Chapter 34—The Judgment
On the morning of October 23, 1879, about two o’clock, the Spirit
of the Lord rested upon me, and I beheld scenes in the coming judg-
ment. Language fails me in which to give an adequate description of
the things which passed before me and of the effect they had upon my
mind.
The great day of the execution of God’s judgment seemed to have
come. Ten thousand times ten thousand were assembled before a
large throne, upon which was seated a person of majestic appearance.
Several books were before Him, and upon the covers of each was
written in letters of gold, which seemed like a burning flame of fire:
“Ledger of Heaven.” One of these books, containing the names of
those who claim to believe the truth, was then opened. Immediately
I lost sight of the countless millions about the throne, and only those
who were professedly children of the light and of the truth engaged
my attention. As these persons were named, one by one, and their
good deeds mentioned, their countenances would light up with a holy
joy that was reflected in every direction. But this did not seem to rest
upon my mind with the greatest force.
Another book was opened, wherein were recorded the sins of
those who profess the truth. Under the general heading of selfishness
came every other sin. There were also headings over every column,
and underneath these, opposite each name, were recorded, in their
[385]
respective columns, the lesser sins.
Under covetousness came falsehood, theft, robbery, fraud, and
avarice; under ambition came pride and extravagance; jealousy stood
at the head of malice, envy, and hatred; and intemperance headed a
long list of fearful crimes, such as lasciviousness, adultery, indulgence
of animal passions, etc. As I beheld I was filled with inexpressible
anguish and exclaimed: “Who can be saved? who will stand justified
before God? whose robes are spotless? who are faultless in the sight
of a pure and holy God?”
351