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to destroy John. But God sent his angel and wonderfully preserved
him. All who witnessed the great power of God manifested in the
deliverance of John, were astonished, and many were convinced that
God was with him, and that the testimony which he bore concerning
Jesus was correct. Those who sought to destroy him were afraid to
again attempt to take his life, and he was permitted to suffer on for
Jesus. He was falsely accused by his enemies, and was shortly banished
to a lonely island, where the Lord sent his angel to reveal to him things
which were to take place upon the earth, and the state of the church
down through to the end; her backslidings, and the position the church
should occupy if she would please God, and finally overcome. The
angel from heaven came to John in majesty. His countenance beamed
with the excellent glory of heaven. He revealed to John scenes of deep
and thrilling interest concerning the church of God, and brought before
him the perilous conflicts they were to endure. John saw them pass
through fiery trials, and made white and tried, and, finally, victorious
overcomers, gloriously saved in the kingdom of God. The countenance
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of the angel grew radiant with joy, and was exceeding glorious, as
he showed to John the final triumph of the church of God. John was
enraptured as he beheld the final deliverance of the church, and as he
was carried away with the glory of the scene, with deep reverence and
awe he fell at the feet of the angel to worship him. The angel instantly
raised him up, and gently reproved him, saying, See thou do it not; I
am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of
Jesus; worship God; for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
The angel then showed John the heavenly city with all its splendor and
dazzling glory. John was enraptured and overwhelmed with the glory
of the city. He did not bear in mind his former reproof from the angel,
but again fell to worship before the feet of the angel, who again gave
the gentle reproof, See thou do it not; for I am thy fellow-servant, and
of thy brethren the prophets, and of them that keep the sayings of this
book; worship God.
Preachers and people have looked upon the book of Revelation as
mysterious, and of less importance than other portions of the sacred
Scriptures. But I saw that this book is indeed a revelation given for the
especial benefit of those who should live in the last days, to guide them
in ascertaining their true position, and their duty. God led the mind
of Wm. Miller into the prophecies, and gave him great light upon the
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