Chapter 40—A View of 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 profess-
edly children of the light and of the truth engaged my attention. As
these persons were named, one by one, and their good deeds men-
tioned, 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
respective columns, the lesser sins. Under “Covetousness” came false-
hood, theft, robbery, fraud, and avarice; under “Ambition” came pride
and extravagance; “Jealousy” stood at the head of malice, envy, and
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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?”
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