HB-302

PROPHET OF THE END

by the Editor of Harvestime Books
Harvestime Books
Altamont, TN 37301 USA
Printed in the United States of America
Cover Painting: Jimi Claybrooks
Cover and Text Copyright 1988 by
Research Institute for Better Reading, Inc.
PROPHET OF THE END
About the cover: The front cover is based on a historic photograph that was
snapped on the morning of April 18, 1906, only a few hours after the disastrous San
Francisco earthquake took place. This photograph is now housed in the Bancroft Library
of the University of California. It is believed that the scene may have been shot by Arnold
Genthe, a professional photographer who took several outstanding photographs just
after the earthquake struck
Looking eastward down Market Street, toward the Bay, we can see the tower of
the eighteen-story Call newspaper building on fire at Third and Market. Only an hour or
two earlier, fire broke out in the tower of this, the tallest building in town, and now it is
gradually burning unhindered, floor by floor, to the ground. The pavement below lies
flooded with water from broken mains, rendering the city fire-fighting equipment useless.
By order of General Funston and Mayor Schmitt, the streets have been cleared of all
unauthorized citizens, and troops from Fort Mason and the Presidio are patrolling with
rifles and fixed bayonets the almost-deserted streets to prevent looting.
The back cover is a reconstniction of the same location the day before. Amid the
bright colors of spring, no one dreams of what the morrow is to bring. Indeed, this very
evening-in the other direction-a few blocks to the west up Market Street at the block-long
Pavilion across from the City Hall, a `Skating Masked Carnival," sponsored by the
Municipal Board of Supervisors, is scheduled to frolick into the night Festivities will run
until past midnight
Less than five hours later - and the San Andreas Fault will speak with death.

This book is protected by copyright But It Is possible to reprint It, without the payment of
royalties, if nothing is added or removed. This can be done either in English or in
translation. For further information, please contact the publisher.

PROPHET OF THE END

One of the Most Astounding True Stories of Modern Times! Here You will
Thrill to the Amazing History of a Young Girl-- Unable to Write a Sentence
or Walk Out the Door Unsupported--Yet Destined to Travel Across
Continents --and Write More Than Most Have Ever Written!
CONTENTS
1-LIGHTNING FROM THE EARTH
2- PSYCHIC WONDER LAND
3- A GIFT OF PROPHECY
4- APPLYING THE TESTS
5- TAKING UP THE PEN
6- IN JOURNEYS OFT
7- ANTICIPATING SCIENCE
8- RECOGNIZED BY OTHERS
9- SCRIPTURE ON A PROPHET
10- UNMASKING THE MASTERMIND
11- WARNING OF OUR TIME
12- THE TIME OF THE END
13- PLANET IN REBELLION
14- IDENTIFYING SATANS LIES
15- THE FINAL CRISIS
16- A WORLD ENDS
17- THE SWEEP OF CENTURIES
18- SATAN DISCUSSES HIS PLAN
19- COMPARING THE PROPHETS

20- THREE SCORE AND TEN

21- TREASURE CHEST OF INSPIRATION
Chapter 0ne
Lightning from the Earth
The tower bell of Old St. Mary's on California Street rang out five times on
the still, cool air. It promised to be another beautiful day for San Francisco; there
was no fog that morning and the streets were quiet.
The dance halls at the Barbary Coast and the houses of ill fame on Pacific Street
had closed shop for the night, as a few drunken stragglers made their way home. A
city, forgetting its sins, was beginning to arise.
It was Wednesday, April 18, 1906; at 5:08 the streetlights dimmed and
went out. A few cable cars and overhead trolleys had already left the streetcar
barns to begin a new day.
At 5:12, Police Sergeant Jesse Cook stopped at the corner of Washington
and Davis to chat with Al Levy, a young worker in the fresh produce district that
stood two blocks back of the waterfront.
The clocks on the tower of the Ferry Building said that it was 5:15--they
were running a little fast that morning. But it would be months before they would
run again.
For at that instant the earthquake struck.
Leaping out of the sea at seven thousand miles an hour, like some gigantic
animal, it first tore out the Point Arena Lighthouse, ninety miles north of San
Francisco. And then it sprang southward.
Moving rapidly, it unsheathed its bolts of earthen lightningand sent them
into the City by the Bay.
The animals sensed it first, as the horses shifted and whinnied. Jesse
Cook, later to become police commissioner, heard behind him a deep rumbling. It
was strangely distant. "Deep and terrible," he later called it. Turning, he looked up
the hill of Washington Streetand saw it coming toward him.
"The whole street was undulating. It was as if the waves of the ocean were
coming toward me, and billowing as they came." Packing more power than all the
explosives of World War II, the quake hit the city in full force. Compression waves
flowed beneath streets, buildings, and people. Earthwaves, two and three feet high,
rolled in on the city.

In the next moment, Cook saw both men and animals crushed beneath
falling brick walls.
Over on Market street, the business hub of the city, a man ran into the
middle of the street: " 'Keep to the middle of the street, Mac!' I shouted to one of
my friends. . I was thrown prone on my back and the pavement pulsated like a
living thing. Around me the huge buildings, looming up more terrible because of
the queer dance they were performing, wobbled and veered. Crash followed crash
and resounded on all sides. Screeches rent the air as terrified humanity streamed
out into the open in an agony of despair."
The shock only lasted 65 to 75 secondsbut it seemed an eternity. The
dance of death toppled towers and chimneys, crumpled rows of wood frame
houses, threw cornices and walls into the streets, sunk buildings into the ground,
twisted steel rails, bridges and pipelines.
The deafening roar produced by the quake was intense. John B. Farish, a
mining engineer in town on business, awoke in the St. Francis Hotel. "I was
awakened by a loud rumbling noise. . [and] a concussion, similar to that caused by
the nearby explosion of a huge blast, shook the building to its foundations. .And
then began a series of the liveliest motions imaginable, . . followed by tremendous
crashes as the cornices of adjoining buildings and chimneys tottered to the
ground.' "
Within seventeen minutes, nearly fifty fires were reported in the downtown
area. Fire engines rushed to answer the calls but found that the water mains were
broken. They stared at their hoses. The resulting conflagration burned down much
of the city.
Like Port Royal in Jamaica, that wicked haunt of pirates and slave-dealers,
which was hit by a powerful earthquake in 1692, San Francisco had been struck
down. Port Royal slid into the sea; San Francisco burned.
Shortly thereafter, a small lady was taken by carriage through the city
whose destruction she had agonized over. For she had predicted it. With teardimmed eyes she viewed firsthand the results of warnings given earlier.
"Not long hence these cities will suffer under the judgments of God. San
Francisco and Oakland are becoming as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the Lord will
visit them in wrath." Manuscript 114, 1902.
Again she had warned:
"I am bidden to declare the message that cities full of transgression, and
sinful in the extreme, will be destroyed by earthquakes, by fire, by flood. All the
world will be warned that there is a God who will display His authority."
Manuscript 35, 1906.

Driving amid the stifling stench of the destruction, she gazed in shock at
the terrible judgment. It was but two days before this devastating disaster that, she
saw in a night vision the quake and the carnage that now lay spread out before
her.
"There passed before me a most wonderful [awesome] representation.
During the vision of the night, I stood on an eminence from which I could see
houses shaken like a reed in the wind. Buildings; great and small, were falling to
the ground. Pleasure resorts, theaters, hotels, and the homes of the wealthy were
shaken and shattered. Many lives were blotted out of existence, and the air was
filled with the shrieks of the injured and the terrified.
"The destroying angels of God were at work. One touch, and buildings so
thoroughly constructed that men regarded them as secure against every danger
quickly became heaps of rubbish. There was no assurance of safety in anyplace. I
did not feel in any special peril but the awfulness of the scenes that passed before
me I cannot find words to describe. It seemed the forbearance of God was
exhausted, and the judgment day had come.
"Terrible as was the presentation that passed before me; that which
impressed itself most vividly upon my mind was the instruction given in
connection with it.
"The angel that stood by my side declared that God's supreme rulership,
and the sacredness of His law must be revealed to those who persistently refused
to render obedience to the King of kings. Those who choose to remain disloyal,
must be visited in mercy with judgments, in order, that, if possible, they may be
aroused to a realization of the sinfulness of their course."Manuscript dated April
16, 1906 (Letter 137, 1906, in Testimonies, Volume 9, page 92).
Awakening from the above vision, she turned on the light. It was 1:00 a.m.,
Monday, April 16. Four years earlier, in 1902, she had first predicted the
devastation of San Francisco. Within 53 hours it was to take place."
490 city blocks were destroyed; 256,000 were left homeless. Mercifully,
only 498 died. Property was destroyed at the rate of one million dollars every ten
minutes by the earthquake and fire following it, Which burned at times with blast
furnace heat, ranging up to 20000 F. Yet she later warned of sill more destruction
in the future upon these and other wicked cities.
"The light given me is that the wickedness in the cities of San Francisco and
Oakland is beyond all imagination. God's wrath is upon many of the inhabitants of
these cities." Manuscript 25,1908.
"'These things make me feel very solemn, because I know that the judgment
day is right upon us. The judgments that have already come are a warning, but not
the finishing, of the punishment that will come on wicked cities." Letter 154,
1906.

"I feel sure that San Francisco and Oakland will again be visited with the
judgments of God."Letter 2, 1909.
Seismologythe study of earthquakes was yet in its infancy. But
warnings given then, are recognized today by leading scientists as facts to be
fulfilled again along the San Andreas Fault.
When a prophet speaks, it comes to pass.
Prophet of the End
Chapter 2
PSYCHIC WONDERLAND
Psychics have "Prophetic Accuracy Quotients.
These are the percentages when their hunches turn out right. Jeane Dixon,
Daniel Logan, David Bubar, and the others try to score high. But most of the time
they don't.
Prophets, have certainty; the certainty of God backing them. Every
prediction given, by a prophet will always come true unless, because men have
repented of their sins and returned to Godor because they have decided to leave
Him, the predicted outcome must be changed. If men will sincerely repent, God
will give them another opportunity. With but this one exception, the predictions of
the prophet will always come to pass.
There are prophets and there are psychics. We can clearly know the origin
and message of both. The one follows the blueprint given in Scripture; the other
finds its origin and messages in spiritualism.
Prophets will reprove sin and exalt the Bible; they will lead men to Christ
and warn them of coming crises.
The psychics derive their information from the dark world. They tell us that
their powers to predict come from crystal balls and "spirits of dead men" who visit
them.
And what of their predictions?
Every year there seem to be more psychics than the year before. And they
are predicting all kinds of eventsengagements of movie starlets, political results,
TV star contracts, the births of new "messiahs," next year's fashions, spiritualistic
phenomena, and airplane crashes.
We need information. But sources are important. We dare not go to the
wrong ones. Are the psychics and their fellow travelers (the astrologers,

clairvoyants, mediums and Satanists) safe? Are they reliable? There are ways we
can know.
Whereas the prophets of God received visions from heaven, warning men to
repent of their sins and return to God; the psychics obtain their information from
contacts that are far different.
They tell us that their powers to predict come from crystal balls, light
bulbs, electronic boxes, and "spirits of dead men" who visit them. Ouija boards
and sances are other means of information. And, as we shall find, guesswork is
yet another helpful source.
If you ask for details of the predicted tragedies, they will tell you that it is all
but a cluster of unrelated accidents and events, and that these incidents have no
connection or reason for occurrence. Oddly enough, the events themselves seem
generally to be focused on celebrities: movie stars, singers, politicians, and so
forth. But more often than not, the occurrence predicted will be a marriage or
some such affair.
But not so with the ancient prophets sent to men with messages from
Heaven. They received their directions directly from God through visions and
dreams. And they warned men everywhere to flee from sin and return to the Lord
while there was still time. And they predicted judgments upon the land. They
clearly declared that these judgments would come because of disobedience to the
Laws of God. Andunlike the psychics of our day,their predictions could be
counted on to come true unless men repented of those sins.
The psychics are very much different than the prophets: different in source,
purpose and message. Many people fear the contacts, which supply the
information to the psychics. Such have good reason to fear, for the Bible has
warned against such manifestations.
"And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar
spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek
unto their God? for the living to the dead?
"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it
is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:19-20.
At the beginning of 1978, Ralph Blodgett decided it was time to settle this
matter of "psychics. So he did what other people have thought of doing but have
never done. He went from one magazine vending counter to another, buying up the
first-ofthe-year sensational and gossip tabloids; Then he took his loot home and
carefully compiled a list of 250 definite predictions for the year 1978.
As the year passed, he kept close tab on the news stories as they broke in
the newspapers, as well as the major news, science, gossip and sports magazines
and kept watching for fulfillments of those 250 predictions.

Then he sat down at the end of the year and put it all together. Out of 250
specific prognostications by the thirty leading psychics of the world, less than 3
percent (i.e. 6 out. of 250) could be listed as reasonably fulfilled. 97 percent
missed the mark entirely. (The six correct ones had been stated in such general
terms that it was not difficult for them to find someone someplace that could fulfill
them.)
"What kind of predictions are we talking about? Here are a few for 1978
that flopped: U.S. space shuttle disaster sets program back 10 years; another
major power failure to hit New York City in early 1978; a fire ravages the White
House; the price of gas to reach $1.50 a gallon in U.S.; Quebec to split from rest of
Canada; Carter to impose mandatory nationwide four-day workweek in January;
Cuba to apply to become fifty-first state; nationwide postal strike to halt all
Christmas mail; Carter to reintroduce the draft in September; discovery of a
cancer cure; Red China and the Soviet Union to go to war; CIA and FBI merge into
a super spy agency; and remains of Atlantis discovered in Mediterranean off
Turkey."Ralph Blodgett, "Supermarket Psychics Spin the Roulette Wheel Again,"
in "These Times," March 1979, page 8.
Not only predictions of major news events, but also many that were little
better than ridiculous: Five different psychics predicted that "Charlie's Angels" TV
show would be cancelled; Burt Reynolds would marry Sally Field; Lindsay Wagner
would become a TV superstar rage, replacing Farrah Fawcett-Majors; "Big-foot"
would be captured. (None of which came true.) Such are not the messages of God
to this world at such a perilous time in history as we are in today.
Where does all this come from? It is well known that there are only two
supernatural powers in our world. Rene Noorbergen, in his excellent book,
"Prophet of Destiny, draws back the curtain and reveals what is behind all this:.
"James Bjornstad, author of the paperback, 'Twentieth Century Prophecy,' a
small yet powerful book dealing with the prophetic phenomena as displayed by
Edgar Cayce and Jeane Dixon, has made a number of interesting comparisons
between the abilities of these two great psychics and the Biblical requirements for
a true prophet. His conclusion, based strictly on Biblical references, is for them
truly devastating.
"Comparing all those who profess to have the extrasensory psychic gift
(astrologers, mediums, clairvoyants, clairaudients, palmists, crystal gazers,
telepathists etc.) and submitting their abilities to the same basic set of Biblical
standards, one arrives at the mind-shattering conclusion that all psychic
mediumsand this includes such greats as Edgar Cayce, Jeane Dixon, Daniel
Logan, Gerard Croiset, Peter Hurkos, Arthur Forti, etc.without exception not only
violate many basic Biblical principles, but also more often than not act in stark
contradiction to the Biblical norms for a true prophet.
"The occult covers such a vast field of activities, and expecting to find one
single Bible text applicable to all psychic phenomena would be asking too much.

Yet there are ten very fundamental tests that beg for attention.
"At a time when 10,000 professional astrologers control the daily activities
of 40 million people in the United States through 1,200 daily astrology columns
and 2,350 horoscope computers; when roughly140,000 fortune-tellers, mediums,
clairvoyants and psychic seers have created a 42-million-dollar-a-year business;
and when three major universities offer credit courses in witchcraft, magic,
astrology and sorcery, a fool-proof method to separate the psychics from the
prophets has become essential!
"The tests for a true prophet, all found in the Old and New Testaments of
the Bible, pointedly indicate that those prognosticators not measuring up to these
stringent qualifications cannot lay claim to the rare distinction of being true
prophets of God.
"They can be summarized as follows:
"1. A true prophet does not lie. His predictions will be fulfilled (Jeremiah
28:9).
"2. A true prophet prophesies in the name of the Lord, not in his own name
(2 Peter 1 :21).
"3. A true prophet does not give his own private interpretation of prophecy
(2 Peter 1:20).
"4. A true prophet points out the sins and transgressions of the people of
God (Isaiah 58:1)..
"5. A true prophet is to warn the people of God's coming judgment (Isaiah
24:20-21; Revelation 14:6-7).
"These first five tests alone are already sufficient to damage the reputation
of most of the so-called prophets, but crowned with the second group of five, they
are truly devastating.
"6. A true prophet edifies the church, counsels and advises it in religious
matters (1 Corinthians 14:34).
"7. A true prophet's words will be in absolute harmony with the words of
the prophets that have preceded him (Isaiah 8:20).
"8. He recognizes the incarnation of Jesus Christ (1 John 4:1-3).
"9. He can be recognized by the results of his work (Matthew 7:16-20).
"Finally [10] he must be able to meet the requirements listed in
Deuteronomy 18 :9-12: A true prophet acts in accordance with the will and

approval of God.
.. Thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
There shall not be found among you anyone, . . that useth divination [fortuneteller], or an observer of times [astrologer], or an enchanter [magician], or a witch,
or a consulter with familiar spirits [medium possessed with a spirit or a 'guide'] ,
or a wizard [clairvoyant or psychic] , or a necromancer [medium who consults the
dead]. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord.'
[Deuteronomy 18:9-12]
"Based on these texts, it becomes obvious that not everyone who prophesies
is a prophet of God .. To be even more precise, the actions of a true prophet are
not in contradiction to basic Biblical doctrines, but rather support and strengthen
precepts already outlined." -Rene Noorbergen, "Prophet of Destiny," pages 20-23.
Noorbergen's book is an excellent one. If you have opportunity, purchase a
copy and read it for yourself. .
There is more than mere fakery in the psychics: There is a superhuman
power at work. This power has been known all through ancient times, and
although condemned in the Bible, it has existed in heathenism down to our own
time.
"Shall we . . come down to the plain simple truth that the phenomenal
aspects of Modern Spiritualism reproduce all the essential principles of the Magic,
Witchcraft and Sorcery of the past? The same powers are involved. . the same
intelligences are operating."J.J. Morse, a leading Spiritualist, 'in his book,
"Practical Occultism."
And yet present-day Psychics recognize that their ability is the same power
that controlled psychics in earlier ages. Sometimes they will say that their
predictions of the marriages of movie stars comes from God. Jeane Dixon is in
this category. Others, such as David Bubar, another well-known psychic, believes
that his "power" to foretell the future comes from abilities within himself. Yet
another leading psychic, Daniel Logan, declares that the power comes from
communication with spirit beings through sances. Logan says the psychics are
occult and receive their knowledge through a contact with unseen shadows. "
But it was not until the year 1848 that it began its powerful surge into the
western world. And that entrance came about in a very strange way. Taking time to
learn its modern origins will greatly help us to understand it.
"By common acceptance March 31, 1848, is the date, that has officially
been celebrated as the day when the raps at Hydesville, N.Y., in the home of the
Fox family, heralded to the world the stupendous message: There is no death;
there are no dead. March 31 is the day when Spiritualists celebrate the dawn of a
new era which has changed the thought of the world. . March 31, 1848, ushered in
a new era for the human race, an era which had its beginning with the tiny raps at

Hydesville and will culminate only in the distant cycles of the future. . We are spirit
here and now, a part of God."-M.E. Cadwallader, co-founder of the National
Spiritualist Association, in "There is No DeathThere are No Dead." in Centennial
Book( p. 68-69 (1948).
The first great lie was spoken by Satan, the father of lies, to Eve in the
Garden of Eden: "Ye shall not surely die. For God doth know that in the day ye eat
thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods knowing good and
evil." (Genesis 3:4.5) Beware of those two lies: You shall be God; you shall not die.
These are two basic beliefs and operating principles of all spiritualists,
clairvoyants and psychics. Beware of them.
In the spring of 1848 in a little cabin in Hydesville, New York, strange
"rappings" were heard, but always where Margaretta (fifteen, also called
"Margaret") and Katie (twelve, also called "Kate") happened to be. And it generally
occurred only in a darkened room. On the evening of March 3l, the two girls
reported loud "rappings" in their room. Katie would laughingly cry out, "Mr.
Splitfoot [Satan], do as I do," and then clap her hands several times. The
"rappings" would reply the same number of times. When their frightened mother
came, in, she asked the ages of each of her six children (including one who had
earlier died), and the rappings counted off their ages correctly. In a matter of days
the house became thronged with curious people who were convinced that "the
departed dead " were communicating with the girls. People were willing to believe
that they could communicate with "dead spirits,"and through this belief they
opened a door for devils to enter,for within several weeks rappings were heard by
hopeful communicants all over New England. By the early 1850s more than a
million people in the United States and England had accepted the strange sounds
as proof that the spirits of the dead are floating around, waiting to speak with
them.
When the Fox sisters, Margaretta and Katie, were sent away to live with
relatives, the rappings followed them when they were in darkened rooms. They
thoroughly enjoyed the publicity of it all and in 1849 the first of many public
demonstrations in darkened rooms was arranged in Rochester, New York. From
then on the phenomena was known as the "Rochester rappings.".
Still later, Katie and Margaretta held spiritualist seances, and something
would appear which said it was "departed friends:" Spiritualist organizations and
"churches" were formed as a result of their efforts. And with them, a strong
interest in astrology and socalled "psychic predictions." The Fox sisters are today
considered to be the founders of modem Spiritualisman occult communicating
with demons.
Something deeply bothered Margaretta, and in 1858 she stopped her work
as a Spiritualist medium and joined the Roman Catholic Church. As the years
passed, both sisters gradually became confirmed alcoholics, and kept sinking
deeper in loss of self-control, immorality, poverty, and alcoholism. "Pressed by,
the spirits," Margaretta again became a spirit medium in 1867, again with full

"powers" to bring spirits out of the air to appear as "departed loved ones from the
presence of God." And this, in spite of her gross immorality in both standards and
practice. Of this time in her life, the English Spiritualist, James Burns, editor of
"The Medium", wrote after her tragic death:
"We have [here] a woman giving spiritual manifestations to others, while
within herself she is spiritually lost and misdirected. All moral sense, and control
of mind and desire were gone. . But when the medium makes a trade of it and
puffs the thing up as a commodity for sale, then farewell to all that might elevate
or instruct in the subject."James Burns, "The Medium and Daybreak," April 28,
1893, p. 258.
Her husband, Dr. Elisha Kane, an Arctic explorer, saw more clearly the
causes behind her moral collapse: It was the deception of the "rappings" that she
had kept hidden in her heart all those years, for only to a few intimates did she
disclose their origin.
" 'Oh, Maggie, are you never tired of this weary, weary sameness of
continual deceit? Are you doomed thus to spend your days, doomed never to rise
to better things?' "
" 'Do avoid "spirits," I cannot bear to think of you as engaged in a course of
wickedness and deception. Maggie, you have no friend but me whose interest in
you is disconnected from this cursed rapping. Pardon my saying so; but is it not
deceit even to listen [silently] when others are deceived?" Letter from Dr. Elisha
Kane to his wife Margaretta, quoted in C.E. Bechhofer Roberts, 'The Truth About
Spiritualism', pp. 47,48.
Finally, in 1888, Margaretta Fox Kane could no longer withstand the
accusings of her conscience. Millions looked to her, in sincerity, as one of the cofounders of a great new psychic movement that was supposed to lead humanity to
a great new age of better living,yet which was only demon worship. She called in
newspaper reporters and told them that the satanic guidance called "Modern
Spiritualism" and "psychic research "had really sprung out of her and Katie's
childhood deceptions. She said that she had tried to drown it all in drink, but to,
no avail. She said that to those who, over the years, had been urging her to
conduct sances with departed spirits, she replied, "You are driving me to hell!"
Within a few days, her sister Katie Fox Jencken returned from a trip to Europe
and told reporters that she would join her sister in the exposure.
"I regard Spiritualism as one of the greatest curses that the world has ever
known."Katie Fox Jencken, "New York Herald," October 9, 1888.
Then, on October 21, before a large assembly gathered in the New York
Academy of Music for this purpose, after a Dr. Richmond had, by sleight of hand,
successfully imitated the slate writing and thought reading of the sance room,
Margaretta arose and, in her sister's presence, read a statement repudiating their
"powers" as a fake.

"That I have been chiefly instrumental in perpetrating the fraud of

Spiritualism upon a too-confiding public, most of you doubtless know. The
greatest sorrow in my life has been that this is true, and though it has come late in
my day, I am now prepared to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the
truth, so help me God! . . I am here tonight as one of the founders of Spiritualism
to denounce it as an absolute falsehood from beginning to end, as the flimsiest of
superstitions, the most wicked blasphemy known to the world' "Margaretta Fox
Kane, quoted in A.B. Davenport, The Deathblow to Spiritualism, p. 76. (Also see
"New York World," for October 21, 1888; and "New York Herald" and "New York
Daily Tribune," for October 22, 1888.)
That evening, Margaretta revealed that it all began because she had a big toe
that was unusually double-jointed. At will, she could bend it and make
surprisingly loud clicks, or "rappings." She and her sister Katie had decided to
play a joke on their mother and pretend they were talking to the devil or a spirit.
But they had no idea that what they had started would turn into such a gargantuan
monster that denied basic principles of morality and Christianityand brought
people under satanic control.
"By throwing life, and enthusiasm into her big toe Mrs. Margaret Fox Kane
produced loud spirit-rapping in the Academy of Music last night which dealt a
death-blow to Spiritualism, that huge and world-wide fraud which she and her
sister Katie founded in 1848. Both sisters were present and both denounced
Spiritualism as a monstrous imposition and a cheat.
"The great building was crowded and the wildest excitement prevailed at
times. Hundreds of spiritualists had come to see the originators of their faith
destroy it at one stroke. They were greatly agitated at times and hissed fiercely.
Take it all in all, it was a most remarkable and dramatic spectacle."New York
Herald, October 22, 1888.
Under great pressure from spiritualists, both sisters later signed
statements repudiating their earlier repudiation. With this agreement to return to
deception, both gradually sunk into deeper gloom, and eventually died as
alcoholics. Katie in June 1892, and Margaretta in March 1893.
Here is Margaretta's final outcome, as recorded by one of New York City's
largest daily newspapers: "The tenement house of No. 456 West 57th Street, New
York, is deserted now, except one room, from cellar to roof. The room is occupied
by a woman nearly 60 years of age, an object of charity, a mental and physical
wreck, whose appetite is only for intoxicating liquors. The face, though marked by
age and dissipation, shows unmistakably that the woman was once beautiful. This
wreck of womankind has been a guest in palaces and courts. The powers of mind,
now almost imbecile, were the wonder and study of scientific men in America,
Europe, and Australia. Her name was eulogized, sung, and ridiculed in a dozen
languages. The lips that utter little else now than profanity once promulgated the
doctrine of a new religion which still numbers its tens of thousands of enthusiastic
believers."Washington Daily Star, March 7, 1893.

It is generally recognized that both modem Spiritualism and the astrologers

and psychics that ply their trade in private audiences and through the major
newspapers of the world today-trace their modem reappearance to the strange
"rappings" in the children's bedroom of John Fox's home in Hydesville, New York,
on the night of March 31,1848.
CHAPTER THREE
A GIFT OF PROPHECY
We have seen that the largest Spiritualistic organizations of the world today
find their modern resurgence in a small cabin in upstate New York in 1848.
The very same year, the largest atheistic political organizations in the
worldworld communism, find their origin also. For in that year Karl Marx coauthored with Friedrich Engels the book, "Communist Manifesto," in a small room
in Brussels, Belgium. Thoughtful Christians recognize that the followers of both
Spiritualism and atheistic Communismserve the same master.
And eleven years later, the third major anti-God religion of modern times
came into existence: Charles Darwin wrote his book, "On the Origin of Species.
There is a reason why all three started at about the same time.
Thinking men today recognize that we are on the edge of a great crisis, and
what may be the end of the world. Careful students of Scripture, a century and a
half earlier, had already discovered the same truth. Certain Bible prophecies
revealed that our planet was nearing its end. But what many did not know was
that God was to send a prophet to give His people guidance through the hectic
final days before the climax of the ages came. But Satan knew, and he began to
raise up counterfeit prophets soon after. For the first vision of the true prophet
came in the year 1844.
Twin girls arrived at the home of Robert and Eunice Harmon on November
26, 1827. They were named Ellen and Elizabeth. The little farm was near the
village of Gorham, Maine, about twelve miles west of Portland, Maine, in the
northeastern part of the United States.
During her childhood, the active and helpful Ellen tried cheerfully to assist
in the home. She was bright and alert, but at the age of nine, while returning home
from school, she was injured by a stone thrown by a classmate. The accident,
which nearly cost her her life, stopped her formal schooling with about three
grades of education. It was expected that she would die soon.
In the year 1840, at the age of twelve, Ellen gave her heart to God. At her
insistence, she was baptized that same day in the foaming surf of, the Atlantic
Ocean. During the next several years, she found enough strength to knit stockings
to be sold to help support missionaries. Her parents, both faithful Christians,

were glad that she could be so occupied, for they knew she did not have long to
live.
But there was one thing that she could not bring herself to do for her Lord,
and that was to publicly witness to her faith in prayer before others. Yet she felt
she could not do it, and resisted the duty for several weeks. Here is how she
describes what came next:
"I returned home and again went before the Lord, and promised that I
would do and suffer anything if I could have the smiles of Jesus. The same duty
was presented. There was a prayer meeting that evening, which I attended, and
when others knelt to pray, I bowed with them trembling, and after two or three
had prayed, I opened my mouth in prayer before, was aware of it, and the
promises of God looked to me like so many precious pearls that were to be
received by only asking for them. As I prayed, the burden and agony of soul that I
had so long felt left me; and the blessing of God came upon me like the gentle dew,
I gave glory to God for what I felt, but I longed for more. I could not be satisfied till
I was filled with the fullness of God. Inexpressible love for Jesus filled my soul..
Everything looked glorious and new, as if smiling and praising God. I was then
willing to confess Jesus everywhere." Early Writings, page 12-13.
Ellen took spiritual things very seriously. Freed from her fears about
speaking, and anxious that her teenage acquaintances might come to know the
Lord, she immediately began praying for and pleading with them individually.
"I arranged meetings with my young friends, some of whom were
considerably older than myself, and a few were married persons, A number of
them were vain and thoughtless; my experience sounded to them like an idle tale,
arid they did not heed my entreaties. But I determined that my efforts should
never cease till these dear souls, for whom I had so great an interest, yielded to
God. Several entire nights were spent by me in earnest prayer for those whom I
had sought out and brought together for the purpose of laboring and praying with
them.
Some of these had met with us from curiosity to hear what I had to say;
others thought me beside myself to be so persistent in my efforts, especially when
they manifested no concern on their own part. But at every one pf our little
meetings, I continued to exhort and pray for each one separately, until everyone
had yielded to Jesus, acknowledging the merits of His pardoning love.. Everyone
was converted to God.
"Night after night in my dreams I seemed to be laboring for the salvation of
souls. At such times special cases were presented to my mind; these I afterward
sought out and prayed with. In every instance but one these person yielded
themselves to the Lord. Some of our more formal brethren feared that I was too
zealous for the conversion of souls; but time seemed to me so short that it
behooved all who had a hope of a blessed immortality and looked for the soon
coming of Christ, to labor without ceasing for those who were still in their sins and

standing on the awful brink of ruin."Life Sketches, page,41, 42.

One morning in late December of 1844, Ellen Harmon went to the home of
a fellow believer in South Portland, Maine. There, together with four Christian
ladies, she bowed in prayer that souls would be helped to know Jesus better. Poor
little Ellen: so frail, so physically weak. And yet the God of heaven loves His little
ones. When you and I come to Him, He will accept us in our great weakness and
use us to do the work He has assigned us.
As they were kneeling together in prayer, Ellen was taken off in vision. It
was her first. Here is her account of part of that first vision. It was not an expose
of movie stars or a call to worship devils; it was a description of the deeper
Christian experience we all need in order to weather the dark days ahead. And it
was also a view of future events:
"While I was praying at the family altar, the Holy Ghost fell upon me, and I
seemed to be rising "higher and higher, far above the dark world. I turned to look
for the Advent people [the people who were longing for Jesus' Second Coming] in
the world, but could not find them, when a voice said to me, 'Look again, and look
a little higher.' At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path, cast
up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were traveling to the city,
which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light setup behind
them at the beginning of the path, which an angel told me was the midnight cry
[read Matthew 25:6]. This light shone all along the path and gave light for their feet
so that they might not stumble. If they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just
before them, leading them to the city, they were safe. But soon some grew weary,
and said the city was a great way off, and they expected to have entered it before.
Then Jesus would encourage them by raising His glorious right arm, and from His
arm came a light which waved over the Advent band, and they shouted, 'Alleluia!'
Others rashly denied the light behind them and said that it was not God that had
led them out so far. The light behind them went out, leaving their feet in perfect
darkness, and They stumbled, and lost sight of the mark and of Jesus, and fell off
the path down into the dark and wicked world below. . Soon our eyes were drawn
to the east, for a small black cloud had appeared, about half as large as a man's
hand, which we all knew was the sign of the Son of man. We all in solemn silence
gazed on the cloud as it drew nearer and became lighter, glorious, and still more
glorious, till it was a great white cloud. The bottom appeared like fire, a rainbow
was over the cloud, while around it were ten thousand angels, singing a most
lovely song; and upon it sat the Son of man. .
"Oh, that I could talk in the language of Canaan, then could I tell of the glary
of the better world.. After we beheld the glory of the temple, we went out, and
Jesus left us and went to the city. Soon we heard His lovely voice again, saying,
'Come, My people, you have come out of great tribulation, and have done My will;
suffered for Me; come in to supper, for I will gird Myself, and serve you.' We
shouted, 'Alleluia! glory! and entered into the city. And I saw a table of pure silver;
it was many miles in length, yet our eyes could extend over it. I saw the fruit of the
tree of life, the manna, almonds, figs, pomegranates, grapes, and. many other

kinds of fruit. I asked Jesus to let me eat of the fruit. He said, 'Not now. Those
who eat of the fruit of this land go back to earth no more. But in a little while, if
faithful, you shall both eat of the fruit of the tree of life and drink of the water of
the fountain.' And He said, 'You must go back to the earth again and relate to
others what I have revealed to you.' Then an angel bore me gently down to this
dark world. Sometimes I think I can stay here no longer; all things of earth look so
dreary. I feel very lonely here, for I have seen a better land. Oh, that I had wings
like a dove, then would I flyaway and be at rest!" Early Writings, pages 14-16,
19-20..
Years later, she described what happened when she came out of that first
vision:
"They thought that I was dead, and there they watched and cried and
prayed so long, but to me it was heaven. It was life, and then the world was spread
out before me and I saw darkness like the pall of death.
"What did it mean? I could see no light. Then I saw a little glimmer of light
and then another, and those lights increased and grew brighter, and multiplied
and grew stronger and stronger till they were the light of the world. These were the
believers in Jesus Christ..
"I never thought that I should come to the world again. When my breath
came again to my body, I could not hear anything. Everything was dark. The light
and glory that my eyes had, rested upon had eclipsed the light and thus it was for
many hours. Then gradually I began to recognize the light, and I asked where I
was.
" 'You are right here in my house,' said the owner of the house.
" 'What, here? I here. Do you not know about it? Then it all came back to
me. Is this to be my home? Have I come back here again? Oh, the weight, and the
burden which came upon my soul."-Manuscript 16, 1894.
She was later to learn that two others had had a vision remarkably similar
to hers. One was William Foy, another was Hazen Foss. Both were nice appearing,
tall Christians who were reported to be excellent public speakers. And both had
ultimately refused to tell their visions to others. Foy later told Ellen that her
earliest visions were just like his, which he received in 1842 and 1844. Foss had
one visiontwo months before Ellen's first vision, and just after Foy finally
determined to no longer discuss his. Foss later said that he dreaded the public
opprobrium, and he refused to relate that which he had seen, even though he had
been told in vision to do so, and he had been deeply convicted that he must.
Then one day he heard a voice: "You have grieved away the Spirit of God."
At this, he immediately assembled an audience. Standing before them he tried to
recall the vision but could not do so. After several attempts he cried, "It is gone
from me; I can say nothing, the Spirit of the Lord has left me!" The meeting was

described by those present as "the most terrible meeting I have ever been in."
Hazen Foss, was described as a man of fine appearance, good education,
and excellent speaking ability. When he refused to relate the vision given to him, he
was told that the burden would be taken from him and given to "the weakest of the
weak." Two months later, when Ellen received her first vision, friends fully
expected her to be dead before springtime.
"Miss Harmon was at that time in a very critical condition of health. For a
number of weeks she had scarcely been able to speak above a whisper. One
physician had decided that her trouble was dropsical consumption [tuberculosis
complicated by dropsy]. He said her right lung was decayed and the left one
considerably diseased, and that her heart was affected. . He said he did not think
she could live but a very short time at most, and was liable to drop away at any
time. It was with great difficulty that she could breathe when lying down. At night
she obtained rest only by being bolstered up in the bed in an almost sitting
posture. Frequent spells of coughing and hemorrhages from the lungs had
reduced her physical strength" Statement by J.N. Loughborough.
A week after that first vision, she had a second: "In my second vision, about
a week after the first, the Lord gave me a view of the trials through Which I must
pass, and told me that I must go and relate to others what He had revealed to me .
. After I came out of this vision I was exceedingly troubled, for it pointed out my
duty to go out among the people and present the truth. My health was so poor that
I was in constant bodily suffering, and to all appearance had but a short time to
live. ...
"For several days, and far into the night, I prayed that this burden might be
removed from me, and laid upon some" one more capable of bearing it. But the
light of duty did not change, and the words of the angel sounded continually in my
ears, 'Make known to others what I have revealed to you.' . . How could I, a child in
years, go forth from place to place, unfolding to the people the holy truths of God?
.. My father. . repeatedly assured me that if God had called me to labor in other
places, He would not fail to open the way for me."- Life Sketches, pages 69.70. .
It is interesting that when God wants to find someone that He can use for a
special work, He may have to select the humblest, simply because the more
capable are too self-sufficient to be used.
Ellen had no idea how she was going to answer this call, and travel from
town to, town in her weakened condition. She had little strength, no money, no
traveling companion. And last but not least, she could not talk above a whisper.
She spoke with her father about the situation, and he told her that the Lord would
give her strength to do whatever He might ask of her. Then Sarah, an older sister,
offered to accompany her at first, if she had to travel and relate what she had been
shown to others.
"A day or two after this, Ellen's brother-in-law, from a little town thirty

miles to the north drove up in a sleigh. 'Will you come- back with me, Ellen?' he
asked. 'Mary wants you to visit her.''
"Ellen felt that God was opening the way for her to give His message and
that she must go. It was midwinter in northern New England. Every breath of the
icy air pained her lungs. But she dressed warmly, and sitting on the floor of the
sleigh, she pulled a heavy buffalo robe over her head. When they arrived, her sister
said, 'I'm glad you came; there's to be a meeting tonight at MacGuire's Hill. Will you
go with us?'
" . . When Ellen reached the meeting place [in a private home], she found a
large room filled with people eager to hear her describe the vision. But when she
stood up to speak, her voice was so weak and hoarse that she could scarcely be
heard. For five minutes she tried, while her listeners leaned forward to catch her
whispered words.
"Then suddenly, to the surprise of all, her voice changed. It rang out clear
as a bell. She spoke for two hours, describing the travels of God's people to the
Holy City, the coming of Jesus, and their heavenly home. Many tears were shed,
but they were tears of joy. Every heart was cheered. When Ellen sat down and tried
to talk with those near her, her voice was as hoarse as before, and she could only
whisper.
"Some people have wondered why God chose one so weak to bring His
messages to His people. There was a reason. When that company. . saw Ellen
stand up and try in her weakness to make them hear, and then when the power of
God came upon her, enabling her to speak clearly, they knew she was not doing it
aloneGod was helping her.
"That night as the company broke up, there were shouts of joy: 'We are
going home! We are going home!' Some who watched Ellen's friends support her as
she went back to the sleigh were thinking of the Apostle Paul's words: 'God hath
chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; . .
that no flesh should glory in His presence.' "Ella M. Robinson, Stories of My
Grandmother, page 25,26.
That evening, unknown to Ellen, Hazen Foss stood outside the door and
listened to what she said. The next day he went to the house she was visiting in
and introduced himself. She had never met or heard of him before. He told her
that he had received the same vision of heaven that she had, but that because he
refused to relate it, God told him that He had released him from the work and that
He would give it to another.
"Ellen.. the Lord gave me a message to bear to His people. And I refused
after being told of the consequences. . I murmured against God and wished myself
dead. . I heard you talk last night. I believe the visions are taken from me, and
given to you. Do not refuse to obey God, for it will be at the peril of your soul. I am
a lost man. You are chosen of God; be faithful in doing your work." Letter 37,

1890.
And so it was that a young girl, barely strong enough to walk to a sleigh by
herself, was ultimately to receive a startling array of special messages to the people
living in these last days of earth's history.
At seventeen this young woman was opposing mesmerists, rebuking
fanatics, traveling through Maine.
At eighteen and nineteen she was telling others about Christ in Vermont
and Massachusetts. By twenty-two she was urging that a major publishing work
begin. At twenty-five she was explaining to others twice her age the intricacies of
organizational structure of a growing movement. How did this frail girl with only a
third-grade education do all this? All this was not the kind of work naturally
belonging to a young woman. No committee would ask a girl to undertake such a
task. And no call of any committee could qualify a youth for such service. But God
had called and men recognized the call.
In February 1845, a two-day sleigh ride took her to Orrington, Maine, 135
miles to the north-east. While there she met a young preacher named James
White. A year and a half later they were married, on August 30, 1846. James
recognized the prophetic gift that Ellen had been entrusted with, and he
determined to help her in her work. And so it was that Miss Ellen G. Harmon
became Mrs. Ellen G. White.
Poverty in the extreme marked the beginning of their marriage. Recognizing
their great need, the Howland family in Topsham offered them a free room in their
home. It was not until 1855 that they were able to live in a house by themselves.
With borrowed furnitureand often foodthey kept at their work of traveling
from place to place. When at home, Ellen tried to find strength to write out
messages needed by others.
But as they traveled and spoke, so much courage was brought to many a
heart! Ellen told them that God had not forsaken His people, but that He would be
with them to the end. And she would picture for them scenes of what their eternal
home in heaven would be like. Many who have since read these words, of
encouragement and these descriptions in her published books have alike been
strengthened to continue on with their allotted duties in this world of sorrow, as
they await the goodly land that God is preparing for them.

CHAPTER FOUR
APPLYING THE TESTS
What are the tests of a true prophet? Here is the test whereby Jeane Dixon
knew that her vision of the coming world "messiah" was not only genuine but an

extremely important vision: crackling noises inside of light bulbs!

In her biography of Jeane Dixon, Ruth Montgomery explains that Jeane
Dixon knew that an important vision was soon to come to her, because the light
bulbs in the chandelier in her bedroom began crackling. This sound continued for
three days. By that time, Jeane was certain that a vision of the highest
consequence was about to be given to her. At times the light bulbs would increase
and decrease in brightness as the crackling sounds within them continued
unabated. On the third morning, she walked over to her bedroom windowand
received her vision:
"Stepping out of the brightness of the sun's rays, hand in hand, were a
Pharaoh and Queen Nefertiti. Cradled in the Queen's other arm was a baby, his
ragged, soiled clothing in startling contrast to the gorgeously arrayed royal couple.
The eyes of this child were all-knowing,' Jeane says softly. 'They were full
of wisdom and knowledge.'
"A little to one side of Queen Nefertiti, Jean could glimpse a pyramid. While
she watched entranced, the couple advanced toward her and thrust forth the baby,
as if offering it to the entire world. . Now, rays of light burst forth from the baby,
blending with those of the sun and obliterating the Pharaoh from her sight..
"Jeane shifted her gaze back to the baby. He had by now grown to
manhood, and a small cross, which formed above him, began to expand until it
dripped over the earth in all directions. Simultaneously, people of every race,
religion and color.. kneeling and lifting his arms in worshipful adoration,
surrounded him. They were all as one .. Jeane remarked that she knew
instinctively that this vision meant that she had come face to face with the
beginning of wisdom.' "Ruth .Montgomery, Gift of Prophecy, pages 179-181.
Here was the explanation of the prophecy, as given to Jeane Dixon:
"A child, born somewhere in the Middle East shortly after 7 A.M. (EST) on
February 5, 1962, will revolutionize the world, Before the close of the century he
will bring together all mankind in one all-embracing faith. This will be the
foundation of a new Christianity, with every sect and creed united through this
man who will walk among the people to spread the wisdom of the Almighty
Power."Ibid.
Jeane Dixon has declared that her visions come directly from God Himself.
What is the test that verifies that the vision is genuine? A crackling sound within
light bulbs. Where does the future "messiah" come, from? from ancient
paganism. Nefertiti (Nefretete) was the wife of Akhenaton (Ikhnaton), a pharaoh, or
king, of ancient Egypt (c. 1377-1361 B.C.) who, during his reign, temporarily
substituted another form of heathenism, sun worship, in the place of the regular
deities of the Egyptians (frogs, crocodiles, bulls, etc.). In the vision, Dixon saw a
pyramid beside "the holy couple" and their child. A number of non-Christian

religious systems unite in attributing divine qualities to the pyramids of Egypt. We

have here that which is supposed to be a great message from God to mankind,
predicting a child born of ancient paganism that is to bring to mankind its greatest
blessing. Then, seven years later, someone is supposed to have changed his mind:
The message now is that the promised child of blessingis the antichrist!
It is obvious that we must have a Biblical standard by which to test the
prophets. We dare not do otherwise. .
You will find that the psychics regularly use cultic devices to obtain their
information (Jeane Dixon normally uses a crystal ball); receive information that
contains heathen religious symbolism; and produce predictions that are generally
incorrect. And the tests that verify that their information is genuine? such
things as crackling light bulbs or the shape of tea leaves in a cup.
These are tests that are no tests, in the Biblical sense. And if the seer does
not come from God, we had better not accept him. What are the tests of a true
prophet? The Noorbergen statement, quoted earlier, listed ten of them. But three
tests will settle the issue in each and every case: (1) Physical condition of the
prophet when in vision -six physical signs (listed below). (2) Personal life of the
prophetdedicated to Jesus and in obedience to and in harmony with Biblical
principles. (3) The messages given by the prophetin full agreement with Biblical
standards, promises, doctrines and laws.
Over the years the present writer has heard of or observed a number of
modem "prophets." Within the last year alone, he has learned of several new ones.
But the first test, above, is immediately conclusive. These are the physical
evidences of a person while in vision. Carefully read Daniel 10:8-19. Here you will
find six physical signs: (1) The prophet loses his strength and falls to the ground
in a deep sleep. (2) Despite the sleep, he hears a voice speaking to him. (3) In the
vision, and at times in physical action, the prophet arises to his hands and knees
and then to his feet when the being touches him. (4) At first he is dumb; but when
his lips are touched, he is enabled to speak. (5) Throughout the vision he is
without breath of any kind. His breathing totally ceases. (6) Strength is given him
during the vision.
Add to this the sign given in Numbers 24:4: (7) During the vision his eyes
are open.
It is of interest that a consistent number of Ellen's visions took place in
public. In this way the Biblical tests could easily be applied. And they were. When
God calls a prophet, He sees to it that opportunity is afforded for people to test
that prophet and know whether he be of God. One who claims to receive visions of
God and be a true prophet will, for example, have visions from time to time in
public, so that others can see that for ten minutes to three hours or more, he is
without any breath, and gives no sign of breathing. And yet, although unconscious
to all around him, the one receiving the vision can move easily about the room (if
he stands up and walks), and he has a superhuman strength far beyond the

capacity of anyone else to overpower.

So it was in the case of little Ellen. Tests performed upon her at the time
included closing her mouth and nostrils while she was in vision (which could last
for several hours). Her movements while in vision were free and graceful as she
would speak and describe some of what she saw. And yet her gestures could not
be controlled or stopped. It is of interest that, although normally but a frail
individual, the vision never sapped her strength or made her ill. (At times, she was
healed of sickness while in vision.) In later years, after confidence had been
developed in the genuineness of her call, the visions came more frequently at
night.
Here are some other Bible verses, which provide tests of a true prophet.
They make interesting reading: Matthew 7:20; Isaiah 8:20; 1 John 4:1-3; 1
Thessalonians 5:20-21; Deuteronomy 13:1-4; Hosea 12:10,13; Hebrews 1:1-2; 2
Kings 22:14-15; Daniel 2: 27-28; Deuteronomy 29:29; Amos 3:7; Numbers 12:6; 2
Peter 1:21; 1 Peter 1:10-11; Daniel 7:1; Revelation 1:1,11; 12:17; 19:10; 1
Corinthians 14:4; Joel 2:28-30: 2 Chronicles 20:20.
Those who personally witnessed the visions carefully observed what took
place. And they were given the freedom to examine Ellen while in vision. At times
physicians were called for a more thorough and critical examination. Here is a
statement by Mrs. Martha Amadon, who witnessed a number of the visions:
As one who has frequently observed her in vision, knowing the company of
people usually present, all deeply observant and believers in her exercises, I have
often wondered why a more vivid description of the scenes which have transpired
has not been given..
"In vision her eyes were open. There was no breath, but there were graceful
movements of the shoulders, arms, and hands expressive of what she saw. It was
impossible for anyone else to move her hands or arms. She often uttered words
singly, and sometimes sentences which expressed to those about her the nature of
the view she was having, either of heaven or of earth.
"Her first word in vision was 'Glory,' sounding at first close by, and then
dying away in the distance, seemingly far away. This was sometimes repeated. .
There was never an excitement among those present during a vision; nothing
caused fear. It was a solemn, quiet scene, sometimes lasting an hour..
"When the vision was ended, and she lost sight of the heavenly light; as it
were, coming back to the earth once more, she would exclaim with a long-drawn
sigh, as she took her first natural breath, 'D-a-r -k.' She was then limp and
strengthless." Martha Amadon, Notebook Leaflets.
Here is George I. Butler's description, given in 1874. He too, on many
occasions, witnessed public visions that she received:

"For nearly thirty years past these visions have been given with greater or
less frequency, and have been witnessed by many, oftentimes by unbelievers as
well as those believing them. They generally, but not always, occur in the midst of
earnest seasons of religious interest while the Spirit of God is specially present. .
"The time Mrs. White is in this condition has varied from fifteen minutes to
one hundred and eighty. During this time the heart and pulse continue to beat, the
eyes are always wide open, and seem to be gazing at some far-distant object, and
are never fixed on any person or thing in the room. They are always directed
upward. They exhibit a pleasant expression. There is no ghastly look or any
resemblance of fainting. The brightest light may be suddenly brought near her
eyes, or feints made as if to thrust something into the eye, and there is never the
slightest wink or change in expression on that account; and it is sometimes hours
and even days after she comes out of this condition before she recovers her
natural sight. She says it seems to her that she comes back into a dark world, yet
her eyesight is in nowise injured by her visions.
While she is in vision, her breathing entirely ceases. No breath ever
escapes her nostrils or lips when in this condition. This has been proved by many
witnesses, among them physicians of skill, and themselves unbelievers in the
visions, on some occasions being appointed by a public congregation for the
purpose. It has been proved many times by tightly holding the nostrils and mouth
with the hand, and by putting a looking glass before them so close that any escape
of the moisture of the breath would be detected. In this condition she often speaks
words and short sentences, yet not the slightest breath escapes. When she goes
into this condition, there is no appearance of swooning or faintness, her face
retains its natural color, and the blood circulates as usual. Often she loses her
strength temporarily and reclines or sits; but at other times she stands up. She
moves her arms gracefully, and often her face is lighted up with radiance as
though the glory of heaven rested upon her. She is utterly unconscious of
everything going on around her while she is in vision, having no knowledge
whatever, of what is said and done in her presence. Persons may pinch her flesh,
and do things, which would cause great and sudden pain in her ordinary
condition, and she will not notice it by the slightest tremor.
"There are none of the disgusting grimaces or contortions which usually
attend spiritualist mediums, but calm, dignified, and impressive, her very
appearance strikes the beholder with reverence and solemnity. There is nothing
fanatical in her appearance. When she comes out of this condition she speaks and
writes from time to time what she has seen while in vision; and the supernatural
character of these visions is seen even more clearly in what she thus reveals than
in her appearance and condition while in vision, for many things have thus been
related which it was impossible for her to know in any other way.
"Peculiar circumstances in the lives of individuals, whom she never before
had seen in the flesh, and secrets hidden from the nearest acquaintances have
been made known by her when she had no personal knowledge of the parties
other than by vision. Often has she been in an audience where she was wholly

unacquainted with the individuals composing it, when she would get up and point
out person after person whom she never had seen before, in the flesh, and tell
them what they had done, and reprove their sins. I might mention many other
items of like nature, but space forbids. These things can be proved by any amount
of testimony, and we confidently affirm that they are of such a character that they
could not be accomplished by deception."George I. Butler, in "Review and
Herald," June 9, 1874.
Over the years, many physicians carefully examined her while in vision. One
was Dr. Brown of Parkville, Michigan, a medical doctor who was also a practicing
spiritualist. Hearing of her visions, he declared confidently that they were from
spiritualism and that if he could examine her while in vision he would be able to
prove itfor he would quickly get in contact with the floating spirit" guiding her,
and then directly control her himself.
Soon he had the opportunity. On January 12, 1861, Ellen spoke at a
meeting in Parkville. As it was concluding, she was taken off in vision. Those
present mentioned Dr. Brown, so he was asked to come and examine her. J.N.
Loughborough, a witness who was present, wrote down afterward what happened:
"Before he had half completed his examination, he [Dr. Brown] turned
deathly pale, and shook like an aspen leaf. Elder White said, 'Will the doctor
report her condition?' He replied, 'She does not breathe,' and rapidly made his way
to the door. Those at the door who knew of his boasting, said, 'Go back, and do as
you said you would; bring that woman out of the vision.' In great agitation he
grasped the knob of the door, but was not permitted to open it until inquiry was
made by those near the door, 'Doctor, what is it?' He replied God only knows; let
me out of this house!' "Statement by J.N. Loughborough.
Merritt G; Kellogg, M.D., mentions a similar experience that took place in
Tyrone, Michigan on May 29,1853:
"Sister White was in vision about twenty minutes or half an hour. As she
went into vision every one present seemed to feel the power and presence of God,
and some of us did indeed feel the Spirit of God resting upon us mightily. We
were engaged in prayer and social meeting Sabbath morning at about nine o'clock.
Brother White, my father, and Sister White had prayed, and I was praying at the
time. There had been no excitement, no demonstrations. We did plead earnestly
with God, however, that He would bless the meeting with His presence, and that
He would bless the work in Michigan. As Sister White gave that triumphant shout
of 'Glory! g-I-o-r-y! g-l-o-r-y!' which you have heard her give so often as she goes
into vision, Brother White arose and informed the audience that his wife was in
vision.. After stating the manner of her visions, and that she did not breathe while
in vision, he invited anyone who wished to do so to come forward and examine
her. Dr. Drummond, a physician ..who (before he saw her in vision) had declared
her visions to be of mesmeric [hypnotic] origin, and that he could give her a vision,
stepped forward, and after a thorough examination; turned very pale, and
remarked, 'She doesn't breathe!'

"I am quite certain that she did not breathe at that time while in vision, nor
in any of several others which she has had when I was present. The coming out of
the vision was as marked as her going into it. The first indication we had that the
vision was ended, was in her again beginning to breathe. She drew her first breath
deep, long, and full, in a manner showing that her lungs had been entirely empty
of air. After drawing the first breath, several minutes passed before she drew the
second, which filled the lungs precisely as did the first; then a pause of two
minutes, and a third inhalation, after which the breathing became normal."M. G.
Kellogg, M.D., Statement dated December 28, 1890 at Battle Creek, Michigan.
Commenting on her visions, her husband, James White, said this:
"..On coming out of vision, whether in the daytime or a well-lighted room at
night, all is total darkness [for her]. Her power to distinguish even the most
brilliant objects, held within a few inches of the eyes, returns but gradually ..She
has probably had, during the past twenty-three years, between one and two
hundred visions. These have been given under almost every variety of
circumstances, yet maintaining a wonderful similarity."James White, Life
Incidents, page 272, 1868. .
The experience of having a vision never weakened or debilitated Ellen.
Instead, each one was usually followed by increased natural strength and
improved health.
On several occasions, while in vision, Ellen held a Bible on her hand, while
her arm was outstretchedstraight outfrom her body. Twice, in vision, she held
large open Bibles for long periods outstretched in one hand.
"One experience. . carries us back to the early part of the year 1845, and
had to do with the large Harmon family Bible weighing 18% pounds. One morning
at her own home in Portland, Maine, while in vision, Ellen Harmon stepped over
to a bureau upon which rested the large volume, picked it up, placed it on her left
hand, and then, extending it at arm's length, held the closed book with ease for
half an hour. During the vision, in short exclamations, she referred to the value of
the Word of God..
"Under ordinary circumstances she was unable to pick up this book, for
she was in frail health and at that time weighed only eighty pounds. She was in no
way fatigued by this experience."Spirit of Prophecy Treasure Chest, page 23.
The above-mentioned Bible is stored in Washington D.C. The present writer
personally met the only individual who has, since that time, held that same Bible
outstretched in his hand over ten minutes. He was a former weightlifting
champion. As I recall, his record was 13 minutes. This was back in the 1950s.
At the Sabbath Conferences, held in New England in 1848, major doctrinal
studies were carried on by a number of faithful Christians. At these meetings,
Ellen was taken off in vision, whenever the group was hopelessly locked in their

discussions, and given the solution to the problem. But on one occasion that
summer, they finally came to the point where it seemed personalities and views
clashed so decidedly that any further advance was totally impossible. Alexander
Ross, who was present at this particular meeting later related the incident on
January 4, 1884. Here is his statement:
"Sister White, while in vision, arose to her feet and took the family Bible
upon her left hand; the book was one of ordinary size. While holding it open, high
up, without looking toward it, with her right hand she would turn from text to text,
and placing her finger on the scripture, would repeat the same. I Iooked at many
of the texts to see if she was repeating the one to which she pointed. Myself or
some of the company looked at them all. In every case she not only repeated the
text to which, she pointed, but she did so while her eyes were looking upward and
in an opposite direction from the Bible. It was these scriptures which she repeated
that overthrew the false theories. . at Volney [New York], in August, 1848,and
caused us to unite upon the truth."-Spirit of Prophecy Treasure Chest, page 122.
In the following quoted statement, Arthur L. White describes the manner in
which the information that Ellen received in vision was written down:
"1. Visions given in public and accompanied by marked physical
phenomena. 2. Visions given during a period of prayer or writing, unaccompanied
by physical phenomena. 3. Visions given during the quiet hours of the night, often
referred to as 'prophetic dreams.'
'It has been supposed by some that in Mrs. White's experiences she wrote
while in vision,' he pointed out, 'but this is not true. Some have concluded that
when she wrote she was recording words which she heard repeated to her by an
angel. This, too, is erroneous, except in rare instances when short, direct
quotations are given of what the attending angel said.
Some have been of the opinion that there was a mechanical force which
guided the pen which she held in her hand. Such a view is also entirely out of
harmony with the facts.
'The revelation consisted of the enlightening of the mind, and then, when
not in vision, it was the task of the prophetwith the aid of the Spirit of God, of
courseto pass on to others instruction, admonition and information of a divine
origin which she had received. A wide range of subjects was covered in the
visions."
" 'At times, the events of the past, the present and the future were opened
up to Ellen White in a most dramatic way, . giving her the impression that she was
actually witnessing in rapid succession a vivid reenactment of the scenes of
history.' Prophet of Destiny, pages 73-74.
D.T. Bourdeau settled the matter in his own mind in a very direct and
definite way. The following incident took place at Buck's Bridge, New York, in

1857 while Ellen was in vision:

"June 28, 1857,I saw Sister Ellen G. White in vision for the first time. I was
an unbeliever in the visions; but one circumstance among others that I might
mention convinced me that her visions were of God:, To satisfy my mind as to
whether she breathed or not [while in vision] , I first put my hand on her chest
sufficiently long to know that there was no more heavings of the lungs than there
would have been had she been a corpse. I then took my hand and placed it over
her mouth, pinching her nostrils between my thumb and forefinger, so that it was
impossible for her to exhale or inhale air, even if she had desired to do so..I held
her thus with my hand about ten minutes, long enough for her to suffocate under
ordinary circumstances; she was not in the least affected by this ordeal. Since
witnessing this wonderful phenomenon, I have not once been inclined to doubt the
divine origin of her visions."Statement by D.T. Bourdeau, Battle Creek,
Michigan, dated February 4, 1891.
While in vision, Ellen White was given solutions to immediate problems, a
knowledge of recent events, as well as views of, things that ranged far into the
future. "As inquiries are frequently made as to my state in vision, and after I come
out, I would say that when the Lord sees fit to give a vision, I am taken into the
presence of Jesus and angels, and am entirely lost to earthly things. I can see no
farther than the angel directs me. My attention is often directed to scenes
transpiring upon earth. At times I am carried far ahead into the future and shown
what is to take place. Then again I am shown things as they have occurred in the
past. After I come out of vision I do not at once remember all that I have seen, and
the matter is not so clear before me until I write, then the scene rises before me as
was presented in vision, and I can write with freedom. Sometimes the things which
I have seen are hid from me after I come out of vision, and I cannot call them to
mind until I am brought before a company where that vision applies, then the
things which I have seen come to my mind with force."Spiritual Gifts, Volume 2,
pages 292-293. 1860.
W. C. White, one of her sons, tells of a vision she had while in group prayer
in a Minnesota meeting in the summer of 1870. Praying earnestly for guidance in
regard to certain problems, she suddenly paused in her prayer for about thirty to
forty-five seconds, and then broke out into a triumphant conclusion to that
prayer,thanking God for answers He had just given. She had been taken into
vision and had been shown what needed to be done. As soon as the meeting was
concluded, she and her husband went to the nearby home of a friend and there
she remained for about two weeks, during which time she wrote out the
information given her in that brief vision.
Later we will learn of her important health vision of 1863, in Otsego,
Michigan, which lasted forty-five minutes, yet provided her with the subject matter
for a number of major books on health, medicine and temperance. And we shall
consider her two hour vision at Lovett's Grove, Ohio, in 1858, that opened to her
view the history of uncharted centuries, from before the fall of Lucifer, down to the
final end of sin, and beyond.

THE GIFT OF PROPHECY

The gift of prophecy will remain in the church till the end of time
Ephesians 4:7-16.
Paul compares the church to the body; the various parts being parts of the
body. 1 Corinthians 12:1-17,28.
Prophets are the eyes of the church1 Samuel 11:9 (compare Luke 11:34;
Proverbs 29:18).
Peter promised prophets in the last daysActs 2:17-18.
The warning Christ gave against false prophets proves there are true ones.
There is no counterfeit without a genuineMatthew 7:15.
The following scriptures indicate that God's law and God's prophets are
always found together. If His people do not obey His law, then they will not have
the guidance of His prophetLamentations 2:9; Ezekiel 7:26; 20:3,12,13-16;
Jeremiah 26:4-6; Proverbs 29:18; Revelation 12:17.
The true church just before Jesus returns will have the gift of prophecy,
because it keeps the commandments of GodRevelation 12:17; 19:10.
We are commanded not to despise prophets1 Thessalonians 5:20-21.
We must test them by the Word of GodIsaiah 8:20.
In vision, a prophet has no breath (Daniel 10:17), can speak (Daniel 10:16),
keeps his eyes open (Numbers 24:16), and is unconscious of his surroundings (2
Corinthians 12:2,4).
Both men and women have received this giftthe gift of prophecy. Here are
some of the women prophets that are mentioned in the Bible: MiriamExodus
15:20; DeborahJudges 4:4: Huldah2 Kings 22:14; AnnaLuke 2:36; The
daughters of PhilipActs 21:9.
The abiding gift of prophecy provides needed counsel and guidance before
a crisis: NoahGenesis 6:9-17; MosesExodus 3:4-12; 4:10-16; Deuteronomy
34:10-12; Elijah1 Kings 17:1; 18:20-41; 2 Kings 2:11-13; John the Baptist
Mark 1:2-5; Luke 7:28. Look for it among the remnantRevelation 12:17; 19:10;
Proverbs 29:18; Isaiah 11:10-12.
It may be given to the weakest of the weak1 Corinthians 1:27-29.
This gift helps us in several ways2 Peter 1:19; 2 Chronicles 20:20;
Ephesians 4:12-16; 1 Corinthians 14:3-4.

To refuse a true prophet is to Fail to prosper2 Chronicles 20:20.

A true prophet will: Speak in harmony with the BibleIsaiah 8:20;
Deuteronomy 13:1-3. Exalt Christ and not self2 Corinthians 10:5; Jeremiah 1:49. Will reprove men of sinEzekiel 3:17-19. Will emphasize necessity of Jesus in
the heart1 John 4:1-3.
Their lives will be above reproachMatthew 7:15-20. Their predictions will
come to passDeuteronomy 18:21-22; Jeremiah 28:9. Will confess that Jesus is
come in the flesh1 John 4:2-6. Will have visions and dreamsNumbers 12:6.
Will be known by their fruitsMatthew 7:15-20.

CHAPTER FIVE
TAKING UP THE PEN
"Sabbath afternoon one of our number was sick, and requested prayers
that he might be healed. We all united in applying to the Physician who never lost a
case, and while healing power came down, and the sick was healed, the Spirit fell
upon me, and I was taken off in vision.
"I saw four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and were on their
way to accomplish it. Jesus was clothed with priestly garments. He gazed in pity
on the remnant, then raised His hands, and with a voice of deep pity, cried: 'My
blood, Father, My blood! My blood! My blood!' Then I saw an exceeding bright light
come from God, who sat upon the great white throne, and was shed all about
Jesus. Then I saw an angel with a commission from Jesus, swiftly flying to the
four angels who had a work to do in the earth, and waving something up and down
in his hand; and crying with a loud voice, 'Hold, hold! hold! hold! until the
servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. '.. "Life Sketches, pages 118-119.
This vision, referring to the incident seen by John in Revelation 7:1-4,
speaks about the concern of Jesus lest the four winds of strife that shall come with
all their fury just before the end of the world, be turned loose before God's faithful
ones have been sealed with the seal of the living God.
But there was more to this vision: Ellen was also told that a publishing
work must be started so that people everywhere could be warned to seek Godfor
a terrible crisis was ahead.
After coming out of vision, I said to my husband: 'I have a message for you.
You must begin to print a little paper and send it out to the people. Let it be small
at first; but as the people read, they will send you means with which to print, and
it will be a success from the first. From this small beginning it was shown to me to
be like streams of light that went clear round the world."Life Sketches, page 125.
Not long after Ellen was called to be a special messenger of the Lord, she

was told that she must not only travel and speak,but that she must also write.
And yet, her physical condition was so poor that it seemed impossible to do either.
"Early in my public labors I was bidden by the Lord, 'Write, write the things
that are revealed to you.' At the time this message came to me, I could not hold my
hand steady. My physical condition made it impossible for me to write. But again
came the word, 'Write the things that are revealed to you.' I obeyed; and as a result
it was not long before I could write page after page with comparative ease. Who
told me what to write? Who steadied my right hand, and made it possible for me
to use a pen It was the Lord." Review and Herald, June 14, 1906.
In the summer of 1849, both knew that a publishing work must begin, but
as James had no money with which to do it, he thought best to mow harvest fields
for others as he had done the previous summer (when he had earned enough for
them to travel and speak for a short time). It was his hope that in this way he
would, eventually have enough saved up to begin publishing..
"He at length gave up in discouragement [the idea of publishing
immediately], and decided to look for a field of grass to mow. As he left the house,
a burden was rolled on me, and I fainted. Prayer was offered for me and I was
blessed, and taken off in vision. I saw that the Lord had blessed and strengthened
my husband to labor in the field the year before; . . but that the Lord would not
now give him strength to labor in the field, for He had another work for him to do,
and that if he ventured into the field, he would be cut down by sickness; but that
he must write, write, write, and walk out by faith. He immediately began to write,
and when he came to some difficult passage, we would unite in prayer to God for
an understanding of the true meaning" of His word."Life Sketches, pages 125126...
"Streams of light. . clear, around the world"! How could this be? There were
so few to help and so much to be done. Yet at the urging of this young woman the
publishing work began with that first publishing order, six months later, by her
penniless husband, for a thousand copies. And, as promised, that publishing work
was to grow until it encircled the globe.
But just how does a prophet write? Let us ask a prophet:
"I am very busy with my writing. Early and late, I am writing out the matters
that the Lord opens before me. The burden of my work is to prepare a people to
stand in the day of the Lord." Selected Messages, Book 1, page 56. .
"Although I am as dependent upon the Spirit of the Lord in writing my
views as I am in receiving them, yet the words I employ in describing what I have
seen are my own, unless they be those spoken to me by an angel, which I always
enclose in marks of quotation."Review and Herald, October 8,1867.
"While my husband lived, he acted as a helper and counselor in the sending
out of the messages that were given to me. We traveled extensively. Sometimes

light would be given to me in the night season, sometimes in the daytime before
large congregations. The instruction I received in vision was faithfully written out
by me, as I had time and strength for the work.Afterward we examined the
matter together, my husband correcting grammatical errors and eliminating
needless repetition. Then it was carefully copied for the persons addressed, or for
the printer."Selected Messages, Book 1, page 50.
"Since the warning and instruction given in testimony for individual cases
applied with equal force to many others who had not been specially pointed out in
this manner, it seemed to be my duty to publish the personal testimonies for the
benefit of the church.. Perhaps there is no more direct and forcible way of
presenting what the Lord has shown me." Testimonies, Volume 5, pages 658659.
"In ancient times God spoke to men by the mouth of prophets and apostles.
In these days He speaks to them by the testimonies of His Spirit. There was never
a time when God instructed His people more earnestly than He instructs them
now concerning His will and the course that He would have them pursue."
Testimonies, Volume.5, page 661.
"Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to
lead men and women to the greater light." CoIporteur Ministry, page 125.
"Let the 'Testimonies be judged by their fruits. What is the spirit of their
teaching? What has been the result of their influence? All who desire to do so can
acquaint themselves with the fruits of these visions..
"God is either teaching His church, reproving their wrongs and
strengthening their faith, or He is not. This work is of God, or if is not. God does
nothing in partnership with Satan. My work.. bears the stamp of God or the stamp
of the enemy. There is no halfway work in the matter, The 'Testimonies' are of the
Spirit of God, or of the spirit of the devil." Testimonies, Volume 5, page 671.
"Whether or not my life is spared, my writings will constantly speak, and
their work will go forward as long as time shall last.Selected Messages, Book 1,
page 55.
"Perilous times are before us. Everyone who has a knowledge of the truth
should awake and place himself, body, soul, and spirit, under the discipline of
God. The enemy is on our track. We must be wide-awake, on our guard against
him. We must put on the whole armor of God. We must follow the directions given
through the Spirit of Prophecy. We must love and obey the truth for this time. This
will save us from accepting strong delusions. God has spoken to us through His
word. He has spoken to us through the testimonies to the church and through the
books that have helped to make plain our present duty and the position that we
should now occupy. The warnings that have been given, line upon line, precept
upon precept, should be heeded. If we disregard them, what excuse can we
offer?"Testimonies, Volume 8, page 298.

Ellen was told this in vision:

" 'Your work is to bear My word. Strange things will arise, and in your youth
I set you apart to bear the message to the erring ones, to carry the word before
unbelievers, and pen and voice to reprove from the Word actions that are not
right. Exhort from the Word. .
" 'Be not afraid of man, for My shield shall protect you. It is not you that
speaketh; it is the Lord that giveth the message of warning and reproof. Never
deviate from the truth under any circumstances. Give the light I shall give you. The
messages for these last days shall be written in books, and shall stand
immortalized."Review and Herald, June 14, 1906.
From the very moment when she first sat down to write in 1845, and God
placed strength in her arm to do the task assigned,-she continued writing from
then on. The feeble girl, expected soon to die, wrote message after message for the
next seventy years, and turned out forty-five hundred magazine articles, and
scores of books. Over fifty-five of her books are in print today. And all this literary
work was done by hand. One hundred thousand manuscript pages, written over a
period of seventy years. All of it handwritten. It is generally recognized that Ellen
White wrote more material than any other woman who has ever lived though out
recorded history. But there is a reason. And we have just learned it. She simply
did what she was told to do: 'Write out the messages given to her.'
Thousands have found the writings of Ellen White to be filled with practical
help and encouragement in daily life. Here are but two samples from her writings:
HOW MEN ARE CONVERTED"The work of the Holy Spirit upon the
heart. . can no more be explained than can the movements of the wind. A person
may not be able to tell the exact time or place, or to trace all the circumstances in
the process of conversion; but this does not prove him to be unconverted.
"By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the
heart. Little by little, perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, impressions are made
that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating
upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the word from the
living preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes with more direct appeal, the soul
gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. By many this is called sudden conversion; but it
is the result of a long wooing by the Spirit of God,a patient, protracted process.
"While the wind is itself invisible, it produces effects that are seen and felt.
So the work of the Spirit upon the soul will reveal itself in every act of him who
has felt its saving power. When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it
transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love,
humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of
sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven. No one sees the hand
that lifts the burden, or beholds the light descend from the courts above. The
blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power

which no human eye can see creates a new being in the image of God." Desire of
Ages, pages 172.173.
ANSWERS TO PRAYER THROUGH FAITH"Faith is trusting God,
believing that He loves us, and knows best what is for our good. Thus, instead of
our own, it leads us to choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His
wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in place of our sinfulness, His
righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are already His; faith acknowledges His
ownership and accepts its blessing. Truth, uprightness, purity, have been pointed
out as secrets of life's success. It is faith that puts us in possession of these
principles.
"Every good impulse or aspiration is the gift of God; faith receives from God
the life that alone can produce true growth and efficiency.
"How to exercise faith should be made very plain [to your children]. To
every promise of God there are conditions. If we are willing to do His will, all His
strength is ours. Whatever gift He promises, is in the promise itself. 'The seed is
the Word of God.' Luke 8:11. As surely as the oak is in the acorn, so surely is the
gift of God in His promise. If we receive the promise, we have the gift.
"Faith that enables us to receive God's gifts is itself a gift, of which some
measure is imparted to every human being. It grows as exercised in appropriating
the Word of God. In order to strengthen faith, we must often bring it in contact
with the Word.
In the study of the Bible the student should be led to see the power of God's
Word. In the creation, 'He spake, and it was; He commanded, and it stood fast.' 'He
calleth those things which be not as though they were;' for when He calls them,
they are. Psalm 33:9; Romans 4: 17."--Education, pages 253-254.

CHAPTER SIX
IN JOURNEYS OFT
For decades Ellen traveled and wrote; wrote and traveled. Many incidents
occurred during these years that we do not have space to tell you about.
But here are several:
The small craft was tossed about like a cork on the large waves. It was the
summer of 1845 and Ellen had gone with some friends in a small sailboat to
speak to people on West Island, off the coast of Maine..
But without warning a storm came up that threatened to destroy the small
craft. Rain fell in torrents, and as the lightning flashed, howling winds ripped the

sails. The waves were so large that the little boat would nearly capsize as it slid
down into the troughs between them. About the time that the rudder broke loose
and was lost, those on board realized that they were in grave danger of running
onto the rocks along the island. And then the darkness came. It had only been a
few months since her first vision and Ellen had faithfully shared the messages with
others. Now, as she knelt in the boat and asked God to save them, she saw an
angel standing by her side. She recognized him as the one who had appeared to
her several times in vision. Never was she to forget the words he spoke to her that
night: "Sooner would every drop of water in the ocean be dried up than for you to
perish, for your work has only begun."
Immediately.. she called out to her companions, "You need not be afraid!
Angels are all around us. We are perfectly safe. The storm cannot hurt us!"
And it didn't. Although the frail craft continued to rise and fall on the
waves, none feared any more. Soon the captain cried, "The anchor holds!" Then,
through the darkness, they saw a glimmer of light from a house on the island.
Although all were in bed for the night, one child heard their cries and alerted the
rest. Soon the father rowed out and brought them safely into shore and the warm
house.
--During the winter of 1849-1850, James and Ellen held meetings in Oswego,
New York. A young man attending the meetings, named Hiram Patch, was
uncertain what to do. Although he and his fiance were convicted that Ellen's
messages were right, yet the county treasurer declared them to be full of error
and the treasurer, seemed like such a good man,for he preached in the big
church and right then was holding revival meetings in town.
Hiram and his girl friend were sincerely puzzled, and one evening as they
attended a meeting of the White's, Ellen was taken into vision. Coming out of it,
she turned to Hiram Patch and said, "Wait a month, and you will know for yourself
the character of these persons" (speaking of the county treasurer and his
associates)..
Within two weeks the county treasurer became very ill while praying in a
meeting and was taken home where he remained in bed. The local constable and
the sheriff were appointed to manage his office till he recovered. But while
checking the account books, they found a shortage of $1,000. They decided that,
surely, the treasurer had somehow taken the money home by accident, and they
would go to his home and ask him. But then the thought came that they should be
cautious in doing it. So it was arranged that the constable would hide himself in a
shed near the back door, while the sheriff knocked on the front door. Almost
immediately the back door opened and a woman ran out, with a sack in her hand.
Going quickly to a snow bank, she dug a hole, put in the sack, and then covered it
over.

Inside, the sheriff asked the treasurer about the missing money. Raising his
hand to heaven, the sick man cried, "I call God to witness that I know nothing
about the money." Then his wife entered the room, and raising her hand upward
said, "God is my witness that we do not have the money, nor do we know anything
about it." Just then the constable walked in carrying the sack. "I saw you rush
from the house with this sack and bury it, and it is marked '$1,000' "
The news quickly traveled around town, and people were better able to
make wise decisions. Including Hiram Patch and his fiance.
--It was in Michigan, and James and Ellen were traveling by carriage to
Vergennes, where they were to hold meetings. But the driver, though knowing the
route well, became confused and lost his way. For several hours they drove
through the woods, following faint wheel tracks, as they tried to find their way out.
At the same time they looked for a cabin where they could obtain directions.
Then they saw small log cabin in a tiny clearing. The folk there were kindly
and heartily welcomed them. Before leaving, they visited with the family and Ellen
gave them a copy of one of her books.
For years they wondered why they became lost that hot afternoon. Twentytwo years later Ellen learned the reason why. After speaking in a meeting, a
woman came up to her and reminded her of the log cabin they had visited so many
years before. "You talked to us about Jesus, how to come to Christ, and what
heaven would be like. And you left that Book with us. We read it and loaned it to
all the neighbors,and now most of us in that entire area have accepted Christ
and His Bible truths." God leads you when you arrive on time; He leads when you
lose the way. Make the most of every opportunity to tell others about Him.
--While traveling by steamer one day, a terrible storm arose; so fierce that all
on board feared they would die before arriving at port. Ellen tried to encourage
them, but they were so distraught that but few would listen. Ignoring her; many
knelt and prayed to God to save them. One woman cried in fear, "0 God, if You will
save us from death, I will serve You forever!"
A few hours later, the storm subsided and the steamer pulled safely into
dock. As the passengers stepped off the boat, Ellen heard a woman mockingly
callout, "Glory to God! I'm glad to step on land again!" Turning, she saw that it was
the same woman who but a few hours earlier had pled with God and Promised to
serve Him forever if He would but save her life that day looking earnestly into the
woman's face, Ellen said, "Go back a few hours and remember your vows. With a
sneer, the woman walked away.
---

It was summer in Jackson, Michigan, and the White's were about to leave
for Wisconsin where they were to speak. Other friends were headed for New York.
Kneeling and praying that all would be protected, the White's then boarded an
evening train, where they entered a sleeping-car coach and sat down. But Ellen
immediately exclaimed, "James, I can't stay in this car! I must get out of here!" So
they carried their parcels to the next car. As they settled themselves, Ellen sensed
that all was well now. The train began moving and their journey was begun.
But they had only gone about three miles when the coaches began to jerk
violently. Then their coach stopped moving. Opening a window, they looked out.
Coaches were thrown about everywhere; upended, turned over. All was in
confusion.
James picked up his wife and carried her across a swampy piece of land to
a wagon road, and from thence they walked to a farmhouse. Alerted, the farmer
saddled a horse and rode to Jackson for help."
Visiting the scene of the accident the next day, this is what they learned: A
large ox had laid down on the track and the train, hitting it, was thrown off the
rails. The cars behind it had so much momentum that they piled up on top of it
and were thrown all about. The coach that James and Ellen were in was the last
coach. Walking to it, they found that it alone was undamaged and on the track.
Separated from the wrecked cars, it stood alone about a hundred feet from the one
in front of it. When the accident took place, this coach at the end had become
uncoupled from the others and then slowed to a halt without crashing into those
in front of it.
The brakeman was asked, but could not explain it. "It is a complete mystery
how that car became detached from the cars ahead," he said. The big bolt that
linked the two cars together had been lifted out when the accident struck, and now
it lay on top pf the front tongue of the car as if someone had placed it there.
--It was midnight and Ellen stood looking out the window into the darkness.
All were concerned that the rain stop before, it melt the snow. The meetings in
Round Grove, Illinois, were concluded and now, they must go in a sleigh west,
across the Mississippi River, to Waukon, Iowa. It seemed best to cancel the twohundred-mile midwinter trip. But Ellen had been shown in vision that she must go
there, for the people there needed help..
As daybreak neared, the snow began to fall again, making possible the trip
by sleigh. After many adventures, they finally reached the Mississippi River and
stopped for the night. But about 4 a.m. they heard rain beginning to fall.
Immediately they arose and prepared to head off. The river must be crossed before
the rain had melted the ice. The horses broke through the snow crust at almost
every step. Approaching the river, decayed ice was to be seen. Others, passing by,
said, "Stay off the river! I wouldn't try it for all the money in the world." Another

added: "They say one team broke through the ice and the driver nearly lost his
life."
Pulling away, they headed on down to the riverbank. Standing up in his
sleigh, Mr. Hart asked, "Is it on to Iowa, or back to Illinois? We have come to the
Red Sea. Shall we cross?"
Without hesitation, Ellen replied, "Go forward, trusting in Israel's God."
She was convicted that they must go forward.
As the sleigh moved steadily across the broad Mississippi, the ice held
beneath them. Ascending the opposite bank, men who had been watching their
approach, cheered. They had expected every moment to see the team break
through and go under. The party in the sleigh praised God. Moving forward at His
bidding, they were safe. Wherever God leads His children, it is safe to go forward.
--On another occasion, a retired sea captain, Joseph Bates, was riding with
James and Ellen in a carriage behind a partly broken colt. James knew he could
handle the horse even though it was not fully trained to the harness. (The young
horse had a reputation of being vicious, and shortly before had caused a serious
accident.)
White kept the horse on a taut rein and gave his attention to driving, when,
suddenly, as Ellen was speaking to them about a Bible subject, she was taken into
vision. The moment she shouted "Glory," the horse stopped, dropped his head,
and stood perfectly still.
Stepping down off the wagon from the front, Ellen put her hand on the
colt's haunches as she lowered herself to the ground.
Thoroughly frightened, Captain Bates cried out, "That colt will kick her to
death!" To this, James replied, "The Lord has the colt in charge now; I don't wish
to interfere." normally, the half-wild colt would have kicked furiously the instant
anything touched his flanks. But now he stood as gentle as an old horse.
Climbing a six foot embankment, she walked back and forth along a grassy
spot, describing aloud the beauties of the new earth. Then, with her eyes still
directed upward, she walked down the embankment, over to the horse, put her
hand on his rump again, climbed into the wagon and sat down. Immediately she
came out of vision, and suddenly the horse raised his head, and without any
command from the driver, started up and quietly began pulling the wagon along.
While Ellen had been out of the wagon and up on the embankment, James
decided to test the colt. First he touched it lightly with a whip, and then several
that were still harder. But the horse did not give any hint of noticing it. At any
other time, he would have responded with a vicious kick. Softly, Captain Bates

said, "This is a solemn place."

And so the years passed, and the frail girl that was supposed to die before
spring, traveled across North America for over half a century, plus over ten years
spent in foreign lands.
Always helping, encouraging, pointing men and women to heaven and to
their God; Ellen White did the work of a prophet.
And nowhere is this to be seen more clearly than in her writings.
CHAPTER SEVEN
ANTICIPATING SCIENCE
The writings of Ellen White contain a treasure house of scientific insights,
and leading researchers are discovering it. This includes the fields of health,
nutrition, medicine, narcotics, hypnosis, physiology, plant science and geology.
The late Clive McCay, Ph.D., professor of nutrition at Cornell University in
Ithaca, New York, discovered her health writings quite by accident, and was
astounded by them.
Here is one of his statements:
"In 1915 at the ripe age of 88 died one of the most remarkable women that
America has produced. Her name was Ellen G. White. Although she had only a few
months of formal schooling when a child, her list of books even today numbers
about 60. Some of these are books about her or compilations from her lectures . .
The writings of Ellen G. White . . provide a guide to nutrition that comprehends
the whole body. Much of this wisdom of the past is not understood today. . Ellen
White died before modern biochemistry. . and the composition of foods [was
understood] ,but if people followed her plan even today they would be far better
fed than they are in their attempts to eat bad diets and then compensate by
miracle foods. She advocated simple, natural diets, low in fat, low in salt, well
prepared and modest in amount. Gradually she became a vegetarian,. . [and]
taught the importance of good food for health and the essentiality of a healthy body
if we are to have a good soul" Clive M. McCay, in a lecture before a large
assembly in Memphis, Tennessee, March, 1958.
Clive McCay was not particularly religious as far as we know, nor a member
of any church body, but, he was an expert in his field, and as such was fascinated
to know how Ellen White had acquired such advanced nutritional knowledge,
which others in her time generally lacked.
"We stayed overnight at Dr. McCay's home. . We soon discovered to our
delight that though he was a specialist in the field of nutrition, his active interest
and reading extended over a remarkable range. More than once during the evening

he returned to the question: 'How do you explain the fact that Mrs. White, with
very little formal education and no special training in nutrition, so accurately set
forth nutrition principles that are only now scientifically established?' He ruled out
as wholly unsatisfactory the answer sometimes casually given: 'Mrs. White simply
borrowed her ideas from others.' He observed that such an answer simply raises
another question: 'How would Mrs. White know which ideas to borrow and which
to reject out of the bewildering array of theories and health teachings current in
the nineteenth century?' Dr. McCay did not attempt to answer such questions. As a
scientist he was interested in the phenomenon of her singular knowledge in
advance of scientific discovery and experiment.""Explanatory Note" to a series of
three articles by C. M. McCay in "Review and Herald," February 12,19,26, 1959.
"To sum up the discussion: Every modern specialist in nutrition whose life
is dedicated to human welfare must be impressed in four respects by the writings
and leadership of Ellen G. White:
In the first place, her basic concepts about the relation between diet and
health have been verified to an unusual degree by scientific advances of the past
decades. Someone may attempt to explain this remarkable fact by saying: 'Mrs.
White simply borrowed her ideas from others.' But how would she know which
ideas to borrow and which to reject out of the bewildering array of theories and
health teachings current in the nineteenth century? She would have had to be a
most amazing person, with knowledge beyond her times, in order to do this
successfully!
"In the second place, everyone who attempts to teach nutrition can hardly
conceive of a leadership such as that of Mrs. White that was able to induce a
substantial number of people to improve their diets.
"In the third place, one can only speculate about the large number of
sufferers during the past century who could have had improved health if they had
accepted the teachings of Mrs. White.
"Finally, one can wonder how to make her teachings more widely known in
order to benefit the overcrowded earth that seems inevitable tomorrow with the
present rate of increase of the world's population. .
"In spite of the fact that the works of Mrs. White were written long before
the advent of modern scientific nutrition, no better over-all guide is available
today."Clive M. McCay, in Review and Herald, February 26, 1969.
Ellen White lived in a time of abysmal ignorance of healthful living,
nutrition, and medicine. The two great interests in her time were bleeding sick
patients to death in order to make them well, and poisoning them to death with
extracts made from toxic plants or poisonous minerals. Dr. Gallup led the fight for
bleeding people to death, and Dr. Tully stood in the forefront of the crusade for
poisoning them to death. Those were times that could kill strong men such as
George Washington. He awoke one morning with a simple streptococcal infection

in his throat. First, one man drained a cup of blood from his veins, "to get him
well." Then Dr. Craik, his personal physician arrived and declared the illness to be
inflammatory quinsy" and bled him again. By now it was afternoon and two more
physicians came and again Washington was bled. Between bleedings and
poisonous doses of calomel, he finally pled, late in the afternoon, to be let alone to
die in peace. At 10 p.m. that night he passed away.
During her lifetime, Ellen White wrote, not only in the field of nutrition, but
also in the science of medicine and the recovery of the ill.
"The Spirit of Prophecy [the writings of Ellen G. White] is medically up to
date. Before starting medicine I was well acquainted with the health ideas found in
the writings of Mrs. E.G. White. Since finishing medical school I have been in
practice for nineteen years. I have not had to change one medical idea that I have
gotten from the writings of Mrs. E.G. White, but all my medical books have had to
be replaced with up-to-date versions based on more modern medical research. .
The books "Counsels on Diet and Foods," "Counsels on Health," "The Ministry of
Healing," "Medical Ministry," and "Temperance" are as current as ever. As medical
science advances, I find these guides do not become outdated, but are still ahead
of modern medical research on many health subjects.
"When medical science disagrees with the Spirit of Prophecy, given a little
more time, medical research comes to the same conclusions.. This has happened
a number of times in the past nineteen years. Considerable research of the
medical literature shows that today the majority of the health principles and
information given by Mrs. White have scientific backing.
"I am confident that the health information of the Spirit of Prophecy that is
yet unproved can be accepted by faith with no danger that such faith will have been
misplaced when scientific corroboration becomes evident."Statement by Jackson
A. Saxon, Washington D.C. area physician.
Paul Harvey, the noted syndicated writer and news reporter, has spoken a
number of times about the amazing predictions and scientific insights of Ellen
White. Here is one of his statements:
"Once upon a time, a hundred years ago, there lived a young lady named
Ellen White. She was frail as a child, completed only grammar school, [actually,
only three grades of education], had no technical training, and yet she lived to
write scores of articles and many books on the subject of healthful living..
"Perhaps we should reread what she has taught: 'The oil, as eaten in the
olive, is far preferable to animal oil or fat.' Today we know about cholesterol. She
knew: 'Fine flour white bread is lacking in nutritive elements to be found in bread
made from whole wheat. . She wrote: 'Do not eat largely of salt.' Now we know we
should keep the sodium intake low. We have come to accept the wisdom of such
advice so completely that it is difficult for us to realize how revolutionary her
theories were almost a century ago. . She urged: 'Pure air, sunlight,

abstemiousness, rest, exercise.' She wrote: 'Tobacco is a slow, insidious, but most
malignant poison. It is all the more dangerous because its effects are slow and at
first hardly perceptible.' Ellen White was indeed ahead of her time. Are there
additional recommendations, which this remarkable woman urged upon us, which
we have, so far, ignored? Speaking about the times in which she lived, Paul Harvey
adds: "Remember, this was in the days when doctors were still bloodletting and
performing surgery with unwashed hands. This was in an era, of medical
ignorance bordering on barbarism." Paul Harvey, in Reading, Pennsylvania,
Times, August 11, 1960, reprinted in "Today's Health in 1960."
Drs. Calvin and Agatha Thrash, a husband and wife pathology team,
happened upon the writings of Ellen White while Agatha was teaching in the
University of Georgia School of Medicine. Both had been atheists, but their study
of Ellen White's writings led them to the Bible and to Christ. Their scientific
training well qualified them to evaluate the health and medical validity of Ellen
White's writings.
"Calvin nor I had ever believed in anything of a supernatural nature, feeling
that anything that is unexplained would eventually be explained on the basis of
natural phenomena. How carefully we scrutinized the matter of divine inspiration
of Mrs. White. In every field in which Calvin or I had sufficient competence to tell
that we would make adequate judges of the material which she wrote, we made
careful examination.
"In the fields of health and nutrition we have come to recognize that there is
not, even in the present day, anything that approaches the scientific accuracy of
the body of information which she has set down as guidelines for good health and
good nutrition. When one considers the superstition, ignorance, error, and
inattention to obvious health rules of that day, it is all the more remarkable that
every single item which Mrs. White wrote in the fields of nutrition and health are
consistently supported by the newest scientific information."Statement by Agatha
Thrash, M.D., Seale, Alabama:
"Among writers of the past century. . those who are concerned with the
betterment of human health must pay tribute to the writings of Ellen G, White
because she understood the importance of the selection of proper foods and the
relation of the test of the regime of living to proper nutrition and sound health.
These notes have been prepared by a biochemist who specializes in nutrition in
the hopes that others may gain a broader appreciation of the genius of this pioneer
nutritionist, Ellen G. White. Whatever may be the religious belief of a reader, he or
she cannot help but gain much guidance in a better and healthier way of life from
reading the major works of Ellen G. White." From the university nutrition class
lecture notes of Dr. Clive McCay, April 9.1958.
It all began in the early summer of 1863. On the evening of June 6, Ellen
arrived in a carriage at a humble pioneer cabin on the outskirts of Otsego,
Michigan, the home of Aaron Hilliard and his family. It was planned that the next
morning she would speak at meetings in Otsego. After supper, as twilight neared,

all knelt in prayer, to begin family worship,when Ellen was taken off in vision.
It only lasted forty-five minutes, yet it was destined to change the lives of
thousands, for during that time Ellen received the basis of her knowledge of
health, hygiene, nutrition, and medications. All of her writings in these fields stem
from this basic vision, given in the year that Lincoln signed the Emancipation
Proclamation..
"God is the author of science. Scientific research opens to the mind vast
fields of thought and information, enabling us to see God in His created works. .
True science contributes fresh evidences of the wisdom and power of God. Rightly
understood, science and the Written Word agree, and each sheds light on the
other. Together they lead us to God by teaching us something of the wise and
beneficent laws through which He works. Counsels to Parents, Teachers and
Students, page 426.
"The Bible is not to be tested by men's ideas of science, but science is to be
brought to the test of this unerring standard. When the Bible makes statements of
facts in nature, science may be compared with the Written Word, and a correct
understanding of both will always prove them to be in harmony. One does not
contradict the other."Ellen White, in "Signs of the Times," March 13. 1884.
Here are some of Ellen White's scientific statements, made long before
science was to verify them:
FATS AND HEART AND BLOOD-VESSEL DISEASE
Ellen White wrote that we should not eat the blood and the fat of animals
(eating either is prohibited in the Bible), because it would "make a diseased
current in the blood." 1. And she warned that certain overweight individuals were
"liable to acute attacks of disease, and to sudden death," 2. and that part of the
problem was due to their eating of flesh foods. 3.
Modern research in the past forty years has unearthed a mass of material
on this subject. It is now known that the average level of blood cholesterol raises
with any increase in the average daily intake of animal fats." and that "No fat
commonly eaten in large amounts causes so much a rise as butter fat." 4.
It is recognized today that the foods most dangerous in this respect are
meat, margarine and butter. Yet Ellen White carefully warned against the use of
meat and butter 5. (margarine did not exist in her day). "A vegetarian diet can
prevent 90 percent of our thrombo-embolic diseases [clots in the veins and
arteries] and 97 percent of our coronary occlusions." 6 . And yet these two
conditions account for more deaths than all other causes combined in North
America, with the exception of the deaths due to legalized abortion. Dr. William B.
Kannel, of the National Heart Institute, after studying the blood cholesterol levels
of more than 5,000 people, stated that there is no better way to predict future
coronary diseasethan by determining total serum-cholesterol levels. 7

PRENATAL INFLUENCES
Back in the days when "prenatal influence" was declared to be old wives'
tales,. Ellen White declared that the habits, emotional temperament, morality and
diet of the mother would affect her unborn child. 8
"The well-being of the child will be affected by the habits of the mother. Her
appetites and passions are to be controlled by principle. . But if the mother
unswervingly adheres to right principles, if she is temperate and self-denying, if
she is kind, gentle, and unselfish, she may give her child these same precious
traits of character;" 9 "If she chooses to eat as she pleases and what she may fancy,
irrespective of consequences, she will bear the penalty, but not alone. Her innocent
child must suffer because of her indiscretion." 10
Dr. Ashley Montagu, writing in 1954, was one of the first researchers to
uncover scientific evidence linking the mother's emotional habits during
pregnancy, with the emotional temperament of her child after it is born. "Mothers
undergoing periods of severe emotional distress during pregnancy frequently have
infants which exhibit evidences of irritable and hyperactive nervous systems. " And
he added, "It is largely up to her, and to those surrounding her during her
pregnancy, whether her infant will be born a happy, healthy, sweet-tempered
individual or an ill adjusted neurotic." 11 Two years later, Drs. Lyon P. Strean and
Lyndon A. Peer attributed a hormonal imbalance, triggered by the negative
emotions; as the cause of the problem. "The intangible factor of emotional stress
suffered by a woman between the eighth and twelfth weeks of pregnancy may be a
precipitating factor in causing harelip and cleft-palate defects."
"Strean and. . Peer studied 228 cases of Cleft palate . . During the critical
weeks of pregnancywhen the two halves Of the upper jaw normally fuse in the
palatal archthe doctors found that 23 percent had been ill or injured, and no
less than 68 percent recalled emotional disturbances. . Strean and Peer reason
that severe emotional disturbance of whatever kind, stimulates the adrenal glands
to pump out extra hydrocortisone; this checks the formation at connective tissue
between the two sides of the palate or may actually dissolve tissue already
formed." 12 Leland H. Scott, in 1967, added yet more information to the rapidly
growing evidence, linking prenatal influence to emotional or organic damage to the
young: "There is growing evidence that chemical irregularities in the mother's
blood brought about by endocrine [hormonal] imbalance, dietary deficiencies, or
ill health may have serious effects. . [Including] childhood abnormalities, such as
rickets, nervous instability, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy." 13 William S. Kroger,
gynecologist at the Chicago Medical School did landmark work on this emotioncaused damage and reported it at the A.M.A. Convention in 1953. 14 Bret Ratner
M.D. of New York, also linked diet during pregnancy 'to fetal injury 15 More than
emotions are thus involved. Dr. Jesse D. Rising of the University of Kansas, after
detailed research, reported in 1958 that "a doctor treating a woman during
pregnancy with anesthetics, X ray, ACTH or cortisone-type hormones, may subject
the fetus to oxygen shortage or some other threat. The result: physicians now face
the horrible possibility of responsibility for many developmental defects." 16

Rising considered such defects to include abnormal heart, cleft palate, one eye;
Siamese twins, and Mongolism. 17 Thus medicinal drugs taken during
pregnancycan be very dangerous. In further research, Thomas M. Rivers, M.D.,
cited large doses of alcoholic beverages as yet another cause of child-birth
malformations. 18
"THE BENEFICIAL EFFECT OF SUNLIGHT
In 1865, Ellen White commented that "rooms that are not exposed to light
and air become damp. . The atmosphere in these rooms is poisonous, because it
has not been purified by light and air." 19 "Death producing germs abound in
dark, neglected corners." 20 The solution given was "perfect cleanliness, plenty of
sunlight, careful attention to sanitation' 21 and "thorough ventilation and plenty of
sunlight. Let there be a current of air and an abundance of light in every room in
the house. 22.
It was eighty years later that Dr. Lawrence P. Garrod, professor of
bacteriology at the University of London performed studies on the effect of light on
bacteria in the dust of sickrooms. His surprising disclosure came as a bombshell
to the medical world: Dust on the floor near the beds of patients suffering from an
infectious disease contained many of the bacteria that produced the disease. And
this was also true of the dust under the bed and in every dark place in the room.
But an analysis of dust near the window, on the windowsill, and on the window
itself contained no disease-producing bacteria. And Dr. Garrod found this to be
true even in rooms that never had direct sunlight, due to a northern exposure.
Additional research revealed that these facts remained consistent even in winter
when less light was available, and it had to penetrate two layers of glass." 23. "It
must now be recognized that ordinary diffuse daylight, even on a cloudy day and
even in winter in England, can be lethal [deadly] to bacteria, and that glass is no
absolute bar to this effect." 24
THE PERILS OF MEDICAL AND NON-MEDICAL HYPNOSIS
In the mid 1950s, a concerted effort was made to convince the general
public of the great value of medical hypnosis, but within a relatively short time
doubts were beginning to arise. In "Psychiatry," for August, 1962, the question was
asked in regard to it, "Does the end justify the means?" But Ellen White sounded
the warning even more clearly over a century before. Writing about hypnosis to a
physician, she said.
"No man or woman should exercise his or her will to control the senses or
reason of another, so that the mind of the person is rendered passively subject to
the will of the one who is exercising the control. This 'science' may appear to be
something beautiful, but it is a science which you are in no case to handle. . There
is something better for you to engage in than the control of human nature. No
individual should be permitted to take control of another person's mind, thinking
that in so doing he is causing him to receive great benefit The mind cure is one of
the most dangerous deceptions which can be practiced upon any individual.

Temporary relief may be felt, but the mind of the one thus controlled is never
again so strong and reliable." 25
It is well-known that an individual who has submitted to hypnosis is more
easily hypnotized again.
Never let anyone control your mind. In her day, medical hypnosis was often
called "mind cure", In 1902 she wrote: "The 'mind cure is a satanic science.
Already you have gone far enough in it to endanger seriously your future
experience." 26 Thus hypnosis is dangerous both to the one who uses it as well as
to the one it is used upon!
Men and women are not to study the science of how to take captive the
minds of those who associate with them. This is the science that Satan teaches. We
are to resist everything of the kind. We are not to tamper with mesmerism and
hypnotismthe science of the one who lost his first estate, and was cast out of
heaven." 27
Although not often perceived, psychology and psychiatry are partially linked
to the principles upon, which hypnosis operates: strong mental suggestion,
separate from Christian experience and Biblical counsels.
In these days when skepticism and infidelity so often appear in a scientific
garb, we need to be guarded on every hand. Through this means our great
adversary [Satan] is deceiving thousands, and leading them captive according to
his will. The advantage he takes of the sciences, sciences which pertain to the
human mind, is tremendous. Here, serpent like, he imperceptibly creeps in to
corrupt the work of God. This entering in of Satan through the sciences is well
devised. Through the channel of phrenology, psychology, and mesmerism
[hypnotism], he comes more directly to the people of this generation, and works
with that power which is to characterize his efforts near the close of probation." 28
It has not been until very recently that research scientists have fully grasped
the dangers to be found in medical and non-medical hypnosis. A weakening of the
ability to resist immoral and incorrect suggestions has been noted. The scientist,
J.A. Whieldon, M.D., presented a paper at the Institute of Mental Hygiene, meeting
in Worthington, Ohio, on November 12-15, 1956: "Psychic hypnosis is . . in many
instances a harmful procedure which can in reality undo the very thing those in
psychotherapy are trying to most to accomplish, the growth of the individual to
emotional independence and personal responsibility. . Often the men who use
hypnosis have an unconscious need to dominateto exert themselves over others,
doing hypnosis often is little more than satisfaction of a person's narcissism.
Psychic hypnosis is, then, an understandable phenomenon and can be performed
because all people are suggestible. Hypnosis does not cureand actually may be
dangerous" or a hindrance to the recovery of the patient." 29 Floyd L. Ruch,
writing in "Psychology and Life," commented: "Hypnotic suggestion. . removes the
danger signal of pain without curing the organic disease." 30 Interestingly enough,
not much more is known about how hypnosis operates than when Dr. Mesmer

first introduced to the medical world two centuries ago. 31 But practicing
spiritualists recognize it to be an occult science used in devil worship.
DANGERS IN LIVING YEAST
Ellen White recommended raised (leavened) and unleavened bread. But she
specified that, if yeast was used, the loaves should be small, well bakedso that
the leaven would be entirely killed before it was eaten. "Bread should be light and
sweet. Not the least taint of sourness should be tolerated. The loaves should be
small, and so thoroughly baked that, so far as possible, the yeast germs shall be
destroyed." 32
What a strange idea! Why would it matter whether the yeast germs were
killed before the bread was eaten? As late as the 1930's, the use of live bread yeast
was recommended by nutritionists for the B vitamins it contained. Back in those
days, people were urged to eat a cake of baker's yeast every day. But now it is
known that the live yeast cells are capable of passing through the acid in the
stomach and making yeast growths within the intestines. Bogert's book, "Nutrition
and Physical Fitness," is a standard college nutrition textbook. Here is what we
know now: "Live yeast cells. . take up B vitamins from the food material in the
intestine, thus making them unavailable for the body. If the effect of B vitamins in
combating; constipation is desired, it is better to take dried [killed] brewer's yeast
or wheat germ." 33
It should be mentioned here that powdered or flaked "nutritional yeast"
(brewer's yeast) which you purchase in a health food store is now used as a source
of the vitamin B complex. Nutritional (Brewer's) yeast is composed of dead yeast
cells.
ELECTRIC CURRENTS IN THE BODY AND PLANTS
Writing about the human body, Ellen White Wrote: "Whatever disturbs the
circulation of the electric currents in the nervous system lessens the strength of
the vital powers, and the result is a deadening of the sensibilities of the mind." 34
"This class [physical laborers who use the brain powers very little] fall more
readily if attacked by disease; the system is vitalized by the electrical force of the
brain to resist disease." 35 It was in the year 1929 that Hans Berger, a German
psychiatrist, first published a series of irregular curved lines. "In the quarter of a
century since then the study of his little wavy lines has grown into a new
department of science called electro-encephalography. Today several hundred
laboratories in the United States, and a similar number in Europe are recording
and interpreting charts of the electrical discharges of human brains. Their total
annual output of charts would girdle the earth." 36 It was not until five years., after
Berger first announced his discovery that Charles Mayo, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic,
first supported his discovery. Now we know that "the little wavy lines." reveal the
activity of the micro-electrical generators within our nervous systems." "These
wonderful waves exist in the human body, and are the vital-force of the heart and
the nerves." 37

But Ellen White also wrote about electricity within plants: "There is life in
the seed, there is power in the soil; but unless an infinite power [the power of God]
is exercised day and night, the seed will yield no returns. The showers of rain
must refresh the thirsty field; the sun must impart warmth; electricity must be
conveyed to the buried seed. The life, which the Creator has implanted, He alone
can call forth. Every seed grows, every plant develops, by the power of God." 38
She said that in the year 1900. In 1959, Dr. H.S. Burr of Yale University, in a
symposium held at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, was
quoted as saying: "Periodic, predictable electrical rhythms exist not only in
humans but in trees arid other forms of life. . Dr. Burr . . said the vigor and
growth rate of plants already have been successfully predicted by measurement of
the electricity in cotton seeds." 39 It was for reasons that included this, that she
strongly urged the eating of plant foods, for in so doing we eat living tissue with
the electricity still in it. The eating of animals as food is the eating of dead food.
ANTICIPATING SCIENCE
We have noted but a very few of the scientific insights that were given to
Ellen White. Many more could be mentioned; enough in fact to quite fill this book.
For example: Cancer is caused by a germ, and can be contracted in a number of
specified ways that many are not aware of. Children are not physically and
nervously ready to begin formal schooling until the age of eight to ten. Dangerous
effects of X-Rays. Salt must only be used in very moderate amounts, but it should
not be entirely discarded. The use of coffee and tea is responsible for a number of
otherwise unexplained illnesses. The mind as both a causative and preventative
factor in disease and illness. The close relationship between the use of too much
sugar and a liability to disease. The damage that alcohol has on the brain. The
relation of harmful drugs to birth defects. The close interrelationships between
mind and body in a number of significant ways.
Concepts such as these, with their ramifications, hardly grasped a hundred
years ago, are only now beginning to be explored scientifically.
David Paulson, M.D., about the year 1913, reported a conversation that he
had with Dr. John Harvey Kellogg a number of years earlier. Introductory to the
following statement, it should be mentioned that in the late nineteenth century,
John H. Kellogg, M.D., was recognized as a world leader in several areas of
medical practice:
"Dr. Kellogg asked me in New York City twenty-two years ago if I knew how
it was that the Battle Creek Sanitarium was able to keep five years ahead of the
medical profession. I did not know. Then he told me.
"He said when a new thing is brought out in the medical world, he knew
from his knowledge of the spirit of prophecy [the writings of Ellen White] whether,
it belonged in our system or not If it did, he instantly adopted it and advertised it
while the rest of the doctors were slowly feeling their way, and when they finally
adopted it he had five years the start on them.

"On the other hand when the medical profession were swept off their feet by
some new fad, if it did not fit the light we had received he simply did not touch it.
When the doctors finally discovered their mistake, they wondered how it came that
Dr. Kellogg did not get caught" Document File 45, referred to by Richard A.
Schaefer in "Legacy," page 60.
1. EGW, Counsels on Diet and Foods, pages 393-394.
2. Ibid.
3. EGW, Testimonies, Volume 2, page 61.,
4. W. Dock, M.D., "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," Volume 5, pages
674-675. (1957).
5. Meat: EGW, Counsels On Diet and Foods, pages 373-418. Butter:
EGW; Counsels on Diet and Foods, pages 349-353. Grease: EGW, Counsels
on Diet and Foods, pages 353-355.
6. W. A. Thomas, M.D., in "Journal of the American Medical Association,"
June 3, 1961, page 783.
7. "Medical World News," November 22,1963, page 57.
8. EGW, Adventist Home, pages 255-259.
9. EGW, Ministry of Healing, pages 372-373.
10. EGW, Testimonies, Volume 2, pages 382-383. n. Dr. Ashley Montagu,
"Ladies Home Journal," February, 1954, page 43."
12. Dr. Lyon P. Strean and Dr. Lyndon A. Peer, "Time," September
17,1956.
13. Leland H. Scott, Child Development: An Individual Longhudinal
Approach, pages 371-372. 1967.
14. Associated Press news release, dated June 3, 1953, under the title,
"Unborn Baby May be 'Marked' by Mother's Emotions."
15. Dr. Ashley Montagu, "Ladies Home Journal, "February, 1954, page 43.
16. Dr. Jesse D. Rising, "Drugging" During Pregnancy, in "Time, October
27,1958.
17. Ibid.

18. Thomas M Rivers, "Radiation, Strong Drugs and Alcohol," in "The

National Foundation.".
19. EGW, How to Live, page 62. (1865) (Republished in Selected Messages,
Book 2, page 462."
20. EGW, Ministry of Healing, page 276.
21. Ibid.
22. EGW, Ministry of Healing, page 274.
23. Dr. Lawrence P. Garrod; in "British Medical Journal," 1 :247. (1944)
24. Ibid.
25. EGW, Medical Ministry, 113-116.
26. EGW, Selected Messages, Book 2, pages 349-351. (1902)
27. EGW, Medical Ministry, 110-111 (1905).
28. EGW, "Signs of the Times," November 6, 1.884 (Selected Messages,
Book 2: pages 351-352).
29. J.A. Whieldon, M.D., "The Peril of Hypnosis," a paper presented at the
Institute of Mental Hygiene, Worthington, Ohio, November 12-15,1956.
30, Floyd l. Ruch, Psychology and Life,1948, page 516.
31. "Journal of the A.M.A.," June 16,1962, Volume 180, November 11
32. EGW, The Ministry of Healing, page 301 (1905)
33. L. Jean Bogert, Nutrition and Physical Fitness, 7th edition page 406.
34. EGW, Testimonies, Volume 2, page 347. (Also in Education, page 209.)
35. EGW, Testimonies, Volume 3, page 157.
36. "The Scientific American," June, 1954, page 54.
37. Ernst Weber, President.' Polytechnic Institute, Brooklyn, New York,
quoted in "This Week," December 30, 1962.
38. EGW, Christ's Object Lessons, page 63. (1900)

39. Dr. H.S. Burr, quoted at symposium, College of William and Mary,
Williamsburg Virginia, November 22, 1959. Quoted in Washington "Post,"
November 22,1959, page A-1.

CHAPTER EIGHT
RECOGNIZED BY OTHERS
A number of years ago the Minister of Education of a certain southern
European country came to America to do post-graduate work at Columbia
University in New York. Although he already had several doctorates, he wanted to
obtain still further information,the very best of information to take back home to
the people of his country.
Arriving home, he published a full-length book in his own language. It was
to be the standard of public education for the people of his nation. And, indeed, it
was widely agreed to be a masterpiece, in its thoroughness and practicality.
The book was a word-for-word translation of Ellen Whites book,
"Education." The only changes were to be found in the final chapter and in the
authors name: he listed himself as the author.
The present writer recalls an incident that took place about thirty years ago
in another European country; A high-level church official took the beautiful book,
"Steps to Christ" by Ellen G. White, and reprinted it in his own languageunder
his own name. The people loved it. And they had reason to. It provided a clear
description of how to come to Christ.
George Wharton James, writer, lecturer and contemporary of Ellen White,
in his authoritative volume on California, "California-Romantic and Beautiful," said
this about Ellen, who at that time was a resident of that State:
"This remarkable woman, also, though almost entirely self-educated, has
written and published more books and in more languages, which circulate to a
greater extent than the written works of any woman in history."George Wharton
James, "CaliforniaRomantic and Beautiful," pages 319-320.
And, we might add, she turned out far more written material than most
men in history, also. But there was a reason, an impelling reason. Men and women
all around her needed to be helped. And God gave her guidance in preparing
letters, articles, and books that would meet that need.
It is significant that over 78,000 Bible references and quotations are to be
found in her writings. That which she wrote not only agreed with Scripture; it was
filled with Scripture. And over the years, these writings were discovered by many
people, who found in them that which they had been looking for.

Here, briefly, are some of the things that others have said about the life,
personality and ministry of Ellen G. White:
"As a speaker, Mrs. White is one of the most successful of the few ladies
who have become noteworthy as lecturers, in this country, during the last twenty
years. Constant use has so strengthened her vocal organs as to give her voice rare
depth and power. Her clearness and strength of articulation are so great that,
when speaking in the open air, she has frequently, been distinctly heard at the
distance of a mile. Her language, though simple, is always forcible and elegant.
When inspired with her subject, she is often marvelously eloquent, holding the
largest audiences spellbound far hours with out a sign of impatience or
weariness."American Biographical Dictionary, under topic White, Ellen G."
"Mrs. White was probably one of the best-known \/Women in the world. She
had traveled extensively, had lectured to large audiences in many countries, and
her writings had been published in various languages carrying to people of nearly
all tongues [not quite: translations were made into over forty languages] the
message she felt called upon by God to deliver.
"The life of Mrs. White is an example worthy of emulation by all. Though of
limited education, for the greater part of her long life in poor health, she never
faltered, but far seventy-two years carried and preached the message of Jesus
Christ, as understood by her, to the furthermost corners of the earth. She was a
humble, devout disciple of Christ and ever went about doing good. Her writings
have been published in books, papers and periodicals and from her prolific pen
has came writings on many religious topics. She was. . honored and respected by
all who appreciate, noble womanhood consecrated to unselfish labor far the
uplifting and betterment of mankind. Her. . almost ninety years were full to
overflowing with kind deeds, kind wards and earnest prayers far all mankind.
This good Samaritan will surely be greatly missed. Her reward will be
commensurate with the great goad she has done."St. Helena, California, "Star,"
July 23, 1915.
"Her Christian life was marked by deep personal piety; she had great faith
in prayer, and was zealous in her spiritual devotions. Her charities were liberal
beyond her means; she was ever impoverishing herself by her gifts to the cause
she loved and by her care far the poor and needy.'
"She believed in the divine inspiration of the Bible. Of this Word she was a
constant student all her life; to her it was the voice of God. . She exalted Christ as
the sinner's only hope. She loved the Savior, and did what she could to bring
others to a knowledge of Him." I. H. Evans, quoted in "Review and Herald," July
29,1915.
At the time of her death, two large American newspapers commented as
follows:
"Here is a noble record, and she deserves great honor . . She showed no

spirited pride and she sought no 'filthy lucre.' She lived the life and did the work of
a worthy prophetess." Editorial, "The New York Independent," August 23, 1915.
"Mrs. White was a remarkable woman in many ways. She was deeply
religious, and none who knew her intimately had any doubt, as to her sincerity. "
Editorial, Detroit "News-Tribune," July 25,1915.
D. M. Canright said the following about Ellen G. White, ten years before he
suddenly turned against her and wrote articles attacking her as a vicious person:
"As to the Christian character of Sister White, I beg leave to say that I think
I know something about it. Ive been acquainted with sister White for eighteen
years, more than half the history of our people. I have been in their family time
and again, sometimes weeks at a time. They have been in our house and family
many times. I have traveled with them almost everywhere; have been with them in
private and in public meeting and out of meeting, and have had the very best
chances to know something of the life, character, and spirit of Brother and Sister
White.
"I know Sister White to be an unassuming, modest, kindhearted, noble
woman. These traits in her character are not simply put on and cultivated, but
they spring gracefully and easily from her natural disposition. She is not selfconceited, self-righteous, and self-important, as fanatics always are. I have
frequently came in contact with fanatical persons, and have always found them to
be full of pretensions, full of pride, ready to give their opinion, boastful of their
holiness, etc. But I have ever found Sister White the reverse of all this. Anyone, the
poorest and the humblest, can go to her freely for advice and comfort without
being repulsed. She is ever looking after the needy, the destitute, and the suffering,
providing for them, and pleading their cause. I have never formed an acquaintance
with any persons who so constantly have the fear of God before them. Nothing is
undertaken without earnest prayer to God. She studies God's Word carefully and
constantly.
"I have heard Sister White speak hundreds of times, have read all her
testimonies through and through, most of them many times, and I have never been
able to find one immoral sentence in the whole of them, or anything that is not
strictly pure and Christian; nothing that leads away from the Bible, or from Christ;
but there I find the most earnest appeals to obey God, to love Jesus, to believe the
Scriptures, and to search them constantly. I have received great spiritual benefit
times without number, from the testimonies. Indeed, I never read them without
feeling reproved for my lack of faith in God, lack of devotion, and lack of
earnestness in saving souls. If I have any judgment, any spiritual discernment, I
pronounce the, testimonies to be of the same Spirit and of the same tenor as the
Scriptures.
" . . One thing I have remarked, and that is, that the most bitter opponents
of the visions of Sister White admit that she is a Christian. How they can now
make this admission is more than I know. They try to fix it up by saying that she is

deceived. They are not able to put their finger upon a single stain in all her life, nor
an immoral sentence in all her writings. They have to admit that much of her
writings are excellent, and whoever would live out all she says would be a good
Christian, sure of Heaven. This is passing strange if she is a tool of the devil,
inspired by Satan, or if her writings are immoral or the vagaries of her own
mind."Written by the man who later turned on Ellen White as her most fervent
enemy: Dudley Marvin Canright, Review and Herald, April 26, 1877. The following
statement tells of Canright at her funeral in 1915, twenty-eight years after he first
declared her to be of the devil:
"Even the bitterest criticone who had left the movement and turned to
write many attacks upon the work of his former associates, and especially upon
the Spirit of prophecy in the churchpaid tribute to a noble Christian life. He
came to Mrs. White's funeral. His brother. . told us of D. M. Canright's emotion as
they walked together past the casket, with others of the.. congregation, at the close
of the funeral service. They came back to their pew, and stood while the great
congregation was still filing past. 'Then. . my brother [D. M. Canright] suggested
that we go down again, to take one more look. We joined the passing throng, and
again stood by the bier. My brother rested his hand upon the side of the casket,
and with tears rolling down his cheeks, he said brokenly, There is a noble
Christian woman gone!"'W. A. Spicer, quoted in Spirit of Prophecy Treasure
Chest, page 186.
Ellen White wrote in many fields. One of these was education. Her book,
"Education," was her best-known volume dealing with this subject. Schools and
colleges have been founded upon the principles contained within those books.
In 1959, a leading educator and faculty member of the Department of
Education at Teachers' College. Columbia University, in New York City, happened
upon 'the book, "Education," by Ellen White. Dr. Florence Stratemeyer, an
authority in her field, had this to say about that book:
"Recently the book 'Education' by Ellen G. White has been brought to my
attention. Written at the turn of the century, this volume was more than fifty years
ahead of its times. And I was surprised to learn that it was written by a woman
with but three years of schooling.
"The breadth and depth of its philosophy amazed me. Its concept of
balanced education, harmonious development, and of thinking and acting on
principle are advanced educational concepts..
"The objective of restoring in man the image of God, the teaching of
parental responsibility, and the emphasis on self control in the child are ideals the
world desperately needs.
"Mr. White did not necessarily use current terms. In fact, she did not use
the word curriculum in her writings. But the book "Education" in certain parts
treats of important curriculum principles. She was concerned with the whole

learnerthe harmonious development of mental, physical, and spiritual powers.

"Today many are stressing the development of the intellect. But feelings and
emotional development are equally important. In our changing society, the ability
to act on thought and in terms of principle is central. It is this harmonious
development that is so greatly needed, yet so, generally neglected today."Dr.
Florence Stratemeyer, Professor of Education, Teachers College, Columbia
University, New York City, quoted in "Review and Herald," August 6, 1959.
Thomas M. Elliott, editor of the prestigious "Atlanta Constitution," wrote a
key editorial in his paper on October 9, 1950, endorsing two books written by
Ellen White:
"Among the many hundreds of books I have studied on the subject of
religion that inspire heart warmth and enriched faith, none have been of greater
help than Ellen G. White's two books'Patriarchs and Prophets' and 'Prophets and
Kings.'
"Those books were written, not for literary fame or financial reward, but to
help heart-hungry humanity learn of God. They make God's dealings with man
clear to the most simple-minded reader without bias or sectarianism, I commend
these books to all seekers after a clearer knowledge of the righteousness of
God."Thomas M. Elliott, editorial in "The Atlanta Constitution," October 9, 1950.
The above two books, "Patriarchs and Prophets" and "Prophets and Kings"
provide a detailed description of the Old Testament story. They have encouraged
many folk. The present writer recalls the story of an older man, who when asked
the name of his favorite book by Ellen White, said, "I value them all, but" and
then his voice faltered, "it is 'Patriarchs and Prophets' that I appreciate the most
for that is the book that brought me back to God."
"Another volume, cherished by many, is "Desire of Ages," a graphic
description of the life of Christ as portrayed in the Four Gospels of the New
Testament.
Several years ago, one who had come to love that book was attending,
summer school at a state university in Massachusetts, when the following incident
occurred:
One day our teacher, who had just returned from an extended study of
literature in Europe, asked each member of the class to come next day with three
quotations from a favorite author The name was not to be given, and the class was
to be asked to name the author by the selection read.
"I was the first one called on, and although there were forty-eight in the
class, no one else was called upon. The entire time was taken up in discussing the
three quotations I presented passages from 'The Desire of Ages,' No one could
name the author. Then to my happy surprise, the teacher said:

Well, class, that is from the pen of Mrs. E. G. White. She spoke at length,
saying she knew nothing of the author's religion, but she felt able to declare herself
as to literature; and she said it was a pity Mrs. White's writings were not better
known in the literary world. She said she was going to make a strong statement,
but she meant every word. Of all the writings she knew, outside of the Bible, there
were none so full of beauty, so pure, and yet so simple, as the writings of Mrs.
E.G. White."Quoted in The Gift of Prophecy, by DA Delafield, page 34.
The curator of the religious book section of the Library of Congress in
Washington D.C., the largest library in the world, was asked if he would name the
book that, in his opinion, was the finest book on the life of Christ, in print or out
of print. An expert in his field, and well-acquainted with the holdings and
accessions of the Library of Congress dealing with biographical works on the life of
Christ, he replied without hesitation, "The book, 'Desire of Ages,' by Ellen G. White
is the most beautifully written book on the life of Christ in the Library of
Congress."
And yet this was the writer who, when asked about the authorship of her
books, humbly said:
"I walk with trembling before God. I know not how to speak or trace with
pen the large subjects of the atoning sacrifice. I know not how to present subjects
in the living power in which they stand before me. I tremble for fear lest I shall
belittle the great plan of salvation by cheap words. I bow my soul in awe and
reverence before God and say, 'Who is sufficient for these things?' "Letter 40,
1892.
And this was the author who said:
"Sister White is not the originator of these books. They contain the
instruction that during her lifework God has been giving her. They contain the
precious, comforting light that God has graciously given His servant to be given to
the world. From their pages this light is to shine into the hearts of men and
women leading them to the Saviour."Colporteur Evangelist, page 36.

CHAPTER NINE
SCRIPTURE ON A PROPHET
What does the Bible say about the prophets of God? Earlier in this book,
we briefly gave some of this information. But here is a much more complete Bible
Study on this important subject:
WHAT DID GOD SAY ABOUT THE GIFT OF PROPHECY?
BIBLE FACTThe gift of prophecy is a blessing from God to mankind, and

it will remain in the church until the final unifying of the faith:
Ephesians 4:11-13 And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and
some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the
saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we
all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a
perfect man, unto the measure of the stature, of the fulness of Christ."
BIBLE FACTPaul compares the church to the body; the various parts of
which are parts of the body:
1 Corinthians 12:1-17,28 "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I
would not have you ignorant. . Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same
Spirit.. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word
of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another
the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another prophecy. . But all these
worketh that one and the self same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as
He will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members
of that one body, being many, are one body: so also Jesus Christ. For by one
Spirit are we all baptized into one body. . For the body is not one member, but
many. .And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily
prophets, thirdly teachers."
BIBLE FACTThe prophets are the eyes of this spiritual body:
1 Samuel 9:9 "Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God,
thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer; for he that is now called a
Prophet [speaker for God] was beforetime called a Seer [see-er for God]."
(Compare Luke 11:34 and Proverbs 29:18.)
WILL THERE BE PROPHETS IN THE LAST DAYS?
BIBLE FACTThe apostle Peter predicted that there would be prophets in
the last days:
Acts 2:17,18 And it shall come to pass in the last days saith God, I will
pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall
prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream
dreams: And an My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out in those
days of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy," (This statement is based on a
prediction in the old Testament by Joel [Joel 2:28.])
BIBLE FACT The warning that Christ gave against false prophets
indicates that there will also be true ones. Satan can use counterfeits to divert
attention from the genuine:
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's
clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. "

BIBLE FACTGod's law and God's prophets tend to be found together "lf
His people do not obey His law, then they will not have the guidance of His
prophet:
Lamentations 2:9"The law is no more; her prophets also find no vision
from the Lord. "
Ezekiel 7:26"Then shall they seek a vision of the prophet but the law
shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients." (Compare
20:3,12,13-16.)
Jeremiah 26:4-6 "Thus saith the Lord: If ye will not hearken to Me, to
walk in My law, which I have set before you, To hearken to the words of My
servants the prophets, whom I sent onto you, both rising up early, and sending
them, but ye have not hearkened; Then will I make this house like Shiloh, and
will make of this city a curse to all the nations of the earth. "
Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that
keepeth the law, happy is he."
BIBLE FACT The true church, just before Jesus returns, will again have
the gift of prophecy, because it keeps the law of God by faith in Christ:
Revelation 12:17"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went
to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of
God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
Revelation 19:10For the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy."
BIBLE FACTJust before Christ's return, His people will again be obeying
His moral law through His empowering grace:
Revelation 14:12-14Here is the patience of the saints: here are they
that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. . And I looked, and
behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud One sat like unto the Son of man,
having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. "
HOW DOES PROPHECY COME TO US?
BIBLE FACT ..,.It comes to us from God through His prophets:
2 Peter 1 :21"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:
but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."
Revelation 1:1-2"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto.
Him, to shew unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He
sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John: Who bare record of the
word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw."

WHAT ARE THE MARKS OF A TRUE PROPHET?

BIBLE FACTA true prophet will speak in harmony with the Bible:
Isaiah 8:20"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according
to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
Deuteronomy 13:1-3"If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer
of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come
to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which
thou hast not known and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the
words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth
you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all
your soul."
BIBLE FACTA true prophet will exalt God and Christ rather than himself:
Jeremiah 1:4-9 "Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out
of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. But the Lord
said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send
thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their
faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. Then the Lord put forth
his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold," I have
put My words in thy mouth. "
2 Corinthians 10: 5 "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing
that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity
every thought to the obedience of Christ. "
BIBLE FACT A true prophet will reprove men of sin:
Ezekiel 3:17-19"Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the
house of Israel: therefore hear the word at My mouth, and give them warning
from Me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him
not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his
life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at
thine hand. Yet if you warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness,
nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy
soul."
BIBLE FACT A true prophet will emphasize the necessity of Jesus in the
heart:
1 John 4: 1-3 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits

whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the
world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus
Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is the spirit of antichrist,
whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the
world. "
BIBLE FACT A true prophet will live a godly life and will produce good
fruit:
Matthew 7:15-20 "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in
sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by
their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every
good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A
good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good
fruit. . Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. "
BIBLE FACT The predictions of a true prophet will come to pass:
Deuteronomy 18:21-22 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we
know the word which the Iord hath spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the
name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing
which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously:
thou shalt not be afraid of him."
Jeremiah 28:9"The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word
of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the
Lord hath truly sent him
BIBLE FACT A true prophet will have visions and dreams:
Numbers 12:6 And he said, Hear now My words: If there be a prophet
among you, I the Lord will make Myself known unto him in a vision, and will
speak to him in a dream."
BIBLE FACTBoth men and women can be called as prophets of God:
Examples of men who were called to be prophets:
Enoch (Jude 14), Moses (Exodus 3:9-10), Elijah (1 Kings 17:1-3), John the
Baptist (Luke 1:13-17), John the Revelator (Revelation 1:10).
Examples of women who were called to be prophets:
Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), Huldah (2 Kings 22: 14),
Anna (Luke 2:36). Philip's daughters (Acts 21:9).
BIBLE FACTThe weakest of the weak may be called to this work:

1 Corinthians 1:27,29"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the

world to confound the wise," and God hath chosen the weak things of the world
to confound the things which are mighty; .. That no, flesh should glory in his
presence.
2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for
thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I
rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me:" (Also
13:4.)
WHAT ARE THE TESTS OF A TRUE PROPHET?
BIBLE FACTWe are commanded not to despise prophets, but to test
them:
1 Thessalonians 5:20-21"Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things,
hold fast that which is good." (1 John 4:1.)
BIBLE FACT We must test them by the Word of God:
Isaiah 8:20"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not
according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
BIBLE FACTWhile in vision, a prophet has no breath, and his natural
strength is gone until the angel strengthens him:
Daniel 10:17.18"As for me, straightway there remained' no strength in
me, neither is there breath left in me. Then there came again and touched me
one like the appearance of a man, and strengthened me."
BIBLE FACTWhile in vision, a prophet can nevertheless speak:
Daniel 10:15,16 And when he [the angel] had spoken such words unto
me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb [unable to speak].
And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I
opened my mouth, and spake."
BIBLE FACT While in vision, a prophet keeps his eyes open:
Numbers 24:16"He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew
the knowledge .of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling
into a trance, but having his eyes open."
BIBLE FACTWhile in vision, a prophet is unconscious of his
surroundings:
2 Corinthians 12:2,4"I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago,
(whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God

knoweth) such an one caught up to the third heaven. . How that He was caught
up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a
man to utter."
HOW DOES THE GIFT OF PROPHECY HELP US?
BIBLE FACTThe abiding gift of prophecy provides counsel and guidance
before a crisis:
Noah was sent with warnings before the Flood cameGenesis 6:9-17.
Moses was sent to lead the people pf God out of EgyptExodus 3:4-12; 4:10-16;
Deuteronomy 4:10-12. Elijah called men back to obedience to God and warned of
judgments because they refused to render obedience1 Kings 17:1; 18:20-41; 2
Kings 2:11-13. John the Baptist called all men to repentance and announced the
soon coming of ChristMark 1:2-5; Luke 7:28.
BIBLE FACTThe messages of the prophet bring comfort and
encouragement to the people of God:
2 Peter 1:19 "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye
do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the
day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. "
1 Corinthians 14:3 "He that prophesieth speaketh unto men to
edification, and exhortation, and comfort. "
BIBLE FACTIt is only as the people heed the words that God sends them
through the prophet that they can have truest success:
2 Chronicles 20:20"Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be
established; believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper. "
BIBLE FACTThe counsel of the true prophet protects from unbiblical
errors and enables the people of God to obey His Written Word:
Ephesians 4: 11-16 And He gave. . prophets for the perfecting of the
saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we
all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a
perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. That we
henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro,' and carried about with every
wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby, they
lie in wait to deceive."
BIBLE FACTWe may expect the prophetic gift among the remnant of the
true church; down in the time of the end:
Revelation 12:17And the dragon [Satan, through his own agencies]
was wroth with the woman [the true church], and went to make war with the

remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the
testimony of Jesus Christ. "
Revelation 19:10 The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. "
And there is an important reason why we need the gift of prophecy down
at the end of time, to provide guidance, warning and instruction: We are nearing
the greatest crisis in human history; a crisis that few understand.

CHAPTER TEN
UNMASKING THE MASTERMIND
The sweeping vision given to Ellen White at Lovett's Grove, Ohio, in 1858
gave her a view of vast ages of time. And for this reason alone the books based
upon that vision are of highest significance.
But this vision was extremely important in yet another way: It unmasked
the mastermind, and revealed the working, errors and techniques of Satan
himself.
And there is yet a third crucial reason for the importance of that vision: It
opened to view a complete and harmonious understanding of final events on
planet earth,as it delineated the final crisis just before us and primary ways in
which Satan plans to deceive millions and bring them into His net.
It was early spring in 1858. Ellen and James were on the road again. On
the weekend of March 13 and 14 they attended meetings at Lovett's Grove, in
Ohio. On Sunday afternoon, the 14th, a funeral was conducted by James in the
schoolhouse, where the earlier meetings of the weekend had been held. After he
had spoken, Ellen rose to speak words of comfort, and was taken off in vision.
Lasting two hours, during which time everyone remained in the building, she was
given a panoramic view of the great controversy between Christ and Satan that has
spanned the ages of sin.
Told to write it out, the next day they started for home. On the train, they
discussed the project and she told of her determination to give the writing of that
vision top priority. But this was not a topic that the prince of darkness wanted
printed, for, during the vision, she had been told:
"I was instructed to write it out. I was shown that while I should have to
contend with the powers of darkness, for Satan would make strong efforts to
hinder me, yet I must put my trust in God, and angels would not leave me in the
conflict Life Sketches, page 162.
Later in the day, they arrived at Jackson, Michigan, en route to Battle Creek

where their home was. Briefly, they stopped at the home of Daniel Palmer for an
overnight stay.
As I was conversing with Sister Palmer, my tongue refused to utter what I
wished to say, and seemed large and numb. A strange, cold sensation struck my
heart, passed over my head, and down my right side. For a time I was insensible,
but was aroused by the voice of earnest prayer. I tried, to use my left limbs, but
they were perfectly useless."Life Sketches, page 162.
In response to the earnest prayers of the others, her strength was partially
restored to the point that she and James were able to continue the journey home.
"At first I could write but one page a day, and then rest three days; but as I
progressed, my strength increased. The numbness in my head did not seem to
becloud my mind, and before I closed that work, the effect of the shock had
entirely left me." Life Sketches, page 163.
This book, with its brief overview of the vision, was completed within three
months. In later years, she continued to broaden the concepts by providing
additional details. The result eventually was five large books, called the "Conflict of
the Ages Series" ("Patriarchs and Prophets," "Prophets and Kings," "Desire of Ages,"
"Acts of the Apostles, " and "Great Controversy"), plus messages in a number of
other books, as well. As Ellen was completing the preliminary volume ("Spiritual
Gifts, Volume 1 "), in June of 1858, the Palmer-house experience was explained to
her:
"I was shown in vision that in the sudden attack at Jackson, Satan intended
to take my life, in order to hinder the work I was about to write; but angels of God
were sent to my rescue."Life Sketches, page 163.
Although men can be thankful for counsels such as these, that reveal
Satan's plans and how to resist them, yet that mastermind, himself, was
determined that the messenger be blotted out so that the messages might never be
given.
But we can also be thankful that, in spite of Satan's plans, God is at work
and His will shall ultimately be accomplished.
In the annals of human history, the growth of nations; the rise and fall of
empires, appear as if dependent on the will and prowess of man; the shaping of
events seems, to a great degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or
caprice. But in the Word of God, the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, above,
behind, and through all the play and counterplay of human interest and power and
'passions, the agencies of the All-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the
counsels of His own will."Prophets and Kings, pages 499, 500.
One individual, who researched into the background and content of this
vision, Wrote thusly:

"Scores of visions had passed before her; however, this time Ellen was
transported into an undefinable dimension of time before and beyond that of
recorded history and was made witness to the War in Heaven, the rebellion and
fall of Lucifer. Watching the tragedy unfold, she stood appalled and shocked at the
infidelity of one, who was once an exalted angel."Rene Noorbergen, Prophet of
Destiny, page 142.
This massive vision of the 14th of March, 1858, revealed the history of this
world and Satan's plans to destroy those living in it.
For a few moments, let us consider some of the concepts given to Ellen
White in the Lovett's Grove vision. Of course, far more information will be found
by reading the books themselves which are still in print and are easily purchased.
IN THE BEGINNING
" 'God is love.' 1 John 4:16. His nature, His law, is love. It ever has been; it
ever will be . . Every manifestation of creative power is an expression of infinite
love. The sovereignty of God involves fullness of blessing to all created beings. .
The history of the great conflict between good and evil, from the time it first began
in heaven to the final overthrow of rebellion and the total eradication of sin, is also
a demonstration of God's unchanging love."Patriarchs and Prophets, 33. (From
page one of chapter one of the first of these five books.)
THE FALL OF LUCIFER
"Though all his glory was from God, this mighty angel came to regard it as
pertaining to himself. Not content with his position, though honored above the
heavenly host, he ventured to covet homage due alone to the Creator. Instead of
seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of all created beings,
it was his endeavor to secure their service and loyalty to himself . . Now the perfect
harmony of heaven was broken. . In heavenly council the angels pleaded with
Lucifer. The Son of God presented before him the greatness, the goodness, and the
justice of the Creator, and the sacred, unchanging nature of His law. God Himself
had established the order of heaven; and in departing from it; Lucifer would
dishonor His Maker and bring ruin upon himself. But the warning.. given in
infinite love and mercy, only aroused" a spirit of resistance. .
"To dispute the supremacy of the Son of God, thus impeaching the wisdom
and love of the Creator, had become the purpose of this prince of angels. To this
object he was about to bend the energies of that master mind."Patriarchs and
Prophets, pages 35,36.
Lucifer recognized that which many men today do not: that the character of
God is mirrored in the laws He gives His creatures; to attack the one is to attack
the other. Therefore in heaven, as well as on this earth, Satan, has sought to lead
men to transgress God's Moral Law and thus sin against their Maker. This leaderof-the-devils well knows that men have no defense against sin if they can be led

into one of two errors: (1) To reject Christ, the only One who can forgive and
enable men to obey God's will. (2) To reject the Law of God, the expression of
God's will, as something that they are no longer required to obey. Understanding
this key, helps us to understand the entire great controversy between Christ and
Satan.
"Leaving his place in the immediate presence of God, Lucifer went forth to
diffuse the spirit of discontent among the angels: Working with mysterious secrecy,
and for a time concealing his real purpose under an appearance of reverence for
God, he endeavored to excite dissatisfaction concerning the laws that governed
heavenly beings, intimating that they imposed an unnecessary restraint Since their
natures were holy, he urged that the angels should obey the dictates of their own
will . . He claimed that in aspiring to greater power and honor he was not aiming
at self-exaltation, but was seeking to secure liberty for all the inhabitants of
heaven, that by this means they might attain to a higher state of existence."Great
Controversy, page 495. (Chapter 29 of this book parallels that of chapter 1 of
Patriarchs arid Prophets. Both explain the fall of Lucifer in heaven.)
"The discord which his own course had caused in heaven, Satan charged
upon the law and government of God. All evil he declared to be the result of the
divine administration. He claimed that it was his own object to improve upon the
statutes of Jehovah. Therefore it was necessary that he should demonstrate the
nature of his claims, and show the working out of his proposed changes in the
divine law. His own work must condemn him. Satan had claimed from the first
that he was not in rebellion. The whole universe must see the deceiver
unmasked.Great Controversy, page 498.
Satan's rebellion was to be a lesson to the universe through all coming
agesa perpetual testimony to the nature of sin and its terrible results. The
working out of Satan's rule, its effects upon both men and angels, would show
what must be the fruit of setting aside the divine authority. It would testify that
with the existence of God's government and His law is bound up the well-being of
all the creatures He has made. Thus the history of this terrible experiment of
rebellion was to be a perpetual safeguard to all holy beings."Patriarchs and
Prophets, page 42-43.
THE CONTROVERSY REPEATED ON EARTH
The same spirit that prompted rebellion in heaven, still inspires rebellion
on earth. Satan has continued with men the same policy, which he pursued with
the angels. His spirit now reigns in the children of disobedience. Like him they
seek to break down the restraints of the law of God, and promise men liberty
through, transgression of its precepts. .
When man had sinned through yielding to the deceptions of this apostate
spirit, God gave an evidence of His love by yielding up His only begotten Son to die
for the fallen race. In the atonement the character of God is revealed. The mighty
argument of the cross demonstrates to the whole universe that the course of sin

which Lucifer had chosen was in no wise chargeable upon the government of
God."Great Controversy, pages 500-501.
THE WARFARE AT CALVARY
It was Satan that prompted the world's rejection of Christ. The prince of
evil exerted all his power and cunning to destroy Jesus; for he saw that the
Saviour's mercy and love, His compassion and pitying tenderness, were
representing to the world the character of God. . The pent-up fires of envy and
malice, hatred and revenge, burst forth on Calvary against, the Son of God, while
all heaven gazed upon the scene in silent horror."Great Controversy 501.
THE RESULTS OF CALVARY
"Now it was seen that for the salvation of a fallen and sinful race, the Ruler
of the universe had made, the greatest sacrifice which love could make; for 'God
was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself'. . God had manifested His
abhorrence of the principles of rebellion. All heaven saw His justice revealed, both
in the condemnation of Satan and in the redemption of man. Lucifer had declared
that if the law of God was changeless, and its penalty could not be remitted, every
transgressor must be forever debarred from the Creator's favor. He had claimed
that the sinful race were placed beyond redemption, and were therefore his
rightful prey. But the death of Christ was an argument in man's behalf that could
not be overthrown. . It was to demonstrate to all the worlds of the universe that
God's law is unchangeable. Could its, claims have been set aside, then the Son of
God need not have yielded up His life to atone for its transgression. The death of
Christ proves it immutable."Great Controversy, pages 502, 503.
"In the final execution of the judgment it will be seen that no cause for sin
exists .. The cross of Calvary, while it declares the law immutable, proclaims to the
universe that the wages of sin is death. In the Saviour's expiring cry, 'It is finished,'
the death-knell of Satan was rung. The great controversy which had been so long
in progress was then decided, and the final eradication of evil was made certain.
The Son of God passed through the portals of the tomb, that 'through death He
might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.' Hebrews 2:14.
Lucifer's desire for self-exaltation had led him to say, 'I will exalt my throne above
the stars of God: . .I will be like the Most High.' Isaiah 14:13-14. God declares, 'I
will bring thee to ashes upon the earth, . . and never shalt thou be any more.'
Ezekiel 28: 18-19. When 'the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven, . . all the
proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh
shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root
nor branch.' Malachi 4:1.
"The whole universe will have become witnesses to the nature and results of
sin. And its utter extermination, which in the beginning would have brought fear to
angels and dishonor to God, will now vindicate His love and establish His honor
before the universe of beings who delight to do His will, and in whose heart is His
law. Never will evil again be manifest. Says the Word of God, 'Affliction shall not

rise up the second time.' Nahum 1:9. The law of God, which Satan has reproached
as the yoke of bondage, will be honored as the law of liberty. A tested and proved
creation will never again be turned from allegiance to Him whose character has
been fully manifested before them as fathomless love and infinite wisdom."Great
Controversy, pages 503-504.
But as we shall soon see, there were still more of Satan's plans revealed in
that important Lovett's Grove vision.

CHAPTER ELEVEN
WARNING OF OUR TIME
Poisoned. Polluted. Stripped: Diary of a small planet in deep trouble.
News item: 2,500 residents of Times Beach, Missouri, pack and leave
their homes because deadly dioxin is on their streets and in their wells.
News item: Illegal narcotics are becoming the third and second largest
cash crop of several States.
News Item: The fish have all died in remote lakes in Norway because of
acid rain from industrial, centers six hundred miles away.
News Item: Jacques Cousteau, the deep-sea ocean expert, predicts that
life within the oceans will be destroyed within twenty-five years.
News Item: 600 scientists from all over the world meet in Washington D.
C and predict that a "medium-sized war, " employing only one-half of the
presently-stored nuclear warheads, is all that will be needed to destroy
mankind.
News Item: Word has leaked from high level leaders in Organized Labor
that they are now prepared for a single massive strike that will so paralyze
America that it will give no further opposition to Labor's demands.
We are on the edge of a terrible crisis, the worst in human history. Here is
a very brief glimpse of some of what we are told about the last-day buildup of
atmospheric, moral, economic and military problems:
"In the future the condition of things in the cities will grow more and more
objectionable. . From the standpoint of health the smoke and dust of the cities are
very objectionable."Testimonies, Volume 7, page 82 (1902)
"Satan is working in the atmosphere; he is poisoning the atmosphere, and
here we are dependent upon God for our livesour present and eternal life."

Selected Messages, Book 2, page 52. (1890)"

"Wickedness and corruption will increase to such a degree that the very
atmosphere of the cities will seem polluted." Country Living, page 29 (1907)
In 1909 she announced that immense conflicts would come all over the
world, and "terrible scenes of strife and oppression beyond anything they had
conceived of among the nations of the earth. . The strife. . will break forth with an
intensity that you do not now anticipate."Life Sketches, page 421
"0 that God's people had a sense of the impending destruction of thousands
of cities, now almost given to idolatry." Review and Herald, September 10, 1903.
"Satan is working with all his art and enchantments to keep men marching
blindly onward until the Lord arises out of His place to punish the inhabitants of
the earth for their iniquities, when the earth shall disclose her blood and no more
cover her slain. The whole world appears to be in the march to death."
Manuscript 139, 1903.
"The tempest is coming, and we must get ready for its fury, by having
repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord will
arise to shake terribly the earth. We shall see troubles on all sides. Thousands of
ships will be hurled into the depths of the sea. Navies will go down, and human
lives will be sacrificed by millions."Signs of the Times, April 21, 1890.
"Many continue in the careless gratification of selfuntil they become so
disgusted with life that they kill themselves. Dancing and carousing, drinking and
smoking, indulging their animal passions, they go as an ox to the slaughter."
Manuscript 139, 1903.
"I am bidden to declare the message that cities full of transgression, and
sinful in the extreme, will be destroyed by earthquakes, by fire, by flood. All the
world will be warned that there is a God who will display His authority as God.
His unseen agencies will cause destruction, devastation, and death. All the
accumulated riches will be as nothing."Manuscript 35, 1906.
"Fires will break out unexpectedly, and no human effort will be able to
quench them.. Disasters by rail will become more and more frequent; confusion,
collision, and death without a moment's warning will occur on the great lines of
travel. The end is near; probation is closing. Oh, let us seek God while He may be
found, call upon Him while He is near!" Signs of the Times, April 21, 1890.
"Soon great trouble will arise among the nations, trouble that will not
cease until Jesus comes." Review and Herald, February 11, 1904.
"Calamities, earthquakes, floods, disasters by land and by sea will increase.
God is looking upon the world today as He looked upon it in Noah's time. He is
sending His message to people today as He did in the days of Noah."Review and

Herald, December 11, 1900.

"Anarchy is seeking to sweep away all law, not only divine, but human. The
centralizing of wealth and power; the vast combinations for the enriching of the
few at the expense of the many; the combinations of the poorer classes for the
defense of their interests and claims; the spirit of unrest, of riot and bloodshed;
the worldwide dissemination of the same teachings that led to the French
Revolution [of 1789] all are tending to involve the whole world in a struggle
similar to that which convulsed France."Education, page 228.
"The time is near, when large cities will be swept away." Manuscript 53,
1910.
"The agencies of evil are combining their forces, and consolidating. They are
strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our
world, and the final events will be rapid ones." Testimonies, Volume 9, page 11
(1909).
"The spiritual darkness that covers the whole earth today, is intensified in
the crowded centers of population."Review and Herald, April 7, 1910.
"Satan is busily at work in our crowded cities. His work is to be seen in the
confusion, the strife and discord between labor and capital, and the hypocrisy that
has come into the churches. . Step by step, the world is reaching the conditions
that existed in the days of Noah. Every conceivable crime is committed. . the force
used to cause men to unite with confederacies and unionsbinding themselves up
in bundles for the burning of the great fires of the last daysall these are the
working of Satanic agencies. This round of crime and folly men call 'life' "
Manuscript 139, 1903.
" 'Out of the cities' is my message. . The time is near when large cities will
be visited by the judgments of God. In a little while, these cities will be terribly
shaken. No matter how large or how strong their buildings, no matter how many
safeguards against fire may have been provided; let God touch these buildings and
in a few minutes or a few hours they are in ruins. The ungodly cities of our world
are to be swept away by the besom of destruction." Testimonies, Volume 7, page
83 (1902)
"The time is fast coming when the controlling power of the labor unions will
be very oppressive. Again and again the lord has instructed me that the people are
to take their families away from the cities into the country, where they can raise
their own provisions; for in the future the problem of buying and selling will be a
very serious one. . Get out of the cities into rural districts, where, the houses are
not crowded closely together, and where you will be free from the interference of
enemies."Letter 5, 1904.
The line of distinction between professed Christians and the ungodly is
now hardly distinguishable. Many church members love what the world loves and

are ready to join with them, and Satan determines to unite them in one body and
thus strengthen his cause by sweeping all into the ranks of spiritualism. Papists,
who boast of miracles as a certain sign of the true church, will be readily deceived
by this wonder-working power; and Protestants, having cast away the shield of
truth, will also be deluded. Papists, protestants, and worldlings will alike accept
the form of godliness without the power, and they will see in this union a grand
movement for the conversion of the world and the ushering in of the long-expected
millennium."Great Controversy; pages 588-589.
"There are not many, even among educators and statesmen, who
comprehend the causes that underlie the present state of society. Those who hold
the reins of government are not able to solve the problem of moral corruption,
poverty, pauperism, and increasing crime. They are struggling in vain to place
business operations on a more secure basis; If men would give more heed to the
teachings of God's Word, they would find a solution."Testimonies, Volume 9,
page 13.
Many ministers are teaching their people, and many professors and
teachers are instructing their students, that the law of God [the Ten
Commandments]has been changed or abrogated [set aside]; and those who
regard its requirements as still valid, to be literally obeyed, are thought to be
deserving only of ridicule or contempt In rejecting the truth, men reject its Author.
In trampling upon the law of God, they deny the authority of the lawgiver. . Though
in a different form, idolatry exists in the Christian world today as verily as if
existed among ancient Israel in the days of Elijah. The god of many professedly
wise men, of philosophers, poets, politicians, journalists,the god of polished
fashionable circles, of many colleges and universities, even of some theological
institutions,is little better than Baal, the sun-god of Phoenicia.
No error accepted by the Christian world strikes more boldly against the
authority of Heaven, none is more pernicious in its results, than the modern
doctrine, so rapidly gaining ground, that Gods law is no longer binding upon men.
Every nation has its laws, which command respect and Obedience; no government
could exist without them; and can it be conceived that the Creator of the heavens
and the earth has no law to govern the beings He has made?"'Great Controversy,
pages 58-584.
lt is Satan's Purpose to attract men and women to the cities, and to gain
his object he invents every kind of novelty, and amusement, every kind of
excitement And the cities of the earth today are becoming as were the cities before
the Flood. . In the days before the Flood, every kind of amusement was invented to
lead men and women to forgetfulness of God and sin. Today. . Satan is working
with intensity, that the same conditions of evil shall prevail. And the earth is
becoming corrupt. . At such a time as this, the people who are seeking to keep the
commandments of God should look for retired places away from the cities."
Manuscript 85, 1908.
Men are seeking to bring those engaged in the different trades under

bondage to certain unions. This is not God's planning, but the planning of a power
that we should in no wise acknowledge.. We are not to unite with secret societies
or with trades unions. We are to stand free in God, looking constantly to Christ for
instruction." Testimonies, Volume 7, page 84 (1902).
The trades unions will be one of the agencies that will bring upon this
earth a time of trouble such as has not been since the world began."Letter 200,
1903
"Fearful tests and trials await the people of God. The spirit of war is stirring
the nations from one end of the earth to the other." Testimonies, Volume 9, page
17. (1909)
"During a vision of the night, I stood on an eminence, from which I could
see houses shaken like a reed in the wind. Buildings, great and small, were falling
to the ground. Pleasure resorts, theaters, hotels, and the homes of the wealthy
were shaken and shattered. Many lives were blotted out of existence, and the air
was filled with the shrieks of the injured and the terrified." Testimonies, Volume
9, page 92. (1909)
"Last Friday morning, just before I awoke, a very impressive scene was
presented before me. I seemed to awake from sleep but was not in my home. From
the windows I could behold a terrible conflagration. Great balls of fire were falling
upon houses, and from these balls fiery arrows were flying in every direction. It
was impossible to check the fires that were kindled, and many places were being
destroyed. The terror of the people was indescribable."Letter 278, 1906.
"In the world, gigantic monopolies will be formed. . A few men will combine
to grasp all the means to be obtained in certain lines of business. [Also] trades
unions will be formed, and those who refuse to join these unions will be marked
men."Letter 26, 1903.
"Erelong there will be such strife and confusion in the cities, that those who
wish to leave them will not be able."Statement, April 6,1903.
It is clear that predictions given over half a century ago are now coming to
pass. We are living in the time of the end.

CHAPTER TWELVE
THE TIME OF THE END
The introductory and most far-reaching health vision came to Ellen White
on June 6, 1863 at Otsego, Michigan. But her most important single visionand
the most comprehensivecame on March 14, 1858 at Lovett's Grove (now Bowling
Green), Ohio. We have seen that in this vision at Lovett's Grove, a sweeping

panorama was spread out before herfrom the fall of Lucifer down to the final
destruction of the wicked and beyond.
God has promised in the Bible to give us information through His prophets.
And we have a wealth of material in the Bible. But in mercy to those living in these
last days, facing as they do such a complexity of problems and crises,God has
given additional light that we need today.
It is because of our special need at this time, and because we face the
greatest crisis in history since the time of the floodthat God has sent this light to
us. There is a pattern to history. And the pattern repeats. When crises come, God
sends warnings. And Satan often sends counterfeits to turn eyes away from the
warnings. Less than fifteen hundred years after the time of Adam and Eve, God
saw that the world was becoming so corrupt that destruction was ahead. And He
sent a warning through a prophetNoah. And we can well expect that the
religionists and scientists of the day did everything they could to block the
message. They succeeded remarkably well. Only eight people were saved when the
Flood came.
The First Advent of Christ was another crisis for everyone. Their
acceptance or rejection of Him would decide their eternal destiny. Jesus said that
John was "Elijah which was to come" (see Matthew 11:14), reminding His hearers
of the important prophecy in the last two verses of the Old Testament: Malachi 4:
5-6. But it is well-known by serious Bible students that that prophecy also refers
to a time just before the Second Advent of Jesus. Just as Christ sent a messenger
to prepare the way before His First Advent, so a messenger would be sent before
His Second.
In the early nineteenth century, men discovered clear cut prophecies in the
books of Daniel and Revelation that pointed to the year 1844 as a time when God
would begin a work of judgment of this world. And with this, through other Bible
prophecies, they discovered the great truth that the Second Coming of Christ to
this earth was near.
Revelation 12, 13 and 14 foresaw a great final judgment-hour message
before the endover the issue of the Mark of the Beast. And Daniel 7 clarified still
more the issues involved, while Daniel 8 and 9 dovetailed together to predict 1844
as the time when this judgment would begin.
As a result, from 1830 through 1844, dedicated Bible students around the
world, often with no contact with one another, stood up and warned men of the
nearness of the Second Coming of Christ. It was generally thought that the end
would come in or near 1844, when in reality it was a special work of judgment in
heaven, just prior to His Second Advent, that began in that year.
For a moment, let us pause and consider the Biblical background behind
this great truthsince it affects all of us living today:

The earthly sanctuary, built by special direction of God in the time of Moses
(Ex 25:8-9 commanded; Ex 31:40 constructed), explained Heaven's plan to put
away our sins through the atonement of Christ. This earthly tabernacle was
patterned after the original that is in heaven (Ex 25:8-9,40; Heb 8:5). The earthly
sanctuary was the "type," or prediction, of the heavenly Sanctuary, whose service
would follow it. The earthly sanctuary had a first and a second apartment (Heb
9:1.5).
When Jesus died on Calvary in 31 A.D., the earthly, typical sanctuary no
longer had significance in the eyes of God. For soon after His ascension to heaven,
the mediation of Jesus, our great High Priest, began in the heavenly Sanctuary
(Heb 8:1-5). Read the entire book of Hebrews to better understand the work of
Christ on your behalf in the heavenly Sanctuary (Especially note Heb 2:17-3:1;
4:14-16; 6:17-20; 7:25-8:6; 9:1-10:39; 11:1-12:7; 12:22-25; 13:20-21.) We
understand the antitypical Sanctuary in heaven through the earthly tabernacle that
preceded it.
"Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an
High Priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the
heavens; a minister of the Sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord
pitched, and not man." Hebrews 8: 1-2.
In the earthly sanctuary, the priest ministered all year long in the first
apartment. But at the end of the year, on the Day of Atonement, there was a work
of judgment and putting away of sin from the Sanctuary and from the people (Lev
16: 30-34). Christ is the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world
(John 1:29). On the mount of Calvary, Christ died for all the world. After His
ascension in 31 A.D., He began His intercession, on behalf of those who would
accept His sacrifice, in the great Sanctuary in heaven (Heb 8:1-5). As in the earthly
sanctuary, His work began in the first apartment in that heavenly Sanctuary, but
the time must eventually come when He was to enter upon His final work of
atonement, foreshadowed in Leviticus 16, when He would cleanse the Sanctuary of
sin, preparatory to returning to earth the second time. This special work that must
be done prior to His Second Advent would involve a work of judgment, an
investigation of the books of heaven, that all the intelligences of the universe might
know that all who had genuinely accepted Christ as their Saviour and had obeyed
His Written Word would have a place in His Kingdom.
The prophecy of Daniel 8:14 identified the time when this special work of
judgment and cleansing of the Sanctuary would begin. Daniel 2, 7, 8 and 9 are
closely connected, and predict coming ages from Daniel's time (550-600 years
before the time of Christ) down to the Second Advent. "Unto two thousand and
three hundred days; then shall the Sanctuary be cleansed." (Daniel 8:14) We know
from the book of Hebrews that Christ began His ministry, in the heavenly
Sanctuary after His death and ascension. Daniel 8:14 tells us when He began the
final part of the atonementHis ministry within the second apartment. Here is a
brief summary of this prophecy:

The 2300 days had been found to begin when the commandment of
Artaxerxes for the restoration and building of Jerusalem, went into effect, in the
autumn of 457 B.C. Taking this as the starting-point, there was perfect harmony in
the application of all the events foretold in the explanation of that period in Daniel
9: 25-27. Sixty-nine weeks, the first 483 of the 2300 years, were to reach to the
Messiah, the Anointed One; and Christ's baptism and anointing by the Holy Spirit,
A.D. 27, exactly fulfilled the specification. In the midst of the seventieth week,
Messiah was to be cut off. Three and a half years after His baptism, Christ was
crucified, in the spring of A.D. 31. The seventy weeks, or 490 years [as given in
Daniel 9:24-27], were to pertain especially to the Jews. At the expiration of this
period, the nation sealed its rejection of Christ by the persecution of His disciples,
and the apostles turned to the Gentiles, A.D. 34. The first 490 years of the 2300
having then ended, 1810 years would remain. From A.D. 34, 1810 years extend to
1844. 'Then,' said the angel, 'shall the Sanctuary be cleansed.' "Great
Controversy, 410.'
It is truly marvelous how God predicted the exact year in which Christ
would be baptized, and the very year in which He would diealmost 500 years
before the events took place! Just so surely, the exact year in which the antitypical
Day of Atonement experience would begin (Leviticus 16:30-34) was also foretold:
1844, when Jesus entered the second apartment of the heavenly Sanctuary to
begin His final workto cleanse the Sanctuary of the records of sin.
But this work of cleansing must first include an examination of the records
of men's lives in order that all the universe might know exactly who, down through
the ages, had genuinely accepted God's provision for their salvation. This work of
judgment in heaven above is called the Investigative Judgment, and it immediately
precedes the return of Christ to this earth for His own. According to Bible
prophecy, we today are living at the end of time.
A special threefold message is given in Revelation 14 for those living in this
final hour of earth's historythe hour of judgment: "Fear God and give glory to
Him, for the hour of His judgment is come, and worship Him that made heaven
and earth." (Revelation 14:7) These solemn messages of Revelation 14:6-12 also
warn against receiving the Mark of the Beast, and this is understandable, for the
message of Revelation 14 is closely connected with the solemn warning of
Revelation 13 about the terrible beast-mark.
In view of such an end-time crisis as this, it is very understandable that the
God of heaven would send special counsels in these last daysto us, upon whom
the ends of the world are come.
God sent a prophet. . just when the prophet was needed,before time
ended and as the investigative judgment began in heaven.
Truly, this is a solemn hour in earth's history. It is a time when men never
needed God moreand yet a time when they are living in rebellion against Him.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
PLANET IN REBELLION
Satan, had centuries to introduce errors into the Christian Churchand
then carefully cover them over with the passing of years, until tradition was
palmed off in the place of clear-cut Scriptural statements.
But in these last days, God sent a prophet. Opening the past to the
messenger of His choice, He revealed not only the final crisis just ahead of us,
but also the errors of the past that it will be based upon.
And the Bible truth, given so clearly in the book of Hebrews, was also
revealed: that there is a Sanctuary in heaven that the earthly sanctuary was
patterned after (Exodus 25:8-9,40; Hebrews 8:5), and that Christ is our High
Priest within that Sanctuary (Hebrews 8:1-2; 4:14-16; 7:25, etc.). Knowing
where Jesus is and what He is doing for us right now, can wonderfully deepen
hope and courage as we face not only the trials of daily life but the
uncertainties of the future.
(Bracketed additions, belowas, well as else. where in this bookare
supplied by the present writer.)
"The Lord gave me the following view in 1847; while the brethren were
assembled on the Sabbath, at Topsham, Maine.
"We felt an unusual spirit of prayer. And as we prayed, the Holy Ghost fell
upon us. We were very happy. Soon I was lost to earthly things and was wrapped
in a vision of God's glory. I saw an angel flying swiftly to me. He quickly carried me
from the earth to the Holy City. [Rev 21:1] In the city I saw a temple, which I
entered. [Heb 8:1-2] I passed through a door before I came to the first veil [Heb
9:2] This veil was raised, and I passed into the holy place. Here I saw the altar of
incense, the candlestick with seven lamps, and the table on which was the
shewbread. After viewing the glory of the holiest, Jesus raised the second veil and I
passed into the holy of holies. [Heb 9:3-5]
"In the holiest I saw an ark; on the top and sides of it was purest gold. On
each end of the ark was a lovely cherub, with its wings spread out over it. Their
faces were turned toward each other, and they looked downward. Between the
angels was a golden censer. Above the ark, where the angels stood, was an
exceeding bright glory, that appeared like a throne where God dwelt. Jesus stood
by the ark, and as the saints' prayers came up to Him, the incense in the censer
would smoke, and He would offer up their prayers with the smoke of the incense
to His Father. [Rev 4:2; 8:3-4; Heb 4:14-16; 7:25-26; 8:1-3,5,6,10; 9:11; 10:1625,32-39] In the ark was the golden pot of manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and
the tables of stone which folded together like a book. Jesus opened them, and I

saw the Ten Commandments written on them with the finger of God. On one table
were four, and on the other six. The four on the first table shone brighter than the
other six. But the fourth, the Sabbath commandment, shone above them all; for
the Sabbath was set apart to be kept in honor of God's holy name. [Gen 2:1-3;
Ezek 20:12,20] The holy Sabbath looked gloriousa halo of glory was all around
it. I saw that the Sabbath commandment was not nailed to the cross. [Matt 24: 20]
If it was, the other nine commandments were; and we are at liberty to break them
all, as well as to break the fourth. [1John 3:4; James 1:22-25; 2:10-14; Rom 3:31;
6:12-16, 23] I saw that God had not changed the Sabbath, for He never changes.
[Mal 3:6] But the pope had changed it from the seventh to the first day of the week;
for he was to change times and laws [Dan 7:25].
"And I saw that if God had changed the Sabbath from the seventh to the
first day, He would have changed the writing of the Sabbath commandment,
written on the tables of stone, which are now in the ark in the most holy place of
the temple in heaven; and it would read thus: The first day is the Sabbath of the
Lord thy God. But I saw that it read the same as when written on the tables of
stone by the finger of God, and delivered to Moses on Sinai. [Ex 31:18,13-17; Deut
9:9-11] But the Seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.' [Ex 20:8-11] I
saw that the holy Sabbath. . is the great question to unite the hearts of God's dear,
waiting saints. [Isa 58:12-14: Rev 12:17;14:12]."Early Writings, 32-33.
In 1848, Ellen White had a preview of the important 1858 vision (Life
Sketches, 162). Here is a part of what she was shown, down through history:
"I was carried forward to the time when heathen idolaters cruelly
persecuted and killed the Christians [after the time of Christ's life on earth]. Blood
flowed in torrents. The noble, the learned, and the common people were alike
slain without mercy. Wealthy families were reduced to poverty, because they would
not yield their religion. Notwithstanding the persecution and sufferings, which
these Christians endured, they would not lower the standard. They kept their
religion pure. I saw that Satan exulted and triumphed over their sufferings. But
God looked upon His faithful martyrs with great approbation [approval]. The
Christians who lived in that fearful time were greatly beloved of Him, because they
were willing to suffer for His sake. Every suffering endured by them increased
their reward in heaven.
"Although Satan rejoiced because of the suffering of the saints, yet he was
not satisfied. He wanted control of the mind as well as the body. The sufferings
that they endured only drove them closer to the Lord, leading them to love one
another, and causing them to fear more than ever to offend Him. Satan wished to
lead them to displease God; then they would lose their strength, fortitude, and
firmness. Although thousands were slain, yet others were springing up to supply
their places. Satan saw that he was losing his subjects; for although they suffered
persecution and death, yet they were secured to Jesus Christ, to be the subjects of
His kingdom. Satan therefore laid his plans to fight more successfully against the
government of God and overthrow the church. He led the heathen idolaters to
embrace a part of the Christian faith. They professed to believe in the crucifixion

and resurrection of Christ, and proposed to unite with the followers of Jesus,
without a change of heart. Oh, the fearful danger of the church. It was a time of
mental anguish. Some thought that if they should come down and unite with those
idolaters who had embraced a portion of the Christian faith, it would be the means
of their full conversion. Satan was seeking to corrupt the doctrines of the Bible.
"I saw that at last the standard was lowered, and that the heathen were
uniting with the Christians. Although these worshipers of idols professed to be
converted, they brought their idolatry with them into the church, only changing the
objects of their worship to images of saints, and even of Christ and of Mary His
mother. As the followers of Christ gradually united with them, the Christian
religion became corrupted and the church lost its purity and power. Some refused
to unite with them; such preserved their purity and worshiped God.
"I saw the company of idolaters consulting together. Failing to make the
Christians yield, they agreed to another plan. I saw them lower their banner and
then approach that firm Christian company and make propositions to them. At
first their propositions were utterly refused. Then I saw the Christian company
consulting together. Some said that they would lower the banner, accept the
propositions, and save their lives, and at last they could gain strength to raise,
their banner among the heathen. A few, however, would not yield to this plan, but
firmly chose to die holding their banner rather than to lower it. Then I saw many
lower the banner and unite with the heathen; but the firm and steadfast would
again seize it and bear it on high. I saw that persons were continually leaving the
company of those who bore the pure banner, and were uniting with the idolaters
under the black banner, to persecute those bearing the white banner. Many were
slain, yet the white banner was held high, and believers were raised up to rally
around it..
"It has ever been the design of Satan to draw the minds of the people from
Jesus to man, and to destroy individual accountability. Satan failed in his design
when he tempted the Son of God; but he succeeded better when he came to fallen
man. Popes and priests presumed to take an exalted position, and taught the
people to look to them for the pardon of their sins, instead of looking to Christ for
themselves.
"The people were wholly deceived. They were taught that the popes and
priests were Christ's representatives, when in fact they were the representatives of
Satan, and those who bowed to them worshiped Satan. The people called for the
Bible; but the priests considered it dangerous to let them have it to read for
themselves, lest they should become enlightened and expose the sins of their
leaders. The people were taught to receive every word from these deceivers as from
the mouth of God. They held that power over the mind, which God alone should
hold. If any dared to follow their own convictions, the same hate which Satan and
the Jews exercised toward Jesus would be kindled against them, and those in
authority would thirst for their blood.
"Satan could not hinder the plan of salvation. Jesus was crucified, and rose

again the third day. But Satan told his angels that he would make the crucifixion
and resurrection tell to his advantage. He was willing that those who professed
faith in Jesus should believe that the laws regulating the Jewish sacrifices and
offerings ceased at the death of Christ, if he could push them farther and make
them believe that the law of ten commandments also died with Christ.
"I saw that many yielded to this device of Satan. All heaven was moved with
indignation as they saw the holy law of God trampled underfoot. Jesus and all the
heavenly host were acquainted with the nature of God's law; they knew that He
would not change or abrogate it. The hopeless condition of man after the fall
caused the deepest sorrow in heaven, and moved Jesus to offer to die for the
transgressors of God's holy law. But if that law could be abrogated, man might
have been saved without the death of Jesus. Consequently His death did not
destroy the law of His Father, but magnified and honored it and enforced
obedience to all its holy precepts.
"Had the church remained pure and steadfast, Satan could not have
deceived them, and led them to trample on the law of God. In this bold plan, Satan
strikes directly against the foundation of God's government in heaven and on
earth. His rebellion caused him to be expelled from heaven. After he rebelled, in
order to save himself he wished God to change His law, but was told before the
whole heavenly host that God's law was unalterable. Satan knows that if he can
cause others to violate God's law, he has gained them to his cause; for every
transgressor of that law must die.
"Satan decided to go still farther. He told his angels that some would be so
jealous of God's law that they could not be caught in this snare; the Ten
Commandments were so plain that many would believe that they were still
binding, and therefore he must seek to corrupt only one of the commandments.
He then led on his representatives to attempt to change the fourth, or Sabbath,
commandment, thus altering the only one of the ten, which brings to view the true
God, the Maker of the heavens and the earth. Satan presented before them the
glorious resurrection of Jesus, and told them that by His rising on the first day of
the week, He changed the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first day of the
week.
"Thus Satan used the resurrection to serve his purpose. He and his angels
rejoiced that the errors they had prepared took so well with the professed friends
of Christ. What one looked upon with religious horror, another would receive.
Thus, different errors were received and defended with zeal. The will of God, so
plainly revealed in His Word, was covered up with errors and traditions, which
have been taught as the commandments of God. Although this heaven-daring
deception will be suffered to be carried on until the second appearing of Jesus, yet
through all this time of error and deception, God has not been left without
witnesses. Amid the darkness and persecution of the church there have always
been true and faithful ones who kept all of God's commandments.
"I saw that the angelic host were filled with amazement as they beheld the

sufferings and death of the King of glory. But I saw that it was no marvel to them
that the Lord of life and glory, He who filled all heaven with joy and splendor,
should break the bands of death, and walk forth from His prison house, a
triumphant conqueror. Therefore, if either of these events should be
commemorated by a day of rest, it is the crucifixion. But I saw that neither of these
events was designed to alter or abrogate God's law; on the contrary, they give the
strongest proof of its immutability.
"Both of these important events have their memorials. By partaking of the
Lord's Supper, the broken bread and the fruit of the vine, we show forth the Lord's
death until He comes. The scenes of His sufferings and death are thus brought
fresh to our minds. The resurrection of Christ is commemorated by our being
buried with Him by baptism, and raised out of the watery grave, in likeness of His
resurrection, to live in newness of life.
"I was shown that the law of God would stand fast forever, and exist in the
new earth to all eternity. At the creation, when the foundations of the earth were
laid, the sons of God looked with admiration upon the work of the Creator, and all
tile heavenly host shouted for joy. It was then that the foundation of the Sabbath
was laid. At the close of the six days of creation, God rested on the seventh day
from all His work which He had made and He blessed the seventh day and
"sanctified it, because that in it 'He had rested from all His work.' The Sabbath
was instituted in Eden before the fall, and was observed by Adam and Eve, and all
the heavenly host. God rested on the seventh day, and blessed and hallowed it. I
saw that the Sabbath never will be done away; but that the redeemed saints, and
all the angelic host, will observe it in honor of the great Creator to all eternity."
Early Writings, pages 210-217.
All of this is but a paraphrase of two powerful chapters in the Bible: Daniel
7 and Revelation 12, where important prophecies are given about this organization
that made the Dark Ages as dark as they wereRoman Babylon. Daniel 7:25
summarizes the problem; Revelation 12:13-16 describes the flight of the true
church into wilderness areas in the Dark Agesin order to escape death at the
hands of men who neither wished to obey the Bible, nor permit others to obey it.
Revelation 12:17 and 14:12 identifies those, the final "remnant" of the 6,000-yearold true church, who, down at the end of time, will continue to obey the Bible by
faith in Jesus Christ their Savior.
"And he [the "little horn" power that ruled and destroyed during the Dark
Ages] shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints
of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into
his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
"But the Judgment shall sit and they shall take away his dominion, to
consume and to destroy it unto the end.
"And the kingdom and dominion and the greatness of the kingdom under
the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose

kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey
Him."Daniel 7:25-27.
"And when the dragon [Satan] saw that he was cast unto the earth, he
persecuted [through Mysterious Babylon, his counterfeit church] the woman [the
true church] which had brought forth the man child [Christ, see verses 1-5]. And
to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the
wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a
time, from the face of the serpent.
"And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman,
that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood [water symbolizes peoples
(soldiers): Rev 17:15]. And the earth [rural, desolate areas] helped the woman,
and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon
cast out of his mouth.
"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the
remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the
testimony of Jesus Christ."Revelation 12:13-17.
"Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the
Commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."Revelation 14:12.
But now, in the book, "Great Controversy," we are shown still more of this
apostasy and crisis, as it was revealed to Ellen in that 1858 Lovett's Grove vision:
"Royal edicts, general councils, and church ordinances sustained by secular
power were the steps by which the pagan festival attained its position of honor in
the Christian world. The first public measure enforcing Sunday observance was
the law enacted by Constantine (AD. 321). This edict required townspeople to rest
on "the venerable day of the sun," but permitted countrymen to continue their
agricultural pursuits. Though virtually a heathen statute, it was enforced by the
emperor after his nominal acceptance of Christianity.
"The royal mandate not proving a sufficient substitute, for divine authority,
Eusebius, a bishop who sought the favor of princes, and who was the special
friend and flatterer of Constantine, advanced the claim that Christ had transferred
the Sabbath to Sunday. Not a single testimony of the Scriptures was produced in
proof of the new doctrine. Eusebius himself unwittingly acknowledges its falsity
and points to the real authors of the change. 'All things,' he says, 'whatever that it
was duty to do on the Sabbath, these we have transferred to the Lord's Day.'
Robert Cox, Sabbath Laws and Sabbath Duties, 538. But the Sunday argument,
groundless as it was, served to embolden men in trampling upon the Sabbath of
the Lord. All who desired to be honored by the world accepted the popular festival.
"As the papacy became firmly established, the work of Sunday exaltation
was continued. For a time the people engaged in agricultural labor when not
attending church, and the seventh day was still regarded as the Sabbath. But

steadily a change was effected. Those in holy office were forbidden to pass
judgment in any civil controversy on the Sunday. Soon after, all persons, of
whatever rank, were commanded to refrain from common labor on pain of a fine
for freemen and stripes in the case of servants. Later it was decreed that rich men
should be punished with the loss of half of their estates; and finally, that if still
obstinate they should be made slaves. The lower classes were to suffer perpetual
banishment.
"Miracles also were called into requisition. Among other wonders it was
reported that as a husbandman who was about to plow his field on Sunday
cleaned his plow with an iron, the iron stuck fast in his hand, and for two years he
carried it about with him, 'to his exceeding great pain and shame.' Francis West,
Historical and Practical Discourse on the Lord's Day, 174.
"The decrees of councils proving insufficient, the secular authorities were
besought to issue an edict that would strike terror to the hearts of the people and
force them to refrain from labor on the Sunday. At a synod held in Rome, all
previous decisions were reaffirmed with greater force and solemnity. They were
also incorporated into the ecclesiastical law and enforced by the civil authorities
throughout nearly all Christendom. (See Heylyn, History of the Sabbath, pt. 2, ch.
5, sec. 7)
"Still the absence of Scriptural authority for Sunday keeping occasioned no
little embarrassment. The people questioned the right of their teachers to set aside
the positive declaration of Jehovah, 'The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord
thy God,' in order to honor the day of the sun. To supply the lack of Bible
testimony; other expedients were necessary. A zealous advocate of Sunday, who
about the close of the twelfth century visited the churches of England, was resisted
by faithful witnesses for the truth; and so fruitless were his efforts that he
departed from the country for a season and cast about him for some means to
enforce his teachings. When he returned, the lack was supplied, and in his after
labors he met with greater success. He brought with him a roll purporting to be
from God Himself, which contained the needed command for Sunday observance,
with awful threats to terrify the disobedient. .
"But notwithstanding all the efforts to establish Sunday sacredness, papists
themselves publicly confessed the divine, authority of the Sabbath and the human
origin of the institution by which it had been supplanted. In the sixteenth century a
papal council plainly declared: 'Let all Christians remember that the seventh day
was consecrated by God, and hath been received and observed, not only by the
Jews, but by all others who pretend to worship God; though we Christians have
changed their Sabbath into the Lord's Day.'Ibid., pages 281,282. Those who
were tampering with the divine law, were not ignorant of the character of their
work. They were deliberately setting themselves above God.
"A striking illustration of Rome's policy toward those who disagree with her
was given in the long and bloody persecution of the Waldenses, some of whom
were observers of the Sabbath. Others suffered in a similar manner for their

fidelity to the fourth commandment. The history of the churches of Ethiopia and
Abyssinia is especially significant. Amid the gloom of the Dark Ages, the Christians
of Central Africa were lost sight of and forgotten by the world, and for many
centuries they enjoyed freedom in the exercise of their faith. But at last Rome
learned of their existence, and the emperor of Abyssinia was soon beguiled into an
acknowledgment of the pope as the vicar of Christ. Other concessions followed.
"An edict was issued forbidding the observance of the Sabbath under the
severest penalties (See M. Geddes, Church History of Ethiopia, pages 311,312).
But papal tyranny soon became a yoke so galling that the Abyssinians determined
to break it from their necks. After a terrible struggle the Romanists were banished
from their dominions, and the ancient faith was restored. The churches rejoiced in
their freedom, and they never forgot the lesson they had learned concerning the
deception, the fanaticism, and the despotic power of Rome. Within their solitary
realm in they were content to remain, unknown to the rest of Christendom.
"The churches of Africa held the Sabbath as it was held by the papal church
before her complete apostasy. . Upon obtaining supreme power, Rome had
trampled upon the Sabbath of God to exalt her own; but the churches of Africa,
hidden for nearly a thousand years, did not share, in this apostasy. When brought
under the sway of Rome, they were forced to set aside the true and exalt the false
sabbath; but no sooner had they regained, their independence than they returned
to obedience to the fourth commandment.
"These records of the past clearly reveal the enmity of Rome toward the
'true Sabbath and its defenders, and the means which she employs to honor the
institution of her creating. The word of God teaches that these scenes are to be
repeated. .
The prophecy of Revelation 13 declares that the power represented by the
beast with lamblike horns shall cause 'the earth and them which dwell therein' to
worship the papacy there symbolized by the beast 'like unto a leopard.' The
beast with two horns is also to say to them that dwell on the earth, that they
should make an image to the beast;' and, furthermore it is to command all, 'both
small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,' to receive the mark of the beast. .
"Paul states plainly that the 'man of sin' will continue until the second
advent. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8. To the very close of time he will carry forward the
work of deception. And the revelator declares, also referring to the papacy: 'All that
dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book
of life,' Revelation 13:8. in both the Old and the New World, the papacy will receive
homage in the honor paid to the Sunday institution, that rests solely upon the
authority of the Roman Church
"And let it be remembered, it is the boast of Rome that she never changes.
The principles of Gregory Vll and Innocent III are still the principles of the Roman
Catholic Church. And had she but the power, she would put them in practice with
as much vigor now as in past centuries. Protestants little know what they are doing

when they propose to accept the aid of Rome in the work of Sunday exaltation.
While they are bent upon the accomplishment of their purpose, Rome is aiming to
re-establish her power, to recover her lost supremacy. Let the principle once be
established in the United States that the church may employ or control the power
of the state; that the authority of church and state is to dominate the conscience,
and the triumph of Rome in this country is assured.
"God's word has given warning of the impending danger; let this be
unheeded, and the Protestant world will learn what the purposes of Rome really
are, only when it is too late to escape tile snare. She is silently growing into power.
Her doctrines are exerting their influence in legislative halls, in the churches, and
in the hearts of men.
From the very beginning of the great controversy in heaven, it has been
Satans purpose to overthrow the law of God. It was to accomplish this that he
entered upon his rebellion against the Creator, and though he was cast out of
heaven he has continued the same warfare upon the earth. To deceive men, and
thus lead them to transgress God's law, is the object which he has steadfastly
pursued. Whether this be accomplished by casting aside the law altogether, or by
rejecting one of its precepts, the result will be ultimately the same. He that offends
in one point,' manifests contempt for the whole law; his influence and example are
on the side of transgression; he becomes 'guilty of all.James 2:10.
"In seeking to cast contempt upon the divine statutes Satan has perverted
the doctrines of the Bible, and errors have thus become incorporated into the faith
of thousands who profess to believe the Scriptures. The last great conflict between
truth and error is but the final struggle of the long-standing controversy
concerning the law of God. Upon this battle we are now enteringa battle between
the laws of men and the precepts of Jehovah, between the religion of the Bible and
the religion of fable and tradition."Great Controversy, pages 574-582.
Thus, through the efforts of Satan for long centuries, we have come down to
a time when men openly teach that no one need keep the commandments of God
anymore. And such talk is even heard from the pulpits of the land and its
theological seminaries.
We have, indeed, come into serious times. We are facing the end, and the
crisis of the end. Modern Spiritualism, that finds its origin in the Fox cottage in
Hydesville, New York in 1848, claims that there is no death, that all are their own
god, and need only obey themselves. Political Atheism (world Communism) that
began in 1848 in the European rooming house where Karl Marx wrote
"Communist Manifesto," teaches that there is no God anywhere to be obeyed.
Evolutionary Theory, the third great false religion of our, time, which began in
1859 with the writing of "Origin of the Species" by Charles Darwin, teaches that the
gods that made us are the forces of nature and these alone are we to bow before.
But, hand in hand, we find "Mystery, Babylon, the mother of harlots" (Rev
17:5), working under the direction of the same master, Satan, and teaching the

same basic error: The Commandments of God need not be obeyed; we only need
obey the laws of men. The great tragedy is that the Protestant Churchesthe last
bastion of Bible truth for a dying world on the brink of the end of timeare
accepting this error of Rome and urging it as though it were a Scriptural fact.
But the Scriptural facts are far different: God never abolished the Ten
Commandments, the Moral Law of mankind. Intentional adulterers, murderers
and liars are not going to heaven (Rev 21:8). We should walk as Jesus walked (1
Jn 2:6) and follow in His steps (1 Pet 2:21), for He faithfully kept His Father's
commandments (In 15:10), and left us an example that we should keep the
commandments also (1 Jn 5:3). And Jesus has not changedHe is the same
yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8). We are to live clean lives just as He did,
while here on earth. And the great standard of heart and life purity is the Ten
Commandments (Ex 20:1-17). But it is only through His enabling grace that we
can be empowered to obey His will for our lives.
"We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29) was the great principle
upon which the Protestant Reformation was founded. And this is the principle
upon which our personal religion should be based today. God is calling us to the
obedience of faiththe obedience that works by faith and purifies the soul. We
have been called to be His representatives for the obedience of the faith (Romans
1:5 R.V.), and we are to make it known to all nations (Rom 16:26; Acts 6:7; Rom
15:18). In the sight of Heaven, "to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken
than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is
as iniquity and idolatry." (1 Samuel 15:22-23) Jesus was fully obedient (Heb 5:8)
and He is the "Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him" (Heb 5:9).
Through His empowering grace, we are to bring "into captivity every thought to the
obedience of Christ" (2 Cor 10:5). For the Bible teaches that it is "by works was
faith made perfect" [good works done through Christ's strength, not dead works
done separately] (James 2:22). We are to purify our "souls by obeying the truth
through the Spirit with unfeigned love" (1 Pet 1:22), for if we "be willing and
obedient," we "shall eat the good of the land" (Isa 1:19). "We ought to obey God
rather than men" (Acts 5:29), and not be as those that Christ spoke of who "reject
the commandment of, God, that ye may keep your own tradition" (Mark 7 :9).
We live in the hour of judgment, when men are called to worship their
Creator. "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment is come,
and worship Him that made heaven and earth." (Rev 14:7) But Jesus said to those
who worshiped Him falsely: "In vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the
commandments of men." (Matt 15:9) We are to obey God's commandments, not
invent new ones to take their place. "Every plant which My heavenly Father hath
not planted, shall be rooted up." (Matt 15:13)
If we but understood and remembered the first lies spoken by Satan in the
Garden of Eden, we would the more easily recognize his errors when they are
presented to us.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
IDENTIFYING SATANS LIES
This world would have been a happy place if our first parents had
believed God and disbelieved the devil. It was through the first lies spoken by
Satan to mankind that a floodgate of misery was opened upon us. And it has
been by believing those first lies, on down through history, that the misery has
deepened. The opposite is true also: It is in recognizing those first lies of Satan
that we can resist his errors when he presents them to us now.
Here are those first lies of Satan:
(1) It is all right to disobey the commands of God.
(2) Sinners will not die.
(3) Sin will bring us to a higher level of living.
(4) We are god, and need only obey our own impulses; they will ever lead
us aright.
"And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every
tree of the garden? . . And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely
die. For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be
opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." Genesis 3: 1,4-5.
Thus, we find that there are actually two basic errors:
(1) It is not necessary to obey what God says.
(2) We shall not die if we do disobey Him.
The Final Crisis in this earth's history will be based on these two errors!
(1) In earlier centuries, men tried to change the moral law of Ten
Commandments. In the end-time of history they will confederate together in their
religions, and try through governmental decrees to require all the earth to disobey
God's Law.
(2) Satan's masterpiece of deception, through all the ages, has been through
Spiritualism. And this terrible danger is based on the error that the dead are not
dead. Spiritualists pretend to be able to contact dead spirits, whereas they are
really talking with devils. In the final wind-up of history, it will be the power of
Spiritualism that will suddenly emerge as an almost overwhelming force by which
men will be coerced into Satan's last effort to cause all the world to disobey God.
It was a marvel to me that Satan could succeed so well in making men
believe that the words of God, 'The soul that sinneth, it shall die,' mean that the

soul that sinneth it shall not die, but live eternally in misery. Said the angel, "Life
is life, whether it is in pain or happiness. Death is without joy, without hatred.'
"Satan told his angels to make a special effort to spread the lie first
repeated to Eve in Eden, 'Ye shall not surely die.' And as the error was received by
the people, and they were led to believe that man was immortal, Satan led them on
to believe that the sinner would live in eternal misery. Then the way was prepared
for Satan to work through his representatives and hold up God before the people
as a revengeful tyrantone who plunges all those into hell who do not please Him,
and causes them ever to feel His wrath; and while they suffer unutterable anguish,
and writhe in the eternal flames, He is represented as looking down upon them
with satisfaction. Satan knew that if this error should be received, God would be
hated by many, instead of being loved and adored; and that many would be led to
believe that the threatenings of God's Word would not be literally fulfilled, for it
would be against His character of benevolence and love to plunge into eternal
torments the beings whom He had created.
"Another extreme which Satan has led the people to adopt is entirely to
overlook the justice of God, and the threatenings in His Word, and to represent
Him as being all mercy, so that not one will perish, but that all, both saint and
sinner, will at last be saved in His kingdom.
"Inconsequence of the popular errors of the immortality of the soul and
endless misery, Satan takes advantage of another class and leads them to regard
the Bible as an uninspired book. They think it teaches many good things; but they
can not rely upon it and love it, because they have been taught that it declares the
doctrine of eternal misery.
"Another Class Satan leads on still further, even to deny the existence of
God. They can see no consistency in the character of the God of the Bible, if He
will inflict horrible tortures upon a portion of the human family to all eternity.
Therefore they deny the Bible and its Author and regard death as an eternal sleep.
"There is still another class who are fearful and timid. These Satan tempts
to commit sin, and after they have sinned, he holds up before them that the wages
of sin is not death but life in horrible torments, to be endured throughout the
endless ages of eternity. By thus magnifying before their feeble minds the horrors
of an endless hell, he takes possession of their minds, and they lose their reason.
Then Satan and his angels exult, and the infidel and atheist join in casting
reproach upon Christianity. They claim that these evils are the natural results of
believing in the Bible and its Author, whereas they are the results of the reception
of popular heresy."Early Writings, pages 218-220.
"With the earliest history of man, Satan began his efforts to deceive our
race. He who had incited rebellion in heaven desired to bring the inhabitants of the
earth to unite with him in his warfare against the government of God. Adam and
Eve had been perfectly happy in obedience to the law of God, and this fact was a
constant testimony against the claim which Satan had urged in heaven, that God's

law was oppressive and opposed to the good of His creatures. And furthermore,
Satan's envy was excited as he looked upon the beautiful home prepared for the
sinless pair. He determined to cause their fall, that, having separated them from
God and brought them under his own power, he might gain possession of the
earth and here establish his kingdom in opposition to the Most High.
"Had Satan revealed himself in his real character, he would have been
repulsed at once, for Adam and Eve had been warned against this dangerous foe;
but he worked in the dark, concealing his purpose, that he might more effectually
accomplish his object. Employing as his medium the serpent, then a creature of
fascinating appearance, he addressed himself to Eve: 'Hath God said, ye shall not
eat of every tree of the garden?' Genesis 3:1. Had Eve refrained from entering into
argument with the tempter, she would, have been safe; but she ventured to parley
with him and fell victim to his wiles. It is thus that many are still overcome, They
doubt and argue concerning the requirements of God; and instead of obeying the
divine commands, they accept human theories, which, but disguise the devices of
Satan.'
" 'The woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of
the garden: but of the fruit of the tree which is in, the midst of the garden, God
hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the
serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: for God doth know that in
the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods,
knowing good and evil.' Verse 2.5. He declared that they would become like God,
possessing greater wisdom than before and being capable of a higher state of
existence. Eve yielded to temptation; and through her influence, Adam was led into
sin. They accepted the words of the serpent, that God did not mean what He said;
they distrusted their Creator and imagined that He was restricting their liberty and
that they might obtain great wisdom and exaltation by transgressing His law.
"But what did Adam, after his sin, find to be the meaning of the words, 'In
the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die?' Did he find them to mean,
as Satan had led him to believe, that he was to be ushered into a more exalted
state of existence? Then indeed there was great good to be gained by transgression,
and Satan was proved to be a benefactor of the race. But Adam did not find this to
be the meaning of the divine sentence. God declared that as a penalty for his sin,
man should return to the ground whence he was taken: 'Dust thou art, and unto
dust shalt thou return.' Verse 19. The words of Satan, 'Your eyes shall be opened,
proved to be true in this sense only: After Adam and Eve had disobeyed God, their
eyes were opened to discern their folly; they did know evil, and they tasted the
bitter fruit of transgression.
"In the midst of Eden grew the tree of life, whose fruit had the power of
perpetuating life. Had Adam remained obedient to God, he would have continued
to enjoy free access to this tree and would have lived forever. But when he sinned
he was cut off from partaking of the tree of life; and he became subject to death.
The divine sentence, 'Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return,' points to the
utter extinction of life.

"Immortality, promised to man on condition of obedience, had been

forfeited by transgression. Adam could not transmit to his posterity that which he
did not possess; and there could have been no hope for the fallen race had not
God, by the sacrifice of His Son, brought immortality within their reach. While
'death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned,' Christ 'hath brought life and
immortality to light through the gospel' Romans 5:12; 2 Timothy 1:10. And only
through Christ can immortality be obtained. Said Jesus: 'He that believeth on the
Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life: John
3:36. Every man may come into possession of this priceless blessing if he will
comply with the conditions. All 'who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for
glory and honor and immortality,' will receive 'eternal life.' Romans 2:7.
"The only one who promised Adam life in disobedience was the great
deceiver. And the declaration of the serpent to Eve in Eden'Ye shall not surely
die'was the first sermon ever preached upon the immortality of the soul. Yet this
declaration, resting solely upon the authority of Satan, is echoed from the pulpits
of Christendom and is received by the majority of mankind as readily as it was
received by our first parents. The divine sentence, 'The soul that sinneth, it shall
die' (Ezekiel 18:20), is made to mean: The soul that sinneth, it shall not die, but
live eternally. We cannot but wonder at the strange infatuation which renders men
so credulous concerning the words of Satan and so unbelieving in regard to the
words of God.
"Had man after the fall been allowed free access to the tree of life, he would
have lived forever, and thus sin would have been immortalized. But cherubim and
a flaming sword kept 'the way of the tree of life' (Genesis 3:24), and not one of the
family of Adam had been permitted to pass that barrier and partake of the lifegiving fruit. Therefore there is not an immortal sinner.
"But after the Fall, Satan bade his angels make a special effort to inculcate
the belief in man's natural immortality; and having induced the people to receive
this error, they were to lead them on to conclude that the sinner would live in
eternal misery. Now the prince of darkness, working through his agents,
represents God as a revengeful tyrant, declaring that He plunges into hell all those
who do not please Him, and causes them ever to feel His wrath; and that while
they suffer unutterable anguish and writhe in the eternal flames, their Creator
looks down upon them with satisfaction.'
"Thus the archfiend clothes with his own attributes the Creator and
Benefactor of mankind. Cruelty is satanic. God is love; and all that He created was
pure, holy, and lovely, until sin was brought in by the first great rebel. Satan
himself is the enemy who tempts man to sin, and then destroys him if he can; and
when he has made sure of his victim, then he exults in the ruin he has wrought. If
permitted, he would sweep the entire race into his net. Were it not for the
interposition of divine power, not one son or daughter of Adam would escape. .
"It is beyond the power of the human mind to estimate the evil which has
been wrought by the heresy of eternal torment. The religion of the Bible, full of

love and goodness, and abounding in compassion, is darkened by superstition and

clothed with terror. When we consider in what false colors Satan has painted the
character of God, can we wonder that our merciful Creator is feared, dreaded, and
even hated? The appalling views of God which have spread over the world from
the teachings of the pulpit have made thousands, yes, millions, of skeptics and
infidels. .
"A large class to whom the doctrine of eternal torment is revolting are
driven, to the opposite error. They see that the Scriptures represent God as a
being of love and compassion, and they cannot believe that He will consign His
creatures to the fires of an eternally burning hell. But holding that the soul is
naturally immortal, they see no alternative but to conclude that all mankind will
finally be saved. Many regard the threatenings of the Bible as designed merely to
frighten men into obedience, and not to be literally fulfilled. Thus the sinner can
live in selfish pleasure, disregarding the requirements of God, and yet expect to be
finally received into His favor. Such a doctrine, presuming upon God's mercy, but
ignoring His justice, pleases the carnal heart and emboldens the wicked in their
Iniquity . .
"Like the waters of the Flood the fires of the great day declare God's verdict
that the wicked are incurable. They have no disposition to submit to divine
authority. Their will has been exercised in revolt; and when life is ended, it is too
late to turn the current of their thoughts in the opposite direction, too late to turn
from transgression to obedience, from hatred, to love. .
"Upon the fundamental error of natural immortality rests the doctrine of
consciousness in deatha doctrine, like eternal torment, opposed to the teachings
of the Scriptures, to the dictates of reason, and to our feelings of humanity.
According to the popular belief, the redeemed in heaven are acquainted with all
that takes place on the earth and especially with the lives of the friends whom they
have left behind. But how could it be a source of happiness to the dead to know
the troubles of the living, to witness the sins committed by their own loved ones,
and to see them enduring all the sorrows, disappointments, and anguish of life?
How much of heavens bliss would be enjoyed by those who were hovering over
their friends on earth? And how utterly revolting is the belief that as soon as the
breath leaves the body the soul of the impenitent is consigned to the flames of hell!
To what depths of anguish must those be plunged who see their friends passing to
the grave unprepared, to enter upon an eternity of woe, and sin! Many have been
driven to insanity by this harrowing thought. .
"It is an undeniable fact that the hope of immortal blessedness at death has
led, to a widespread neglect of the Bible doctrine of the resurrection..
"This has continued until the glorious truth of the resurrection has been
almost wholly obscured and lost sight of by the Christian World. .
"Before any can enter the mansions of the blessed, their cases must be
investigated, and their characters and their deeds must pass in review before God.

All are to be judged according to the things written in the books and to be
rewarded as their works have been. This judgment does not take place at death. .
"But if the dead are already enjoying the bliss of heaven or writhing in the
flames of hell, what need of a future judgment?Great Controversy, pages 531549.
These are among the great facts unveiled in the 1858 vision at Lovett's
Grove. And yet they were but truths already given in the Bible, though obscured by
the traditions of men in the centuries that followed. Briefly, let us see what the
Bible says about this:
Man was originally made "a little lower than the angels" (Ps 8:5), and if he
had not sinned, would have lived foreverwould have been immortal.
Man is mortalsubject to death: "Shall mortal man be more just than his
Maker?" (Job 4:17) The word "immortal" is only found once, and it is applied to
God (1 Tim 1:17). The word "immortality" is given only five times in Scripture.
Here they are: Only God has it"who only hath immortality" (1 Tim 6:15.16). It is
revealed through the gospelJesus "who hath brought life and immortality to light
through the gospel" (2 Tim 1:10). We are to seek it by obedience to Him"To them
who by patient continuance in 'well doing seek for glory and honour and
immortality, eternal life." (Rom 2:7). We need not seek that which we already have.
It will be bestowed upon the righteous at Christ's Second Advent " . . this mortal,
shall have put on immortality" (1 Cor 15:51.54,57).
The resurrection of the dead does not take place until the Second Coming
of Christ (1 Cor 15:51.55), and God's faithful at that time will be "the children of
the resurrection" and will never again die: "Neither can they die any more; for they
are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the
resurrection." (Luke 20:36) Man is a combination of the breath of God and the
dust of the earth; this makes him a living soul: "God formed man of the dust of the
ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living
soul" (Gen 2:7). .Thus, man is alive: "All the while my breath is in me, and the
spirit of God is in my nostrils." Job 27:3. When God's spirit leaves, man is dead:
"Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return to
God who gave it." (Eccl 12:7) And man ceases to exist. "For the living know that
they shall die, but the dead know not any thing." (Eccl 9:5) "His breath goeth forth,
he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish." (Ps 146:4) "His
sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he
perceiveth it not of them." (Job 14:21) "For in death there is no remembrance of
Thee." (Ps 6:5) "The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into
silence." Ps 115:17...
"In Adam all die." (1 Cor. 15:22) "All go unto one place; all are of the dust,
and all turn to dust again." (Eccl 3:20) "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it
with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the
grave, whither thou goest." (Eccl 9:10) "For the living know that they shall die: but

the dead know not any thing." (Eccl 9:5) "If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have
made my bed in the darkness." (Job 17:13) "If a man die, shall he live again? all
the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change comes." (Job 14:14) "His
breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish."
(Ps 146:4)
The Bible calls the time spent in the grave a "sleep." This is how Paul
described it (1 Thess 4:13; 1 Cor 15:18,20), and how Christ described it (John
11:11-14). Our beloved dead "sleep in the dust of the earth" (Dan 12:2), for there
is "no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou
goest" (Eccl9:10).
But at the resurrection of the righteous, they shall "awake" (Job 14:12; Ps
17:15) and be "raised out of their sleep" (Job 14:12), and "live again" (Job 14:14)
and "arise" (Isa 26:19) and be "changed" (1Cor 15:51-55; Job 14:14). For God
shall "redeem" them from the power of the grave" (Ps 49:15) and "ransom" them"
from its power (Hos 13:14). For in that day death will be swallowed up "in victory"
(Isa 25:8). God will "redeem them from death" (Hos 13:14).
The great truth of the Bible is that it is only through Christ that we can have
life; apart from Him humanity can only perish. "He that hath the Son hath life; and
he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (1 Jn 5:12) It is only through Christ
and at the final resurrection at His Second Advent that we can have eternal life.
"He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on
him." (John 3:36) As soon as man sinned in the Garden, he was not allowed to eat
of the tree of life:
"And now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and
eat, and live forever." (Gen 3:22) Satan wants men to forget the fact that "the wages
of sin is death." (Rom 6:23) But if we accept Christ as our Saviour and repent of
our sins and obey the Father's law by faith in the Son's righteousness, we shall
inherit eternal life at His Coming. "This is the record, that God hath given to us
eternal life, and this life is in His Son." (1 John 5:11) "I am the way, the truth, and
the life." (John 14:6) "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow
Me, and I give unto them eternal life." (John 10:27-28)
"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the
voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall
rise first." (1 Thess 4:16) "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have
everlasting life." (John 3:16) "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the
which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth." (John
5:28-29)
There will be two resurrectionsone of the righteous and one of the wicked
(Acts 24:15; John 5:28-29). The resurrection of the just is described in Luke
14:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 and elsewhere. The
resurrection of the wicked is mentioned in Revelation 20:4-5. And the final

destruction of the wicked is spoken of in Revelation 20:9; 21:8 and a number of

other passages.
This final destruction of the wicked is "death" (Rom 6:23) and "everlasting
destruction" (2 Thessalonians 1:9.The wicked will "perish (Luke 13:3; 2 Pet 2:12),
not live on, shrieking and moaning through eternal ages, to come. The wicked
shall perish" and "consume into smoke" and "consume away" (Ps 37:20). They
shall be "burned up" (Mal 4:1), "cut off" (Ps 37:22,34; 94:23) and "not be" (Ps
37:10,36). They shall be "like the chaff" which "the wind carried away" (Dan 2:35).
The fire that destroys them is unquenchable (Matt 3:12) for no one can
put it out until its work is done. The wicked are like "stubble" that will be "burned
up" and left "neither root nor branch" (Mal 4:1).
After it is all over, "they shall be as though they had not been" (Obadiah 16).
The wicked shall be "no more" (Prov 10:25). They will no longer be there they
are gone (Ps 37:10). They will have been entirely destroyed in hellfire (Matt 10:28).
And we can be thankful for this, since the Bible teaches that the wicked will be
destroyed in hellfire on the surface of the earth (Rev 20:9). Yet the "meek shall
inherit the earth" (Matt 5:5; Ps 37:11,29), and if the wicked are eternally burned
on the earth's surface the meek could never obtain their inheritance. Instead, the
righteous will go forth, from the Holy City and the wicked will be as "ashes under
the soles of" their "feet" (Mal 4: 3). The fire that came down from God out of
heaven has devoured them and they are no more (Rev 20:9). The "second death"
has taken place (Rev 20: 14), and God's "strange act" and "strange work" is forever
completed (Isa 28:21). Even death itself (Rev 20:14) and sorrow, crying and pain
(Rev 21:4) will be a thing of the past.
God's plan is the best plan. It is full of mercy. The wicked, who could not be
happy in the peace of heaven, will only suffer in hellfire a brief time, in proportion
to their evil-doings, and then they will mercifully cease to exist. We can be deeply
thankful for the character of God. He is just, yet merciful. And we can be thankful
that we can know the truth about His plan. The righteous will have a life that
measures with the life of Goddeathless happiness (Isa 66:22; Dan 7:18,27; Ps
37:9-11; 16:11).
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. "John
3:16. .
How very thankful we can be for the love of God to His children! Clinging to
Jesus by faith, we can overcome.
Yes, how thankful we can be for the love of God for we are on the edge of
the final crisis of earth's history.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN
THE FINAL CRISIS
It is clear that we now live in a world in rebellion. Lawlessness is in the
very air we breathe. The pollution of the earth and water and skies; the
pollution of men's minds; the low level of their thoughts and entertainments; the
selfishness, pride and violence. Our children appear to be born but to be
schooled in vice and fraud.
We are rapidly nearing the end.
And in no way is the fact more obvious than that the churches openly
teach that true religion is in harmony with the breaking of the Ten
Commandments.
Only in the days of Noah were conditions worse. At that time, God stepped
in arid destroyed the earth with a flood of waters. For there were only eight people
who still served and obeyed Him. If He had not intervened, the righteous would
have been entirely blotted from the face of the earth.
In our day, men have set themselves to erect gigantic monopolies,
syndicates and federations. In both government and business a few gigantic firms
are taking control.
The prophet of God for these last days has declared that Satan intends a
final takeover, and through a simple expedient: enforce disobedience to one of
the Ten Commandmentsand thus blot God's people from the earth. They will
either yield to the decree, or else.
Through prophecy, the curtain is drawn backand we behold the crisis
that is gradually nearing:
"Through the two great errors, the immortality of the soul and. Sunday
sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While the former
lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with
Rome. The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their
hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the
abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this
threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the
rights of conscience.
"As spiritualism more closely imitates the nominal Christianity of the day, it
has greater power to deceive and ensnare. Satan himself is converted, after the
modern order of things. He will appear in the character of an angel of light.
Through the agency of spiritualism, miracles will be wrought, the sick will be
healed, and many undeniable wonders will be performed. And as the spirits will
profess faith in the Bible, and manifest respect for the institutions of the church,

their work will be accepted as a manifestation of divine power. .

"Through spiritualism, Satan appears as a benefactor of the race, healing
the diseases of the people, and professing to present a new and more exalted
system of religious faith; but at the same time he works as a destroyer. .
"While appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal
all their maladies, he will bring disease and disaster, until populous cities are
reduced to ruin and desolation. Even now he is at work. In accidents and
calamities by sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and
terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods; cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in
every place and in a thousand forms,' Satan is exercising his power. He sweeps
away the ripening harvest and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air a
deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These visitations are to
become more and more frequent and disastrous. Destruction will be upon both
man and beast. 'The earth mourneth and fadeth away,' 'the haughty people. . do
languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have
transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.'
Isaiah 24:4,5. "And then the great deceiver will persuade men that those who serve
God are causing these evils. The class that have provoked the displeasure of
Heaven will charge all their troubles upon those whose obedience to God's
commandments is a perpetual, reproof to transgressors. It will be declared, that
men are offending God by the violation of the Sunday sabbath. .
"The miracle-working power manifested through spiritualism will exert its
influence against those who choose to obey God rather than men:
Communications from the spirits will declare that God has sent them to convince
the rejecters of Sunday of their error, affirming that the laws of the land should be
obeyed as the law of God. They will lament the great wickedness in the world and
second the testimony of religious teachers that the degraded state of morals is
caused by the desecration of Sunday. Great will be the indignation excited against
all who refuse to accept their testimony . . Those who honor the Bible Sabbath will
be denounced as enemies of law and order, as breaking down the moral restraints
of society, causing anarchy and corruption, and calling down the judgments of
God upon the earth. Their conscientious scruples will be pronounced obstinacy,
stubbornness, and contempt of authority. They will be accused of disaffection
toward the government. Ministers who deny the obligation of the divine law will
present from the pulpit the duty of yielding obedience to the civil authorities as
ordained of God. In legislative halls and courts of justice, commandment keepers
will be misrepresented and condemned. A false coloring will be given to their
words; the worst construction will be put upon their motives.
"The dignitaries of church and state will unite to bribe, persuade, or compel
all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by
oppressive enactments. .
"Those who endeavor to obey all the commandments of God will be
opposed and derided. They can stand only in God. In order to endure the trial

before them, they must understand the will of God as revealed in His word; they
can honor Him only as they have a right conception of His character, government,
and purposes, and act in accordance with them. None but those who have fortified
the mind with the truths of the Bible will stand through the last great conflict. To
every soul will come the searching test: Shall I obey God rather than men? The
decisive hour is even now at hand. Are our feet planted on the rock of God's
immutable word? Are we prepared to stand firm in defense of the commandments
of God and the faith of Jesus? . .
"But God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible, and the
Bible only, as the standard of all doctrines and the basis of all reforms. The
opinions of learned men, the deductions of science, the creeds or decisions of
ecclesiastical councils, as numerous and discordant as are the churches which
they represent, the voice of the majority not one nor all of these should be
regarded as evidence for or against any point of religious faith. Before accepting
any doctrine or precept, we should demand a plain 'Thus saith the Lord' in its
support.
"Satan is constantly endeavoring to attract attention to man in the place of
God. He leads the people to look to bishops, to pastors, to professors of theology,
as their guides, instead of searching the Scriptures to learn their duty for
themselves. Then, by controlling the minds of these leaders, he can influence the
multitudes according to his will . .
"The Roman Church, reserves to the clergy the right to interpret the
Scriptures. On the ground that ecclesiastics alone are competent to explain God's
word, it is withheld from the common people. Though the Reformation gave the
Scriptures to all, yet the selfsame principle which was maintained by Rome,
prevents multitudes in Protestant churches from searching the Bible for
themselves; They are taught to accept its teachings as interpreted by the church;
and there are thousands who dare receive nothing, however plainly revealed in
Scripture, that is contrary to their creed or the established teaching of their
church. .
"The truth and the glory of God are inseparable; it is impossible for us, with
the Bible within our reach, to honor God by erroneous opinions. Many claim that
it matters not what one believes, if his life is only right. But the life is molded by
the faith. If light and truth is within our reach, and we neglect to improve the
privilege of hearing and seeing it, we virtually reject it; we are choosing darkness
rather than light. "It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn
from Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light and encourage others
to follow his example. We should day by day study the Bible diligently, weighing
every thought and comparing scripture with scripture. With divine help we are to
form our opinions for ourselves as we are to answer for ourselves before God. .
"Many a portion of Scripture which learned men pronounce a mystery, or
pass over as unimportant, is full of comfort and instruction to him who has been
taught in the school of Christ. One reason why many theologians have no clearer

understanding of God's word is, they close their eyes to truths, which they do not
wish to practice. An understanding of Bible truth depends not so much on the
power of intellect brought to the search as on the singleness of purpose, the
earnest longing after righteousness. .
"We are living in the most solemn period of this world's history. The destiny
of earth's teeming multitudes is about to be decided. Our own future well-being
and also the salvation of other souls depend upon the course which we now
pursue. We need to be guided by the Spirit of truth. Every follower of Christ
should earnestly inquire: 'Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?' We need to
humble ourselves before the Lord, with fasting and prayer, and to meditate much
upon His word, especially upon the scenes of the judgment. We should now seek a
deep and living experience in the things of God. We have not a moment to lose. .
"When the testing time shall come, those who have made God's word their
rule of life will be revealed. In summer there is no noticeable difference between
evergreens and other trees; but when the blasts of winter come, the evergreens
remain unchanged, while other trees are stripped of their foliage. So the falsehearted professor may not now be distinguished from the real Christian, but the
time is just upon us when the difference will be apparent. Let opposition arise, let
bigotry and intolerance again bear sway, let persecution be kindled, and the
halfhearted and hypocritical will waver and yield the faith; but the true Christian
will stand firm as a rock, his faith stronger, his hope brighter, than in days of
prosperity. .
"Fearful is the issue to which the world is to be brought. The powers of
earth uniting to war against the commandments of God, will decree that 'all, both
small and great, rich and poor, free and bond' (Revelation 13:16) shall conform to
the customs of the church by the observance of the false sabbath. All who refuse
compliance will be visited with civil penalties, and it will finally be declared that
they are deserving of death. On the other hand, the law of God enjoining the
Creator's rest day demands obedience and threatens wrath against all who
transgress its precepts. .
The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty, for it is the point of truth
especially controverted. When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men,
then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those
who serve Him not. While the observance of the false sabbath in compliance with
the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of
allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath,
in obedience to God's law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. While one class,
by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the
beast the other choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal
of God."Great Controversy, pages 588- 605.
Only those who are determined. to live clean, godly lives in obedience to the
Ten Commandments, by the empowering grace of Christ, shall go through the
terrible crisis that is just ahead.

But in the strength of God it can be done. Bible religion is the great need of
our time. Many reject parts of the Bible, and many more reject it altogether. But
Heaven wants men and women who will live by all the words of God.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN
A WORLD ENDS
It is not in man to direct his own steps, nor to predict the future. But
God can. And through His appointed servants, He unveils the future before a
world on the edge of a precipice.
Although many thinking men recognize that a terrible crisis is just ahead
of mankind, most do not recognize why it is coming and what it will consist of:
It is not based on politics, international relations, scientific technology and
weaponry, or economic crashes.
The basic problem is moral degeneration.
Men are destroying themselves through disobedience to the Ten
Commandments. And because of it, the end is very near. Here, briefly, is but
part of the description of what is ahead:
"Fearful is the issue to which the world is to be brought. The powers of
earth, uniting to war against the commandments of God, will decree that 'all, both
small and great, rich and poor, free and bond' (Revelation 13:16), shall conform to
the customs of the church by the observance of the false sabbath. All who refuse
compliance will be visited with civil penalties, and it will finally be declared that
they are deserving of death. On the other hand, the law of God enjoining the
Creator's rest day demands obedience and threatens wrath against all who
transgress its precepts.
"With the issue thus clearly brought before him, whoever shall trample
upon God's law to obey a human enactment receives the mark of the beast; he
accepts the sign of allegiance to the power which he chooses to obey instead of
God. The warning from heaven is: 'If any man worship the beast and his image,
and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the
wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His
indignation.' Revelation 14:9,10.
"But not one is made to suffer the wrath of God until the truth has been
brought home to his mind and conscience, and has been rejected. There are many
who have never had an opportunity to hear the special truths for this time. The
obligation of the fourth commandment has never been set before them in its true
light. He who reads every heart and tries every motive will leave none who desire a
knowledge of the truth, to be deceived as to the issues of the controversy. The

decree is not to be urged upon the people blindly. Everyone is to have sufficient
light to make his decision intelligently.
"The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty, for it is the point of truth
especially controverted. When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men,
then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those
who serve Him not. While the observance of the false sabbath in compliance with
the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment; will be an avowal of
allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath,
in obedience to God's law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. While one class,
by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the
beast, the other choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the
seal of God..
"Different periods in the history of the church have each been marked by
the development of some special truth, adapted to the necessities of God's people
at that time. Every new truth has made its way against hatred and opposition;
those who were blessed with its light were tempted and tried. The Lord gives a
special truth for the people in an emergency. Who dare refuse to publish it? He
commands His servants to present the last invitation of mercy to the world. They
cannot remain silent, except at the peril of their souls. Christ's ambassadors have
nothing to do with consequences. They must perform their duty and leave results
with God.
As the opposition rises to a fiercer height, the servants of God are again
perplexed; for it seems to them that they have brought the crisis. But conscience
and the word of God assure them that their course is right; and although the trials
continue, they are strengthened to bear them. The Contest grows closer and
sharper; but their faith and courage rise with the emergency. Their testimony is:
We dare not tamper with God's word, dividing His holy law; calling one portion
essential and another nonessential, to gain the favor of the world. The Lord whom
we serve is able to deliver us. Christ has conquered the powers of earth; and shall
we be afraid of a world already conquered?..
"But so long as Jesus remains man's intercessor in the sanctuary above, the
restraining influence of the Holy Spirit is felt by rulers and people. ..
"When He leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of the
earth. In that fearful time the righteous must live in the sight of a holy God without
an intercessor. The restraint which has been upon the wicked is removed, and
Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent. 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; the Spirit of God,
persistently resisted, has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they
have no protection from the wicked one. Satan will then 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 of strife will be let loose. The
whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon

Jerusalem of old. ...

"So when the irrevocable, decision of the sanctuary has been pronounced
and the destiny of the world has been forever fixed, the inhabitants of the earth
will know it not. The forms of religion will be continued by a people from whom
the Spirit of God has been finally withdrawn; and the satanic zeal with which the
prince of evil will inspire them for the accomplishment of his malignant designs,
will bear the semblance of zeal for God. .
"As the Sabbath has become the special point of controversy throughout
Christendom, and religious and secular authorities have combined to enforce the
observance of the Sunday, the persistent refusal of a small minority to yield to the
popular demand will make them objects of universal execration . .
"A decree will finally be issued against those who hallow the Sabbath of the
fourth commandment, denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment
and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death. .
"The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can
endure weariness, delay, and hunger a faith that will not faint though severely
tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob
prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of
the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God's promises, as he
did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded.
Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and
earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with God how few know
what it is! How few have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of
desire until every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no
language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith
to the promises Of God.
"Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest danger of falling
under the power of satanic delusions and the decree to compel the conscience.
And even if they endure the test they will be plunged into deeper distress and
anguish in the time of trouble, because they have never made it a habit to trust in
God. The lessons of faith which they have neglected they will be forced to learn
under a terrible pressure of discouragement.
"We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving His promises.
Angels record every prayer that is earnest and sincere. We should rather dispense
with selfish gratifications than neglect, communion with God. The deepest poverty,
the greatest self-denial, with His approval, is better than riches, honors, ease, and
friendship without it. We must take time to pray. .
"Fearful sights of a supernatural character will soon be revealed in the
heavens, in token of the power of miracle working demons. The spirits of devils
will go forth to the kings of the earth and to the whole world, to fasten them in
deception, and urge them on to unite with Satan in his last struggle against the

government of heaven. By these agencies, rulers and subjects will be alike

deceived. Persons will arise pretending to be Christ Himself, and claiming the title
and worship, which belong to the world's Redeemer. They will perform wonderful
miracles of healing and will profess to have revelations from heaven contradicting
the testimony of the Scriptures.
"As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will
personate Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Saviour's advent as
the consummation of her hopes. Now the great deceiver will make it appear that
Christ has come. Indifferent parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among
men as a majestic being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the
Son of God given by John in the Revelation. Revelation 1:13-15. The glory that
surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet beheld. The
shout of triumph rings out upon the air: 'Christ has come! Christ has come!' 'The
people prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands
and pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His disciples when He
was upon the earth. His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle,
compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly truths,
which the Saviour uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in his
assumed character of Christ, he claims to have changed the Sabbath to Sunday,
and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed. He declares that those
who persist in keeping holy the seventh day are blaspheming his name by refusing
to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth. This is the strong, almost
overmastering delusion. Like the Samaritans who were deceived by Simon Magus,
the multitudes, from the least to the greatest, give heed to these sorceries, saying:
This is 'the great power of God.' Acts 8:10.
"But the people of God will not be misled. The teachings of this false-christ
are not in accordance with the Scriptures. His blessing is pronounced upon the
worshipers of the beast and his image, the very class upon whom the Bible
declares that God's unmingled wrath shall be poured out.
"And furthermore, Satan is not permitted to counterfeit the manner of
Christ's advent. The Saviour has warned His people against deception upon this
point, and has clearly foretold the manner of His second coming. 'There shall arise
false christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders;
insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. . Wherefore if
they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the desert; go not forth: behold He is in
the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and
shineth even unto the west; so shall the coming of the Son of man be.' Matthew
24:24-27, 31; 25:31: Revelation 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17. This coming there
is no possibility of counterfeiting. It will be universally knownwitnessed by the
whole world. .
"When Christ ceases His intercession in the sanctuary, the unmingled wrath
threatened against those who worship the beast and his image and receive his
mark (Revelation 14:9,10), will be poured out..

"These plagues are not universal, or the inhabitants of the earth would be
wholly cut off. Yet they will be the most, awful scourges that have ever been known
to mortals. All the judgments upon men, prior to the close of probation, have been
mingled with mercy. The pleading blood of Christ has shielded the sinner from
receiving the full measure of his guilt; but in the final judgment, wrath is poured
out unmixed with mercy. .
"While the wicked are dying from hunger and pestilence, angels will shield
the righteous and supply their wants. .
"The Lord permits conflicts, to prepare the soul for peace. The time of
trouble is a fearful ordeal for God's people; but it is the time for every true believer
to look up, and by faith he may see the bow of promise encircling him. .
"Soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a
man's hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour and which seems in the
distance to be shrouded in darkness. The people of God know this to be the sign
of the Son of man. In solemn silence they gaze upon it as it draws nearer the earth,
becoming lighter and more glorious, until it is a great white cloud, its base a glory
like consuming fire, and above it the rainbow of the covenant. Jesus rides forth as
a mighty conqueror. Not now a 'Man of Sorrows,' to drink the bitter cup of shame
and woe, He comes, victor in heaven and earth, to judge the living and the dead.
'Faithful and True,' 'in righteousness He doth judge and make war.' And 'the
armies which were in heaven' (Revelation 19:11,14) follow Him. With anthems of
celestial melody the holy angels, a vast, unnumbered throng, attend Him on His
way. The firmament seems filled with radiant forms'ten thousand times ten
thousand, and thousands of thousands.' No human pen can portray the scene; no
mortal mind is adequate to conceive its splendor. 'His glory covered the heavens,
and the earth was full of His praise And His brightness was as the light.'
Habakkuk 3:3,4. As the living cloud comes still nearer, every eye beholds the
prince of life. No crown of thorns now mars that sacred head; but a diadem of
glory rests on His holy brow. His countenance outshines the dazzling brightness of
the noonday sun. 'And He hath on His vesture and oft His thigh a name written,
King of kings, and Lord of lords.' Revelation19:16.
"Amid the reeling of the earth, the flash of lightning, and the roar of
thunder, the voice of the Son of God calls forth the sleeping saints . .
"All come forth from their graves the same in stature as when they entered
the tomb. Adam, who stands among the risen throng, is of lofty height and
majestic form, in stature but little below the Son of God, He presents a marked
contrast to the people of later generations; in this one respect is shown the great
degeneracy of the race. But all arise with the freshness and vigor of eternal youth.
In the beginning, man was created in the likeness of God, not only in character;
but in form and feature. Sin defaced and almost obliterated the divine image; but
Christ came to restore that which had been lost. He will change our vile bodies
and fashion them like unto His glorious body. The mortal, corruptible form,
devoid of comeliness, once polluted with sin, becomes perfect, beautiful, and

immortal. All blemishes and deformities are left in the grave. Restored to the tree
of life in the long-lost Eden, the redeemed will 'grow up' (Malachi 4:2) to the full
stature of the race in its primeval glory. The last lingering traces of the curse of
sin, will be removed, and Christ's faithful ones will appear in the beauty of the
Lord our God,' in mind and soul and body reflecting the perfect image of their
Lord. Oh, wonderful redemption! long talked of, long hoped for, contemplated
with eager anticipation, but never fully understood.
"The living righteous are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.
At the voice of God they were glorified; now they are made immortal and with the
risen saints are caught up to meet their Lord in the air. Angels gather together His
elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.' Little children are
borne by holy angels to their mothers' arms. Friends long separated by death are
united, nevermore to part, and with songs of gladness ascend together to the City
of God . .
"Upon the crystal sea before the throne, that sea of glass as it were mingled
with fire,so resplendent is it with the glory of God,are gathered the company
that have gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark,
and over the number of his name.' With the Lamb upon Mount Zion, 'having the
harps of God.' they stand, the hundred and forty and four thousand that were
redeemed from among men; and there is heard, as the sound of many waters, and
as the sound of a great thunder; 'the voice of harpers, harping with their harps.'
And they sing 'a new song.'Great Controversy, pages 604-649. .
The above is but a small part of a much larger description of what is ahead,
as given in the book, "Great Controversy."
Now, to conclude this section, let us view the beautiful world that God
intends to give to His faithful children:
"There the redeemed shall know, even as also they are known. The loves
and sympathies which God Himself has planted in the soul shall there find truest
and sweetest exercise. The pure communion with holy beings, the harmonious
social life with the blessed angels and with the faithful ones of all ages who have
washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, the sacred ties
that bind together 'the whole family in heaven and earth' (Ephesians 3:15)these
help to constitute the happiness of the redeemed.
"There immortal minds will contemplate with never failing delight the
wonders of creative power, the mysteries of redeeming love; There will be no cruel,
deceiving foe to tempt to forgetfulness of God. Every faculty will be developed,
every capacity, increased. The acquirement of knowledge will not weary the mind
or exhaust the energies. There the grandest enterprises may be carried forward,
the loftiest aspirations reached, the highest ambitions realized; and still there will
arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to
comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the powers of mind and soul and body.

"All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God's
redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afar
worlds that thrilled with sorrow at the spectacle of human woe and rang with
songs of gladness at the tidings of a ransomed soul. With unutterable delight the
children of earth enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. They share
the treasures of knowledge and understanding gained through ages upon ages in
contemplation of God's handiwork. With undimmed vision they gaze upon the
glory of creationsuns stars and systems, all in their appointed order circling the
throne of Deity. Upon all things, from the least to the greatest, the Creator's name
is written, and in all are the riches of His power displayed..
"And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more
glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is progressive, so will
love, reverence, and happiness increase. The more men learn of God, the greater
will be their admiration of His character. As Jesus opens before them the riches of
redemption and the amazing achievements in the great controversy with Satan, the
hearts of the ransomed thrill with more fervent devotion, and with more rapturous
joy they sweep the harps of gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand and
thousands of thousands of voices unite to swell the mighty chorus of praise.
'And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and such as are
in the sea; and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory,
and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the lamb for ever
and ever.' Revelation 5:13.
"The great controversy is ended, Sin and sinners are no more. The entire
universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast
creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout
the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all
things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy,
declare that God is love. Great Controversy, pages 677, 678.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
THE SWEEP OF CENTURIES
What is it like to witness a panoramic view of historyfrom before the fall
of Lucifer, down past the creation of Adam and Eve, on down through Old
Testament times, to the Christ? And beyond, past the lives of the Apostles, till the
last of them, John, lays down the pen? And then to go on beyond that, through the
early centuries, and witness the great apostasy of the Dark Ages; the Reformation;
and on down to our own day? Past this, to be carried down to the glory of the
Second Advent of Christ, and witness the Millennium and the final destruction of
the wicked,and the New Earth beyond that!
Such is the witness written down for us in the five books of the "Conflict of

the Ages Series:"

"Patriarchs and Prophets"from eternity past to the death of David.
"Prophets and Kings"from the reign of Solomon to the end of the Old Testament.
"Desire of Ages" from the announcement to Zechariah to Christ's ascension.
"Acts of the Apostles"from the upper room to the end of Revelation. "Great
Controversy"from the siege and destruction of Jerusalem to the New Earth and
eternity in God's peaceful universe.
Here are but a few samplings of what you will find in those books; in which
the Lovett's Grove vision was to find its ultimate fruition: a massive history written
down for you and me to readand learn about God, how to come to Him, how to
live with Him, and how to prepare for the final windup of earth's history:
THE CREATIONAs the earth came forth from the hand of its Maker, it
was exceedingly beautiful. Its surface was diversified, with mountains, hills, and
plains, interspersed with noble rivers and lovely lakes; but the hills and
mountains were not abrupt and rugged, abounding in terrific steeps and frightful
chasms, as they now do; the sharp, ragged edges of earth's rocky framework were
buried beneath the fruitful soil, which everywhere produced a luxuriant growth of
verdure. . Graceful shrubs and delicate flowers greeted the eye at every turn. The
heights were crowned with trees more majestic than any that now exist."
Patriarchs and Prophets, page 44.
IN THE GARDEN"They were visited by angels, and were granted
communion with their Maker, with no obscuring veil between. They were full of the
vigor imparted by the tree of life, and their intellectual power was but little less
than that of the angels:page 50.
THE FALL"In order to accomplish his work unperceived, Satan chose to
employ as his medium the serpenta disguise well adapted for his purposes of
deception. The serpent was then one of the wisest and most beautiful creatures on
the earth; It had wings, and while flying through the air presented an appearance
of dazzling brightness, having the color and brilliancy of burnished gold,"page
53..
ENOCH"But after the birth of his first son, Enoch reached a higher
experience; he was drawn into a closer relationship with God. He realized more
fully his own obligations and responsibility as a son of God. And as he saw the
child's love for its father, its simple trust in his protection; as he felt the deep,
yearning tenderness of his own heart for that firstborn son, he learned a precious
lesson of the wonderful love of God to men in the gift of His Son, and the
confidence which the children of God may repose in their heavenly Father. The
infinite, unfathomable love of God through Christ became the subject of his
meditations day and night; and with all the fervor of his soul he sought to reveal
that love to the people among whom he dwelt."page 84.
HIS TRANSLATION"The men of that generation had mocked the folly of

him who sought not to gather gold or silver or to build up possessions here. But
Enoch's heart was upon eternal treasures. He had looked upon the celestial city.
He had seen the King in His glory in the midst of Zion. His mind, his heart, his
conversation, were in heaven. The greater the existing iniquity, the more earnest
was his longing for the home of God. While still on earth, he dwelt, by faith, in the
realms of light. 'Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.' Matthew 5:8.
For three hundred years Enoch had been seeking purity of soul, that he might be
in harmony with Heaven. For three centuries he had walked with God. Day by day
he had longed for a closer union; nearer and nearer had grown the communion,
until God took him to Himself. He had stood at the threshold of the eternal world,
only a step between him and the land of the blest; and now the portals opened, the
walk with God, so long pursued on earth, continued, and he passed through the
gates of the Holy Citythe first from among men to enter there."page 87.
THE EARTH BEFORE THE FLOOD"In the days of Noah a double curse
was resting upon the earth in consequence of Adam's transgression and of the
murder committed by Cain. Yet this had not greatly changed the face of nature.
There were evident tokens of decay, but the earth was still rich and beautiful in the
gifts of God's providence. The hills were crowned with majestic trees, supporting
the fruit-laden branches of the vine. The vast, gardenlike plains were clothed with
verdure, and sweet with the fragrance of a thousand flowers. The fruits of the
earth were in great variety, and almost without limit. The trees far surpassed in
size, beauty, and perfect proportion any now to be found; their wood was of fine
grain and hard substance, closely resembling stone, and hardly less enduring.
Gold, silver, and precious stones existed in abundance."page 90.
THE ARK IS COMPLETED The period of their probation was about to
expire. Noah had faithfully followed the instructions which he had received from
God. The ark was finished in every part as the Lord had directed, and was stored
with food for man and beast. And now the servant of God made his last solemn
appeal to the people. With an agony of desire that words cannot express, he
entreated them to seek a refuge while it might be found. Again they rejected his
words, and raised their voices in jest and scoffing. Suddenly a silence fell upon the
mocking throng. Beasts of every description, the fiercest as well as the most gentle,
were seen coming from mountain and forest and quietly making their way toward
the ark. A noise as of a rushing wind was heard, and lo, birds were flocking from
all directions, their numbers darkening the heavens, and in perfect order they
passed to the ark. Animals obeyed the command of God, while men were
disobedient. .
Mercy had ceased its pleadings for the guilty race. The beasts of the field
and the birds of the air had entered the place of refuge. Noah and his household
were within the ark, 'and the Lord shut him in.' A flash of dazzling light was seen,
and a cloud of glory more vivid than the lightning descended from heaven and
hovered before the entrance of the ark. The massive door, which it was impossible
for those within to close, was slowly swung to its place by unseen hands. Noah was
shut in, and the rejecters of God's mercy were shut out." page 97-98.

THE FLOOD COMES Darker and darker grew the heavens, and faster
and faster came the falling rain the beasts were roaming about in the wildest
terror. . Then 'the fountains of the great deep' were 'broken up, and the windows of
heaven were opened.' Water appeared to come from the clouds in mighty cataracts.
Rivers broke away from their boundaries, and overflowed the valleys. Jets of water
burst from the earth with indescribable force, throwing massive rocks hundreds of
feet into the air, and these, in falling, buried themselves deep in the ground. The
people first beheld the destruction of the works of their own hands. Their splendid
buildings, and the beautiful, gardens and groves where they had placed their idols,
were destroyed by lightning from heaven, and the ruins were "scattered far and
wide. The altars on which human sacrifices had been offered were torn down.. .
As the violence of the storm increased, trees, buildings, rocks, and earth
were hurled in every direction. . Above the roar of the tempest was heard the
wailing of a people who had despised the authority of God. Satan himself, who was
compelled to remain in the midst of the warring elements, feared for his own
existence. He had delighted to control so powerful a race, and desired them to live
to practice their abominations and continue their rebellion against the Ruler of
heaven. . The beasts, exposed to the tempest, rushed toward man, as though
expecting help from him. Some of the people bound their children and themselves
upon powerful animals, knowing that these were tenacious of life, and would climb
to the highest points to escape the rising waters. Some fastened themselves to lofty
trees on the summit of hills or mountains; but the trees were uprooted, and with
their burden of living beings were hurled into the seething billows. One spot after
another that promised safety was abandoned. As the waters rose higher and
higher, the people fled for refuge to the loftiest mountains. Often man and beast
would struggle together for a foothold, until both were swept away."pages 99100.
EFFECTS OF THE FLOODThe earth presented an appearance of
confusion and desolation impossible to describe. The mountains, once so beautiful
in their perfect symmetry, had become broken and irregular. . In many places hills
and mountains had disappeared, leaving no trace where they once stood; and
plains had given place to mountain ranges. These changes were more marked in
some places than in others. Where once had been earth's richest treasures of gold,
silver, and precious stones, were seen the heaviest marks of the curse. And upon
countries that were not inhabited and those where there had been the least crime,
the curse rested more lightly.
At this time immense forests were buried. These have since been changed
to coal, forming the extensive coal beds that now exist, and also yielding large
quantities of oil. The coal and oil frequently ignite and burn beneath the surface of
the earth. Thus rocks are heated, limestone is burned, and iron ore melted. The
action of the water upon the lime adds fury to the intense heat, and causes
earthquakes, volcanoes, and fiery issues: As the fire and water come in contact
with ledges of rock and ore, there are heavy explosions underground. Volcanic
eruptions follow; and these often failing to give sufficient vent to the heated
elements, the earth itself is convulsed, the ground heaves and swells like the waves

of the sea, great fissures appear. . These wonderful manifestations will be more
and more frequent and terrible just before the second coming of Christ and the
end of the world, as signs of its speedy destruction." pages 108-109.
ABRAHAMS TEST OF FAITHThat daythe longest that Abraham had
ever experienceddragged slowly to its close. While his son and the young men
were sleeping, he spent the night in prayer, still hoping that some heavenly
messenger might come to say that the trial was enough, that the youth might
return unharmed to his mother. But no relief came to his tortured soul. Another
long day, another night of humiliation and prayer, while ever the command that
was to leave him childless was ringing in his ears. Satan was near to whisper
doubts and unbelief, but Abraham resisted his suggestions. As they were about to
begin the journey of the third day, the patriarch, looking northward, saw the
promised sign, a cloud of glory hovering over Mount Moriah, and he knew that the
voice which had spoken to him was from heaven.
"Even now he did not murmur against God, but strengthened his soul by
dwelling upon the evidences of the Lord's goodness and faithfulness. This son had
been unexpectedly given; and had not He who bestowed the precious gift a right to
recall His own? Then faith repeated the promise, 'In Isaac shall thy seed be
called'a seed numberless as the grains of sand upon the shore. Isaac was the
child of a miracle, and could not the power that gave him life restore it? Looking
beyond that which was seen, Abraham grasped the divine word, 'accounting that
God was able to raise him up, even from the dead.' Hebrews 11:19.
Yet none but God could, understand how great was the father's sacrifice in
yielding up his son to death; Abraham desired that none but God should witness
the parting scene. .
At last he [lsaac] spoke, 'My father, behold the fire and the wood: but where
is the Iamb for a burnt offering?' Oh, what a test was this! How the endearing
words, 'my father,' pierced Abraham's heart! Not yethe could not tell him now.
'My son,' he said, 'God will provide Himself a Iamb for a burnt offering:
At the appointed place they built the altar and laid the wood upon it. Then,
with trembling voice, Abraham unfolded to his son the divine message. It was with
terror and amazement that Isaac learned his fate, but he offered no resistance. He
could have escaped his doom, had he chosen to do so; the grief-stricken old man,
exhausted with the struggle of those three terrible days, could not have opposed
the will of the vigorous youth. But Isaac had been trained from childhood to ready,
trusting obedience, and as the purpose of God was opened before him, he yielded
a willing submission. He was a sharer in Abraham's faith."pages 151-152.
THE RED SEA" 'The Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the
midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it
came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the
Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the
Egyptians: The mysterious cloud [of darkness, to them that night] changed to a

pillar of fire before their astonished eyes. The thunders pealed and the lightnings
flashed. 'The clouds poured out water; the skies sent out a sound: Thine arrows
also went abroad. The voice of Thy thunder ,was in the whirlwind; the lightning
lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.' Psalm 77:17-18
The Egyptians were seized with confusion and dismay. Amid the wrath of
the elements, in which they heard the voice of an angry God, they endeavored to
retrace their steps and flee to the shore they had quitted. But Moses stretched out
his rod, and the piled-up waters, hissing, roaring, and eager for their prey, rushed
together and swallowed the Egyptian army in their black depths. As morning
broke it revealed to the multitudes of Israel all that remained of their mighty
foesthe mail-clad bodies cast upon the shore. From the most terrible peril, one
night had brought complete deliverance.
"The great lesson here taught is for all time. Often the Christian life is beset
by dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending
ruin before and bondage or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, 'Go
forward.' We should obey this command, even though our eyes cannot penetrate
the darkness, and we feel the cold waves about our feet. The obstacles that hinder
our progress will never disappear before a halting, doubting spirit. . Faith
courageously urges an advance, hoping all things, believing all things .
"The cloud that was a wall of darkness to the Egyptians was to the Hebrews
a great flood of light, illuminating the whole camp, and shedding brightness upon
the path before them. So the dealings of Providence bring to the unbelieving,
darkness and despair, while to the trusting Soul they are full of light and peace.
The path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or the sea, but it is a
safe path."pages 287-288,290.
THE SERPENT OF BRASS"When Moses raised the serpent [of brass]
upon the pole, some would not believe that merely gazing upon that metallic image
would heal them; these perished in their unbelief. Yet there were many who had
faith in the provision which Got! had made. Fathers, mothers, brothers, and
sisters were anxiously engaged in helping their suffering, dying friends to fix their
languid eyes upon the serpent. If these, though faint and dying, could only once
look they were perfectly restored.
"The people well knew that there was no power in the serpent of brass to
cause such a change in those who looked upon it. The healing virtue was from God
alone. . God alone was able to heal them. Yet they were required to show their
faith in the provision which He had made. They must look in order to live. . That
look implied faith. They lived because they believed God's Word, and trusted in the
means provided for their recovery. So the sinner may look to Christ, and live. .
But we must come to Him; and when we repent of our sins, we must believe that
He accepts and pardons us. Faith is the gift of God, but the power to exercise it is
ours. Faith is the hand by which the soul takes hold upon the divine offers of grace
and mercy.

"Many are unwilling to accept of Christ until the whole mystery of the plan
of salvation shall be made plain to them. They refuse the look of faith, although
they see that thousands have looked, and have felt the efficacy of looking, to the
cross of Christ. Many wander in the mazes of philosophy, in search of reasons and
evidence which they will never find, while they reject the evidence which God has
been pleased to give. They refuse to walk in the light of the Sun of Righteousness,
until the reason of its shining shall be explained. All who persist in this course will
fail to come to a knowledge of the truth. God will never remove every occasion for
doubt. He gives sufficient evidence on which to base faith, and if this is not
accepted, the mind is left in darkness. If those who were bitten by the serpents
had stopped to doubt and question before they would consent to look, they would
have perished. It is our duty, first, to look; and the look of Faith will give us life.
"pages 430-432.
PETER AND THE WAVES"A violent tempest had been stealing upon
them, and they were unprepared for it. It was a sudden contrast, for the day had
been perfect; and when the gale struck them, they were afraid; They forgot their
disaffection, their unbelief, their impatience. Everyone worked to keep the boat
from sinking. It was but a short distance by sea from Bethsaida to the point where
they expected to meet Jesus, and in ordinary weather the journey required but a
few hours; but now they ware driven farther and farther from the point they
sought. Until the fourth watch of the night they toiled at the oars. Then the weary
men gave themselves up for lost. In storm and darkness the sea had taught them
their own helplessness, and they longed for the presence of their Master.
"Jesus had not forgotten them. The Watcher on the shore saw those fearstricken men battling with the tempest. Not for a moment did He lose sight of His
disciples. With deepest solicitude His eyes followed the storm-tossed boat with its
precious burden; for these men were to be the light of the world. As a mother in
tender love watches her child, so the compassionate Master watched His disciples.
When their hearts were subdued, their unholy ambition quelled, and in humility
they prayed for help, it was given them.
"At the moment when they believe themselves lost, a gleam of light reveals a
mysterious figure approaching them upon the water. But they know not that it is
Jesus. The One who has come for their help they count as an enemy. Terror
overpowers them. The hands that have grasped the oars with muscles like iron let
go their hold. The boat rocks at the will of the waves; all eyes are riveted on this
vision of a man walking upon the white-capped billows of the foaming sea.
"They think it a phantom that omens their destruction, and they cry out for
fear. Jesus advances as if He would pass them; but they recognize Him, and cry
out, entreating His help. Their beloved Master turns, His voice silences their fear,
'Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.'
"As soon as they could credit the wondrous fact, Peter was almost beside
himself with joy. As if he could scarcely yet believe, he cried out, 'Lord, if it be
Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water. And He said, Come.'

"Looking Unto Jesus, Peter walks securely; but as in self satisfaction he

glances back toward his companions in the boat, his eyes are turned from the
Saviour. The wind is boisterous. The waves roll high, and come directly between
him and the Master; and he is afraid. For a moment Christ is hidden from his
view, and his faith gives way. He begins to sink. But while the billows talk with
death, Peter lifts his eyes from the angry waters, and fixing them upon Jesus,
cries, 'Lord, save me.' Immediately Jesus grasps the outstretched hand, saying, '0
thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"
"Walking side by side, Peter's hand in that of his Master, they stepped into
the boat together. But Peter was now subdued and silent. He had no reason to
boast over his fellows, for through unbelief and self-exaltation he had very nearly
lost his life. When he turned his eyes from Jesus, his footing was lost, and he sank
amid the waves.
"When trouble comes upon us, how often we are like Peter! We look upon
the waves, instead of keeping our eyes fixed upon the Saviour. Our footsteps slide,
and the proud waters go over our souls. Jesus did not bid Peter come to Him that
he should perish; He does not call us to follow Him, and then forsake us."Desire
of Ages, pages 380-382.
JOURNEY TO EMMAUSDuring the journey the sun had gone down, and
before the travelers reached their place of rest, the laborers in tile fields had left
their work. As the disciples were about to enter their home, the stranger appeared
as though He would continue His journey. But the disciples felt drawn to Him.
Their souls hungered to hear more from Him. 'Abide with us,' they said. He did
not seem to accept the invitation, but they pressed it upon Him, urging, 'It is
toward evening, and the day is far spent.' Christ yielded to this entreaty and 'went
in to tarry with them.'
Had the disciples failed to press their invitation, they would not have
known that their traveling companion was the risen Lord; Christ never forces His
company upon anyone. He interests Himself in those who need Him. Gladly will
He enter the humblest home, and cheer the lowliest heart. But if men are too
indifferent to think of the heavenly Guest, or ask Him to abide with them, He
passes on. Thus many meet with great loss. They do not know Christ any more
than did the disciples as He walked with them by the way.
"The simple evening meal of bread is soon prepared. It is placed before the
guest, who has taken His seat at the head of the table. Now He puts forth His
hands to bless the food. The disciples start back in astonishment. Their
companion spreads forth His hands in exactly the same way as their Master used
to do. They look again, and lo, they see in His hands the print of the nails. Both
exclaim at once, It is the Lord Jesus! He has risen from the dead!
They rise to cast themselves at His feet and worship Him, but He has
vanished out of their sight. They look at the place which had been occupied by One
whose body had lately lain in the grave, and say to each other, 'Did not our heart

burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the
Scriptures?' .
"But with this great news to communicate they cannot sit and talk. Their
weariness and hunger are gone. They leave their meal untasted, and full of joy
immediately set out again on the same path by which they came, hurrying to tell
the tidings to the disciples in the city. In some parts the road is not safe, but they
climb over the steep places, slipping on the smooth rocks. They do not see, they
do not know, that they have the protection of Him who has traveled the road with
them. With their pilgrim staff in hand, they press on, desiring to go faster than
they dare. They lose their track, but find it again. Sometimes running, sometimes
stumbling, they press forward, their unseen Companion close beside them all the
way.
"The night is dark, but the Sun of Righteousness is shining upon them.
Their hearts leap for joy. They seem to be in a new world. Christ is a living
Saviour. They no longer mourn over Him as dead. Christ is risenover and over
again they repeat it. This is the message they are carrying to the sorrowing ones.
They must tell them the wonderful story of the walk to Emmaus. They must tell
who joined them by the way. They carry the greatest message ever given to the
world, a message of glad tidings upon which the hopes of the human familyfor
time and for eternity depend."Desire of Ages, pages 800-801.
THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEMTitus at last decided to take the
temple by storm. He determined, however that if possible it should be saved from
destruction. But, his commands wire disregarded. After he had retired to his tent
at night, the Jews, sallying from the temple, attacked the soldiers without. In the
struggle, a firebrand was flung by a soldier through an opening in the porch, and
immediately the cedar-lined chambers about the holy house were in a blaze. Titus
rushed to the place, followed by his generals and legionaries, and commanded the
soldiers to quench the flames. His words were unheeded. In their fury the soldiers
hurled blazing brands into the chambers adjoining the temple, and then with their
swords they slaughtered in great numbers those who had found shelter there.
Blood flowed down the temple steps like water. Thousands upon thousands of
Jews perished. Above the sound of battle, voices were heard shouting: 'Ichabod!'
the glory is departed.
"Titus found it impossible to check the rage of the soldiery; he entered with
his officers, and surveyed the interior of the sacred edifice. The splendor filled
them with wonder; and as the flames had not yet penetrated to the holy place, he
made a last effort to save it, and springing forth, again exhorted the soldiers to
stay the progress of the conflagration. The centurion Liberalis endeavored to force
obedience with his staff of office; but even respect for the emperor gave way to the
furious animosity against the Jews, to the fierce excitement of battle, and to the
insatiable hope of plunder. The soldiers saw everything around them radiant with
gold, which shone dazzlingly in the wild light of the flames; they supposed that in.
calculable treasures were laid up in the sanctuary. A soldier, unperceived, thrust a
lighted torch between the hinges of the door: the whole building was in flames in

an instant. The blinding smoke and fire forced the officers to retreat, and the
noble edifice was left to its fate.
"It was an appalling spectacle to the Romanwhat was it to the Jew? The
whole summit of the hill which commanded the city, blazed like a volcano. 0ne
after another the buildings fell in, with a tremendous crash, and were swallowed
up in the fiery abyss. The roofs of cedar were like sheets of flame; the gilded
pinnacles shone like spikes of red light; the gate towers sent up tall columns of
flame and smoke. The neighboring hills were lighted up and dark groups of people
were seen watching in horrible anxiety the progress of the destruction: the walls
and heights of the upper city were crowded with faces, some pale with the agony of
despair, others scowling unavailing vengeance. The shouts of the Roman soldiery
as they ran to and fro, and the howlings of the insurgents who were perishing in
the flames, mingled with the roaring of the conflagration and the thundering sound
of falling timbers. The echoes of the mountains replied or brought back the
shrieks of the people on the heights; all along the walls resounded screams and
wailings; men who were expiring with famine rallied their remaining strength to
utter a cry of anguish and desolation."Great Controversy, pages 33-34. [The
destruction of Jerusalem took place 39 years after the crucifixion of Christ, in 70
A.D. Titus, the Roman general, under whose leadership it occurred, was the son of
the emperor of Rome; Vespasian.]
THE WALDENSES TRAIN THEIR CHILDREN"The mountains that girded
their lowly valleys were a constant witness to God's creative power, and a neverfailing assurance of His protecting care. Those pilgrims learned to love the silent
symbols of Jehovah's presence. They indulged no repining because of the
hardships of their lot; they were never lonely amid the mountain solitudes. They
thanked God that He had provided for them an asylum from the wrath and cruelty
of men. They rejoiced in their freedom to worship before Him. . Often when
pursued by their enemies, the strength of the hills proved a sure defense. From
many a lofty cliff they chanted the praise of God, and the armies of Rome could
not silence their songs of thanksgiving. Pure, simple, and fervent was the piety of
these followers of Christ. The principles of truth they valued above houses and
lands, friends, kindred, even life itself. These principles they earnestly sought to
impress upon the hearts of the young. From earliest childhood the youth were
instructed in the Scriptures and taught to regard sacredly the claims of the law of
God. Copies of the Bible were rare; therefore its precious words were committed
to memory. Many were able to repeat large portions of both the Old and the New
Testament. Thoughts of God were associated alike with the sublime scenery of
nature and with the humble blessings of daily life. Little children learned to look
with gratitude to God as the giver of every favor and every comfort.
"Parents, tender and affectionate as they were, loved their children too
wisely to accustom them to self-indulgence. Before them was a life of trial and
hardship, perhaps a martyr's death. They were educated from childhood to endure
hardness, to submit to control, and yet to think and act for themselves. Very early
they were taught to bear responsibilities, to be guarded in speech, and to
understand the wisdom of silence. One indiscreet word let fall in the hearing of

their enemies might imperil not only the life of the speaker, but the lives of
hundreds of his brethren; for as wolves hunting their prey did the enemies of truth
pursue those who dared to claim freedom of religious faith." Great Controversy,
pages 66-67. [The Waldensians lived in the Swiss Alps during the Dark Age and
were among a number of Christian groups hidden in remote places of the earth
who maintained the pure faith of the Church before its apostasy. The book, "Great
Controversy," details much of the history of the people of God from Christ's time
down to our ownand beyond.]
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
SATAN DISCUSSES HIS PLANS
The present writer has in his files a book, published a hundred years
ago, by a French monk who overheard a secret planning session of top leaders
of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). Taking it down in shorthand, he later
published it. The unveiling of future plans can be shocking, as they were in this
instance.
Ellen White, in vision, also overheard a top planning session,but this
one of Satan and his angels. Here is his plan to destroy you, and all who would
wish to come to God or serve Him in these last days.
"As the people of God approach the perils of the last days, Satan holds earnest
consultation with his angels as to the most successful plan of overthrowing their
faith. He sees that the popular churches are already lulled to sleep by his deceptive
power. By pleasing sophistry and lying wonders He can continue to hold them
under his control. Therefore he directs his angels to lay their snares especially for
those who are looking for the second advent of Christ and endeavoring to keep all
the commandments of God.
Says the great deceiver: 'We must watch those who are calling the attention
of the people to the Sabbath of Jehovah; they will lead many to see the claims of
the law of God; and the same light which reveals the true Sabbath reveals also the
ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, and shows that the last work for
mans salvation is now going forward. Hold the minds of the people in darkness
till that work is ended, and we shall secure the world and the church also.
" 'The Sabbath is the great question which is to decide the destiny of souls.
We must exalt the sabbath of our creating. We have caused it to be accepted by
both worldlings and church members; now the church must be led to unite with
the world in its support. We must work by signs and wonders to blind their eyes to
the truth, and lead them to lay aside reason and the fear of God and follow custom
and tradition.
" 'I will influence popular ministers to turn the attention of their hearers
from the commandments of God. That which the Scriptures declare to be a perfect
law of liberty shall be represented as a yoke of bondage. The people accept their

ministers' explanations of Scripture and do not investigate for themselves.

Therefore, by working through the ministers, I can control the people according to
my will.
"'But our principal concern is to silence this sect of Sabbathkeepers. We
must excite popular indignation against them. We will enlist great men and
worldly-wise men upon our side, and induce those in authority to carry out our
purposes. Then the sabbath which I have set up shall be enforced by laws the most
severe and exacting. Those who disregard them shall, be driven out from the cities
and villages, and made to suffer hunger and privation. When once we have the
power, we will show what we can do with those who will not swerve from their
allegiance to God. We led the Romish church to inflict imprisonment, torture, and
death upon those who refused to yield to her decree, and now that we are bringing
the Protestant churches and the world into harmony with this right arm of our
strength, we will finally have a law to exterminate all who will not submit to our
authority. When death shall be made the penalty of violating our sabbath, then
many who are now ranked with commandment keepers will come over to our side.
But before proceeding to these extreme measures, we must exert all our
wisdom and subtlety to deceive and ensnare those who honor the true Sabbath.
We can separate many from Christ by worldliness, lust, and pride. They may think
themselves safe because they believe the truth, but indulgence of appetite or the
lower passions, which will confuse judgment and destroy discrimination, will
cause their fall.
Go, make the possessors of lands and money drunk with the cares of this
Iife. Present the world before them in its most attractive light, that they may lay up
their treasure here and fix their affections upon earthly things. We must do our
utmost to prevent those who labor in God's cause from obtaining means to use
against us. Keep the money in our own ranks. The more means they obtain, the
more they will injure our kingdom by taking from us our subjects. Make them care
more for money than for the upbuilding of Christ's kingdom and the spread of the
truths we hate, and we need not fear their influence; for we know that every
selfish, covetous person will fall under our power, and will finally be separated
from God's people.
" Through those that have a form of godliness but know not the power, we
can gain many who would otherwise do us harm. Lovers of pleasure more than
lovers of God will be our most effective helpers. Those of this class who are apt
and intelligent will serve as decoys to draw others into our snares. Many will not
fear their influence, because they profess the same faith. We will thus lead them to
conclude that the requirements of Christ are less strict than they once believed,
and that by conformity to the world they would exert a greater influence with
worldlings. Thus they will separate from Christ; then they will have no strength to
resist our power, and erelong they will be ready to ridicule their former zeal and
devotion.
" 'Until the great decisive blow shall be struck, our efforts against

commandment keepers must be untiring. We must be present at all their

gatherings. In their large meetings, especially, our cause will suffer much, and we
must exercise great vigilance, and employ all our seductive arts to prevent souls
from hearing the truth and becoming impressed by it.
" 'I will have upon the ground, as my agents, men holding false doctrines
mingled with just enough truth to deceive souls. I will also have unbelieving ones
present who will express doubt in regard to the Lord's messages of warning to His
church. Should the people read and believe these admonitions, we could have little
hope of overcoming them. But if we can divert their attention from these warnings,
they will remain ignorant of our power and cunning, and we shall secure them in
our ranks at last. God will not permit His words to be slighted with impunity. If we
can keep souls deceived for a time, God's mercy will be withdrawn, and He will
give them up to our full control.
" 'We must cause distraction and division. We must destroy their anxiety for
their own souls, and lead them to criticize, to judge, and to accuse and condemn
one another, and to cherish selfishness and enmity. For these sins, God banished
us from His presence; and all who follow our example will meet a similar fate.' "
The Great Controversy, 1884 edition, pages 337-340.

CHAPTER NINETEEN
COMPARING THE PROPHETS
William F. Albright (1891-1971) was recognized in the field of archeology
as the leading Biblical archeologist of the twentieth century. His research and
articles on this subject of ancient remains in the Near East stand unrivaled.
After receiving his Ph.D. in 1916, he began a lifework that produced more than
800 Biblical and archeological publications, including his major work, "From the
Stone Age to Christianity," and 25 honorary doctorates.
In the 1950s, Alger Johns, one of Albright's doctoral candidates, showed
him several of Ellen Whites books. Albright was astounded and began research
into her works and her life, concluding Ellen G. White to be an authentic
prophet of God.
It is interesting to compare the prophets, and as we do so we can learn
many things.
The Bible writers wrote directly as the thoughts flowed from remembrances
of visions they had earlier received. An example of this will be found in the book of
Revelation, penned by the apostle John.
And the prophets also used sources. These were inspirational or historical
writings that other Christians or historians had already written.

But whether they wrote directly that which they had themselves received in
vision, or whether they penned that which they obtained from the writings of
others, they did it under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit.
An example of copying is to be found in Matthew and Mark. One of these
two Gospel writers heavily copied from the other. It is generally believed that Mark
wrote his Gospel account first. The present writer did research on this about
twenty-five years ago: He read through Mark to determine every unique story in
that book (every incident not to be found in Matthew). There were almost none.
Mark 14:51 is one of the very few. It is fairly clear that Matthew had the scroll of
Mark in front of him as he wrote his book. He included 99% of Mark's stories, but
without going into the detail that Mark usually employed. In addition, Matthew
added still more incidents and parables. Then, when Luke wrote, it appears that
he had Matthew's Gospel in front of him and used a sizable amount of it, while
adding especially unique material in Luke 10 to 20. Over half a century later, John
wrote his Gospel, and although he had recollections of the three earlier Gospels,
he apparently did not have them available as he wrote. It is for this reason that
the first three Gospels are called the "synoptic gospels:" because they are so much
alike, and yet so much different than John's Gospel.
Another example is the one-chapter book of Jude, when compared with 2
Peter 2. Thoughtfully read one chapter and then the other. Especially note Jude 418 and 2 Peter 2:1-3:33. One copied from the other. It is generally believed that
Jude must have written his book first, and then Peter copied it.
Several times Paul quotes passages from. Non-Christian writers and
historians (Acts 17:28; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Titus 1:12, etc.) Here we find
quotations from the Greek poet Aratus, the Greek writer Menander, and the
Cretian author Epimenides.
In Jude 14-15, Jude quotes from the pseude-pigraphal book, "1 Enoch" (1
Enoch 1:9). This non-inspired book, of about a hundred years earlier, has this in
1 Enoch 1:9: "And behold! He cometh with ten thousands of His holy ones to
execute judgment upon all, and to destroy all the ungodly: and to convict all flesh
of all the works of their ungodliness which they have ungodly committed, and of
all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him."
Luke 1:1,3-4 is an explanation by Luke that he and others used sources in
preparing their Gospels: "Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an
account of the things accomplished among us, . . it seemed fitting for me as well,
having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you
in consecutive order."Luke 1:1,3-4 (New American Standard Bible).
And then there were those passages in which God Himself spoke in
Scriptureand direct quotations from Him are given.
All of these Biblical writing patterns are to be found in Ellen White's
writings, just as they were found in the writings of the prophets before her time.

Probably the most striking example of copying from other writers by Ellen
White is in the earlier portions of her book, "Great Controversy." Much of the first
part of this book is composed of historical information from the past two
thousand years. In vision, Ellen White saw the scenes that transpired during this
time, but she was not usually given dates or names. Later, as she wrote, she
researched into the writings of leading historians in order to locate this
information. She was guided by the Holy Spirit in this work, for she would not
have dared undertake it otherwise. On occasion, as she found suitable and brief
historical quotations that clearly said that which she wished to say, she would
quote from these historians.
"The great events occurring in the life of our Lord were presented to her in
panoramic scenes as also were the other portions of 'The Great Controversy.' In a
few of these scenes, chronology and geography were clearly presented, but in the
greater part of the revelation the flashlight scenes which were exceedingly vivid and
the conversations and the controversies which she heard and was able to narrate,
were not marked geographically or chronologically; and she was left to study the
Bible and history and the writings of men who had presented the life of our Lord
to get the chronological and geographical connection."W. C. White, Letter,
January 8, 1932;
Ellen was shown in vision that God would guide her, both in the writing out
of that which she saw in vision, and in that which she found in her studies of what
others had writtenso that the finished product would be accurate, in accordance
with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and in agreement with the prophets before
her: the Bible writers.
A careful reading of the largest Biblical historical books (1-2 Samuel, 1-2
Kings, and 1-2 Chronicles) reveals that the writer of Chronicles extensively used
detailed sources and listsfar more than the other two. This writer very likely was
Ezra (compare 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 with Ezra 1:13a), and a similar use of
sources is to be found in the book of Ezra.
Ellen White was not secretive about what she did, for one does not need to
be secretive about that which is right. Books which she found to be especially
accurate in providing a good coverage of history, she recommended in published
articles that she wrote for her readers to purchase for themselves and read also.
Examples of this were D'Aubigne's "History of the Reformation," and Conybeare
and Howson's "The Life of Paul."
And she wrote that sources were used in her books:
"In some cases where a historian has so grouped together events as to
afford, in brief, a comprehensive view of the subject, or has summarized details in
a convenient manner, his words have been quoted; but in some instances no
specific credit has been given, since the quotations are not given for the purpose of
citing that writer as authority, but because his statement affords a ready and
forcible presentation of the subject. In narrating the experience and views of those

carrying forward the work of reform in our time, similar use has been made of
their published works."Author's Preface, Great Controversy, page xiii.
But it must also be remembered that Ellen White was divinely strengthened
in carrying on the task assigned her, to provide the help needed so much by
others. There are indications that she may have had a near-photographic memory
in relation to her work. On one occasion a stenographer took down a sermon she
gave. (She never used notes in her public talks.) Afterward it was found that an
almost exact quotation from a contemporary writer had been included in that
lecture. But she had not read in the book for quite some time. "
It is particularly significant that when Ellen White did quote from others the
quotation was always decidedly improved upon. Errors were discarded and a
better writing style was to be seen.
But probably most significant of all, is the fact that in the sixteen hundred
years during which the Bible was, written, we find a dramatic uniformity of
conceptsfrom Genesis through Revelation. And throughout the seventy-year
writing ministry of Ellen White we find a parallel uniformity that is striking. All of
us changefrom month to month and from year to year. But the writings of Ellen
White kept to the same views and concepts, from decade to decade. But those
concepts gradually opened to Ellen as she had time to write them out and as the
people were ready for them. An example of this would be her health vision of
1863, which included information that perhaps many might not have been as open
to receive earlier. Yet, as we have seen in an earlier chapter ("Anticipating
Science"), when the knowledge did come. it was more accurate, in terms of
contemporary science and understanding, than was available anywhere in her
time.
"A helpful first step toward understanding a prophet's view of her work is
alluded to by her son, William C. White. He provides this key: 'In her early
experience when she was sorely distressed over the difficulty of putting into
human language the revelations of truths that had been imparted to her, she was
reminded of the fact that all wisdom and knowledge comes from God and she was
assured that God would bestow grace, and guidance. She was told that in the
reading of religious books and journals, she would find precious gems of truth
expressed in acceptable language, and that she would be given help from heaven to
recognize these and to separate them from the rubbish of error with which she
would sometimes find them associated.''
"This paragraph provides a crucial insight into why she did what she did in
the way she did. The Lord was her Authority. She was following His instructions. .
For Mrs. White, Christ is the ultimate Source of all truth, no matter where it may
be found. That is the deeper reason why she did not feet concerned about citing
historians as authorities. Any truth they had, had also originated with Christ."
John J. Robertson, The While Truth, pages 38-39.,
And so it is, as we compare the prophets, we discover that there are no

first-class, second-class, or third-class prophets. All are equal, and this includes
both canonical prophets, who wrote books that we have in the Bible (such as
Moses, David and Paul), and non-canonical prophets, who did not (such as Elijah,
Elisha, and John the Baptist). The first prophet on record was Enoch, and yet he
was equal to all that followed him. For each wrote in harmony with all the rest,
and each was fully inspired of God.
Each prophet conveyed the Lord's message; not his own. Truth is truth, no
matter who expressed it first. And we have seen that the inspired writers of
Scripture recognized this fact. They saw that truth comes from only one Source,
and they were guided by the Holy Spirit, in locating it and sharing it with others.
The experience of Ellen White was similar. "I am as dependent upon the Spirit of
the Lord in writing my views as I am in receiving them. "Review, October 8,
1867.
"Oh, how incapable I am of expressing the things which burn in my soul in
reference to the mission of Christ. . I know not how to speak or trace with pen the
large subject of the atoning sacrifice. I know not how to present subjects in the
living power in which they stand before me. I tremble for fear lest I shall belittle
the great plan of salvation by cheap words."Letter 40, 1892.
But the information spoken or written out by the prophet is always based,
ultimately, on underlying concepts and truths, revealed to him earlier in vision:
"Some scenes presented before me years ago have not been retained in my
memory, but when the instruction then given is needed, sometimes even when I
am standing before the people, the remembrance comes sharp and clear, like a
flash of lightning, bringing to mind distinctly that particular instruction. "
Selected Messages, Book 1, page 37.
"As the Lord has manifested Himself through the spirit of prophecy, past,
present and future have passed before me. I have been shown faces that I have
never seen, and years afterward I knew them when I saw them. I have been
aroused from my sleep with a vivid sense of subjects previously presented to my
mind; and l have written, at midnight, letters that have gone across the continent
and, arriving at a crisis, have saved great disaster to the cause of God. This has
been my work for many years. A power has impelled me to reprove and rebuke
wrongs that I had not thought of. Is this work of the last thirty-six years [ultimately
seventy] from above or from beneath?" Testimonies, Volume 5, page 671.
Attorney Vincent L. Ramik, a senior partner in a Washington, D.C., legal
firm specializing in copyright law was asked to investigate the possibility that Ellen
White was a "plagiarist."
"He began a critical examination of her books with a bias that she was a
plagiarist, but something unexpected happened. Though he was looking for
literary theft, after 300 hours studying the charges against her, he said there
simply was no case. [Reported in "Review;" September 17, 1981, pages 3-7,]
Besides the strictly legal facts of the case, something else impressed him to turn

180 degrees in his attitude.

" 'Now there are a lot of things that Mrs. White has put down on paper that
will, if read seriously, perhaps cause a person to look inwardly, honestly. And if
you do, the true self comes out; I think I know a little more about the real Vince
Ramik than I did before I started reading the message of Ellen White, not simply
her writings. . Quite honestly, I think I've left this task with more than I've put into
it. And it's simply her messages. . It makes you believe a little more firmly in
things you may have believed a little bit less in the past.
" 'Mrs. White moved me! In all candor, she moved me. I am a Roman
Catholic; but Catholic, Protestant, whatevershe moved me. And I think her
writings should move anyone, unless he is permanently biased and is unswayable.'
"Thousands can testify to the truth of that statement. In her writings is a
power and originality which. . [is recognized] as the prophetic voice. Her messages
reveal credentials of a kind many find nowhere else outside the Scriptures. The
writings are authoritative because of their origin. Ellen White recognized that she
was not the originator of her books and did not take credit to herself. 'Of myself I
could not have brought out the truth in these books, but the Lord has given me the
help of His Holy Spirit.' (Selected Messages, Book 1, page 35.) Those visions, those
scenes that passed before her, and the accompanying explanations provided her,
give to her writing the freshness of an, eyewitness and the richness of an authentic
firsthand report.'
"Messages such as these have not been duplicated in any contemporary
writer. . The same stark, literary simplicity and directness shines through these
earlier books [of hers] as in her later, more expanded works. Even when she
employed the beautiful and descriptive language of others, a certain something
happened to those jewels as she reset them for her own purposes. In being recast
to fit her message, they shone with more power, appeal, and beauty than the
sources from which they were taken. This intangible and singular quality is
evident in all of her books and is often recognized by those who come upon them
for the first time." John J. Robertson, The White Truth, pages 97-98.
Robertson's book is an interesting one. On the last page he tells the story of
two men who wandered into a major art museum in Europe. The story goes
something like this:
While others stood hushed in awe at the enraptured views and portraiture,
these two would turn from one painting to another with a coarse laugh, "Who
would want to pay anything for something like that?" And on it went, painting after
painting.
Then a museum attendant drew near and said quietly, "It is not the
masterworks that are on trial; it is our response to them."
Prophets are sent from God with special messages to mankind. The clear

yet solemn truths in these messages witness to their genuineness and their Source.
Are the prophets on trial or is it our response? Who was being tested when
John the Baptist stood before Herod? Who was on trial when Noah pled with the
people? Who failed the test when the door of the ark was shut and probation
closed?

CHAPTER TWENTY
THREE SCORE AND TEN
The girl that was supposed to die before spring of 1845 did not do so.
God had called her to the work of a prophet.
The years passed and they were filled with exhaustive traveling and
writing. In 1881 her husband, James, passed away. Ellen kept at her work and
the years continued on. And the years brought article after article, book after
book. Gradually, 100,000 pages of handwritten manuscripts were produced:
This amounted to 25 million handwritten words (for she never used a typewriter
or shorthand). She wrote 4,500 magazine articles. Over 100 books were
published. Her first vision took place in December 1844; her last-known vision
concerned the welfare of youth and was given on March 3, 1915. She received
about two thousand visions and prophetic dreams during seventy years of
public ministry (1844 to 1915).
After her husband's death on August 6, 1881, she was a widow for thirtyfour years. Not only did she encourage Christians in North America, but she spent
two years in Europe (summer of 1885 to the summer of 1887) and nine years in
Australia (1891 to. 1900) doing the same.
Many of her books were translated into foreign languages. "Steps to Christ,"
telling the simple story of how to come to Christ and remain close by His side, has
been translated into 117 languages. We mentioned earlier that she wrote more
than any other woman in history. But in regard to the large number of her books
that were translated: "She is the fourth most translated author [man or woman] in
the history of literature, its most translated woman writer, and the most translated
American author of either sex. "Roger W. Coon, A Gift of Light, page 21. *
*In careful research at the Library of Congress, in Washington D.C., Roger
Coon was able to tentatively identify the ten most translated authors in the history
of literature: [1] Vladimir I. Lenin (Russian communist leader)222 languages. [2]
Georges Simenon (Franco Belgian detective-story writer)143 languages. [3] Leo
Tolstoy (Russian novelist)122 languages. [4] Ellen G. White (American religious
figure and writer)117 languages. [5] Karl Marx (German socialist philosopher)
114. [6] William Shakespeare (English playwright)111. [7] Agatha Christie
(English mystery writer)99. Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm (German fairy-tale

writers)"'97. Ian Fleming (British author of "James Bond" novels)95. [10]

Earnest Hemingway (American novelist)91. See Roger Coon, "A Gift of Light,"
page 30-31.
Yes, the years passed; but they were exciting years. Full of help to
thousands, full of concern for many who refused to be helped. And the girl that
was supposed to die in the 1840s, lived on past the turn of the century. Although
frequently weary, yet God helped her continue on. The following experience took
place on the night of March 2,1907. She was then 79 years of age:
"I was weary and retired early. I was suffering from rheumatism in my left
side and could get no rest because of the pain. I turned from side to side, trying to
find ease from the suffering. There was a pain in my heart that portended no good
for me. At last I fell asleep.
"About half past nine I attempted to turn myself, and as I did so, l became
aware that my body was entirely free from pain. As I turned from side to side, and
moved my hands, I experienced an extraordinary freedom and lightness that I
cannot describe. The room was filled with light, a most beautiful, soft, azure light,
and I seemed to be in the arms of heavenly beings.
"This peculiar light I have experienced in the past in times of special
blessing, but this time it was more distinct, more impressive, and I felt such peace,
peace so full and abundant no words can express it. I raised myself into a sitting
posture, and I saw that I was surrounded by a bright cloud, white as snow, the
edges of which were tinged with a deep pink. The softest, sweetest music was
filling the air, and I recognized the music as the singing of the angels.
"Then a Voice spoke to me, saying, 'Fear not; I am your Saviour. Holy angels
are all about you.'
" 'Then this is heaven,' I said, 'and now I can be at rest. I shall have no more
messages to bear, no more misrepresentations to endure. Everything will be easy
now, and I shall enjoy peace and rest. Oh, what inexpressible peace fills my soul!
Is this indeed heaven?Am l one of God's little children? and shall I always have
this peace?'
"The voice replied, 'Your work is not yet done.'
"Again I fell asleep, and when I awoke I heard music, and I wanted to sing.
Then someone passed my door, and I wondered if that person saw the light. After
a time the light passed away, but the peace remained."Ellen G. White,
Testimonies, Volume 9, page 65-67.
Her work was not done. More years continued, and more manuscripts and
books were prepared. Her last talk given before a large gathering of missionaries
from allover the world field occurred in 1909. Among her concluding words were
these: "We do not have half faith enough. Let us do our part in warning these cities

I all over the world the warning message must come to the people who are ready to
perish, unwarned . . How can we delay?"Life Sketches, page 424.'
Leaving the podium to sit down, she returned to it, and holding up a Bible,
said, "Brethren, I commend to you the Word of God."
An uplifting of Christ, a concern for the salvation of souls, warnings against
sin, a pointing to Scripture: this was the work of Ellen G. White, as it had been the
work of all the prophets before her time.
Some time after this experience, Ellen White visited a small Christian
college located in the hills behind her home in Northern California. Alma
McKibbin relates what took place:
"There came a time when she didn't come [to visit us] for quite a while. And
we became a little anxious about it and were asking for her. So Professor Irwin
told her that we were all very anxious to have her come once more. So she was
brought up the night before and put to bed in the dormitory. The next morning
they brought her over. We were still having chapel. . and Professor Irwin [the
president of the college] and Elder W.C. White, her son, just picked her up and
carried her. She was so feeble and there were awkward steps up to the rostrum.
And Brother White stood by her and supported her while she spoke. I don't think
she spoke more than ten minutes. She wasn't able. But this was what she said, as
nearly as I can remember.
"She said, 'My dear young people, I am grateful to God that He has given me
strength to come and speak to you once more. You have a rare privilege of
establishing a new school: You may have some inconveniences, but yours is a great
privilege to found a school on right principles. . I was young like you when God
called me to this work. And I've put my armor onand I've never taken it off. And I
never shall till my work is done. Dear young people, when you put your hands to
the plow, never turn back! I hope each one of you has consecrated his life to God.
Count the cost, my young friends, and when you have determined to do that, don't
let anything hinder you. Don't be discouraged.'
"And then she said, 'I know what the evil one does; I know by what he has
tried to do to discourage me, through seventy long years. But I put my armor on,
way back when I was a girl, and I've never taken it offand l never shall, till my
work is done.'
Then she paused: 'And it's almost done. My secretaries, are busy these
days, gathering the material from my earlier papers for another book. You know,
God has helped me to write a series of books [the "Conflict of the Ages" Series],
but there is one yet lacking: I haven't a book on the latter part of the Old
Testament. But have written a good deal on that here and there, and my
secretaries are gathering it together. And I help them as I can. . God will help me
finish this book. I know He will [The book was completed the year of her death,
using current and past materials that she had written.]

" . . Then she said, 'I think that I cannot speak to you more today, but
remember: Put your armor onand never take it off.'
"Then they took her away; took her out and put her in a chair on, the porch
[just outside of the chapel] . Brother White went for the carriage. We could see her
through the glass doors. I think we were all weeping. And, do you know, as she sat
there, she began to sing. She loved to sing. And they told me that it was an old
[second] advent hymn. The only words I remember are 'Jesus is coming again;
coming again, coming again.' Then they took her away. And we knew that we had
seen her for the last time. And I don't think anyone who was there will ever forget
her last words: 'I put my armor on, and I'll never take it off till my work is done.'
"Alma McKibbin, Statement, c. 1965.
Ellen White had earlier hoped to live through to the Second Coming of
Christ. Then she had a dream one night in which she awoke from the grave with
her husband, James. "Were we both here?" she asked in her dream. From then on,
she knew she was to pass through the grave before Jesus returned for His own.
Again and again, during the earlier weeks of her [final] illness, her voice was lifted
in song. The words oftenest chosen were:
We have heard from the bright; the holy land,
We have heard, and our hearts are glad;
For we were a lonely pilgrim band,
And weary, and worn, and sad.
They tell us the pilgrims have a dwelling there
No longer are homeless ones;
And we know that the goodly land is fair,
Where life's pure river runs.
We'll be there, we'll be there, in a little while,
We'll join the pure and the blest;
We'll have the palm, the robe, the crown,
And forever be at rest."*
Life Sketches, page 446.
*This song, written in 1845 by William Hyde, can be found in its entirety in
1 Testimonies, page 70, and in the "Church Hymnal," number 305. It was an early
Advent hymn and was included in James White's first hymnbook, published in
1849.
A few weeks before her death, she said to her son:
"I am very weak. I am sure that this is my last sickness. I am not worried at
the thought of dying. I feel comforted all the time that the Lord is near me. I am
not anxious. The preciousness of the Saviour has been so plain to me. He has been
a friend. He has kept me in sickness and' in health.
l do not worry about the work I have done. I have done the best I could. I

do not think that I shall be lingering long. I do not expect much suffering. . Do not
worry. I go only a little before the others. "Life Sketches, page 444-445.
Her last weeks were spent in a comfortable room on the second floor of
"Elmshaven," her Northern California home. It was light and airy, with a large bay
window through which the cheery sunlight entered and lit up the entire room.
Frequently, she was lifted by loving hands and placed in a chair on the veranda.
From this balcony she could gaze out upon the beauties of nature as it bloomed
from spring into summer. Often she would have a Bible or one of her books in her
lap when visitors came. Laying one down that she had been reading, she said, "I
appreciate these books . . They are truth, and they are righteousness, and they are
an everlasting testimony that God is true. "Life Sketches, page 445.
Then, in mid-July, the end came.
"AII her trust was in the unmerited grace of Christ, the one hope of every
believer. 'I am guarding every moment,' she said in last hours with the family, 'so
that nothing may come between me and the Lord. . There will be a glorious
meeting soon.' "William A. Spicer, The Gift of Prophecy, page 64.
How thankful we can be that God cares for His little ones. Just as He cared
for little Ellen, so He will care for us.
The end came on Friday, July 16, 1915, at 3:40 p.m., in the sunny upper
chamber of her 'Elmshaven' home where she had spent so much of her time
during the last happy, fruitful years of her busy life. She fell asleep in Jesus as
quietly and peacefully as a weary child goes to rest. . The last words that she
spoke to her son were, 'I know in whom I have believed.'
'God is love.' 'He giveth His beloved sleep.' To them the long night of
waiting until the morning of the resurrection is but a moment; and even to those
who remain the time of waiting will not be long, for Jesus is coming soon to gather
His loved ones home. As our beloved sister [Ellen] herself declared to those about
her one Sabbath day during her sickness, 'We shall all be home very soon now.' "
Life Sketches, page 449.
Ellen White was eighty-seven at the time of her death. A ministry of seventy
years, since the first vision had been given to her, was ended. The lives of many
thousands have been changed for the better because of that ministry. For she
being dead yet speakeththrough the track of light which she left behind: her
many books and papers which are ours to read today.
"Not only did she foretell the future, but she also gave wise counsel in the
present. Certainly she was a spokesman for God. Like the prophets of old, her life
was marked by humility, simplicity, austerity, divine learning, and devotion. And
like them, she turned to God for healing and help. . [In all her books] which
reached a circulation running into millions . . she represents the Bible as the Book
of all books, the supreme guide for the whole human family". Edith Deen, Great

Women of the Christian Faith, 1959 edition (Harper & Brothers), pages 230-236:

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
TREASURE CHEST OF INSPIRATION
For over a hundred years, Christians on the path to heaven have found
deep comfort and encouragement in the writings of Ellen G. White. How thankful
we can be for the Bible; and for the precious help that God sends us through His
messengers.
Here are but a few samples of the treasure house of inspiration that you will
find in these, books. If you like what you read, you can purchase more. They are
not expensive, and many are obtainable in inexpensive paperback.
"The vast confederacy of evil is arrayed against all who would overcome; but
Christ would have us look to the things which are not seen, to the armies of
heaven encamped about all who love God, to deliver them. From what dangers,
seen and unseen, we have been preserved through the interposition of the angels,
we shall. never know, until in the light of .eternity we see the providences of
God."The Desire of Ages, page 240.
"When in faith we take hold of His strength, He will change, wonderfully
change, the most hopeless, discouraging outlook. He will do this for the glory of
His name."Prophets and Kings, page 260..
"We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving His promises.
Angels record every prayer that is earnest and sincere. We should rather dispense
with selfish gratifications than neglect communion with God. The deepest poverty,
the greatest self-denial, with His approval, is better than riches, honors, ease, and
friendship without it." Great Controversy, page 622.
"As through Jesus we enter into rest, heaven begins here . . Heaven is a
ceaseless approaching to God through Christ. The longer we are in the heaven of
bliss, the more and still more of glory will be opened to us; and the more we know
of God, the more intense will be our happiness. As we walk with Jesus in this life,
we may be filled with His love, satisfied with His presence. All that human nature
can bear, we may receive here." The Desire of Ages, pages 331-332.
"The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite
soul. No one who in penitence and faith has claimed H is protection will Christ
permit to pass under the enemy's power. It is true that Satan is a powerful being;
but, thank God, we have a mighty Saviour, who cast out the evil one from heaven.
Satan is pleased when we magnify His power. Why not talk of Jesus? Why not
magnify His power and His love?"The Ministry of Healing, page 94.

It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in

contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the
imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon
His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love
will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His Spirit." The
Desire of Ages, page 83.
"We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other
voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul
makes more distinct the voice of God." The Desire of Ages, page 363.
"His [God's] angels are appointed to watch over us, and if we put ourselves
under their guardianship, then in every time of danger they will be at our right
hand. When unconsciously we are in danger of exerting a wrong influence, the
angels will be by our side, prompting us to a better course, choosing our words for
us, and influencing our actions." Christ's Object Lessons, pages 341,342.
"Turning from the ambitious, self-satisfied favorites of this world, He
[Christ] declared that those were blessed who, however great their need, would
receive His light and love. To the poor in spirit, the sorrowing, the persecuted, He
stretched out His arms, saying, 'Come unto Me . . I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:
28.
"In every human being He discerned infinite possibilities. He saw men as
they might be, transfigured by His grace, in the 'beauty of the Lord our God.'
Psalm 90:17. Looking upon them with hope, He inspired trust. Revealing in
Himself man's true ideal, He awakened, for its attainment, both desire and faith. In
His presence souls despised and fallen realized that they still were men, and they
longed to prove themselves worthy of His regard. In many a heart that seemed
dead to all things holy were awakened new impulses. To many a despairing one
there opened the possibility of a new life.
"Christ bound men to His heart by the ties of love and devotion; and by the
same ties He bound them to their fellowmen. With Him love was life, and life was
service. 'Freely ye have received,' He said, 'freely give.' Matthew 10:8."Education,
pages 79-80.
"God's ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can
reach. 'Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.'
This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete
recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from
sin. He came to destroy the works Of the devil, and He has made provision that
the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from
sinning The Desire of Ages, page 311.
"When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of
the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself.
It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The

soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a
revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own.
A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the
assaults of Satan. But unless we do yield ourselves to the control of Christ, we
shall be dominated by the wicked one. We must inevitably be under the control of
the one or the other of the two great powers that are contending for the supremacy
of the world. It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the service of the
kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We have only to neglect
to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light." The Desire of Ages, page 324.
In the Bible the will of God is revealed. The truths of the Word of God are
the utterances of the Most High. He who makes these truths a part of his life
becomes in every sense a new creature. He is not given new mental powers, but the
darkness that through ignorance and sin has clouded the understanding is
removed. The words, 'A new heart also will I give you,' mean, 'A new mind will I
give you.' A change of heart is always attended by a clear conviction of Christian
duty, an understanding of truth. He, who gives the Scriptures close, prayerful
attention will gain clear comprehension and sound judgment, as if in turning to
God he had reached a higher plane of intelligence.
"The Bible contains the principles that lie at the foundation of all true
greatness, all true prosperity, whether for the individual or for the nation. . The
reading of the Scriptures causes light to shine into the darkness. As the Word of
God is searched, life-giving truths are found. In the lives of those who heed its
teachings there will be an undercurrent of happiness that will bless all with whom
they are brought in contact.
"Thousands have drawn water from these wells of life; yet there is no
diminishing of the supply. Thousands have set the Lord before them, and by
beholding have been changed into the same image. Their spirit burns within them
as they speak of His character, telling what Christ is to them and what they are to
Christ. . Thousands more may engage in the work of searching out the mysteries
of salvation. . Each fresh search will reveal something more deeply interesting than
has yet been unfolded.My Life Today, page 24.
Faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is
secure against presumption. For presumption is Satan's counterfeit of faith. Faith
claims God's promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also
claims the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression." The
Desire of Ages, page 126.
"The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious In His sight than
the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that
one might be saved in His kingdom." The Desire of Ages, page 483.
"Christ is the great center, the source of all strength. His disciples are to
receive their supplies from Him. The most intelligent, the most spiritually minded,
can bestow only as they receive. Of themselves they can supply nothing for the

needs of the soul. We can impart only that which we receive from Christ; and we
can receive only as we impart to others. As we continue imparting, we continue to
receive; and the more we impart, the more we shall receive. Thus we may be
constantly believing, trusting, receiving, and imparting. . The means in our
possession may not seem to be sufficient for the work; but if we will move forward
in faith, believing in the all-sufficient power of God, abundant resources will open
before us. If the work be of God, He Himself will provide the means for its
accomplishment . . If we go to the Source of all strength, with our hands of faith
outstretched to receive, we shall be sustained in our work, even under the most
forbidding circumstances, and shall be enabled to give to others the bread of
life." The Desire of Ages, pages 370-371.
"All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ.
And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so
blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we
shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will
find its highest delight in doing His service. . Our hearts will often burn within us
as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. Those who decide
to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after presenting their
case before Him, just what course to pursue." The Desire of Ages, page 668.
"When we have a realization "of our weakness, we learn to depend upon a
power not inherent. Nothing can take so strong a hold on the heart as the abiding
sense of our responsibility to God. Nothing reaches so fully down to the deepest
motives of conduct as a sense of the pardoning love of Christ . . The less you
cherish self, the more distinct and full will be, your comprehension of the
excellence of your Saviour. The more closely you connect yourself with the source
of light and power, the greater light will be shed upon you, and the greater power
will be yours to work for God. Rejoice that you are one with God, one with Christ,
and with the whole family of heaven." The Desire of Ages, page 493.