Chapter 55—Slavery and the War
God is punishing this nation for the high crime of slavery. He has
the destiny of the nation in His hands. He will punish the South for
the sin of slavery, and the North for so long suffering its overreaching
and overbearing influence.
At the Conference at Roosevelt, New York, August 3, 1861, when
the brethren and sisters were assembled on the day set apart for humil-
iation, fasting, and prayer, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon us, and
I was taken off in vision and shown the sin of slavery, which has so
long been a curse to this nation. The fugitive slave law was calculated
to crush out of man every noble, generous feeling of sympathy that
should arise in his heart for the oppressed and suffering slave. It was
in direct opposition to the teaching of Christ. God’s scourge is now
upon the North, because they have so long submitted to the advances
of the slave power. The sin of Northern proslavery men is great. They
have strengthened the South in their sin by sanctioning the extension
of slavery; they have acted a prominent part in bringing the nation into
its present distressed condition.
I was shown that many do not realize the extent of the evil which
has come upon us. They have flattered themselves that the national
difficulties would soon be settled and confusion and war end, but all
will be convinced that there is more reality in the matter than was
anticipated. Many have looked for the North to strike a blow and end
the controversy.
I was pointed back to ancient Israel, held in bondage by the Egyp-
tians. The Lord wrought by Moses and Aaron to deliver them. Miracles
were performed before Pharaoh to convince him that these men were
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especially sent of God to bid him let Israel go. But Pharaoh’s heart
was hardened against the messengers of God, and he reasoned away
the miracles performed by them. Then the Egyptians were made to
feel God’s judgments. They were visited with plagues, and while
suffering under the effect of them, Pharaoh consented to let Israel go.
But as soon as the cause of their suffering was removed, his heart was
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