The Great Controversy

An American Reformer 189

or excitement he tested all theories and blasphemous witticisms, in their efforts
doctrines by the word of God, and his to heap contumely upon him and his
sound reasoning and thorough knowl- work. The gray-headed man who had
edge of the Scriptures enabled him to left a comfortable home to travel at his
refute error and expose falsehood. own expense from city to city, from
town to town, toiling unceasingly to
Yet he did not prosecute his work bear to the world the solemn warning
without bitter opposition. As with of the judgment near, was sneeringly
earlier Reformers, the truths which he denounced as a fanatic, a liar, a specu-
presented were not received with favor lating knave.
by popular religious teachers. As these
could not maintain their position by the The ridicule, falsehood, and abuse
Scriptures, they were driven to resort to heaped upon him called forth indignant
the sayings and doctrines of men, to the remonstrance, even from the secular
traditions of the Fathers. But the word press. “To treat a subject of such over-
of God was the only testimony accepted whelming majesty and fearful conse-
by the preachers of the advent truth. quences,” with lightness and ribaldry
“The Bible, and the Bible only,” was was declared by worldly men to be “not
their watchword. The lack of Scripture merely to sport with the feelings of its
argument on the part of their opponents propagators and advocates,” but “to
was supplied by ridicule and scoffing. make a jest of the day of judgment, to
Time, means, and talents were employed scoff at the Deity Himself, and contemn
in maligning those whose only offense the terrors of His judgment bar.”—Bliss,
was that they looked with joy for the page 183.
return of their Lord and were striving
to live holy lives and to exhort others to The instigator of all evil sought
prepare for His appearing. not only to counteract the effect of the
advent message, but to destroy the mes-
Earnest were the efforts put forth senger himself. Miller made a practical
to draw away the minds of the people application of Scripture truth to the
from the subject of the second advent. hearts of his hearers, reproving their sins
It was made to appear a sin, something and disturbing their self-satisfaction,
of which men should be ashamed, to and his plain and cutting words aroused
study the prophecies which relate to their enmity. The opposition manifested
the coming of Christ and the end of by church members toward his message
the world. Thus the popular ministry emboldened the baser classes to go to
undermined faith in the word of God. greater lengths; and enemies plotted to
Their teaching made men infidels, and take his life as he should leave the place
many took license to walk after their of meeting. But holy angels were in the
own ungodly lusts. Then the authors of throng, and one of these, in the form
the evil charged it all upon Adventists. of a man, took the arm of this servant
of the Lord and led him in safety from
While drawing crowded houses the angry mob. His work was not yet
of intelligent and attentive hearers, done, and Satan and his emissaries were
Miller’s name was seldom mentioned disappointed in their purpose.
by the religious press except by way
of ridicule or denunciation. The care- Despite all opposition, the interest
less and ungodly emboldened by the in the advent movement had continued
position of religious teachers, resorted to increase. From scores and hundreds,
to opprobrious epithets, to base and the congregations had grown to as many

190 The Great Controversy

thousands. Large accessions had been dare one man stand up against all the
made to the various churches, but after great men of the earth? If Noah’s message
a time the spirit of opposition was mani- were true, why did not all the world see
fested even against these converts, and it and believe it? One man’s assertion
the churches began to take disciplinary against the wisdom of thousands! They
steps with those who had embraced would not credit the warning, nor would
Miller’s views. This action called forth a they seek shelter in the ark.
response from his pen, in an address to
Christians of all denominations, urging Scoffers pointed to the things of
that if his doctrines were false, he should nature,—to the unvarying succession
be shown his error from the Scriptures. of the seasons, to the blue skies that
had never poured out rain, to the green
“What have we believed,” he said, fields refreshed by the soft dews of
“that we have not been commanded to night,—and they cried out: “Doth he
believe by the word of God, which you not speak parables?” In contempt they
yourselves allow is the rule, and only rule, declared the preacher of righteousness
of our faith and practice? What have we to be a wild enthusiast; and they went
done that should call down such virulent on, more eager in their pursuit of
denunciations against us from pulpit and pleasure, more intent upon their evil
press, and give you just cause to exclude ways, than before. But their unbelief
us [Adventists] from your churches and did not hinder the predicted event.
fellowship?” “If we are wrong, pray show God bore long with their wickedness,
us wherein consists our wrong. Show giving them ample opportunity for
us from the word of God that we are in repentance; but at the appointed time
error; we have had ridicule enough; that His judgments were visited upon the
can never convince us that we are in the rejecters of His mercy.
wrong; the word of God alone can change
our views. Our conclusions have been Christ declares that there will exist
formed deliberately and prayerfully, as similar unbelief concerning His second
we have seen the evidence in the Scrip- coming. As the people of Noah’s day
tures.”—Ibid., pages 250, 252. “knew not until the Flood came, and took
them all away; so,” in the words of our
From age to age the warnings which Saviour, “shall also the coming of the Son
God has sent to the world by His servants of man be.” Matthew 24-39. When the pro-
have been received with like incredulity fessed people of God are uniting with the
and unbelief. When the iniquity of the world, living as they live, and joining with
antediluvians moved Him to bring a them in forbidden pleasures; when the
flood of waters upon the earth, He first luxury of the world becomes the luxury
made known to them His purpose, that of the church; when the marriage bells are
they might have opportunity to turn from chiming, and all are looking forward to
their evil ways. For a hundred and twenty many years of worldly prosperity—then,
years was sounded in their ears the warn- suddenly as the lightning flashes from the
ing to repent, lest the wrath of God be heavens, will come the end of their bright
manifested in their destruction. But the visions and delusive hopes.
message seemed to them an idle tale, and
they believed it not. Emboldened in their As God sent His servant to warn the
wickedness they mocked the messenger world of the coming Flood, so He sent
of God, made light of his entreaties, and chosen messengers to make known the
even accused him of presumption. How nearness of the final judgment. And as
Noah’s contemporaries laughed to scorn

An American Reformer 191

the predictions of the preacher of righ- founded upon the word of God that
teousness, so in Miller’s day many, even He in whom their hopes of eternal life
of the professed people of God, scoffed are centered is coming again, not to be
at the words of warning. insulted, despised, and rejected, as at His
first advent, but in power and glory, to
And why were the doctrine and redeem His people. It is those who do
preaching of Christ’s second coming so not love the Saviour that desire Him to
unwelcome to the churches? While to remain away, and there can be no more
the wicked the advent of the Lord brings conclusive evidence that the churches
woe and desolation, to the righteous it have departed from God than the ir-
is fraught with joy and hope. This great ritation and animosity excited by this
truth had been the consolation of God’s Heaven-sent message.
faithful ones through all the ages; why
had it become, like its Author, “a stone of Those who accepted the advent
stumbling” and “a rock of offense” to His doctrine were roused to the necessity
professed people? It was our Lord Himself of repentance and humiliation before
who promised His disciples: “If I go and God. Many had long been halting be-
prepare a place for you, I will come again, tween Christ and the world; now they
and receive you unto Myself.” John 14:3.
It was the compassionate Saviour, who, Those who really love the Saviour
anticipating the loneliness and sorrow of cannot but hail with gladness the
His followers, commissioned angels to announcement founded upon the
comfort them with the assurance that He word of God that He in whom their
would come again in person, even as He hopes of eternal life are centered
went into heaven. As the disciples stood is coming again.
gazing intently upward to catch the last felt that it was time to take a stand. “The
glimpse of Him whom they loved, their things of eternity assumed to them an
attention was arrested by the words: “Ye unwonted reality. Heaven was brought
men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into near, and they felt themselves guilty
heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken before God.”—Bliss, page 146. Chris-
up from you into heaven, shall so come tians were quickened to new spiritual
in like manner as ye have seen Him go life. They were made to feel that time
into heaven.” Acts 1:11. Hope was kindled was short, that what they had to do for
afresh by the angels’ message. The disciples their fellow men must be done quickly.
“returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and Earth receded, eternity seemed to open
were continually in the temple, praising before them, and the soul, with all
and blessing God.” Luke 24:52, 53. They that pertained to its immortal weal or
were not rejoicing because Jesus had been woe, was felt to eclipse every temporal
separated from them and they were left to object. The Spirit of God rested upon
struggle with the trials and temptations of them and gave power to their earnest
the world, but because of the angels’ assur- appeals to their brethren, as well as to
ance that He would come again. sinners, to prepare for the day of God.
The silent testimony of their daily life
The proclamation of Christ’s com- was a constant rebuke to formal and
ing should now be, as when made by unconsecrated church members. These
the angels to the shepherds of Bethle-
hem, good tidings of great joy. Those
who really love the Saviour cannot but
hail with gladness the announcement

192 The Great Controversy

did not wish to be disturbed in their heed the warnings and instructions
pursuit of pleasure, their devotion to contained in the Revelation; none of
money-making, and their ambition for these can claim the blessing promised.
worldly honor. Hence the enmity and All who ridicule the subjects of the
opposition excited against the advent prophecy and mock at the symbols here
faith and those who proclaimed it. solemnly given, all who refuse to reform
their lives and to prepare for the coming
As the arguments from the pro- of the Son of man, will be unblessed.
phetic periods were found to be im-
pregnable, opposers endeavored to In view of the testimony of Inspira-
discourage investigation of the subject tion, how dare men teach that the Rev-
by teaching that the prophecies were elation is a mystery beyond the reach of
sealed. Thus Protestants followed in human understanding? It is a mystery
the steps of Catholics. While the papal revealed, a book opened. The study of
church withholds the Bible (see Ap- the Revelation directs the mind to the
pendix) from the people, Protestant prophecies of Daniel, and both present
churches claimed that an important most important instruction, given of
part of the Sacred Word—and that God to men, concerning events to take
the part which brings to view truths place at the close of this world’s history.
specially applicable to our time—could
not be understood. To John were opened scenes of deep
and thrilling interest in the experience
Ministers and people declared of the church. He saw the position,
that the prophecies of Daniel and the dangers, conflicts, and final deliverance
Revelation were incomprehensible of the people of God. He records the
mysteries. But Christ directed His closing messages which are to ripen the
disciples to the words of the prophet harvest of the earth, either as sheaves
Daniel concerning events to take place for the heavenly garner or as fagots
in their time, and said: “Whoso readeth, for the fires of destruction. Subjects of
let him understand.” Matthew 24:15. vast importance were revealed to him,
And the assertion that the Revelation especially for the last church, that those
is a mystery, not to be understood, is who should turn from error to truth
contradicted by the very title of the might be instructed concerning the
book: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, perils and conflicts before them. None
which God gave unto Him, to show need be in darkness in regard to what
unto His servants things which must is coming upon the earth.
shortly come to pass. … Blessed is he
that readeth, and they that hear the Why, then, this widespread igno-
words of this prophecy, and keep those rance concerning an important part of
things which are written therein: for Holy Writ? Why this general reluctance
the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:1-3. to investigate its teachings? It is the
result of a studied effort of the prince
Says the prophet: “Blessed is he that of darkness to conceal from men that
readeth”—there are those who will not which reveals his deceptions. For this
read; the blessing is not for them. “And reason, Christ the Revelator, foresee-
they that hear”—there are some, also, ing the warfare that would be waged
who refuse to hear anything concerning against the study of the Revelation,
the prophecies; the blessing is not for pronounced a blessing upon all who
this class. “And keep those things which should read, hear, and observe the
are written therein”— many refuse to words of the prophecy.

CHAPTER 19

Light Through Darkness

T he work of God in the earth bearings, the message which they utter
presents, from age to age, a in His name.
striking similarity in every great
reformation or religious movement. The “Canst thou by searching find out
principles of God’s dealing with men are God? canst thou find out the Almighty
ever the same. The important move- unto perfection?” “My thoughts are not
ments of the present have their parallel your thoughts, neither are your ways My
in those of the past, and the experience ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens
of the church in former ages has lessons are higher than the earth, so are My ways
of great value for our own time. higher than your ways, and My thoughts
than your thoughts.” “I am God, and
No truth is more clearly taught in the there is none like Me, declaring the end
Bible than that God by His Holy Spirit from the beginning, and from ancient
especially directs His servants on earth times the things that are not yet done.”
in the great movements for the carry- Job 11:7; Isaiah 55:8, 9; 46:9, 10.
ing forward of the work of salvation.
Men are instruments in the hand of Even the prophets who were favored
God, employed by Him to accomplish with the special illumination of the
His purposes of grace and mercy. Each Spirit did not fully comprehend the
has his part to act; to each is granted a import of the revelations committed to
measure of light, adapted to the necessi- them. The meaning was to be unfolded
ties of his time, and sufficient to enable from age to age, as the people of God
him to perform the work which God has should need the instruction therein
given him to do. But no man, however contained.
honored of Heaven, has ever attained
to a full understanding of the great plan Peter, writing of the salvation
of redemption, or even to a perfect ap- brought to light through the gospel,
says: Of this salvation “the prophets
The important movements of the have inquired and searched diligently,
present have their parallel in those who prophesied of the grace that should
of the past, and the experience come unto you: searching what, or what
of the church in former ages has manner of time the Spirit of Christ
lessons of great value for our which was in them did signify, when
own time. it testified beforehand the sufferings of
preciation of the divine purpose in the Christ, and the glory that should follow.
work for his own time. Men do not fully Unto whom it was revealed, that not
understand what God would accomplish unto themselves, but unto us they did
by the work which He gives them to minister.” 1 Peter 1:10-12.
do; they do not comprehend, in all its
Yet while it was not given to the
prophets to understand fully the things
revealed to them, they earnestly sought
to obtain all the light which God had
been pleased to make manifest. They
“inquired and searched diligently,”

194 The Great Controversy

“searching what, or what manner of weeks were declared by the angel to
time the Spirit of Christ which was in extend to “the Messiah the Prince,” and
them did signify.” What a lesson to the with high hopes and joyful anticipations
people of God in the Christian age, for the disciples looked forward to the
whose benefit these prophecies were establishment of Messiah’s kingdom at
given to His servants! “Unto whom it Jerusalem to rule over the whole earth.
was revealed, that not unto themselves,
but unto us they did minister.” Witness They preached the message
those holy men of God as they “inquired which Christ had committed to
and searched diligently” concerning them, though they themselves
revelations given them for generations misapprehended its meaning.
that were yet unborn. Contrast their
holy zeal with the listless unconcern They preached the message which
with which the favored ones of later ages Christ had committed to them, though
treat this gift of Heaven. What a rebuke they themselves misapprehended its
to the ease-loving, world-loving indif- meaning. While their announcement
ference which is content to declare that was founded on Daniel 9:25, they did
the prophecies cannot be understood! not see, in the next verse of the same
chapter, that Messiah was to be cut off.
Though the finite minds of men are From their very birth their hearts had
inadequate to enter into the counsels been set upon the anticipated glory of an
of the Infinite One, or to understand earthly empire, and this blinded their un-
fully the working out of His purposes, derstanding alike to the specifications of
yet often it is because of some error the prophecy and to the words of Christ.
or neglect on their own part that they
so dimly comprehend the messages of They performed their duty in pre-
Heaven. Not infrequently the minds of senting to the Jewish nation the invita-
the people, and even of God’s servants, tion of mercy, and then, at the very time
are so blinded by human opinions, the when they expected to see their Lord
traditions and false teaching of men, ascend the throne of David, they beheld
that they are able only partially to grasp Him seized as a malefactor, scourged,
the great things which He has revealed derided, and condemned, and lifted up
in His word. Thus it was with the dis- on the cross of Calvary. What despair
ciples of Christ, even when the Saviour and anguish wrung the hearts of those
was with them in person. Their minds disciples during the days while their
had become imbued with the popular Lord was sleeping in the tomb!
conception of the Messiah as a temporal
prince, who was to exalt Israel to the Christ had come at the exact time
throne of the universal empire, and and in the manner foretold by prophecy.
they could not understand the meaning The testimony of Scripture had been
of His words foretelling His sufferings fulfilled in every detail of His ministry.
and death. He had preached the message of salva-
tion, and “His word was with power.”
Christ Himself had sent them forth The hearts of His hearers had witnessed
with the message: “The time is fulfilled, that it was of Heaven. The word and the
and the kingdom of God is at hand: Spirit of God attested the divine com-
repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Mark mission of His Son.
1:15. That message was based on the
prophecy of Daniel 9. The sixty-nine

Light Through Darkness 195

The disciples still clung with undy- Christ. This kingdom was not, as they had
ing affection to their beloved Master. been taught to believe, an earthly empire.
And yet their minds were shrouded in Nor was it that future, immortal kingdom
uncertainty and doubt. In their anguish which shall be set up when “the kingdom
they did not then recall the words of and dominion, and the greatness of the
Christ pointing forward to His suffer- kingdom under the whole heaven, shall
ing and death. If Jesus of Nazareth had be given to the people of the saints of the
been the true Messiah, would they have Most High;” that everlasting kingdom,
been thus plunged in grief and disap- in which “all dominions shall serve and
pointment? This was the question that obey Him.” Daniel 7:27. As used in the
tortured their souls while the Saviour Bible, the expression “kingdom of God” is
lay in His sepulcher during the hopeless employed to designate both the kingdom
hours of that Sabbath which intervened of grace and the kingdom of glory. The
between His death and His resurrection. kingdom of grace is brought to view by
Paul in the Epistle to the Hebrews. After
Though the night of sorrow gathered pointing to Christ, the compassionate
dark about these followers of Jesus, intercessor who is “touched with the feel-
yet were they not forsaken. Saith the ing of our infirmities,” the apostle says:
prophet: “When I sit in darkness, the a“thLnredotnfueinsodftghgrearracecef,eot.”rheaHtcewobmermeewabsyoo4ld:b1lty5a,iun1nm6t.oeTrtchhyee,
Lord shall be a light unto me. … He will throne of grace represents the kingdom
bring me forth to the light, and I shall of grace; for the existence of a throne
behold His righteousness.” “Yea, the implies the existence of a kingdom. In
darkness hideth not from Thee; but the many of His parables Christ uses the
night shineth as the day: the darkness expression “the kingdom of heaven” to
and the light are both alike to Thee.” God designate the work of divine grace upon
hath spoken: “Unto the upright there the hearts of men.
ariseth light in the darkness.” “I will
bring the blind by a way that they knew So the throne of glory represents
not; I will lead them in paths that they the kingdom of glory; and this kingdom
have not known: I will make darkness is referred to in the Saviour’s words:
light before them, and crooked things “When the Son of man shall come in
straight. These things will I do unto His glory, and all the holy angels with
them, and not forsake them.” Micah 7:8, Him, then shall He sit upon the throne
9; Psalms 139:12; 112:4; Isaiah 42:16. of His glory: and before Him shall be
gathered all nations.” Matthew 25:31, 32.
The announcement which had been This kingdom is yet future. It is not to be
made by the disciples in the name of the set up until the second advent of Christ.
Lord was in every particular correct, and
the events to which it pointed were even The kingdom of grace was instituted
then taking place. “The time is fulfilled, immediately after the fall of man, when
the kingdom of God is at hand,” had been a plan was devised for the redemption
their message. At the expiration of “the of the guilty race. It then existed in the
time”—the sixty-nine weeks of Daniel 9, purpose and by the promise of God;
which were to extend to the Messiah, “the and through faith, men could become
Anointed One”—Christ had received the its subjects. Yet it was not actually
anointing of the Spirit after His baptism established until the death of Christ.
by John in Jordan. And the “kingdom Even after entering upon His earthly
of God” which they had declared to be
at hand was established by the death of

196 The Great Controversy

mission, the Saviour, wearied with the Purposes of infinite mercy were
stubbornness and ingratitude of men, reaching their fulfillment, even through
might have drawn back from the sacri- the disappointment of the disciples.
fice of Calvary. In Gethsemane the cup While their hearts had been won by the
of woe trembled in His hand. He might divine grace and power of His teach-
even then have wiped the blood-sweat ing, who “spake as never man spake,”
from His brow and have left the guilty yet intermingled with the pure gold of
race to perish in their iniquity. Had He their love for Jesus, was the base alloy
done this, there could have been no of worldly pride and selfish ambitions.
redemption for fallen men. But when Even in the Passover chamber, at that
the Saviour yielded up His life, and solemn hour when their Master was
with His expiring breath cried out, “It already entering the shadow of Gethse-
is finished,” then the fulfillment of the mane, there was “a strife among them,
plan of redemption was assured. The which of them should be accounted
promise of salvation made to the sinful the greatest.” Luke 22:24. Their vision
pair in Eden was ratified. The kingdom was filled with the throne, the crown,
of grace, which had before existed by the and the glory, while just before them
promise of God, was then established. lay the shame and agony of the garden,
the judgment hall, the cross of Calvary.
Thus the death of Christ—the It was their pride of heart, their thirst
very event which the disciples for worldly glory, that had led them to
had looked upon as the final cling so tenaciously to the false teach-
destruction of their hope —was ing of their time, and to pass unheeded
that which made it forever sure. the Saviour’s words showing the true
While it had brought them a cruel nature of His kingdom, and pointing
disappointment, it was the climax forward to His agony and death. And
of proof that their belief had been these errors resulted in the trial—sharp
correct. The event that had filled but needful—which was permitted for
them with mourning and despair their correction. Though the disciples
was that which opened the door had mistaken the meaning of their
of hope to every child of Adam. message, and had failed to realize their
expectations, yet they had preached
Thus the death of Christ—the very the warning given them of God, and
event which the disciples had looked the Lord would reward their faith and
upon as the final destruction of their honor their obedience. To them was to
hope —was that which made it forever be entrusted the work of heralding to all
sure. While it had brought them a cruel nations the glorious gospel of their risen
disappointment, it was the climax of Lord. It was to prepare them for this
proof that their belief had been correct. work that the experience which seemed
The event that had filled them with to them so bitter had been permitted.
mourning and despair was that which
opened the door of hope to every child After HisresurrectionJesusappeared
of Adam, and in which centered the to His disciples on the way to Emmaus,
future life and eternal happiness of all and, “beginning at Moses and all the
God’s faithful ones in all the ages. prophets, He expounded unto them in
all the Scriptures the things concerning
Himself.” Luke 24:27. The hearts of the
disciples were stirred. Faith was kindled.

Light Through Darkness 197

They were “begotten again into a lively “strong consolation,” a hope which was
hope” even before Jesus revealed Himself as “an anchor of the soul, both sure and
to them. It was His purpose to enlighten steadfast.” Hebrews 6:18, 19. They had
their understanding and to fasten their been witness to the wisdom and power
faith upon the “sure word of prophecy.” of God, and they were “persuaded, that
He wished the truth to take firm root in neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
their minds, not merely because it was principalities, nor powers, nor things
supported by His personal testimony, but present, nor things to come, nor height,
because of the unquestionable evidence nor depth, nor any other creature,” would
presented by the symbols and shadows of be able to separate them from “the love of
the typical law, and by the prophecies of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
the Old Testament. It was needful for the “In all these things,” they said, “we are
followers of Christ to have an intelligent more than conquerors through Him that
faith, not only in their own behalf, but that loved us.” Romans 8:38, 39, 37. “The word
they might carry the knowledge of Christ of the Lord endureth forever.” 1 Peter 1:25.
to the world. And as the very first step in And “who is he that condemneth? It is
imparting this knowledge, Jesus directed Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen
the disciples to “Moses and all the proph- again, who is even at the right hand of
ets.” Such was the testimony given by the God, who also maketh intercession for
risenSaviourto the valueand importance us.” Romans 8:34.
of the Old Testament Scriptures.
Saith the Lord: “My people shall
What a change was wrought in the never be ashamed.” Joel 2:26. “Weeping
hearts of the disciples as they looked may endure for a night, but joy cometh in
once more on the loved countenance the morning.” Psalm 30:5. When on His
of their Master! Luke 24:32. In a more resurrection day these disciples met the
complete and perfect sense than ever Saviour, and their hearts burned within
before they had “found Him, of whom them as they listened to His words; when
Moses in the law, and the prophets, did they looked upon the head and hands
write.” The uncertainty, the anguish, the and feet that had been bruised for them;
despair, gave place to perfect assurance, to when, before His ascension, Jesus led
unclouded faith. What marvel that after them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up
His ascension they “were continually in His hands in blessing, bade them, “Go ye
the temple, praising and blessing God.” into all the world, and preach the gospel,”
The people, knowing only of the Saviour’s adding, “Lo, I am with you alway” (Mark
ignominious death, looked to see in their 16:15; Matthew 28:20); when on the Day
faces the expression of sorrow, confusion, of Pentecost the promised Comforter
and defeat; but they saw there gladness descended and the power from on high
and triumph. What a preparation these was given and the souls of the believers
disciples had received for the work thrilled with the conscious presence of
before them! They had passed through their ascended Lord—then, even though,
the deepest trial which it was possible like His, their pathway led through sacri-
for them to experience, and had seen fice and martyrdom, would they have ex-
how, when to human vision all was lost, changed the ministry of the gospel of His
the word of God had been triumphantly grace, with the “crown of righteousness”
accomplished. Henceforward what could to be received at His coming, for the glory
daunt their faith or chill the ardor of their of an earthly throne, which had been the
love? In the keenest sorrow they had hope of their earlier discipleship? He who

198 The Great Controversy

is “able to do exceeding abundantly above Miller, as has been stated, adopted the
all that we ask or think,” had granted generally received view that the earth is
them, with the fellowship of His suffer- the sanctuary, and he believed that the
ings, the communion of His joy—the joy cleansing of the sanctuary represented
of “bringing many sons unto glory,” joy the purification of the earth by fire at the
unspeakable, an “eternal weight of glory,” coming of the Lord. When, therefore, he
to which, says Paul, “our light affliction, found that the close of the 2300 days was
whichisbut foramoment,”is“notworthy definitely foretold, he concluded that
to be compared.” this revealed the time of the second ad-
vent. His error resulted from accepting
The experience of the disciples who the popular view as to what constitutes
preached the “gospel of the kingdom” at the sanctuary.
the first advent of Christ, had its coun-
terpart in the experience of those who In the typical system, which was a
proclaimed the message of His second shadow of the sacrifice and priesthood
advent. As the disciples went out preach- of Christ, the cleansing of the sanctu-
ing, “The time is fulfilled, the kingdom ary was the last service performed by
of God is at hand,” so Miller and his the high priest in the yearly round of
associates proclaimed that the longest ministration. It was the closing work of
and last prophetic period brought to the atonement—a removal or putting
view in the Bible was about to expire, away of sin from Israel. It prefigured
that the judgment was at hand, and the the closing work in the ministration
everlasting kingdom was to be ushered of our High Priest in heaven, in the
in. The preaching of the disciples in removal or blotting out of the sins of
regard to time was based on the seventy His people, which are registered in the
weeks of Daniel 9. The message given by heavenly records. This service involves
Miller and his associates announced the a work of investigation, a work of judg-
termination of the 2300 days of Daniel ment; and it immediately precedes the
8:14, of which the seventy weeks form coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven
a part. The preaching of each was based with power and great glory; for when He
upon the fulfillment of a different por- comes, every case has been decided. Says
tion of the same great prophetic period. Jesus: “My reward is with Me, to give
every man according as his work shall
Like the first disciples, William be.” Revelation 22:12. It is this work of
Miller and his associates did not, them- judgment, immediately preceding the
selves, fully comprehend the import of second advent, that is announced in
the message which they bore. Errors the first angel’s message of Revelation
that had been long established in the 4:7: “Fear God, and give glory to Him;
church prevented them from arriving for the hour of His judgment is come.”
at a correct interpretation of an impor-
tant point in the prophecy. Therefore, Those who proclaimed this warning
though they proclaimed the message gave the right message at the right time.
which God had committed to them But as the early disciples declared, “The
to be given to the world, yet through a time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of
misapprehension of its meaning they God is at hand,” based on the prophecy
suffered disappointment. of Daniel 9, while they failed to per-
ceive that the death of the Messiah was
In explaining Daniel 8:14, “Unto foretold in the same scripture, so Miller
two thousand and three hundred days; and his associates preached the message
then shall the sanctuary be cleansed,”

Light Through Darkness 199

based on Daniel 8:14 and Revelation confidence in God’s word? or would
14:7, and failed to see that there were they, in prayer and humility, seek to
still other messages brought to view in discern where they had failed to com-
Revelation 14, which were also to be prehend the significance of the proph-
given before the advent of the Lord. As ecy? How many had moved from fear,
the disciples were mistaken in regard to or from impulse and excitement? How
the kingdom to be set up at the end of many were halfhearted and unbelieving?
the seventy weeks, so Adventists were Multitudes professed to love the appear-
mistaken in regard to the event to take ing of the Lord. When called to endure
place at the expiration of the 2300 days. the scoffs and reproach of the world, and
In both cases there was an acceptance the test of delay and disappointment,
of, or rather an adherence to, popular would they renounce the faith? Because
errors that blinded the mind to the truth. they did not immediately understand
Both classes fulfilled the will of God in the dealings of God with them, would
delivering the message which He desired they cast aside truths sustained by the
to be given, and both, through their own clearest testimony of His word?
misapprehension of their message, suf-
fered disappointment. This test would reveal the strength
of those who with real faith had obeyed
Yet God accomplished His own what they believed to be the teaching of
beneficent purpose in permitting the the word and the Spirit of God. It would
warning of the judgment to be given teach them, as only such an experience
just as it was. The great day was at hand, could, the danger of accepting the theo-
and in His providence the people were ries and interpretations of men, instead
brought to the test of a definite time, of making the Bible its own interpreter.
in order to reveal to them what was in To the children of faith the perplexity
their hearts. The message was designed and sorrow resulting from their error
for the testing and purification of the would work the needed correction.
church. They were to be led to see They would be led to a closer study
whether their affections were set upon of the prophetic word. They would be
this world or upon Christ and heaven. taught to examine more carefully the
They professed to love the Saviour; now foundation of their faith, and to reject
they were to prove their love. Were they everything, however widely accepted
ready to renounce their worldly hopes by the Christian world, that was not
and ambitions, and welcome with joy founded upon the Scriptures of truth.
the advent of their Lord? The message
was designed to enable them to discern With these believers, as with the
their true spiritual state; it was sent in first disciples, that which in the hour of
mercy to arouse them to seek the Lord trial seemed dark to their understanding
with repentance and humiliation. would afterward be made plain. When
they should see the “end of the Lord”
The disappointment also, though they would know that, notwithstanding
the result of their own misapprehension the trial resulting from their errors, His
of the message which they gave, was to purposes of love toward them had been
be overruled for good. It would test the steadily fulfilling. They would learn by
hearts of those who had professed to a blessed experience that He is “very
receive the warning. In the face of their pitiful, and of tender mercy;” that all His
disappointment would they rashly give paths “are mercy and truth unto such as
up their experience and cast away their keep His covenant and His testimonies.”

CHAPTER 20

A Great Religious Awakening

A great religious awakening under succession of events leading down to
the proclamation of Christ’s the opening of the judgment. This is
soon coming is foretold in the especially true of the book of Daniel. But
prophecy of the first angel’s message of that part of his prophecy which related
Revelation 14. An angel is seen flying to the last days, Daniel was bidden to
“in the midst of heaven, having the ev- close up and seal “to the time of the
erlasting gospel to preach unto them that end.” Not till we reach this time could
dwell on the earth, and to every nation, a message concerning the judgment be
and kindred, and tongue, and people.” proclaimed, based on the fulfillment
“With a loud voice” he proclaims the of these prophecies. But at the time of
message: “Fear God, and give glory the end, says the prophet, “many shall
to Him; for the hour of His judgment run to and fro, and knowledge shall be
is come: and worship Him that made increased.” Daniel 12:4.
heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the
fountains of waters.” Verses 6, 7. The apostle Paul warned the church
not to look for the coming of Christ in
The fact that an angel is said to be his day. “That day shall not come,” he
the herald of this warning is significant. says, “except there come a falling away
By the purity, the glory, and the power of first, and that man of sin be revealed.”
the heavenly messenger, divine wisdom 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Not till after the
has been pleased to represent the exalted great apostasy, and the long period of
character of the work to be accomplished the reign of the “man of sin,” can we look
by the message and the power and glory for the advent of our Lord. The “man of
that were to attend it. And the angel’s sin,” which is also styled “the mystery of
flight “in the midst of heaven,” the “loud iniquity,” “the son of perdition,” and “that
voice” with which the warning is uttered, wicked,” represents the papacy, which, as
and its promulgation to all “that dwell foretold in prophecy, was to maintain its
on the earth,”—“to every nation, and supremacy for 1260 years. This period
kindred, and tongue, and people,”—give ended in 1798. The coming of Christ
evidence of the rapidity and worldwide could not take place before that time.
extent of the movement. Paul covers with his caution the whole of
the Christian dispensation down to the
The message itself sheds light as to year 1798. It is this side of that time that
the time when this movement is to take the message of Christ’s second coming
place. It is declared to be a part of the is to be proclaimed.
“everlasting gospel;” and it announces
the opening of the judgment. The mes- No such message has ever been given
sage of salvation has been preached in in past ages. Paul, as we have seen, did
all ages; but this message is a part of the not preach it; he pointed his brethren
gospel which could be proclaimed only into the then far-distant future for the
in the last days, for only then would coming of the Lord. The Reformers did
it be true that the hour of judgment not proclaim it. Martin Luther placed the
had come. The prophecies present a judgment about three hundred years in

A Great Religious Awakening 201

the future from his day. But since 1798 the Jewish tribunal sentenced Him to
the book of Daniel has been unsealed, death.” “Why,” rejoined the questioner,
knowledge of the prophecies has in- “is Jerusalem destroyed, and why are
creased, and many have proclaimed the we in captivity?” “Alas, alas!” answered
solemn message of the judgment near. his father, “because the Jews murdered
the prophets.” The thought was at once
Like the great Reformation of the suggested to the child: “Perhaps Jesus
sixteenth century, the advent movement was also a prophet, and the Jews killed
appeared in different countries of Chris- Him when He was innocent.”—Travels
tendom at the same time. In both Europe and Adventures of the Rev. Joseph Wolff,
and America men of faith and prayer vol. 1, p. 6. So strong was this feeling that,
were led to the study of the prophecies, though forbidden to enter a Christian
and, tracing down the inspired record, church, he would often linger outside to
they saw convincing evidence that the listen to the preaching.
end of all things was at hand. In differ-
When only seven years old he was
But since 1798 the book of Daniel boasting to an aged Christian neighbor
has been unsealed, knowledge of of the future triumph of Israel at the
the prophecies has increased, and advent of the Messiah, when the old
many have proclaimed the solemn man said kindly: “Dear boy, I will tell
message of the judgment near. you who the real Messiah was: He was
ent lands there were isolated bodies of Jesus of Nazareth, … whom your an-
Christians who, solely by the study of cestors have crucified, as they did the
the Scriptures, arrived at the belief that prophets of old. Go home and read the
the Saviour’s advent was near. fifty-third chapter of Isaiah, and you will
be convinced that Jesus Christ is the Son
In 1821, three years after Miller had of God.”—Ibid., vol. 1, p. 7. Conviction
arrived at his exposition of the prophe- at once fastened upon him. He went
cies pointing to the time of the judgment, home and read the scripture, wondering
Dr. Joseph Wolff, “the missionary to the to see how perfectly it had been fulfilled
world,” began to proclaim the Lord’s soon in Jesus of Nazareth. Were the words of
coming. Wolff was born in Germany, the Christian true? The boy asked of his
of Hebrew parentage, his father being a father an explanation of the prophecy,
Jewish rabbi. While very young he was but was met with a silence so stern that he
convinced of the truth of the Christian never again dared to refer to the subject.
religion. Of an active, inquiring mind, This, however, only increased his desire
he had been an eager listener to the con- to know more of the Christian religion.
versations that took place in his father’s
house as devout Hebrews daily assembled The knowledge he sought was studi-
to recount the hopes and anticipations ously kept from him in his Jewish home;
of their people, the glory of the coming but, when only eleven years old, he left
Messiah, and the restoration of Israel. his father’s house and went out into the
One day hearing Jesus of Nazareth men- world to gain for himself an education, to
tioned, the boy inquired who He was. “A choose his religion and his lifework. He
Jew of the greatest talent,” was the answer; found a home for a time with kinsmen,
“but as He pretended to be the Messiah, but was soon driven from them as an
apostate, and alone and penniless he had
to make his own way among strangers.
He went from place to place, studying

202 The Great Controversy

diligently and maintaining himself by of heaven, and with the trump of the
teaching Hebrew. Through the influence saAhnradclhlMasntiagsnseidlo”nua(pJrooysneLptahhbeoWrMs,ooplufafn,gteRoe6fs2eO)alr“icavhneesds;
of a Catholic instructor he was led to ac- and that dominion, once consigned to
cept the Catholic faith and formed the Adam over the creation, and forfeited by
purpose of becoming a missionary to his him (Genesis 1:26; 3:17), shall be given
own people. With this object he went, a to Jesus. He shall be king over all the
few years later, to pursue his studies in earth. The groanings and lamentations
the College of the Propaganda at Rome. of the creation shall cease, but songs of
Here his habit of independent thought praises and thanksgivings shall be heard.
and candid speech brought upon him … When Jesus comes in the glory of His
the imputation of heresy. He openly Father, with the holy angels, … the dead
attacked the abuses of the church and believers shall rise first. 1 Thessalonians
urged the necessity of reform. Though 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32. This is what
at first treated with special favor by the
papal dignitaries, he was after a time “Jesus of Nazareth, the true
removed from Rome. Under the surveil- Messiah, whose hands and feet
lance of the church he went from place were pierced, who was brought like
to place, until it became evident that he a lamb to the slaughter, who was
could never be brought to submit to the the Man of Sorrows and acquainted
bondage of Roman Catholicism. He was with grief, who after the scepter
declared to be incorrigible and was left at was taken from Judah, and the
liberty to go where he pleased. He now legislative power from between
made his way to England and, profess- his feet, came the first time; shall
ing the Protestant faith, united with the come the second time in the clouds
English Church. After two years’ study of heaven, and with the trump of
he set out, in 1821, upon his mission. the Archangel.”

While Wolff accepted the great truth we Christians call the first resurrec-
of Christ’s first advent as “a Man of Sor- tion. Then the animal kingdom shall
rows, and acquainted with grief,” he saw change its nature (Isaiah 11:6-9), and be
that the prophecies bring to view with subdued unto Jesus. Psalm 8. Universal
equal clearness His second advent with peace shall prevail.”—Journal of the Rev.
power and glory. And while he sought aJogsaeipnhsWhaolllffl,opoakgedso3w7n8,u3p7o9n. “tThheeeLarotrhd,
to lead his people to Jesus of Nazareth and say, ‘Behold, it is very good.’”—Ibid.,
as the Promised One, and to point them page 294.
to His first coming in humiliation as a Wolff believed the coming of the
sacrifice for the sins of men, he taught Lord to be at hand, his interpretation of
them also of His second coming as a the prophetic periods placing the great
king and deliverer. consummation within a very few years of
the time pointed out by Miller. To those
“Jesus of Nazareth, the true Mes- who urged from the scripture, “Of that
siah,” he said, “whose hands and feet day and hour knoweth no man,” that
were pierced, who was brought like a
lamb to the slaughter, who was the Man
of Sorrows and acquainted with grief,
who after the scepter was taken from
Judah, and the legislative power from
between his feet, came the first time;
shall come the second time in the clouds

A Great Religious Awakening 203

men are to know nothing concerning Methodists.”—Journal of the Rev. Joseph
the nearness of the advent, Wolff replied: WolDff,upraingge 96.
“Did our Lord say that that day and hour the twenty-four years from
should never be known? Did He not give 1821 to 1845, Wolff traveled extensively:
us signs of the times, in order that we in Africa, visiting Egypt and Abyssinia;
may know at least the approach of His in Asia, traversing Palestine, Syria, Per-
coming, as one knows the approach sia, Bokhara, and India. He also visited
of the summer by the fig tree putting the United States, on the journey thither
forth its leaves? Matthew 24:32. Are we preaching on the island of Saint Helena.
never to know that period, whilst He He arrived in New York in August,
Himself exhorteth us not only to read 1837; and, after speaking in that city, he
Daniel the prophet, but to understand preached in Philadelphia and Baltimore,
it? and in that very Daniel, where it is and finally proceeded to Washington.
said that the words were shut up to the Here, he says, “on a motion brought
time of the end (which was the case in forward by the ex-President, John
his time), and that ‘many shall run to and Quincy Adams, in one of the houses
fro’ (a Hebrew expression for observ- of Congress, the House unanimously
ing and thinking upon the time), ‘and granted to me the use of the Congress
knowledge’ (regarding that time) ‘shall Hall for a lecture, which I delivered on a
be increased.’ Daniel 12:4. Besides this, Saturday, honored with the presence of
our Lord does not intend to say by this, all the members of Congress, and also of
that the approach of the time shall not the bishop of Virginia, and of the clergy
be known, but that the exact ‘day and and citizens of Washington. The same
hdoouesr knoweth no man.’ Enough, He honor was granted to me by the mem-
say, shall be known by the signs bers of the government of New Jersey
of the times, to induce us to prepare and Pennsylvania, in whose presence
for His coming, as Noah prepared the I delivered lectures on my researches
ark.”—Wolff, Researches and Missionary in Asia, and also on the personal reign
Labors, pages 404, 405. of Jesus Christ.”—Ibid., pages 398, 399.
Concerning the popular system of Dr. Wolff traveled in the most bar-
interpreting, or misinterpreting, the barous countries without the protection
Scriptures, Wolff wrote: “The greater of any European authority, enduring
part of the Christian church have many hardships and surrounded with
swerved from the plain sense of Scrip- countless perils. He was bastinadoed and
ture, and have turned to the phantomiz- starved, sold as a slave, and three times
ing system of the Buddhists, who believe condemned to death. He was beset by
that the future happiness of mankind robbers, and sometimes nearly perished
will consist in moving about in the air, from thirst. Once he was stripped of
and suppose that when they are reading all that he possessed and left to travel
Jews they must understand Gentiles; and hundreds of miles on foot through the
ewuanhrdethenr, sittthamenydeartnehasedsckhJyeu;rraucnshda;laefomnrd,thitfheietcyoismmsiaunisdgt mountains, the snow beating in his face
and his naked feet benumbed by contact
with the frozen ground.
of the Lord they must understand the When warned against going un-
progress of the missionary societies; and armed among savage and hostile tribes,
going up to the mountain of the Lord’s he declared himself “provided with
house, signifies a grand class meeting of arms”—“prayer, zeal for Christ, and

204 The Great Controversy

confidence in His help.” “I am also,” he to be a Bible teacher, and stated his own
said, “provided with the love of God and belief, founded on prophecy, that Christ
my neighbor in my heart, and the Bible is would come about 1844.
in my hand.”—W.H.D. Adams, In Perils
Oft, page 192. The Bible in Hebrew and As early as 1826 the advent message
English he carried with him wherever began to be preached in England. The
he went. Of one of his later journeys movement here did not take so definite
he says: “I … kept the Bible open in a form as in America; the exact time of
my hand. I felt my power was in the the advent was not so generally taught,
Book, and that its might would sustain but the great truth of Christ’s soon com-
me.”—Ibid., page 201. ing in power and glory was extensively
Thus he persevered in his labors proclaimed. And this not among the
until the message of the judgment had dissenters and nonconformists only.
been carried to a large part of the habit- Mourant Brock, an English writer, states
able globe. Among Jews, Turks, Parsees, that about seven hundred ministers of
Hindus, and many other nationalities the Church of England were engaged in
and races he distributed the word of preaching “this gospel of the kingdom.”
God in these various tongues and every- The message pointing to 1844 as the time
where heralded the approaching reign of the Lord’s coming was also given in
of the Messiah. Great Britain. Advent publications from
In his travels in Bokhara he found the United States were widely circulated.
the doctrine of the Lord’s soon coming Books and journals were republished in
held by a remote and isolated people. England. And in 1842 Robert Winter, an
The Arabs of Yemen, he says, “are in Englishman by birth, who had received
possession of a book sceaclloenddSeceoram, iwnhgicohf the advent faith in America, returned to
gives notice of the his native country to herald the coming
Christ and His reign in glory; and they of the Lord. Many united with him in
expect great events to take place in the the work, and the message of the judg-
year 1840.”—Journal of the Rev. Joseph ment was proclaimed in various parts
Wolff, page 377. “In Yemen … I spent six of England.
days with the children of Rechab. They
drink no wine, plant no vineyard, sow In South America, in the midst of
no seed, and live in tents, and remember barbarism and priestcraft, Lacunza, a
good old Jonadab, the son of Rechab; Spaniard and a Jesuit, found his way to
and I found in their company children of the Scriptures and thus received the truth
Israel, of the tribe of Dan, … who expect, of Christ’s speedy return. Impelled to give
with the children of Rechab, the speedy the warning, yet desiring to escape the
arrival of the Messiah in the clouds of censures of Rome, he published his views
heaven.”—Ibid., page 389. under the assumed name of “Rabbi Ben-
A similar belief was found by an- Ezra,” representing himself as a converted
other missionary to exist in Tatary. A Jew. Lacunza lived in the eighteenth
Tatar priest put the question to the mis- century, but it was about 1825 that his
sionary as to when Christ would come book, having found its way to London,
the second time. When the missionary was translated into the English language.
answered that he knew nothing about Its publication served to deepen the inter-
it, the priest seemed greatly surprised est already awakening in England in the
at such ignorance in one who professed subject of the second advent.

In Germany the doctrine had
been taught in the eighteenth century

A Great Religious Awakening 205

by Bengel, a minister in the Lutheran Bengel’s writings have been spread
Church and a celebrated Biblical scholar throughout Christendom. His views of
and critic. Upon completing his educa- prophecy were quite generally received
tion, Bengel had “devoted himself to the in his own state of Wurttemberg, and to
study of theology, to which the grave and some extent in other parts of Germany.
religious tone of his mind, deepened by The movement continued after his
his early training and discipline, naturally death, and the advent message was heard
inclined him. Like other young men of in Germany at the same time that it was
thoughtful character, before and since, he attracting attention in other lands. At
had to struggle with doubts and difficul- an early date some of the believers went
ties of a religious nature, and he alludes, to Russia and there formed colonies,
with much feeling, to the ‘many arrows and the faith of Christ’s soon coming
which pierced his poor heart, and made is still held by the German churches of
his youth hard to bear.’ ” Becoming a that country.
member of the consistory of Wurttem-
berg, he advocated the cause of religious The light shone also in France and
liberty. “While maintaining the rights Switzerland. At Geneva where Farel and
and privileges of the church, he was an Calvin had spread the truth of the Refor-
advocate for all reasonable freedom being mation, Gaussen preached the message
accorded to those who felt themselves of the second advent. While a student at
bound, on grounds of conscience, to school, Gaussen had encountered that
withdraw from her communion.”— spirit of rationalism which pervaded
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 9th ed., art. all Europe during the latter part of the
“Bengel.” The good effects of this policy eighteenth and the opening of the nine-
are still felt in his native province. teenth century; and when he entered the
ministry he was not only ignorant of true
It was while preparing a sermon faith, but inclined to skepticism. In his
from Revelation 21 for advent Sunday youth he had become interested in the
that the light of Christ’s second com- study of prophecy. After reading Rol-
ing broke in upon Bengel’s mind. The lin’s Ancient History, his attention was
prophecies of the Revelation unfolded called to the second chapter of Daniel,
to his understanding as never before. and he was struck with the wonderful
Overwhelmed with a sense of the stu- exactness with which the prophecy had
pendous importance and surpassing been fulfilled, as seen in the historian’s
glory of the scenes presented by the record. Here was a testimony to the in-
prophet, he was forced to turn for a spiration of the Scriptures, which served
time from the contemplation of the as an anchor to him amid the perils of
subject. In the pulpit it again presented later years. He could not rest satisfied
itself to him with all its vividness and with the teachings of rationalism, and
power. From that time he devoted in studying the Bible and searching for
himself to the study of the prophecies, clearer light he was, after a time, led to
especially those of the Apocalypse, and a positive faith.
soon arrived at the belief that they
pointed to the coming of Christ as near. As he pursued his investigation of
The date which he fixed upon as the the prophecies he arrived at the belief
time of the second advent was within that the coming of the Lord was at
a very few years of that afterward held hand. Impressed with the solemnity
by Miller. and importance of this great truth, he
desired to bring it before the people;

206 The Great Controversy

but the popular belief that the prophe- “to render a knowledge of the prophecies
cies of Daniel are mysteries and cannot popular in our flocks, if possible.” “There
be understood was a serious obstacle in is no study, indeed, which it seems to me
his way. He finally determined—as Farel answers the needs of the time better.” “It
had done before him in evangelizing is by this that we are to prepare for the
Geneva—to begin with the children, tribulation near at hand, and watch and
through whom he hoped to interest wait for Jesus Christ.”
the parents.
Though one of the most distin-
“I desire this to be understood,” he guished and beloved of preachers in
afterward said, speaking of his object in the French language, Gaussen was after
this undertaking, “it is not because of its a time suspended from the ministry,
small importance, but on the contrary his principal offense being that instead
because of its great value, that I wished to of the church’s catechism, a tame and
present it in this familiar form, and that I rationalistic manual, almost destitute of
addressed it to the children. I desired to positive faith, he had used the Bible in
be heard, and I feared that I would not giving instruction to the youth. He af-
be if I addressed myself to the grown terward became teacher in a theological
people first.” “I determined therefore to school, while on Sunday he continued
go to the youngest. I gather an audience his work as catechist, addressing the
of children; if the group enlarges, if it is children and instructing them in the
seen that they listen, are pleased, inter- Scriptures. His works on prophecy
ested, that they understand and explain also excited much interest. From the
the subject, I am sure to have a second professor’s chair, through the press, and
circle soon, and in their turn, grown in his favorite occupation as teacher of
people will see that it is worth their while children he continued for many years
to sit down and study. When this is done, to exert an extensive influence and was
the cause is gained.”—L. Gaussen, Daniel instrumental in calling the attention
the Prophet, vol. 2, Preface. of many to the study of the prophecies
which showed that the coming of the
The effort was successful. As he ad- Lord was near.
dressed the children, older persons came
to listen. The galleries of his church were In Scandinavia also the advent mes-
filled with attentive hearers. Among sage was proclaimed, and a widespread
them were men of rank and learning, interest was kindled. Many were roused
and strangers and foreigners visiting from their careless security to confess
Geneva; and thus the message was car- and forsake their sins, and seek pardon
ried to other parts. in the name of Christ. But the clergy of
the state church opposed the movement,
Encouraged by this success, Gaussen and through their influence some who
published his lessons, with the hope of preached the message were thrown
promoting the study of the prophetic into prison. In many places where the
books in the churches of the French- preachers of the Lord’s soon coming
speaking people. “To publish instruction were thus silenced, God was pleased to
given to the children,” says Gaussen, “is send the message, in a miraculous man-
to say to adults, who too often neglect ner, through little children. As they were
such books under the false pretense under age, the law of the state could not
that they are obscure, ‘How can they be restrain them, and they were permitted
obscure, since your children understand to speak unmolested.
them?’ ” “I had a great desire,” he adds,

A Great Religious Awakening 207

The movement was chiefly among called upon Him to silence them; but
the lower class, and it was in the humble Jesus answered that all this was in fulfill-
dwellings of the laborers that the people ment of prophecy, and if these should
assembled to hear the warning. The hold their peace, the very stones would
child-preachers themselves were mostly cry out. The people, intimidated by the
poor cottagers. Some of them were not threats of the priests and rulers, ceased
more than six or eight years of age; and their joyful proclamation as they entered
while their lives testified that they loved the gates of Jerusalem; but the children
the Saviour, and were trying to live in in the temple courts afterward took up
obedience to God’s holy requirements, the refrain, and, waving their branches
they ordinarily manifested only the in- of palm, they cried: “Hosanna to the Son
telligence and ability usually seen in chil- of David!” Matthew 21:8-16. When the
dren of that age. When standing before Pharisees, sorely displeased, said unto
the people, however, it was evident that Him, “Hearest Thou what these say?”
they were moved by an influence beyond Jesus answered, “Yea; have ye never read,
their own natural gifts. Tone and man- Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings
ner changed, and with solemn power Thou hast perfected praise?” As God
they gave the warning of the judgment, wrought through children at the time
employing the very words of Scripture: of Christ’s first advent, so He wrought
“Fear God, and give glory to Him; for through them in giving the message of
the hour of His judgment is come.” They His second advent. God’s word must be
reproved the sins of the people, not only fulfilled, that the proclamation of the
condemning immorality and vice, but Saviour’s coming should be given to all
rebuking worldliness and backsliding, peoples, tongues, and nations.
and warning their hearers to make haste
to flee from the wrath to come. To William Miller and his colabor-
ers it was given to preach the warning
The people heard with trembling. in America. This country became the
The convicting Spirit of God spoke to center of the great advent movement.
their hearts. Many were led to search the It was here that the prophecy of the
Scriptures with new and deeper inter- first angel’s message had its most direct
est, the intemperate and immoral were fulfillment. The writings of Miller and
reformed, others abandoned their dis- his associates were carried to distant
honest practices, and a work was done so lands. Wherever missionaries had pen-
marked that even ministers of the state etrated in all the world, were sent the
church were forced to acknowledge that glad tidings of Christ’s speedy return.
the hand of God was in the movement. Far and wide spread the message of the
everlasting gospel: “Fear God, and give
It was God’s will that the tidings of glory to Him; for the hour of His judg-
the Saviour’s coming should be given in ment is come.”
the Scandinavian countries; and when
the voices of His servants were silenced, The testimony of the prophecies
He put His Spirit upon the children, that which seemed to point to the coming of
the work might be accomplished. When Christ in the spring of 1844 took deep
Jesus drew near to Jerusalem attended hold of the minds of the people. As the
by the rejoicing multitudes that, with message went from state to state, there
shouts of triumph and the waving of was everywhere awakened widespread
palm branches, heralded Him as the interest. Many were convinced that the
Son of David, the jealous Pharisees arguments from the prophetic periods

208 The Great Controversy

were correct, and, sacrificing their pride Holy Spirit, brought a weight of convic-
of opinion, they joyfully received the tion which few were able wholly to resist.
truth. Some ministers laid aside their Professors of religion were roused from
sectarian views and feelings, left their their false security. They saw their back-
slidings, their worldliness and unbelief,
Many sought the Lord with their pride and selfishness. Many sought
repentance and humiliation. The the Lord with repentance and humili-
affections that had so long clung ation. The affections that had so long
to earthly things they now fixed clung to earthly things they now fixed
upon heaven. upon heaven. The Spirit of God rested
salaries and their churches, and united upon them, and with hearts softened
in proclaiming the coming of Jesus. and subdued they joined to sound the
There were comparatively few ministers, cry: “Fear God, and give glory to Him;
however, who would accept this mes- for the hour of His judgment is come.”
sage; therefore it was largely committed
to humble laymen. Farmers left their Sinners inquired with weeping:
fields, mechanics their tools, traders “What must I do to be saved?” Those
their merchandise, professional men whose lives had been marked with
their positions; and yet the number of dishonesty were anxious to make res-
workers was small in comparison with titution. All who found peace in Christ
the work to be accomplished. The condi- longed to see others share the blessing.
tion of an ungodly church and a world The hearts of parents were turned to
lying in wickedness, burdened the souls their children, and the hearts of children
of the true watchmen, and they willingly to their parents. The barriers of pride
endured toil, privation, and suffering, and reserve were swept away. Heartfelt
that they might call men to repentance confessions were made, and the mem-
unto salvation. Though opposed by bers of the household labored for the
Satan, the work went steadily forward, salvation of those who were nearest and
and the advent truth was accepted by dearest. Often was heard the sound of
many thousands. earnest intercession. Everywhere were
souls in deep anguish pleading with
Everywhere the searching testimony God. Many wrestled all night in prayer
was heard, warning sinners, both world- for the assurance that their own sins
lings and church members, to flee from were pardoned, or for the conversion
the wrath to come. Like John the Baptist, of their relatives or neighbors.
the forerunner of Christ, the preachers
laid the ax at the root of the tree and All classes flocked to the Adventist
urged all to bring forth fruit meet for meetings. Rich and poor, high and low,
repentance. Their stirring appeals were were, from various causes, anxious to
in marked contrast to the assurances of hear for themselves the doctrine of
peace and safety that were heard from the second advent. The Lord held the
popular pulpits; and wherever the mes- spirit of opposition in check while His
sage was given, it moved the people. servants explained the reasons of their
The simple, direct testimony of the faith. Sometimes the instrument was
Scriptures, set home by the power of the feeble; but the Spirit of God gave power
to His truth. The presence of holy angels
was felt in these assemblies, and many
were daily added to the believers. As
the evidences of Christ’s soon coming

A Great Religious Awakening 209

were repeated, vast crowds listened in and hour knoweth no man, no not the
breathless silence to the solemn words. angels of heaven, but My Father only.”
Heaven and earth seemed to approach Matthew 24:36. A clear and harmoni-
each other. The power of God was felt ous explanation of this text was given
upon old and young and middle-aged. by those who were looking for the Lord,
Men sought their homes with praises and the wrong use made of it by their
upon their lips, and the glad sound rang opponents was clearly shown. The words
out upon the still night air. None who were spoken by Christ in that memorable
attended those meetings can ever forget conversation with His disciples upon
those scenes of deepest interest. Olivet after He had for the last time
departed from the temple. The disciples
The proclamation of a definite time had asked the question: “What shall be
for Christ’s coming called forth great the sign of Thy coming, and of the end
opposition from many of all classes, of the world?” Jesus gave them signs, and
from the minister in the pulpit down said: “When ye shall see all these things,
to the most reckless, Heaven-daring know that it is near, even at the doors.”
sinner. The words of prophecy were Verses 3, 33. One saying of the Saviour
fulfilled: “There shall come in the last must not be made to destroy another.
days scoffers, walking after their own atThnhedohruoeguqhruoinrfoeHdmitsocakonnmkoinwnogww, wheteehnarittehiiesnnsdtearauyrc.nWteoder
lusts, and saying, Where is the promise are further taught that to disregard His
of His coming? for since the fathers fell warning, and refuse or neglect to know
asleep, all things continue as they were when His advent is near, will be as fatal
from the beginning of the creation.” 2
Peter 3:3, 4. Many who professed to love “What shall be the sign of Thy
the Saviour, declared that they had no coming, and of the end of the
opposition to the doctrine of the second world?” “When ye shall see all these
advent; they merely objected to the defi- things, know that it is near, even
nite time. But God’s all-seeing eye read at the doors.” … Though no man
their hearts. They did not wish to hear knoweth the day nor the hour of
of Christ’s coming to judge the world in His coming, we are instructed and
righteousness. They had been unfaithful required to know when it is near.
servants, their works would not bear the for us as it was for those who lived in
inspection of the heart-searching God, the days of Noah not to know when the
and they feared to meet their Lord. Like flood was coming. And the parable in
the Jews at the time of Christ’s first ad- the same chapter, contrasting the faithful
vent they were not prepared to welcome and the unfaithful servant, and giving
Jesus. They not only refused to listen to the doom of him who said in his heart,
the plain arguments from the Bible, but “My Lord delayeth His coming,” shows in
ridiculed those who were looking for the what light Christ will regard and reward
Lord. Satan and his angels exulted, and those whom He finds watching, and
flung the taunt in the face of Christ and teaching His coming, and those denying
holy angels that His professed people it. “Watch therefore,” He says. “Blessed
had so little love for Him that they did
not desire His appearing.

“No man knoweth the day nor the
hour” was the argument most often
brought forward by rejecters of the ad-
vent faith. The scripture is: “Of that day

210 The Great Controversy

is that servant, whom his Lord when He between them and the truth, seeking to
cometh shall find so doing.” Verses 42, quiet their fears by falsely interpreting
46. “If therefore thou shalt not watch, I the word of God. Unfaithful watchmen
will come on thee as a thief, and thou united in the work of the great deceiver,
shalt not know what hour I will come crying, Peace, peace, when God had
upon thee.” Revelation 3:3. not spoken peace. Like the Pharisees
in Christ’s day, many refused to enter
Paul speaks of a class to whom the the kingdom of heaven themselves,
Lord’s appearing will come unawares. and those who were entering in they
“The day of the Lord so cometh as a hindered. The blood of these souls will
thief in the night. For when they shall be required at their hand.
say, Peace and safety; then sudden de-
struction cometh upon them, … and The most humble and devoted in
they shall not escape.” But he adds, to the churches were usually the first to
those who have given heed to the Sav- receive the message. Those who studied
iour’s warning: “Ye, brethren, are not in the Bible for themselves could not but
darkness, that that day should overtake see the unscriptural character of the
you as a thief. Ye are all the children of popular views of prophecy; and wher-
light, and the children of the day: we ever the people were not controlled by
are not of the night, nor of darkness.” the influence of the clergy, wherever
1 Thessalonians 5:2-5. they would search the word of God for
themselves, the advent doctrine needed
Thus it was shown that Scripture only to be compared with the Scriptures
gives no warrant for men to remain in to establish its divine authority.

Those who studied the Bible for Many were persecuted by their
themselves could not but see unbelieving brethren. In order to retain
the unscriptural character of the their position in the church, some con-
popular views of prophecy; and sented to be silent in regard to their hope;
wherever the people were not but others felt that loyalty to God forbade
controlled by the influence of the them thus to hide the truths which He
clergy, wherever they would search had committed to their trust. Not a few
the word of God for themselves, the were cut off from the fellowship of the
advent doctrine needed only to be church for no other reason than express-
compared with the Scriptures to ing their belief in the coming of Christ.
establish its divine authority. Very precious to those who bore this
ignorance concerning the nearness of trial of their faith were the words of the
Christ’s coming. But those who desired prophet: “Your brethren that hated you,
only an excuse to reject the truth closed that cast you out for My name’s sake,
their ears to this explanation, and the said, Let the Lord be glorified: but He
words “No man knoweth the day nor shall appear to your joy, and they shall
the hour” continued to be echoed by the be ashamed.” Isaiah 66:5.
bold scoffer and even by the professed
minister of Christ. As the people were Angels of God were watching with
roused, and began to inquire the way of the deepest interest the result of the
salvation, religious teachers stepped in warning. When there was a general re-
jection of the message by the churches,
angels turned away in sadness. But there
were many who had not yet been tested
in regard to the advent truth. Many were

A Great Religious Awakening 211

misled by husbands, wives, parents, or learned of their opponents. The latter
children, and were made to believe it a said: “Your reckoning of the prophetic
sin even to listen to such heresies as were periods is correct. Some great event is
taught by the Adventists. Angels were about to take place; but it is not what
bidden to keep faithful watch over these Mr. Miller predicts; it is the conversion
souls, for another light was yet to shine of the world, and not the second advent
upon them from the throne of God. of Christ.” (See Appendix.)

With unspeakable desire those who The time of expectation passed,
had received the message watched for and Christ did not appear for the
the coming of their Saviour. The time deliverance of His people. Those who
when they expected to meet Him was at with sincere faith and love had looked
hand. They approached this hour with
a calm solemnity. They rested in sweet The time of expectation passed,
communion with God, and earnest of the and Christ did not appear for
peace that was to be theirs in the bright the deliverance of His people.
hereafter. None who experienced this Those who with sincere faith
hope and trust can forget those precious and love had looked for their
hours of waiting. For some weeks preced- Saviour, experienced a bitter
ing the time, worldly business was for the disappointment. Yet the purposes
most part laid aside. The sincere believers of God were being accomplished.
carefully examined every thought and for their Saviour, experienced a bitter
emotion of their hearts as if upon their disappointment. Yet the purposes of
deathbeds and in a few hours to close God were being accomplished; He was
their eyes upon earthly scenes. There was testing the hearts of those who pro-
no making of “ascension robes” (see Ap- fessed to be waiting for His appearing.
pendix); but all felt the need of internal There were among them many who
evidence that they were prepared to meet had been actuated by no higher motive
the Saviour; their white robes were purity than fear. Their profession of faith had
of soul—characters cleansed from sin by not affected their hearts or their lives.
the atoning blood of Christ. Would that When the expected event failed to take
there were still with the professed people place, these persons declared that they
of God the same spirit of heart searching, were not disappointed; they had never
the same earnest, determined faith. Had believed that Christ would come. They
they continued thus to humble them- were among the first to ridicule the sor-
selves before the Lord and press their row of the true believers.
petitions at the mercy seat they would be
in possession of a far richer experience But Jesus and all the heavenly host
than they now have. There is too little looked with love and sympathy upon
prayer, too little real conviction of sin, the tried and faithful yet disappointed
and the lack of living faith leaves many ones. Could the veil separating the vis-
destitute of the grace so richly provided ible from the invisible world have been
by our Redeemer. swept back, angels would have been
seen drawing near to these steadfast
God designed to prove His people. souls and shielding them from the shafts
His hand covered a mistake in the of Satan.
reckoning of the prophetic periods.
Adventists did not discover the er-
ror, nor was it discovered by the most

CHAPTER 21

A Warning Rejected

I n preaching the doctrine of the sec- doctrine and desired to suppress all
ond advent, William Miller and his agitation of the subject, they not only
associates had labored with the sole opposed it from the pulpit, but denied
purpose of arousing men to a prepara- their members the privilege of attend-
tion for the judgment. They had sought ing preaching upon the second advent,
to awaken professors of religion to the or even of speaking of their hope in the
true hope of the church and to their social meetings of the church. Thus the
need of a deeper Christian experience, believers found themselves in a position
and they labored also to awaken the of great trial and perplexity. They loved
unconverted to the duty of immediate their churches and were loath to separate
repentance and conversion to God. from them; but as they saw the testimony
“They made no attempt to convert men of God’s word suppressed and their right
to a sect or party in religion. Hence they to investigate the prophecies denied
labored among all parties and sects, they felt that loyalty to God forbade
without interfering with their organiza- them to submit. Those who sought to
tion or discipline.” shut out the testimony of God’s word
they could not regard as constituting
“In all my labors,” said Miller, “I the church of Christ, “the pillar and
never had the desire or thought to ground of the truth.” Hence they felt
establish any separate interest from themselves justified in separating from
that of existing denominations, or to their former connection. In the summer
benefit one at the expense of another. I of 1844 about fifty thousand withdrew
thought to benefit all. Supposing that all from the churches.
Christians would rejoice in the prospect
of Christ’s coming, and that those who About this time a marked change
could not see as I did would not love any was apparent in most of the churches
the less those who should embrace this throughout the United States. There
doctrine, I did not conceive there would had been for many years a gradual
ever be any necessity for separate meet- but steadily increasing conformity to
ings. My whole object was a desire to worldly practices and customs, and a
convert souls to God, to notify the world corresponding decline in real spiritual
of a coming judgment, and to induce my life; but in that year there were evidences
fellow men to make that preparation of of a sudden and marked declension
heart which will enable them to meet in nearly all the churches of the land.
their God in peace. The great majority While none seemed able to suggest the
of those who were converted under my cause, the fact itself was widely noted
labors united with the various existing and commented upon by both the press
churches.”—Bliss, page 328. and the pulpit.

As his work tended to build up the At a meeting of the presbytery of
churches, it was for a time regarded with Philadelphia, Mr. Barnes, author of a
favor. But as ministers and religious commentary widely used and pastor of
leaders decided against the advent one of the leading churches in that city,

A Warning Rejected 213

“stated that he had been in the ministry that loves Zion must view it. When we
for twenty years, and never, till the last call to mind how ‘few and far between’
Communion, had he administered the cases of true conversion are, and the
ordinance without receiving more or almost unparalleled impertinence and
less into the church. But now there hardness of sinners, we almost invol-
are no awakenings, no conversions, untarily exclaim, ‘Has God forgotten
not much apparent growth in grace in to be gracious? or, Is the door of mercy
professors, and none come to his study closed?’”
to converse about the salvation of their
souls. With the increase of business, and Such a condition never exists
the brightening prospects of commerce without cause in the church itself. The
and manufacture, there is an increase of spiritual darkness which falls upon na-
worldly-mindedness. Thus it is with all tions, upon churches and individuals, is
the denominations.”—Congregational due, not to an arbitrary withdrawal of
Journal, May 23, 1844. the succors of divine grace on the part
of God, but to neglect or rejection of di-
In the month of February of the same vine light on the part of men. A striking
year, Professor Finney of Oberlin Col- illustration of this truth is presented in
lege said: “We have had the fact before the history of the Jewish people in the
our minds, that, in general, the Protes- time of Christ. By their devotion to the
tant churches of our country, as such, world and forgetfulness of God and His
were either apathetic or hostile to nearly word, their understanding had become
all the moral reforms of the age. There darkened, their hearts earthly and
are partial exceptions, yet not enough to sensual. Thus they were in ignorance
render the fact otherwise than general. concerning Messiah’s advent, and in
We have also another corroborated fact: their pride and unbelief they rejected
the almost universal absence of revival the Redeemer. God did not even then cut
influence in the churches. The spiritual off the Jewish nation from a knowledge
apathy is almost all-pervading, and is of, or a participation in, the blessings of
fearfully deep; so the religious press of salvation. But those who rejected the
the whole land testifies. … Very exten- truth lost all desire for the gift of Heaven.
sively, church members are becoming They had “put darkness for light, and
devotees of fashion,—join hands with light for darkness,” until the light which
the ungodly in parties of pleasure, in was in them became darkness; and how
dancing, in festivities, etc. … But we great was that darkness!
need not expand this painful subject.
Suffice it that the evidence thickens and It suits the policy of Satan that men
rolls heavily upon us, to show that the should retain the forms of religion if but
churches generally are becoming sadly the spirit of vital godliness is lacking.
degenerate. They have gone very far After their rejection of the gospel, the
from the Lord, and He has withdrawn Jews continued zealously to maintain
Himself from them.” their ancient rites, they rigorously
scopAe tnedstiafiewdr:i“teWreinhatvheenReveelirgwioiutnseTsesleed- preserved their national exclusiveness,
such a general declension of religion as while they themselves could not but
at the present. Truly, the church should admit that the presence of God was
awake, and search into the cause of this no longer manifest among them. The
affliction; for as an affliction everyone prophecy of Daniel pointed so unmis-
takably to the time of Messiah’s coming,
and so directly foretold His death, that

214 The Great Controversy

they discouraged its study, and finally shutting them away from Him. Had
the rabbis pronounced a curse on all they received the message from heaven,
who should attempt a computation of humbling their hearts before the Lord
the time. In blindness and impenitence and seeking in sincerity a preparation
the people of Israel during succeeding to stand in His presence, the Spirit and
centuries have stood, indifferent to the power of God would have been mani-
gracious offers of salvation, unmindful fested among them. The church would
of the blessings of the gospel, a solemn again have reached that blessed state of
and fearful warning of the danger of unity, faith, and love which existed in
rejecting light from heaven. apostolic days, when the believers “were
of one heart and of one soul,” and “spake
He who deliberately stifles his the word of God with boldness,” when
convictions of duty because it “the Lord added to the church daily such
interferes with his inclinations will as should be saved.” Acts 4:32, 31; 2:47.
finally lose the power to distinguish
between truth and error. If God’s professed people would
receive the light as it shines upon them
Wherever the cause exists, the same from His word, they would reach that
results will follow. He who deliberately unity for which Christ prayed, that
stifles his convictions of duty because which the apostle describes, “the unity
it interferes with his inclinations will of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” “There
finally lose the power to distinguish is,” he says, “one body, and one Spirit,
between truth and error. The under-
standing becomes darkened, the con- If God’s professed people would
science callous, the heart hardened, and receive the light as it shines upon
the soul is separated from God. Where them from His word, they would
the message of divine truth is spurned reach that unity for which Christ
or slighted, there the church will be prayed, that which the apostle
enshrouded in darkness; faith and love describes, “the unity of the Spirit
grow cold, and estrangement and dis- in the bond of peace.”
sension enter. Church members center even as ye are called in one hope of
their interests and energies in worldly your calling; one Lord, one faith, one
pursuits, and sinners become hardened baptism.” Ephesians 4:3-5.
in their impenitence.
Such were the blessed results
The first angel’s message of Revela- experienced by those who accepted
tion 14, announcing the hour of God’s the advent message. They came from
judgment and calling upon men to fear different denominations, and their de-
and worship Him, was designed to sepa- nominational barriers were hurled to the
rate the professed people of God from ground; conflicting creeds were shivered
the corrupting influences of the world to atoms; the unscriptural hope of a
and to arouse them to see their true con- temporal millennium was abandoned,
dition of worldliness and backsliding. In false views of the second advent were
this message, God has sent to the church corrected, pride and conformity to the
a warning, which, had it been accepted, world were swept away; wrongs were
would have corrected the evils that were made right; hearts were united in the

A Warning Rejected 215

sweetest fellowship, and love and joy Heaven had provided for their restora-
reigned supreme. If this doctrine did tion. They spurned the gracious mes-
this for the few who did receive it, it senger thatwouldhavecorrectedtheevils
would have done the same for all if all which separated them from God, and
had received it. with greater eagerness they turned to seek
the friendship of the world. Here was the
But the churches generally did not cause of that fearful condition of world-
accept the warning. Their ministers,
who, as watchmen “unto the house of In Revelation 17 Babylon is
Israel,” should have been the first to represented as a woman—a figure
discern the tokens of Jesus’ coming, which is used in the Bible as the
had failed to learn the truth either symbol of a church, a virtuous
from the testimony of the prophets or woman representing a pure church,
from the signs of the times. As worldly a vile woman an apostate church.
hopes and ambitions filled the heart, liness, backsliding, and spiritual death
love for God and faith in His word which existed in the churches in 1844.
had grown cold; and when the advent
doctrine was presented, it only aroused In Revelation 14 the first angel is fol-
their prejudice and unbelief. The fact lowed by a second proclaiming: “Baby-
that the message was, to a great extent, lon is fallen, is fallen, that great city,
preached by laymen, was urged as an because she made all nations drink of
argument against it. As of old, the plain the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”
testimony of God’s word was met with Revelation 14:8. The term “Babylon”
the inquiry: “Have any of the rulers or is derived from “Babel,” and signifies
of the Pharisees believed?” And finding confusion. It is employed in Scripture
how difficult a task it was to refute the to designate the various forms of false
arguments drawn from the prophetic or apostate religion. In Revelation 17
periods, many discouraged the study Babylon is represented as a woman—a
of the prophecies, teaching that the figure which is used in the Bible as the
prophetic books were sealed and were symbol of a church, a virtuous woman
not to be understood. Multitudes, trust- representing a pure church, a vile
ing implicitly to their pastors, refused woman an apostate church.
to listen to the warning; and others,
though convinced of the truth, dared not In the Bible the sacred and en-
confess it, lest they should be “put out of during character of the relation that
the synagogue.” The message which God exists between Christ and His church
had sent for the testing and purification is represented by the union of mar-
of the church revealed all too surely riage. The Lord has joined His people
how great was the number who had to Himself by a solemn covenant, He
set their affections on this world rather promising to be their God, and they
than upon Christ. The ties which bound pledging themselves to be His and His
them to earth were stronger than the alone. He declares: “I will betroth thee
attractions heavenward. They chose to unto Me forever; yea, I will betroth
listen to the voice of worldly wisdom and thee unto Me in righteousness, and in
turned away from the heart-searching judgment, and in loving-kindness, and
message of truth. in mercies.” Hosea 2:19. And, again: “I

In refusing the warning of the first
angel, they rejected the means which

216 The Great Controversy

am married unto you.” Jeremiah 3:14. Says the apostle James: “Ye adulterers
And Paul employs the same figure in and adulteresses, know ye not that the
the New Testament when he says: “I friendship of the world is enmity with
have espoused you to one husband, that God? whosoever therefore will be a
I may present you as a chaste virgin to friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:2.
The woman (Babylon) of Revelation
The unfaithfulness of the church to 17 is described as “arrayed in purple
Christ in permitting her confidence and and scarlet color, and decked with gold
affection to be turned from Him, and and precious stones and pearls, having
allowing the love of worldly things to a golden cup in her hand full of abomi-
occupy the soul, is likened to the viola- nations and filthiness: … and upon her
tion of the marriage vow. The sin of Israel forehead was a name written, Mystery,
in departing from the Lord is presented Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots.”
under this figure; and the wonderful Says the prophet: “I saw the woman
love of God which they thus despised is drunk with the blood of the saints, and
touchingly portrayed: “I sware unto thee, with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.”
and entered into a covenant with thee, Babylon is further declared to be “that
saith the Lord God, and thou becamest great city, which reigneth over the kings
Mine.” “And thou wast exceeding beauti- of the earth.” Revelation 17:4-6, 18. The
ful and thou didst prosper into a king- power that for so many centuries main-
dom. And thy renown went forth among tained despotic sway over the monarchs
the heathen for thy beauty: for it was of Christendom is Rome. The purple and
perfect through My comeliness, which scarlet color, the gold and precious stones
I had put upon thee. … But thou didst and pearls, vividly picture the mag-
trust in thine own beauty, and playedst nificence and more than kingly pomp
the harlot because of thy renown.” “As affected by the haughty see of Rome.
a wife treacherously departeth from And no other power could be so truly
her husband, so have ye dealt treacher- declared “drunken with the blood of the
ously with Me, O house of Israel, saith saints” as that church which has so cru-
the Lord;” “as a wife that committeth elly persecuted the followers of Christ.
adultery, which taketh strangers instead Babylon is also charged with the sin of
of her husband!” Ezekiel 16:8, 13-15, 32; unlawful connection with “the kings of
Jeremiah 3:20. the earth.” It was by departure from the
Lord, and alliance with the heathen, that
In the eighteenth chapter of the the Jewish church became a harlot; and
Revelation the people of God are Rome, corrupting herself in like manner
called upon to come out of Babylon. by seeking the support of worldly powers,
According to this scripture, many receives a like condemnation.
of God’s people must still be
in Babylon. Babylon is said to be “the mother
of harlots.” By her daughters must be
In the New Testament, language symbolized churches that cling to her
very similar is addressed to professed doctrines and traditions, and follow her
Christians who seek the friendship example of sacrificing the truth and the
of the world above the favor of God. approval of God, in order to form an
unlawful alliance with the world. The
message of Revelation 14, announcing
the fall of Babylon must apply to religious

A Warning Rejected 217

bodies that were once pure and have Besides a sinful union with the world,
become corrupt. Since this message the churches that separated from Rome
follows the warning of the judgment, it present other of her characteristics.
must be given in the last days; therefore
it cannot refer to the Roman Church A Roman Catholic work argues
alone, for that church has been in a fallen that “if the Church of Rome were ever
condition for many centuries. Further- guilty of idolatry in relation to the saints,
more, in the eighteenth chapter of the her daughter, the Church of England,
Revelation the people of God are called stands guilty of the same, which has
upon to come out of Babylon. According
to this scripture, many of God’s people The term “Babylon”—confusion—
must still be in Babylon. And in what may be appropriately applied to
religious bodies are the greater part of these bodies, all professing to
the followers of Christ now to be found? derive their doctrines from the
Without doubt, in the various churches Bible, yet divided into almost
professing the Protestant faith. At the innumerable sects, with widely
time of their rise these churches took a conflicting creeds and theories.
noble stand for God and the truth, and ten churches dedicated to Mary for one
His blessing was with them. Even the dedicated to Christ.”—Richard Chal-
unbelieving world was constrained to loner, The Catholic Christian Instructed,
acknowledge the beneficent results that Preface, pages 21, 22.
followed an acceptance of the principles
of the gospel. In the words of the prophet And Dr. Hopkins, in “A Treatise on
to Israel: “Thy renown went forth among the Millennium,” declares: “There is
the heathen for thy beauty: for it was no reason to consider the antichristian
perfect through My comeliness, which I spirit and practices to be confined to
had put upon thee, saith the Lord God.” that which is now called the Church of
But they fell by the same desire which Rome. The Protestant churches have
was the curse and ruin of Israel—the much of antichrist in them, and are far
desire of imitating the practices and from being wholly reformed from …
courting the friendship of the ungodly. corruptions and wickedness.”—Samuel
“Thou didst trust in thine own beauty, Hopkins, Works, vol. 2, p. 328.
and playedst the harlot because of thy
renown.” Ezekiel 16:14, 15. Concerning the separation of the
Presbyterian Church from Rome, Dr.
Many of the Protestant churches Guthrie writes: “Three hundred years
are following Rome’s example of iniq- ago, our church, with an open Bible
uitous connection with “the kings of on her banner, and this motto, ‘Search
the earth”—the state churches, by their the Scriptures,’ on her scroll, marched
relation to secular governments; and out from the gates of Rome.” Then he
other denominations, by seeking the asks the significant question: “Did they
favor of the world. And the term “Baby- come clean out of Babylon?”—Thomas
lon”—confusion—may be appropriately Guthrie, The Gospel in Ezekiel, page 237.
applied to these bodies, all professing to
derive their doctrines from the Bible, “The Church of England,” says
yet divided into almost innumerable Spurgeon, “seems to be eaten through
sects, with widely conflicting creeds and through with sacramentarianism;
and theories. but nonconformity appears to be almost

218 The Great Controversy

as badly riddled with philosophical but while in appearance Christians,
infidelity. Those of whom we thought many “remained in substance pagans,
better things are turning aside one by especially worshiping in secret their
one from the fundamentals of the faith. idolHs.”a—s Inbiodt., page 278.
Through and through, I believe, the very the same process been
heart of England is honeycombed with a repeated in nearly every church calling
damnable infidelity which dares still go itself Protestant? As the founders, those
into the pulpit and call itself Christian.” who possessed the true spirit of reform,
pass away, their descendants come
forward and “new-model the cause.”
While blindly clinging to the creed of
What was the origin of the great their fathers and refusing to accept any
apostasy? How did the church truth in advance of what they saw, the
first depart from the simplicity of children of the reformers depart widely
the gospel? By conforming to the from their example of humility, self-
practices of paganism, to facilitate denial, and renunciation of the world.
the acceptance of Christianity by Thus “the first simplicity disappears.” A
the heathen. worldly flood, flowing into the church,

What was the origin of the great carries “with it its customs, practices,
and idols.”
apostasy? How did the church first Alas, to what a fearful extent is
depart from the simplicity of the gos- that friendship of the world which is
pel? By conforming to the practices of “enmity with God,” now cherished
paganism, to facilitate the acceptance among the professed followers of Christ!
of Christianity by the heathen. The How widely have the popular churches
apostle Paul declared, even in his day, throughout Christendom departed from
“The mystery of iniquity doth already the Bible standard of humility, self-
work.” 2 Thessalonians 2:7. During the denial, simplicity, and godliness! Said
lives of the apostles the church remained John Wesley, in speaking of the right use
comparatively pure. But “toward the of money: “Do not waste any part of so
latter end of the second century most precious a talent, merely in gratifying
of the churches assumed a new form; the desire of the eye, by superfluous or
the first simplicity disappeared, and expensive apparel, or by needless orna-
insensibly, as the old disciples retired ments. Waste no part of it in curiously
to their graves, their children, along adorning your houses; in superfluous or
with new converts, … came forward expensive furniture; in costly pictures,
and new-modeled the cause.”—Robert painting, gilding. … Lay out nothing
Robinson, Ecclesiastical Researches, ch. to gratify the pride of life, to gain the
6, par. 17, p. 51. To secure converts, admiration or praise of men. … ‘So long
the exalted standard of the Christian as thou doest well unto thyself, men will
faith was lowered, and as the result “a speak good of thee.’ So long as thou art
pagan flood, flowing into the church, ‘clothed in purple and fine linen,’ and
carried with it its customs, practices, farest ‘sumptuously every day,’ no doubt
and idols.”—Gavazzi, reLliegcitounress,ecpuaregde many will applaud thy elegance of taste,
278. As the Christian thy generosity and hospitality. But do
the favor and support of secular rulers, not buy their applause so dear. Rather
it was nominally accepted by multitudes; be content with the honor that cometh

A Warning Rejected 219

from God.”—Wesley, Works, Sermon those who would secure its benefits
50, “The Use of Money.” But in many without squarely meeting its duties.”
churches of our time such teaching Says Howard Crosby: “It is a matter
is disregarded. of deep concern that we find Christ’s
church so little fulfilling the designs of its
A profession of religion has become Lord. Just as the ancient Jews let a famil-
popular with the world. Rulers, politi- iar communication with the idolatrous
cians, lawyers, doctors, merchants, join nations steal away their hearts from God,
the church as a means of securing the … so the church of Jesus now is, by its
respect and confidence of society, and false partnerships with an unbelieving
advancing their own worldly interests. world, giving up the divine methods of
Thus they seek to cover all their unrigh- its true life, and yielding itself to the per-
teous transactions under a profession nicious, though often plausible, habits of
of Christianity. The various religious a Christless society, using the arguments
bodies, re-enforced by the wealth and and reaching the conclusions which
influence of these baptized worldlings, are foreign to the revelation of God,
make a still higher bid for popularity and and directly antagonistic to all growth
patronage. Splendid churches, embel- in grace.”—The Healthy Christian: An
lished in the most extravagant manner, AppIenal ttohitshetCidheurochf , pages 141, 142.
are erected on popular avenues. The worldliness and
worshipers array themselves in costly pleasure seeking, self-denial and self-
and fashionable attire. A high salary is sacrifice for Christ’s sake are almost
paid for a talented minister to entertain wholly lost. “Some of the men and
and attract the people. His sermons women now in active life in our churches
must not touch popular sins, but be were educated, when children, to make
made smooth and pleasing for fashion- sacrifices in order to be able to give or
able ears. Thus fashionable sinners are do something for Christ.” But “if funds
enrolled on the church records, and are wanted now, … nobody must be
fashionable sins are concealed under a called on to give. Oh, no! have a fair,
pretense of godliness. tableau, mock trial, antiquarian supper,
or something to eat—anything to amuse
Commenting on the present at- the people.”
titude of professed Christians toward Governor Washburn of Wiscon-
the world, a leading secular journal sin in his annual message, January 9,
says: “Insensibly the church has yielded 1873, declared: “Some law seems to be
to the spirit of the age, and adapted its required to break up the schools where
forms of worship to modern wants.” gamblers are made. These are every-
“All things, indeed, that help to make where. Even the church (unwittingly,
religion attractive, the church now em- no doubt) is sometimes found doing the
ploys as its instruments.” And a writer in work of the devil. Gift concerts, gift en-
the New York Independent speaks thus terprises and raffles, sometimes in aid of
concerning Methodism as it is: “The religious or charitable objects, but often
line of separation between the godly for less worthy purposes, lotteries, prize
and the irreligious fades out into a kind packages, etc., are all devices to obtain
of penumbra, and zealous men on both money without value received. Nothing
sides are toiling to obliterate all differ- is so demoralizing or intoxicating, par-
ence between their modes of action and ticularly to the young, as the acquisition
enjoyment.” “The popularity of religion
tends vastly to increase the number of

220 The Great Controversy

of money or property without labor. word of God; but is it not too true that in
Respectable people engaging in these the churches of our time men are taught
chance enterprises, and easing their to rest their faith upon their creed and
consciences with the reflection that the the teachings of their church rather than
money is to go to a good object, it is not on the Scriptures? Said Charles Beecher,
strange that the youth of the state should speaking of the Protestant churches:
so often fall into the habits which the “They shrink from any rude word against
excitement of games of hazard is almost creeds with the same sensitiveness with
certain to engender.” which those holy fathers would have
shrunk from a rude word against the
The spirit of worldly conformity rising veneration of saints and martyrs
is invading the churches throughout which they were fostering. … The Prot-
Christendom. Robert Atkins, in a ser-
mon preached in London, draws a dark Rome withheld the Bible from the
picture of the spiritual declension that people and required all men to
prevails in England: “The truly righteous accept her teachings in its place. It
are diminished from the earth, and no was the work of the Reformation
man layeth it to heart. The professors to restore to men the word of
of religion of the present day, in every God; but is it not too true that
church, are lovers of the world, con- in the churches of our time men
formers to the world, lovers of creature are taught to rest their faith upon
comfort, and aspirers after respectabil- their creed and the teachings
ity. They are called to suffer with Christ, of their church rather than on
but they shrink from even reproach. … the Scriptures?
oAnpotshteasvye, raypofrstoansty,oafpeovsetarsyyc, ihsuerncghr;aavnend estant evangelical denominations have
did they know it, and did they feel it, so tied up one another’s hands, and their
there might be hope; but, alas! they cry, own, that, between them all, a man can-
‘We are rich, and increased in goods, and not become a preacher at all, anywhere,
stand in need of nothing.’ ”—Second without accepting some book besides
Advent Library, tract No. 39. the Bible. … There is nothing imaginary
in the statement that the creed power is
The great sin charged against Baby- now beginning to prohibit the Bible as
lon is that she “made all nations drink really as Rome did, though in a subtler
of the wine of the wrath of her fornica- way.”—Sermon on “The Bible a Suf-
tion.” This cup of intoxication which ficient Creed,” delivered at Fort Wayne,
she presents to the world represents the Indiana, Feb. 22, 1846.
false doctrines that she has accepted as
the result of her unlawful connection When faithful teachers expound the
with the great ones of the earth. Friend- word of God, there arise men of learn-
ship with the world corrupts her faith, ing, ministers professing to understand
and in her turn she exerts a corrupting the Scriptures, who denounce sound
influence upon the world by teaching doctrine as heresy, and thus turn away
doctrines which are opposed to the inquirers after truth. Were it not that
plainest statements of Holy Writ. the world is hopelessly intoxicated with
the wine of Babylon, multitudes would
Rome withheld the Bible from the
people and required all men to accept
her teachings in its place. It was the work
of the Reformation to restore to men the

A Warning Rejected 221

be convicted and converted by the plain, shall be fully accomplished throughout
cutting truths of the word of God. But Christendom, will the fall of Babylon
religious faith appears so confused and be complete. The change is a progres-
discordant that the people know not what sive one, and the perfect fulfillment of
to believe as truth. The sin of the world’s Revelation 14:8 is yet future.
impenitence lies at the door of the church.
The second angel’s message of Notwithstanding the spiritual
Revelation 14 was first preached in the darkness and alienation from God that
summer of 1844, and it then had a more exist in the churches which constitute
direct application to the churches of the Babylon, the great body of Christ’s
United States, where the warning of the true followers are still to be found in
judgment had been most widely pro- their communion. There are many of
claimed and most generally rejected, and these who have never seen the special
where the declension in the churches had truths for this time. Not a few are dis-
been most rapid. But the message of the satisfied with their present condition
second angel did not reach its complete and are longing for clearer light. They
fulfillment in 1844. The churches then look in vain for the image of Christ in
experienced a moral fall, in consequence the churches with which they are con-
of their refusal of the light of the advent nected. As these bodies depart further
message; but that fall was not complete. and further from the truth, and ally
As they have continued to reject the spe- themselves more closely with the world,
cial truths for this time they have fallen the difference between the two classes
lower and lower. Not yet, however, can it will widen, and it will finally result in
be said that “Babylon is fallen, … because separation. The time will come when
she made aolflhneartfioonrnsidcraitniokno.”f the wine of those who love God supremely can no
the wrath She has not longer remain in connection with such
yet made all nations do this. The spirit as are “lovers of pleasures more than lov-
of world conforming and indifference to ers of God; having a form of godliness,
the testing truths for our time exists and but denying the power thereof.”
has been gaining ground in churches of
the Protestant faith in all the countries Revelation 18 points to the time
of Christendom; and these churches when, as the result of rejecting the
are included in the solemn and terrible threefold warning of Revelation 14:6-
denunciation of the second angel. But 12, the church will have fully reached
the work of apostasy has not yet reached the condition foretold by the second
its culmination. angel, and the people of God still in
The Bible declares that before the Babylon will be called upon to separate
coming of the Lord, Satan will work from her communion. This message
“with all power and signs and lying is the last that will ever be given to the
wonders, and with all deceivableness world; and it will accomplish its work.
of unrighteousness;” and they that When those that “believed not the truth,
“received not the love of the truth, that but had pleasure in unrighteousness”
they might be saved,” will be left to re- (2 Thessalonians 2:12), shall be left to re-
ceive “strong delusion, that they should ceive strong delusion and to believe a lie,
believe a lie.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11. Not then the light of truth will shine upon all
until this condition shall be reached, and whose hearts are open to receive it, and
the union of the church with the world all the children of the Lord that remain
in Babylon will heed the call: “Come out
of her, My people” (Revelation 18:4).

CHAPTER 22

Prophecies Fulfilled

W hen the time passed at which readeth it. For the vision is yet for an
the Lord’s coming was first appointed time, but at the end it shall
expected,—in the spring of speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait
1844,—those who had looked in faith for it; because it will surely come, it will
for His appearing were for a season in- not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted
volved in doubt and uncertainty. While up is not upright in him: but the just shall
the world regarded them as having been live by his faith.”
utterly defeated and proved to have been
cherishing a delusion, their source of As early as 1842 the direction given
consolation was still the word of God. in this prophecy to “write the vision,
Many continued to search the Scrip- and make it plain upon tables, that he
tures, examining anew the evidences may run that readeth it,” had suggested
of their faith and carefully studying the to Charles Fitch the preparation of a
prophecies to obtain further light. The prophetic chart to illustrate the visions
Bible testimony in support of their posi- of Daniel and the Revelation. The
tion seemed clear and conclusive. Signs publication of this chart was regarded
which could not be mistaken pointed to as a fulfillment of the command given
the coming of Christ as near. The special by Habakkuk. No one, however, then
blessing of the Lord, both in the conver- noticed that an apparent delay in the ac-
sion of sinners and the revival of spiritual complishment of the vision—a tarrying
life among Christians, had testified that time—is presented in the same prophecy.
the message was of Heaven. And though After the disappointment, this scripture
the believers could not explain their dis- appeared very significant: “The vision
appointment, they felt assured that God is yet for an appointed time, but at the
had led them in their past experience. end it shall speak, and not lie: though it
tarry, wait for it; because it will surely
Interwoven with prophecies which come, it will not tarry. … The just shall
they had regarded as applying to the time live by his faith.”
of the second advent was instruction spe-
cially adapted to their state of uncertainty A portion of Ezekiel’s prophecy also
and suspense, and encouraging them to was a source of strength and comfort to
wait patiently in the faith that what was believers: “The word of the Lord came
now dark to their understanding would unto me, saying, Son of man, what is
in due time be made plain. that proverb that ye have in the land of
Israel, saying, The days are prolonged,
Among these prophecies was that of and every vision faileth? Tell them
Habakkuk 2:1-4: “I will stand upon my therefore, Thus saith the Lord God. …
watch, and set me upon the tower, and The days are at hand, and the effect of
will watch to see what He will say unto every vision. … I will speak, and the word
me, and what I shall answer when I am that I shall speak shall come to pass; it
reproved. And the Lord answered me, shall be no more prolonged.” “They of
and said, Write the vision, and make it the house of Israel say, The vision that
plain upon tables, that he may run that he seeth is for many days to come, and

Prophecies Fulfilled 223

he prophesieth of the times that are far oil with them: but the wise took oil in
off. Therefore say unto them, Thus saith their vessels with their lamps. While the
the Lord God; There shall none of My bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered
words be prolonged any more, but the and slept. And at midnight there was
word which I have spoken shall be done.” a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom
Ezekiel 12:21-25, 27, 28. cometh; go ye out to meet him.”

The waiting ones rejoiced, believing The coming of Christ, as announced
that He who knows the end from the by the first angel’s message, was under-
beginning had looked down through stood to be represented by the coming
the ages and, foreseeing their disappoint- of the bridegroom. The widespread
ment, had given them words of courage reformation under the proclamation of
and hope. Had it not been for such por- His soon coming, answered to the going
tions of Scripture, admonishing them to forth of the virgins. In this parable, as
wait with patience and to hold fast their in that of Matthew 24, two classes are
confidence in God’s word, their faith represented. All had taken their lamps,
would have failed in that trying hour. the Bible, and by its light had gone forth
to meet the Bridegroom. But while “they
The parable of the ten virgins of Mat- that were foolish took their lamps, and
thew 25 also illustrates the experience of took no oil with them,” “the wise took
the Adventist people. In Matthew 24, in oil in their vessels with their lamps.
answer to the question of His disciples The latter class had received the grace
concerning the sign of His coming and of of God, the regenerating, enlightening
the end of the world, Christ had pointed power of the Holy Spirit, which renders
out some of the most important events in His word a lamp to the feet and a light
the history of the world and of the church to the path. In the fear of God they had
from His first to His second advent; studied the Scriptures to learn the truth,
namely, the destruction of Jerusalem, and had earnestly sought for purity of
the great tribulation of the church under heart and life. These had a personal
the pagan and papal persecutions, the experience, a faith in God and in His
darkening of the sun and moon, and the word, which could not be overthrown by
falling of the stars. After this He spoke of disappointment and delay. Others “took
His coming in His kingdom, and related their lamps, and took no oil with them.”
the parable describing the two classes They had moved from impulse. Their
of servants who look for His appearing. fears had been excited by the solemn
Chapter 25 opens with the words: “Then message, but they had depended upon
shall the kingdom of heaven be likened the faith of their brethren, satisfied with
unto ten virgins.” Here is brought to view the flickering light of good emotions,
the church living in the last days, the without a thorough understanding of
same that is pointed out in the close of the truth or a genuine work of grace in
chapter 24. In this parable their experi- the heart. These had gone forth to meet
ence is illustrated by the incidents of an the Lord, full of hope in the prospect of
Eastern marriage. immediate reward; but they were not
prepared for delay and disappointment.
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven When trials came, their faith failed, and
be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lights burned dim.
their lamps, and went forth to meet the
bridegroom. And five of them were wise, “While the bridegroom tarried, they
and five were foolish. They that were all slumbered and slept.” By the tarrying
foolish took their lamps, and took no

224 The Great Controversy

of the bridegroom is represented the Then his agents stood ready to seize
passing of the time when the Lord was upon every error, every failure, every
expected, the disappointment, and the unbecoming act, and hold it up before
seeming delay. In this time of uncer- the people in the most exaggerated light,
tainty, the interest of the superficial and to render Adventists and their faith odi-
halfhearted soon began to waver, and ous. Thus the greater the number whom
their efforts to relax; but those whose he could crowd in to make a profession
faith was based on a personal knowl- of faith in the second advent while his
edge of the Bible had a rock beneath power controlled their hearts, the greater
their feet, which the waves of disap- advantage would he gain by calling at-
pointment could not wash away. “They tention to them as representatives of the
all slumbered and slept;” one class in whole body of believers.
unconcern and abandonment of their
faith, the other class patiently waiting till Satan is “the accuser of the brethren,”
clearer light should be given. Yet in the and it is his spirit that inspires men to
night of trial the latter seemed to lose, watch for the errors and defects of the
to some extent, their zeal and devotion. Lord’s people, and to hold them up to
The halfhearted and superficial could no notice, while their good deeds are passed
longer lean upon the faith of their breth- by without a mention. He is always active
ren. Each must stand or fall for himself. when God is at work for the salvation
of souls. When the sons of God come
About this time, fanaticism began to to present themselves before the Lord,
appear. Some who had professed to be Satan comes also among them. In every
zealous believers in the message rejected revival he is ready to bring in those who
the word of God as the one infallible are unsanctified in heart and unbalanced
guide and, claiming to be led by the in mind. When these have accepted
Spirit, gave themselves up to the control some points of truth, and gained a place
of their own feelings, impressions, and with believers, he works through them
imaginations. There were some who to introduce theories that will deceive
manifested a blind and bigoted zeal, the unwary. No man is proved to be a
denouncing all who would not sanc- true Christian because he is found in
tion their course. Their fanatical ideas company with the children of God, even
and exercises met with no sympathy in the house of worship and around the
from the great body of Adventists; yet table of the Lord. Satan is frequently
they served to bring reproach upon the there upon the most solemn occasions
cause of truth. in the form of those whom he can use
as his agents.
Satan was seeking by this means to
oppose and destroy the work of God. The prince of evil contests every inch
The people had been greatly stirred by of ground over which God’s people ad-
the advent movement, thousands of vance in their journey toward the heav-
sinners had been converted, and faith- enly city. In all the history of the church
ful men were giving themselves to the no reformation has been carried forward
work of proclaiming the truth, even without encountering serious obstacles.
in the tarrying time. The prince of evil Thus it was in Paul’s day. Wherever the
was losing his subjects; and in order to apostle raised up a church, there were
bring reproach upon the cause of God, some who professed to receive the faith,
he sought to deceive some who professed but who brought in heresies, that, if re-
the faith and to drive them to extremes. ceived, would eventually crowd out the

Prophecies Fulfilled 225

love of the truth. Luther also suffered word agree. If a man judges himself by
great perplexity and distress from the the word of God, and finds a perfect
course of fanatical persons who claimed harmony through the whole word, then
that God had spoken directly through he must believe he has the truth; but if he
them, and who therefore set their own finds the spirit by which he is led does
ideas and opinions above the testimony not harmonize with the whole tenor of
of the Scriptures. Many who were lack- God’s law or Book, then let him walk
ing in faith and experience, but who had carefully, lest he be caught in the snare
considerable self-sufficiency, and who of the devil.”—The Advent Herald and
loved to hear and tell some new thing, Signs of the Times Reporter, vol. 8, No.
were beguiled by the pretensions of the 23 (Jan. 15, 1845). “I have often obtained
new teachers, and they joined the agents more evidence of inward piety from a
of Satan in their work of tearing down kindling eye, a wet cheek, and a choked
what God had moved Luther to build utterance, than from all the noise in
up. And the Wesleys, and others who Christendom.”—Bliss, page 282.
blessed the world by their influence and
their faith, encountered at every step the In the days of the Reformation its
wiles of Satan in pushing overzealous, enemies charged all the evils of fanati-
unbalanced, and unsanctified ones into cism upon the very ones who were labor-
fanaticism of every grade. ing most earnestly against it. A similar
course was pursued by the opposers of
William Miller had no sympathy the advent movement. And not content
with those influences that led to fanati- with misrepresenting and exaggerating
cism. He declared, with Luther, that ev- the errors of extremists and fanatics,
ery spirit should be tested by the word they circulated unfavorable reports
of God. “The devil,” said Miller, “has that had not the slightest semblance of
great power over the minds of some at truth. These persons were actuated by
the present day. And how shall we know prejudice and hatred. Their peace was
what manner of spirit they are of ? The disturbed by the proclamation of Christ
Bible answers: ‘By their fruits ye shall at the door. They feared it might be true,
know them.’ … There are many spirits yet hoped it was not, and this was the
gone out into the world; and we are secret of their warfare against Adventists
commanded to try the spirits. The spirit and their faith.
that does not cause us to live soberly,
righteously, and godly, in this present The fact that a few fanatics worked
world, is not the Spirit of Christ. I am their way into the ranks of Adventists
more and more convinced that Satan has is no more reason to decide that the
much to do in these wild movements. movement was not of God than was
… Many among us who pretend to the presence of fanatics and deceivers
be wholly sanctified, are following the in the church in Paul’s or Luther’s day a
traditions of men, and apparently are as sufficient excuse for condemning their
ignorant of truth as others who make no work. Let the people of God arouse out
such pretensions.”—Bliss, pages 236, 237. of sleep and begin in earnest the work
“The spirit of error will lead us from the of repentance and reformation; let them
truth; and the Spirit of God will lead us search the Scriptures to learn the truth
into truth. But, say you, a man may be as it is in Jesus; let them make an entire
in an error, and think he has the truth. consecration to God, and evidence will
What then? We answer, The Spirit and not be wanting that Satan is still active
and vigilant. With all possible deception

226 The Great Controversy

he will manifest his power, calling to take place. This was made very clear
his aid all the fallen angels of his realm. as attention was given to the manner
in which the types relating to the first
It was not the proclamation of the advent of Christ had been fulfilled.
second advent that caused fanaticism
and division. These appeared in the sum- The slaying of the Passover lamb was
mer of 1844, when Adventists were in a a shadow of the death of Christ. Says
state of doubt and perplexity concern- Paul: “Christ our Passover is sacrificed
ing their real position. The preaching for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7. The sheaf
of the first angel’s message and of the of first fruits, which at the time of the
“midnight cry” tended directly to repress Passover was waved before the Lord, was
fanaticism and dissension. Those who typical of the resurrection of Christ. Paul
participated in these solemn movements says, in speaking of the resurrection of
were in harmony; their hearts were filled the Lord and of all His people: “Christ
with love for one another and for Jesus, the first fruits; afterward they that are
whom they expected soon to see. The Christ’s at His coming.” 1 Corinthians
one faith, the one blessed hope, lifted 15:23. Like the wave sheaf, which was
them above the control of any human the first ripe grain gathered before the
influence, and proved a shield against harvest, Christ is the first fruits of that
the assaults of Satan. immortal harvest of redeemed ones
that at the future resurrection shall be
“While the bridegroom tarried, gathered into the garner of God.
they all slumbered and slept. And at
midnight there was a cry made, Behold, These types were fulfilled, not only
the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to as to the event, but as to the time. On the
meet him. Then all those virgins arose, fourteenth day of the first Jewish month,
and trimmed their lamps.” Matthew the very day and month on which for
25:5-7. In the summer of 1844, midway fifteen long centuries the Passover lamb
between the time when it had been first had been slain, Christ, having eaten the
thought that the 2300 days would end, Passover with His disciples, instituted
and the autumn of the same year, to that feast which was to commemorate
which it was afterward found that they His own death as “the Lamb of God,
extended, the message was proclaimed which taketh away the sin of the world.”
in the very words of Scripture: “Behold, That same night He was taken by wicked
the Bridegroom cometh!” hands to be crucified and slain. And as
the antitype of the wave sheaf our Lord
That which led to this movement was was raised from the dead on the third
the discovery that the decree of Artax- day, “the first fruits of them that slept,” a
erxes for the restoration of Jerusalem, sample of all the resurrected just, whose
which formed the starting point for the “vile body” shall be changed, and “fash-
period of the 2300 days, went into ef- ioned like unto His glorious body.” Verse
fect in the autumn of the year 457 B.C., 20; Philippians 3:21.
and not at the beginning of the year, as
had been formerly believed. Reckoning In like manner the types which relate
from the autumn of 457, the 2300 years to the second advent must be fulfilled
terminate in the autumn of 1844. at the time pointed out in the symbolic
service. Under the Mosaic system the
Arguments drawn from the Old Tes- cleansing of the sanctuary, or the great
tament types also pointed to the autumn Day of Atonement, occurred on the
as the time when the event represented tenth day of the seventh Jewish month
by the “cleansing of the sanctuary” must

Prophecies Fulfilled 227

(Leviticus 16:29-34), when the high ecstatic joy, but rather deep searching
priest, having made an atonement for all of heart, confession of sin, and forsak-
Israel, and thus removed their sins from ing of the world. A preparation to meet
the sanctuary, came forth and blessed the the Lord was the burden of agonizing
people. So it was believed that Christ, spirits. There was persevering prayer
our great High Priest, would appear to and unreserved consecration to God.
purify the earth by the destruction of
sin and sinners, and to bless His waiting Said Miller in describing that work:
people with immortality. The tenth day “There is no great expression of joy: that
of the seventh month, the great Day of is, as it were, suppressed for a future oc-
Atonement, the time of the cleansing of casion, when all heaven and earth will
the sanctuary, which in the year 1844 rejoice together with joy unspeakable
fell upon the twenty-second of October, and full of glory. There is no shouting:
was regarded as the time of the Lord’s that, too, is reserved for the shout from
coming. This was in harmony with the heaven. The singers are silent: they are
proofs already presented that the 2300 waiting to join the angelic hosts, the choir
days would terminate in the autumn, from heaven. … There is no clashing of
and the conclusion seemed irresistible. sentiments: all are of one heart and of
one mind.”—Bliss, pages 270, 271.
In the parable of Matthew 25 the
time of waiting and slumber is followed Another who participated in the
by the coming of the bridegroom. This movement testified: “It produced ev-
was in accordance with the arguments erywhere the most deep searching of
just presented, both from prophecy and heart and humiliation of soul before the
from the types. They carried strong God of high heaven. It caused a wean-
conviction of their truthfulness; and ing of affections from the things of this
the “midnight cry” was heralded by world, a healing of controversies and
thousands of believers. animosities, a confession of wrongs, a
breaking down before God, and penitent,
Like a tidal wave the movement brokenhearted supplications to Him for
swept over the land. From city to city, pardon and acceptance. It caused self-
from village to village, and into remote abasement and prostration of soul, such
country places it went, until the wait- as we never before witnessed. As God by
ing people of God were fully aroused. Joel commanded, when the great day of
Fanaticism disappeared before this God should be at hand, it produced a
proclamation like early frost before the rending of hearts and not of garments,
rising sun. Believers saw their doubt and and a turning unto the Lord with fasting,
perplexity removed, and hope and cour- and weeping, and mourning. As God
age animated their hearts. The work was said by Zechariah, a spirit of grace and
free from those extremes which are ever supplication was poured out upon His
manifested when there is human excite- children; they looked to Him whom they
ment without the controlling influence had pierced, there was a great mourn-
of the word and Spirit of God. It was ing in the land, … and those who were
similar in character to those seasons of looking for the Lord afflicted their souls
humiliation and returning unto the Lord before Him.”—Bliss, in Advent Shield and
which among ancient Israel followed Review, vol. I, p. 271 (January, 1845).
messages of reproof from His servants.
It bore the characteristics that mark the Of all the great religious move-
work of God in every age. There was little ments since the days of the apostles,
none have been more free from human

228 The Great Controversy

imperfection and the wiles of Satan than helped to swell the shout: “Blessed is He
was that of the autumn of 1844. Even that cometh in the name of the Lord!”
now, after the lapse of many years, all Matthew 21:9. In like manner did un-
who shared in that movement and who believers who flocked to the Adventist
have stood firm upon the platform of meetings—some from curiosity, some
truth still feel the holy influence of that merely to ridicule—feel the convincing
blessed work and bear witness that it power attending the message: “Behold,
was of God. the Bridegroom cometh!”

At the call, “The Bridegroom co- At that time there was faith that
meth; go ye out to meet Him,” the waiting brought answers to prayer—faith that
ones “arose and trimmed their lamps;” had respect to the recompense of reward.
they studied the word of God with an Like showers of rain upon the thirsty
intensity of interest before unknown. earth, the Spirit of grace descended upon
Angels were sent from heaven to arouse the earnest seekers. Those who expected
those who had become discouraged and soon to stand face to face with their Re-
prepare them to receive the message. deemer felt a solemn joy that was unut-
The work did not stand in the wisdom terable. The softening, subduing power
and learning of men, but in the power of the Holy Spirit melted the heart as His
of God. It was not the most talented, blessing was bestowed in rich measure
but the most humble and devoted, who upon the faithful, believing ones.
were the first to hear and obey the call.
Farmers left their crops standing in the Carefully and solemnly those who
fields, mechanics laid down their tools, received the message came up to the
and with tears and rejoicing went out time when they hoped to meet their
to give the warning. Those who had Lord. Every morning they felt that it was
formerly led in the cause were among their first duty to secure the evidence of
the last to join in this movement. The their acceptance with God. Their hearts
churches in general closed their doors were closely united, and they prayed
against this message, and a large com- much with and for one another. They
pany of those who received it withdrew often met together in secluded places
from their connection. In the providence to commune with God, and the voice
of God this proclamation united with the of intercession ascended to heaven from
second angel’s message and gave power the fields and groves. The assurance of
to that work. the Saviour’s approval was more neces-
sary to them than their daily food; and
The message, “Behold, the Bride- if a cloud darkened their minds, they
groom cometh!” was not so much a did not rest until it was swept away. As
matter of argument, though the Scripture they felt the witness of pardoning grace,
proof was clear and conclusive. There they longed to behold Him whom their
went with it an impelling power that souls loved.
moved the soul. There was no doubt,
no questioning. Upon the occasion of But again they were destined to
Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem disappointment. The time of expectation
the people who were assembled from all passed, and their Saviour did not appear.
parts of the land to keep the feast flocked With unwavering confidence they had
to the Mount of Olives, and as they joined looked forward to His coming, and now
the throng that were escorting Jesus they they felt as did Mary when, coming to
caught the inspiration of the hour and the Saviour’s tomb and finding it empty,
she exclaimed with weeping: “They have

Prophecies Fulfilled 229

taken away my Lord, and I know not advent. When Jesus rode triumphantly
where they have laid Him.” John 20:13. into Jerusalem, His followers believed
that He was about to ascend the throne
A feeling of awe, a fear that the mes- of David and deliver Israel from her
sage might be true, had for a time served oppressors. With high hopes and joyful
as a restraint upon the unbelieving world. anticipations they vied with one another
After the passing of the time this did not in showing honor to their King. Many
at once disappear; at first they dared not spread their outer garments as a carpet in
triumph over the disappointed ones; but His path, or strewed before Him the leafy
as no tokens of God’s wrath were seen, branches of the palm. In their enthusi-
they recovered from their fears and astic joy they united in the glad acclaim:
resumed their reproach and ridicule. A “Hosanna to the Son of David!” When
large class who had professed to believe the Pharisees, disturbed and angered by
in the Lord’s soon coming, renounced this outburst of rejoicing, wished Jesus
their faith. Some who had been very to rebuke His disciples, He replied: “If
confident were so deeply wounded in these should hold their peace, the stones
their pride that they felt like fleeing from would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:40.
the world. Like Jonah, they complained Prophecy must be fulfilled. The disciples
of God, and chose death rather than life. were accomplishing the purpose of God;
Those who had based their faith upon yet they were doomed to a bitter disap-
the opinions of others, and not upon the pointment. But a few days had passed ere
word of God, were now as ready again to they witnessed the Saviour’s agonizing
change their views. The scoffers won the death, and laid Him in the tomb. Their
weak and cowardly to their ranks, and expectations had not been realized in a
all these united in declaring that there single particular, and their hopes died
could be no more fears or expectations with Jesus. Not till their Lord had come
now. The time had passed, the Lord had forth triumphant from the grave could
not come, and the world might remain they perceive that all had been foretold
the same for thousands of years. by prophecy, and “that Christ must needs
have suffered, and risen again from the
The earnest, sincere believers had dead.” Acts 17:3.
given up all for Christ and had shared
His presence as never before. They had, Five hundred years before, the Lord
as they believed, given their last warning had declared by the prophet Zechariah:
to the world; and, expecting soon to be “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion;
received into the society of their divine shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold,
Master and the heavenly angels, they had, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just,
to a great extent, withdrawn from the and having salvation; lowly, and riding
society of those who did not receive the upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of
message. With intense desire they had an ass.” Zechariah 9:9. Had the disciples
prayed: “Come, Lord Jesus, and come realized that Christ was going to judg-
quickly.” But He had not come. And now ment and to death, they could not have
to take up again the heavy burden of life’s fulfilled this prophecy.
cares and perplexities, and to endure the
taunts and sneers of a scoffing world, In like manner Miller and his as-
was a terrible trial of faith and patience. sociates fulfilled prophecy and gave a
message which Inspiration had foretold
Yet this disappointment was not should be given to the world, but which
so great as was that experienced by they could not have given had they fully
the disciples at the time of Christ’s first

230 The Great Controversy

understood the prophecies pointing out extended their period of probation; yet
their disappointment, and presenting the message of Jonah was sent of God,
another message to be preached to all and Nineveh was tested according to His
nations before the Lord should come. will. Adventists believed that in like man-
The first and second angel’s messages ner God had led them to give the warning
were given at the right time and accom- of the judgment. “It has,” they declared,
plished the work which God designed to “tested the hearts of all who heard it,
accomplish by them. and awakened a love for the Lord’s ap-
pearing; or it has called forth a hatred,
The world had been looking on, more or less perceivable, but known to
expecting that if the time passed and God, of His coming. It has drawn a line,
Christ did not appear, the whole system … so that those who will examine their
of Adventism would be given up. But own hearts, may know on which side of
while many, under strong temptation, it they would have been found, had the
yielded their faith, there were some Lord then come—whether they would
who stood firm. The fruits of the advent have exclaimed, ‘Lo! this is our God, we
movement, the spirit of humility and have waited for Him, and He will save
heart searching, of renouncing of the us;’ or whether they would have called
world and reformation of life, which had to the rocks and mountains to fall on
attended the work, testified that it was them to hide them from the face of Him
of God. They dared not deny that the that sitteth on the throne, and from the
power of the Holy Spirit had witnessed wrath of the Lamb. God thus, as we
to the preaching of the second advent, believe, has tested His people, has tried
and they could detect no error in their their faith, has proved them, and seen
reckoning of the prophetic periods. whether they would shrink, in the hour
The ablest of their opponents had not of trial, from the position in which He
succeeded in overthrowing their system might see fit to place them; and whether
of prophetic interpretation. They could they would relinquish this world and rely
not consent, without Bible evidence, with implicit confidence in the word of
to renounce positions which had been God.”—The Advent Herald and Signs of
reached through earnest, prayerful study the Times Reporter, vol. 8, No. 14 (Nov
of the Scriptures, by minds enlightened 13, 1844).
by the Spirit of God and hearts burning
with its living power; positions which The feelings of those who still be-
had withstood the most searching criti- lieved that God had led them in their past
cisms and the most bitter opposition of experience are expressed in the words
popular religious teachers and worldly- of William Miller: “Were I to live my
wise men, and which had stood firm life over again, with the same evidence
against the combined forces of learning that I then had, to be honest with God
and eloquence, and the taunts and revil- and man I should have to do as I have
ings alike of the honorable and the base. done.” “I hope that I have cleansed my
garments from the blood of souls. I feel
True, there had been a failure as to that, as far as it was in my power, I have
the expected event, but even this could freed myself from all guilt in their con-
not shake their faith in the word of God. demnation.” “Although I have been twice
When Jonah proclaimed in the streets of disappointed,” wrote this man of God, “I
Nineveh that within forty days the city am not yet cast down or discouraged. …
would be overthrown, the Lord accepted My hope in the coming of Christ is as
the humiliation of the Ninevites and

Prophecies Fulfilled 231

strong as ever. I have done only what, of the Lord’s coming: “For yet a little
after years of solemn consideration, I felt while, and He that shall come will come
it my solemn duty to do. If I have erred, and will not tarry.” And it is plainly
it has been on the side of charity, love to implied that there would be a seeming
my fellow men, and conviction of duty delay and that the Lord would appear
to God.” “One thing I do know, I have to tarry. The instruction here given is
preached nothing but what I believed; especially adapted to the experience of
and God has been with me; His power Adventists at this time. The people here
has been manifested in the work, and addressed were in danger of making
much good has been effected.” “Many shipwreck of faith. They had done the
thousands, to all human appearance, will of God in following the guidance of
have been made to study the Scriptures His Spirit and His word; yet they could
by the preaching of the time; and by that not understand His purpose in their
means, through faith and the sprinkling past experience, nor could they discern
of the blood of Christ, have been rec- the pathway before them, and they
onciled to God.”—Bliss, pages 256, 255, were tempted to doubt whether God
277, 280, 281. “I have never courted the had indeed been leading them. At this
smiles of the proud, nor quailed when time the words were applicable: “Now
the world frowned. I shall not now pur- the just shall live by faith.” As the bright
chase their favor, nor shall I go beyond light of the “midnight cry” had shone
duty to tempt their hate. I shall never upon their pathway, and they had seen
seek my life at their hands, nor shrink, I the prophecies unsealed and the rapidly
hope, from losing it, if God in His good fulfilling signs telling that the coming
WpromvG.idMoedinldlceierd,spnoaoogtrefdo3err1ss5a.”k.—e HJ. iWs pheiotep,lLei;fHe oisf of Christ was near, they had walked, as
Spirit still abode with those who did not it were, by sight. But now, bowed down
rashly deny the light which they had re- by disappointed hopes, they could stand
ceived, and denounce the advent move- only by faith in God and in His word.
ment. In the Epistle to the Hebrews are The scoffing world were saying: “You
words of encouragement and warning have been deceived. Give up your faith,
for the tried, waiting ones at this crisis: and say that the advent movement was
“Cast not away therefore your confi- of Satan.” But God’s word declared: “If
dence, which hath great recompense of any man draw back, My soul shall have
reward. For ye have need of patience, no pleasure in him.” To renounce their
that, after ye have done the will of God, ye faith now, and deny the power of the
might receive the promise. For yet a little Holy Spirit which had attended the
while, and He that shall come will come, message, would be drawing back toward
and will not tarry. Now the just shall live perdition. They were encouraged to
by faith: but if any man draw back, My steadfastness by the words of Paul: “Cast
soul shall have no pleasure in him. But not away therefore your confidence;” “ye
we are not of them who draw back unto have need of patience,” “for yet a little
perdition; but of them that believe to the while, and He that shall come will come,
saving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:35-39. and will not tarry.” Their only safe course
was to cherish the light which they had
That this admonition is addressed already received of God, hold fast to
to the church in the last days is evident His promises, and continue to search
from the words pointing to the nearness the Scriptures, and patiently wait and
watch to receive further light.

CHAPTER 23

What Is the Sanctuary?

T he scripture which above all be given for this except that Christ had
others had been both the founda- not come at the time they expected Him.
tion and the central pillar of the They argued that if the prophetic days
advent faith was the declaration: “Unto had ended in 1844, Christ would then
two thousand and three hundred days; have returned to cleanse the sanctuary
then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” by the purification of the earth by fire;
Daniel 8:14. These had been familiar and that since He had not come, the days
words to all believers in the Lord’s soon could not have ended.
coming. By the lips of thousands was this
prophecy repeated as the watchword of To accept this conclusion was to re-
their faith. All felt that upon the events nounce the former reckoning of the pro-
therein foretold depended their bright- phetic periods. The 2300 days had been
est expectations and most cherished found to begin when the commandment
hopes. These prophetic days had been of Artaxerxes for the restoration and
shown to terminate in the autumn of building of Jerusalem went into effect,
1844. In common with the rest of the in the autumn of 457 B.C. Taking this
Christian world, Adventists then held as the starting point, there was perfect
that the earth, or some portion of it, harmony in the application of all the
was the sanctuary. They understood events foretold in the explanation of
that the cleansing of the sanctuary was that period in Daniel 9:25-27. Sixty-
the purification of the earth by the fires nine weeks, the first 483 of the 2300
of the last great day, and that this would years, were to reach to the Messiah, the
take place at the second advent. Hence Anointed One; and Christ’s baptism and
the conclusion that Christ would return anointing by the Holy Spirit, A.D. 27,
to the earth in 1844. exactly fulfilled the specification. In the
midst of the seventieth week, Messiah
“And he said unto me, Unto two was to be cut off. Three and a half years
thousand and three hundred after His baptism, Christ was crucified,
days; then shall the sanctuary be in the spring of A.D. 31. The seventy
cleansed.” Daniel 8:14. weeks, or 490 years, were to pertain
especially to the Jews. At the expiration
But the appointed time had passed, of this period the nation sealed its rejec-
and the Lord had not appeared. The tion of Christ by the persecution of His
believers knew that God’s word could disciples, and the apostles turned to the
not fail; their interpretation of the Gentiles, A.D. 34. The first 490 years of
prophecy must be at fault; but where was the 2300 having then ended, 1810 years
the mistake? Many rashly cut the knot would remain. From A.D. 34, 1810 years
of difficulty by denying that the 2300 extend to 1844. “Then,” said the angel,
days ended in 1844. No reason could “shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” All the
preceding specifications of the prophecy
had been unquestionably fulfilled at the
time appointed.

What Is the Sanctuary? 233

With this reckoning, all was clear Hebrews, says: “Then verily the first
and harmonious, except that it was not covenant had also ordinances of divine
seen that any event answering to the service, and a worldly sanctuary. For
cleansing of the sanctuary had taken there was a tabernacle made; the first,
place in 1844. To deny that the days wherein was the candlestick, and the
ended at that time was to involve the table, and the shewbread; which is called
whole question in confusion, and to the sanctuary. And after the second veil,
renounce positions which had been the tabernacle which is called the holiest
established by unmistakable fulfillments of all; which had the golden censer, and
of prophecy. the ark of the covenant overlaid round
about with gold, wherein was the golden
But God had led His people in the pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that
great advent movement; His power and budded, and the tables of the covenant;
glory had attended the work, and He and over it the cherubims of glory shad-
would not permit it to end in darkness owing the mercy seat.” Hebrews 9:1-5.
and disappointment, to be reproached
as a false and fanatical excitement. He The sanctuary to which Paul here
would not leave His word involved in refers was the tabernacle built by Moses
doubt and uncertainty. Though many at the command of God as the earthly
abandoned their former reckoning of dwelling place of the Most High. “Let
the prophetic periods and denied the them make Me a sanctuary; that I may
correctness of the movement based dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8), was
thereon, others were unwilling to re- the direction given to Moses while in
nounce points of faith and experience the mount with God. The Israelites
that were sustained by the Scriptures were journeying through the wilderness,
and by the witness of the Spirit of God. and the tabernacle was so constructed
They believed that they had adopted that it could be removed from place to
sound principles of interpretation in place; yet it was a structure of great mag-
their study of the prophecies, and that nificence. Its walls consisted of upright
it was their duty to hold fast the truths boards heavily plated with gold and set
already gained, and to continue the same in sockets of silver, while the roof was
course of Biblical research. With earnest formed of a series of curtains, or cover-
prayer they reviewed their position and ings, the outer of skins, the innermost
studied the Scriptures to discover their of fine linen beautifully wrought with
mistake. As they could see no error in figures of cherubim. Besides the outer
their reckoning of the prophetic periods, court, which contained the altar of burnt
they were led to examine more closely offering, the tabernacle itself consisted
the subject of the sanctuary. of two apartments called the holy and
the most holy place, separated by a rich
In their investigation they learned and beautiful curtain, or veil; a similar
that there is no Scripture evidence sus- veil closed the entrance to the first
taining the popular view that the earth apartment.
is the sanctuary; but they found in the
Bible a full explanation of the subject of In the holy place was the candlestick,
the sanctuary, its nature, location, and on the south, with its seven lamps giving
services; the testimony of the sacred light to the sanctuary both by day and
writers being so clear and ample as to by night; on the north stood the table of
place the matter beyond all question. shewbread; and before the veil separat-
The apostle Paul, in the Epistle to the ing the holy from the most holy was the

234 The Great Controversy

golden altar of incense, from which the the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle,
cloud of fragrance, with the prayers of which the Lord pitched, and not man.”
Israel, was daily ascending before God. Hebrews 8:1, 2.

In the most holy place stood the ark, Here is revealed the sanctuary of the
a chest of precious wood overlaid with new covenant. The sanctuary of the first
gold, the depository of the two tables of covenant was pitched by man, built by
stone upon which God had inscribed the Moses; this is pitched by the Lord, not
law of Ten Commandments. Above the by man. In that sanctuary the earthly
ark, and forming the cover to the sacred priests performed their service; in this,
chest, was the mercy seat, a magnificent Christ, our great High Priest, ministers
piece of workmanship, surmounted by at God’s right hand. One sanctuary was
two cherubim, one at each end, and all on earth, the other is in heaven.
wrought of solid gold. In this apartment
the divine presence was manifested in Further, the tabernacle built by Mo-
the cloud of glory between the cherubim. ses was made after a pattern. The Lord
directed him: “According to all that I
After the settlement of the He- show thee, after the pattern of the tab-
brews in Canaan, the tabernacle was ernacle, and the pattern of all the instru-
replaced by the temple of Solomon, ments thereof, even so shall ye make it.”
which, though a permanent structure And again the charge was given, “Look
and upon a larger scale, observed the that thou make them after their pattern,
same proportions, and was similarly which was showed thee in the mount.”
furnished. In this form the sanctuary Exodus 25:9, 40. And Paul says that the
existed—except while it lay in ruins in first tabernacle “was a figure for the time
Daniel’s time—until its destruction by then present, in which were offered both
the Romans, in A.D. 70. gifts and sacrifices;” that its holy places
were “patterns of things in the heavens;”
This is the only sanctuary that ever that the priests who offered gifts accord-
existed on the earth, of which the Bible ing to the law served “unto the example
gives any information. This was declared and shadow of heavenly things,” and that
by Paul to be the sanctuary of the first “Christ is not entered into the holy places
covenant. But has the new covenant no made with hands, which are the figures
sanctuary? of the true; but into heaven itself, now
to appear in the presence of God for us.”
Turning again to the book of He- Hebrews 9:9, 23; 8:5; 9:24.
brews, the seekers for truth found that
the existence of a second, or new-cove- The sanctuary in heaven, in which
nant sanctuary, was implied in the words Jesus ministers in our behalf, is the great
of Paul already quoted: “Then verily the original, of which the sanctuary built
first covenant had also ordinances of by Moses was a copy. God placed His
divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.” Spirit upon the builders of the earthly
And the use of the word “also” intimates sanctuary. The artistic skill displayed
that Paul has before made mention of in its construction was a manifestation
this sanctuary. of divine wisdom. The walls had the
appearance of massive gold, reflect-
Turning back to the beginning of the ing in every direction the light of the
previous chapter, they read: “Now of the seven lamps of the golden candlestick.
things which we have spoken this is the The table of shewbread and the altar of
sum: We have such an High Priest, who incense glittered like burnished gold.
is set on the right hand of the throne of
the Majesty in the heavens; a Minister of

What Is the Sanctuary? 235

The gorgeous curtain which formed the of God was opened” (Revelation 11:19),
ceiling, inwrought with figures of angels and he looked within the inner veil, upon
in blue and purple and scarlet, added the holy of holies. Here he beheld “the
to the beauty of the scene. And beyond ark of His testament,” represented by
the second veil was the holy Shekinah, the sacred chest constructed by Moses
the visible manifestation of God’s glory, to contain the law of God.
before which none but the high priest
could enter and live. Thus those who were studying the
subject found indisputable proof of
The matchless splendor of the the existence of a sanctuary in heaven.
earthly tabernacle reflected to human Moses made the earthly sanctuary after
vision the glories of that heavenly temple a pattern which was shown him. Paul
where Christ our forerunner ministers teaches that that pattern was the true
for us before the throne of God. The sanctuary which is in heaven. And John
abiding place of the King of kings, where testifies that he saw it in heaven.
thousand thousands minister unto Him,
and ten thousand times ten thousand In the temple in heaven, the dwelling
stand before Him (Daniel 7:10); that place of God, His throne is established
temple, filled with the glory of the eter- in righteousness and judgment. In the
nal throne, where seraphim, its shining most holy place is His law, the great
guardians, veil their faces in adoration, rule of right by which all mankind are
could find, in the most magnificent tested. The ark that enshrines the tables
structure ever reared by human hands, of the law is covered with the mercy seat,
but a faint reflection of its vastness and before which Christ pleads His blood in
glory. Yet important truths concerning the sinner’s behalf. Thus is represented
the heavenly sanctuary and the great the union of justice and mercy in the
work there carried forward for man’s plan of human redemption. This union
redemption were taught by the earthly infinite wisdom alone could devise and
sanctuary and its services. infinite power accomplish; it is a union
that fills all heaven with wonder and
The holy places of the sanctuary in adoration. The cherubim of the earthly
heaven are represented by the two apart- sanctuary, looking reverently down
ments in the sanctuary on earth. As in upon the mercy seat, represent the
vision the apostle John was granted a interest with which the heavenly host
view of the temple of God in heaven, he contemplate the work of redemption.
beheld there “seven lamps of fire burning This is the mystery of mercy into which
before the throne.” Revelation 4:5. He angels desire to look—that God can be
saw an angel “having a golden censer; just while He justifies the repenting
and there was given unto him much sinner and renews His communication
incense, that he should offer it with the with the fallen race; that Christ could
prayers of all saints upon the golden stoop to raise unnumbered multitudes
altar which was before the throne.” from the abyss of ruin and clothe them
Revelation 8:3. Here the prophet was with the spotless garments of His own
permitted to behold the first apartment righteousness to unite with angels who
of the sanctuary in heaven; and he saw have never fallen and to dwell forever
there the “seven lamps of fire” and “the in the presence of God.
golden altar,” represented by the golden
candlestick and the altar of incense in the The work of Christ as man’s interces-
sanctuary on earth. Again, “the temple sor is presented in that beautiful prophe-
cy of Zechariah concerning Him “whose

236 The Great Controversy

name is the Branch.” Says the prophet: life. The wounded hands, the pierced
“He shall build the temple of the Lord; side, the marred feet, plead for fallen
and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit man, whose redemption was purchased
and rule upon His [the Father’s] throne; at such infinite cost.
and He shall be a priest upon His throne:
and the counsel of peace shall be between “And the counsel of peace shall be
Them both.” Zechariah 6:12, 13. between Them both.” The love of the
Father, no less than of the Son, is the
“He shall build the temple of the fountain of salvation for the lost race.
Lord.” By His sacrifice and mediation Said Jesus to His disciples before He
Christ is both the foundation and the went away: “I say not unto you, that
builder of the church of God. The I will pray the Father for you: for the
apostle Paul points to Him as “the chief Father Himself loveth you.” John 16:26,
Cornerstone; in whom all the building 27. God was “in Christ, reconciling the
fitly framed together groweth into an world unto Himself.” 2 Corinthians 5:19.
holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye And in the ministration in the sanctuary
also,” he says, “are builded together for above, “the counsel of peace shall be
an habitation of God through the Spirit.” between Them both.” “God so loved the
Ephesians 2:20-22. world, that He gave His only-begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in Him
“He shall bear the glory.” To Christ should not perish, but have everlasting
belongs the glory of redemption for the life.” John 3:16.
fallen race. Through the eternal ages,
the song of the ransomed ones will be: The question, What is the sanctuary?
“Unto Him that loved us, and washed is clearly answered in the Scriptures. The
us from our sins in His own blood, … term “sanctuary,” as used in the Bible,
to Him be glory and dominion for ever refers, first, to the tabernacle built by
and ever.” Revelation 1:5, 6. Moses, as a pattern of heavenly things;
and, secondly, to the “true tabernacle” in
He “shall sit and rule upon His heaven, to which the earthly sanctuary
throne; and He shall be a priest upon His pointed. At the death of Christ the typi-
throne.” Not now “upon the throne of cal service ended. The “true tabernacle”
His glory;” the kingdom of glory has not in heaven is the sanctuary of the new
yet been ushered in. Not until His work covenant. And as the prophecy of Daniel
as a mediator shall be ended will God 8:14 is fulfilled in this dispensation,
“give unto Him the throne of His father the sanctuary to which it refers must
David,” a kingdom of which “there shall be the sanctuary of the new covenant.
be no end.” Luke 1:32, 33. As a priest, At the termination of the 2300 days,
Christ is now set down with the Father in 1844, there had been no sanctuary
in His throne. Revelation 3:21. Upon on earth for many centuries. Thus the
the throne with the eternal, self-existent prophecy, “Unto two thousand and three
One is He who “hath borne our griefs, hundred days; then shall the sanctuary
and carried our sorrows,” who “was in be cleansed,” unquestionably points to
all points tempted like as we are, yet the sanctuary in heaven.
without sin,” that He might be “able to
succor them that are tempted.” “If any But the most important question
man sin, we have an advocate with the remains to be answered: What is the
Father.” Isaiah 53:4; Hebrews 4:15; 2:18; cleansing of the sanctuary? That there
1 John 2:1. His intercession is that of a was such a service in connection with
pierced and broken body, of a spotless the earthly sanctuary is stated in the

What Is the Sanctuary? 237

Old Testament Scriptures. But can there the life of the transgressor. The blood,
be anything in heaven to be cleansed? representing the forfeited life of the
In Hebrews 9 the cleansing of both the sinner, whose guilt the victim bore, was
earthly and the heavenly sanctuary is carried by the priest into the holy place
plainly taught. “Almost all things are by and sprinkled before the veil, behind
the law purged with blood; and without which was the ark containing the law
shedding of blood is no remission. It was that the sinner had transgressed. By
therefore necessary that the patterns of this ceremony the sin was, through the
things in the heavens should be purified blood, transferred in figure to the sanc-
with these [the blood of animals]; but the tuary. In some cases the blood was not
heavenly things themselves with better taken into the holy place; but the flesh
sacrifices than these” (Hebrews 9:22, was then to be eaten by the priest, as
23), even the precious blood of Christ. Moses directed the sons of Aaron, say-
ing: “God hath given it you to bear the
The cleansing, both in the typical iniquity of the congregation.” Leviticus
and in the real service, must be ac- 10:17. Both ceremonies alike symbolized
complished with blood: in the former, the transfer of the sin from the penitent
with the blood of animals; in the latter, to the sanctuary.
with the blood of Christ. Paul states,
as the reason why this cleansing must Such was the work that went on, day
be performed with blood, that without by day, throughout the year. The sins
shedding of blood is no remission. of Israel were thus transferred to the
Remission, or putting away of sin, is sanctuary, and a special work became
the work to be accomplished. But how necessary for their removal. God com-
could there be sin connected with the manded that an atonement be made
sanctuary, either in heaven or upon the for each of the sacred apartments. “He
earth? This may be learned by reference shall make an atonement for the holy
to the symbolic service; for the priests place, because of the uncleanness of the
who officiated on earth, served “unto children of Israel, and because of their
the example and shadow of heavenly transgressions in all their sins: and so
things.” Hebrews 8:5. shall he do for the tabernacle of the con-
gregation, that remaineth among them
The ministration of the earthly in the midst of their uncleanness.” An
sanctuary consisted of two divisions; atonement was also to be made for the
the priests ministered daily in the holy altar, to “cleanse it, and hallow if from
place, while once a year the high priest the uncleanness of the children of Israel.”
performed a special work of atonement Leviticus 16:16, 19.
in the most holy, for the cleansing of
the sanctuary. Day by day the repentant Once a year, on the great Day of
sinner brought his offering to the door Atonement, the priest entered the
of the tabernacle and, placing his hand most holy place for the cleansing of the
upon the victim’s head, confessed his sanctuary. The work there performed
sins, thus in figure transferring them completed the yearly round of ministra-
from himself to the innocent sacrifice. tion. On the Day of Atonement two kids
The animal was then slain. “Without of the goats were brought to the door
shedding of blood,” says the apostle, of the tabernacle, and lots were cast
there is no remission of sin. “The life upon them, “one lot for the Lord, and
of the flesh is in the blood.” Leviticus the other lot for the scapegoat.” Verse 8.
17:11. The broken law of God demanded The goat upon which fell the lot for the

238 The Great Controversy

Lord was to be slain as a sin offering for entirely released from the condemna-
the people. And the priest was to bring tion of the law. On the Day of Atone-
his blood within the veil and sprinkle ment the high priest, having taken an
it upon the mercy seat and before the offering from the congregation, went
mercy seat. The blood was also to be into the most holy place with the blood
sprinkled upon the altar of incense that of this offering, and sprinkled it upon
was before the veil. the mercy seat, directly over the law, to
make satisfaction for its claims. Then,
“And Aaron shall lay both his in his character of mediator, he took the
hands upon the head of the live goat, sins upon himself and bore them from
and confess over him all the iniquities the sanctuary. Placing his hands upon
of the children of Israel, and all their the head of the scapegoat, he confessed
transgressions in all their sins, putting over him all these sins, thus in figure
them upon the head of the goat, and shall transferring them from himself to the
send him away by the hand of a fit man goat. The goat then bore them away, and
into the wilderness: and the goat shall they were regarded as forever separated
bear upon him all their iniquities unto from the people.
a land not inhabited.” Verses 21, 22. The
scapegoat came no more into the camp Such was the service performed
of Israel, and the man who led him away “unto the example and shadow of heav-
was required to wash himself and his enly things.” And what was done in type
clothing with water before returning in the ministration of the earthly sanctu-
to the camp. ary is done in reality in the ministration
of the heavenly sanctuary. After His
The whole ceremony was designed ascension our Saviour began His work
to impress the Israelites with the holiness as our high priest. Says Paul: “Christ is
of God and His abhorrence of sin; and, not entered into the holy places made
further, to show them that they could with hands, which are the figures of
not come in contact with sin without the true; but into heaven itself, now to
becoming polluted. Every man was appear in the presence of God for us.”
required to afflict his soul while this Hebrews 9:24.
work of atonement was going forward.
All business was to be laid aside, and The ministration of the priest
the whole congregation of Israel were throughout the year in the first apart-
to spend the day in solemn humiliation ment of the sanctuary, “within the veil”
before God, with prayer, fasting, and which formed the door and separated
deep searching of heart. the holy place from the outer court,
represents the work of ministration
Important truths concerning the upon which Christ entered at His as-
atonement are taught by the typical cension. It was the work of the priest in
service. A substitute was accepted in the daily ministration to present before
the sinner’s stead; but the sin was not God the blood of the sin offering, also
canceled by the blood of the victim. A the incense which ascended with the
means was thus provided by which it was prayers of Israel. So did Christ plead
transferred to the sanctuary. By the of- His blood before the Father in behalf
fering of blood the sinner acknowledged of sinners, and present before Him
the authority of the law, confessed his also, with the precious fragrance of
guilt in transgression, and expressed His own righteousness, the prayers of
his desire for pardon through faith in a penitent believers. Such was the work
Redeemer to come; but he was not yet