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The Great Controversy Between
Christ and His Angels and
Satan and His Angels
Comparing
The 1911 Great Controversy
&
The 1884 Great Controversy
Evangelist Richard Montoya Miller Luna Gonzales, Jr.
World rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be copied or reproduced in any form or manner whatever, except as provided by law, without the written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.
The author assumes full responsibility for the accuracy of all facts and quotations as cited in this book. The opinions expressed in this book are the author’s personal views and interpretations, and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
This book is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in giving spiritual, legal, medical, or other professional advice. If authoritative advice is needed, the reader should seek the counsel of a competent professional.
______________________________
Copyright © 2018 Richard Montoya Miller Luna Gonzales, Jr.ISBN-13: 978-1-4796-1007-5 (Paperback)ISBN-13: 978-1-4796-1008-2 (Hardback)
Research, Chronology and History work done by Evangelist Richard L. Gonzales Jr. [email protected]
Comparison work done by [email protected]
We like to thank those who were very instrumental in their support. The hours and time that has been applied to the re-views of the documents. And the prayers that were put forth towards this project.
Evangelist Richard Luna Gonzales Jr.
BIO DATA:
United States Army
FT. Leonard Wood, MO 63115 1980-1986
Stationed in Germany: (E4) NATO Army Command Combat Engineer 12 B 10.
Attached to a Special Forces unit, Front Line Assignments.
State Capital of New Mexico
1983-1985 Santa Fe, New Mexico
Richard Gonzales Senate Executive working with Senator Francisco Gonzales; Senator Ellen Lively Steel
Education
Associates Degree: Theology
College of the Sequoias,
Visalia, CA
1989-1992 – Criminology
Weimar Institute College,
Weimar, CA
1992-1993
Nutrition, Theology, Massage, Hydrotherapy, Physical Fitness, Pastoral Ministry
Pacific Union College,
Angwin, CA
1994-1995
Pastoral Ministry Theology, Physical Fitness
Columbia Union College,
Takoma Park, MD
1997-1999
Pastoral Ministry Theology
Family Enrichment Resources:
Top-Literature Evangelist Stationed in
Oahu, HI
1994-1997
Health Education Services
Hagerstown, MD 21741-9923
1994-2005
Established Churches:
Millennium Ministries
1998
Silver Springs, MD
Baptisms: 9
Hoboken, NY
1999-1999
Potomac Seventh-Day Adventist Church
1998-2002
Potomac, Md
Pastor Baptisms: 9
Professional Seminars in Health/Prophecy
Director: Chesapeake Conference
Literature Evangelist
2003-2004
Interests
Body Building, Boxing State of California Champion Walter Weight,
Martial Arts Kung Fu (Wu Su) style.
National Massage Therapy Institute School
803 West Broad St. Suite 400, Falls Church, VA 22046
May 20, 2014
Professional Massage Therapist (LMT)
International Alliance of Chaplains & Law Enforcement
Columbia District Member
ID# A-510 Jan 16, 2016
Medical Missionary – Literature Evangelist
Radio Ministry – World Power Gospel Radio, Temple Hills, MD
Time: 8:00 pm – 8:45 pm Thursday Evenings
BIBLE BREAKTHROUGH COLLEGE Dr. Mays.
Temple Hills, MD
Teach Medical Missionary Work 7:15 pm – 9:00 pm
Director: Richard Luna Gonzales Jr. Managed six (6) executive disabled Veterans played a part in the
reissue of the “Purple Heart Postage Stamp.” As it was introduced in Congress by Senator Hillary
Rodham Clinton. Jan 20, 2006. (S. Con. Res. 56) during the 107th Congress.
Table of Contents
The 1884 Great Controversy Compared With The 1911 Great Controversy ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Chapter by Chapter
The 1884 Chapter CpW The 1911 Chapter Page
1…………………………………….To……………………..1………………………………………...1 2…………………………………….To……………………..2……………………………………….13 3…………………………………….To……………………..3……………………………………….19 4…………………………………….To……………………..4……………………………………….26 5…………………………………….To……………………..5&6……………………………………36 6…………………………………….To……………………..7……………………………………….60 7…………………………………….To……………………..8&9……………………………………75 8…………………………………….To……………………..10...……………………………………98 9…………………………………….To……………………..11&12&13…………………………...105 10..………………………………….To……………………..14...…………………………………..132 11………………………….………..To……………………..15..…………………………………...147 12.…………………………………..To……………………..16&17………………………………..161 13..………………………………….To……………………..18&19………………………………..179 14.…………………………………..To……………………..20….....………………………………205 15….………………………………..To……………………..21.……………………………………219 16&17................................................To……………………..22.……………………………………231 18…….……………………………..To..…..………………..23….…………………………………242 19.…………………………………..To……………………..24.……………………………………251 20&21………………………………To.…………………….25&26………………………………..258 22.......................................................To.…………………….27…………………………………….277 23…….……………………………..To……………………..28…………………………………….291 24.…………………………………..To..................................29…………………………………….299 25……….…………………………..To..................................30…………………………………….308 26……….…………………………..To……………………..31…………………………………….312 27……….…………………………..To……………………..32…………………………………….318 28……….…………………………..To……………………..33…………………………………….327 29……….…………………………..To……………………..34…………………………………….338 30……….…………………………..To……………………..35…………………………………….346 31……….…………………………..To……………………..36…………………………………….357 32……….…………………………..To……………………..37…………………………………….364 33……….…………………………..To……………………..38…………………………………….370 34……….…………………………..To……………………..39…………………………………….376 35……….…………………………..To……………………..40…………………………………….389 36……….…………………………..To……………………..41…………………………………….399 37……….…………………………..To……………………..42…………………………………….404
Introduction
Ellen G. White
Born Ellen Gould Harmon November 26, 1827
Gorham, Maine
Died July 16, 1915 (aged 87)
Elmshaven (St. Helena, California)
Occupation Author and co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
Spouse James White
Children Henry Nichols James Edson
William Clarence John Herbert
“I was shown that much of my time had been occupied in speaking to the people when it was more essential that I should devote myself to writing out the important matters for Volume 4; that the warning must go where the living messenger could not go, and that it would call theattention of many to the important events to occur in the closing scenes of this world’s history.” - Ellen White, Letter 1, May 14, 1890, par. 5 – referring to the Spirit of Prophecy, volume 4 also known as The 1884 Great Controversy.
Dear Readers of Scripture,
This book has been prepared with the following Original 1884 Great Controversy. And Re-written into the revised 1911 Great Controversy By: Vice President W. W Prescott of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The two (2) versions are to enlighten, illustrate and educate the readers as to what has happened in history. While the first version of the Great Controversy was published in 1858 Great Controversy, a much deeper version was written by the Prophet and author, Ellen G. White. The second writing was published as part of a four book series called the “Great Controversy Series” now called the “Spirit of Prophecy. Vol. 1-4. This second writing was the 1884 Great Controversy. And considered the 1884 Great Controversy.
In reviewing the following and comparing them:
Original document: Spirit of Prophecy Vol. No. IV, The Great Controversy 1884 edition vs
Revised document: 1911 Great Controversy
Deletions are shown with the following attributes and color: Blue. Deleted text is shown in it’s full entirety of the text that was included in the original 1884 Great Controversy.
Unedited text will be and remain in Black.
Insertions (additions) are shown with the following attributes and color: Red. This was inserted by church officials. This text is not original nor is it inspired.
Moved blocks of text are also shown at both locations, removal and inserted. These moved block marks are shown in the following color: Magenta.
Remember this Key to the book for your prophecy and character studies
Color codes: Use this formula BLUE – DELETED, BUT CORRECT. RED – ADDED INCORRECT, NOT BY INSPIRATION. BLACK – CORRECT
So just to confirm, anything you see as a combination of Blue and Black text is the original inspired writing.
The Testimonies for the Church was written as it was inspired by (Eylohim) God. It was given to direct, inspire, rebuke as needed, warn and guide the chosen remnant people for these end times.
But as the leading men in our (Seventh-day Adventist Church) denomination passed away to their rest, a number of men wanted to rise to the occasion and be next in charge. It would be these actions that would lead to a committee to be formed, and the beginning of scrutiny within our own denomination that would begin. And it would start with the writings of the Prophet Ellen G. White.
The Original Testimonies for the Church. Numbers #. 1-30. started as a 30 part volume set. And consistenting to the changes transformed into the Testimonies for the Church. Vol. 1-9. Prior to the General Confernce Session in 1883. They had voted to have a committee of five (5) men to change the Spirit of Prophecy. Vol.1-4. Into the Conflict of the Ages. Vol. 1-5. On the next page is a recording by Arthur L. White (James and Ellen White’s grandson) from the General Conference session of 1883.
The Originals:
The Testimonies to the Church. Numbers #. 1-30.
By: The Prophet Ellen G. White
The Changing of the Spirit of Prophecy Writings
Ellen G. White – Messenger to the Remnant - By A. L. White, p. 65.
Vital Principles Enunciated
The question was of such vital importance that it was carried to the General Conference session of 1883. At that meeting, important decisions were reached which not only affected the reprinting of these “Testimonies,” but which also placed the denomination on record as to its understanding of certain fundamental principles having to do with the utterances of the Spirit of Prophecy. We quote from the minutes of the meeting:
“32. WHEREAS, Some of the bound volumes of the “Testimonies to the Church.’ Are out of print so that full sets cannot be obtained at the office; and, “WHEREAS, There is a constant and urgent call for the reprinting of these volumes: therefore, “Resolved, That we recommend their republication in such a form as to make four volumes of seven or eight hundred pages each. “33. WHEREAS, Many of these testimonies were written under the most unfavorable circumstances, the writer being too heavily pressed with anxiety and labor to devote critical thought to the grammatical perfection of the writings, and they were printed in such haste as to allow these imperfections to pass uncorrected; and, “WHEREAS, We believe the light given by God to His servants by the enlightenment of the mind, thus imparting the thoughts, and not (except in rare cases) the very words in which the idea should be expressed [italics ours]; therefore, “Resolved, That in the republication of these volumes, such verbal changes be made as to remove the above-named imperfections, as far as possible, with-out in any measure changing the thought ; and further, “34. Resolved, That this body appoint a committee of five to take charge of the republication of these volumes according to the above preambles and resolutions.” - Review and Herald, Nov. 27, 1883.
42 days later they voted to the changes of the spirit of prophecybooks! This was a prophecy,
, ,
The above statement from Sr. White’s pen, was issued approximately Six Weeks, prior to the 1883 General Conference Session, passing the following resolution, to set up a committee of five (5) , to change the Testimonies of the Holy Spirit.
Review & Herald, vol.1. p. 372. Oct 16, 1883.
Ellen G. White, said, “I expect to be betrayed” – Prophecy.
The committee of five (5) to change the Testimonies given through the Holy Spirit was made up of the following individuals:
(Chairman): 1. George I. Butler - Proposed the changes in the Spirit of Prophecy and 1884 Great Controversy2. Stephen N. Haskell – Some what Loyal, however, agreed on the changes of the Books3. Uriah Smith – Denied the Testimonies and changed the writings of the 1884 Great Controversy4. Joseph H. Waggoner – Adulterer, and changed the writings of the Books5. Willie C. White (Sister White’s son) – Forged his mother’s signature! changed writings
6. Vice President: William Warren Prescott – “You are touching exactly the experience throughwhich I went, personly, because you all know that I contributed something toward the revision ofthe “Great Controversy.” I furnished considerable material.” 1919 Bible Teachers Conference.Reviving the Original Spirit of Prophecy. p. 27.
This action would begin a slippery slope whereas the threat of Sister White’s writings becoming tainted would always exist. Four particular men were involved in so much mischief that Sister White had to rebuked them many times for what they were up to, instead of the work they should have been doing in the cities. This was Arthur Grosvenor Daniells (1858-1935) and William Warren Prescott (1855-1944). Daniells would become the General Conference President in 1901, and become glued to that seat until 1922. Prescott was the most educated man we ever had in those earliest days well into the 1900’s. He was educated at Dartmouth, a secular institution and would be responsible for starting many Adventist colleges. He would serve as Vice-President besides other offices. These two men would be the leaders of the secretive 1919 Bible & Teachers Conference where the notes from the meeting would disappear until 1974.
Sister White’s rebuke of these two men is very telling: “Message after message has come to me from the Lord concerning the dangers surrounding you and Elder Prescott. I have seen that Satan would have been greatly pleased to see Elders Prescott and Daniells undertake the work of a general overhauling of our books that have done a good work in the field for years. But neither of you is called of God to that work. If you were to enter upon such a work, much time would be employed that should be givene to the proclamation of the last warning message to an impenitent world.” {Lt70-1910.2} “In some respects, you and Brother Prescott have done a strange work. It is not for the best interests that either one of you be associated together so closely as heretofore. It is not best for you to follow a way of your own choosing. You both have need of the sanctification of the Holy Spirit of God.” {Lt70-1910.4} “…Representations have passed before me which indicate that you and Elder Prescott and others united with you have been inclined to search out things to be criticized or condemned in our printed publications. Were encouragement given you, changes and revisions would be made in accordance with the ideas that you have in mind. But you must never forget that Satan, disguised as an angel of light, is always ready to encourage anything that would lead to a loss of confidence in our denominational literature. He would be pleased to keep many minds employed in picking flaws in publications that God has blessed.” {Lt70-1910.5} “The enemy of truth, through the ministry of fallen angels, would be pleased to introduce uncertainty in the minds of many in regard to doctrines that have been established by the sanction of the Holy Spirit. Disguised as one who has a deep understanding of truth, Satan will seek to point out supposed errors in that which needs no revision, and it will take much time and patient labor to restore confidence in those whose minds are unsettled by unnecessary changes. God forbids His servants to alter that which needs no change. If our people would all act sensibly in regard to these matters, and not give themselves to a work of questioning and disputation, much doubt and consequent confusion would be avoided.” {Lt70-1910.16}
“At this stage of our experience we are not to have our minds drawn away from the special light given [us] to consider at the important gathering of our conference. And there was Brother Daniells, whose mind the enemy was working; and your mind and Elder Prescott’s mind were being worked by the angels that were expelled from heaven. Satan’s work was to divert your minds, that jots and tittles should be brought in which the Lord did not inspire you to bring in. They were not essential. But this meant much to the cause of truth. And the ideas of your minds, if you could be drawn away to jots or tittles, is a work of Satan’s devising. To correct little things in the books written you suppose would be doing a great work. But I am charged, Silence is eloquent.” {Ms67-1910.2} “Your loud proclamation was not under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I was instructed to say to you that your picking flaws in the writings of men that have been led of God is not inspired of God. And if this is the wisdom that Elder Daniells would give to the people, by no means give him an official position, for he cannot reason from cause to effect. Your silence on this subject is your wisdom. Now, everything like picking flaws in the publications of men who are not alive is not the work God has given any of you to do. For if these men—Elders Daniells and Prescott—had followed the directions given in working the cities, there would have been many, very many, convinced of the truth and converted, able men that [now] are in positions where they never will be reached.” {Ms67-1910.7} “Let the books alone. If any change is essential, God will have the harmony in that change consistent; but when a message has been entrusted to men with the large responsibilities involved, [God] demands faithfulness that will work by love and purify the soul. Elders Daniells and Prescott both need reconversion. A strange work has come in, and it is not in harmony with the work Christ came to our world to do; and all who are truly converted will work the works of Christ.” {Ms67-1910.14} “I was shown that Brother Daniells and Brother Prescott were weaving into their experience sentiments of a spiritualistic appearance and drawing our people to beautiful sentiments that would deceive, if possible, the every elect. I have to trace with my pen [the fact] that these brethren would see defects in their delusive ideas that would place the truth in an uncertainty; and [yet] they [would] stand out as [if they had] great spiritual discernment. Now I am to tell them [that] when I was shown this matter, when Elder Daniells was lifting up his voice like a trumpet in advocating his ideas of the “daily,” the after results were presented. Our people were becoming confused. I saw the result, and then there were given me cautions that if Elder Daniells without respect to the outcome should thus be impressed and let himself believe he was under the inspiration of God, skepticism would be sown among our ranks everywhere, and we should be where Satan would carry his messages. Set unbelief and skepticism would be sown in human minds, and strange crops of evil would take the place of truth.” {Ms67 -1910.18} “If these men will now be able to discern [their errors, the Lord promises] “I will heal them.” But if they go on picking flaws in the messages God has given, [He declares], “I will remove My Spirit from them.” Then will (Acts 17:31) [be implemented]. Now I am charged to say, we have been as menand women asleep. And if the past experience is to be repeated, we cannot consent to have our people, as regards this faith, like people lost in the fog. Our work is not [to] be confined so largely to holding meetings among believers. We must work the cities. I am doubtful of Elder Daniells’ being entrusted [with the work] as president of the conference, because he cannot discern from cause to effect. His position carries a weight of assurance that will make him a man [whom the people will feel is] to be trusted, when I see spiritual blindness has come upon him. Were Elder Daniells genuinely converted at the General [Conference] and Elder Prescott, I could then feel some courage to confide in his judgment when to speak and how to deliver the messages the Lord has for His people.” {Ms67-1910.19.
Presidents of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
The men that were at the helm of changing the writings of the Prophet Ellen G. White
(Chairman)
President: George I. Butler (1834-1918) Vice President:W. W. Prescott (1855-1944)
Dishonest
President: Arthur G. Daniels (1859-1935) Uriah Smith (1832-1903)
The men that changed the writings of the Prophet Ellen G. White
Review & Herald. Vol. 5. p. 110:- “That which I have written is what the Lord has bidden me
write. I have not been instructed to change that which I have sent out.” (1905)
“1860: - Sr. White rebuked Sr. Harriet Smith (Uriah Smith’s wife), and Uriah Smith himself very plainly. Sr. White had no freedom to relate her testimonies in the presence of the Smiths. In fact, the spiritual situation at Battle Creek Church was so bad, that James and Ellen G. White, had no union with the church, and they were spending their Sabbaths at home, and were not worshipling with the Battle Creek Church. The Smiths were cherishing jealous and suspicious feelings against the Whites, working secretly against them” Pamphlets in the Concordance, No. 16, pp. 5-7, 17, 18: - “Letter to Sister H. N. Smith.” Battle Creek, Mich., June, 1860.
1871:- Elder Smith was a flesh eater and did not follow health reform. He was an “Eli” in his family, and was not following the Testimonies.
1882:- Sr. White wrote of the strongest rebukes to the Battle Creek Church, but particularly to Elder Smith, for rejecting the Testimonies, shunning responsibilities, and for being in spiritual darkness. Each of these rebukes has been omitted from the present edition of 5th Testimonies, pp. 21-98. There are other important omissions which do NOT appear in the present edtion of Volume 5.)
“Testimonies for the Battle Creek Church” – 1882, pp. 29, 42, 43, 47, 50: - “I am sorry that Eld. Smith, who has been considered so mild, so kind, and so tender that he shrank from reproving wrongs in the office, or performing his duty in the church and in his own family, is for some unexplainable reason found on the side of the accuser: I can but think that this is due to some influence which has blindedhis eyes and confused his senses. I cannot say to Bro. Smith, God speed you in this work, for it is wrong. …Bro. Smith, the stand which you have taken in this case proves you responsible for all your past neglect of duty in the church and in the office.
Ibid., p. 442: - “The enlarged edtion, which came to be known as the 1888 edtion, carried twenty-six full page illustrations and at the close devoted thirteen pages to general notes and thirteen pages to biographical notes. These notes were prepared by several authors, including J. H. Waggoner, Uriah Smith, and M. C. Wilcox. Marian Davis assisted.” {3BIO 442.5}
For questions, concerns, or to order this book, you may contact Evangelist Richard L. Gonzales Jr at:
(540) 370-1844
The 1884 Great Controversy The other Great Controversys could not have been RE-WRTTEN without the original Great
Controversy
1. 1858 Great Controversy - Original 2. 1884 Great Controversy - Original 3. 1885 Great Controversy 4. 1886 Great Controversy 5. 1887 Great Controversy Oakland, CA. - Corrupt 6. 1888 Great Controversy Oakland, CA. - Corrupt 7. 1887 Great Controversy Australia - Correct 8. 1888 Great Controversy Australia - Correct 9. 1907 Great Controversy 10. 1911 Great Controversy - Corrupt 11. 2012 Great Hope - Omitted the Truth
The 1888 Great Controversy (L)
The 1911 Great Controversy ( R )
Vice President: William Warren Prescott: Wrote the book Vice President: W.W. Prescott: - “You are touching exactly the experience through which I went, personally, because you all know that I contributed something toward the revision of “Great Controversy.” I furnished considerable material bearing upon that question.” – Minutes of the 1919 Bible and Teachers Conference, referring to the 1911 Great Controversy
Remember this Key to the book for your prophecy and character studies
Color codes: Use this formula:
BLUE – DELETED, BUT CORRECT. RED – ADDED INCORRECT, NOT BY INSPIRATION. BLACK - CORRECT
1
CHAPTER I.
1 THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM
“If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! But now they are hid from thine eyes. “The For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.” Luke 19:42-44. P. 17, Para. 1, [4SPGC11].
From the crest of Olivet, Jesus looksed upon Jerusalem. Fair and peaceful is was the scene spread out before him Him. It was the season of the Passover, and from all lands the children of Jacob had gathered there to celebrate the great national festival. In the midst of gardens and vineyards, and green slopes studded with pilgrims’ tents, riose the terraced hills, the stately palaces, and massive bulwarks of Israel’s capital. The daughter of Zion seemsed in her pride to say, “I sit a queen, and shall see no sorrow;” as lovely now then, and deeming herself as secure in Heaven’s favor, as when, ages before, the royal minstrel sung, sang: “Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion,” “ . . . the city of the great King.” Psalm 48:2. In full view are were the magnificent buildings of the temple. The rays of the setting sun lighted up the snowy whiteness of its marble walls, and gleamed from golden gate and tower and pinnacle. “The perfection of beauty” it stands stood, the pride of the Jewish nation. What child of Israel could gaze upon the scene without a thrill of joy and admiration! But far other thoughts occupy occupied the mind of Jesus. “When hHe was come near, hHe beheld the city, and wept over it.” Luke 19:41. Amid the universal rejoicing of the triumphal entry, while palm branches waved, while glad hosannas awaoke the echoes of the hills, and thousands of voices declare hd Him king, the world’s Redeemer is was overwhelmed with a sudden and mysterious sorrow. He, the Son of God, the Promised One of Israel, whose power hasd conquered death, and called its captives from the grave, is was in tears, not of ordinary grief, but of intense, irrepressible agony. P. 17, Para. 2, [4SPGC11].
His tears were not for hHimself, though hHe well knew whither hHis feet were tending. Before hHim lay Gethsemane, the scene of His approaching agony. The sheepgate also was in sight, through which for centuries the victims for sacrifice had been led, and which was to open for Him when He should be “brought as a lamb to the slaughter.” Isaiah 53:7. Not far distant was Calvary, the place of crucifixion. Upon the path which he Christ was soon to tread must fall the horror of great darkness as hHe should make hHis soul an offering for sin. Yet it was not athe contemplation of these scenes that cast the shadow upon hHim in this hour of gladness. No forebodings of hHis own superhuman anguish clouded that unselfish spirit. He wept for the doomed thousands of Jerusalem,--because Jerusalem—because of the blindness and impenitence of those whom hHe came to bless and to save. P. 18, Para. 1, [4SPGC11].
The history of more than a thousand years of privilege and blessing, granted to the Jewish people, was unfolded God’s special favor and guardian care, manifested to the chosen people, was open to the eye of Jesus. There was Mount Moriah, where the son of promise, an unresisting victim, had been bound to the altar—emblem of the offering of the Son of God. There the covenant of blessing, the glorious Messianic promise, had been confirmed to the father of the faithful. Genesis 22:9, 16-18.
Note: The Changes must be focused on capital letters and lower-case letters. That have been changed throughout the book.
2
There the flames of the sacrifice ascending to heaven from the threshing floor of Ornan had turned aside the sword of the destroying angel (1 Chronicles 21)-fitting symbol of the Saviour’s sacrifice and mediation for guilty men. Jerusalem had been honored of God above all the earth. The Lord had made Zion his holy habitation. There prophets had unsealed their rolls and “chosen Zion,” He had “desired it for His habitation.” Psalm 132:13. There, for ages, holy prophets had uttered their messages of warnings. There priests had waved their censers, and the cloud of incense, with the prayers of the worshipers, had ascended before God. There daily offered the blood of slain lambs had been offered, pointing forward to the Lamb of God. There had Jehovah dwelt in visible glory, had revealed His presence in the shekinah cloud of glory above the mercysea tmercy seat. There rested the base of that mystic ladder connecting earth with Hheaven,--that (Genesis 28:12; John 1:51)—that ladder upon which angels of God descended and ascended, and which opened to the world the way into the holiest of all. Had Israel as a nation preserved her allegiance to Heaven, Jerusalem would have stood forever, the elect metropolis of God. Jeremiah 17:21-25. But the history of that favored people was a record of backsliding and rebellion. They had resisted Heaven’s grace, abused their privileges, and slighted their opportunities. P. 18, Para. 2, [4SP].
Amid forgetfulness and apostasy, God had dealt with Israel as a loving father deals with a rebellious son, admonishing, warning, correcting, still saying in the tender anguish of a parent’s soul, How can I give thee up? [GC11].
Although Israel had “mocked the messengers of God, and despised His words, and misused His prophets” (2 Chronicles 36:16), He had still manifested Himself to them, as “the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6); notwithstanding repeated rejections, His mercy had continued its pleadings. With more than a father’s pitying love for the son of his care, God had “sent to them by His messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because He had compassion on His people, and on His dwelling place.” 2 Chronicles 36:15. When remonstrance, entreaty, and rebuke had failed, God He sent to this people them the best gift of Hheaven; nay, hHe poured out to them all Hheaven in that one gGift. P. 19, Para. 1, [4SPGC11].
For three years I Son of God knocked at the gate of Himself was sent to plead with the impenitent city. It was Christ that had brought Israel as a goodly vine out of Egypt. Psalm 80:8. His own hand had cast out the heathen before it. He had planted it “in a very fruitful hill.” His guardian care had hedged it about. His servants had been sent to nurture it. “What could have been done more to My vineyard,” He exclaims, “that I have not done in it?” Isaiah 5:1-4. Though when He looked that it should bring forth grapes, it brought forth wild grapes, yet with a still yearning hope of fruitfulness He came in person to hHis vineyard seeking fruit. Israel had been as a vine transplanted from Egypt into a genial soil. He dug about his vine; he, if haply it might be saved from destruction. He digged about His vine; He pruned and cherished it. He was unwearied in hHis efforts to save this vine of hHis own planting. P. 19, Para. 2, [GC11]. For three years the Lord of light and glory had gone in and out among his people. He healed the sick; he comforted the sorrowing; he raised the dead; he spoke pardon and peace to the repentant. He gathered about him the weak and the weary, the helpless and the desponding, and extended to all, without respect to age or character, the invitation of mercy: “Come unto me His people.
He “went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil,” binding up the brokenhearted, setting at liberty them that were bound, restoring sight to the blind, causing the lame to walk and the deaf to hear, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead, and preaching the gospel to the poor. Acts 10:38; Luke 4:18; Matthew 11:5. To all classes alike was addressed the gracious call: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. P. 1920, Para. 21, [4SPGC11].
