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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 3
Jerusalem had not improved her privileges; she had rejected the
warnings of the prophets, and slain the holy representatives of God.
But the generation that Jesus denounced was not responsible for the
sins of their fathers, only so far as they followed their evil practices,
and thus made themselves accountable for their course of hatred and
revenge in persecuting the ancient messengers of God. It was the
present mercies and warnings which that generation were rejecting that
fastened upon them guilt which the blood of bulls and goats could not
wash away. Proud, self-righteous, and independent, they had separated
farther and farther from Heaven until they had become willing subjects
of Satan. The Jewish nation for centuries had been forging the fetters
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which that generation were irrevocably fastening upon themselves.
The tears of Christ expressed his anguish at seeing his people
bringing sure destruction upon themselves. Gladly would he have
broken from their necks the yoke of bondage to a heathen nation.
But, while the Pharisees bitterly complained of their humiliation and
oppression, they refused with hatred the only help that could relieve
them from captivity, and make them a free and happy people. The
voice of the Saviour had been heard for three years inviting the weary
and heavy-laden to come unto him and he would give them rest. He
had scattered blessings wherever his feet had trod. But, instead of
returning his love with gratitude, they thrust Christ from them, and
were now about to seal their own doom by ting him to death.
The earthly Jerusalem represents a large majority of the professed
Christians of this age of the world. The Saviour has dispensed his
blessings to us at the infinite sacrifice of his own life. This is our day
of mercies and privileges. In every age of the world there is given to
men their day of light and privileges, a probationary time in which they
may become reconciled with God. But there is a limit to this grace.
Mercy may plead for years and be rejected and slighted; but there
comes a time when mercy makes her last plea. The sweet, winning
voice entreats the sinner no longer, and reproofs and warnings cease.
That day had now come to Jerusalem. Jesus, from the summit of
Olivet, in a voice broken by irrepressible sobs and tears, makes his last
appeal to the nation of his choice: “If thou hadst known, even thou, at
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least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace—” A little
remnant of the day still remained, in which Jerusalem might see and
repent of her fatal error, and turn to Christ. While the fast westering