A SKETCH
OP THE
CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE
VIEWS
ELLEN. G. WHITE.
SARATOGA SPRING®, N. T. PUBLISHED BY JAMES WHITE.
1851.
AND
OP
PREFACE.
We are well aware that many honest seekeri after troth and bible holiness are prejudiced against visions. Two great causes have created this prejudice. First, fanaticism, accompanied by false visions and exercises, has existed more or less, almost everywhere. This has led many of the sincere to doubt anything of the kind. Second, the exhibition of mesmerism, &c., and what is commonly called the “ mysterious Tappings,” are perfectly calculated to deceive, and create unbelief relative to the gifts and operations of the Spirit of God.
But God is unchangeable. His work through Moses in the presence of Pharaoh was perfect, notwithstanding “Jan-nes and Jambres” were permitted to perform miracles by the power of Satan, that resembled the miracles wrought by Moses, The counterfeit also appeared in the days of the apostles, yet the gifts of the Spirit were manifested in the followers of Christ. And it is not the purpose of God to leave his people in this age of almost unbounded deception, without the gifts and manifestations of his Spirit.
The design of a counterfeit is to imitate an existing reality. Therefore the present manifestation of the spirit of error is proof that God manifests himself to his children by the power of the Holy Spirit, and that he is about to fulfil his word gloriously.
“ And it shall come to pass in the LAST DAYS, saith God, I will potfr out of my Spirit upon all flesh *, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams, &c.” Acts ii, 17; Joel ii, 28.
As for mesmerism we have ever considered it dangerous, therefore have had nothing to do with it. We never even saw a person in a mesmeric sleep, and know nothing by experience of the art.
We send out this little work with the hope that it will comfort the saints.
JAMES WHITE.
Saratoga Springsf N. Y., August, 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.
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 fbr fne to fit me for Heaven. My soul was thirsting for full and free salvation, but knew not how to obtain it.
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-meeling 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.
In this state of mind I remained for three weeks, with not one ray of light to pierce the thick clouds of
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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 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.
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
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was coming. The class-leader interrupted me saying, “ Through Methodism,” but I coula not give the glory to Methodism, when it was Christ and the hope of his soon coming that had made me free.
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.
“ Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out Tor my name’s sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified; /but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be jashamed.” Isa. Ixvi, 5.
From this time, up to December, 1844, my joys, trials and disappointments were like those or 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 exciteing occasion, and there ^rere 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.
After I came out of vision everything looked changed, a gloom was spread over all that I beheld. O, how dark this wTorld looked to me. I wept when I found myself here, and felt homesick. I had s<§ea 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.
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But said the angel “ The grace of God is sufficient for you: he will hold you up.”
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 elser 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.”
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 deli\^r 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.
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.
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,
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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. 0, 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 char-
fed with being under the foul and 60ul-damning in-uence of mesmerism ? Do we ask our kind Father in Heaven for “ bread,” only to receive a “ stone,” or a “ scorpion V 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.
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 1 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 de-layeth his coming.”
All these things weighed heavily upon my spirit^
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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 filly 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 mv 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.
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.
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
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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 ?
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.
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.
Here I will give the view that was first published in 184G. 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.
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 fax more exceeding and eternal
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weight of glory-while we look not at the things which are seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, bat the things which are not seen are eternal. I have tried to bring back a good re* port, 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, (Num. xiv, 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.
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 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
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hour of Jesus’ coming. The living saints, 144,000, in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it wa3 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.
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
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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 m 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.
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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 Goa 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.
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
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and they were continually shouting and offering praises to God.
And I saw another field full of all kinds of flowers, and as I plucked them, I cried out, They will never fade. Next 1 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 afield 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 lading flowers.— There wTere 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.
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This temple was supported by seven pillars, all of transparent gold, set with pearls most glorious. Thu 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 or 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 )ack 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 IJiave seen a better land. Oh, that I had wings like a dove, then would I fly away and be at rest.
The Lord gave me the following view in 1847, while at Topsham, Me. The brethren were assembled on the Sabbath.
We felt an unusual spirit of prayer. And as we prayed, the Holy Ghost fell upon us. We were very nappy. Soon 1 was lost to earthly things, and was wrapped up in a vision of God’s glory. I saw an an-
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gel 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.
In the Holiest I saw an ark; on the top and sideB 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 W 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 die 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 therfirst 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.
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And I saw that if God had changed the Sabbath, from the seventh to the first dayj 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.
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.
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 niglu 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 np} and clashed against each other. But there was one clear place of settled glory, from) whence B
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came the voice of Godlike manywaters, 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 Jesus1 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.
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 wiDgs, and beneath it
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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 11 right to the tree of life.”
The Sealing.
At the commencement of the Holy Sabbath, (Jan. 5th, 1849,) we engaged in prayer with Bro. Belaen’s family at Rocky Hill, don., 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 m 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 dawn 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-cf the City, and were just presenting the golden card to the angel at the gate. Then I saw another angiel 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 £ 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.
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 lest a case, ^and while healing power came down,
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end the sick was healed, the Spirit fell upon me and I was taken off in vision.
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, Far ther, my blood, my bloody 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 l hold l hold l hold l until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads.” 1 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 wa3 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.
God’s Love for His People.
1 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
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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 ween, 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.
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 mes, 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';
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 n^ore lovely than those on die earth. The reply was, “We have lived in strict obedience to the commandments of God, and have not fallen by disobedience,
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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.
Shaking of the powers of Heaven.
Dec. 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
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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.
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.
The Open and Shut Door.
Sabbath, March 24th, 1849, we had a sweet and very interesting meeting with the brethren at Tops-ham, 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 t>y the Ark, and where the faith of Israel now reaches.
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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; [Rev. iii, 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.
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 gjblfee 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 ^ere doubting about it teing a test for us now.
The endmies 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.
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.
Satan knew this, and wasatworkin mightypower to keep the minds of as many as he possibly could unsettled and wavering on the truth. I saw that the
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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.
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 nelpless; not by the power of the Hofy 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.
Some of these agents of Satan were affecting the bodies of some bf 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 AL-mighty God could not be drawn over them while they were thus trembling.
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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.
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.
I saw that the mysterious sighs 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 j for the time for their salvation is past.
The Trial of oar 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.
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 copie off victorious.
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, ana 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
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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.
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.
We must be partakers of Christ’s sufferings here,
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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.
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.
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 Sanctuary1.
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
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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, u 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.
As I viewed poor souls dying for wantof 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 ofGod, 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 lor some of their property, like the young man who came to Jesus, [Matt xix, 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.
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?” *0, 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.
. 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 Je-
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bus 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.
Then the suffering Jesus, his sacrifice and love so deep, as to give his life for them, was agafh 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.”
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.”
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 nave 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.
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?
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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.
I saw that those who" have strength to labor with their handfe, and help sustain the cause, were as accountable for that strength, as others were for their property,
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.”:
I then behefd 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, ana 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.
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 ol 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 sin-neth 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.
I saw that the saints will rest in the Holy City,
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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.
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 alter 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.
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
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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.
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 ana 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,
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•decked with slnrs. 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 v.ith the eight.
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 wickeJthenreceived 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 sliouted with a loud voice, Glory, Alleluia.
TEXTS ©I*1 SCRIPTURE
RP.FKIUKD T-O ON PAOK 8.
And behold,(tlion slnlt bo dumb, and not able to speak, until the d^y th it the e things shall be performed, because thou believest nut my wo;ds, which shall be fulfilled in their season. Luke i, 2D.
All things that the Father hath, are mine : therefore said I, that he shall lake of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John xvi, 15
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as tlie Spirit gave them utterance. Acts ii, <1.
And now, Lvd, behold ‘heir threaten mgs, and grant unto thy servants that with all boldness they may speak thv word,
By stretching forth thy hand to heal ; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and ihey were all filled with the Holy Ghost: and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts iv, 211—31.
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pcails before swine, lest they trample them under their loet, and turn again and rend you.
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Ask, and it shall be given you ; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you;
For every one that asketh, receiveth ; and he that seeketh, findelh ; and to him that knockcth, it shall be opened.
Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
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 ?
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.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Malt, vii, fc-12, 15.
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. Mat. xxiv,24.
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him }
Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
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. Col. ii, 6—8.
Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recom pence of reward.
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, iny soul shall have no pleasure in him.
But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. Heb. x, 35—39.
For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
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
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ia a discemer of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb iv. 10—12.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you, will perforin it until the day of Jesus Christ:
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;
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.
#V>r unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. Phil, i, 6,27-29.
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, ii, 13-15.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to 6tand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, hut against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
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.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast-plate of righteousness ;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And lake the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Eph. vi, 10—18.
And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving
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one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiveur you. Eph. iv. 32.
Seeing ye have purified your sorts in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of ibe brethren, see that ye-love one another with a purr l>eart fe-vcntly. I Pet. i,22.
A new commandment 1 give unto yon, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John xiii, 34, 35.
Examine yourselves. whetl>or ye be iri the faith; prove your own selves: know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates ? 2 Cor. xiii, 5.
According to the grace of God which is given unto me. as # wise master-builder I have laid the foundation, and anoiner buddelh thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon:
For other foundation can no man lay than- that is laid^ which is Jesus Christ.
Now if any man build upon this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble ;
Every marPs work shall he 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 Cor. iii, 10—13:
Take heed; therefore, unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Gh >st hath made yon overseers, to feed the church of God* which ho hath purchased with his own blood.
For I know this, that after my departing, shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Acts xx, 2?—30.
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ, unto another gospel:
Which is not another: but there he some that trouble yoii^ and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
But though we, or au an id from heaven, preach any other gospel! unto you than that which we have pleached unto you,, let him be accursed.
As we-said before-, so say I now again, Tf any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him* be aecursedi, G>al. i, 6—9'.
Therefore, whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness, shall
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be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the $ar, in closets, shall be proclaimed upon the house-tops.
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:
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.
Are not five sparrows sold for two farlhingfi ? and not one of them is forgotten before God.
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; ye are of more value than many spar-rows. Luke xii, 3—7.
For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee ;
And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Luke iv. 10, 11.
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.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Wc are troubled on every side, yet not distressed ; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Persccutdd, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Cor. iv, 6—9.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, work-eth for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory ;
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.
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now, for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
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 Pet. i, 5—7.
For now wc live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. 1 Thess. iii, 8.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my
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name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
They shall take up serpents ; and if they drink any deadly thing, it Fhall not hurt them ; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark xvi, 17, 18.
His parents answered them, and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind :
But by what means ho 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.
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.
Therefore said his parents, He is of age, ask him.
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.
He answered and said, Whether ho be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that whereas I was blind, now I see.
Then said they to him again, What did he to thee ? how opened he thine eyes?
He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hoar ; wherefore would ye hear it again ? will ye also be his disciples ? John ix, 20—27.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If yc shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
If ye love me, keep my commandments. Chap, xiv, 13-15.
If yc abide in me, and npv words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall bo done'unto you.
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall yc be my disciples. Chap, xv, 7, 8.
And there was in ilieir synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
Saying, Let us alone ; what have wc to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth ? art thou come to destroy us ? I know thee who thou art, tho Holy One of God.
And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. Mark i, 23—25.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor an-
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gels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
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. Rom. viii, 38,39.
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, ho that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee on 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.
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and arc not, but do lie ; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
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.
Behold I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
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 narqe 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.
He that hath an car, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Rev. iii, 7—13.
These are they which were not defiled with women ; for they are virgins: these arc they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goelh. These were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb.
And in their mouth was found no guile ; for they are without fault before the throne of God. Rev. xiv, 4, 5.
For our conversation is in heaven ; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil, iii, 20.
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.
Be vc also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. James v, 7, 8.
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Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working where, by he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Phi!, iii, 21.
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.
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 cornc for thee to reap ; for ihc harvest of the earth is ripe.
And he that sat on the cloud thrust'in his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle, ltcv. xiv. 14—17.
There remaincth therefore a rest to the people of God. Heb iv, 9.
And I John saw the holy city, new Jcrusa’em, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Rev. xxi, 2.
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, (/hap. xiv, 1.
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
In the midst oi the street of it, and on cither side of the river, was there the tree of life, which hare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month ; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
And there shall be no more curse : but Ihc throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him.
And they shall see his face; and bis name shall be iu their foreheads.
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, xxii, 1-5.
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A View of Events Occurring at the End of the 2300 Days*
I saw a throne, and on it sat the Father and the Son. I gazed on Jesus’ countenance and admired his lovely person. The Father’s person I could not behold, for a cloud of glorious light covered him. I asked Jesus if his Father had a form like himself. He said he had, but I could not behold it, for said he, if you should once behold the glory of his person you would cease to exist. Before the throne I saw the Advent people, the church and the world. I saw a company bowed down before the throne, deeply interested, while the most of them stood disinterested and careless. Those who were bowed before the throne would offer up theirprayers and look to Jesus; then he would look to his Father, and appeared to be pleading with him. A light would come from the Father to the Son, and from the Son to the praying company. Then I saw an exceeding bright light come from the Father to the Son, and from the Son it waved over the people before the throne. But few would receive this great light; many came out from under it and immediately resisted it; others were careless and did not cherish the light, and it moved off from them. Some cherished it, and went and bowed down with the little praying company. This company all received the light, and rejoiced in it, as their countenances shone with its glory. And I saw the Father rise from the throne, and in a flaming chariot go into the Holy of Holies, within the vail, and did sit. Then Jesus rose up from the throne, and'the most of those who were bowed down arose with him: and I did not see one ray of light pass from Jesus to the careless multitude after he arose, and they were left in perfect darkness. Those who rose up when Jesus did, kept their eyes fixed on him as he left the throne and led them out a little way. Then he raised his right arm and we heard his lovely
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voice saying, “ Wait here—I am going to my Father to receive the kingdom; keep your garments spotless, and in a little while l will return from the wedding and receive you to myself.” And I saw a cloudy chariot, with wheels like flaming fire, and angels were all around it as it came where Jesus was. He stepped into the chariot and was borne to the Holiest where the Father sat. There I beheld Jesus, standing before the Father, a great High Priest. On the hem of his garment was a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate. And I saw those who rose up with Jesus send up their faith to him in the Holiest, and pray—my Father give us thy Spirit. Then Jesus would breathe upon them the Holy-Ghost. In the breath was light, power, and much love, joy and peace. Then I turned to look at the company who were still bowed before the throne; they did not know that Jesus had left it. Satan appeared to be by the throne, trying to carry on the work of God. I saw them look up to the throne and pray, Father give us thy Spirit; then Satan would breathe upon them an unholy influence ; in it there was light and much power, but no sweet love, joy and peace. Satan’s object was to keep them deceived, and to draw back and deceive God’s children.
Duty in View of the Time of Trouble.
The Lord lias shown me repeatedly, that it is contrary to the Bible to make any provision for our temporal wants in the time of trouble. I saw that if the saints had food laid up by them, or in the fields, in the time of trouble, when sword, famine and pestilence are in the land, it would be taken from them by violent hands, and strangers wTould reap their fields. Then will be the time for us to trust wholly in God, and he will sustain us. I saw that our bread and water would be sure at that time, and we should not lack or suffer hunger; for God was able to spread a table for us in the wilderness. And if necessary, he
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would send ravens to feed us as he did to feed Elijah, or rain manna from heaven, as he did for the Israelites.
I saw that houses and lands would be of no use to the saints in the time of trouble, for they would then have to flee from their possessions, before infuriated mobs, and at that time they could not be disposed of to advance the cause of present truth. I was shown that it was the will of God that the saints should cut loose from every encumbrance before the time of trouble comes, and make a covenant with God by sacrifice. If they have their property on the altar, and earnestly inquire of God for duty, he will teach them when to dispose of these things. Then they will be free in the time of trouble,and have no clogs to weigh them down.
I saw if any held on to their property, and did not inquire duty of the Lord, he would not make duty known, and they would be permitted to keep their property, and then in the time of trouble it would come up before them like a mountain to crush them, and they would try to dispose of it, but would not be able. I heard some mourn like this: “ The cause was languishing, God’s people were starving for the truth, and we made no effort to supply the lack, and now our property is useless. Oh ! that tve had let it go, and laid up treasure in heaven.” I saw a sacrifice did not increase, but decrease, and was consumed. I also saw that God had not required all of his people to dispose of their property at the same time, but in a time of need he would teach them, if they desired to be taught, when to sell and how much to sell, and that some had been required to dispose of their property in time past to sustain the Advent cause, while he permitted others to keep theirs until a time of need. Then as the cause needs it, their duty is to sell.
I saw that the message “ sell that ye have and give alms,” had not been given, by some, in its clear light, and that the object of the words of our Saviour
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had not been clearly presented. I saw that the object of selling was not to give to those who are able to labor and support themselves, but to spread the truth. It is a sin to support and indulge in idleness, those who are able to labor. Some have been zealous to attend all the meetings; not to glorify God, but for the “ loaves and fishes.” Such had much better been at home laboring with their hands, “ the thing that is good,” to supply the wants of their families, and to have something to give to sustain the precious cause of present truth.
Now is the time to lay up treasure in heaven, and to set our hearts in order, ready for the time of trouble. Those only who have clean hands and a pure heart will stand that trying time. Now is the time for the law of God to be in our minds (foreheads,) and written in our hearts. The Lord has shown me the danger of letting our minds be filled with worldly thoughts and cares. I saw that some minds were led away from present truth and a love of the holy Bible, by reading other exciting books; and others were filled with perplexity and care for what they shall eat, drink and wear. I saw some, looking too far off for the coming of the Lord. Time has continued on a few years longer than they expected, therefore they think it may continue a few
{rears more, and in this way their minds are being ed from present truth, out after the world. In these things I saw great danger; for if the mind is filled with other things, present truth is shut out, and there is no place in our foreheads for the seal of the living God. I saw that the time for Jesus to be in the Most Holy Place was nearly finished, and that time cannot last but a very little longer; and what leisure time we have should be spent in searching the Bible, which is to judge us in the last day.
My dear brethren and sisters—Let the commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ be in your minds continually, and let them crowd worldly
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thoughts and cares from the mind. When you lie down and when you rise up let them be your meditation, Live and act wholly in reference to the coming of the Son of man. The sealing time is very short, and soon will be over. Now is the time to make our calling and election sure, while the four angels are holding the four winds.
Mysterious Rapping*
August 24th, 1350. I saw that the mysterious rapping was the power of Satan ; some of it was directly front him, and some indireclly, through his agents j but it all proceeded from Satan. It was his work that he accomplished in different ways; yet many in the churches and the world were so enveloped in gross darkness that they thought, and held forth that it was the power of God.
Said the angel, “ Should not a people seek unto their God for the living to the dead ? Should the living go to the dead for knowledge? The dead know not any thing. For the living God do ye go to the dead ? [See Isa. viii, 19, 20.] They have departed from the living God to converse with the dead who know not any thing.”
I saw that soon it would be considered blasphemy to speak against the rapping, and that it would spread more and more, and Satan’s power would increase, and some of his devoted followers would have power to work miracles, and even to bring down fire from heaven in the sight of men. 1 was shown that these modern magicians would yet account for all the miracles wrought by our Lord Jesus Christ by the rapping and mesmerism, and many would believe that all the mighty works of the Son of God, when he was on the earth, were accomplished by this same power. I was pointed back to the time of Moses, and saw the signs and wonders which God wrought through him before Pharaoh, most of which were imitated by the magicians of Egypt; and that just before the
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final deliverance of the saints God would work powerfully for his people, and these modern magicians would be permitted to imitate the work of God.
That time I saw would soon come, and we shall have to keep hold of the strong arm of Jehovah; for all these great signs and mighty wonders of the Devil were designed to deceive God’s people and overthrow them. Our minds must be staid upon God, and we must not fear the fear of the wicked, that is, fear what they fear, and reverence what they reverence, but be bold and valiant for the truth.
Could our eyes be opened we should see forms of evil angels around us, trying to invent some new way to annoy and destroy us. \nd we should also see the angels of God guarding us from their power; for God’s watchful eye is over Israel for good, and he will protect and save his people, if they put their trust in him. And when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.
Said the angel, “ Remember, thou art on the enchanted ground.” I saw that we must watch and have on the whole armor, and take the shield of faith, and then we should be able to stand, and the fiery darts of the wicked could not harm us.
Time not Connected with the Message of the Third Angel, Rev* xiv, 9--12.
The Lord has shown me that the message of the third angel must go, and be proclaimed to the scattered children of the Lord, and that it should not be hung on time; for time never will be a test again. I saw that some were getting a false excitement arising from preaching time; that the third angel’s message was stronger than time can be. I saw that this message can stand on its own foundation, and that it needs not time to strengthen it, and that it will go in mighty power, and do its work, and will be cut short in righteousness.
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The Mestengerii
The Lord has often given me a view of the situation and wants of the scattered jewels who have not yet come to the light of the present truth, and that the messengers should speed their way to them as fast as possible, to give mem the light Many, all around us, only need to have their prejudices removed, and the evidences of our present position spread out before them from the Word, and they will joyfully receive the present truth. The messengers should watch for souls as they that must give account I have seen that theirs must be a life of toil, and anguish of spirit, while the weightof the precious, but often-wounded cause of Christ rests upon them. They will have to lay aside worldly interests and comforts, and make it their first object to do all in their power to advance the cause of truth, and save perishing souls.
They will also have a rich reward. In their crowns of rejoicing, those rescued by them and finally saved, will shine as stars for ever and ever. And to all eternity they will enjoy the satisfaction of having done what they could in presenting the truth in its purity and beauty, so that souls fell in love with it, were sanctified through it, and availed themselves of the inestimable privilege of being made rich, and being washed in the blood of the Lamb, and redeemed unto God.
I saw that the shepherds should consult those in whom they have reason to have confidence, those who have been in all the messages, and are firm in all the present truth, before they advocate new points of importance, which they may think the Bible sustains. Then the shepherds will be perfectly united, and the union of the shepherds will be felt by the church. Such a course I saw would prevent unhappy divisions, and then there would be no danger of the precious flock being divided, and the sheep scattered, without a shepherd.
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I also saw that God had messengers that he would use in his cause, but they were not ready. They were too light and trifling to exert a good "influence over the flock, and did not feel the weight of the cause, and the worth of souls as God’s messengers must feel in order to effect good. Said the angel, “ Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord, Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord” They can accomplish but little good, unless they are wholly given up to God, and feel the importance and solemnity of the last message of mercy, that is now being given to the scattered flock.
Some, that are not called of God, are very willing to go with the message. But if they felt the weight of the cause, and the responsibilities of such a station, they would feel to shrink back, and say with the Apostle, “ Who is sufficient for these things ?” One reason why they are so willing to go is because God has not laid upon them the weight of the cause.
Not every one that proclaimed the first and second angel’s messages are to give the third, even after they fully embrace it, for some have been in many errors and delusions, (and they must have moved wrong in the first place, or God would not have given them up to such errors,) that they can but just save their own souls, and if they undertake to guide others, they will be the means of overthrowing them. But I saw that some who have formerly run deep into fanaticism would be the first now to run before God sends them, before they are purified from their past errors, and would have error mixed with the truth, and would feed the flock of God with it, and if suffered to go on, the flock would become sickly; and distraction and death would follow. I saw that they would have to be sifted and sifted, until they were freed from all their errors, or they never could enter the kingdom. I saw that the messengers could not have that confidence in the judgment and discernment of those who have been in errors and fan-
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aticism. that they could in those who have been in the truth, and have not been into extravagant errors. Many, also, are too apt to urge out into the field some who have but just confessed the present truth, and have much to learn and much to do before they can be right in the sight of God themselves, instead of pointing out the way to others.
I saw the necessity of the messengers, especially, watching, and checking all fanaticism wherever they might see it arise. Satan is pressing in on every side, and unless we watch for him, and have our eyes open to his devises and snares, and have on the whole armor of God, the fiery darts of the wicked will hit us. There are many precious truths contained in the word of God, hut it is M present truth n that the flock needs now. I have seen the danger of the messengers running off from the important points of present truth, to dwell upon subjects that are not calculated to unite the flock, and sanctify the «oul. Satan will hero take every possible advantage to injure the cause.
But such subjects as the Sanctuary, in connection with the 2300 days, the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, are perfectly calculated to explain the past Advent movement, show what is our present position, and establish the faith of the doubting, and give certainty to the glorious future. These, 1 have frequently seen, were the principal subjects on which the messengers should dwell.
I saw that if the chosen messengers of the Lord waited for every obstacle to be moved out of their way, many never would go to search for the scattered sheep. Satan will present many objections in their way, to keep them from duty. But they will have to go out by faith, trusting in Him who has called them to his work, and the Lord will open their way before them, as far as it will be for their good and his glory. Jesus, the great teacher and pattern, had not where to lay his head. His life was one of
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toil, sorrow, and suffering; he then gave himself for ns. Those who, in Christ’s stead, beseech souls to be reconciled to God, and who hope to reign with Christ in glory, must expect to be partakers of his sufferings here. « They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Ps. cxxvi, 5,6.
A view given me June
Said my accompanying angel, “ Time is almost finished. Dove reflect the lovely image of Jesus as ye should 1” Then I was pointed to the earth, and saw that there would have to be a getting ready among those who have of late embraced the third angel’s message. Said the angel, “ Get ready, get ready, get ready. Ye will have to die a greater death to the world than ye have ever vet died.” I saw that there was a great work to do for them, and but little time to do it in.
Then I saw that the seven last plagues were soon to be poured out upon those who have no shelter, yet the world regard them no more than they would so many drops of water that were about to fall. Then I was made capable to endure the awful sight of the seven last plagues, the wrath of God. I saw that his anger was dreadful and terrible, and if he should stretch forth his hand, or lift it in anger, the inhabitants of the world would be as though they never had been, or would suffer the incurable sores and withering plagues that would come upon them, and they would find no deliverance, but be destroyed by them.
Terror seized me, and I fell upon my face before the angel, and begged of him to cause the sight to be removed, to hide it from me, for the sight was too dreadful. Then I realized, as never before, the importance of searching the word of God carefully, to know

how to escape the plagues that are declared in that word shall come on all the ungodly who shall worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in their foreheads or hands. It was a great wonder to me that any one could transgress the law of Crock and tread down his Holy Sabbath, when such awful threatenings and denunciations were against them.
The Pope has changed the day of rest from the seventh to the first day, and has thought to change the very commandment that was given to cause man to remember his Creator, so that the nations might not forget God. He has thought to change the greatest commandment in the decalogue, and thus make himself equal with God, or even exalt himself above God. I saw that God is unchangeable, therefore his law is immutable; but the Pope had exalted himself above God, in seeking to change his immu» table precepts of holiness, justice and goodness. He has trampled under foot God’s Sanctified Day, and put in its place one of the six laboring days, on his own authority. And the whole nation has followed after the beast, and every week they “rob God” of his Holy Time. The Pope has made a breach in the holy law of God, but I saw that the time had fully come for this breach to be made up by the people of God, and the waste places built up.
I plead before the angel that God would save his people who had gone astrav, to save them for his mercy’s sake. I saw that those who continued to break the Holy Sabbath, when the plagues begin to fall, will not open their mouths to plead those excuses that; they now make to get rid of it. Their mouths will be closed while the plagues are falling, and the great Law-giver is requiring justice of those who have had his holy law in derision, and have called it “ a curse to man,” “ miserable,” “ rickety,” &c. And when they feel the iron grasp of this law, taking hold of them, these expressions will appear before them in living characters, and they will then
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realize the sin of having that law in derision, that the word of God calls “holy, just, and good.”
Then I was pointed to the glory of heaven, to the treasure laid up for the faithful. Every thing was lovely and glorious. The angels wo-uld sing a lovely song, then they would cease singing, and take their crowns from their heads and cast them glittering at the feet of the lovely Jesus, and with melodious voices cry, “ Glory, Alleluia.” I joined with them in their songs of praise and honor to the Lamb, and every time I opened my mouth to praise him, I felt an unutterable sense of gloiy that surrounded me. It was a far more, an exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Said the angel, u The littre remnant who love God and keep his commandments, and are faithful to the end, will enjoy this glory, and* everbe in the presence of Jesus, and sing with the holy angels.”
Then my eyes were taken from the glory, and ] was pointed to the remnant on the earth. Said the anger to them, “ Will ye shun the seven last plagues? Will ye go to glory, and enjoy all that God has prepared for those that love him, and are willing to suffer for his sake ? If so, ye must die that ye may live. Get ready, get ready, get ready. Ye must have a greater preparation than ye now have, for the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate, and to destroy the sinners thereof out of it. Sacrifice all to God. Lay all upon his altar, selfj property and all, a living sacrifice. It will take all to enter glory. Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven where no thief ean approach or rust corrupt. Ye must be partakers ©f Christ’s sufferings here, if ye would be partakers with him of his glory hereafter.”
Heaven will be cheap enough, if we obtain it through suffering. We must deny self all along the way, die to self daily, and have Jesus alone appear, and have his glory continually in view. I saw that those who of late have embraced the truth would
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have to know what it was to suffer for Christ’s sake. That they would have trials to pass through that would be keen and cutting, in order that they may be purified, and fitted through suffering to receive the seal of the living God, pass through the time of trouble, and see the King m his beauty, and dwell in the presence of God, and in the society of pure and holy angels.
As I saw what we must be to inherit glory, and then saw how much Jesus had suffered for us to obtain for us so rich an inheritance, I prayed that we might be baptized into Christ’s sufferings, that we might not shrink at trials, but bear them with patience and joy, knowing what Jesus had suffered, that we might through his poverty and sufferings be made rich. Said the angel, “Deny self, ye must step fast.” I saw that some of us have had time to get the truth, and to advance step by step, and every step we have taken has given us strength to take the next. But now time is almost finished, and what we have been years learning, they will have to learn in a few months. And they will have to unlearn much, and learn again. And those who will not receive the mark of the beast and his image, when the decree goes forth, must have decision now to 6ay, nay, we will not regard the institution of the beast.
The Blind leading the Blind*
I have seen how the blind guides were laboring to make souls as blind as themselves, and they little realize what is coming upon them. They are exalting themselves against the truth, and as the truth triumphs, many who have looked on these teachers as men of God, and have looked to them for light, are troubled. They inquire of these leaders relative to the Sabbath, who, with the object of getting rid of the fourth commandment, will answer them thereto.
I saw that real honesty was not regarded in taking the many positions that were taken against the Sab-
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bath. The main object is to get around the Sabbath of the Lord, and observe another day than that sanctified and hallowed by Jehovah. And if they were driven off from one position they would take an opposite one, even a position that they had but just before condemned as unsound.
But God’s people are coming into the unity of the faith, and those who observe the Sabbath of the Bible are united in their views of bible truth. But those who oppose the Sabbath among the Advent people are disunited, and strangely divided. One comes forward in opposition to the Sabbath, and declares it to be thus and so, and at the conclusion calls it settled. But as his effort does not put the question to rest, and as the Sabbath cause progresses, and the children of the Lord embrace it still, another comes forward to overthrow it But in presenting his views to get round the Sabbath, he entirely tears down the arguments of him who made the first effort against the truth, and presents a theory as opposite to his, as to ours. So with the third and the fourth: but none of them will have it as it stands in the word of God. “ The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.”
Such, I saw, have the carnal mind, therefore, are not subject to the holy law of God. They are not agreed among themselves, yet labor hard with their inferences, to wrest the scriptures to make a breach in God’s law, to change, abolish, or do anything with the fourth commandment rather than to observe it. They wish to silence the flock upon this question, therefore they get up something with the hope that it will quiet tnem, and many of their followers search their Bibles so little, that their leaders can easily make error appear like truth, and they receive it as such, not looking higher than their leaders.
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A view given me September 7th*
At Oswego, (N. Y.), the Lord shewed me that there must be a great work done for his people before they could stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. I was pointed to those who claim to be Adventists, but reject the present truth, and saw that they were crumbling, and that the hand of the Lord was in their midst to divide and scatter them now in the gathering time, so that the precious jewels among them, that have formerly been deceived, may have their eyes opened to see tneir true state. And now when the truth is presented to them by the Lord’s messengers, they will be prepared to listen, and see its beauty and harmony, and leave their former associates, and errors, and embrace the precious truth, and stand where they can define their position.
I saw that those who oppose the Sabbath of the Lord could not take the Bible and show that our position was incorrect, therefore they would slander those who believe and teach the truth, and would attack their characters. And many who were once conscientipus, and loved God and his word, have become so hardened by rejecting the light of truth that they will not hesitate to wickedly misrepresent and falsely accuse those who love the Holy Sabbath, if by so doing they can injure the influence of those who fearlessly declare the truth. But these things will not hinder the work of God. In fact, this course pursued by those who hate the truth, will be the very means of opening the eyes of some. Every jewel will be brought out and gathered, for the hanj of the Lord is set to recover the remnant of his people, and he will accomplish the work gloriously.
I saw that we who believe the truth should be very careful and give no occasion for our good to be evil spoken of. We should know that every step we take is in accordance with the Bible; for those who hate the commandments of God will triumph over our missteps and faults, as the wicked did in 1843.
The Holiness of God*
May 14th, 1851, I saw the beauty and loveliness of Jesus. As I beheld his glory the thought did not occur to me that I should ever be separated from his presence. I saw a light coming from the glory that encircled the Father, and as it approached near to me, my body trembled and shook like a leaf. I thought if it should come near to me I should be struck out of existence; but the light past me. Then could 1 have some sense of the great and terrible God that we have to do with. Then I saw what faint views some have of the holiness of God, and how much they take his holy and reverend name in vain, without realizing that it was God, the great and terrible God, they were speaking of. I have seen that many, while praying, used careless and irreverent expressions which grieved the tender Spirit of the Lord, and caused their petitions to be shut out of heaven.
I also saw that many did not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord, without a High Priest in the Sanctuary, through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God, and are protected in the time of trouble, must reflect the image of Jesus fully.
I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful, and were looking to the time of tne “ refreshing” and “latter rain” to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord, and to live in his sight. 0, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation, therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God. Those who refuse to be hewed by the prophets, and do not purify their souls in obeying the whole truth, and are willing to believe that their condition is far better than it really is, will come up to the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that they needed to be hewed and squared for the build-
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mg. But there will be no time then to do it; and ho Mediator to plead their cause before the Father. Before this time, the awfully solemn declaration has gone forth, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” I saw that none could share the “ refreshing,” unless they obtain the victory over every besetment, all pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action. We should, therefore, be drawing nearer and nearer to the Lord, and be earnestly seeking that preparation necessary to enable us to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. Let all remember that God is holy, and none but holy beings can ever dwell in his presence.
Prayer and Faith*
I have frequently seen that the children of the Lord neglected prayer altogether too much, especially in secret; and that many do not exercise that faith whiph is their privilege and duty, and often wait for that feeling which faith alone can bring. Feeling is not faith, but the two are distinct Faith is ours to exercise, but joyful feelings, and the blessing, is God’s to give. The grace of God comes to the soul through the channel of living faith, and that faith it is our power to exercise.
True faith fays hold of and claims the promised blessing before it is realized and felt I have seen that we must 6end up our petitions in faith within the second vail, and have our faith take hold of the promised blessing, and claim it as ours. And we are then to believe that the blessing is ours, and that we receive it, because our faith has hold of it, and according to the Word it is ours. “ What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Here is faith, naked faith, to believe that we receive the blessing, even
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before we realize it When the promised blessing is realized and enjoyed, faith is swallowed up. Bu many suppose they have much faith when sharing largely of the Holy Spirit, and that they cannot have faith unless they feel the power of the Spirit. Suet confound faith with the blessing that comes through feuth. The very time to exercise faith is when we feel destitute of the Spirit When thick clouds of darkness seem to hover over the mind, then ie the time to let living faith pierce the darkness, and scatter the clouds. True faith rests on the promises contained in the word of God, and those only who obey the Word, can claim the glorious promise* contained in it “If ye abide in me, and my word? abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” John xv, 7. Whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his com/ mandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight” 1 John iii. 22.
I have seen that we should be much in secret prayer. Christ is the Vine, we are the branches. And if we would grow and flourish in the Vine, we must continually draw sap and nourishment from the Living Vine, for without the Vine we have nc strength.
I asked the angel why their was no more faith and power in Israel. Said he, “ Ye let go of the arm of the Lord too soon. Press your petitions to the throne, and hold on by strong faith. The promises are sure. Believe ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them.” I was then pointed to Elijah. He was subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly. His faith endured the trial. Seven times he* prayed before the Lord, and at last the cloud was seen. I saw that we had doubted the sure promises, and wounded the Saviour by our lack of faith. Said the angel, gird the armor about thee, and above all take the shield of faith, for that will guard the heart, the very life from the fiery
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darts of the wicked. If the Enemy can get the dis-pondin^ to take their eyes off from Jesus, to look to themselves, to dwell upon their own unworthiness, instead of dwelling upon the worthiness of Jesus, his love, his merits, and his great mercy, he will get away their shield of faith and gain his object and they will be exposed to his fiery temptations. Therefore, the weak should look to Jesus, and believe that they have faith, then they can exercise faith.
The Gathering Time*
September 23d, the Lord shewed me that he had stretched out his hand the second time to recover the remnant of his people, and that efforts must be redoubled in this gathering time. In the scattering, Israel was smitten and torn; but now in the gathering time God will heal and bind up his people. In die scattering, efforts made to spread the truth had but little effect, accomplished but little or nothing; but in the gathering, when God has set his hand to gather his people, efforts to spread the truth will have their designed effect All should be united and zealous in the work. I saw that it was wrong for any to refer to the scattering for examples to govern us now in the gathering; for if God does no more for us now than he did then, Israel would never be gathered. I have seen that the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord, and that it should not be altered; that the figures were as he wanted them. That his hand was over, and hid a mistake in some of the figures, so that none could see it, until his hand was removed.
Then I saw in relation to the u daily,” that the word “ sacrifice” was supplied by man’s wisdom, and does not belong to the text; and that the Lord gave the correct view of it to those who gave the judgment hour cry. When union existed, before 1844, nearly all were united on the correct view of the “ daily but since 1844, in the confusion, other
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views have been embraced, and darkness and confusion have followed. I have also seen that time had not been a test since 1844, and that time will never again be a test
Then I was pointed to some who are in the great error of believing that it is their duty to go to Old Jerusalem, and think they have a work to do there before the Lord comes. Such a view is calculated to take the mind and interest from the present work of the Lord, under the message of the third angel. For those who think that they are yet to go to Jerusalem, will have their minds there, and their means will be withheld from the cause of present truth, to get themselves and others to Jerusalem. I saw that such a mission would accomplish no real good. That it would take a long while to make a very few of the Jews believe even in the first Advent of Christ, much more, to believe in his second Advent I saw that Satan had greatly deceived some in this thing, and that souls, all around them, in this land, could be helped by them, and led to keep the commandments of God j but they were leaving them to perish. I also saw that Old Jerusalem never would be built up; and that Satan was doing his utmost to lead the minds of the children of the Lord into these things now, in the gathering time, to keep them from throwing their whole interest into the present work of the Lord, and to cause them to neglect the necessary preparation for the day of the Lord.
Dear Reader. A sense of duty to my brethren and sisters, and a desire that the blood of souls might not be found on my garments, has governed me in this little work. I am aware of the unbelief that exists in the minds of the multitude relative to visions, also, that many who profess to be looking for Christ, and teach that we are in the “ last days,” call them all of Satan. I expect much opposition from such, and had I not felt tnat the Lord required
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it of me I should not have made my views thus public, which will probably call forth the hatred ana derision of some. But I fear God more than man.
When the Lord first gave me messages to deliver to his people, it was hard for me to declare them. And I often softened them down, and made them as mild as possible for fear of grieving them. It was a great trial to declare the messages as the Lord gave them to me. I did not realize that I was so unfaithful, and did not see the danger and sin of such a course, until I was taken in vision into the presence of Jesus. He looked upon me with a frown, and turned his face from me. It is not possible to describe the terror and agony I then felt. I fell upon my face before him, but had no power to utter a word. O, how I longed to be covered and hid from that dreadful frown. Then could I realize, in some degree, what the feelings of the lost will be, when they cry, “ Mountains and rocks, fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.”
Presently an angel bid me rise, and the sight that met my eyes can hardly be described. A company was presented before me whose hair and garments were torn, and whose countenances were the very picture of despair and horror. They came close to me, and took their garments and rubbed them on mine. I looked at my garments, and saw that they were stained with blood, and that blood was eating holes in my garments. Again I fell like one dead, at the feet of my accompanying angel. I could not plead one excuse. My tongue refused all utterance, and I longed to be away from such a holy place. Again the angel stood me up on my feet, ana said u This is not your case now, but this scene has passed before you, to let you know what your situation must be, if you neglect to declare to others what the Lord has revealed to you. But if you are faithful to the end, you shall eat of the tree of life, and shall drink
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of the river of the water of life. You will have to suffer much, but the grace of God is sufficient.” I then felt willing to do all that the Lord micrht require me to do, that I might have his approbation, and not feel his dreadful frown.
I have frequently been falsely charged with teaching views peculiar to spiritualism. But, before the editor of the “Day-Star” run into that delusion, the Lord gave me a view of the sad and desolating effects that would be produced upon the flock, by him and others, in teaching the spiritual views. I have often seen the lovely Jesus, that he is a person. I asked him if his Father was a person, and had a form like himself. Said Jesus, “ I am in the express image of my Father’s person.
I have often seen that the spiritual view took away all the glory of heaven, and that in many minds the throne of David, and the lovely person of Jesus had been burned up in the fire of spiritualism. I have seen that some, who have been deceived, and led into this error, would be brought out into the light of truth, but it would be almost impossible for them to get entirely rid of the deceptive power of spiritualism. Such should make thorough work in confessing their errors, and leaving them forever.
I recommend to you, dear reader, the word of God as the rule of your faith and practice. By that Word we are to be judged. God nas, in that Word, promised to give visions in the “ last days not for a new rule of faith, but for the comfort of his people, and to correct those who err from bible truth. Thus God dealt with Peter when he was about to send him to preach to the Gentiles. Acts x.
To those who may circulate this little work, I would say, that it is designed for the sincere only, and not for those who would ridicule the things of the Spirit of God.
NOTES OF EXPLANATION.
In looking ovor this little work, I hare thought it my duty to refer to, an 1 explain some points.
1.	On page 17, is as follows : “I saw that the Holy Sabbath is, and will be, the separating wall between the true Israel of Qod and unbelievers ; and that the Sabbath is the great question to unite the hearts of God’s dear waiting saints.” This view was given in 1847, when there were but very few of the Advent brethren observing the Sabbath, and of these, but few supposed that its observance was of sufficient importance to draw a line between the professed people of God. Now, tho fulfillment of that view is boginning to be soon.
“ The commencement of the timo of trouble,” mentioned in the noxt paragraph, does not refer to the period when the plagues shall begin to be poured out; but to a short period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the Sanctuary. At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth.
2.	The view of tho “ Open an 1 Shut Door,” on pages 24-27, was given '1849. The application of Rev. iii, 7, R, to the Heavenly Sanctuary and Christ’s ministry, was entirely new to me. I had never heard the idea advanced by any ono. Now, as the third message is openiug to the brethren, the application isseen in its boauty and force. Notice the remark on page 26, relative to the increase of the spirit manifestations, now so fast increasing. These wero but little known in 1849.
3.	See the last paragraph of this view, on page 27. The “ false reformations” referred to, are being seen, bnt are yet to be seen more folly. This view relates more particularly to those who have rejected the light of the Advent doctrine.— They are given over to strong delusions. Such will not have “ the travail of soul for sinners as used to be.” Having re* jected the Advent, and being given over to the delusions of Satan, “ the time for their salvation is past.” This does not, however, relate to those who have not heard and rejected the first and second messages.
4.	Also see the second paragraph of page 57, and compare that view, given Sept. 7th, 1851, with the hitter, slander* ms remarks of those who have opposed the Sabbath since that time, especially for the past year.
5.	The view that the Lord “ had stretched out his hand the
second time to recover the remnant of his people,” on page 61, refers only to the union and strength once among those look* ing for Christ, and that he had begun to unite and raise np his people again.	E. G. WHITE.
2
SUPPLEMENT
TO THE
CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE
AND
ELLEN a. WHITE.
ROCHESTER, N. T.
PUBLISHED BY JAMES WHITE.
1854.
OP
SUPPLEMENT.
Dear Christian Friends:—-As I have given a brief sketch of my experience and views, published in 1851, it seems to be my duty to notice some points in that little work; also, to give more recent views.
1.	On page 17, is as follows:—“I saw that the Holy Sabbath is, and will be, the separating wall between the true Israel of God and unbelievers; and that the Sabbath is the great question, to unite the hearts of God’s dear, waiting saints. I saw that God had children, who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They had not rejected the light on it. And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully.”
This view was given in 1847, when there were but very few of the Advent brethren observing the Sabbath, and of these, but few supposed that its observance was of sufficient importance to draw a line between the people of God and unbelievers. Now, the fulfillment of that view is beginning to be seen.
“ The commencement of the time of trouble,” here mentioned^ does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out; but to a short period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the Sanctuary. At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, the nations will be angry, yet held in check,
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fco ns not to prevent the work of the third angel. At that time the “latter rain,” or refreshing from tho presence of the Lord, will come, to givo power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.
2.	The view of the “Open and Shut Door,” on pages 24-27, was given in 1849. The application of Rev. iii, 7, 8, to the Heavenly Sanctuary and Christ’s ministry, was entirely new to me. I had never heard the idea advanced by any one. Now, as the subject of the Sanctuary is being clearly understood, the application is seen in its beauty and force.
3.	The “false reformations” referred to on page 27, are yet to be more fully seen. This view relates more particularly to those who have heard and rejected the light of the Advent doctrine. They are given over to strong delusions. Such will not have “ the travail of soul for sinners” as formerly. Having reject m! the Advent, and being given over to the delusions of Satan, “ the time for their salvation is past ” This does not, however, relate to those who have not heard and have not rejected the doctrine of the Second Advent.
4.	The view that the Lord “had stretched out his hand the second time to recover the remnant of his people,” on page 61, refers only to the union and strength once among those looking for Christ, and that he had begun to unite and raise up his people again.
5. Spirit Manifestations.	On pages 25, and 26, read as follows:—“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
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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”
This view was given in 1849, nearly five years since. Then spirit manifestations were mostly confined to the city of Rochester, known as the “ Rochester knockings.” Since that time the heresy has spread beyond the expectations of any one.
Much of the view on page 47, headed, Mysterious Mappings, given August 1850, has since been fulfilled, and is now fulfilling. Here is a portion of it:
u I saw that soon it would be considered blasphemy to speak against the rapping, and that it would spread more and more, and Satan’s power would increase, and some of his devoted followers would have power to work miracles, and even to bring down fire from heaven in the sight of men. I was shown that these modern magicians would yet account for all the miracles wrought by our Lord Jesus Christ by the rapping and mesmerism, and many would believe that all the mighty works of the Son of God, when he was on the earth, were accomplished by this same power.”
I saw the rapping delusion—what progress it was making, and if it were possible it would deceive the very elect. Satan will have power to bring the appearance of a form before us purporting to be our relatives and friends that now sleep in Jesus. It will be made to appear as though they were present, the words they uttered while here, which we were familiar with, will be spoken, and the same tone of voice, which they had while living, will fall upon the ear.
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All this is to deceive the saints, and ensnare them into the belief of this delusion.
I saw that the saints must get a thorough understanding of the present truth, which they will have to maintain from the Scriptures. They must understand the state of the dead; for the spirits of devils will yet appear to them, professing to be beloved friends and relatives, who will declare to them that the Sabbath has been changed, and, also, other un-scriptural doctrines. They will do all in their power to excite sympathy, and work miracles before them, to confirm what they declare. The people of God must be prepared to withstand these spirits with the Bible truth, that the dead know not any thing, and that they are the spirits of devils. Our minds must not be taken up with things around us, but must be occupied with the present truth, and a preparation to give a reason of our hope with meekness and fear. We must seek wisdom from on high that we may stand in this day of error and delusion.
I saw that we must examine well the foundation of our hope, for we shall have to give a reason for it from the scriptures; for we shall see this delusion spreading, and wre shall have to contend with it face to- face. And unless we are prepared for it, we shall be ensnared and overcome. But if we do what we can on our part to be ready for the conflict that is just before us, God will do his part, and his all-powerful arm will protect us. He would sooner send every angel out of glory to our relief, to make a hedge about faithful souls, rather than they should be deceived and led away by the lying wonders of Satan.
I saw the rapidity with which this delusion was spreading. A train of cars was shown me, going
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with the speed of lightning. The angel bade me look carefully. I fixed my eyes upon the train. It seemed that the whole world was on board; that there could not be one left. Said the angel: u They are binding in bundles ready to bum.” Then he shewed me the conductor, who looked like a stately fair person, which all the passengers looked up to and reverenced. I was perplexed, and asked my attending angel who it was. Said he, “ It is Satan. He is the conductor in the form of an angel of light. He has taken the world captive. They are given over to strong delusions, to believe a lie that they may be damned.” This agent, the next highest in order to him, is the engineer, and others of his agents are employed in different offices as he may need them, and they are all going with lightning speed to perdition. They are binding in bundles ready to bum. I asked the angel if there were none left. He bade mo look in an opposite direction, and I saw a little company traveling a narrow pathway. All seemed to be firmly united, and bound together by the truth, in bundles, or companies. Said the angel, w The third .angel is binding them ('sealing them) in bundles for the heavenly gamer.
This little company looked care-worn, as though they had passed through severe trials and conflicts. And it appeared as if the sun had just appeared from behind the cloud, and shone upon their countenances and caused them to look triumphant, as though their victories were nearly won.
I saw that the Lord had given the world opportunity to discover the snare. This one thing was evidence enough for the Christian if there was no other.
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There is no difference made between the precious and the vile.
Thomas Paine, whose body has now mouldered to dust, and who is to be called forth at the end of the 1000 years, at the second resurrection, to receive his reward, and suffer the second death, is purported by satan to be in heaven, and highly exalted there. Satan used him on earth as long as he could, and now he is carrying on the same work through pretensions of having Thomas Paine so much exalted and honored; and as he taught on earth, satan is making it appear that he is teaching in heaven. And some on earth who have looked with horror at his life and death, and his corrupt teachings while living, now submit to be taught by him who was one of the vilest and most corrupt of men; one who despised God and his law.
Ho who is the father of lies, blinds and deceives the world by sending his angels forth to speak for the apostles, and make it appear that they contradict what they wrote when on earth, which was dictated by the Holy Ghost. These lying angels make the apostles to corrupt their own teachings and declare them to be adulterated. By so doing he can throw professed Christians, who have a name to live and are dead, and all the world in uncertainty about the word of God; for that cuts directly across his track, and is likely to thwart his plans. Therefore he gets them to doubt the divine origin of the Bible, and then sets up the infidel Thomas Paine, as though he was ushered into heaven when he died, and with the holy apostles whom he hated on earth, is united, and appears to be teaching the world.
0
Satan assigns each one of his angels their part to act He enjoins upon them to be cunning, artful and sly. He instructs some of them to act the part of the apostles, and speak for them, while others are to act out infidels and wicked men who died cursing God, but now appear to be very religious. There is no difference made between the most holy apostles and the vilest infidel. They are both made to teach the same thing. It matters not who satan makes to speak, if his object is only accomplished. He was so intimately connected with Paine upon earth, and aided him, that it is an easy thing for him to know the very words he used, and the very hand-writing of one of his devoted children who served him so faithfully, and accomplished his purposes so well. Satan dictated much of his writings, and it is an easy thing for him to dictate sentiments through his angels now, and make it appear that it comes through Thomas Paine, who was his devoted servant while he lived. But this is the master-piece of satan. All this teaching purporting to be from apostles, and saints, and wicked men who have died, comes directly from his Satanic majesty.
This should be enough to remove the vail from every mind and discover unto them the dark, mysterious works of satan;—that he has got one whom he loved so well, and who hated God so perfectly, with the holy apostles and angels in glory: virtually saying to the wrorld and infidels, No matter how wicked you are; no matter whether you believe in God or the Bible, or disbelieve; live as you please, heaven is your home;—for every one knows that if Thomas Paine is in heaven, and so exalted, they will surely get there. This is so glaring that all may see if they will. Sa-
A*
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tan is doing now what he I1&9 been trying to do since his fall, through individuals like Thomas Paine. He
is,	through his power and lying wonders, tearing away the foundation of the Christian’s hope, and putting out their sun that is to lighten them in the narrow way to heaven. He is making the world believe that the Bible is no better than a story-book, uninspired, while he holds out something to take its place; namely, Spiritual Manifestations!
Here is a channel wholly devoted to himself, under his control, and he can make the world believe what he will. The Book that is to judge him and his followers, he puts back in the shade, just where he wants
it.	The Saviour cf the w orld he makes to be no more than a common man; and as the Roman guard that watched the tomb of Jesus, spread the false and lying report that the chief priests and elders put in their mouth, so will the poor, deluded followers of these pretended spiritual manifestations, repeat, and try to make it appear that there is nothing miraculous about our Saviour’s birth, death and resurrection; and they put Jesus back, with the Bible, in the shade, where they want him, and then get the world looking to them and their lying wonders and miracles, which they declare far exceed the "works of Christ.
Thus the "world is taken in the snare, and lulled to security; not to find out their awful deception, until the seven last plagues are poured out. Satan laughs as he sees his plan succeed so well, and the whole world in the snare.
On pages 29-33, is a view given January, 1850. That portion of this view, which relates to means being withheld from the messengers, more particularly applied to that time. Since that time friends of the
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cause of present truth have been raised up, who have watched for opportunity to do good with their means. And some have handed out too freely, to the injury of the receivers. For above two years I have been shown more relative to a careless and too free use of the Lord’s money, than a lack of means.
The following is from a view given me at Jackson, Mich., June 2d, 1853. It related mostly to the brethren in that place. “ I saw that the brethren commenced to sacrifice their property, and handed it out without having the true object set before them—the suffering cause—and they handed out too freely, too much and too often. I saw that the teachers should have stood in a place to correct this error, and exert a good influence in the church. Money was made to be of little or no consequence; the sooner disposed of, the better. A bad example has been set by some in accepting large donations, and not giving the least cautiofa to those .who had means not to use it too freely and carelessly. And by accepting so large an amount of means, without questioning whether God had made it their duty to bestow so largely, they sanctioned the brethren’s giving too bountifully.
Those who gave, also erred, not being particular to inquire into the necessities of the case, whether there was actual need or not. Those who had means were thrown into great perplexity. One brother was much hurt by too much means being put into his hands. He did not study economy; but lived extravagantly, and ip his travels laid out money here and there to no profit. He spread a wrong influence by making such free use of the Lord’s money, and would say to others, and in his own heart, There is means enough in Jackson, more than can be used before the Lord
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comes. Some werq very much injured by such ft course, and came into the truth with wrong views, not realizing that it was the Lord’s money they were using, and not feeling the worth of it And I saw that these poor souls who have just embraced the third angel’s message, and have had such an example set before them, will have much to learn, to deny self, and suffer for Christ’s sake. They will have to learn to give up their case, and cease studying their convenience and comfort, and bear in mind the worth of souls. Those who feel the “ woev upon them wall not ho for making great preparations and fixings outwardly, to travel in ease and comfort. Those who have no calling have been encouraged into the field. Others have been affected by these things, and luive not felt the need of economy, of denying themselves, and putting into the treasury of the Lord. They would feel and say, “There are others who have means enough; they will give for the paper. I need not do anything. The paper will be supported without my help.”
It has been no small trial to me to see that some have taken that portion of my views which related to sacrificing property to sustain the cause, and make a wrong uric of it, and use means extravagantly, while neglecting to carry out the principles of other portions. On page 31, read the following:—“I saw that the cause of God had been hindered, and dishonored by 6ome 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.” Pago 32.—“I saw that tho38 who have strength to labor with their hands, and help
1
sustain the cause, were as accountable for that strength, as others were for their property.”
I would here call especial attention to the view of this subject given on pages 45, 46. Here is a short extract:—“ The object of the words of our Saviour [Lube xii, 33] had not been clearly presented. I saw that the object of selling was not to give to those who are able to labor and support themselves, but to spread the truth. It is a sin to support and indulge in idleness, those who are able to labor. Some have been zealous to attend all the meetings; not to glorify God, blit for the “ loaves and fishes.” Such had much better have been at home laboring with their hands, “the thing that is good,” to supply the wants of their families, and to have something to give to sustain the precious cause.”
I havo seen that it has been satan’s design in times past to push out some with a hurried spirit to make a too* free use of means, and influence the brethren to rashly dispose of their property, that means might be thrown out carelessly, and hastily disposed of, and souls injured and lost through an abundance of means, and now when the truth is to be spread more extensively, the lack might be felt. His design has in some degree been accomplished.
The Lord has shown me the error of many in looking to those only who have property to support the publication of the paper'and tracts. All should act their part Those who have strength to labor with theii; hands, and earn means to help sustain the cause, are as accountable for it as others are for their property. Every child of God, who professes to believe the present truth, should be zealous to act his part in this cause.
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July, 1853,1 saw that it was not as it should be, that the paper, owned and approved of God, should come out so seldom. That the cause, in the time in which we are living, demands the paper weekly, and the publication of many more tracts to expose the increasing errors of this time; but the work was hindered for want of means. I saw that the truth must go, and that we must not be too fearful; that tracts and papers had better go to three where they were not needed, than to have one deprived of them who can be benefited, and who prized them. I saw that the last-day signs should be brought out and clearly shown; for the manifestations of satan are on the increase. Their publishing is increasing, their power is growing; and what we can do to get the truth before others, must be done quickly.
I was shown like this. The truth once got out now, will stand; for it is the truth for the last days, and it will live, and less need to be said upon the truth after it is out. Numberless words need not be put upon paper to justify what speaks for itself, and shines in its clearness. But it is not so with error. It is so winding and twisting that it needs a multitude of words to explain it in its crooked form. But truth is straight, plain, clear, and stands out boldly in its own defense. The cause of truth should not be hindered in its onward progress for want of means.
I saw that in some places all the light they had received came from the paper; and souls had received the truth in this way, and then talked it to others; and now in places where there are several, they had been raised up by this silent messenger. It was their only preacher.
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GOSPEL ORDER.
The Lord has shown me that gospel order has been too much neglected and feared. That formality should be shunned; but in so doing, order should not be neglected. There is order in heaven. There was order in the church when Christ was upon earth; and after his departure, order was strictly observed among his apostles. And now in these last days, while God is bringing his children into the unity of the faith, there is more real need of order than ever before. For as God is uniting his children, sa-tan and his evil angels are very busy to prevent this unity, and to destroy it. Therefore men will be hurried into the field; men without wisdom, lacking judgment, perhaps not ruling well their own house, and not having order or government over the very few that God has given them charge of at home; yet they feel capable of having charge of the flock. They make many wrong moves, and all the messengers are thought* by those unacquainted with our faith, to be like these self-sent men; and the cause of God is reproached, and the truth shunned by many unbelievers, who would otherwise be candid, and anxious to inquire, Are these things so ?
Men, I saw, whose lives are not holy, who are unqualified to teach the present truth, enter the field without being acknowledged by the church or brethren generally, and confusion and disunion is the result. Some have a theory of the truth and can dwell upon argument, but lack spirituality, judgment and experience, and they fail in many things which is very necessary for one to possess before they can teach
1G
the present truth to others. Others liave not the argument; but because a few brethren hear them pray well, and give an exciting exhortation now and then, press them into the field, to engage in a work that God has not qualified them for, and when they have not sufficient experience and judgment for the work. Spiritual pride comes in, and they are lifted up, and act under the deception of thinking that they are laborers. They do not know themselves. They lack sound judgment and patient reasoning. - Talk boast-ingly of themselves, and assert many things which they cannot prove from the Word. . God knoweth this, therefore ho does not call such to labor in these perilous times. And brethren should be careful and rot push out those into the.field whom God has not called.
These men, who are not called of God, are generally the very ones that are the most confident that they are so called, and that their labors are very important. They go into the field, and do not exert a good influence generally, yet in some places they have a measure of success, which leads individuals to think that they are surely called of God. I saw that it was not a positive evidence that men are called of God, because they have some success; for now the angels of God are moving upon the hearts of his honest children to enlighten their understanding as to the present truth, that they may lay hold upon it and live. And even if self-sent men put themselves where God does not put them, and profess to be teacher’s, and souls receive the truth by hearing them talk it, this is no evidence that they are called • of God. The souls who receive the truth from them, receive it to be brought, into trial and bondage, as they afterwards find that these men were not standing in the counsel of God.
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Even if wicked moil talk the trutli, some may receive it; but it does not bring those who talked it, into any more favor with God. Wicked men are wicked men still. And according to the deception they practised, and as they deceived those who were beloved of God, and brought confusion into the church, so will their punishment be greater, and their sins will not remain covered, but will be exposed in the day of God’s fierce anger.
These self-sent messengers are a curse to the cause. Honest souls put confidence in them, think that they are moving in the counsel of God, that they are in union with the church, and suffer them to administer the ordinances, to lead them down into the water and baptize them, as duty is made plain that they must do their first works; and then when light comes as it surely will, and they are aware that these men are not what they understood them to be, God’s called and chosen messengers, they are thrown into trial and doubt as to the truth they have received, and feel that they must learn it all over again, and are troubled, and perplexed by the enemy, about all their ex-jicrience, whether God has led them or not, and are not satisfied until they arc again baptized, and begin anew. And it is much more laborious, and wearing to the spirits of God’s messengers, to go into such places where those have been, who have exerted this wrong influence. God’s servants have to deal plainly, and not cover up wrongs, but act openly; for they are standing between .the living and the dead, and must render an account of the faithfulness of their mission, and the influence they exert over the flock of which the Lord has made them overseers.
These jewels who received the truth and are brought into such trials would have had the truth the same
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if theso men (who lack the qualifications they must have to he the Lord’s messengers) had stayed away, and filled the humble place God designed for them. God’s eye was upon his jewels, and he would direct his called and chosen messengers to them; men that would move understanding^, and the light of truth would shine and discover to these souls their true position, and they would receive the truth understand-ingly, and be satisfied with its beauty and clearness. And as they feel the effects and power of the truth, will be strong and shed a holy influence.
Again: the danger of those traveling, whom God has not called, was shown me. If they do have some success, the qualifications that are lacking will be felt. Injudicious moves will be made, and some precious jewels may be driven off by a lack of wisdom, where they never can be reached. I saw that the church should feel their responsibility, and should look carefully and attentively at the lives, qualifications, and general course of those who profess to be teachers. And if unmistakable evidence is not given that God has called them, and that the “ woe” is upon them if they heed not this call, it is the duty of the church to act, and let it be known that they are not acknowledged teachers by the church. This is the only course the church can take in order to be clear in this matter; for the burden lays upon them.
I saw that this door that the enemy comes in at, to perplex and trouble the flock, can be shut. I inquired of the angel how this door could be closed. Said he, “ The church must flee to God’s word, and become established upon gospel order which has been overlooked and neglected.” This is indispensably ^necessary to bring the church into the unity of the
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faith. I saw that they were in danger in the apostles’ days of being imposed upon and deceived by false teachers; and men were chosen by the brethren, or church, who had given good evidence that they were capable of ruling well their own house, and preserving order in their own families; men that could enlighten those who* were in darkness. Inquiry was made of God concerning them, and then, according to the mind of the church, and the Holy Ghost, they were set apart by the laying on of hands. Having received their commission from God, and having the approbation of the church, they go forth baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and to administer the ordinances of the Lord’s house, often waiting upon the saints by presenting them the emblems of the broken body and spilt blood of the crucified Saviour, to keep fresh in the memory of God’s beloved children, his sufferings and death.
I saw that we are no more secure from false teachers now than they were in the apostles’ days; and if we do no more, we should take as special measures as they did to secure the peace, harmony and union of the flock. We have their example, and should follow it. Brethren of experience, and of a sound mind, should assemble, and follow the word of God, and with fervent prayer, and by the sanction of the Spirit of God, should lay hands upon those who have given full proof that they have received their commission of God, and set them apart to devote themselves entirely to the work. And by this act show the approving voice of the church, in their going forth as messengers to carry the most solemn message ever given to men.
God will not intrust the care of his precious flock
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to men whose minds and judgment have been weakened by former errors that they havo been in, such as so-called perfectionism and spiritualism, and by their course, while in these errors, have brought reproach upon the cause of truth and disgraced themselves. And although they may now feel free from error, and competent to go forth to teach this last message, God will not accept them. He will not intrust precious souls to their care; for their judgment has been perverted while in error, and is now weakened.
The great and holy One is a jealous God, and he will have holy men to carry his truth. The holy law, spoken by God from Sinai, is a part of himself, and holy men, who are its strict observers, will alone honor him by teaching it to others.
I saw that the servants of God who teach the truth should be men of judgment. They should be men that can bear opposition, and not get excited; for those who oppose the truth will pick those w ho teach it, and every objection that can be produced, in its worst form, will be brought to bear against the truth. And the servants of God, who bear the message, must ho prepared, with calmness and meekness, to remove those objections by the light of truth. I saw that the opposers would often talk to ministers of God in a provoking manner, to call out something from them of the same nature, that they can make as much of as possible, and declare to others that the teacheis of the commandments have a bitter spirit, and are harsh, as has been reported. I sawr that we must be prepared for objections, and with patience, judgment and meekness let them have the w eight they deserve, and not throw them away, and dispose of them by [wsitivc assertion*, and bear down upon the
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objector, and manifest a hard spirit towards him, but give the objections their weight, then bring forth the light and the power of the truth, and let it outweigh, and remove the errors; and then a good impression will be left, and they will acknowledge that they have been deceived, and that the commandment-keepers are not what they have been represented to be.
Those who profess to be servants of the living God, must be willing to be servants of all, instead of being exalted above the brethren, and they must possess a kind courteous spirit. If they err, they should be ready to confess thoroughly. Honesty of intention cannot stand as an excuse for not confessing errors. Confession would not lessen the confidence of the church in the messenger, and he would set a good example, a spirit of confession would be encouraged in the church, and sweet union would be the result. I have seen that those who profess to be teachers, should be patterns of piety, meekness, and of great humility, possessing a kind spirit, to win souls to Jesus, and the truth of the Bible. A minister of Christ should be pure in conversation and in actions. He should ever bear in mind that he is handling words of inspiration, words of a holy God. He must bear in mind that the flock is entrusted to his care, and he is to bear their cases to Jesus, and plead for them as Jesus pleads for us to the Father. I was pointed back to the children of Israel anciently, and saw how pure and holy the ministers of the Sanctuary had to be, because they were brought by their work into a close connection with God. They that should minister, must be holy, pure and without blemish, or God would destroy them. I saw that God had not
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changed. He was just as holy and pure, just as par-ticular as ever he was. He changeth not! Those who profess to be the ministers of Jesus, should be men of experience and deep piety, and then at all times, and in all places they can shed a holy influence.
I have seen that it was now time for the messengers to move out wherever there was an opening, and God would go before them and would open the hearts of some to hear. New places must be entered, and when new places are visited it would be well to go two and two, so as to hold up each others hands, wherever they can consistently, and not neglect other places. It was shown me like this. It would be well for two brethren to start together, and travel in company together to the darkest places, where there is much opposition, and where they need the most labor, and with united efforts and strong faith set the truth before those in darkness. And then if they could accomplish more, by visiting many places, to go separately, but often meet while on the tour to encourage each other by their faith, and thereby strengthen and hold up each others hands. Also, consult upon the places opened for them, and decide which of their gifts will be- the most needed, and in what way they can have the most success, and reach the heart. And then as they separate again their courage and energy will be renewed to meet the opposition and darkness, and to labor with feeling hearts to save perishing souls.
I saw that the servants of God should not go over and over the same field of labor, but should be searching out souls in new places. Those who are already established in the truth should not demand so much
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of their labor; for they ought to be able to 6tand alone, and strengthen others about them while the messengers of God are in the dark and lonely places setting the truth before those who are not now enlightened as to the present truth.
To the Saints Scattered Abroad.
[The following is from the Review of Aug. 11th, 1853.]
Dear Brethren and Sisters:—As error is fast progressing, we should seek to be awake in the cause of God, and realize the time in which we live. Darkness is to cover the earth, and gross darkness the people. And as nearly all around U6 are being enveloped in the thick darkness of error and delusion, it becomes us to shake off stupidity, and live near to God, where we can draw the divine rays of light and glory from the countenance of Jesus. As darkness tliickens, and error increases, we should obtain a more thorough knowledge of the truth, and be prepared to maintain from the Scriptures the truth of our position.
We must be sanctified through the truth, be wholly consecrated to God, and live out our holy profession, so that he can shed increasing light upon us, that we may have light in his light, and be strengthened with his strength. Every moment that we are not on our watch, we are liable to be beset by the enemy, and in great danger of being overcome by the powers of darkness. Satan has his angels, who are commissioned by him to be vigilant, and overthrow all they can; to find out the waywardness and besetting sins of those who profess the truth, and throw darkness around them, that they may cease to be watchful, and take a course that will dishonor the cause they profess to
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love, bring Borrow upon the churcli, while daily the misguided, unwatchful souls are growing darker, and the light of heaven is fading from them. They cannot discover their besetting sins, and satan weaves his net about them, until they are taken in the snare.
God is our strength. We must look to him for wisdom and guidance, and with his glory in view', and the good of the church, and the salvation of our own souls, overcome our besetting sins. Eacli individual should seek to obtain new victory eveiy day. Wo must learn to stand alone, and depend wholly upon God. The sooner wo learn this the better. Let each one find out where he fails, and then faithfully w'atch, that liis sins may not overcome him, but get the victory over his sins. Then can we have confidence towards God, and great trouble will be saved the church.
The messengers of God, as they leave their homes, to labor for the salvation of souls, spend much of their time in getting those right, and free from temptation, who have been in the truth for years, and still are weak, because they needlessly let loose the reins, cease watching over themselves, and, I sometimes think, tempt the enemy to tempt them. They get into some petty difficulty and trial, and the time of the servants of the* Lend is spent to visit them. They are held hours and even days, and their souls grieved and wounded, to hear little difficulties and trials talked over. Each magnifying his own grievances to make them look as serious as possible, for fear the servants of God will think them too small an affair for them to notice. Instead of depending on the Lord’s sen-ants to help them out of these trials, they should break down before God, and fast and pray till the trials are removed.
Some seem to think that all God has called messengers into the field for, is to go at their bidding, and carry them in their arms. And that the most important part of their work is to settle their petty trials and difficulties, which they have brought upon themselves by injudicious moves, and by giving way to the enemy, and having an unyielding, fault-finding spirit with those around mem, to ease their conscience.
But where are the hungry sheep at this time? Starving for the bread of life. Those who know the truth and have been established in'it, but obey it not, (if they did they would be saved many of these trials,) are holding the messengers, and the very object for which God has called his servants into the field, is not accomplished. The servants of God are grieved, and their courage taken away by such things in the church, when all should strive not to add a feather’s weight to their burden; but by cheering words and the prayer of faith, should help them. How much more free wTould they be if all who profess the truth, would be looking about them and trying to help others, instead of claiming so much help themselves. And as the servants of God enter the dark places, where the truth has not yet been proclaimed, they have a wounded spirit caused by the needless trials of their brethren. In addition to all this, they have to meet the unbelief and prejudice of opposers and be trampled upon by some.
How much easier it would be for the servant of God to affect the heart, and how much more would God be glorified, if his servants were free from discouragement and trial, that they might labor for him more effectually, and with a free spirit, present the truth in its beauty.
B
35
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Those who have been guilty of requiring 60 m^ch labor of God’s servants, and burdening them with trials, which belonged to themselves to settle, will have to give an account to God for all the time and means that has been spent to gratify themselves, thereby satisfying the enemy. They should be in a situation to help their brethren. They should never defer their trials and difficulties to burden a whole meeting, or wait until some of the messengers come to settle them. But get right before God, have the trials all out of the way, and be prepared to hold up the hands of the laborer?, instead of weakening them.
E. G. w:
[The following is from the Review of June 10,1852:]
As I have of late looked around to find the humble followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, my mind has been much exercised.
Many who profess to be looking for the speedy coming of Christ, are becoming conformed to this world, and seek more earnestly the applause of those around them, than the approbation of God. They are cold and formal, like the nominal church, that they but a short time since separated from. The words addressed to the Laodicean Church, describe their present condition perfectly. See Rev. iii, 14-20. They are a neither cold nor hot? but “ lukewarm,? And unless they heed the counsel of the a faithful and True Witness,” and zealously repent* and obtain “ gold tried in the fire,” “ white raiment,” and “ eye-salve,” he will spue them out of his mouth.
The time has come when a large portion of those who once rejoiced, and shouted aloud for joy, in view
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of the immediate coming of the Lord, are on the ground of the churches and world who once scoffed at, and derided them for believing that Jesus was coming, and circulated all manner of falsehoods to raise prejudice against them, and destroy their influence. If any one longs after the living God, and hungers and thirsts for righteousness, and God gives them to feel his power, and satisfies their longing soul, by shedding abroad his love in their hearts, and if they glorify God by praising him, they are, by these professed believers in the soon coming of the Lord, often considered deluded, and charged with having mesmerism or some wicked spirit.
Many of these professed Christians dress, talk and act like the world, and the only tiling by which they may be known, is their profession. Though they profess to be looking for Christ, their conversation is not in, heaven, but on worldly things.
“ What manner of persons” ought those to be M in all holy conversation and godliness,” who profess to be “ looking for, and hasting unto the day of God Vf 2 Pet. iii, 11.	“ Every man that hath this hope in
him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John iii, 3. But it is evident that many who bear the advent name, study more to decorate their bodies, and appear well in the eyes of the world, than they do the word of God, to learn how they may be approved of him.	'
What if the lovely Jesus, our pattern, should make his appearance among them, and the professors of religion generally, as at his first Advent ? He was bora in a manger. Follow him along through his life and ministry. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. These professed Christians would be
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ashamed of the meek and lowly Saviour who wore a plain, seamless coat, and had not where to lay his head. His spotless, self-denying life would condemn them; liis holy solemnity would be a painful restraint upon their lightness and vain laughter; his guileless conversation would be a check to their worldly and covetous conversation; his declaring the unvarnished, cutting truth, would manifest their real character, and they would wish to get the meek Pattern, the lovely Jesus, out of the way as soon as possible. They would be among the first to try to catch him in his words, and raise the cry, Crucify him! Crucify him!
Let us follow Jesus as he so meekly rode into Jerusalem, when tt the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice, * * * Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. Some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and 6aid unto them, I tell you, that if these should hold their peace the stones would immediately cry out.” A large portion of those who profess to be looking for Christ would be as forward as the Pharisees were, to have the disciples silenced, and they would doubtless raise the cry, Fanaticism! Mesmerism! Mesmerism! And the disciples, spreading their garments and branches of palm-trees in the way, would be thought extravagant and wild.
But God will have a people on the earth that will not be so cold and dead but that they can praise and glorify him. He will receive glory from some people, and if his chosen people, who keep his com-
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mandmeats should hold their peace the very stones would cry out.
Jesus is coming, but not as at his first Advent, a babe in Bethlehem, not as he rode into Jerusalem, when the disciples praised God with a loud voice and cried, Hosannah; but in the glory of the Father, and with all the retinue of holy angels with him, to escort him on his way to earth. All heaven will be emptied of the angels. While the waiting saints will be looking for him, and gazing into heaven, as were the “ men of Galilee” when ho ascended from the Mount of Olivet. Then, those only who arc holy, those who have followed fully the meek Pattern will, with rapturous joy, exclaim as they behold him, “ Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us.” And they will be changed “ in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump,” that wakee the sleeping saints, and calls them forth from their dusty beds, clothed with glorious immortality, shouting, Victory! Victory! over death and the grave. The changed saints are caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air, never more to be separated from the object of their love.
With such a prospect as this before us, such a glorious hope, such a redemption that Christ has purchased for us by his own blood, shall we hold our peace ? Shall we not praise God, even with a loud voice, as the disciples did when Jesus rode into Jerusalem ? Is not our prospect far more glorious than theite was ? Who dare then forbid us glorifying God, even with a loud voice, when we have such a hope, big with immortality and full of glory ? We have tasted of the powers of the world to come, and long for more. My whole being cries out after the
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living God, and I shall not be satisfied until I am filled with all his fullness.	E. G. W.
[The following is from the Review of Feb. 17th, 1853.]
Dear Brethren and Sisters :—Do we believe with all the heart that Christ is soon coming ? And that we are now having the last message of mercy that is ever to be given to a guilty world ? Is our example what it should be ? And do we show to those around us, by our lives and holy conversation, that we are looking for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to change these vile bodies and fashion them like unto his glorious body ? I fear that we do not believe, and realize these things as we should. Those who believe the important truths that we profess to believe, should act out their faith, in the immediate coming of Christ. There is too much seeking amusements, and things to take up the mind here in this world; the mind is left too much to run upon pride of dress; and the tongue is engaged too often in light and trifling conversation, which gives the lie to our profession, for the conversation is not in heaven from whence we look for the Saviour.
Angels are watching over us, to guard us; and we often grieve these angels by indulging in trifling conversation, jesting and joking, and also by sinking down in a careless, stupid state. And although we may make an effort now and then for the victory, and obtain it, yet if we do not keep it, but sink down in the same careless, indifferent state, unable to endure temptations, and to resist the enemy, it is not enduring the trial of our faith, that is more precious than gold. It
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is not suffering for Christ’s sake, and glorying in tribulation.
There is a great lack of Christian fortitude, and serving God from principle. We should not seek to please and gratify self; but to honor and glorify God, and in all we do and say, have a single eye to his glory. If we would let our hearts be impressed with the following important words, and ever bear them in mind, we should not so easily fall into temptation; but our words would be few and well chosen.
“ He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; J:he chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” “ Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” u Thou God seest me.”
We could not think of these important words, and call,to mind the sufferings of Jesus for us sinners, that we might receive pardon from our sins and be redeemed unto God by his most precious blood, without feeling a holy restraint upon us, and an earnest desire to suffer for him, who suffered and endured so much for us.
If we dwell on these things, dear self! with its dignity, will be humbled; a child-like simplicity will take its place, which will bear reproof from others, and will not be easily provoked, and suffer a self-willed spirit to come in and rule the soul. The true Christian’s joys, and consolation, must and will be in heaven.
The longing souls of those who have tasted of the powers of the world to come, and have feasted on heavenly joys, will not be satisfied, or amused, with things of earth. Such	enough to do in their
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leisure moments. Thoir souls will be drawn out after God. Where the treasure is, there will bo their heart, holding sweet communion with the God they love and worship. Their amusements will be in contemplating their treasure—the holy city—the earth made new—their eternal home. And while they dwell upon these things, which are lofty, pure and holy, heaven will be brought near, and they will feel the power of the Holy Spirit, which will tend to wean them from the world more and more, and cause their consolation and chief joy to be in the tilings of heaven, their sweet home. The power of attraction to God and heaven will be so great, that nothing can draw their mind from the great object of securing their soul’s salvation, and honoring and glorifying God.
As I realize how much has been done for us, to keep us right, I am led to exclaim, 0, what love! What wondrous love hath the Son of God for us poor sinners! Should we be stupid and careless, while every thing is being done for our salvation that can be done ? All heaven is interested for us. We should be alive and awake, to honor, glorify and adore the High and Lofty One. Our hearts should flow out in love and gratitude to him who has been so full cf love and compassion to us. With our lives we should honor him, and with pure and holy conversation show that we are bom from above; that this world is not our home, but that we are pilgrims and strangers here, traveling to a better country.
Many who profess the name of Christ, and profess to be looking for his speedy coming, know not what it is to suffer for Christ’s sake. Their hearts are not subdued by grace, and they are not dead to self; but it often appears in various ways; and at the same
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time, they are talking of having trials. But the principal cause of their trials, is an unsubdued heart, which makes self so sensitive, that it is often crossed. If such could realize what it is to be a humble follower of Christ, a true Christian, they would begin to work in good earnest, and begin right They would first die to self, then be instant in prayer, and check every passion of the heart. Give up your self-confidence, and self sufficiency, and follow the meek Pattern. Ever keep Jesus in your mind, that he is your example, and you must tread in his footsteps. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame. He endured the contradiction of sinners against himself. He for your sins, was once the meek slain lamb, wounded, bruised, smitten and alHicted.
Let us, then, cheerfully suffer something for Jesus’ sake, crucify self daily, be a partaker of Christ’s sufferings here, that we may be made partakers with him of his glory, and be crowned with glory, honor, immortality and eternal fife.	E. G. W.
Explanation.
On page 43 of Experience and Views, I stated that a cloud of glorious light covered the Father, and that his person could not be seen. I also stated that I saw the Father rise from the throne. The Father was enshrouded with a body of light and gloiy, so that his person could not be 6een, yet I knew that it was the Father, and that from his person, emanated this light and glory. When I saw this body of light and glory rise from the throne, I knew that the Father moved, which was the cause of the body of light and glory rising, therefore said, I saw the Father rise.
b*
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The glory, or excellency of his form, I never saw— no one could behold it; yet the body of light and glory that enshrouded his person, could be seen.
I also stated that u satan appeared to be by the throne, trying to carry on the work of God.” I will give another sentence from the same page. “ Then I turned to look at the company who were still bowed “before the throne.” Now, this praying company was in this mortal state, on the earth, yet represented to me as bowed before the throne. I never had the idea that these individuals were actually in the New Jerusalem. Neither did I ever think that any mortal could suppose that I thought that satan was actually in the New Jerusalem.
But did not John see the great red dragon in heaven ? Certainly. M And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns.” Rev. xii, 3. Here seems to be as good a chance for ridicule, as that which some have taken in my views. What a monster to be in heaven!
Faithfulness.
The Lord has shown me that great interest should be taken by Sabbath-keepers to keep up their meetings and make them interesting. There has been a lack of interest, and there is great necessity of more energy being manifested by the commandment-keepers in their meetings. All should have something to say for the Lord, and by so doing they would be blest. A book of remembrance is written of those who do not forsake the assembling of themselves together, and speak often one to another.
The remnant are to overcome by the blood of the
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Lamb and the word of their testimony. Some expect to overcome alone by the blood of the Lamb, without making any special effort of their own. I saw that God had been merciful in giving us the power of speech. He had given us tongue and utterance, and wo are accountable to him for it, and we should glorify God with our mouth, speaking in honor of his unbounded mercy, and of the truth, and overcome by the word of our testimony, through the blood of the Lamb.
Wo should not come together to remain silent; those only are remembered of the Lord, who come together to honor and glorify him, to speak of liis glory, and tell of his power; and upon such the blessing of God will rest, and they will be refreshed. If all moved as I saw they should, no precious time would run to waste, and no reproofs would be needed for long prayers and exhortations; for all the time would be occupied by short, sweet testimonies, and prayers to the point Ask, believe and receive. Tliero is too much mocking God, too much praying that is no praying, and that wearies angels and displeases God. Too many vain, unmeaning petitions. First we should feel needy, and then ask God for the very things we need, and then believe he gives them to us, even while we ask; and then, I saw, that our faith would grow, all would be edified, the weak would be strengthened, the discouraged and desponding made to look up, and believe that God is a rewarder of all those who diligently seek him.
Some hold back in meetings because they have nothing new to say, and must repeat the same story if they speak. I saw that pride was at the bottom of this. That God and angels witnessed the testimo-
idea of tile saints, and the Lord was well pleased, and was glorified by their testimonies repeated weekly. The Lord and his holy angels love simplicity and humility. I saw that God had been displeased, and angels grieved, that professed heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus, should suffer precious time to run to waste in their meetings.
If the brethren and sisters were in the place they should be, they would not be at a loss to find something to say in honor of Jesus, who hung upon Calvary’s cross for their sins. If they would cherish more of a realizing sense of the condescension of God in giving his only beloved Son to die, a sacrifice for our sins and transgressions, and the sufferings and anguish of Jesus to make a way of escape for guilty man, that he might receive pardon and live, they would be more ready to extol and magnify Jesus. They could not hold their peace; but with thankfulness and gratitude, would talk of his glory, and tell of his power. And blessings from God would rest upon them by so doing. Even if the same story was repeated, God would be glorified.
The Angel shewed me those wdio ceased not day nor night, crying, Roly, Holy, Lord, God Almighty. “ Continual repetition,” said the Angel, “ yet God is glorified by it.” Although we may tell the same story over and over, it honors God, and shows that we are not unmindful of him and his goodness and mercies to us.
I saw that the nominal churches had fallen; that coldness and death reigns in their midst. If they would follow the Word it would humble them. But they get above the work of the Lord. It is too humbling for them to repeat the same simple 6tory
of God’s goodness when they meet together; and they try to get something new; something great, and study to have their words exact to the ear, and please man, and God’s Spirit has left them. When we follow the humble, Bible way/ive shall have the mov-ings of the Spirit of God. All will be in sweet harmony, if we follow^ the humble channel of truth, depending w holly upon God, and there will be no danger of being affected by the evil angels. It is when souls get above the Spirit of God, moving in their owrn strength, that the angels cease watching over them, and they are left to the buffetipgs of satan.
I saw that duties w ere laid dowrn for us in God’s word, to be performed to keep the people of God humble and separate from the world, and from backsliding, like the nominal churches. Washing feet, and the Lord’s supper should be more frequently practiced. Jesus set us the example, and told us to do as he had done. I saw that the example of Christ should be as exactly followed as possible; yet brethren and sisters have not ahvays moved as judiciously as they should in washing feet, and confusion has been caused. It should be introduced into new places with carefulness and wisdom, especially wThere the people are not informed relative to the example and teachings of our Lord on this point, and where they have prejudice against it. Many honest souls are much prejudiced against this plain duty, through the influence of their former teachers in whom they had confidence; and the subject should be introduced t© them in a proper time and manner.
There is no example given in the Word for brethren to wash sisters’ feet; but there is an example for sisters to wash the feet of brethren. Mary wTashed
3 <
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the feet of Je6us with her tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Also see 1 Tim. v, 10. I saw that the Lord had moved upon sisters to wash the feet of brethren, and that it was according to gospel order. All should move understanding!}’, and not make the w'ashing of feet a tedious ceremony.
The holy salutation mentioned in the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by the apostle Paul, should ever be regarded in its true character. It is a holy kiss. It should be regarded as a sign of fellowship to Christian friends, when parting, and meeting again after a separation for weeks or months. In 2 Thess. v, 26, Paul says:—“Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.” And in the same chapter he says:—“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” Verse 22. There can be no appearance of evil when the holy kiss is given at a proper time and place.
I saw that the strong hand of the enemy is set against the work, and the help and strength of every one who loves the cause of truth, should be enlisted; and great.interest manifested by them to uphold the hands of those who advocate the truth. And by steady watch-care, shut out the enemy. All should stand as one, united in this work. Every energy of their soul should be awrake; for what is done must be done quickly.
I then saw the third angel. Said my accompanying angel, “ Fearful is his wrork. Awful is his mission. He is the angel that is to select the wheat from the tares, and seal or bind the wheat for the heavenly gamer. These things should engross the whole mind, the whole attention.”
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To Those of Little Experience*
Some, I saw, had not a realizing sense of the importance of the truth, or its effects, and often moved from the impulse of the moment, or from excitement, following their feelings, and disregarding church order, thinking that religion consists chiefly in making a noise. Some who have but just received the truth of the third angel’s message, are ready to reprove and teach those who have been established in the truth for years, and have felt its sanctifying power, and have suffered for the truth’s sake. Those who are so puffed up by the enemy will have to feel the sanctifying influence of the truth, and will have to have a realizing sense of where the truth found them, and how; that they were “ wretched, miserable, and poor and blind and naked.”
When the truth begins to purify them and purge away their dross and tin, as it surely will when it is received, in the love of it, the one who has this great work done for him will not feel that he is rich and increased in goods, and has need of nothing.
Those who profess the truth, and before they have learned its first principles, think they know it all, and are forward to take the place of teachers, and reprove those who for years have stood stiffly for the truth, plainly show that they have no understanding of the truth, and know none of its effects; for if they knew any of its sanctifying power, they would yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness, and be humbled under its sweet, powerful influence. They would bear fruit to the glory of God, and understand what the truth has done for them, and esteem others better than themselves.
I 6aw that the remnant were not prepared for what
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is coming upon the earth. Stupidity, like the lethargy, seemed to hang upon the minds of most of those who profess to believe that we are having the last message. My accompanying angel cried out with awful solemnity, u Get ready! get ready! get ready 1 for the fierce anger of the Lord is soon to come. His wrath is to bo poured out unmixed with mercy, and ye are not ready. Rend the heart, and not the garment. A great work must be done for the remnant They are, many of them, dwelling upon little trials.” Said the angel, “ Legions of evil angels are around you, and are trying to press in their awful darkness, that ye may be ensnared and taken. Ye suffer your mind to be diverted too readily from the work of preparation, and the all-important truths for these last days. And ye dwell upon little trials, and go into minute particulars of little difficulties to explain them to the satisfaction of this one or that.” Conversation has been protracted for hours between the parties concerned, and not only has their time been wasted, but the servants of God are held to listen to them, when the hearts of both parties are unsubdued by grace. If pride and selfishness were laid aside, five minutes would remove most difficulties. Hours have been spent in justifying self, which has grieved angels, and displeased God. I saw that God will not wait and bow down and listen to long justifications, and he did not want his servants to do so, and precious time be wasted, that should be spent in showing transgressors the error of their ways, and pulling souls out of the fire.
I saw that God’s people were on the enchanted ground; and some have lost nearly all sense of the shortness of time, and the worth of the soul. Pride has crept in among Sabbath-keepers, pride of dress
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and appearance. Said the angel, u Sabbath-keepers will have to die to self, die to pride and love of approbation.”
Truth, saving truth, must be given to the starving people, who am in darkness. I saw that many prayed for God to humble them; but if God answered their prayer, it would be by terrible things in righteousness. It was their duty to humble themselves. I saw that if self-exaltation was suffered to come in, it would surely lead souls astray, and if not overcome, prove their ruin. When one begins to get lifted up in his own eyes, and thinks he can do something, the Spirit of God is withdrawn, and he goes on in his own strength until he is overthrown. One saint, I saw', could move the arm of God if he were right; but a multitude together, if they were wrong, would be weak, and could effect nothing.
I saw that many had unsubdued, unhumbled hearts, and were thinking more of their own little grievances and trials than the souls of sinners. If they had the glory of God in view, they would feel for perishing souls around them; and as they realized their perilous situation, would take hold with energy, exercising faith in God, and hold up the hands of his servants, that they may boldly, yet in love, declare the truth, and warn souls to lay hold upon it, before the sweet voice of mercy dies away.
Said the angel, ‘‘Those who profess his name are not ready.” I saw the seven last plagues were coming upon the shelterless heads of the wicked; and then those who have stood in their way will hear the bitter reproaches of sinners, and their hearts will faint within them.
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Said the angel, tt Ye have been picking at straws,” (dwelling upon little trials,) and sinners must be lost. I saw that God was willing to work for us in our meetings, and it was his pleasure to work. Satan says, “ I will hinder the work.” His agents say, Amen. Professed believers in the truth dwell upon their petty trials and difficulties which satan has magnified before them. Time that can never be recalled is wasted. The enemies of the truth have seen our weakness, God has been grieved, Christ wounded. Satan’s object is accomplished, his plans have succeeded, and he triumphs!
Self Denial*
^ I saw that there was danger of the saints making too great preparations for conferences; that some were cumbered with too much serving; that the appetite must be denied. There is danger of some attending the meetings for the loaves and fishes.
I saw all those who are indulging self by using the filthy wreed, [tobacco,] should lay it aside, and put their means to a better use. Those who deprive themselves of some gratification, and take the means they formerly used to gratify the appetite, and put it into the treasury of the Lord, sacrifice; and, like the widow’s two mites, it will be noticed of God. The amount may be small; but if all will do this, it will tell in the treasuiy. And if all would study to be more economical in their articles of dress, and deprive themselves of some things which are not actually necessary, and lay aside such useless and injurious things as tea, &c., and give what they cost to the cause, they would receive more blessings here, and a 'reward in heaven. Many think, because God has
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given them the means, they may, live almost above want, can have rich food, and clothe themselves abundantly, and that it is no virtue to deny themselves when they have enough. Such do not sacrifice. If they would live a little poorer, and give to the cause of God, to help forward the truth, it would be a sacrifice on their part, and when God rewards every man according to their works, it will be rememberedby him.
Irreverence*
I saw that God’s Holy Name should be used with reverence, and awe. Said the angel, “ Couple them not together; for fearful is His Name.” I saw that God Almighty was coupled together, and used by some in meeting in a careless, thoughtless manner, which was displeasing to God. They have no realizing sense of God, or the truth; or they would not speak so irreverently of the great and dreadful trod, who is soon to judge them in the last day. Those who realize the greatness and majesty of God, will take his name on their lips with holy awe. He dwelleth in light inapproachable; no man can see him and live. I saw that these things would have to be understood and corrected where they exist, before the church can prosper.
False Shepherds*
I have been shown the false shepherds, that they were drunk, but not with wine; they stagger but not with strong drink. The truth of God is sealed up to them; they cannot read it. When they are interrogated as Jo what the seventh-day Sabbath is, whether ft is the true Sabbath of the Bible, they lead the mind to fables. I saw that the prophets were like
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the foxes of the deserts. They have not gone up into the gaps, they have not made up the hedge, that the people of God may stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. When these shepherds see the minds of any stirred up, and they begin to inquire of them about the truth, they take the easiest and best manner for themselves, to quiet their minds and effect their object, even to the changingof their own position.
Light has shone to many of these shepherds; but they would not acknowledge it, but have changed their position a number of times to evade the truth, and get away from conclusions that they must come to, if they continued in their former positions; while the power of truth tore up their foundation. And instead of yielding to the force of truth, they would get upon another platform, that they were not satisfied with themselves. '
I saw that many of these shepherds had denied the past teachings of God; had denied and rejected the glorious trutlis which they once zealously advocated, and covered them with mesfnerism, and all kinds of delusions. I saw they were drunken, but not with wine, they staggered but not with strong drink. They were drunken with error, and were leading on their flock to death.
Many of the opposers of God’s truth, devise mischief in-their heads upon their beds, and in the day, they carry out their mischief and wicked devices, to put down the truth, and get something new to interest, and take the minds of their people, and divert them from the precious, all-important truth. I saw that the priests who are leading on their flock to death, are soon to be arrested in their dreadful career. The plagues of God are coming, and after one or two
li&s fallen, and they are tormented with the plagued, it is not enough; for all this, his hand is stretched out still, and will not be brought to himself again, until his purposes are fully accomplished, and they will be led to worship at the saints’ feet, and acknowledge that God has loved them, because they held fast the truth, and kept God’s commandments. And his hand is stretched out still in wrath and justice, and he will not rest from his anger, until the hireling priests and all the unrighteous are destroyed from the earth.
The different parties of professed Advent believers have a little truth, but God has given all that to his children who are being prepared for the day of God; also truths that neither of these parties know, and will not understand. Things which are sealed up to them, the Lord has opened to those who will see, and are ready to understand them. And if God has any new light to communicate, he will let his chosen and beloved understand it, without their going to hear those who are in error and darkness to have their minds enlightened.
I was shown the necessity of those who believe we are having the last message of mercy, being separate from those who are daily imbibing new errors. I saw that young and old should not attend their assemblies; for it is wrong to encourage them by attending their meetings while they teach error that is poisonous, and death to the soul, and teach for doctrines the commandments of men. And the influence is not good. If God has delivered us from such darkness and error, we should stand fast in the liberty wherewith he has set us free, and rejoice in the truth. God is displeased with those who go to listen to error, when they are not obliged to; for unless he sends us to these
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meetings, where error is forced home to the people by the power of the will, he will not keep us. The angels cease their watchful care over us, and we are left to the buffetings of the enemy, to be darkened and weakened by him, and the power of his evil angels ; and the light around us becomes contaminated with the darkness.
I saw that we had no time to throw away in listening to fables. Our minds should not be thus diverted ; but should be occupied with the present truth, and seeking wisdom that we may obtain a more thorough knowledge of our position; that with meekness we may give a reason of our hope from the Scriptures. While the mind is occupied in hearing false doctrines, and dangerous error, pressed upon the hearers, it cannot be dwelling upon the truth which is to fit and prepare the house of Israel to stand in the day of the Lord.
The Love of God In Giving his Son*
I have been shown the great love and condescension of God in giving his Son to die that man might find pardon and live.
I was shown Adam and Eve in the garden, privileged to behold its beauty and loveliness, and with permission to eat of all the trees in the garden except one. But the serpent tempted Eve, and Bhe tempted her husband, and they both ate of the forbidden tree. They broke God’s command, and became sinners.
The news spread through heaven, and every harp was hushed. The angels sorrowed, and feared lest they would put forth the hand and eat of the tree of life, and be immortal sinners. But God said he would
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drive the transgressors from the garden of Eden, and by cherubims, and the flaming sword, guard the way of the tree of life, so that man could not approach unto it, and eat of its immortal fruit, which perpetuates immortality.
Sorrow filled heaven, as it was realized that man was lost, and the world that God created was to be filled with mortals doomed to misery, sickness and death, and there was no way of escape for the offender. The w hole family of Adam must die. I saw the lovely Jesus, and beheld an expression of sympathy and sorrow upon his countenance. Soon I saw him approach the exceeding bright light which enshrouded the Father. Said my accompanying angel, “He is in close converse with his Father.” The anxiety of the angels seemed to be intense while Jesus wras communing wTith his Father. Three times h,e wras shut in by the glorious light about the Father, and the third time he came from the Father we could see his person; and his countenance was calm, free from all perplexity and trouble, and shone with loveliness, such as words cannot express. He then made known to the angelic choir that a way of escape had been made for lost man; that he had been pleading with his Father, and had obtained his consent to give his life a ransom, to bear their sins, and take the sentence of death upon himself to open a way that man might find pardon for transgressing God’s command; that man, by taking hold of the merits of Christ’s blood, could find pardon for past transgressions, keep God’s law, and by their obedience be brought back to the garden from which our first parents were driven, and again have access to the glorious, immortal fruit of the tree of life that Adam
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and Eve forfeited all right to. Then joy, inexpressible joy, filled heaven, and the heavenly choir sung a song of praise and adoration. They touched theii* harps and sung a note higher than they had done before, for the great mercy and condescension of God in yielding up his dearly Beloved to die for a race of rebels, and praise and adoration was poured forth for the self-denial and sacrifice of Jesus \ that he would consent to leave the bosom of his Father, and choose a life of suffering and anguish, and die an ignominious death to give life to others.
Said the angel, “Think ye that the Father yielded up his dearly beloved Son without a struggle ? No, no.” It was even a struggle with the God of heaven whether to let guilty man perish, or to give his darling Son to die for them. Angels were so interested for man’s salvation that there could be found among them those who would yield their glory and give their life for perishing man. But, said my accompanying angel, u That would avail nothing.” The transgression was so great that an angel’s life would not pay the debt. Nothing but the death and intercessions of his Son would pay the debt, and save lost man from hopeless sorrow and misery.
But the work of the angels was assigned them, to ascend and descend, with strengthening balm from glory to soothe the Son of God in his life of sufferings. They administered unto Jesus. Also, their work would be to guard and keep the subjects of grace from the evil angels, and the darkness constantly thrown around them by satan. I saw that it was impossible for God to alter or change his law, to 6ave lost, perishing man; therefore he suffered his darling Son to die for man’s transgression. /invent!