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people; but when He stepped out from between man and the Father,
the restraint was removed and Satan had entire control of the finally
impenitent. It was impossible for the plagues to be poured out while
Jesus officiated in the sanctuary; but as His work there is finished,
and His intercession closes, there is nothing to stay the wrath of
God, and it breaks with fury upon the shelterless head of the guilty
sinner, who has slighted salvation and hated reproof. In that fearful
time, after the close of Jesus’ mediation, the saints were living in the
sight of a holy God without an intercessor. Every case was decided,
every jewel numbered. Jesus tarried a moment in the outer apartment
of the heavenly sanctuary, and the sins which had been confessed
while He was in the most holy place were placed upon Satan, the
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originator of sin, who must suffer their punishment.
Then I saw Jesus lay off His priestly attire and clothe Himself
with His most kingly robes. Upon His head were many crowns,
a crown within a crown. Surrounded by the angelic host, He left
heaven. The plagues were falling upon the inhabitants of the earth.
Some were denouncing God and cursing Him. Others rushed to the
people of God and begged to be taught how they might escape His
judgments. But the saints had nothing for them. The last tear for
sinners had been shed, the last agonizing prayer offered, the last
burden borne, the last warning given. The sweet voice of mercy
was no more to invite them. When the saints, and all heaven, were
interested for their salvation, they had no interest for themselves.
Life and death had been set before them. Many desired life, but made
no effort to obtain it. They did not choose life, and now there was
no atoning blood to cleanse the guilty, no compassionate Saviour to
plead for them, and cry, “Spare, spare the sinner a little longer.” All
heaven had united with Jesus, as they heard the fearful words, “It is
done. It is finished.” The plan of salvation had been accomplished,
but few had chosen to accept it. And as mercy’s sweet voice died
away, fear and horror seized the wicked. With terrible distinctness
they heard the words, “Too late! too late!”
Those who had not prized God’s Word were hurrying to and fro,
wandering from sea to sea, and from the north to the east, to seek the
Word of the Lord. Said the angel, “They shall not find it. There is a
famine in the land; not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but
for hearing the words of the Lord. What would they not give for one