~ 7 Thunders by Bud Alavezos ~

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WHAT DID THE SEVEN THUNDERS OF REVELATION 10:4 UTTER?

By Bud Alavezos

 

In Revelation 10 verse 4 there is a very interesting statement.  John heard the seven thunders speak and he was about to write what he heard when he received the command:

"And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not."

Evidently, just as Daniel was told (Dan. 12:4) that his words were sealed until the time of the end, John also was told that what the seven thunders uttered were to be sealed.  However, notice this passage in Revelation 22 verse 10:

 "And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand."

The very next verse (Rev. 22:11) is speaking of the close of probation; therefore we should expect that just before the close of probation what the seven thunders uttered will be unsealed.  Though the book of Revelation does not reveal this very important information our loving God has not left us in darkness. Amos 3:7 says,

"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." 

Sure enough, we can find the answer given us through His last-day prophet.

"The special light given to John which was expressed in the seven thunders was a delineation of events which would transpire under the first and second angels' messages. It was not best for the people to know these things, for their faith must necessarily be tested. In the order of God most wonderful and advanced truths would be proclaimed. The first and second angels' messages were to be proclaimed, but no further light was to be revealed before these messages had done their specific work..."  Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 971.6  (7BC)

Note that the seven thunders are speaking of events to occur under the first and second angels of Revelation 14.   Since the third angel arrived on October 22, 1844, the above passage is telling us these events occurred between 1798 (when the 1^st angel's message came into history) and October 22, 1844 (at the arrival of the third angel's message).

Within the same passage we find that the mighty angel of Revelation 10 was Jesus Christ himself who descended with the little book that was open in His hand.

"The mighty angel who instructed John was no less a personage than Jesus Christ. Setting His right foot on the sea, and His left upon the dry land, shows the part which He is acting in the closing scenes of the great controversy with Satan. This position denotes His supreme power and authority over the whole earth. The controversy had waxed stronger and more determined from age to age, and will continue to do so, to the concluding scenes when the masterly working of the powers of darkness shall reach their height. Satan, united with evil men, will deceive the whole world and the churches who receive not the love of the truth. But the mighty angel demands attention. He cries with a loud voice. He is to show the power and authority of His voice to those who have united with Satan to oppose the truth.  7BC 971.3

So, how do these events which occurred between 1798 and 1844 apply today?

"After these seven thunders uttered their voices, the injunction comes to John as to Daniel in regard to the little book: "Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered." These relate to future events which will be disclosed in their order. Daniel shall stand in his lot at the end of the days. John sees the little book unsealed. Then Daniel's prophecies have their proper place in the first, second, and third angels' messages to be given to the world. The unsealing of the little book was the message in relation to time."  7BC 971.4

Two points to consider here:  First, the little book that was to be unsealed when the angel came down is the book of Daniel and his time prophecies which were to be opened for those who were faithfully running to and fro in God's word.  Secondly, the events spoken by the seven thunders were not only unsealed in the Millerite time period, but are to be repeated in this very last generation. Thus you can see if you will, and know that God is now opening great light to His faithful servants.  

"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost."  2 Pet. 1:19-21 

So the question is, what are the events which transpired under the 1^st and 2^nd angels and how are they repeating themselves in our generation?

Event #1 __ In 1798 the 1^st angel's message came into Millerite history.  It was connected to:

• The time of the end
• The king of the north as well as the king of the south
• A fulfillment of prophecy (Dan. 7:25, Dan. 12:7, Rev 11:2, Rev 11:3, Rev 12:6, Rev 12:14, and Rev 13:5)
• A fulfillment of Dan. 11:40a

"And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him..."

In 1798 the king of the south (atheistic France / Napoleon) sent general Berthier to take Pope Pius VI prisoner where he died in prison.  Thus the Papacy received its deadly wound described in Revelation 13:3.  Interestingly, this was the identical power (France) that was the first of the pagan nations to renounce paganism (taking away the daily/paganism) and accept the profession of Catholicism.  In so doing, Clovis (A.D. 496) had "intelligence with those that forsake the holy covenant".  Thus France became the armies of Rome.  This was a fulfillment of Daniel 11:30, 31. 

"For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.   And arms shall stand on his part [the king of the north/Rome], and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily [sacrifice], and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate." 

Today's Parallel / Historical Fulfillment                                                           

In 1989 the 1^st angel's message arrived in the history of this final generation.  The same angel of Revelation 10 (Jesus Christ) again opened the book of Daniel. This 1^st angel's message for our time was also connected with:

• The time of the end (1989)

"And at the time of the end..." Dan. 11:40a  

• The king of the north as well as the king of the south ( in both 1798 and 1989)
• A fulfillment of prophecy (in both 1798 and 1989)

"And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time."

Dan. 7:25 (1798)

"and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over." Dan. 11:40b (1989)

The second half of Daniel 11:40 was fulfilled in the years A.D. 1984-1989 when President Ronald Reagan who was the head of a formerly Protestant nation had "intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant" (Rome).   In so doing the USA, as did France, became the armies to stand on the part of the king of the north (Rome/the Papacy).  President Reagan in essence denied Protestant principles and allied himself with Rome, just as Clovis rejected paganism to embrace Catholicism.  It is impossible to be in alliance with Rome and to be protesting Rome at the same time.  Therefore the USA, as well as France, has fulfilled not only Daniel 11:40 but Daniel 11:30, 31.  

Prayerfully consider the passage below from E.G. White's Manuscript Releases, vol. 13. This history is repeating and the Sunday Law is right upon us.

"We have no time to lose. Troublous times are before us. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place. The prophecy in the eleventh of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Much of the history that has taken place in fulfillment of this prophecy will be repeated. In the thirtieth verse a power is spoken of that "shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. [Verses 31-36, quoted.]  13MR 394.1

"Scenes similar to those described in these words [see Daniel 11:30-36] will take place..." 13MR 394.2

 

Above, God's prophet is speaking of the transfer of power from Pagan to Papal Rome and the rise of the Papacy to world domination.  These verses give a picture of the healing of the deadly wound.  We can see that this has already begun.

Event #2 __ In 1840 the 1^st angels message was empowered when Islam was restrained.   After moderate success, William Miller's message and impact was greatly enhanced on August 11, 1840.  Josiah Litch concluded that the Ottoman Empire would no longer be a major world power.  He predicted that the four angels of Revelation 9:14 (Islam) which were loosed from the Euphrates would be restrained on August 11, 1840.  He used William Miller's year/day principle and when the Ottoman Empire yielded to the four European kingdoms on the very date predicted, Miller's rule was vindicated and a great impetus was added to the work.  The point being, the restraint of Islam empowered the 1^st angel's message.

Today's Parallel / Historical Fulfillment

• On Sept. 11, 2001, Islam was again restrained
• Sept. 11, 2001 the angel of Rev. 18 descended and empowered the 1^st angels message

Sadly, God's people are Laodicean and have not understood the impact of *September 11, 2001.  Though the world has seen the economic impact few recognize the spiritual implication. [*See two other related references in the Appendix #1]

Notice this quote from Review & Herald, July 5, 1906.

"How comes the word that I have declared that New York is to be swept away by a tidal wave? This I have never said. I have said, as I looked at the great buildings going up there, story after story, 'What terrible scenes will take place when the Lord shall arise to shake terribly the earth! Then the words of Revelation 18:1-3 will be fulfilled.' The whole of the eighteenth chapter of Revelation is a warning of what is coming on the earth. But I have no light in particular in regard to what is coming on New York, only that I know that one day the great buildings there will be thrown down by the turning and overturning of God's power. From the light given me, I know that destruction is in the world. One word from the Lord, one touch of his mighty power, and these massive structures will fall. Scenes will take place the fearfulness of which we can not imagine."  {RH, July 5, 1906 par. 14}

Thus we can see if you are willing, just as the angel of Revelation 10 descended in Millerite history with a loud voice (Rev. 10:3), on September 11, 2001 the angel of Revelation 18 (the very same angel) descended with a strong voice (Rev. 18:2).

 What is the significance of September 11, 2001 and the descent of the angel of Revelation 18 to God's elect?

• The latter rain began sprinkling through a message to God's people, falling on those in Adventism who recognize it.

"And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory."   Rev. 18:1

The earth being lightened with God's glory is the latter rain.  But this must first be recognized in order to be received as stated below:

"Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain. They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them. They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain. When the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake. The work that God has begun in the human heart in giving his light and knowledge, must be continually going forward. Every individual must realize his own necessity. The heart must be emptied of every defilement, and cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit. It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The same work, only in greater degree, must be done now. Then the human agent had only to ask for the blessing, and wait for the Lord to perfect the work concerning him. It is God who began the work, and he will finish his work, making man complete in Jesus Christ. But there must be no neglect of the grace represented by the former rain. Only those who are living up to the light they have, will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it."  {RH, March 2, 1897 par. 4} 

• According to Peter in Acts 3:19, when the latter rain (times of refreshing) begins to fall we are in the time of the blotting out of sin.

"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"       

In order to have one's sins blotted out one must first be judged.  Therefore it can be concluded that when the angel of Revelation 18 descended on September 11, 2001 the judgment of the living began.

• God's people are now in the sealing time.

Notice the connection with Islam, the four winds and the sealing in Revelation 7 & 9.

   Revelation 7:1-3   The Sealing and God's People

"And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.  And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea.  Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads."

   Revelation 9:4    The Sealing, Islam and God's People

"And it was commanded them [Islam] that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads."

Here again we see a connection with 9/11, 2001 in the restraint of Islam thereby providing time, through God's providence, for the sealing to be accomplished in God's servants.

Event #3 __ In May of 1842 the 1843 chart was published and presented before the people.  *The chart was called the 1843 chart because it predicted 1843 to be the very year of Christ's return.  This was a visual test for the people of God at that time. In June, one month later, the churches began closing their doors to the 1^st angel's message. [*See Appendix #2 & #3]

Today's Parallel / Historical Fulfillment

Shortly after 9/11, 2001 not only the 1843 chart but also the 1850 chart was discovered out of obscurity just as Josiah in rebuilding the temple found the Book of the Law. 

These charts are a pictorial representation of the three angels' messages!!!  A safeguard for God's elect against the many delusions of Satan.

"On our return to Brother Nichol's, the Lord gave me a vision and showed me that the truth must be made plain upon tables, and it would cause many to decide for the truth by the third angel's message with the two former being made plain upon tables..."  5MR 203.1

The three angels' messages are tests for God's people today.  They separate the sheep from the goats, for truth does divide.  It did in Noah's time.  It did in Christ's day.  It did in the time of William Miller; therefore we can expect to see division today.

"And many are doing the same thing today, in 1897, because they have not had experience in the testing messages comprehended in the first, second, and third angel's messages."  Evangelism, p. 613.1  

" ... But many who professed to love Jesus, and who shed tears as they read the story of the cross, derided the good news of His coming. Instead of receiving the message with gladness, they declared it to be a delusion. They hated those who loved His appearing and shut them out of the churches. Those who rejected the first message could not be benefited by the second; neither were they benefited by the midnight cry, which was to prepare them to enter with Jesus by faith into the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. And by rejecting the two former messages, they have so darkened their understanding that they can see no light in the third angel's message, which shows the way into the most holy place. I saw that as the Jews crucified Jesus, so the nominal churches had crucified these messages, and therefore they have no knowledge of the way into the most holy, and they cannot be benefited by the intercession of Jesus there. Like the Jews, who offered their useless sacrifices, they offer up their useless prayers to the apartment which Jesus has left; and Satan, pleased with the deception, assumes a religious character, and leads the minds of these professed Christians to himself, working with his power, his signs and lying wonders, to fasten them in his snare. Some he deceives in one way, and some in another. He has different delusions prepared to affect different minds. Some look with horror upon one deception, while they readily receive another. Satan deceives some with Spiritualism. He also comes as an angel of light and spreads his influence over the land by means of false reformations. The churches are elated, and consider that God is working marvelously for them, when it is the work of another spirit. The excitement will die away and leave the world and the church in a worse condition than before."  {Early Writings, p. 260.1} 

Event #4 __ The second angel's message arrives in June of 1842.

The 1843 chart specifying the year of Christ's return was very unpopular with the protestant churches and in June of that very same year they began to close their doors on the present truth message of the 1^st angel.  These churches were God's people until they closed their hearts against His message of the hour.  *At that time, when the protestant churches began to close their doors (June 1842), the second angel's message arrived in history. [*See Appendix #3]

Today's Parallel / Historical Fulfillment

 Sadly, many are rejecting important truths that are presented on those charts even though the 1843 chart was "directed by the hand of the Lord" (EW 74) and "God was in the publishment of" the 1850 chart (13MR 359.1); the very teachings that were accepted as truth in 1840-1844, declared by inspiration to be the foundation of Adventism and the pillars of our faith.

"The warning has come: Nothing is to be allowed to come in that will disturb the foundation of the faith upon which we have been building ever since the message came in 1842, 1843, and 1844. I was in this message, and ever since I have been standing before the world, true to the light that God has given us. We do not propose to take our feet off the platform on which they were placed as day by day we sought the Lord with earnest prayer, seeking for light. Do you think that I could give up the light that God has given me? It is to be as the Rock of Ages. It has been guiding me ever since it was given. Brethren and sisters, God lives and reigns and works today. His hand is on the wheel, and in his providence he is turning the wheel in accordance with his own will. Let not men fasten themselves to documents, saying what they will do, and what they will not do. Let them fasten themselves to the Lord God of heaven. Then the light of heaven will shine into the soul-temple, and we shall see the salvation of God."  RH Apr. 14, 1903 p. 35 

Rejecting the truths on the 1843 and 1850 charts, the messages which have established God's people, directly parallels the Protestant churches closing their doors when the 1843 chart arrived announcing the year of Christ's return.  

Event #5 __ Tarrying Time / First Disappointment / First Temple Cleansing / Walking by Faith.   

On March 21 the expected event did not occur and a great disappointment came upon those who expected Christ to come in the *Jewish year 1843 which ended on March 21, 1844 [see Appendix #4].  All were tested and their numbers were greatly reduced; however those who, by faith trusted in God's providence, seeking him for further guidance were not left in darkness.  They discovered a tarrying time, which they had overlooked, in the very passage that convicted them to produce the 1843 chart.

"The hand of the Lord was removed from the figures, and the mistake was explained. They saw that the prophetic periods reached to 1844, and that the same evidence which they had presented to show that the prophetic periods closed in 1843, proved that they would terminate in 1844. Light from the Word of God shone upon their position, and they discovered a tarrying time--"Though it [the vision] tarry, wait for it." In their love for Christ's immediate coming, they had overlooked the tarrying of the vision, which was calculated to manifest the true waiting ones. Again they had a point of time. Yet I saw that many of them could not rise above their severe disappointment to possess that degree of zeal and energy which had marked their faith in 1843."  {EW 236.1}     

Today's Parallel / Future Fulfillment

A time of tarrying and disappointment.

On September 11, 2001 the angel of Revelation 18 descended.  This event marked the empowerment of the 1^st angel's message in our day, the opening of the judgment of the living as well as the beginning of the tarrying time.  In addition, rejection of the 1843 and 1850 charts has become very disappointing to those who recognize them as a fulfillment of Habakkuk 2:2-4, produced under the direction of God.  Though many, if not most, will reject the messages on these charts God's true followers will by faith place their trust in God and "a thus saith the Lord" from His Word.

"Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."  Revelation 14:12

At the Sunday Law many within Adventism will have become so united with their idols and the cares and riches of this life, that just as the foolish virgins did not have enough oil in their lamps these too will be unprepared for the time of their visitation.  

Ezekiel was shown the results of Israel placing their will above God's and he experienced a similar disappointment.

"And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem?  Then said he unto me, the iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah [is] exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seeth not.  And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, [but] I will recompense their way upon their head.  And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which [had] the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me."  Ezekiel 9:8-11

As Israel was unwilling to leave Babylon to go to Jerusalem, many in Adventism will be unprepared for the Sunday Law.

"Ezra had expected that a large number would return to Jerusalem, but the number who responded to the call was disappointingly small. Many who had acquired houses and lands had no desire to sacrifice these possessions. They loved ease and comfort and were well satisfied to remain. Their example proved a hindrance to others who otherwise might have chosen to cast in their lot with those who were advancing by faith.  {Prophets and Kings, p. 612.2} 

Event #6 __ Mighty Outpouring of the Holy Spirit-Midnight Cry

At the Exeter camp meeting August 12-17, 1844 the people of God were wholly aroused.  The leaders were the last to join the movement.  The work was performed by the most humble and devoted.

"At the call, "The Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him," the waiting ones "arose and trimmed their lamps;" they studied the word of God with an intensity of interest before unknown. Angels were sent from heaven to arouse those who had become discouraged and prepare them to receive the message. The work did not stand in the wisdom and learning of men, but in the power of God. It was not the most talented, but the most humble and devoted, who were the first to hear and obey the call. Farmers left their crops standing in the fields, mechanics laid down their tools, and with tears and rejoicing went out to give the warning. Those who had formerly led in the cause were among the last to join in this movement. The churches in general closed their doors against this message, and a large company of those who received it withdrew from their connection. In the providence of God this proclamation united with the second angel's message and gave power to that work."  The Great Controversy, p. 402.1 

The work was accomplished under the power of God.

"The message, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!" was not so much a matter of argument, though the Scripture proof was clear and conclusive. There went with it an impelling power that moved the soul. There was no doubt, no questioning..."GC 402.2

And only through the faith of Jesus.

"At that time there was faith that brought answers to prayer--faith that had respect to the recompense of reward. Like showers of rain upon the thirsty earth, the Spirit of grace descended upon the earnest seekers. Those who expected soon to stand face to face with their Redeemer felt a solemn joy that was unutterable. The softening, subduing power of the Holy Spirit melted the heart as His blessing was bestowed in rich measure upon the faithful, believing ones."  GC 402.3 

Through persevering faith.

"Carefully and solemnly those who received the message came up to the time when they hoped to meet their Lord. Every morning they felt that it was their first duty to secure the evidence of their acceptance with God. Their hearts were closely united, and they prayed much with and for one another. They often met together in secluded places to commune with God, and the voice of intercession ascended to heaven from the fields and groves. The assurance of the Saviour's approval was more necessary to them than their daily food; and if a cloud darkened their minds, they did not rest until it was swept away. As they felt the witness of pardoning grace, they longed to behold Him whom their souls loved."  GC 403.1

Today's Parallel / Future Fulfillment  

After the Sunday Law the church will be cleansed.  The tares will have been shaken out.  The church will no longer be the church militant but the church triumphant.  God's elect will be united in truth and will be lifted up as an ensign to the world to bring in the eleventh hour workers.  This is the time of the full outpouring of the latter rain and all of God's people will have the experience previously described in The Great Controversy above.

Event #7 __ Opening of the Judgment / Second Temple Cleansing

October 22, 1844 was the opening of the judgment beginning with the judgment of the dead.  The door closed on the foolish virgins.  God's spiritual temple was reduced from 50,000 to 50 people in one night!

Today's Parallel / Future Fulfillment

• Closing of the Judgment
• Door Closes on the World
• Final Temple Cleansing

When Michael stands up he proclaims the words in Revelation 22 and probation closes.

"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."   Rev. 22:11, 12

When does this occur?   

"And he [the king of the north/the Papacy] shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain [the universal Sunday Law]; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him."  Dan 11:45

"And at that time shall Michael stand up [the close of probation/judgment], 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."  Dan. 12:1  

 Today's Urgent Appeal

"We have no time to lose. Troublous times are before us. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place. The prophecy in the eleventh of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Much of the history that has taken place in fulfillment of this prophecy will be repeated. In the thirtieth verse a power is spoken of that "shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant." {13MR 394.1}

"And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily [sacrifice], and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.  And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do [exploits].  And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, [many] days. 

Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.  And [some] of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make [them] white, [even] to the time of the end: because [it is] yet for a time appointed. 

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done." Dan. 11:31-36

 

"Scenes similar to those described in these words will take place. We see evidence that Satan is fast obtaining the control of human minds who have not the fear of God before them. Let all read and understand the prophecies of this book, for we are now entering upon the time of trouble spoken of:" 13MR 394.2 

"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. 

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame [and] everlasting contempt. 

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. 

But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Dan. 12:1-4

 

The scenes described are just before us. Our only safety is surrendering ourselves unreservedly and completely to Jesus Christ.  Let Him be our personal Savior.  Through God's love for us and our love for His dear Son may we fully repent (which is truly a gift from God) while there is yet time, and by God's grace, turn from rebelling against Him in resisting His message of the hour.  As God's obedient children, in doing so, we will be fulfilling Paul's advice to the Philippians.

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings:  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..." Phil. 2:12-15

The Time of Our Visitation

 

 "... we are asleep, and do not know the time of our visitation. But if we humble ourselves before God, and seek Him with the whole heart, He will be found of us."--Letter 54, 1906.

 

"The judgments of God are in our land. The Lord is soon to come. In fire and flood and earthquake, he is warning the inhabitants of this earth of his soon approach. O that the people may know the time of their visitation!  {RH, July 5, 1906 par. 33}

. . . "Let the minds of the people be directed to God. Leave Him a chance to work for those who love Him. Do not impose upon the people rules and regulations, which, if followed, would leave them as destitute of the Spirit of God as were the hills of Gilboa of dew or rain.  {5T 727.2} 

     "There is a deplorable lack of spirituality among our people. A great work must be done for them before they can become what Christ designed they should be--the light of the world. For years I have felt deep anguish of soul as the Lord has presented before me the want in our churches of Jesus and His love. There has been a spirit of self-sufficiency and a disposition to strive for position and supremacy. I have seen that self-glorification was becoming common among Seventh-day Adventists and that unless the pride of man should be abased and Christ exalted we should, as a people, be in no better condition to receive Christ at His second advent than were the Jewish people to receive Him at His first advent.  {5T 727.3} 

     "The Jews were looking for the Messiah; but He did not come as they had predicted that He would, and if He were accepted as the Promised One, their learned teachers would be forced to acknowledge that they had erred. These leaders had separated themselves from God, and Satan worked upon their minds to lead them to reject the Saviour. Rather than yield their pride of opinion, they closed their eyes to all the evidences of His Messiahship, and they not only rejected the message of salvation themselves, but they steeled the hearts of the people against Jesus. Their history should be a solemn warning to us. We need never expect that when the Lord has light for His people, Satan will stand calmly by and make no effort to prevent them from receiving it. He will work upon minds to excite distrust and jealousy and unbelief. Let us beware that we do not refuse the light God sends, because it does not come in a way to please us. Let not God's blessing be turned away from us because we know not the time of our visitation. If there are any who do not see and accept the light themselves, let them not stand in the way of others. Let it not be said of this highly favored people, as of the Jews when the good news of the kingdom was preached to them: "Ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered."  {5T 728.1} 

     "We are taught in God's word that this is the time, above all others, when we may look for light from heaven. It is now that we are to expect a refreshing from the presence of the Lord. We should watch for the movings of God's providence as the army of Israel watched for "the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees"--the appointed signal that heaven would work for them. {5T 728.2} 

     "God cannot glorify His name through His people while they are leaning upon man and making flesh their arm. Their present state of weakness will continue until Christ alone shall be exalted; until, with John the Baptist, they shall say from a humble and reverent heart: "He must increase, but I must decrease." Words have been given me to speak to the people of God: "Lift Him up, the Man of Calvary. Let humanity stand back, that all may behold Him in whom their hopes of eternal life are centered. Says the prophet Isaiah: 'Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.' Let the church and the world look upon their Redeemer. Let every voice proclaim with John: 'Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.'"  {5T 729.1} 

     "It is to the thirsting soul that the fountain of living waters is open. God declares: "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground." To souls that are earnestly seeking for light and that accept with gladness every ray of divine illumination from His holy word, to such alone light will be given. It is through these souls that God will reveal that light and power which will lighten the whole earth with His glory." {5T 729.2}

 

"But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth?"

Malachi 3:2

 

God declares:

"For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:"

Isaiah 44:3

 

"And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory."

Revelation 18:1

 

 

Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, p. 436, No. 1593 -

A Call to Prepare for the Final Crisis

(Written January 30, 1906, from Sanitarium, California, to Brother and Sister Farnsworth.)

 

     "I cannot sleep after twelve o'clock. I am encouraging souls to examine their own hearts and to seek counsel most earnestly from God. Now is the time for us to afflict our souls by fasting and prayer. We cannot lay out the way in which the Lord will work, but we can follow the leadings and drawings of His Holy Spirit. We shall gain nothing by lifting up our souls unto vanity and in self-confidence.  {21MR 436.1} 

     "This I am saying in the visions of the night in assemblies in Battle Creek. If ever the believers in Battle Creek needed the Holy Spirit's guidance, it is now. They need the deep moving of the Spirit of God, that they may give the trumpet a certain sound.  {21MR 436.2} 

     "Read the first eleven verses of the fortieth chapter of Isaiah. Present the truth in its power, as it is in Jesus. Keep the mind stayed on God and imbued with His Holy Spirit. Present the affirmative of truth. Stand on the platform of eternal truth. But do not accuse. Say nothing to arouse enmity and strife.  {21MR 436.3} 

     "The truth, present truth for this time, will be meat in due season. Let plain, authoritative truth be presented with decided assurance and in the spirit of love and kindness, that the Holy Spirit's power may give force to the words spoken. You are surely where many souls have become confused. But Christ has promised, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end." We are to claim this promise. The Lord is not asleep or indifferent to our faith, and He will give knowledge and grace to all who will humble their hearts before Him.  {21MR 436.4} 

     "Have perfect faith in the promises of Christ. "Teach them," He said, "all that I have commanded you." The Lord has many precious souls in Battle Creek, and they need the very words of instruction that Christ has given for them. The gospel of Christ is full of love, rich in assurance and comfort. Every soul needs now to understand the foundation of his faith. In simple language and under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, present the truth. We have the Word, that wonderful Book, which contains the very instruction needed at this time.  {21MR 436.5} 

     "The testing time is right upon us. We must build upon the Rock that will stand the storm of test and trial. As we see the fulfillment of prophecy, we know that the end of all things is at hand. Present the eternal principles of truth. Show what the Word of God declares is to take place on this earth. The God who gave Daniel instruction regarding the closing scenes of this earth's history will certainly confirm the testimony of His servants as at the appointed time they give the loud cry.  {21MR 436.6} 

     "All the messages given from 1840-1844 are to be made forcible now, for there are many people who have lost their bearings. The messages are to go to all the churches.  {21MR 437.1} 

     "Christ said, "Blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them" [Matthew 13:16, 17]. Blessed are the eyes which saw the things that were seen in 1843 and 1844.  {21MR 437.2} 

     "The message was given. And there should be no delay in repeating the message, for the signs of the times are fulfilling; the closing work must be done. A great work will be done in a short time. A message will soon be given by God's appointment that will swell into a loud cry. Then Daniel will stand in his lot, to give his testimony.  {21MR 437.3} 

     "The attention of our churches must be aroused. We are standing upon the borders of the greatest event in the world's history, and Satan must not have power over the people of God, causing them to sleep on. The papacy will appear in its power. All must now arouse and search the Scriptures, for God will make known to His faithful ones what shall be in the last time. The word of the Lord is to come to His people in power.  {21MR 437.4} 

     "The signs of the end are fast fulfilling. The time of trouble is very near us now. We are to be brought into strait places in a way in which we have not been brought heretofore. The time of trouble is near, and we are to awake to a realization of this. We are to be sure that our feet are in the narrow path. We need an experience that we have not yet had, that we may have the assurance that the God of all grace is a very present help in time of need. The time of trouble--trouble such as was not since there was a nation--is right upon us, and we are like the sleeping virgins. We are to awake and ask the Lord Jesus to place underneath us His everlasting arms, and carry us through the time of trial before us.  {21MR 437.5} 

     "Let us turn our attention away from unimportant things, and give ourselves to God. We scarcely dream of the destroying angels that already are permitted to bring disaster and destruction in their path. Shall my life be spared to act a part in the closing scenes of this earth's history?  {21MR 437.6} 

     "How little we know of what is going on in heaven! What fearful indifference those on this earth show to eternal realities. Souls are unprepared for what is about to take place in our world; the warning must be given, The end of all things is at hand.  {21MR 438.1}

     "Again I say to my ministering brethren in Battle Creek, Preach the Word. The last message of mercy is to be given to prepare a people to stand in these last days. Everything is to be shaken that can be shaken, that those things that cannot be shaken may remain.  {21MR 438.2} 

     "This is what has been presented to me--that we are asleep, and do not know the time of our visitation. But if we humble ourselves before God, and seek Him with the whole heart, He will be found of us."--Letter 54, 1906. Ellen G. White Estate Silver Spring, Maryland May 9, 1991. Entire Letter.  {21MR 438.3}

 

Yes, God can and will truly sanctify us, changing our hearts and characters when we earnestly seek Him through prayerful study of His Word, yielding completely our will to His. Jesus prayer to His Father was for you and me (John 17:17):

 

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."

 

____________

     "The third angel's message will not be comprehended, the light which will lighten the earth with its glory will be called a false light, by those who refuse to walk in its advancing glory. The work that might have been done, will be left undone by the rejecters of truth, because of their unbelief. We entreat of you who oppose the light of truth, to stand out of the way of God's people. Let Heaven-sent light shine forth upon them in clear and steady rays. God holds you to whom this light has come, responsible for the use you make of it. Those who will not hear will be held responsible; for the truth has been brought within their reach, but they despised their opportunities and privileges." . . . {RH, May 27, 1890 par. 6}

"For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This [is] the rest [wherewith] ye may cause the weary to rest; and this [is] the refreshing: yet they would not hear."

Isaiah 28:11 & 12

[All emphasis in this article has been added].

Appendix # 1

THE LAST CRISIS

Testimonies for the Church Vol. 9 pages 11-13.

 

     "We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth. Plagues and judgments are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God. The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude.  {9T 11.1}

     "The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.  {9T 11.2}. . .

     "On one occasion, when in New York City, I was in the night season called upon to behold buildings rising story after story toward heaven. These buildings were warranted to be fireproof, and they were erected to glorify their owners and builders. Higher and still higher these buildings rose, and in them the most costly material was used. Those to whom these buildings belonged were not asking themselves: "How can we best glorify God?" The Lord was not in their thoughts.  {9T 12.1} 

     "I thought: "Oh, that those who are thus investing their means could see their course as God sees it! They are piling up magnificent buildings, but how foolish in the sight of the Ruler of the universe is their planning and devising. They are not studying with all the powers of heart and mind how they may glorify God. They have lost sight of this, the first duty of man."  {9T 12.2} 

     "As these lofty buildings went up, the owners rejoiced with ambitious pride that they had money to use in gratifying self and provoking the envy of their neighbors. Much of the money that they thus invested had been obtained through exaction, through grinding down the poor. They forgot that in heaven an account of every business transaction is kept; every unjust deal, every fraudulent act, is there recorded. The time is coming when in their fraud and insolence men will reach a point that the Lord will not permit them to pass, and they will learn that there is a limit to the forbearance of Jehovah.  {9T 12.3} 

     "The scene that next passed before me was an alarm of fire. Men looked at the lofty and supposedly fire-proof buildings and said: "They are perfectly safe." But these buildings were consumed as if made of pitch. The fire engines could do nothing to stay the destruction. The firemen were unable to operate the engines."  {9T 13.1}

 

Manuscript Releases, vol. 11, p.361, No. 918

Cities Destroyed by "Balls Of Fire"

 

     "In the night I was, I thought, in a room but not in my own house. I was in a city, where I knew not, and I heard explosion after explosion. I rose up quickly in bed, and saw from my window large balls of fire. Jetting out were sparks, in the form of arrows, and buildings were being consumed, and in a very few minutes the entire block of buildings was falling and the screeching and mournful groans came distinctly to my ears. I cried out, in my raised position, to learn what was happening: Where am I? And where are our family circle? Then I awoke. But I could not tell where I was for I was in another place than home. I said, Oh Lord, where am I and what shall I do? It was a voice that spoke, "Be not afraid. Nothing shall harm you."  {11MR 361.1}

     "I was instructed that destruction hath gone forth upon cities. The word of the Lord will be fulfilled. Isaiah 29:19-24 was repeated. I dared not move, not knowing where I was. I cried unto the Lord, What does it mean? These representations of destruction were repeated. Where am I? "In scenes I have represented that which will be; but warn My people to cease from putting their trust in men who are not obedient to my warnings and who despise My reproof, for the day of the Lord is right upon the world when evidence shall be made sure. Those who have followed the voices that would turn things upside down will themselves be turned where they cannot see, but will be as blind men. {11MR 361.2} 

     "These words were given me from Isaiah 30: "Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever: That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits." [Isaiah 30:8-15 quoted.]  . . .  {11MR 362.1} 

     "I was instructed that light had been given me and that I had written under special light the Lord had imparted.--Ms. 126, 1906. (Diary, August 23, 27, 1906.)"  White Estate Washington, D. C. March 11, 1982 {11MR 362.2}

Appendix #2

 

 [Bates' Pamphlet #2]

Second Advent Way Marks and High Heaps

SECOND ADVENT WAY MARKS AND HIGH HEAPS OR A CONNECTED VIEW, OF THE FULFILMENT OF PROPHECY, BY GOD'S PECULIAR PEOPLE, From the year 1840 to 1847. BY JOSEPH BATES NEW BEDFORD: PRESS OF BENJAMIN LINDSEY: 1847

PREFACE

     "The design of the author of the following pages is to strengthen and encourage the honest hearted, humble people of God, that have been, and still are, willing to keep the COMMANDMENTS of God and the testimony of Jesus, to hold on to their past experience, in the connected chain of wonderful events and fulfilment of prophecy, which have been developed during the last seven years. "Prove all things and hold fast that which is good." Again Jesus says, "ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you." He has plainly and positively commanded us down here "to hold that fast which we have, that no man take our crown." From other portions of his teaching, it is plain that in this passage he refers to our past and present experience, and nothing else. Because all our worldly interest is, and must be, consecrated to God. Then here, while we are in the fiery furnace, being shaped for the building that is in the heaven of heavens, we are exhorted to look back to these WAYMARKS and HIGH HEAPS in our pathway, that our confidence may be unshaken in our glorious commander, who has brought us off victorious thus far, and has promised us if we trust in him, "We shall be as Mount Zion which can never be removed." As I have no earthly object here in view but the prayers and good will of those who may be benefited by reading the following, which we dedicate to them, I hope to be pardoned if any thing which is said may be deemed harsh or too severe, where I have referred to names, books or papers, to vindicate the cause and work of God in these last days. I have honored and respected them, and do now, for all their good works, but for the stumbling blocks they have laid in the way, and removing of bounds, (See Hosea 5:10) I praise them not, but will endeavor to "speak the truth in righteousness." - Amen." {1847 JB, BP2 43.1}

 

TO THE LITTLE FLOCK

     "Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps; set thy heart towards the highway, even the way that thou wentest." Jer. 31:21.  {1847 JB, BP2 45.1} . . .

     "Hosea says the Princes of Judea were like those that remove the bound. v. 10. The spiritual leaders in Israel remove the bound, and make sad the heart of the humble seeker. This has been done undoubtedly since the days of the going out of Egypt, but never in so general and in such a peculiar manner as within the last thirty months. Hence the pressing necessity for God's people to set their hearts toward the highway which they went, and look well to, and remember their way marks and high heaps, or as Jesus taught those in the Philadephi church "to hold fast that which they had."  {1847 JB, BP2 47.3}

     "Our object then is to present in a prophetical and spiritual point of view, the way marks and high heaps which the people of God have bitterly experienced in these last days. {1847 JB, BP2 48.1}

     "In directing your mind to this great and all absorbing subject, I wish you to look back on your pathway to the year 1840, when the subject of the preaching of the second Advent of Jesus aroused the dormant feelings of his people to examine their bibles as they never had done before. The best view, and I know not but the only one which was published down to May 1844, will be found in volume 1 of the A D V E N T S H I E L D and R E V I E W, under the head of Rise and Progress of Adventism, Article II. As all of my readers may not be privileged to see this standard work which marks the Second Advent believer's pathway as above stated, I shall take the liberty occasionally to make some quotations therefrom to show the motives, feelings and determinations, of some of those who led the way in this glorious work. But to the subject of the text. Where in the Bible do we find the light in our pathway, showing us in 1840 what to call our   {1847 JB, BP2 48.2}

 

FIRST LAND MARK AND HIGH HEAP

     "A Proclamation of the everlasting Gospel! John in vision says, "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every creature, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come." 14:6,7.   {1847 JB, BP2 49.1} . . .

     "The commencing of the way. Father Miller says his first lecture on the Second Advent was in August, 1833. Advent Shield, page 57, says, "His first course of lectures in Chardon Street Chapel, Boston, constituted altogether a new era in the history of Adventism." This was in the winter of 1840. In March following the first paper was issued by J. V. Himes, called the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, relating to the second coming of Christ. By this means the subject was made public throughout the land.  {1847 JB, BP2 49.3} . . .

     "The Second Conference was another glorious gathering, in the city of Lowell, June 15 - 17, 1841. This was another time of deep interest, and gave a new impulse to the cause here. Br. J. Litch gave the history of the Ottoman empire, which closed up the sounding of the sixth angel and second woe, as he had stated would take place on the eleventh day of August, 1840, some two years previous, by calculating the prophetical numbers in ix ch. Rev. The attention of most all classes had been turned to the proceedings in the East, to see if this prediction would be fulfilled. Here then was where the flying messengers began to make their message tell! and faith in the Advent was much strengthened, and the believer's ranks hourly increasing. In the spring of this year, Father Miller, Elder J. V. Himes, and Elder Cole, visited the southern part of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In Fairhaven and New Bedford the subject had been previously presented, but now it seemed to be fanned up to a flame that the luke warm and cold hearted professors could not withstand. The clergy were called upon to hold a meeting to canvass this subject. A large majority of them met and organized; read and prayed, and undertook to examine the visions of Daniel. Adjourned for further consideration; reassembled the next day; and closed their convention by giving the vision to a dead man, even Antiochus Epiphanes. "And so they wrapt up the matter." Opposition from various quarters began to rise; but the cause was hourly increasing and spreading through the land among the honest and faithful. - In October the third conference was held in Portland, Me. Here a new impulse was given to the cause in that section of the country. Conferences were held in other places during the winter particularly in New York city, Ct., N. H., Vt., etc. {1847 JB, BP2 52.2}

     "In May, 1842, a general conference was again convened in Boston, Mass. At the opening of this meeting Br. Chs. Fitch and A. Hale of Haverhill, presented us the Visions of Daniel and John which they had painted on cloth, with the prophetic numbers and ending of the vision, which they called a chart. Br. F., in explaining the subject said in substance as follows: he had been turning it over in his mind, and felt that if something of this kind could be done, it would simplify the subject, and make it much easier for him to present it to the people. Here new light seemed to spring up. These brethren had fulfilled a prophecy given by Hab. 2468 years before, where it says,        "And the Lord answered me and said, write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." This thing now became so plain to all, that it was unanimously voted to have three hundred of these charts lithographed forthwith, that those who felt the message may read and run with it. A camp meeting also was appointed for the first time, and convened the last week in June, at East Kingston, N. H., where an immense multitude assembled to hear the glad tidings of the reign of Christ. Now - to use a figure - the Advent ship was making such rapid onward progress under her cloud of well trimmed sails, that all the opposition of currents and adverse winds, (traditions of men) could not check her career. Camp meetings and conferences were being multiplied throughout the middle and northern States and Canada, and the flying angels or messengers of this "judgment hour cry" were seen moving, with all the speed of locomotives, on railroads and in steamboats, passing from place to place, "saying with a loud voice, the hour of his judgment is come." Here too, God, "looking down from the height of his sanctuary," fulfilled his promise, and multiplied earthquakes in divers places, and fearful sights, and great signs in the heavens. Also, as said the Apostle Peter, they should prophecy, dream dreams, and see visions. I believe it was generally admitted on all hands, that history had never recorded the like within the compass of so few years, since the days of the first Advent. Who among the many thousands that crowded to the camp and great tent meetings about this time, at East Kingston, Littleton, Taunton, Salem, etc., does not distinctly remember the crowded steamboats, the overflowing cars, the jammed stage coaches, and almost all kinds of travelling vehicles, filled with men women and children; besides foot passengers crossing and re-crossing from every cross road, and almost every by-path, pressing into the great thoroughfares, all making their way to or from the Second Advent campground; many of them probably to gratify their vain curiosity, while thousands of others were filled with anxiety to learn the truth of this (said to be) new doctrine, by listening to these flying messengers of God, who were "saying with a loud voice, fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come," in other words, "the end of all things is at hand." We believe that Christ will come in 1843. It was also called the "midnight cry." And who does not also remember the thousands of happy converts to this glorious doctrine, who began immediately to purify themselves (as said the angel Gabriel) by breaking off from all their sins and turning to God, so that not only on the camp ground, but from the highways, stages, steamboats and rail cars, the songs of "Alleluia" to the Lamb, and shoutings to the most high God, resounded and filled the air as we passed along.  . . . it appeared that the whole city [Salem] was shaken by the power of these truths. Here I might go on and multiply facts of a similar nature in various places, but my limits will not admit of it.  {1847 JB, BP2 52.3} . . .

     "Laborers now began to cross the great Atlantic to sound the cry. A paper was now established in New York called the "Midnight Cry." As 1843 was ushered in the cause seemed to move forward with redoubled energy. It might well be said the virgins now took their lamps (bible) and went forth to meet the Bridegroom. Do not forget this literal fulfillment. Hardly an Advent believer in their camp and conference meetings, but what was furnished with a bible, to give them light. {1847 JB, BP2 54.1}

     "As it is not my object to enlarge this work, I would again refer the reader to the Advent Shield for information respecting the many interesting events, scenes and disappointments, in the passing of times, and so forth, down to the end of the Jewish year 1843. {1847 JB, BP2 54.2}

     "Before the close of this memorable year, conferences were appointed to be held in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and finally Washington city to re-arouse and give the last warning, and if possible, wake up and warn the household of Caesar! This was a season of thrilling interest to all who truly loved the Second Advent doctrine.  . . .  As we passed on from county to county holding meetings, I one evening observed one of my hearers very uneasy. He came and got hold of me after we had closed the meeting, and says, you must go home with me. I introduced him to Br. Gurney, my companion. He said we must both go. After we were in his coach underway for his plantation, he asked his wife if she remembered the dream which he related to her a few mornings since. She said yes. Well, said he, these are the two angels which I saw in that dream. Said he, while I was listening to your discourse, I thought I had seen you before: I now remembered my dream of seeing two angels, that had come with good news, or something to this amount, and much more that I don't now remember. - Your countenance and sallow complexion and mark (mole) on your cheek, are clear and distinct. This so impressed his mind and his neighbor's also, to whom he related the dream and the message which we had delivered in five lectures, that we were earnestly entreated to stop and give them more light on this absorbing subject. We could not, for our appointments were ahead. What gratified us much was, he gave his coachman orders for all hands (his slaves) to go to the meeting. This was just the thing we wanted, for we had ere this learned that the great burden of our message was to the down trodden and oppressed slave, and we trust some will be found there on the rock when Jesus comes.  {1847 JB, BP2 55.1}

     "When we had closed our lectures here, the coach of Mr.H. was ready to convey us some 25 miles to our next appointment. He related his dream to his friends on the way and where we arrived, and said at parting, "I would be willing to sacrifice all the property I have if I could be in your situation." God grant he may be saved, with all that are willing to make the like sacrifice. {1847 JB, BP2 55.2}

     "As I have quoted Peter on this subject to prove that these things would be in the last days, I will just give one instance more out of the thousands that could be named of others, indifferent places, during this loud cry. For some days my mind had been burdened to go with this message to Block Island, some thirty miles at sea from Newport, R. I.  . . . Through much anxiety and difficulty, mingled with joy and satisfaction, I at length reached there on Sunday, (not the Sabbath) I met the Minister and people coming from the forenoon meeting. After making myself known to the Minister, he introduced me to the Deacon. He said to his companion, (as it was soon afterward told,) that is the man I saw in my dream, I think he said night before last. He came from here from the east to bring us news, or good news. The Justice of the peace pressed me to call and see him. I did so, and at the time I had in my hand an unbound book. He seemed somewhat agitated, and wanted to know the contents of the book, and if I would not let him have it. Said he, in my dream the other night, I saw a man here from the east with good news; he held a letter in his hand, and I thought there was fifty dollars in it for me. A few evenings after this, to the astonishment of his neighbors he heartily confessed his opposition, came over on the side of truth, related his conviction for sin, his singular dream, and conversion. Said he, my dream is interpreted: instead of fifty dollars in that letter, (I had been reading some extracts from Litch's Prophetic expressions) I have received that which is far beyond it, (or to this effect,) and that's the man I saw. From another neighborhood here, a woman related her dream about the chart, which had not been known here, described is hung up over the pulpit; as the house was constructed, this was the only place we could hang it to explain from. Now I ask, were these dreams from God or the Devil, judge ye? One thing I know, that I never had such a peculiar burden for any other place I visited during this loud cry, as these two, and I returned perfectly free and joyful, satisfied in my own mind that I had obeyed the Lord, and all that was done would result to his cause. "To him be all the glory, Amen."  {1847 JB, BP2 56.1}

     "All attention was now called to the long looked for period, the end of the Jewish year, viz, the 17th of April, 1844. We had rallied down to this point buoyant with hope and expectation, bible in hand, (our lamps) to meet the bridegroom, expecting certainly that "the Lord himself would descend from heaven with a shout, and Daniel with all the just would stand in their lot." Here we were sadly disappointed. But the world was glad, and said to us, "You see now what we told you - we were right. You thought you knew more than your neighbors. Now go and make your confession, and be reinstated in your former position." Though we could not see the meaning of our disappointed hopes, the response to our prayers was, God will justify his word, it will "not return to him void." And this word said, "Light is sown for the righteous," (Prov. 2:7,) and our minds were made up to wait for it. Our reply was, never! Go back to what? darkness, confusion, Babylon! No, no. We have experienced too much of the power and glory of God, to yield this "waymark in our pathway". If there is no other difference to be seen, one mark is sure; we have been honest, and you have not. {1847 JB, BP2 57.1}

     "At this important crisis the "Advent Shield" was published, reviewing all the past, especially the prophetic chronology, showing positively that our waymark was sure. {1847 JB, BP2 57.2}

Now see page 87. "We look upon the proclamation which has been made, as being the cry of the angel who proclaimed, "The hour of his judgment is come." (Rev. 14:6-7.) It is a sound which is to reach all nations; it is the proclamation of the everlasting gospel. In one shape or other this cry has gone abroad through the earth, wherever human beings are found, and we have had opportunity to hear of the fact. The story for instance, which was started by the New York Sun, that Mr. Miller had fixed on the 23rd of April, 1843 as the time for Christ to come. - There was scarcely a place known, where this report was not heard, and an interest awakened. Again, 92nd page -"No cause of a moral or religious character, probably, ever made so rapid advances, as the cause of Adventism. Its votaries have usually been the most humble, pious, devoted members of the different churches, men and women who love their Lord, and to whom the thought of his glorious advent has been a source of the sweetest pleasure. Never have a set of men labored more faithfully and zealously in the cause of God, or with purer motives. Their record is on high."  {1847 JB, BP2 57.3}

     "What shall we say more? What need of multiplying more testimony to prove this point? All advent believers have agreed down to this point. Here then we say is demonstrated our first great waymark with heaps to sustain it. Not heaps of stones, but scripture testimony, proved out in our actual experience, which has so completely blocked up the pathway, that it cannot be retraced but at the utter destruction of the whole man, body, soul and spirit. This brings us to our   {1847 JB, BP2 58.1}

 

SECOND WAYMARK. TARRYING OF THE BRIDEGROOM

     "Matt. 25:5. "While the Bridegroom tarried they all slumbered and slept." In overhauling our dead reckoning, and re-examining our past observations, we could discover no mistake. But we did discover one thing which was to us a clear explanation of our text, at the same time so simple that the most we could say about it was, that God had withholden our eyes from this point as he did the two disciples in company with Jesus at his resurrection. And this was that six months had yet to be added to the prophetic periods before we could make them out full and complete. For instance, we now could see clearly that it would take every hour of 457 B.C., and 1843 years after to fill up 2300 days or years; and so of the seven times of the Gentiles; 677 B. C. and 1843, was only 2520 as given on the chart. Here we see plainly that the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, did not go forth until the middle of 457; and so of the captivity of Manasseh, B. C. 677. And also that the 6000 year of the world could not be complete until the seventh month, where it commences. {1847 JB, BP2 58.2}

     "That the ten Virgins, a company of Second Advent believers, had been out with their lamps (bibles) to meet the bridegroom (Christ) in 1843 was not doubted. That he tarried, that is, came not so soon as they expected him, was also clear. That this company became drowsy and fell asleep, and consequently lost a great part of their interest in the doctrine, and especially on time, was afterwards fully demonstrated, first by the publication of a letter from one of our leading messengers (Wm. Miller) in the Advent papers, which stated that we must now look for the bridegroom (or Christ) every day until he came. This was generally admitted, but was soon proved to be a great mistake; but it was about the best we knew at that time, (May 1844) for while we were in this stupid, dark and still time, (Midnight) a cry was raised, which clearly proved that the Bridegroom could not come until at least three months.  {1847 JB, BP2 58.3}

     "Secondly, by the tens of thousands of confessions which these very same virgins made, at private and general conference, and camp meetings, after they were aroused by a cry at Midnight. So clearly was this part of the parable fulfilled, that I can now hardly remember an individual among all the virgins, that did not confess (and many with pungent sorrow) their stupidity and loss of interest in the doctrine and time of the Advent. It may answer for individuals who seldom visit our general meetings, to deny this fact, but any one who frequented them at this crisis, must have had their ears closed, and been fast asleep, not to have witnessed the multiplied and continual cases of this kind, in all parts of the meeting. But why need I labor any further to prove what almost every living virgin in that company knows was their experience. I think it would be as easy to prove that we never had any meetings after April, 1844. I think this, with what further additional evidence we shall offer in another place, will sufficiently demonstrate this second waymark in our pathway, during this judgment hour proclamation. For we did clearly and literally, according to the representation of an Eastern marriage, fulfil the text in the 5v.; viz: became drowsy and fell asleep while the Bridegroom tarried.   {1847 JB, BP2 59.1}

 

THIRD WAYMARK. THE FALL OF BABYLON

     "And there followed another angel" - that is, during this judgment hour cry, some of the same messengers, with others that had been joining the ranks, commenced the second message, saying as in the text, "Babylon is fallen." Many of the prominent and leading angels or messengers, utterly rejected this message, while others were burdened and pained to be delivered. - This message began to be heard in the fall of 1843, and increased in proportion to the first, down to the tarrying time. {1847 JB, BP2 60.1} . . .

     "It is also obvious that these Angels, said to be flying through the midst of heaven, are men delivering their message to us here on the earth's surface.  . . . {1847 JB, BP2 66.3}

     . . .  "and the whole subject is clear, that Angels flying through the midst of Heaven preaching the Gospel, are no more nor less than men burdened with a message and are pained to be delivered. Our business then is with the Protestant Church, for it will be admitted by all that the Roman and Greek Church are corrupt and anti-Christian.   {1847 JB, BP2 67.1}

WHAT IS A CHURCH?

     "A Christian Church is an assembly or congregation of faithful men. An anti-Christian Church is an assembly or congregation of unfaithful men. This Church proves itself corrupt and anti-Christian. 1st. By trampling on humanity or disregarding its claims. 2nd. By becoming carnally minded and covetous. 3rd. By ceasing to do the work for which Christian Churches were founded. And 4th, by disregarding or renouncing any of the fundamental truths of the Bible. This I believe is the mildest form of an anti-Christian Church, and whoever remains in it is far from being blameless in the sight of men, and of course criminal in the sight of God; hence the imperious necessity for the call, "come out of her my people." That the Bible does speak of such a call is perfectly clear from the following testimony, "Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, - go ye out of the midst of her, be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord." Isa.52-11. Jeremiah speaking of literal Babylon, and John of mystical Babylon, shows clearly that the first is a type of the second, and harmonizes with other prophets and makes the subject clear in this last message to the Churches. He says, "Flee out of the midst of Babylon and deliver every man his soul." "We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed, forsake her," - 9 v. God says the Daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor, it is time to thresh her, yet a little while and the time of her harvest shall come," 33rd v. This shows clearly that the message is to her before the harvest, which is the end of the world. Again in 45th v, "My people go ye out of the midst of her and deliver ye every man his soul." - Micah shows that the Daughter of Zion shall go out of the City into the field, 4:10. John says, "the woman which thou sawest is that great City which reigneth over the kings of the earth." Here in 13th v, the Daughter of Zion is called upon to thresh, and thou shalt beat in pieces many people. Zac. says, "Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon," 2:7-12, and Zep. 3:14, {1847 JB, BP2 67.2} . . .

      "Paul is in perfect harmony with these, and says, "wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and I will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Almighty," 2 Cor. 6:17,18. Come out from what? See 14 v. from unrighteous unbelievers. Where did Paul learn this doctrine before the visions in Rev. was given? why from the very Prophets which I have quoted, and he makes the promise strong by quoting God for his author. I suppose that every rational person would admit that these prophecies relating to this subject would be fulfilled, and this message given before the second advent. Says the reader, the great difficulty with me is that I don't believe that this Woman, called "Mystery Babylon," "the great city," represents the present organized churches. Well, but it represents something. O yes. What is it, then? There are but four names or expositions given to Babylon that I have read of, and only one of these can be the true. Let us try them by a simple rule. The first, then, as the Advent Shield says, the kingdoms of this world are comprised in Babylon. Isaiah says, "depart ye, depart ye, go out from thence.", Jeremiah says "flee out of the midst of Babylon - my people go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul." Micah says, "For now shalt thou go forth out of the city" (Babylon). Zac. says, "Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon." Paul says, "Come out from among them, and be ye separate." The last cry is, "Come out of her my people, that ye be not  P A R T A K E R S OF H E R  S I N S." Come out of what? Why out of the world! - that is what the Shield calls Babylon. Where shall we go? We are told, up to meet the Lord in the air. Who cannot see, to say the least of it, that this is a perversion of these texts? Do look at their connection, especially the three last. See if they will compare with 1 Thes. 4:16-18, and 1 Cor. 15:52. Besides it is absolutely contradicting the angel to say that Babylon is the kingdoms of this world, for he says the woman (Babylon) which thou sawest is that great city which reigneth over the kings of the earth." How can a city reign over itself? {1847 JB, BP2 68.2}

     "2nd. Babylon has also been called the City of Rome. "Come out of the City of Rome, my people." They are not there, nor have not been for many hundreds of years. Anti-Christ reigns there. {1847 JB, BP2 69.1}

         "3rd. The Papacy or Catholic Church has been called Babylon. Come out of the Catholic Church, my people. You call in vain, they are not there - they departed from her certainly 300 years ago. {1847 JB, BP2 69.2}

     "4th. And last, the cry is made in the Protestant churches, "Come out of her, my people." What is now the response? Thousands on thousands dissolve their connection, and out they come, under the full conviction that this loud cry is to them, and the churches which they are leaving are fallen Babylon, because they have rejected the message which preceded this. "The hour of his judgment is come." Their houses which they have closed against this second advent message, are left unto them desolate. God has left them in their own confusion. And hundreds and thousands of them have in their own way acknowledged it since. I ask you to look back to the summer and fall of 1844, where you see the fulfilment of this 3rd angel's message in a most wonderful and striking manner in almost every town and city throughout New England. Why not some where else just as well? Because the sun was darkened here, and these flying messengers, as I have shown, multiplied and congregated here - and this being the lightest spot under the whole heavens, the angels were seen, their message was heard first here, and then carried out to the utmost bounds of the earth. It is true, many of the Middle and Western and some of the Southern States, and the Canadas, have joined. Some object because it was not simultaneous in England, etc. If you will look at the 14, ch. again, you will see that it was the first messenger only that sent his message to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. ...Yes, I could begin to call names, and show from seventy-five to one hundred living cases in Fairhaven and New Bedford that fulfilled this prophecy, that either came out or were turned out of the churches about this time. It makes no difference whether they are infidels or backsliders now; they then claimed to be God's people, and they were so long as they obeyed, in his fear.   . . . The advent doctrine was the last, and crowning test which God ever gave his people to come away and separate themselves from all unrighteous unbelievers. Why, who does not remember what a perfect rush there was to get out of these churches just before the message ended in the closing up of A Cry at Midnight? They seemed to be as thoroughly convinced of this duty as many ministers and laymen did that thronged to the water side to be buried with Christ in baptism, being satisfied that they had withstood this ordinance as long as they dared to. Notwithstanding Mr. Miller took the ground as I have quoted that Babylon's second fall would be, or the second angel's message fulfilled at the second advent, he has in the same books previously noticed, (Advent Library, No. 47, page 19-20,) admitted the whole message in its time and place. Hear him:  {1847 JB, BP2 69.3}

 

 

 

THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS

     "Well may the Church of Rome claim the title of Mother Church; and those churches which have come out from her may as well be called H A R L O T S. For there are few of them at this time, but are partaking of the old mother's character, and committing the same ABOMINATIONS of pride, vain show, worldly grandeur and riches, popular applause and political power. Where is there a Protestant sect but now claims the same authority as the Pope over those who may honestly differ from them in understanding the word of God? Never did the Church of Rome persecute the Protestant Covenanters more when they fled from their fellowship, than the sects of the present day would the Adventist had they the power. See the venom of our sectarian papers which is cast out against those who believe in the near coming of the dear Saviour? They have all in their turn been come-outers. Why not let the Advent brethren have the same privilege? [Sure enough.] Why complain? you gave us a sample, we are only working after the copy. You once called the Church of Rome the mother of harlots. We, because you partake of her nature and perform her acts CALL YOU HARLOTS. This is the scripture language, and was once yours when you came out. - The present moment is one in which the sins of the people are reaching 'to heaven,'" 34 pg. Why keep back the message, then? why not allow those to declare it that were burdened with it also. This to us was paradoxical, first to preach and claim the privilege for all his brethren, showing it was right to do so, and then tell them that this message would not, nay could not be given (without perverting the scriptures) until the second advent. See also pages 39, 40. The Advent Herald has also sustained corresponding views and opposed these messages. Look at the 309 No., April 6, 1847 - just read their article, The Churches Coming Out. After the message had ceased to have any real effect, they can say it is their 'deliberate opinion and duty to teach this doctrine, (just as it had been done three years before) and call on them to come out of the churches.' Just read it for yourselves. What is the matter? has immortality come! or is the time come now to give this message? or was it given in the right time? We say without hesitation the latter. If we need any further human testimony to prove the permanency of this waymark in our pathway, we know where to call. If these messages were not fulfilled there, they never have been any where. Then it is impossible for them to occur again. Can any wise man show where faith and zeal, and power, as in this case, will ever occur again to do any thing like what has been done? No, never! and whoever looks for its fulfilment in immortality is not with the 'wise'. I think the state of the nominal churches around us are of themselves sufficient evidence that these two angels have passed. Indeed, they are confessing it themselves, in their own way. For brevity's sake, I will give but one out of scores that might be adduced. Special fast - "The general association of Congregational Ministers of Massachusetts have recommended that the last Tuesday in September be observed by the churches throughout the State as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer, in view of the suspension of the divine influence now so general." - New Bedford Mercury, Sept. 19, 1845." . . .  {1847 JB, BP2 70.1}

Appendix #3

 

"The closer the year 1843 approached, the greater the Millerite missionary endeavors became and the stronger the opposition and antagonism grew. As early as 1841 there was a report of a mob that attempted to break up a meeting of a lecturer who preached on the Midnight Cry.1  The next year some opponents accused the Millerites of ultraism,2 several churches took official action against members who sympathized with or adhered to Miller's ideas, and many churches closed their doors against Millerite lecturers.3" . . . [Continue reading, A. Attitudes to Other Churches & B. Separation from Babylon pages 78.2-83.3, for a more complete history of the second angel "Come out of her my people"].  {Foundations of Seventh-day Adventist Message and Mission, by P. Gerard Damsteegt, p. 78.2}

Appendix #4

 

"When the year 1843 arrived, the Millerite missionary thrust became stronger than ever, for this was the year of the termination of several time prophecies,38 the year of Christ's personal return, and the last chance for the church and the world to accept the truth. The Millerites were unanimous that "the year 1843" was the year of the Second Advent.  Some, however, expected Christ to come within the regular Gregorian calander year (January to December, 1843),39 whereas Miller himself anticipated this event sometime between March 21, 1843 and March 21, 1844.  Miller assumed that the "Jewish mode of computation of time" was based on the reasoning from the vernal equinox of 1843 to the vernal equinox  of 1844.40  Later in the year 1843, when calculation of the Jewish year was further analyzed, it was discovered that there were two methods for determining the Jewish year.  One method, Rabbinical reckoning, regulated the "commencement of the year by astronomical calculations," and commenced it with "the first day of the new moon nearest the vernal equinox when the sun is in Aries."41   According to this method, the Jewish year of 1843 commenced on April 1, 1843 and terminated on March 20, 1844,42 a period which fell within the limits of Miller's year. The other method was the Karaite reckoning and was derived from the Karaite Jews, a small group who "still adhere to the letter of the Mosaic law, and commence [the year] with the new moon nearest the barley harvest in Judea . . . which is one moon later than the Rabinical [sic] year."43 The Karaites stressed Lev. 23:10, 11, which required the Jews to bring a sheaf of the first fruits of their harvest to the priest as a wave offering on the 16th of the first month, a ceremony which, quite obviously, could only be observed when the barley harvest was ripe in Judea.  On this basis, the Karaite Jewish year 1843 commenced on April 29, 1843 and terminated on April 17, 1844.44  The Millerites also learned that most Jews followed the Rabbinical reckoning because it was more practical to calculate the year by astronomical calculations related to the vernal equinox than by the ripening of the barley harvest in Judea.45"  {Ibid., p. 84.3}

 

[All emphasis (highlights, * and ". . .") in the excerpts have been added].