Chapter 40—God’s People Delivered
When the protection of human laws shall be withdrawn from those
who honor the law of God, there will be, in different lands, a simulta-
neous movement for their destruction. As the time appointed in the
decree draws near, the people will conspire to root out the hated sect.
It will be determined to strike in one night a decisive blow, which shall
utterly silence the voice of dissent and reproof.
The people of God—some in prison cells, some hidden in solitary
retreats in the forests and the mountains—still plead for divine pro-
tection, while in every quarter companies of armed men, urged on by
hosts of evil angels, are preparing for the work of death. It is now,
in the hour of utmost extremity, that the God of Israel will interpose
for the deliverance of his chosen. Saith the Lord: “Ye shall have a
song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of
heart, as when one goeth ... to come into the mountain of Jehovah,
to the Mighty One of Israel. And the Lord shall cause his glorious
voice to be heard, and shall show the lighting down of his arm, with
the indignation of his anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire,
with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.” [
Isaiah 30:29, 30
.]
With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil
men are about to rush upon their prey, when lo, a dense blackness,
deeper than the darkness of the night, falls upon the earth. Then a
rainbow, shining with the glory from the throne of God, spans the
heavens, and seems to encircle each praying company. The angry
multitudes are suddenly arrested. Their mocking cries die away. The
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objects of their murderous rage are forgotten. With fearful forebodings
they gaze upon the symbol of God’s covenant, and long to be shielded
from its overpowering brightness.
By the people of God a voice, clear and melodious, is heard, saying,
“Look up,” and, lifting their eyes to the heavens, they behold the bow
of promise. The black, angry clouds that covered the firmament are
parted, and like Stephen they look up steadfastly into Heaven, and see
the glory of God, and the Son of man seated upon his throne. In his
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