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Spiritual Gifts, Volume 3
force, throwing massive rocks hundreds of feet into the air, and then
they would bury themselves deep in the earth.
The people beheld the destruction, first of the works of their hands.
Their splendid buildings, their beautifully arranged gardens and groves,
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where they had placed their idols, were destroyed by lightning from
heaven. Their ruins were scattered everywhere. They had erected
altars in groves, and consecrated them to their idols, whereon they
offered human sacrifices. These which God detested were torn down
in his wrath before them, and they were made to tremble before the
power of the living God, the Maker of the heavens and the earth, and
they were made to know that it was their abominations and horrible,
idolatrous sacrifices, which had called for their destruction.
The violence of the storm increased, and there were mingled with
the warring of the elements, the wailings of the people who had de-
spised the authority of God. Trees, buildings, rocks, and earth, were
hurled in every direction. The terror of man and beast was beyond
description. And even Satan himself, who was compelled to be amid
the warring elements, feared for his own existence. He had delighted
to control so powerful a race, and wished them to live to practice their
abominations, and increase their rebellion against the God of Heaven.
He uttered imprecations against God, charging him with injustice and
cruelty. Many of the people, like Satan, blasphemed God, and if they
could have carried out their rebellion, would have torn him from the
throne of justice. While many were blaspheming and cursing their
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Creator, others were frantic with fear, stretching their hands toward
the ark, pleading for admittance. But this was impossible. God had
closed the door, the only entrance, and shut Noah in and the ungodly
out. He alone could open the door. Their fear and repentance came too
late. They were compelled to know that there was a living God who
was mightier than man, whom they had defied and blasphemed. They
called upon him earnestly, but his ear was not open to their cry. Some
in their desperation sought to break into the ark, but that firm made
boat resisted all their efforts. Some clung to the ark until borne away
with the furious surging of the waters, or their hold was broken off by
rocks and trees that were hurled in every direction. Those who had
slighted the warning of Noah, and ridiculed that faithful preacher of
righteousness, repented too late of their unbelief. The ark was severely
rocked and tossed about. The beasts within expressed by their varied