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WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT?

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Seal of God

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" And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; and the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite; let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity; slay utterly old and young, both maids and little children, and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house."

Jesus is about to leave the mercy-seat of the

The verses quoted in these first two paragraphs are from Eze. 9: 1, 3-6. Take your Bible and read all six verses. In verse three, God is pictured as having risen from the "cherub, whereupon He was." The Judgment had been in session. A recess is called. God arises and commands that a work on earth be completed. It is the sealing time. A judgment of wrath follows immediately commencing "at my sanctuary." See verse 6.

The time element is clearly defined: - "Jesus is about to leave the mercy-seat of the heavenly sanctuary." It is the final hour of human decision.

p 208 --heavenly sanctuary, to put on garments of vengeance, and pour out his wrath. in judgments upon those who have not responded to the light God has given them. "Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." Instead of being softened by the patience and long forbearance that the Lord has exercised toward them, those who fear not God and love not the truth, strengthen their hearts in their evil course. But there are limits even to the forbearance of God, and many are exceeding these boundaries. They have overrun the limits of grace, and therefore God must interfere and vindicate his own honor.

Of the Amorites, the Lord said: "In the fourth generation they shall come hither again, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full." Although this nation was conspicuous because of its idolatry and corruption, it had not yet filled up the cup of its iniquity, and God would not give command for its utter destruction. The people were to see the divine power manifested in a marked manner, that they might be left without excuse. The compassionate Creator was willing to bear with their iniquity until the fourth generation. Then, if no change was seen for the better, his judgments were to fall upon them.

With unerring accuracy, the Infinite One still
keeps an account with all nations. While his mercy
is tendered, with calls to repentance, this account
will remain open; but when the figures reach a certain amount which God has fixed, the ministry of his wrath commences. The account is closed. Divine patience ceases. There is no more pleading of mercy in their behalf.

The prophet, looking down the ages, had this time presented before his vision. The nations of this age have been the recipients of unprecedented mercies. The choicest of Heaven's blessings have been given them, but increased pride, covetousness, idolatry,

The nations of earth have reached their limits of grace. God is again to "interfere" in a direct way in the affairs of nations. His first act is to order the sealing work to be accomplished.

An account is kept with all nations, and when a fixed pre-determined amount is reached, God's "ministry of... wrath commences." The "times of the Gentiles" is fulfilled... See Luke 21:24. There is a direct relationship between the "times of the Gentiles" being fulfilled and the sealing work for those that sigh and cry concerning the abominations done in the land. "The prophet... had this time presented before his vision."

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p 209 -- contempt of God, and base ingratitude, are written against them. They are fast closing up their account with God.

But that which causes me to tremble, is the fact that those who have had the greatest light and privileges have beconie contaminated by the prevailing iniquity. Influenced by the unrighteous around them, many, even of those who profess the truth, have grown cold, and are borne down by the strong current of evil. The universal scorn thrown upon true piety and holiness, leads those who do not connect closely with God to lose their reverence for his law. If they were following the light, and obeying the truth from the heart, this holy law would seem even more precious to them when thus despised and set aside. As the disrespect for God's law becomes more manifest, the line of demarkation between its observers and the world becomes more distinct. Love for the divine precepts increases with one class, according as contempt for them increases with another class.

The crisis is fast approaching. The rapidly swelling figures show that the time for God's visitation has about come. Although loth to punish, nevertheless he will punish, and that speedily. Those who walk in the light will see signs of the approaching peril; but they are not to sit in quiet, unconcerned expectancy of the ruin, comforting themselves with the belief that God will shelter his people in the day of visitation.Far from it. They should realize that it is their duty to labor diligently to save others, looking with strong faith to God for help. "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

The leaven of godliness has not entirely lost its power. At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land. But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf of

The "line of demarkation" will become painfully distinct between us and the world.

"His people" - in context refers to all who are professedly the remnant people of God. In other words, to merely have one's name on the church books will prove no shelter in "the day of visitation." "Far from it." TOP

"The little company" - This is the first reference to this group in relationship to the "church." They are praying "in behalf of the church, because its members are doing after the manner of the world."

The earnest prayers of this faithful few will not be in vain. When the Lord comes forth as an avenger, he will also come as a protector of all those who have preserved the faith in its purity, and kept themselves unspotted from the world. It is at this time that God has promised to avenge his own elect which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them.

The command is, "Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof." These sighing, crying ones had been holding forth the words of life; they had reproved, counseled, and entreated. Some who had been dishonoring God, repented and humbled their hearts
before him. But the glory of the Lord had departed
from Israel; although many still continued the forms
of religion, his power and presence were lacking.

In the time when his wrath shall go forth in judgments, these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the rest of the world by their soul-anguish, which is expressed in lamentation and weeping, reproofs and warnings. While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God's honor and a love for souls, will not hold their peace to obtain favor of any. Their righteous souls are vexed day by day with the unholy works and conversation of the unrighteous. They are powerless to stop the rushing torrent of iniquity, and hence they are. filled with grief and alarm. They mourn before God to see religion despised in the very homes of those who have had great light. They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church. The Spirit of God, which prompts to reproof, is trampled under

"Set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and cry." "Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought in them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by a man in linen, are those 'that sigh and cry for all the abominations that be done' in the church." 3T:267.

"Some" - here is the first use of this word designating a special group. These hear the reproof, counsel, and entreaties of, the "faithful few" and repent. But the "many" still continue the forms of religious service, even though the power and presence of God has ceased to be among them. "'How is the faithful city become an harlot?' My Father's house is made a house of merchandise, and place whence the divine presence and glory have departed!" 8T:250.

p 211 -- foot, while the servants of Satan triumph. God is dishonored, the truth made of none effect.

The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. The Lord commissions his messengers, the men with slaughtering weapons in their hands: "Go ye after him through the city, and smite; let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity; slay utterly old and
young, both maids and little children, and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house."

Here we see that the church - the Lord's sanctuary - was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light, and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God's power as in former days. Times have changed. These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say, The Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil. He is too merciful to visit his people in judgment. Thus peace and safety is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God's people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark, are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little children, all perish together.

The abominations for which the faithful ones were sighing and crying were all that could be discerned by finite eyes, but by far the worst sins, those which provoked the jealousy of the pure and holy God, were unrevealed. The great searcher of hearts knoweth every sin committed in secret, by the workers of iniquity. These persons come to feel secure in their deceptions, and because of his long-suffering, say that the Lord seeth not, and then act as though

"The class... left without the seal of God." To receive the seal, there must be inward heart searching, and outward mourning over the sins of others.

"The church - the Lord's sanctuary" - Why is the church to receive the wrath of God first? "In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist church is to be weighed." 8T:247. If the church is to feel the stroke of God's wrath first, she evidently was "found wanting" in the balances of the heavenly sanctuary.

"The ancient men" - These are defined as "guardians" who betrayed their trsut, and are spoken of as "dumb dogs, that would not bark." They are made to "feel the just vengeance of an offended God." If these were all that would be involved, then we could conclude, fine, they are to receive their just dues. BUT, others suffer because of their betrayal - "Men, maidens, and little children (of the Sabbath School), all perish together." How tragic! How terrible! All because of blind confidence in human leadership. TOP

No superiority of rank, dignity, or worldly wisdom, no position in sacred office, will preserve men from sacrificing principle, when left to their own deceitful hearts. Those who have been regarded as worthy and righteous, prove to be ringleaders in apostasy, and examples in indifference and in the abuse of God's mercies. Their wicked course he will tolerate no longer, And in his wrath he deals with them without mercy.

It is with reluctance that the Lord withdraws his presence from those who have been blessed with great light, and who have felt the power of the word in ministering to others. They were once his faithful servants, favored with his presence and guidance; but they departed from him, and led others into error, and therefore are brought under the divine displeasure.

The day of God's vengeance is just upon us. The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of those only who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land. Those who link in sympathy with the world are eating and drinking with the drunken, and will surely be destroyed with the workers of iniquity. "The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil."

Our own course of action will determine whether we shall receive the seal of the living God, or be cut down by the destroying weapons. Already a few drops of God's wrath have fallen upon the earth; but when the seven last plagues shall be poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation, then it will be forever too late to repent, and find shelter. No atoning blood, will then wash away the stains of sin.

"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the

"The Lord withdraws His presence" - Once faithful men, who have known the power of God, depart from Him, and lead "others into error." The apostasy in the church has been introduced by men who have been, and in many instances still are, looked upon as "faithful" ministers. God sees differently.

An individual matter - "Our own course of action will determine whether we shall receive the seal of the living God, or be cut down by the destroying weapons." TOP

p 213 -- great prince that standeth for the children of thy
people; 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." When this time of trouble comes, every case is decided; there is longer probation, no longer mercy for the impenitent. The seal of the living God is upon his people. This small remnant, unable to defend themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth that are marshaled by the dragon host, make God their defense. The decree has been passed by the highest earthly authority that they shall worship the beast and receive his mark under pain of persecution and death. May God help his people now, for what can they then do in such a fearful conflict without his assistance!

Courage, fortitude, faith, and implicit trust in God's power to save, do not come in a moment. These heavenly graces are acquired by the experience of years. By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right, the children of God were sealing their destiny. Beset with temptations without number, they knew they must resist firmly or be conquered. They felt that they had a great work to do, and at any hour they might be called to lay off their armor; and should they come to the close of life with their work undone, it would be an eternal loss. They eagerly accepted the light from Heaven, as did the first disciples from the lips of Jesus. When those early Christians were exiled to mountains and deserts, when left in dungeons to die with hunger, cold, and torture, when martyrdom seemed the only way out of their distress, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ, who was crucified for them. Their worthy example will be a comfort and encouragement to the people of God who will be brought into the time of trouble such as never was.

Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be

"When this time... comes" - The inter-related action
involving the "little company" or "the few;" and "the church" or "the many" ends with the close of probation. Daniel 12:1 is here quoted. It is clearly stated: - " there is no longer probation."

"This small remnant" - The "few" and the "some" who repented make up this group.

"The experience of years" - We dare not wait, and hope that by some miraculous way, we will receive the "heavenly graces" - "courage, fortitude, faith, and implicit trust in God's power to save" - at the final moment before probation closes.TOP

By their lack of devotion and piety, and their failure to reach a high religious standard, they make other souls contented with their position. Men of finite judgment cannot see that in patterning after these men, who have so often opened to them the treasures of God's word, they will surely endanger their souls. Jesus is the only true pattern. Every one must now search the Bible for himself upon his knees before God, with the humble, teachable heart of a child, if he would know what the Lord requires of him. However high any minister may have stood in the favor of God, if he neglects to follow out the light given him of God, if he refuses to be taught as a little child, he will go into darkness and Satanic delusions, and will lead others in the same path.

Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost.

We are too easily satisfied with our attainments. We feel rich and increased with goods, and know not that we are "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Now is the time to heed the admonition of the True Witness: " I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed,

We dare not trust human leadership, or human example. "Jesus is the only true pattern. Every one must now search the Bible for himself upon his knees before God."

"Defects in our characters" - These we must remedy. TOP

p 215 -- and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see."

In this life we must meet fiery trials and make costly sacrifices, but the peace of Christ is the reward. There has been so little self-denial, so little suffering for Christ's sake, that the cross is almost entirely forgotten.

We must be partakers with Christ of his sufferings, if we would sit down in triumph with him on his throne. So long as we choose the easy path of self -indulgence, and are frightened at self-denial, our faith will never become firm, and we cannot know the peace of Jesus, nor the joy that comes through conscious victory. The most exalted of the redeemed host that stand before the throne of God and the Lamb, clad in white, know the conflict of overcoming, for they have come up through great tribulation. Those who have yielded to circumstances rather than engage in this conflict, will not know how to stand in that day when anguish will be upon every soul, when, though Noah, Job, and Daniel, were in the land, they could save neither son nor daughter, for every one must deliver his soul by his own righteousness.

No one need say that his case is hopeless, that he cannot live the life of a Christian. Ample provision is made by the death of Christ for every soul. Jesus is our ever-present help in time of need. Only call upon him in faith, and he has promised to hear and answer your petitions.

Oh, for living, active faith! We need it; we must have it, or we shall faint and fall in the day of trial. The darkness that will then rest upon our path must not discourage us, or drive us to despair. It is the vail with which God covers his glory when he comes to impart rich blessings. We should know this by our past experience. In that day when God has a
controversy with his people, this experience will be a source of comfort and hope.

It is now that we must keep ourselves and our

"0h, for living, active faith." Read this paragraph, and re-read it! TOP

What are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world, are receiving the worldly mold, and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth, - these are receiving the heavenly mold, and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth, and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity.

Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. lt will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God - candidates for Heaven. Go forward, my brethren and sisters. I can only write briefly upon these points at this time, merely calling your attention to the necessity of preparation. Search the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour. END

"Now" - note the series of "nows".

The Three-fold Preparation Cleansed from impurity in an immoral age; contentment in God's plan for one's life in the midst of an ambitious age; honesty in word and deed before a lying generation. TOP