San Francisco Earthquake
327
them to pass, and they will learn that there is a limit to the forbearance
of Jehovah.
“The scene that next passed before me was an alarm of fire. Men
looked at lofty and supposedly fireproof buildings, and said, ‘They are
perfectly safe.’ But these buildings were consumed as if made of pitch.
The fire engines could do nothing to stay the destruction. The firemen
were unable to operate the engines.
[414]
“I am instructed that when the Lord’s time comes, should no
change have taken place in the hearts of proud, ambitious human
beings, men will find that the hand that has been strong to save will
be strong to destroy. No earthly power can stay the hand of God. No
material can be used in the erection of buildings that will preserve them
from destruction when God’s appointed time comes to send retribution
on men for their insolence and their disregard of His law.” [
Quoted in
The Review and Herald, April 26, 1906
.]
Calls to Repentance
The mercy of God in sparing so many lives during the dread-
ful calamity befalling San Francisco and near-by communities, was
pointed out by Mrs. White as constituting a strong appeal to all classes
to recognize the supreme rulership of Jehovah and the binding claims
of His law. She urged that evangelistic efforts be carried on in the cities
about the bay, in order that the people might have every opportunity to
learn the meaning of the judgments coming upon the inhabitants of
the earth.
Accordingly, for many months following the earthquake, special
and continued efforts were made to proclaim the third angel’s message
in San Francisco and Oakland and other bay cities. Mrs. White did
what she could to encourage the workers stationed in these places, and
made several visits herself to the companies of laborers busily engaged
in teaching the people. When meeting with those who were familiar
with the truths of God’s word, she appealed to them to lend willing
assistance to the efforts of the workers. At the same time she wrote
also of the far-reaching work that is to be done in every land.
[415]
“The world is filled with transgression,” she declared. “A spirit
of lawlessness pervades every land, and is especially manifest in the
great cities of the earth. The sin and crime to be seen in our cities is