Basic HTML Version
296
The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4
be absorbed by worldly interests, the Lord may give us time by
removing from us our idols of gold, of houses, or of fertile lands.
The young would not be seduced into sin if they would refuse to
enter any path, save that upon which they could ask God’s blessing.
If the messengers who bear the last solemn warning to the world
would pray for the blessing of God, not in a cold, listless, lazy
manner, but fervently and in faith, as did Jacob, they would find
many places where they could say, “I have seen God face to face,
and my life is preserved.” They would be accounted of Heaven as
princes, having power to prevail with God and with men.
The time of trouble such as never was, is soon to open upon
us; and we shall need an experience which we do not now possess,
and which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often the case that
trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true
of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the
magnitude of the ordeal. And now, while the precious Saviour is
making an atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in
Christ. God’s providence is the school in which we are to learn the
meekness and lowliness of Jesus. The Lord is ever setting before us,
not the way we would choose, which is easier and pleasanter to us,
but the true aims of life. None can neglect or defer this work but at
the most fearful peril to their souls.
The apostle John in vision heard a loud voice in Heaven ex-
claiming, “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for
the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he
[441]
knoweth that he hath but a short time.” [
Revelation 12:12
.] Fearful
are the scenes which call forth this exclamation from the heavenly
voice. The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and
his work of deceit and destruction reaches its culmination in the
time of trouble. God’s long-suffering has ended. The world has
rejected his mercy, despised his love, and trampled upon his law.
The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation, and the
Lord withdraws his protection, and leaves them to the mercy of the
leader they have chosen. Satan will have power over those who have
yielded themselves to his control, and he will plunge the inhabitants
of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease
to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements