tested on the Sabbath question. {ExV 25.1}
I saw that the present
test on the Sabbath could not come until the mediation of Jesus in the Holy
Place was finished, and he had passed within the second vail;
therefore, Christians who fell asleep before the door was opened in the Most Holy,
when the midnight cry was finished, at the seventh month 1844, and had not kept
the true Sabbath, now rest in hope, for they had not the light, and the test on
the Sabbath, which we now have since that door was opened. I saw that Satan was
tempting some of God’s people on this point. Because so many good Christians
have fallen asleep in the triumphs of faith, and have not kept the true
Sabbath, they were doubting about it being a test for
us now. {ExV 25.2}
The enemies of the
present truth have been trying to open the door of the Holy Place, that Jesus
has shut, and to close the door of the Most Holy Place, which he opened in
1844, where the Ark is, containing the two tables of stone, on which are
written the ten commandments, by the finger of Jehovah.
{ExV 25.3}
Satan is now using
every device in this sealing time, to keep the minds of God’s people from the
present truth, and to cause them to waver. I saw a covering that God was
drawing over his people to protect them in the time of trouble; and every soul
that was decided on the truth, and was pure in heart, was to be covered with
the covering of Almighty God. {ExV 25.4}
Satan knew this, and
was at work in mighty power to keep the minds of as many as he possibly could unsettled and wavering on the truth. I saw that the
mysterious knocking in N. Y. and other places, was the power of Satan, and that
such things would be more and more common, clothed in a religious garb, to lull
the deceived to more security, and to draw the minds of God’s people, if possible,
to those things and cause them to doubt the teachings, and power of the Holy
Ghost. {ExV 25.5}
I saw that Satan was
working through agents in a number of ways. He was at work through ministers
who have rejected the truth, and are given over to strong delusions to believe
a lie that they might be damned. While they were preaching or praying some
would fall prostrate and helpless; not by the power of the Holy Ghost, but by
the power of Satan breathed upon these agents, and
through them to the people. Some professed Adventists who had rejected the
present truth, while preaching, praying or in conversation used mesmerism to
gain adherents, and the people would rejoice in this influence, for they
thought it was the Holy Ghost. And even some that used it were so far in the
darkness and deception of the Devil, that they thought it was the power of God,
given them to exercise. They had made God altogether such an
one as themselves, and had valued his power as a thing of naught. {ExV 26.1}
Some of these agents
of Satan were affecting the bodies of some of the saints; those that they could
not deceive and draw away from the truth, by a Satanic
influence. Oh, that all could get a view of it as God revealed it to me, that
they might know more of the wiles of Satan, and be on their guard. I saw that
Satan was at work in these ways to distract, deceive, and draw away God’s
people, just now in this sealing time. I saw some who were not standing stiffly
for present truth. Their knees were trembling, and their feet were sliding,
because they were not firmly planted on the truth, and the covering of Almighty
God could not be drawn over them while they were thus trembling. {ExV 26.2}
Satan was trying his
every art to hold them where they were, until the sealing was past, and the
covering drawn over God’s people, and they left out, without a shelter from the
burning wrath of God, in the seven last plagues. {ExV
27.1}
God has begun to draw
this covering over his people, and it will soon be drawn over all who are to
have a shelter in the day of slaughter. God will work in power for his people;
and Satan will be permitted to work also. {ExV 27.2}
I saw that the
mysterious signs and wonders, and false reformations would increase, and
spread. The reformations that were shown me, were not
reformations from error to truth. My accompanying angel bade me look for the
travail of soul for sinners as used to be. I looked, but could not see it; for
the time for their salvation is past. {ExV 27.3}
The Trial of our Faith
In this time of trial,
we need to be encouraged and comforted by each other. The temptations of Satan
are greater now than ever before, for he knows that his time is short, and that
very soon every case will be decided, either for Life, or for Death. It is no
time to sink down beneath discouragement, and trial now; but we must bear up
under all our afflictions, and trust wholly in the mighty God of Jacob. {ExV 27.4}
The Lord has shown me
that his grace is sufficient for all our trials; and although they are greater than
ever before, yet if we trust wholly in God, we can overcome every temptation,
and through his grace come off victorious. {ExV 27.5}
If we overcome our
trials, and get victory over the temptations of Satan, then we endure the trial
of our faith, which is much more precious than gold, and are stronger, and
better prepared to meet the next. But if we sink down, and give way to the
temptations of Satan, we shall grow weaker and get no reward for the trial, and
shall not be so well prepared for the next. In this way we shall grow weaker,
and weaker, until we are led captive by Satan, at his will. We must have on the
whole armor of God, and be ready at any moment for a conflict with the powers
of darkness. When temptations and trials rush in upon us, let us go to God, and
agonize with him in prayer. He will not turn us away empty; but will give us
grace and strength to overcome, and to break the power of the enemy. Oh, that
all could see these things in their true light, and endure hardness as good
soldiers of Jesus. Then would Israel move forward strong in God, and in the
power of his might. {ExV 27.6}
God has shown me that
he gave his people a bitter cup to drink to purify and cleanse them. It is a
bitter draught, and they can make it still more bitter
by murmuring, complaining, and repining. But those who receive it thus, must
have another draught, for the first does not have its designed effect upon the
heart. And if the second does not effect the work,
then they must have another, and another, until it does have its designed
effect, or they will be left filthy and impure in heart. I saw that this bitter
cup can be sweetened by patience, endurance and prayer, and that it will have
its designed effect upon the hearts of those who thus received it, and God will
be honored and glorified. It is no small thing to be a Christian, and to be
owned and approved of God. The Lord has shown me some who profess the
present truth, whose lives do not correspond with their profession. They have
got the standard of piety altogether too low, and they come far short of Bible
holiness. Some engage in vain and unbecoming conversation,
and others give way to the risings of self. We must not expect to please
ourselves, live and act like the world, have its pleasures, and enjoy the company
of those who are of the world, and reign with Christ in glory. {ExV 28.1}
We must be partakers
of Christ’s sufferings here, if we would share in his glory hereafter.
If we seek our own interest, how we can best please ourselves, instead of
seeking to please God and advance his precious suffering cause, we shall
dishonor God and the holy cause we profess to love. {ExV
28.2}
We have but a little
space of time left to work for God. Nothing should be too dear to sacrifice for
the salvation of the scattered and torn flock of Jesus. Those who make a
covenant with God by sacrifice now, will soon be
gathered home to share a rich reward, and possess the new kingdom forever and
ever. {ExV 29.1}
O, let us live wholly
for the Lord, and show by a well ordered life and godly conversation that we
have been with Jesus, and are his meek and lowly followers. We must work while
the day lasts, for when the dark night of trouble and anguish comes, it will be
too late to work for God. Jesus is in his Holy Temple, and will now accept our
sacrifices, our prayers, and our confessions of faults and sins, and will now
pardon all the transgressions of Israel, that they may
be blotted out before he leaves the Sanctuary. When Jesus leaves the Sanctuary,
then he that is holy and righteous, will be holy and
righteous still; for all their sins will then be blotted out, and they will be
sealed with the seal of the living God. But those that are unjust and filthy, will be unjust and filthy still; for then there will
be no Priest in the Sanctuary to offer their sacrifices, their confessions, and
their prayers before the Father’s throne. Therefore, what is done to rescue
souls from the coming storm of wrath, must be done before Jesus leaves the Most
Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary. {ExV 29.2}
To the “Little Flock”
Dear Brethren,
The Lord gave me a
view, January 26, 1850, which I will relate. I saw that some of the people of
God were stupid and dormant, and were but half awake, and did not realize the
time we were now living in; and that the “man” with the “dirt-brush” [see Bro.
Miller’s dream,] had entered, and that some were in danger of being swept away.
I begged of Jesus to save them, to spare them a little longer, and let them see
their awful danger, that they might get ready before it should be forever too
late. The angel said, “Destruction is coming like a mighty whirlwind.” I begged
of the angel to pity, and to save those who loved this world, and were attached
to their possessions, and were not willing to cut loose from them, and
sacrifice to speed the messengers on their way to feed the hungry sheep, who
were perishing for want of spiritual food. {ExV 29.3}
As I viewed poor souls
dying for want of the present truth, and some who professed to believe the
truth were letting them die, by withholding the necessary means to carry
forward the work of God, the sight was too painful, and I begged of the angel
to remove it from me. I saw that when the cause of God called for some of their
property, like the young man who came to Jesus, [Matthew 19:16-22.] they went
away sorrowful; and that soon the overflowing scourge would pass over and sweep
their possessions all away, and then it would be too late to sacrifice earthly
goods, and lay up a treasure in heaven. {ExV 30.1}
I then saw the
glorious Redeemer, beautiful and lovely, that he left the realms of glory, and
came to this dark and lonely world, to give his precious life and die, the just
for the unjust. He bore the cruel mocking and scourging, and wore the platted
crown of thorns, and sweat great drops of blood in the garden, while the burden
of the sins of the whole world was upon him. The angel asked “What for?” O, I
saw and knew that it was for us; for our sins he suffered all this, that by his
precious blood he might redeem us unto God. {ExV
30.2}
Then again was held up
before me those who were not willing to dispose of this world’s goods to save
perishing souls by sending them the truth, while Jesus stands before the
Father, pleading his blood, his sufferings and his death for them; and while
God’s messengers were waiting, ready to carry them the saving truth that they
might be sealed with the seal of the living God. It was hard for some who
professed to believe the present truth, to even do so little as to hand the
messengers God’s own money, that he had lent them to be stewards over. {ExV 30.3}
Then the suffering
Jesus, his sacrifice and love so deep, as to give his life for them, was again
held up before me; and then the lives of those who professed to be his
followers, who had this world’s goods, and considered it so great a thing to
help the cause of salvation. The angel said, “Can such enter heaven?” Another
angel answered, “No, never, never, never. Those who are not interested in the
cause of God on earth, can never sing the song of
redeeming love above.” {ExV 31.1}
I saw that the quick
work that God was doing on earth would soon be cut short in righteousness, and
that the swift messengers must speed on their way to search out the scattered
flock. An angel said, “Are all messengers?” Another answered, “No, no, God’s
messengers have a message.” {ExV 31.2}
I saw that the cause
of God had been hindered, and dishonored by some traveling who had no message
from God. Such will have to give an account to God for every dollar they have
used in traveling where it was not their duty to go; for that money might have
helped on the cause of God, and for the lack of it, souls have starved and died
for the want of spiritual food that might have been given them by God’s called
and chosen messengers, if they had had the means. {ExV
31.3}
The mighty shaking has
commenced, and will go on, and all will be shaken out who are not willing to
take a bold and unyielding stand for the truth, and sacrifice for God and his
cause. The angel said, “Think ye that any will be compelled to sacrifice? No,
no. It must be a free will offering. It will take all to buy the field.” I
cried to God to spare his people, some of whom were fainting and dying. {ExV 31.4}
I saw that those who
have strength to labor with their hands, and help sustain the cause, were as
accountable for that strength, as others were for their property. {ExV 32.1}
Then I saw that the
judgments of Almighty God were speedily coming. I begged of the angel to speak
in his language to the people. Said he, “All the thunders and lightnings of
Mount Sinai would not move those who will not be moved by the plain truths of
the word of God, neither would an angel’s message awake them.” {ExV 32.2}
I then beheld the
beauty and loveliness of Jesus. His robe was whiter than the whitest white. No
language can describe his glory and exalted loveliness. All, all who keep the
commandments of God, will enter in through the gates into the City, and have
right to the tree of life, and ever be in the presence of the lovely Jesus,
whose countenance shines brighter than the sun at noon-day. {ExV 32.3}
Then I was pointed to
Adam and Eve in Eden. They partook of the forbidden tree, and then the flaming
sword was placed around the tree of life, and they were driven from the Garden,
lest they should partake of the tree of life, and be immortal sinners. The tree
of life was to perpetuate immortality. I heard an angel ask, “Who of the family
of Adam have passed that flaming sword, and have partaken of the tree of life?”
I heard another angel answer, “Not one of the family of Adam have passed that
flaming sword, and partaken of that tree; therefore there is not an immortal
sinner. The soul that sinneth it shall die an
everlasting death; a death that will last for ever,
where there will be no hope of a resurrection; and then the wrath of God will
be appeased. {ExV 32.4}
I saw that the saints
will rest in the Holy City, and reign as kings and
priests one thousand years; then Jesus will descend with the saints upon the
mount of Olives, and the mount will part asunder, and become a mighty plain for
the Paradise of God to rest upon. The rest of the earth will not be cleansed
until the wicked dead are raised (at the end of the one thousand years) and
gather up around the City; for the feet of the wicked will never desecrate the
earth made new. Then fire will come down from God out of heaven and devour
them; burn them up root and branch. Satan is the root, and his children are the
branches. The same fire that will devour the wicked,
will purify the earth. Yours in hope of immortality at the appearing of Jesus,
E. G. W. {ExV 32.5}
The Last Plagues and the Judgment
At the general
conference of believers in the present truth, held at Sutton, (Vt.) September,
1850, I was shown that the seven last plagues will be poured out after
Jesus leaves the Sanctuary. Said the angel, It is the wrath of God and
the Lamb that causes the destruction or death of the wicked. At the voice of
God the saints will be mighty and terrible as an army with banners; but they
will not then execute the judgment written. The execution of the
judgment will be at the close of the 1000 years. {ExV 33.1}
After the saints are
changed to immortality, and are caught up together, with Jesus, receive their
harps, crowns, &c., and enter the City, Jesus and the saints sit in
judgment. The books are opened, the book of life and the book of death; the
book of life contains the good deeds of the saints, and the book of death
contains the evil deeds of the wicked. These books were compared with the
Statute book, the Bible, and according to that they were judged. The saints in
unison with Jesus pass their judgment upon the wicked dead. Behold ye! said the angel, the saints sit
in judgment, in unison with Jesus, and mete out to each of the wicked,
according to the deeds done in the body, and it is set off against their names,
what they must receive at the execution of the judgment. This, I saw, was the
work of the saints with Jesus, in the Holy City before it descends to the
earth, through the 1000 years. Then at the close of the 1000 years, Jesus, and
the angels, and all the saints with him, leaves the Holy City, and while he is
descending to the earth with them, the wicked dead are raised, and then the
very men that “pierced him,” being raised, will see him afar off in all his
glory, the angels and saints with him, and will wail because of him. They will
see the prints of the nails in his hands, and in his feet, and where they
thrust the spear into his side. The prints of the nails and the spear will then
be his glory. It is at the close of the 1000 years that Jesus stands upon the
Mount of Olives, and the Mount parts asunder, and it
becomes a mighty plain, and those who flee at that time are the wicked, that
have just been raised. Then the Holy City comes down and settles on the plain.
{ExV 33.2}
Then Satan imbues the wicked, that have been raised, with his spirit. He flatters
them that the army in the City is small, and that his army is large, and that
they can overcome the saints and take the City. While Satan was rallying his
army, the saints were in the City, beholding the beauty and glory of the
Paradise of God. Jesus was at their head, leading them. All at once the lovely
Saviour was gone from our company; but soon we heard his lovely voice, saying,
“Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world.” We gathered about Jesus, and just as he closed the
gates of the City, the curse was pronounced upon the wicked. The gates were shut.
Then the saints used their wings and mounted to the top of the wall of the
City. Jesus was also with them; his crown looked brilliant and glorious. It was
a crown within a crown, seven in number. The crowns of the saints were of the
most pure gold, decked with stars. Their faces shone with glory, for they were
in the express image of Jesus; and as they arose, and moved all together to the
top of the City, I was enraptured with the sight. {ExV
34.1}
Then the wicked saw
what they had lost; and fire was breathed from God upon them, and consumed
them. This was the Execution of the Judgment. The wicked then received
according as the saints in unison with Jesus had meted out to them during the
1000 years. The same fire from God that consumed the wicked,
purified the whole earth. The broken ragged mountains melted with fervent heat,
the atmosphere, also, and all the stubble was consumed. Then our inheritance
opened before us, glorious and beautiful, and we inherited the whole earth made
new. We all shouted with a loud voice, Glory, Alleluia. {ExV
35.1}
Texts of Scripture
Referred to on Page 8
And behold, thou shalt
be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be
performed, because thou believest not my words, which
shall be fulfilled in their season. Luke 1:20. {ExV
35.2}
All things that the
Father hath, are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of
mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:15. {ExV
35.3}
And they were all filled
with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave
them utterance. Acts 2:4. {ExV
35.4}
And now, Lord, behold
their threatenings, and grant unto thy servants that
with all boldness they may speak thy word, {ExV 35.5}
By stretching forth
thy hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy
holy child Jesus. {ExV 35.6}
And when they had
prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were
all filled with the Holy Ghost: and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Acts 4:29-31. {ExV 35.7}
Give not that which is
holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample
them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. {ExV
35.8}
Ask, and it shall be
given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; {ExV 36.1}
For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh,
findeth; and to him that knocketh,
it shall be opened. {ExV 36.2}
Or what man is there
of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? {ExV 36.3}
Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? {ExV
36.4}
If ye then, being
evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your
Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? {ExV 36.5}
Therefore all things
whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye
even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. {ExV
36.6}
Beware of false
prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening
wolves. Matthew 7:6-12, 15. {ExV 36.7}
For
there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets,
and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible,
they shall deceive the very elect. Matthew 24:24. {ExV 36.8}
As ye have therefore
received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him; {ExV 36.9}
Rooted and built up in
him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein
with thanksgiving. {ExV 36.10}
Beware lest any man
spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after
the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:6-8. {ExV 36.11}
Cast not away
therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence
of reward. {ExV 36.12}
For ye have need of
patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the
promise. {ExV 36.13}
For yet a little
while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. {ExV 36.14}
Now the just shall
live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. {ExV 36.15}
But we are not of them
who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the
soul. Hebrews 10:35-39. {ExV 36.16}
For he that is entered
into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. {ExV 36.17}
Let us labor therefore
to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
{ExV 36.18}
For the word of God is
quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the
dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:10-12. {ExV 36.19}
Being confident of
this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it
until the day of Jesus Christ: {ExV 37.1}
Only let your
conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ; that, whether I come and
see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in
one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel; {ExV 37.2}
And in nothing
terrified by your adversaries; which is to them an evident token of perdition,
but to you of salvation, and that of God. {ExV 37.3}
For unto you it is given
in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his
sake. Philippians 1:6, 27-29. {ExV 37.4}
For
it is God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
{ExV 37.5}
Do all things without
murmurings and disputings, {ExV
37.6}
That ye may be
blameless and harmless, the sons of God without rebuke, in the midst of a
crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.
Philippians 2:13-15. {ExV 37.7}
Finally, my brethren,
be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. {ExV
37.8}
Put on the whole armor
of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles
of the devil. {ExV 37.9}
For we wrestle not
against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against
the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high
places. {ExV 37.10}
Wherefore take unto
you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. {ExV
37.11}
Stand therefore, having
your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast-plate of
righteousness; {ExV 37.12}
And your feet shod
with the preparation of the gospel of peace; {ExV
37.13}
Above
all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the
fiery darts of the wicked. {ExV
37.14}
And take the helmet of
salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. {ExV 37.15}
RH July 21, 1851, Art.
A, par. 1
ExV
37.2
Praying
always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto
with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
Ephesians 6:10-18. {ExV 37.16}
And be ye kind one to
another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake
hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32. {ExV 37.17}
Seeing ye have
purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love
of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. 1
Peter 1:22. {ExV 38.1}
A new commandment I
give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love
one another. {ExV 38.2}
By this shall all men
know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to
another. John 13:34, 35. {ExV 38.3}
Examine yourselves,
whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves:
know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be
reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:5. {ExV 38.4}
According to the grace
of God which is given unto me, as a wise master-builder I have laid the
foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let
every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon: {ExV 38.5}
For other foundation
can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. {ExV
38.6}
Now if any man build
upon this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; {ExV 38.7}
Every man’s work shall
be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by
fire: and the fire shall try every man’s work, of what sort it is. 1 Corinthians
3:10-13. {ExV 38.8}
Take heed, therefore,
unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which
the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he
hath purchased with his own blood. {ExV 38.9}
For I know this, that
after my departing, shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the
flock. {ExV 38.10}
Also of your own
selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20:28-30. {ExV 38.11}
I marvel that ye are so
soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ, unto another
gospel: {ExV 38.12}
Which is not another:
but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert
the gospel of Christ. {ExV 38.13}
But though we, or an
angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have
preached unto you, let him be accursed. {ExV 38.14}
As we said before, so
say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have
received, let him be accursed, Galatians 1:6-9. {ExV
38.15}
Therefore, whatsoever
ye have spoken in darkness, shall be heard in the
light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear, in closets, shall be
proclaimed upon the house-tops. {ExV 38.16}
And I say unto you, my
friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more
that they can do: {ExV 39.1}
But I will forewarn
you whom ye shall fear: fear him, which, after he hath killed, hath power to
cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, fear him. {ExV
39.2}
Are not five sparrows
sold for two farthings? and not one of them is
forgotten before God. {ExV 39.3}
But even the very
hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; ye are of more value
than many sparrows. Luke 12:3-7. {ExV 39.4}
For it is written, He
shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee;
{ExV 39.5}
And in their hands
they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Luke 4:10, 11. {ExV 39.6}
For God, who commanded
the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the
light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. {ExV 39.7}
But we have this
treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of
the power may be of God, and not of us. {ExV 39.8}
We are troubled on
every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; {ExV 39.9}
Persecuted, but not
forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:6-9. {ExV 39.10}
For our light
affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory; {ExV 39.11}
While we look not at
the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things
which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. Verses 17, 18. {ExV 39.12}
Who are kept by the
power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. {ExV 39.13}
Wherein ye greatly
rejoice, though now, for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through
manifold temptations: {ExV 39.14}
That the trial of your
faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,
though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at
the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:5-7. {ExV
39.15}
For now we live, if ye
stand fast in the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 3:8. {ExV
39.16}
And these signs shall
follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall
speak with new tongues; {ExV 39.17}
They shall take up
serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they
shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:17, 18. {ExV 40.1}
His parents answered
them, and said, We know that this is our son, and that
he was born blind: {ExV 40.2}
But by what means he
now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age;
ask him: he shall speak for himself. {ExV 40.3}
These words spake his
parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if
any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
{ExV 40.4}
Therefore said his
parents, He is of age, ask him. {ExV 40.5}
Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the
praise: we know that this man is a sinner. {ExV 40.6}
He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know,
that whereas I was blind, now I see. {ExV 40.7}
Then said they to him
again, What did he to thee? how
opened he thine eyes? {ExV 40.8}
He answered them, I
have told you already, and ye did not hear; wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? John 9:20-27. {ExV 40.9}
And whatsoever ye
shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the
Son. {ExV 40.10}
If ye shall ask any
thing in my name, I will do it. {ExV 40.11}
If ye love me, keep my
commandments. Chap. 14:13-15. {ExV 40.12}
If ye abide in me, and
my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto
you. {ExV 40.13}
Herein is my Father
glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. Chap. 15:7, 8.
{ExV 40.14}
And there was in their
synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, {ExV
40.15}
Saying, Let us alone;
what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art
thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art,
the Holy One of God. {ExV 40.16}
And Jesus rebuked him,
saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. Mark 1:23-25. {ExV
40.17}
For I am persuaded,
that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor
things present, nor things to come, {ExV 40.18}
Nor height, nor depth,
nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which
is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38, 39. {ExV
41.1}
And to the angel of
the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that
is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth,
and no man shutteth; and shutteth,
and no man openeth; {ExV
41.2}
I know thy works:
behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou
hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. {ExV 41.3}
Behold, I will make
them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do
lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know
that I have loved thee. {ExV 41.4}
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. {ExV 41.5}
Behold I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man
take thy crown. {ExV 41.6}
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God,
and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and
the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out
of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. {ExV 41.7}
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Revelation 3:7-13. {ExV 41.8}
These are they which
were not defiled with women; for they are virgins: these are they which follow
the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the
first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb. {ExV 41.9}
And in their mouth was
found no guile; for they are without fault before the throne of God. Revelation 14:4, 5. {ExV 41.10}
For our conversation
is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:20. {ExV 41.11}
Be patient therefore,
brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long
patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. {ExV 41.12}
Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth
nigh. James 5:7, 8. {ExV
41.13}
Who shall change our
vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his
glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all
things unto himself. Philippians 3:21. {ExV 42.1}
And I looked, and
behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man,
having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. {ExV 42.2}
And another angel came
out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud,
Thrust in thy sickle and reap, for the time is come
for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. {ExV
42.3}
And he that sat on the
cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped. {ExV 42.4}
And another angel came
out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. Revelation
14:14-17. {ExV 42.5}
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. Hebrews
4:9. {ExV 42.6}
And I John saw the
holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of
heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2. {ExV 42.7}
And I looked, and lo,
a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an
hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their
foreheads. Chap. 14:1. {ExV 42.8}
And he shewed me a
pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of
God and of the Lamb {ExV 42.9}
In the midst of the
street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life,
which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her
fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the
nations. {ExV 42.10}
And there shall be no
more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb
shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him. {ExV
42.11}
And
they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. {ExV 42.12}
And there shall be no night there: and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light; and they shall reign for ever and ever. Chap. 22:1-5. {ExV 42.13}