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Death Not Eternal Life in Misery
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to man, He had carefully preserved it from destruction by Satan or
his angels, or by any of his agents or representatives. While other
books might be destroyed, this was to be immortal. And near the
close of time, when the delusions of Satan should increase, it was
to be so multiplied that all who desired might have a copy, and, if
they would, might arm themselves against the deceptions and lying
wonders of Satan.
I saw that God had especially guarded the Bible; yet when copies
of it were few, learned men had in some instances changed the words,
thinking that they were making it more plain, when in reality they
were mystifying that which was plain, by causing it to lean to their
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established views, which were governed by tradition. But I saw that
the Word of God, as a whole, is a perfect chain, one portion linking
into and explaining another. True seekers for truth need not err; for
not only is the Word of God plain and simple in declaring the way
of life, but the Holy Spirit is given as a guide in understanding the
way to life therein revealed.
I saw that the angels of God are never to control the will. God
sets before man life and death. He can have his choice. Many desire
life, but still continue to walk in the broad road. They choose to
rebel against God’s government, notwithstanding His great mercy
and compassion in giving His Son to die for them. Those who do
not choose to accept of the salvation so dearly purchased, must be
punished. But I saw that God would not shut them up in hell to
endure endless misery, neither will He take them to heaven; for to
bring them into the company of the pure and holy would make them
exceedingly miserable. But He will destroy them utterly and cause
them to be as if they had not been; then His justice will be satisfied.
He formed man out of the dust of the earth, and the disobedient and
unholy will be consumed by fire and return to dust again. I saw that
the benevolence and compassion of God in this matter should lead
all to admire His character and to adore His holy name. After the
wicked are destroyed from off the earth, all the heavenly host will
say, “Amen!”
Satan looks with great satisfaction upon those who profess the
name of Christ, yet closely adhere to the delusions which he himself
has originated. His work is still to devise new delusions, and his
power and art in this direction continually increase. He led his