258
The Great Controversy 1888
to send a message of warning to arouse them from their stupor, and
lead them to make ready for the coming of their Lord.
This warning is brought to view in
Revelation 14
. Here is a three-
fold message represented as proclaimed by heavenly beings, and im-
mediately followed by the coming of the Son of man “to reap the
harvest of the earth.” The first of these warnings announces the ap-
proaching Judgment. The prophet beheld an angel flying “in the midst
of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell
on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the
hour of his Judgment is come; and worship him that made heaven, and
earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” [
Revelation 14:6, 7
.]
This message is declared to be a part of the “everlasting gospel.”
The work of preaching the gospel has not been committed to angels,
but has been intrusted to men. Holy angels have been employed in
directing this work, they have in charge the great movements for
the salvation of men; but the actual proclamation of the gospel is
performed by the servants of Christ upon the earth.
Faithful men, who were obedient to the promptings of God’s Spirit
and the teachings of his Word, were to proclaim this warning to the
world. They were those who had taken heed to the “sure word of
prophecy,” the “light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn,
[312]
and the day-star arise.” [
2 Peter 1:19
.] They had been seeking the
knowledge of God more than all hid treasures, counting it “better
than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.”
[
Proverbs 3:14
.] And the Lord revealed to them the great things of the
kingdom. “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he
will show them his covenant.” [
Psalm 25:14
.]
It was not the leaders in the church who had an understanding of
this truth, and engaged in its proclamation. Had these been faithful
watchmen, diligently and prayerfully searching the Scriptures, they
would have known the time of night; the prophecies would have opened
to them the events about to take place. But they did not occupy this
position, and the message was given by another class. Said Jesus,
“Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.” [
John
12:35
.] Those who turn away from the light which God has given, or
who neglect to seek it when it is within their reach, are left in darkness.
But the Saviour declares, “He that followeth me shall not walk in