San Francisco Earthquake
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fireproof and earthquake-proof structures.”
Testimonies for the Church
9:94, 95
.
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Warnings and Exhortations
As regards her teachings and warnings concerning the necessity of
earnest endeavor in proclaiming the third angel’s message in the cities,
in view of the calamities that were to befall populous centers as the
end of the world draws nigh, Mrs. White has written thus:
“Since the San Francisco earthquake, many rumors have been
current regarding statements I have made. Some have reported that
while in Los Angeles, I claimed that I had predicted the San Francisco
earthquake and fire, and that Los Angeles would be the next city to
suffer. This is not true. The morning after the earthquake, I said no
more than that ‘the earthquakes will come; the floods will come;’ and
that the Lord’s message to us is that we shall ‘not establish ourselves
in the wicked cities.’
“Not many years ago, a brother laboring in New York City pub-
lished some very startling notices regarding the destruction of that city.
I wrote immediately to the ones in charge of the work there, saying
that it was not wise to publish such notices; that thus an excitement
might be aroused which would result in a fanatical movement, hurting
the cause of God. It is enough to present the truth of the word of God
to the people. Startling notices are detrimental to the progress of the
work.”
The Review and Herald, July 5, 1906
.
Under date of August 3, 1903, Mrs. White further wrote regarding
this sensational report:
“Now comes the word that I have declared that New York is to
be swept away by a tidal wave. This I have never said. I have said,
as I looked at the great buildings going up there, story after story:
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‘What terrible scenes will take place when the Lord shall arise to shake
terribly the earth! Then the words of
Revelation 18:1-3
will be fulfilled.’
The whole of the eighteenth chapter of Revelation is a warning of what
is coming on the earth. But I have no light in particular in regard
to what is coming on New York, only I know that one day the great
buildings there will be thrown down by the turning and overturning
of God’s power. From the light given me, I know that destruction
is in the world. One word from the Lord, one touch of His mighty