The Seven Last PlaguesIllustration.Marshaling Of The Nations. "And he gathered them together into a place called ... Armageddon." Rev. 16:16.1. What is God's final warning against false worship?“If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.”Rev. 14:9, 10.Note.—During probationary time God's wrath is always tempered, or mingled, with mercy. Thus the prophet Habakkuk prays,“In wrath remember mercy.”Hab. 3:2. God's wrath unmixed with mercy is visited only when mercy has done its final work and evil has gone to the limit, so that there is“no remedy.”See Gen. 6:3; 15:16; 19:12, 13; 2 Chron. 36:16; Matt. 23:37, 38; Luke 19:42-44; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7.2. In what is the wrath of God filled up?“And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels havingthe seven last plagues; forin them is filled up the wrath of God.”Rev. 15:1.3. How does Joel describe the day of the Lord?“Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.”“For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?”Joel 1:15; 2:11.[pg 302]4. What has Daniel said of this time?“And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”Dan. 12:1. See Eze. 7:15-19.Note.—The seven last plagues will be the most terrible scourges ever visited upon man. As Ahab accused Elijah of being the cause of Israel's calamities (1 Kings 18:17, 18), so, in the time of trouble, the wicked and those who have departed from God will be enraged at the righteous, will accuse them as being the cause of the plagues, and will seek to destroy them as did Haman the Jews. See Esther 3:8-14. But God will miraculously deliver His people at this time as He did then.5. What will be the first plague, and upon whom will it fall?“And the first went, and poured out his vial uponthe earth; andthere fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshiped his image.”Rev. 16:2.6. What will constitute the second plague?“And the second angel poured out his vial uponthe sea; andit became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.”Verse 3.7. What will be the third plague?“And the third angel poured out his vial uponthe rivers and fountains of waters; andthey became blood.”Verse 4.Note.—The second plague affects the sea. The third plague comes closer to the habitations of men, and affects the land. The water supplies are contaminated.8. Why, under these plagues, does the Lord give men blood to drink?“For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and Thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.”Verse 6.Note.—In this is shown God's abhorrence of oppression and persecution. The plagues are God's rebukes against colossal forms of sin.9. What will be the fourth plague?“And the fourth angel poured out his vial uponthe sun; andpower was given unto him to scorch men with fire.”Verse 8. See Joel 1:16-20.Note.—Sun-worship is the most ancient and wide-spread of all forms of idolatry. In this plague God manifests His displeasure at this form of idolatry. That which men have worshiped as a god, becomes a plague and tormentor. Thus it was in the plagues of Egypt. Those things which the Egyptians had worshiped became scourges to them instead of benefactors[pg 303]and blessings. See“The Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation,”by“An American Citizen,”chapter 3.10. Will even this terrible judgment lead men to repent?“And men were scorched with great heat, andblasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: andthey repented not to give Him glory.”Verse 9.11. What will be the fifth plague?“And the fifth angel poured out his vial uponthe seat of the beast; andhis kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain.”Verse 10.Note.—This plague strikes at the very seat of the great apostasy of the latter days, the Papacy. It will doubtless be similar in effect to the like plague in Egypt, which was a darkness that could“be felt.”Ex. 10:21-23. By this plague that iniquitous, haughty, and apostate spiritual despotism which has set itself up as possessing all truth, and as being the light of the world, is enshrouded in midnight darkness.12. What takes place under the sixth plague?“And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great riverEuphrates; andthe water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the East might be prepared.”Verse 12.Note.—This, we understand, refers to the drying up of the Turkish Empire by the great world powers preparatory to the battle of Armageddon. See preceding reading.13. What gathers the nations to the battle of Armageddon?“And I sawthree unclean spiritslike frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they arethe spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.... And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.”Verses 13-16.Note.—This scripture shows that it is the spirit of Satan which incites men to war, and explains why the great nations of the world are now making such preparations for war. The dragon represents paganism; the beast, the Papacy; and the false prophet, apostate Protestantism,—the three great religious apostasies since the flood. The plain Esdraelon, in southwestern Galilee, is the Armageddon here referred to. See note on page99.14. At this time what event is imminent?“Behold, I come as a thief.Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”Verse 15.[pg 304]15. What takes place under the seventh plague?“And the seventh angel poured out his vial intothe air.... And there werevoices, andthunders, andlightnings; andthere was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts,and the cities of the nations fell.”Verses 17-19.16. What accompanies the earthquake?“And there fell upon mena great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.”Verse 21. See Job 38:22, 23; Ps. 7:11-13.17. What will the Lord be to His people at this time?“The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake:but the Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”Joel 3:16. See Jer. 25:30, 31; Haggai 2:21; Heb.12:26; Ps. 91:5-10.Note.—To prepare His people and the world for these terrible judgments, the Lord, as in the days of Noah, sends a warning message to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. See Rev. 14:6-10.18. Just before the pouring out of the plagues, what call does God send to His people still in Babylon?“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying,Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.”Rev. 18:4, 5. See Gen. 19:12-17; Jer. 51:6; and page 254.Note.—As before the flood, many of God's people will doubtless be laid away to rest shortly before the time of trouble. See Isa. 57:1; Rev. 14:13. Referring to the time before the flood, an ancient book says:“And all men who walked in the ways of the Lord, died in those days, before the Lord brought the evil upon man which He had declared, for this was from the Lord, that they should not see the evil which the Lord spoke of concerning the sons of men.”—Book of Jasher 4:20.See also chapter 5:21 of the same book.19. How suddenly will the plagues come upon modern Babylon?“Therefore shall her plagues comein one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.... For inone houris thy judgment come.”Rev. 18:8-10.[pg 305]20. What famine will come at this time upon those who have rejected God's messages of mercy?“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, thatI will send a famine in the land; not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.”Amos 8:11, 12. See Luke 13:25; Prov. 1:24-26; Heb. 12:15-17.21. What announcement is made under the seventh plague?“And there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying,It is done.”Rev. 16:17.Note.—God made man to bless him. Gen. 1:28. When His blessings are abused, He withholds them, to teach men their source and their proper use. Haggai 1:7-11. Judgments are sent that men may“learn righteousness.”Isa. 25:9; 1 Kings 17:1. That men do not repent under the plagues is no evidence that God has ceased to be merciful and forgiving. They simply demonstrate that all have determined their destiny, and that even the severest judgments of God will not move the ungodly and impenitent to repentance.22. Just preceding Christ's second coming, what solemn decree will go forth showing that the cases of all have been decided?“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”Rev. 22:11, 12.23. What psalms seem to have been written especially for the comfort and encouragement of God's people during the time of the seven last plagues?Psalms 91 and 46. See also Isa. 33:13-17.The great decisive day is at hand!The day when Christ will come,To call His children homeAnd to seal the sinner's doom,Is at hand.Where will the sinner hide in that day?It will be in vain to call,“Ye mountains on us fall,”For His hand will find out allIn that day.[pg 306]The Mystery Of God FinishedIllustration.Watchman, What Of The Night? "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ." Rev. 11:15.1. Following his description of the sixth trumpet, what did John see?“And I sawanother mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun.”Rev. 10:1.2. What did he have in his hand?“And he had in his handa little book open.”Verse 2.Note.—The book of Daniel, which was to be“sealed,”or closed, till the time of the end, is doubtless referred to here. See Dan. 12:4, 9.3. What solemn announcement did this angel make?“And the angel which I saw ... lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by Him that liveth forever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, ...that there should be time no longer.”Rev. 10:5, 6.Note.—Not literal nor probationary time, but prophetic time. The 2300-day period, which ended in 1844, must be alluded to here. See page230. No prophetic period in the Bible reaches beyond this.4. What did the angel say was to be finished when the seventh trumpet was about to sound?“But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound,the mystery of Godshould be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets.”Verse 7.Note.—The mystery of God is the gospel. Eph. 3:1-6; Gal. 1:11, 12. The gospel, then, is to be finished as the seventh trumpet is about to sound.5. What was John told to do with the little book?“Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel ... andeat it up.”Verses 8, 9.[pg 307]6. What was to be the result of the eating of this book?“It shallmake thy belly bitter, but it shall bein thy mouth sweet as honey.”Verse 9, last part.7. What does the apostle say of his experience in this matter?“And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouthsweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly wasbitter.”Verse 10.Note.—In this is most strikingly foretold the experience of those who proclaimed the advent and judgment-hour message of 1843-44. Joyous in the hope that Christ was coming then, like the early disciples regarding His first advent (Luke 24:21; Acts 1:6, 7), they were bitterly disappointed, and found that there was still a work on earth for them to do, as did the early disciples following the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.8. What words of the angel to John show that both literal and probationary time were to continue yet for a time, and that God had a still further message for the world?“And he said unto me,Thou must prophesy againbefore many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.”Verse 11.Note.—The message of Revelation 10 is the same as that of Rev. 14:6, 7; and the later messages of Rev. 14:8-12 answer to the instruction,“Thou mustprophesy again,”of Rev. 10:11. But all are last-day messages, and indicate that the end of all things is near at hand.How long, O Lord our Saviour,Wilt Thou remain away?Our hearts are growing wearyOf Thy so long delay.O when shall come the momentWhen, brighter far than morn,The sunshine of Thy gloryShall on Thy people dawn?How long, O gracious Master,Wilt Thou Thy household leave?So long hast Thou now tarried,Few Thy return believe.Immersed in sloth and folly,Thy servants, Lord, we see;And few of us stand readyWith joy to welcome Thee.O, wake Thy slumbering people;Send forth the solemn cry;Let all the saints repeat it,—“The Saviour draweth nigh!”May all our lamps be burning,Our loins well girded be,Each longing heart preparingWith joy Thy face to see.[pg 308]Great Lines of ProphecyThe Great Image of Daniel 2.This prophecy, written over twenty-five hundred years ago, is one of the greatest, briefest, and most comprehensive prophecies in the Bible. Under the symbol of a great metallic image, the rise and fall of nations is outlined till the end of time and the setting up of God's everlasting kingdom. See reading on page204.The Four Beasts of Daniel 7.This line of prophecy covers the same ground as that of Daniel 2, but with additional features introduced, especially that concerning the development and work of the“little horn”power of the fourth beast, under which God's people were to be oppressed until delivered and placed in possession of the kingdom“forever and ever.”See reading on page213.The 2300 Days of Daniel 8.This prophecy, after tracing the course of empire down through Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, introduces the longest prophetic period in the Bible, reaching from the beginning of the movement to restore and build Jerusalem before Christ's first advent, to a similar work to be performed by God's people in the last days preparatory to Christ's second advent. See reading on page230.The Seventy Weeks of Daniel 9.This prophecy fixes the date of the beginning of the 2300 days, of which the seventy weeks are a part; definitely marks the time of Christ's first advent; and briefly refers to the“consummation”and the overthrow of the last of earthly kingdoms. See pages232-236.The Standing Up of Michael—Daniel 11 and 12.A literal prophecy tracing the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms from the early rulers of Persia in the sixth centuryb.c., to the overthrow of Turkey, the“king of the north,”and the“standing up,”or reign, of Michael, the Great Prince, which is Christ. See page296.The Prophecies of the Revelation.These are supplemental to the prophecies of Daniel. Under the Seven Churches, the Seven Seals, the Seven Trumpets, the Great Red Dragon, the Leopard Beast, and the Two-Horned Beast, the history and experience of the church and of earthly kingdoms are traced during the Christian era, to the end of the age. See pages301-310.Christ's Great Prophecy.Christ's claim to being a prophet, and the greatest of all prophets, is fully established by His prophecy recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. In this He depicts minutely the destruction of Jerusalem, the great tribulation of the Dark Ages, and the signs that were to herald His second coming. See pages311-325.
The Seven Last PlaguesIllustration.Marshaling Of The Nations. "And he gathered them together into a place called ... Armageddon." Rev. 16:16.1. What is God's final warning against false worship?“If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.”Rev. 14:9, 10.Note.—During probationary time God's wrath is always tempered, or mingled, with mercy. Thus the prophet Habakkuk prays,“In wrath remember mercy.”Hab. 3:2. God's wrath unmixed with mercy is visited only when mercy has done its final work and evil has gone to the limit, so that there is“no remedy.”See Gen. 6:3; 15:16; 19:12, 13; 2 Chron. 36:16; Matt. 23:37, 38; Luke 19:42-44; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7.2. In what is the wrath of God filled up?“And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels havingthe seven last plagues; forin them is filled up the wrath of God.”Rev. 15:1.3. How does Joel describe the day of the Lord?“Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.”“For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?”Joel 1:15; 2:11.[pg 302]4. What has Daniel said of this time?“And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”Dan. 12:1. See Eze. 7:15-19.Note.—The seven last plagues will be the most terrible scourges ever visited upon man. As Ahab accused Elijah of being the cause of Israel's calamities (1 Kings 18:17, 18), so, in the time of trouble, the wicked and those who have departed from God will be enraged at the righteous, will accuse them as being the cause of the plagues, and will seek to destroy them as did Haman the Jews. See Esther 3:8-14. But God will miraculously deliver His people at this time as He did then.5. What will be the first plague, and upon whom will it fall?“And the first went, and poured out his vial uponthe earth; andthere fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshiped his image.”Rev. 16:2.6. What will constitute the second plague?“And the second angel poured out his vial uponthe sea; andit became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.”Verse 3.7. What will be the third plague?“And the third angel poured out his vial uponthe rivers and fountains of waters; andthey became blood.”Verse 4.Note.—The second plague affects the sea. The third plague comes closer to the habitations of men, and affects the land. The water supplies are contaminated.8. Why, under these plagues, does the Lord give men blood to drink?“For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and Thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.”Verse 6.Note.—In this is shown God's abhorrence of oppression and persecution. The plagues are God's rebukes against colossal forms of sin.9. What will be the fourth plague?“And the fourth angel poured out his vial uponthe sun; andpower was given unto him to scorch men with fire.”Verse 8. See Joel 1:16-20.Note.—Sun-worship is the most ancient and wide-spread of all forms of idolatry. In this plague God manifests His displeasure at this form of idolatry. That which men have worshiped as a god, becomes a plague and tormentor. Thus it was in the plagues of Egypt. Those things which the Egyptians had worshiped became scourges to them instead of benefactors[pg 303]and blessings. See“The Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation,”by“An American Citizen,”chapter 3.10. Will even this terrible judgment lead men to repent?“And men were scorched with great heat, andblasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: andthey repented not to give Him glory.”Verse 9.11. What will be the fifth plague?“And the fifth angel poured out his vial uponthe seat of the beast; andhis kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain.”Verse 10.Note.—This plague strikes at the very seat of the great apostasy of the latter days, the Papacy. It will doubtless be similar in effect to the like plague in Egypt, which was a darkness that could“be felt.”Ex. 10:21-23. By this plague that iniquitous, haughty, and apostate spiritual despotism which has set itself up as possessing all truth, and as being the light of the world, is enshrouded in midnight darkness.12. What takes place under the sixth plague?“And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great riverEuphrates; andthe water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the East might be prepared.”Verse 12.Note.—This, we understand, refers to the drying up of the Turkish Empire by the great world powers preparatory to the battle of Armageddon. See preceding reading.13. What gathers the nations to the battle of Armageddon?“And I sawthree unclean spiritslike frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they arethe spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.... And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.”Verses 13-16.Note.—This scripture shows that it is the spirit of Satan which incites men to war, and explains why the great nations of the world are now making such preparations for war. The dragon represents paganism; the beast, the Papacy; and the false prophet, apostate Protestantism,—the three great religious apostasies since the flood. The plain Esdraelon, in southwestern Galilee, is the Armageddon here referred to. See note on page99.14. At this time what event is imminent?“Behold, I come as a thief.Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”Verse 15.[pg 304]15. What takes place under the seventh plague?“And the seventh angel poured out his vial intothe air.... And there werevoices, andthunders, andlightnings; andthere was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts,and the cities of the nations fell.”Verses 17-19.16. What accompanies the earthquake?“And there fell upon mena great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.”Verse 21. See Job 38:22, 23; Ps. 7:11-13.17. What will the Lord be to His people at this time?“The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake:but the Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”Joel 3:16. See Jer. 25:30, 31; Haggai 2:21; Heb.12:26; Ps. 91:5-10.Note.—To prepare His people and the world for these terrible judgments, the Lord, as in the days of Noah, sends a warning message to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. See Rev. 14:6-10.18. Just before the pouring out of the plagues, what call does God send to His people still in Babylon?“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying,Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.”Rev. 18:4, 5. See Gen. 19:12-17; Jer. 51:6; and page 254.Note.—As before the flood, many of God's people will doubtless be laid away to rest shortly before the time of trouble. See Isa. 57:1; Rev. 14:13. Referring to the time before the flood, an ancient book says:“And all men who walked in the ways of the Lord, died in those days, before the Lord brought the evil upon man which He had declared, for this was from the Lord, that they should not see the evil which the Lord spoke of concerning the sons of men.”—Book of Jasher 4:20.See also chapter 5:21 of the same book.19. How suddenly will the plagues come upon modern Babylon?“Therefore shall her plagues comein one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.... For inone houris thy judgment come.”Rev. 18:8-10.[pg 305]20. What famine will come at this time upon those who have rejected God's messages of mercy?“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, thatI will send a famine in the land; not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.”Amos 8:11, 12. See Luke 13:25; Prov. 1:24-26; Heb. 12:15-17.21. What announcement is made under the seventh plague?“And there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying,It is done.”Rev. 16:17.Note.—God made man to bless him. Gen. 1:28. When His blessings are abused, He withholds them, to teach men their source and their proper use. Haggai 1:7-11. Judgments are sent that men may“learn righteousness.”Isa. 25:9; 1 Kings 17:1. That men do not repent under the plagues is no evidence that God has ceased to be merciful and forgiving. They simply demonstrate that all have determined their destiny, and that even the severest judgments of God will not move the ungodly and impenitent to repentance.22. Just preceding Christ's second coming, what solemn decree will go forth showing that the cases of all have been decided?“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”Rev. 22:11, 12.23. What psalms seem to have been written especially for the comfort and encouragement of God's people during the time of the seven last plagues?Psalms 91 and 46. See also Isa. 33:13-17.The great decisive day is at hand!The day when Christ will come,To call His children homeAnd to seal the sinner's doom,Is at hand.Where will the sinner hide in that day?It will be in vain to call,“Ye mountains on us fall,”For His hand will find out allIn that day.[pg 306]The Mystery Of God FinishedIllustration.Watchman, What Of The Night? "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ." Rev. 11:15.1. Following his description of the sixth trumpet, what did John see?“And I sawanother mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun.”Rev. 10:1.2. What did he have in his hand?“And he had in his handa little book open.”Verse 2.Note.—The book of Daniel, which was to be“sealed,”or closed, till the time of the end, is doubtless referred to here. See Dan. 12:4, 9.3. What solemn announcement did this angel make?“And the angel which I saw ... lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by Him that liveth forever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, ...that there should be time no longer.”Rev. 10:5, 6.Note.—Not literal nor probationary time, but prophetic time. The 2300-day period, which ended in 1844, must be alluded to here. See page230. No prophetic period in the Bible reaches beyond this.4. What did the angel say was to be finished when the seventh trumpet was about to sound?“But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound,the mystery of Godshould be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets.”Verse 7.Note.—The mystery of God is the gospel. Eph. 3:1-6; Gal. 1:11, 12. The gospel, then, is to be finished as the seventh trumpet is about to sound.5. What was John told to do with the little book?“Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel ... andeat it up.”Verses 8, 9.[pg 307]6. What was to be the result of the eating of this book?“It shallmake thy belly bitter, but it shall bein thy mouth sweet as honey.”Verse 9, last part.7. What does the apostle say of his experience in this matter?“And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouthsweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly wasbitter.”Verse 10.Note.—In this is most strikingly foretold the experience of those who proclaimed the advent and judgment-hour message of 1843-44. Joyous in the hope that Christ was coming then, like the early disciples regarding His first advent (Luke 24:21; Acts 1:6, 7), they were bitterly disappointed, and found that there was still a work on earth for them to do, as did the early disciples following the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.8. What words of the angel to John show that both literal and probationary time were to continue yet for a time, and that God had a still further message for the world?“And he said unto me,Thou must prophesy againbefore many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.”Verse 11.Note.—The message of Revelation 10 is the same as that of Rev. 14:6, 7; and the later messages of Rev. 14:8-12 answer to the instruction,“Thou mustprophesy again,”of Rev. 10:11. But all are last-day messages, and indicate that the end of all things is near at hand.How long, O Lord our Saviour,Wilt Thou remain away?Our hearts are growing wearyOf Thy so long delay.O when shall come the momentWhen, brighter far than morn,The sunshine of Thy gloryShall on Thy people dawn?How long, O gracious Master,Wilt Thou Thy household leave?So long hast Thou now tarried,Few Thy return believe.Immersed in sloth and folly,Thy servants, Lord, we see;And few of us stand readyWith joy to welcome Thee.O, wake Thy slumbering people;Send forth the solemn cry;Let all the saints repeat it,—“The Saviour draweth nigh!”May all our lamps be burning,Our loins well girded be,Each longing heart preparingWith joy Thy face to see.[pg 308]Great Lines of ProphecyThe Great Image of Daniel 2.This prophecy, written over twenty-five hundred years ago, is one of the greatest, briefest, and most comprehensive prophecies in the Bible. Under the symbol of a great metallic image, the rise and fall of nations is outlined till the end of time and the setting up of God's everlasting kingdom. See reading on page204.The Four Beasts of Daniel 7.This line of prophecy covers the same ground as that of Daniel 2, but with additional features introduced, especially that concerning the development and work of the“little horn”power of the fourth beast, under which God's people were to be oppressed until delivered and placed in possession of the kingdom“forever and ever.”See reading on page213.The 2300 Days of Daniel 8.This prophecy, after tracing the course of empire down through Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, introduces the longest prophetic period in the Bible, reaching from the beginning of the movement to restore and build Jerusalem before Christ's first advent, to a similar work to be performed by God's people in the last days preparatory to Christ's second advent. See reading on page230.The Seventy Weeks of Daniel 9.This prophecy fixes the date of the beginning of the 2300 days, of which the seventy weeks are a part; definitely marks the time of Christ's first advent; and briefly refers to the“consummation”and the overthrow of the last of earthly kingdoms. See pages232-236.The Standing Up of Michael—Daniel 11 and 12.A literal prophecy tracing the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms from the early rulers of Persia in the sixth centuryb.c., to the overthrow of Turkey, the“king of the north,”and the“standing up,”or reign, of Michael, the Great Prince, which is Christ. See page296.The Prophecies of the Revelation.These are supplemental to the prophecies of Daniel. Under the Seven Churches, the Seven Seals, the Seven Trumpets, the Great Red Dragon, the Leopard Beast, and the Two-Horned Beast, the history and experience of the church and of earthly kingdoms are traced during the Christian era, to the end of the age. See pages301-310.Christ's Great Prophecy.Christ's claim to being a prophet, and the greatest of all prophets, is fully established by His prophecy recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. In this He depicts minutely the destruction of Jerusalem, the great tribulation of the Dark Ages, and the signs that were to herald His second coming. See pages311-325.
The Seven Last PlaguesIllustration.Marshaling Of The Nations. "And he gathered them together into a place called ... Armageddon." Rev. 16:16.1. What is God's final warning against false worship?“If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.”Rev. 14:9, 10.Note.—During probationary time God's wrath is always tempered, or mingled, with mercy. Thus the prophet Habakkuk prays,“In wrath remember mercy.”Hab. 3:2. God's wrath unmixed with mercy is visited only when mercy has done its final work and evil has gone to the limit, so that there is“no remedy.”See Gen. 6:3; 15:16; 19:12, 13; 2 Chron. 36:16; Matt. 23:37, 38; Luke 19:42-44; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7.2. In what is the wrath of God filled up?“And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels havingthe seven last plagues; forin them is filled up the wrath of God.”Rev. 15:1.3. How does Joel describe the day of the Lord?“Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.”“For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?”Joel 1:15; 2:11.[pg 302]4. What has Daniel said of this time?“And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”Dan. 12:1. See Eze. 7:15-19.Note.—The seven last plagues will be the most terrible scourges ever visited upon man. As Ahab accused Elijah of being the cause of Israel's calamities (1 Kings 18:17, 18), so, in the time of trouble, the wicked and those who have departed from God will be enraged at the righteous, will accuse them as being the cause of the plagues, and will seek to destroy them as did Haman the Jews. See Esther 3:8-14. But God will miraculously deliver His people at this time as He did then.5. What will be the first plague, and upon whom will it fall?“And the first went, and poured out his vial uponthe earth; andthere fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshiped his image.”Rev. 16:2.6. What will constitute the second plague?“And the second angel poured out his vial uponthe sea; andit became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.”Verse 3.7. What will be the third plague?“And the third angel poured out his vial uponthe rivers and fountains of waters; andthey became blood.”Verse 4.Note.—The second plague affects the sea. The third plague comes closer to the habitations of men, and affects the land. The water supplies are contaminated.8. Why, under these plagues, does the Lord give men blood to drink?“For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and Thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.”Verse 6.Note.—In this is shown God's abhorrence of oppression and persecution. The plagues are God's rebukes against colossal forms of sin.9. What will be the fourth plague?“And the fourth angel poured out his vial uponthe sun; andpower was given unto him to scorch men with fire.”Verse 8. See Joel 1:16-20.Note.—Sun-worship is the most ancient and wide-spread of all forms of idolatry. In this plague God manifests His displeasure at this form of idolatry. That which men have worshiped as a god, becomes a plague and tormentor. Thus it was in the plagues of Egypt. Those things which the Egyptians had worshiped became scourges to them instead of benefactors[pg 303]and blessings. See“The Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation,”by“An American Citizen,”chapter 3.10. Will even this terrible judgment lead men to repent?“And men were scorched with great heat, andblasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: andthey repented not to give Him glory.”Verse 9.11. What will be the fifth plague?“And the fifth angel poured out his vial uponthe seat of the beast; andhis kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain.”Verse 10.Note.—This plague strikes at the very seat of the great apostasy of the latter days, the Papacy. It will doubtless be similar in effect to the like plague in Egypt, which was a darkness that could“be felt.”Ex. 10:21-23. By this plague that iniquitous, haughty, and apostate spiritual despotism which has set itself up as possessing all truth, and as being the light of the world, is enshrouded in midnight darkness.12. What takes place under the sixth plague?“And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great riverEuphrates; andthe water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the East might be prepared.”Verse 12.Note.—This, we understand, refers to the drying up of the Turkish Empire by the great world powers preparatory to the battle of Armageddon. See preceding reading.13. What gathers the nations to the battle of Armageddon?“And I sawthree unclean spiritslike frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they arethe spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.... And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.”Verses 13-16.Note.—This scripture shows that it is the spirit of Satan which incites men to war, and explains why the great nations of the world are now making such preparations for war. The dragon represents paganism; the beast, the Papacy; and the false prophet, apostate Protestantism,—the three great religious apostasies since the flood. The plain Esdraelon, in southwestern Galilee, is the Armageddon here referred to. See note on page99.14. At this time what event is imminent?“Behold, I come as a thief.Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”Verse 15.[pg 304]15. What takes place under the seventh plague?“And the seventh angel poured out his vial intothe air.... And there werevoices, andthunders, andlightnings; andthere was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts,and the cities of the nations fell.”Verses 17-19.16. What accompanies the earthquake?“And there fell upon mena great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.”Verse 21. See Job 38:22, 23; Ps. 7:11-13.17. What will the Lord be to His people at this time?“The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake:but the Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”Joel 3:16. See Jer. 25:30, 31; Haggai 2:21; Heb.12:26; Ps. 91:5-10.Note.—To prepare His people and the world for these terrible judgments, the Lord, as in the days of Noah, sends a warning message to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. See Rev. 14:6-10.18. Just before the pouring out of the plagues, what call does God send to His people still in Babylon?“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying,Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.”Rev. 18:4, 5. See Gen. 19:12-17; Jer. 51:6; and page 254.Note.—As before the flood, many of God's people will doubtless be laid away to rest shortly before the time of trouble. See Isa. 57:1; Rev. 14:13. Referring to the time before the flood, an ancient book says:“And all men who walked in the ways of the Lord, died in those days, before the Lord brought the evil upon man which He had declared, for this was from the Lord, that they should not see the evil which the Lord spoke of concerning the sons of men.”—Book of Jasher 4:20.See also chapter 5:21 of the same book.19. How suddenly will the plagues come upon modern Babylon?“Therefore shall her plagues comein one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.... For inone houris thy judgment come.”Rev. 18:8-10.[pg 305]20. What famine will come at this time upon those who have rejected God's messages of mercy?“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, thatI will send a famine in the land; not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.”Amos 8:11, 12. See Luke 13:25; Prov. 1:24-26; Heb. 12:15-17.21. What announcement is made under the seventh plague?“And there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying,It is done.”Rev. 16:17.Note.—God made man to bless him. Gen. 1:28. When His blessings are abused, He withholds them, to teach men their source and their proper use. Haggai 1:7-11. Judgments are sent that men may“learn righteousness.”Isa. 25:9; 1 Kings 17:1. That men do not repent under the plagues is no evidence that God has ceased to be merciful and forgiving. They simply demonstrate that all have determined their destiny, and that even the severest judgments of God will not move the ungodly and impenitent to repentance.22. Just preceding Christ's second coming, what solemn decree will go forth showing that the cases of all have been decided?“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”Rev. 22:11, 12.23. What psalms seem to have been written especially for the comfort and encouragement of God's people during the time of the seven last plagues?Psalms 91 and 46. See also Isa. 33:13-17.The great decisive day is at hand!The day when Christ will come,To call His children homeAnd to seal the sinner's doom,Is at hand.Where will the sinner hide in that day?It will be in vain to call,“Ye mountains on us fall,”For His hand will find out allIn that day.[pg 306]The Mystery Of God FinishedIllustration.Watchman, What Of The Night? "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ." Rev. 11:15.1. Following his description of the sixth trumpet, what did John see?“And I sawanother mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun.”Rev. 10:1.2. What did he have in his hand?“And he had in his handa little book open.”Verse 2.Note.—The book of Daniel, which was to be“sealed,”or closed, till the time of the end, is doubtless referred to here. See Dan. 12:4, 9.3. What solemn announcement did this angel make?“And the angel which I saw ... lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by Him that liveth forever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, ...that there should be time no longer.”Rev. 10:5, 6.Note.—Not literal nor probationary time, but prophetic time. The 2300-day period, which ended in 1844, must be alluded to here. See page230. No prophetic period in the Bible reaches beyond this.4. What did the angel say was to be finished when the seventh trumpet was about to sound?“But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound,the mystery of Godshould be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets.”Verse 7.Note.—The mystery of God is the gospel. Eph. 3:1-6; Gal. 1:11, 12. The gospel, then, is to be finished as the seventh trumpet is about to sound.5. What was John told to do with the little book?“Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel ... andeat it up.”Verses 8, 9.[pg 307]6. What was to be the result of the eating of this book?“It shallmake thy belly bitter, but it shall bein thy mouth sweet as honey.”Verse 9, last part.7. What does the apostle say of his experience in this matter?“And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouthsweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly wasbitter.”Verse 10.Note.—In this is most strikingly foretold the experience of those who proclaimed the advent and judgment-hour message of 1843-44. Joyous in the hope that Christ was coming then, like the early disciples regarding His first advent (Luke 24:21; Acts 1:6, 7), they were bitterly disappointed, and found that there was still a work on earth for them to do, as did the early disciples following the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.8. What words of the angel to John show that both literal and probationary time were to continue yet for a time, and that God had a still further message for the world?“And he said unto me,Thou must prophesy againbefore many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.”Verse 11.Note.—The message of Revelation 10 is the same as that of Rev. 14:6, 7; and the later messages of Rev. 14:8-12 answer to the instruction,“Thou mustprophesy again,”of Rev. 10:11. But all are last-day messages, and indicate that the end of all things is near at hand.How long, O Lord our Saviour,Wilt Thou remain away?Our hearts are growing wearyOf Thy so long delay.O when shall come the momentWhen, brighter far than morn,The sunshine of Thy gloryShall on Thy people dawn?How long, O gracious Master,Wilt Thou Thy household leave?So long hast Thou now tarried,Few Thy return believe.Immersed in sloth and folly,Thy servants, Lord, we see;And few of us stand readyWith joy to welcome Thee.O, wake Thy slumbering people;Send forth the solemn cry;Let all the saints repeat it,—“The Saviour draweth nigh!”May all our lamps be burning,Our loins well girded be,Each longing heart preparingWith joy Thy face to see.[pg 308]Great Lines of ProphecyThe Great Image of Daniel 2.This prophecy, written over twenty-five hundred years ago, is one of the greatest, briefest, and most comprehensive prophecies in the Bible. Under the symbol of a great metallic image, the rise and fall of nations is outlined till the end of time and the setting up of God's everlasting kingdom. See reading on page204.The Four Beasts of Daniel 7.This line of prophecy covers the same ground as that of Daniel 2, but with additional features introduced, especially that concerning the development and work of the“little horn”power of the fourth beast, under which God's people were to be oppressed until delivered and placed in possession of the kingdom“forever and ever.”See reading on page213.The 2300 Days of Daniel 8.This prophecy, after tracing the course of empire down through Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, introduces the longest prophetic period in the Bible, reaching from the beginning of the movement to restore and build Jerusalem before Christ's first advent, to a similar work to be performed by God's people in the last days preparatory to Christ's second advent. See reading on page230.The Seventy Weeks of Daniel 9.This prophecy fixes the date of the beginning of the 2300 days, of which the seventy weeks are a part; definitely marks the time of Christ's first advent; and briefly refers to the“consummation”and the overthrow of the last of earthly kingdoms. See pages232-236.The Standing Up of Michael—Daniel 11 and 12.A literal prophecy tracing the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms from the early rulers of Persia in the sixth centuryb.c., to the overthrow of Turkey, the“king of the north,”and the“standing up,”or reign, of Michael, the Great Prince, which is Christ. See page296.The Prophecies of the Revelation.These are supplemental to the prophecies of Daniel. Under the Seven Churches, the Seven Seals, the Seven Trumpets, the Great Red Dragon, the Leopard Beast, and the Two-Horned Beast, the history and experience of the church and of earthly kingdoms are traced during the Christian era, to the end of the age. See pages301-310.Christ's Great Prophecy.Christ's claim to being a prophet, and the greatest of all prophets, is fully established by His prophecy recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. In this He depicts minutely the destruction of Jerusalem, the great tribulation of the Dark Ages, and the signs that were to herald His second coming. See pages311-325.
The Seven Last PlaguesIllustration.Marshaling Of The Nations. "And he gathered them together into a place called ... Armageddon." Rev. 16:16.1. What is God's final warning against false worship?“If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.”Rev. 14:9, 10.Note.—During probationary time God's wrath is always tempered, or mingled, with mercy. Thus the prophet Habakkuk prays,“In wrath remember mercy.”Hab. 3:2. God's wrath unmixed with mercy is visited only when mercy has done its final work and evil has gone to the limit, so that there is“no remedy.”See Gen. 6:3; 15:16; 19:12, 13; 2 Chron. 36:16; Matt. 23:37, 38; Luke 19:42-44; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7.2. In what is the wrath of God filled up?“And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels havingthe seven last plagues; forin them is filled up the wrath of God.”Rev. 15:1.3. How does Joel describe the day of the Lord?“Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.”“For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?”Joel 1:15; 2:11.[pg 302]4. What has Daniel said of this time?“And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”Dan. 12:1. See Eze. 7:15-19.Note.—The seven last plagues will be the most terrible scourges ever visited upon man. As Ahab accused Elijah of being the cause of Israel's calamities (1 Kings 18:17, 18), so, in the time of trouble, the wicked and those who have departed from God will be enraged at the righteous, will accuse them as being the cause of the plagues, and will seek to destroy them as did Haman the Jews. See Esther 3:8-14. But God will miraculously deliver His people at this time as He did then.5. What will be the first plague, and upon whom will it fall?“And the first went, and poured out his vial uponthe earth; andthere fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshiped his image.”Rev. 16:2.6. What will constitute the second plague?“And the second angel poured out his vial uponthe sea; andit became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.”Verse 3.7. What will be the third plague?“And the third angel poured out his vial uponthe rivers and fountains of waters; andthey became blood.”Verse 4.Note.—The second plague affects the sea. The third plague comes closer to the habitations of men, and affects the land. The water supplies are contaminated.8. Why, under these plagues, does the Lord give men blood to drink?“For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and Thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.”Verse 6.Note.—In this is shown God's abhorrence of oppression and persecution. The plagues are God's rebukes against colossal forms of sin.9. What will be the fourth plague?“And the fourth angel poured out his vial uponthe sun; andpower was given unto him to scorch men with fire.”Verse 8. See Joel 1:16-20.Note.—Sun-worship is the most ancient and wide-spread of all forms of idolatry. In this plague God manifests His displeasure at this form of idolatry. That which men have worshiped as a god, becomes a plague and tormentor. Thus it was in the plagues of Egypt. Those things which the Egyptians had worshiped became scourges to them instead of benefactors[pg 303]and blessings. See“The Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation,”by“An American Citizen,”chapter 3.10. Will even this terrible judgment lead men to repent?“And men were scorched with great heat, andblasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: andthey repented not to give Him glory.”Verse 9.11. What will be the fifth plague?“And the fifth angel poured out his vial uponthe seat of the beast; andhis kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain.”Verse 10.Note.—This plague strikes at the very seat of the great apostasy of the latter days, the Papacy. It will doubtless be similar in effect to the like plague in Egypt, which was a darkness that could“be felt.”Ex. 10:21-23. By this plague that iniquitous, haughty, and apostate spiritual despotism which has set itself up as possessing all truth, and as being the light of the world, is enshrouded in midnight darkness.12. What takes place under the sixth plague?“And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great riverEuphrates; andthe water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the East might be prepared.”Verse 12.Note.—This, we understand, refers to the drying up of the Turkish Empire by the great world powers preparatory to the battle of Armageddon. See preceding reading.13. What gathers the nations to the battle of Armageddon?“And I sawthree unclean spiritslike frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they arethe spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.... And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.”Verses 13-16.Note.—This scripture shows that it is the spirit of Satan which incites men to war, and explains why the great nations of the world are now making such preparations for war. The dragon represents paganism; the beast, the Papacy; and the false prophet, apostate Protestantism,—the three great religious apostasies since the flood. The plain Esdraelon, in southwestern Galilee, is the Armageddon here referred to. See note on page99.14. At this time what event is imminent?“Behold, I come as a thief.Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”Verse 15.[pg 304]15. What takes place under the seventh plague?“And the seventh angel poured out his vial intothe air.... And there werevoices, andthunders, andlightnings; andthere was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts,and the cities of the nations fell.”Verses 17-19.16. What accompanies the earthquake?“And there fell upon mena great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.”Verse 21. See Job 38:22, 23; Ps. 7:11-13.17. What will the Lord be to His people at this time?“The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake:but the Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”Joel 3:16. See Jer. 25:30, 31; Haggai 2:21; Heb.12:26; Ps. 91:5-10.Note.—To prepare His people and the world for these terrible judgments, the Lord, as in the days of Noah, sends a warning message to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. See Rev. 14:6-10.18. Just before the pouring out of the plagues, what call does God send to His people still in Babylon?“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying,Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.”Rev. 18:4, 5. See Gen. 19:12-17; Jer. 51:6; and page 254.Note.—As before the flood, many of God's people will doubtless be laid away to rest shortly before the time of trouble. See Isa. 57:1; Rev. 14:13. Referring to the time before the flood, an ancient book says:“And all men who walked in the ways of the Lord, died in those days, before the Lord brought the evil upon man which He had declared, for this was from the Lord, that they should not see the evil which the Lord spoke of concerning the sons of men.”—Book of Jasher 4:20.See also chapter 5:21 of the same book.19. How suddenly will the plagues come upon modern Babylon?“Therefore shall her plagues comein one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.... For inone houris thy judgment come.”Rev. 18:8-10.[pg 305]20. What famine will come at this time upon those who have rejected God's messages of mercy?“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, thatI will send a famine in the land; not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.”Amos 8:11, 12. See Luke 13:25; Prov. 1:24-26; Heb. 12:15-17.21. What announcement is made under the seventh plague?“And there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying,It is done.”Rev. 16:17.Note.—God made man to bless him. Gen. 1:28. When His blessings are abused, He withholds them, to teach men their source and their proper use. Haggai 1:7-11. Judgments are sent that men may“learn righteousness.”Isa. 25:9; 1 Kings 17:1. That men do not repent under the plagues is no evidence that God has ceased to be merciful and forgiving. They simply demonstrate that all have determined their destiny, and that even the severest judgments of God will not move the ungodly and impenitent to repentance.22. Just preceding Christ's second coming, what solemn decree will go forth showing that the cases of all have been decided?“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”Rev. 22:11, 12.23. What psalms seem to have been written especially for the comfort and encouragement of God's people during the time of the seven last plagues?Psalms 91 and 46. See also Isa. 33:13-17.The great decisive day is at hand!The day when Christ will come,To call His children homeAnd to seal the sinner's doom,Is at hand.Where will the sinner hide in that day?It will be in vain to call,“Ye mountains on us fall,”For His hand will find out allIn that day.[pg 306]The Mystery Of God FinishedIllustration.Watchman, What Of The Night? "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ." Rev. 11:15.1. Following his description of the sixth trumpet, what did John see?“And I sawanother mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun.”Rev. 10:1.2. What did he have in his hand?“And he had in his handa little book open.”Verse 2.Note.—The book of Daniel, which was to be“sealed,”or closed, till the time of the end, is doubtless referred to here. See Dan. 12:4, 9.3. What solemn announcement did this angel make?“And the angel which I saw ... lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by Him that liveth forever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, ...that there should be time no longer.”Rev. 10:5, 6.Note.—Not literal nor probationary time, but prophetic time. The 2300-day period, which ended in 1844, must be alluded to here. See page230. No prophetic period in the Bible reaches beyond this.4. What did the angel say was to be finished when the seventh trumpet was about to sound?“But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound,the mystery of Godshould be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets.”Verse 7.Note.—The mystery of God is the gospel. Eph. 3:1-6; Gal. 1:11, 12. The gospel, then, is to be finished as the seventh trumpet is about to sound.5. What was John told to do with the little book?“Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel ... andeat it up.”Verses 8, 9.[pg 307]6. What was to be the result of the eating of this book?“It shallmake thy belly bitter, but it shall bein thy mouth sweet as honey.”Verse 9, last part.7. What does the apostle say of his experience in this matter?“And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouthsweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly wasbitter.”Verse 10.Note.—In this is most strikingly foretold the experience of those who proclaimed the advent and judgment-hour message of 1843-44. Joyous in the hope that Christ was coming then, like the early disciples regarding His first advent (Luke 24:21; Acts 1:6, 7), they were bitterly disappointed, and found that there was still a work on earth for them to do, as did the early disciples following the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.8. What words of the angel to John show that both literal and probationary time were to continue yet for a time, and that God had a still further message for the world?“And he said unto me,Thou must prophesy againbefore many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.”Verse 11.Note.—The message of Revelation 10 is the same as that of Rev. 14:6, 7; and the later messages of Rev. 14:8-12 answer to the instruction,“Thou mustprophesy again,”of Rev. 10:11. But all are last-day messages, and indicate that the end of all things is near at hand.How long, O Lord our Saviour,Wilt Thou remain away?Our hearts are growing wearyOf Thy so long delay.O when shall come the momentWhen, brighter far than morn,The sunshine of Thy gloryShall on Thy people dawn?How long, O gracious Master,Wilt Thou Thy household leave?So long hast Thou now tarried,Few Thy return believe.Immersed in sloth and folly,Thy servants, Lord, we see;And few of us stand readyWith joy to welcome Thee.O, wake Thy slumbering people;Send forth the solemn cry;Let all the saints repeat it,—“The Saviour draweth nigh!”May all our lamps be burning,Our loins well girded be,Each longing heart preparingWith joy Thy face to see.[pg 308]Great Lines of ProphecyThe Great Image of Daniel 2.This prophecy, written over twenty-five hundred years ago, is one of the greatest, briefest, and most comprehensive prophecies in the Bible. Under the symbol of a great metallic image, the rise and fall of nations is outlined till the end of time and the setting up of God's everlasting kingdom. See reading on page204.The Four Beasts of Daniel 7.This line of prophecy covers the same ground as that of Daniel 2, but with additional features introduced, especially that concerning the development and work of the“little horn”power of the fourth beast, under which God's people were to be oppressed until delivered and placed in possession of the kingdom“forever and ever.”See reading on page213.The 2300 Days of Daniel 8.This prophecy, after tracing the course of empire down through Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, introduces the longest prophetic period in the Bible, reaching from the beginning of the movement to restore and build Jerusalem before Christ's first advent, to a similar work to be performed by God's people in the last days preparatory to Christ's second advent. See reading on page230.The Seventy Weeks of Daniel 9.This prophecy fixes the date of the beginning of the 2300 days, of which the seventy weeks are a part; definitely marks the time of Christ's first advent; and briefly refers to the“consummation”and the overthrow of the last of earthly kingdoms. See pages232-236.The Standing Up of Michael—Daniel 11 and 12.A literal prophecy tracing the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms from the early rulers of Persia in the sixth centuryb.c., to the overthrow of Turkey, the“king of the north,”and the“standing up,”or reign, of Michael, the Great Prince, which is Christ. See page296.The Prophecies of the Revelation.These are supplemental to the prophecies of Daniel. Under the Seven Churches, the Seven Seals, the Seven Trumpets, the Great Red Dragon, the Leopard Beast, and the Two-Horned Beast, the history and experience of the church and of earthly kingdoms are traced during the Christian era, to the end of the age. See pages301-310.Christ's Great Prophecy.Christ's claim to being a prophet, and the greatest of all prophets, is fully established by His prophecy recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. In this He depicts minutely the destruction of Jerusalem, the great tribulation of the Dark Ages, and the signs that were to herald His second coming. See pages311-325.
The Seven Last PlaguesIllustration.Marshaling Of The Nations. "And he gathered them together into a place called ... Armageddon." Rev. 16:16.1. What is God's final warning against false worship?“If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.”Rev. 14:9, 10.Note.—During probationary time God's wrath is always tempered, or mingled, with mercy. Thus the prophet Habakkuk prays,“In wrath remember mercy.”Hab. 3:2. God's wrath unmixed with mercy is visited only when mercy has done its final work and evil has gone to the limit, so that there is“no remedy.”See Gen. 6:3; 15:16; 19:12, 13; 2 Chron. 36:16; Matt. 23:37, 38; Luke 19:42-44; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7.2. In what is the wrath of God filled up?“And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels havingthe seven last plagues; forin them is filled up the wrath of God.”Rev. 15:1.3. How does Joel describe the day of the Lord?“Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.”“For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?”Joel 1:15; 2:11.[pg 302]4. What has Daniel said of this time?“And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”Dan. 12:1. See Eze. 7:15-19.Note.—The seven last plagues will be the most terrible scourges ever visited upon man. As Ahab accused Elijah of being the cause of Israel's calamities (1 Kings 18:17, 18), so, in the time of trouble, the wicked and those who have departed from God will be enraged at the righteous, will accuse them as being the cause of the plagues, and will seek to destroy them as did Haman the Jews. See Esther 3:8-14. But God will miraculously deliver His people at this time as He did then.5. What will be the first plague, and upon whom will it fall?“And the first went, and poured out his vial uponthe earth; andthere fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshiped his image.”Rev. 16:2.6. What will constitute the second plague?“And the second angel poured out his vial uponthe sea; andit became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.”Verse 3.7. What will be the third plague?“And the third angel poured out his vial uponthe rivers and fountains of waters; andthey became blood.”Verse 4.Note.—The second plague affects the sea. The third plague comes closer to the habitations of men, and affects the land. The water supplies are contaminated.8. Why, under these plagues, does the Lord give men blood to drink?“For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and Thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.”Verse 6.Note.—In this is shown God's abhorrence of oppression and persecution. The plagues are God's rebukes against colossal forms of sin.9. What will be the fourth plague?“And the fourth angel poured out his vial uponthe sun; andpower was given unto him to scorch men with fire.”Verse 8. See Joel 1:16-20.Note.—Sun-worship is the most ancient and wide-spread of all forms of idolatry. In this plague God manifests His displeasure at this form of idolatry. That which men have worshiped as a god, becomes a plague and tormentor. Thus it was in the plagues of Egypt. Those things which the Egyptians had worshiped became scourges to them instead of benefactors[pg 303]and blessings. See“The Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation,”by“An American Citizen,”chapter 3.10. Will even this terrible judgment lead men to repent?“And men were scorched with great heat, andblasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: andthey repented not to give Him glory.”Verse 9.11. What will be the fifth plague?“And the fifth angel poured out his vial uponthe seat of the beast; andhis kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain.”Verse 10.Note.—This plague strikes at the very seat of the great apostasy of the latter days, the Papacy. It will doubtless be similar in effect to the like plague in Egypt, which was a darkness that could“be felt.”Ex. 10:21-23. By this plague that iniquitous, haughty, and apostate spiritual despotism which has set itself up as possessing all truth, and as being the light of the world, is enshrouded in midnight darkness.12. What takes place under the sixth plague?“And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great riverEuphrates; andthe water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the East might be prepared.”Verse 12.Note.—This, we understand, refers to the drying up of the Turkish Empire by the great world powers preparatory to the battle of Armageddon. See preceding reading.13. What gathers the nations to the battle of Armageddon?“And I sawthree unclean spiritslike frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they arethe spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.... And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.”Verses 13-16.Note.—This scripture shows that it is the spirit of Satan which incites men to war, and explains why the great nations of the world are now making such preparations for war. The dragon represents paganism; the beast, the Papacy; and the false prophet, apostate Protestantism,—the three great religious apostasies since the flood. The plain Esdraelon, in southwestern Galilee, is the Armageddon here referred to. See note on page99.14. At this time what event is imminent?“Behold, I come as a thief.Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”Verse 15.[pg 304]15. What takes place under the seventh plague?“And the seventh angel poured out his vial intothe air.... And there werevoices, andthunders, andlightnings; andthere was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts,and the cities of the nations fell.”Verses 17-19.16. What accompanies the earthquake?“And there fell upon mena great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.”Verse 21. See Job 38:22, 23; Ps. 7:11-13.17. What will the Lord be to His people at this time?“The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake:but the Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”Joel 3:16. See Jer. 25:30, 31; Haggai 2:21; Heb.12:26; Ps. 91:5-10.Note.—To prepare His people and the world for these terrible judgments, the Lord, as in the days of Noah, sends a warning message to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. See Rev. 14:6-10.18. Just before the pouring out of the plagues, what call does God send to His people still in Babylon?“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying,Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.”Rev. 18:4, 5. See Gen. 19:12-17; Jer. 51:6; and page 254.Note.—As before the flood, many of God's people will doubtless be laid away to rest shortly before the time of trouble. See Isa. 57:1; Rev. 14:13. Referring to the time before the flood, an ancient book says:“And all men who walked in the ways of the Lord, died in those days, before the Lord brought the evil upon man which He had declared, for this was from the Lord, that they should not see the evil which the Lord spoke of concerning the sons of men.”—Book of Jasher 4:20.See also chapter 5:21 of the same book.19. How suddenly will the plagues come upon modern Babylon?“Therefore shall her plagues comein one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.... For inone houris thy judgment come.”Rev. 18:8-10.[pg 305]20. What famine will come at this time upon those who have rejected God's messages of mercy?“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, thatI will send a famine in the land; not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.”Amos 8:11, 12. See Luke 13:25; Prov. 1:24-26; Heb. 12:15-17.21. What announcement is made under the seventh plague?“And there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying,It is done.”Rev. 16:17.Note.—God made man to bless him. Gen. 1:28. When His blessings are abused, He withholds them, to teach men their source and their proper use. Haggai 1:7-11. Judgments are sent that men may“learn righteousness.”Isa. 25:9; 1 Kings 17:1. That men do not repent under the plagues is no evidence that God has ceased to be merciful and forgiving. They simply demonstrate that all have determined their destiny, and that even the severest judgments of God will not move the ungodly and impenitent to repentance.22. Just preceding Christ's second coming, what solemn decree will go forth showing that the cases of all have been decided?“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”Rev. 22:11, 12.23. What psalms seem to have been written especially for the comfort and encouragement of God's people during the time of the seven last plagues?Psalms 91 and 46. See also Isa. 33:13-17.The great decisive day is at hand!The day when Christ will come,To call His children homeAnd to seal the sinner's doom,Is at hand.Where will the sinner hide in that day?It will be in vain to call,“Ye mountains on us fall,”For His hand will find out allIn that day.
Illustration.Marshaling Of The Nations. "And he gathered them together into a place called ... Armageddon." Rev. 16:16.
Marshaling Of The Nations. "And he gathered them together into a place called ... Armageddon." Rev. 16:16.
1. What is God's final warning against false worship?
“If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.”Rev. 14:9, 10.
Note.—During probationary time God's wrath is always tempered, or mingled, with mercy. Thus the prophet Habakkuk prays,“In wrath remember mercy.”Hab. 3:2. God's wrath unmixed with mercy is visited only when mercy has done its final work and evil has gone to the limit, so that there is“no remedy.”See Gen. 6:3; 15:16; 19:12, 13; 2 Chron. 36:16; Matt. 23:37, 38; Luke 19:42-44; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7.
2. In what is the wrath of God filled up?
“And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels havingthe seven last plagues; forin them is filled up the wrath of God.”Rev. 15:1.
3. How does Joel describe the day of the Lord?
“Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.”“For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?”Joel 1:15; 2:11.
4. What has Daniel said of this time?
“And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”Dan. 12:1. See Eze. 7:15-19.
Note.—The seven last plagues will be the most terrible scourges ever visited upon man. As Ahab accused Elijah of being the cause of Israel's calamities (1 Kings 18:17, 18), so, in the time of trouble, the wicked and those who have departed from God will be enraged at the righteous, will accuse them as being the cause of the plagues, and will seek to destroy them as did Haman the Jews. See Esther 3:8-14. But God will miraculously deliver His people at this time as He did then.
5. What will be the first plague, and upon whom will it fall?
“And the first went, and poured out his vial uponthe earth; andthere fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshiped his image.”Rev. 16:2.
6. What will constitute the second plague?
“And the second angel poured out his vial uponthe sea; andit became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.”Verse 3.
7. What will be the third plague?
“And the third angel poured out his vial uponthe rivers and fountains of waters; andthey became blood.”Verse 4.
Note.—The second plague affects the sea. The third plague comes closer to the habitations of men, and affects the land. The water supplies are contaminated.
8. Why, under these plagues, does the Lord give men blood to drink?
“For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and Thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.”Verse 6.
Note.—In this is shown God's abhorrence of oppression and persecution. The plagues are God's rebukes against colossal forms of sin.
9. What will be the fourth plague?
“And the fourth angel poured out his vial uponthe sun; andpower was given unto him to scorch men with fire.”Verse 8. See Joel 1:16-20.
Note.—Sun-worship is the most ancient and wide-spread of all forms of idolatry. In this plague God manifests His displeasure at this form of idolatry. That which men have worshiped as a god, becomes a plague and tormentor. Thus it was in the plagues of Egypt. Those things which the Egyptians had worshiped became scourges to them instead of benefactors[pg 303]and blessings. See“The Philosophy of the Plan of Salvation,”by“An American Citizen,”chapter 3.
10. Will even this terrible judgment lead men to repent?
“And men were scorched with great heat, andblasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: andthey repented not to give Him glory.”Verse 9.
11. What will be the fifth plague?
“And the fifth angel poured out his vial uponthe seat of the beast; andhis kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain.”Verse 10.
Note.—This plague strikes at the very seat of the great apostasy of the latter days, the Papacy. It will doubtless be similar in effect to the like plague in Egypt, which was a darkness that could“be felt.”Ex. 10:21-23. By this plague that iniquitous, haughty, and apostate spiritual despotism which has set itself up as possessing all truth, and as being the light of the world, is enshrouded in midnight darkness.
12. What takes place under the sixth plague?
“And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great riverEuphrates; andthe water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the East might be prepared.”Verse 12.
Note.—This, we understand, refers to the drying up of the Turkish Empire by the great world powers preparatory to the battle of Armageddon. See preceding reading.
13. What gathers the nations to the battle of Armageddon?
“And I sawthree unclean spiritslike frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they arethe spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.... And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.”Verses 13-16.
Note.—This scripture shows that it is the spirit of Satan which incites men to war, and explains why the great nations of the world are now making such preparations for war. The dragon represents paganism; the beast, the Papacy; and the false prophet, apostate Protestantism,—the three great religious apostasies since the flood. The plain Esdraelon, in southwestern Galilee, is the Armageddon here referred to. See note on page99.
14. At this time what event is imminent?
“Behold, I come as a thief.Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”Verse 15.
15. What takes place under the seventh plague?
“And the seventh angel poured out his vial intothe air.... And there werevoices, andthunders, andlightnings; andthere was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts,and the cities of the nations fell.”Verses 17-19.
16. What accompanies the earthquake?
“And there fell upon mena great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.”Verse 21. See Job 38:22, 23; Ps. 7:11-13.
17. What will the Lord be to His people at this time?
“The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake:but the Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”Joel 3:16. See Jer. 25:30, 31; Haggai 2:21; Heb.12:26; Ps. 91:5-10.
Note.—To prepare His people and the world for these terrible judgments, the Lord, as in the days of Noah, sends a warning message to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. See Rev. 14:6-10.
18. Just before the pouring out of the plagues, what call does God send to His people still in Babylon?
“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying,Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.”Rev. 18:4, 5. See Gen. 19:12-17; Jer. 51:6; and page 254.
Note.—As before the flood, many of God's people will doubtless be laid away to rest shortly before the time of trouble. See Isa. 57:1; Rev. 14:13. Referring to the time before the flood, an ancient book says:“And all men who walked in the ways of the Lord, died in those days, before the Lord brought the evil upon man which He had declared, for this was from the Lord, that they should not see the evil which the Lord spoke of concerning the sons of men.”—Book of Jasher 4:20.See also chapter 5:21 of the same book.
19. How suddenly will the plagues come upon modern Babylon?
“Therefore shall her plagues comein one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.... For inone houris thy judgment come.”Rev. 18:8-10.
20. What famine will come at this time upon those who have rejected God's messages of mercy?
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, thatI will send a famine in the land; not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.”Amos 8:11, 12. See Luke 13:25; Prov. 1:24-26; Heb. 12:15-17.
21. What announcement is made under the seventh plague?
“And there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying,It is done.”Rev. 16:17.
Note.—God made man to bless him. Gen. 1:28. When His blessings are abused, He withholds them, to teach men their source and their proper use. Haggai 1:7-11. Judgments are sent that men may“learn righteousness.”Isa. 25:9; 1 Kings 17:1. That men do not repent under the plagues is no evidence that God has ceased to be merciful and forgiving. They simply demonstrate that all have determined their destiny, and that even the severest judgments of God will not move the ungodly and impenitent to repentance.
22. Just preceding Christ's second coming, what solemn decree will go forth showing that the cases of all have been decided?
“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”Rev. 22:11, 12.
23. What psalms seem to have been written especially for the comfort and encouragement of God's people during the time of the seven last plagues?
Psalms 91 and 46. See also Isa. 33:13-17.
The great decisive day is at hand!The day when Christ will come,To call His children homeAnd to seal the sinner's doom,Is at hand.Where will the sinner hide in that day?It will be in vain to call,“Ye mountains on us fall,”For His hand will find out allIn that day.
The great decisive day is at hand!The day when Christ will come,To call His children homeAnd to seal the sinner's doom,Is at hand.
The great decisive day is at hand!
The day when Christ will come,
To call His children home
And to seal the sinner's doom,
Is at hand.
Where will the sinner hide in that day?It will be in vain to call,“Ye mountains on us fall,”For His hand will find out allIn that day.
Where will the sinner hide in that day?
It will be in vain to call,
“Ye mountains on us fall,”
For His hand will find out all
In that day.
The Mystery Of God FinishedIllustration.Watchman, What Of The Night? "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ." Rev. 11:15.1. Following his description of the sixth trumpet, what did John see?“And I sawanother mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun.”Rev. 10:1.2. What did he have in his hand?“And he had in his handa little book open.”Verse 2.Note.—The book of Daniel, which was to be“sealed,”or closed, till the time of the end, is doubtless referred to here. See Dan. 12:4, 9.3. What solemn announcement did this angel make?“And the angel which I saw ... lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by Him that liveth forever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, ...that there should be time no longer.”Rev. 10:5, 6.Note.—Not literal nor probationary time, but prophetic time. The 2300-day period, which ended in 1844, must be alluded to here. See page230. No prophetic period in the Bible reaches beyond this.4. What did the angel say was to be finished when the seventh trumpet was about to sound?“But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound,the mystery of Godshould be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets.”Verse 7.Note.—The mystery of God is the gospel. Eph. 3:1-6; Gal. 1:11, 12. The gospel, then, is to be finished as the seventh trumpet is about to sound.5. What was John told to do with the little book?“Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel ... andeat it up.”Verses 8, 9.[pg 307]6. What was to be the result of the eating of this book?“It shallmake thy belly bitter, but it shall bein thy mouth sweet as honey.”Verse 9, last part.7. What does the apostle say of his experience in this matter?“And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouthsweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly wasbitter.”Verse 10.Note.—In this is most strikingly foretold the experience of those who proclaimed the advent and judgment-hour message of 1843-44. Joyous in the hope that Christ was coming then, like the early disciples regarding His first advent (Luke 24:21; Acts 1:6, 7), they were bitterly disappointed, and found that there was still a work on earth for them to do, as did the early disciples following the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.8. What words of the angel to John show that both literal and probationary time were to continue yet for a time, and that God had a still further message for the world?“And he said unto me,Thou must prophesy againbefore many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.”Verse 11.Note.—The message of Revelation 10 is the same as that of Rev. 14:6, 7; and the later messages of Rev. 14:8-12 answer to the instruction,“Thou mustprophesy again,”of Rev. 10:11. But all are last-day messages, and indicate that the end of all things is near at hand.How long, O Lord our Saviour,Wilt Thou remain away?Our hearts are growing wearyOf Thy so long delay.O when shall come the momentWhen, brighter far than morn,The sunshine of Thy gloryShall on Thy people dawn?How long, O gracious Master,Wilt Thou Thy household leave?So long hast Thou now tarried,Few Thy return believe.Immersed in sloth and folly,Thy servants, Lord, we see;And few of us stand readyWith joy to welcome Thee.O, wake Thy slumbering people;Send forth the solemn cry;Let all the saints repeat it,—“The Saviour draweth nigh!”May all our lamps be burning,Our loins well girded be,Each longing heart preparingWith joy Thy face to see.
Illustration.Watchman, What Of The Night? "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ." Rev. 11:15.
Watchman, What Of The Night? "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ." Rev. 11:15.
1. Following his description of the sixth trumpet, what did John see?
“And I sawanother mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun.”Rev. 10:1.
2. What did he have in his hand?
“And he had in his handa little book open.”Verse 2.
Note.—The book of Daniel, which was to be“sealed,”or closed, till the time of the end, is doubtless referred to here. See Dan. 12:4, 9.
3. What solemn announcement did this angel make?
“And the angel which I saw ... lifted up his hand to heaven, and sware by Him that liveth forever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, ...that there should be time no longer.”Rev. 10:5, 6.
Note.—Not literal nor probationary time, but prophetic time. The 2300-day period, which ended in 1844, must be alluded to here. See page230. No prophetic period in the Bible reaches beyond this.
4. What did the angel say was to be finished when the seventh trumpet was about to sound?
“But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound,the mystery of Godshould be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets.”Verse 7.
Note.—The mystery of God is the gospel. Eph. 3:1-6; Gal. 1:11, 12. The gospel, then, is to be finished as the seventh trumpet is about to sound.
5. What was John told to do with the little book?
“Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel ... andeat it up.”Verses 8, 9.
6. What was to be the result of the eating of this book?
“It shallmake thy belly bitter, but it shall bein thy mouth sweet as honey.”Verse 9, last part.
7. What does the apostle say of his experience in this matter?
“And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouthsweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly wasbitter.”Verse 10.
Note.—In this is most strikingly foretold the experience of those who proclaimed the advent and judgment-hour message of 1843-44. Joyous in the hope that Christ was coming then, like the early disciples regarding His first advent (Luke 24:21; Acts 1:6, 7), they were bitterly disappointed, and found that there was still a work on earth for them to do, as did the early disciples following the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Christ.
8. What words of the angel to John show that both literal and probationary time were to continue yet for a time, and that God had a still further message for the world?
“And he said unto me,Thou must prophesy againbefore many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.”Verse 11.
Note.—The message of Revelation 10 is the same as that of Rev. 14:6, 7; and the later messages of Rev. 14:8-12 answer to the instruction,“Thou mustprophesy again,”of Rev. 10:11. But all are last-day messages, and indicate that the end of all things is near at hand.
How long, O Lord our Saviour,Wilt Thou remain away?Our hearts are growing wearyOf Thy so long delay.O when shall come the momentWhen, brighter far than morn,The sunshine of Thy gloryShall on Thy people dawn?How long, O gracious Master,Wilt Thou Thy household leave?So long hast Thou now tarried,Few Thy return believe.Immersed in sloth and folly,Thy servants, Lord, we see;And few of us stand readyWith joy to welcome Thee.O, wake Thy slumbering people;Send forth the solemn cry;Let all the saints repeat it,—“The Saviour draweth nigh!”May all our lamps be burning,Our loins well girded be,Each longing heart preparingWith joy Thy face to see.
How long, O Lord our Saviour,Wilt Thou remain away?Our hearts are growing wearyOf Thy so long delay.O when shall come the momentWhen, brighter far than morn,The sunshine of Thy gloryShall on Thy people dawn?
How long, O Lord our Saviour,
Wilt Thou remain away?
Our hearts are growing weary
Of Thy so long delay.
O when shall come the moment
When, brighter far than morn,
The sunshine of Thy glory
Shall on Thy people dawn?
How long, O gracious Master,Wilt Thou Thy household leave?So long hast Thou now tarried,Few Thy return believe.Immersed in sloth and folly,Thy servants, Lord, we see;And few of us stand readyWith joy to welcome Thee.
How long, O gracious Master,
Wilt Thou Thy household leave?
So long hast Thou now tarried,
Few Thy return believe.
Immersed in sloth and folly,
Thy servants, Lord, we see;
And few of us stand ready
With joy to welcome Thee.
O, wake Thy slumbering people;Send forth the solemn cry;Let all the saints repeat it,—“The Saviour draweth nigh!”May all our lamps be burning,Our loins well girded be,Each longing heart preparingWith joy Thy face to see.
O, wake Thy slumbering people;
Send forth the solemn cry;
Let all the saints repeat it,—
“The Saviour draweth nigh!”
May all our lamps be burning,
Our loins well girded be,
Each longing heart preparing
With joy Thy face to see.
Great Lines of ProphecyThe Great Image of Daniel 2.This prophecy, written over twenty-five hundred years ago, is one of the greatest, briefest, and most comprehensive prophecies in the Bible. Under the symbol of a great metallic image, the rise and fall of nations is outlined till the end of time and the setting up of God's everlasting kingdom. See reading on page204.The Four Beasts of Daniel 7.This line of prophecy covers the same ground as that of Daniel 2, but with additional features introduced, especially that concerning the development and work of the“little horn”power of the fourth beast, under which God's people were to be oppressed until delivered and placed in possession of the kingdom“forever and ever.”See reading on page213.The 2300 Days of Daniel 8.This prophecy, after tracing the course of empire down through Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, introduces the longest prophetic period in the Bible, reaching from the beginning of the movement to restore and build Jerusalem before Christ's first advent, to a similar work to be performed by God's people in the last days preparatory to Christ's second advent. See reading on page230.The Seventy Weeks of Daniel 9.This prophecy fixes the date of the beginning of the 2300 days, of which the seventy weeks are a part; definitely marks the time of Christ's first advent; and briefly refers to the“consummation”and the overthrow of the last of earthly kingdoms. See pages232-236.The Standing Up of Michael—Daniel 11 and 12.A literal prophecy tracing the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms from the early rulers of Persia in the sixth centuryb.c., to the overthrow of Turkey, the“king of the north,”and the“standing up,”or reign, of Michael, the Great Prince, which is Christ. See page296.The Prophecies of the Revelation.These are supplemental to the prophecies of Daniel. Under the Seven Churches, the Seven Seals, the Seven Trumpets, the Great Red Dragon, the Leopard Beast, and the Two-Horned Beast, the history and experience of the church and of earthly kingdoms are traced during the Christian era, to the end of the age. See pages301-310.Christ's Great Prophecy.Christ's claim to being a prophet, and the greatest of all prophets, is fully established by His prophecy recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. In this He depicts minutely the destruction of Jerusalem, the great tribulation of the Dark Ages, and the signs that were to herald His second coming. See pages311-325.
The Great Image of Daniel 2.This prophecy, written over twenty-five hundred years ago, is one of the greatest, briefest, and most comprehensive prophecies in the Bible. Under the symbol of a great metallic image, the rise and fall of nations is outlined till the end of time and the setting up of God's everlasting kingdom. See reading on page204.
The Four Beasts of Daniel 7.This line of prophecy covers the same ground as that of Daniel 2, but with additional features introduced, especially that concerning the development and work of the“little horn”power of the fourth beast, under which God's people were to be oppressed until delivered and placed in possession of the kingdom“forever and ever.”See reading on page213.
The 2300 Days of Daniel 8.This prophecy, after tracing the course of empire down through Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, introduces the longest prophetic period in the Bible, reaching from the beginning of the movement to restore and build Jerusalem before Christ's first advent, to a similar work to be performed by God's people in the last days preparatory to Christ's second advent. See reading on page230.
The Seventy Weeks of Daniel 9.This prophecy fixes the date of the beginning of the 2300 days, of which the seventy weeks are a part; definitely marks the time of Christ's first advent; and briefly refers to the“consummation”and the overthrow of the last of earthly kingdoms. See pages232-236.
The Standing Up of Michael—Daniel 11 and 12.A literal prophecy tracing the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms from the early rulers of Persia in the sixth centuryb.c., to the overthrow of Turkey, the“king of the north,”and the“standing up,”or reign, of Michael, the Great Prince, which is Christ. See page296.
The Prophecies of the Revelation.These are supplemental to the prophecies of Daniel. Under the Seven Churches, the Seven Seals, the Seven Trumpets, the Great Red Dragon, the Leopard Beast, and the Two-Horned Beast, the history and experience of the church and of earthly kingdoms are traced during the Christian era, to the end of the age. See pages301-310.
Christ's Great Prophecy.Christ's claim to being a prophet, and the greatest of all prophets, is fully established by His prophecy recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. In this He depicts minutely the destruction of Jerusalem, the great tribulation of the Dark Ages, and the signs that were to herald His second coming. See pages311-325.