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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4
ods to the second appearing of Christ. With every effort he gained
strength and courage as he saw the wide-spread interest excited by
his words.
Though he had little of the learning of the schools, he became
wise because he connected himself with the Source of wisdom. He
possessed strong mental powers, united with true kindness of heart,
Christian humility, calmness, and self-control. He was a man of
sterling worth, who could not but command respect and esteem
wherever integrity of character and moral excellence were valued.
He was attentive and affable to all, ready to listen to the opinions of
others, and to weigh their arguments. Without passion or excitement
he tested all theories and doctrines by the word of God; and his
sound reasoning, and intimate knowledge of the Scriptures, enabled
him to refute error and expose falsehood.
The Lord, in his great mercy, does not bring judgments upon
the earth without giving warning to its inhabitants by the mouth of
his servants. Says the prophet Amos, “Surely the Lord God will do
nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”
[
Amos 3:7
.] When the iniquity of the antediluvians moved him to
bring a flood of waters upon the earth, he first made known to them
his purpose, that they might have opportunity to turn from their
evil ways. For a hundred and twenty years was sounded in their
ears the warning to repent, lest the wrath of God be manifested
in their destruction. But the message seemed to them an idle tale,
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and they believed it not. From unbelief they proceeded to scorn
and contempt, ridiculing the warning as highly improbable, and
unworthy of their notice. Emboldened in their wickedness, they
mocked the messenger of God, made light of his entreaties, and even
accused him of presumption. How dare one man stand up against all
the great men of the earth? If Noah’s message were true, why did
not all the world see it and believe it? One man’s assertion against
the wisdom of thousands! They would not credit the warning, nor
would they seek shelter in the ark.
Scoffers pointed to the things of nature,—to the unvarying suc-
cession of the seasons, to the blue skies that had never poured out
rain, to the green fields refreshed by the soft dews of night,—and
they cried out, “Doth he not speak parables?” In contempt they de-
clared the preacher of righteousness to be a wild enthusiast; and they