END OF TIME SERIES 

 PART ELEVEN

THE LITTLE TIME OF TROUBLE 

The great time of trouble, culminating in Jacob's trouble comes after the general close of probation. But the little time of trouble occurs prior to that general close, and simultaneously with the giving of the loud cry by the faithful; see EW 85-86, 33.

In summary, the little time of trouble will bring trouble in several ways:

(1) The wicked will war against one another, although to a lesser extent than they did before and after the loud cry.

(2) As the protecting Spirit is poured out on God's people, it is withdrawn from the world. This gives Satan greater freedom to bring intensified crises to his own followers.

(3) Satan will bring desolations and natural disasters which will occur in various places throughout the world.

(4) Satan, his demons, and his agents will blame Sabbathkeepers for the disasters. This enrages the wicked against Sabbath keepers.

(5) Sunday law legislation will return power into the hands of Rome, and it will use it to persecute Sabbathkeepers.

(6) The righteous will be persecuted by both Catholics and Protestants.

(7) Because of the no-buy-sell proviso, Sabbath keepers will suffer hardship to one degree or another.

In spite of the many disasters, crises, and no-buy-sell restrictions, God will overrule so that His people will be able to continue spreading the loud cry message.

We are told that the faithful who live in the country will undergo less privation during that time, than those who have chosen to be slow in moving out of the cities.

At the time that the Sunday law was enacted, the world was told that enactment of the national Sunday law would bring a millennium of peace. But, as God's Spirit is poured out upon His faithful ones, it is withdrawn from the world-and strife and natural disasters caused by Satan are the result. Conditions get worse, not better! Satan's objective is not merely to require Sunday worship, but also to destroy those who refuse that worship. The ongoing strife and disasters enrage the wicked against faithful Sabbath keepers. During the great time of trouble (after the general close of probation), these calamities greatly increase.

In a later study in this series, we will discuss the great time of trouble.

-1

LITTLE TIME OF TROUBLE BEGINS WHEN LOUD CRY BEGINS

1 - Sequence: (1) (Little) time of trouble be gins; (2) latter rain; (3) loud cry begins.

"At the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully."-Early Writings, 33:2.

- 2

LITTLE TIME OF TROUBLE EXTENDS TO END OF LOUD CRY

1 - Sequence: (Little) time of trouble comes before the end of loud cry and Christ's mediation, and it comes before the close of probation and the plagues.

'The commencement of that time of trouble,' here mentioned [on page 33], does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period Just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary. At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel. "-Early Writings, 85:3-86:0.

- 3

PEACE AND SAFETY HAS BEEN THE ASSURANCE

1 - It will be imagined that the national Sunday law will bring worldwide conversion and the beginning of a millennium of peace.

"Papists, Protestants, and worldlings will alike accept the form of godliness without the power, and they will see In this union a grand movement for the conversion of the world and the ushering In of the long-expected millennium. "-Great Controversy, 588:3-589:0.

2 - Long ages of peace and prosperity are predicted.

'The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.' 2 Peter 3:10. When the reasoning of philosophy has banished the fear of God's judgments; when religious teachers are pointing forward to long ages of peace and prosperity, and the world are absorbed in their rounds of business and pleasure, planting and building, feasting and merrymaking, rejecting God's warnings and mocking His messengers -then it is that sudden destruction cometh upon them, and they shall not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:3."-Patriarchs and Prophets, 104:0.

3 - The people are dreaming of temporal prosperity.

"Like the dwellers in the vale of Siddim, the people are dreaming of prosperity and peace. 'Escape for thy life,' is the warning from the angels of God; but other voices are heard saying, 'Be not excited; there is no cause for alarm.' The multitudes cry, 'Peace and safety,' while Heaven declares that swift destruction is about to come upon the transgressor. On the night prior to their destruction, the cities of the plain rioted in pleasure and derided the fears and warnings of the messenger of God; but those scoffers perished in the flames; that very night the door of mercy was forever closed to the wicked, careless inhabitants of Sodom. God will not always be mocked; He will not long be trifled with. 'Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.' Isaiah 13:9. The great mass of the world will reject God's mercy, and will be overwhelmed in swift and irretrievable ruin. But those who heed the warning shall dwell 'in the secret place of the Most High,' and' abide under the shadow of the Almighty.' His truth shall be their shield and buckler." Patriarchs and Prophets, 167:2.

- 4

STRIFE AND WARFARE CONTINUES BUT RESTRAINED SOMEWHAT DURING THE LOUD CRY

1 - Calamities are permitted to awaken men to their need.

"Calamities will come-calamities most awful, most unexpected; and these destructions will follow one after another. If there will be a heeding of the warnings that God has given, and if churches will repent, returning to their allegiance, then other cities may be spared for a time. But if men who have been deceived continue in the same way in which they have been walking, disregarding the law of God and presenting falsehoods before the people, God allows them to suffer calamity, that their senses may be awakened." -Evangelism, 27:3.

2 - When the trouble begins, it will continue till the Second Advent.

"Soon grievous troubles will arise among the nations -trouble that will not cease until Jesus comes. As never before we need to press together, serving Him who has prepared His throne in the heavens and whose kingdom ruleth over all. God has not forsaken His people, and our strength lies in not forsaking Him.

"The judgments of God are in the land. The wars and rumors of wars, the destruction by fire and flood, say clearly that the time of trouble, which is to Increase until the end, is very near at hand. We have no time to lose. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecies of the eleventh of Daniel have almost reached their final fulfillment." - Welfare Ministry, 136:4-5.

3 - Natural disasters will occur.

"In the last scenes of this earth's history, war will rage. There will be pestilence, plague, and famine. The waters of the deep will overflow their boundaries. Property and life will be destroyed by fire and flood. We should be preparing for the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for them that love Him. There is a rest from earth's conflict." -Maranatha, 174:5.

4 - There will be strife and warfare in and among nations.

"Soon strife among the nations will break out with an intensity that we do not now anticipate. The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living. Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed upon the events taking place around us. They are watching the strained, restless relations that exist among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element, and they realize that something great and decisive is about to take place, that the world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis.

"A moment of respite has been graciously given us of God. Every power lent us of Heaven is now to be used in working for those perishing in ignorance. There must be no delay. The truth must be proclaimed in the dark places of the earth . . A great work is to be done, and to those who know the truth for this time, this work has been entrusted." -Maranatha, 174:3-4.

            5 - [In the little time of trouble] this trouble will begin during the loud cry, but will intensify after the loud cry is ended [during the great time of trouble].

"While the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel. At that time the 'latter rain,' or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out." -Early Writings, 85:9-86:0..

6 - A little time of peace will occur, and then strife will resume to a far greater degree than before.

"I was shown the Inhabitants of the earth in the utmost confusion. War, bloodshed, privation, want, famine, and pestilence were abroad in the land. As these things surrounded God's people, they began to press together, and to cast aside their little difficulties. Self-dignity no longer controlled them; deep humility took its place. Suffering, perplexity, and privation caused reason to resume its throne, and the passionate and unreasonable man became sane, and acted with discretion and wisdom.

"My attention was then called from the scene. There seemed to be a little time of peace. Once more the inhabitants of the earth were presented before me; and again everything was in the utmost confusion. Strife, war, and bloodshed, with famine and pestilence, raged everywhere. Other nations were engaged in this war and confusion. War caused famine. Want and bloodshed caused pestilence. And then men's hearts failed them for fear, 'and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.' "-1 Testimonies, 268:1-2.

7 - When the third angel's message ends and probation closes, the check is removed from the nations -and the storm will burst upon them all the more fiercely.

"Angels are now restraining the winds of strife, until the world shall be warned of its coming doom; but a storm is gathering, ready to burst upon the earth, and when God shall bid His angels loose the winds, there will be such a scene of strife as no pen can picture.

        "A moment of respite has been graciously given us of God. Every power lent us of heaven is to be used in doing the work assigned us by the Lord for those who are perishing in    ignorance. "-Evangelism, 704:1-2.

       8 - Civil, international, and natural crises are increasing, and will soon intensively climax.

"The signs of the times give evidence that the judgments of heaven are being poured out, that the day of the Lord is at hand. The daily papers are full of indications of an intense conflict in the future. Bold robberies are of frequent occurrence. Strikes are common. Thefts and murders are committed on every hand. Men possessed by demons are taking the lives of men, women, and little children. All these things testify that the Lord's coming is near.

"The restraining Spirit of God is even now being withdrawn from the world. Hurricanes, storms, tempests, disasters by sea and by land, follow one another in quick succession. The signs thickening around us, telling of the near approach of the Son of God, are attributed to any other than the true cause. .

"The time is right upon us when there will be sorrow in the world that no human balm can heal. Even before the last great destruction comes upon the world, the flattering monuments of man's greatness will be crumbled in the dust. God's retributive judgments will fall on those who In the face of great light have continued in sin. Costly buildings, supposed to be fireproof, are erected. But as Sodom perished in the flames of God's vengeance, so will these proud structures become ashes. I have seen vessels which cost immense sums of money wrestling with the mighty ocean, seeking to breast the angry billows. But with all their treasures of gold and silver, and with all their human freight, they sank into a watery grave. . But amid the tumult of excitement, with confusion in every place, there is a work to be done for God in the world." Maranatha, 175:2-4.

- 5

SATAN WILL BRING GREAT DISASTERS

1 - Satan has remarkable power over the elements of nature.

"Satan works through the elements also to garner his harvest of unprepared souls. He has studied the secrets of the laboratories of nature, and he uses all his power to control the elements as far as God allows. . While appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal all their maladies, he will bring disease and disaster, until populous cities are reduced to ruin and desolation. Even now he is at work. In accidents and calamities by sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce tornadoes and terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power. He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These visitations are to become more and more frequent and disastrous. Destruction will be upon both man and beast." -Great Controversy, 589:2-590:0.

- 6

THE FAITHFUL WILL BE BLAMED FOR THE MANY CALAMITIES

1 - The judgments increase as the wickedness of men increases.

"The judgments will be according to the wickedness of the people and the light of truth that they have had. If they have had the truth, according to that light will be the punishment." Maranatha, 176:3.

2 - Those keeping God's commandments will be blamed for the world's problems.

"As men depart further and further from God, Satan is permitted to have power over the children of disobedience. He hurls destruction among men. There is calamity by land and sea.

Property and life are destroyed by fire and flood, Satan resolves to charge this upon those who refuse to bow to the Idol which he has set up. His agents point to Seventh-day Adventists as the cause of the trouble. 'These people stand out in defiance of law,' they say, 'They desecrate Sunday. Were they compelled to obey the law for Sunday observance, there would be a cessation of these terrible judgments,' "-Maranatha, 176:1.

3 - Sunday-violators will be declared to be the cause of all the troubles.

"Satan puts his interpretation upon events, and they [leading men] think, as he would have them, that the calamites which fill the land are a result of Sunday-breaking. Thinking to appease the wrath of God, these influential men make laws enforcing Sunday observance. They think that by exalting this false rest-day higher, and still higher, compelling obedience to the Sunday law, the spurious sabbath, they are doing God service. Those who honor God by observing the true Sabbath are looked upon as disloyal to God, when it is really those who thus regard them who are themselves disloyal, because they are trampling under foot the Sabbath originated in Eden, "-Maranatha, 176:4.

- 7

THE WORLD WILL BE AGAINST GOD'S PEOPLE

1 - The Christian denominations will do that (the setting up of the image) which will focus attention on commandment keepers.

"Our people have been regarded as too insignificant to be worthy of notice, but a change will come. The Christian world is now making movements which will necessarily bring commandment-keeping people into prominence." -5 Testimonies, 546:2.

2 - Sabbathkeepers will be hated, for Satan is purposing their destruction.

"The whole world is to be stirred with enmity against Seventh-day Adventists, because they will not yield homage to the papacy, by honoring Sunday, the institution of this antichristian power. It is the purpose of Satan to cause them to be blotted from the earth, in order that his supremacy of the world may not be disputed." Testimonies to Ministers, 37:0.

3 - The attention of the world will be riveted on the beliefs of the faithful.

"Every position of truth taken by our people will bear the criticism of the greatest minds; the highest of the world's great men will be brought in contact with truth, and therefore every position we take should be critically examined and tested by the Scriptures. Now we seem to be unnoticed, but this will not always be. Movements are at work to bring us to the front, and if our theories of truth can be picked to pieces by historians or the world's greatest men, it will be done.

"We must individually know for ourselves what is truth, and be prepared to give a reason of the hope that we have with meekness and fear, not in a proud boasting, self-sufficiency, but with the spirit of Christ. We are nearing the time when we shall stand Individually alone to answer for our belief. "-Evangelism, 69:1-2.

4 - Then as now, the strength of the faithful will be in Christ and an obedient knowledge of His Word.

"The powers of darkness will open their batteries upon us; and all who are indifferent and careless, who have set their affections on their earthly treasure, and who have not cared to understand God's dealings with His people, will be ready victims. No power but a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, will ever make us steadfast; but with this, one may chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight." Maranatha, 217:6.

- 8

THE FAITHFUL WILL STAND BEFORE COURTS AND COUNCILS

1 - We must study and prepare for what is coming!

"You know not where you may be called upon to give your witness of truth. Many will have to stand in the legislative courts; some will have to stand before kings and before the learned of the earth, to answer for their faith. Those who have only a superficial understanding of truth will not be able clearly to expound the Scriptures, and give definite reasons for their faith. They will become confused, and will not be workmen that need not to be ashamed. Let no one imagine that he has no need to study, because he is not to preach in the sacred desk. You know not what God may require of you." -Fundamentals of Christian Education, 217:1.

2 - The faithful will be brought before the rulers of the earth.

   The time is not far off when the people of God will be called upon to give their testimony before the rulers of the earth. Not one in twenty has a realization of what rapid strides we are making toward the great crisis in our history. . There is no time for vanity, for trifling, for engaging the mind in unimportant matters." -Maranatha, 258:1.

3 - They will appear before kings and great men.

"Kings, governors, and great men will hear of you through the reports of those who are at enmity with you, and your faith and character will be misrepresented before them. But those who are falsely accused will have an opportunity to appear in the presence of their accusers to answer for themselves. They will have the privilege of bringing the light before those who are called the great men of the earth, and if you have studied the Bible, if you are ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear, your enemies will not be able to gainsay your wisdom.

"You now have an opportunity to attain to the greatest intellectual power through the study of the Word of God. But if you are indolent, and fail to dig deep in the mines of truth, you will not be ready for the crisis that is soon to come upon us. a that you would realize that each moment is golden. If you live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, you will not be found unprepared." -Marantha, 258.'2-3.

4 - They will witness to their faith before councils and thousands.

"The time will come when we shall be brought before councils and before thousands for His name's sake, and each one will have to give the reason of his faith." -Maranatha, 252:2.

5 - They will stand before leading authorities.     

"Every position of truth taken by our people will bear the criticism of the greatest minds; the highest of the world's great men will be brought in contact with truth, and therefore every position we take should be critically examined and tested by the Scriptures. Now we seem to be unnoticed, but this will not always be. Movements are at work to bring us to the front, and if our theories of truth can be picked to pieces by historians or the world's greatest men, it will be done." Evangelism, 69:1.

            6 - The presentation of pure truth is powerful.

"The Lord Jesus will give the disciples a tongue and wisdom that their adversaries can neither gainsay nor resist. Those who could not by reasoning overcome satanic delusions will bear an affirmative testimony that will baffle supposedly learned men. Words will come from the lips of the unlearned with such convincing power and wisdom that conversions will be made to the truth. Thousands will be converted under their testimony.

"Why should the illiterate man have this power, which the learned man has not? The illiterate one, through faith in Christ, has come into the atmosphere of pure, clear truth, while the learned man has turned away from the truth. The poor man is Christ's witness. He cannot appeal to histories or to so-called high science, but he gathers from the Word of God powerful evidence. The truth that he speaks under the inspiration of the Spirit, is so pure and remarkable and carries with It a power so Indisputable, that his testimony cannot be gainsaid."- Maranatha, 252:4-5.

7 - Perplexities will come to us, but God will be our Helper.

"In the great closing work we shall meet with perplexities that we know not how to deal with, but let us not forget that the three great powers of heaven are working, that a divine hand is on the wheel, and that God will bring His purposes to pass." -Evangelism, 65:2.

- 9

GOD'S PEOPLE WILL BE PERSECUTED

1 - Prior to the end of the loud cry (and the close of probation), persecution of the faithful will be limited.

"Persecution in its varied forms is the development of a principle which will exist as long as Satan exists and Christianity has vital power. .

"But so long as Jesus remains man's Intercessor In the sanctuary above, the restraining Influence of the Holy Spirit is felt by rulers and people, it still controls to some extent the laws of the land. Were it not for these laws, the condition of the world would be much worse than it now is. While many of our rulers are active agents of Satan, God also has His agents among the leading men of the nation. The enemy moves upon his servants to propose measures that would greatly impede the work of God; but statesmen who fear the Lord are influenced by holy angels to oppose such propositions with unanswerable arguments. Thus a few men will hold in check a powerful current of evil. The opposition of the enemies of truth will be restrained that the third angel's message may do its work. When the final warning shall be given, it will arrest the attention of these leading men through whom the Lord is now working, and some of them will accept it, and will stand with the people of God through the time of trouble." -Great Controversy, 610:2-611:0.

2 - The setting up of the image (in the enactment of the national Sunday law) will bring civil penalties.

"When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the Infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will Inevitable result, "-Great Controversy, 445:1.

3 - Be prepared to be arrested and brought before councils.

"As Christ was hated without cause, so will His people be hated because they are obedient to the commandments of God. If He who was pure, holy, and undefiled, who did good and only good in our world, was treated as a base criminal and condemned to death, His disciples must expect but similar treatment, however faultless may be their life and blameless their character.

"Human enactments, laws manufactured by satanic agencies under a plea of goodness and restriction of evil, will be exalted, while God's holy commandments are despised and trampled underfoot. And all who prove their loyalty by obedience to the law of Jehovah must be prepared to be arrested, to be brought before councils that have not for their standard the high and holy law of God."-7 Bible Commentary, 977/1:4/2:0.

4 - Courts and judges will be corrupt.

"Those who live during the last days of this earth's history will know what it means to be persecuted for the truth's sake. In the courts injustice will prevail. The judges will refuse to listen to the reasons of those who are loyal to the commandments of God, because they know that arguments in favor of the fourth commandment are unanswerable. They will say, 'We have a law, and by our law he ought to die.' God's law is nothing to them. 'Our law' with them is supreme. Those who respect this human law will be favored, but those who will not bow to the Idol Sabbath will have no favors shown them. "-Maranatha, 195:3.

5 - God will work on behalf of His people.

    "The commandment-keeping people of God erelong will be placed in a most trying position; but all those who have walked in the light, and diffused the light, will realize that God interposes in their behalf. When everything looks most forbidding, then the Lord will reveal His power to His faithful ones. When the nation for which God has worked in such a marvellous manner, and over which He has spread the shield of Omnipotence, abandons Protestant principles, and through its legislature gives countenance and support to Romanism in limiting religious Liberty, then God will work in His own power for His people that are true. The tyranny of Rome will be exercised, but Christ is our refuge." Maranatha, 194:3.

6 - They will face personal dangers, distress, and persecution.

"The Scriptures teach that popery is to regain its lost supremacy, and that the fires of persecution will be rekindled through the time-serving concessions of the so-called Protestant world. In this time of peril we can stand only as we have the truth and the power of God. .

"The prospect of being brought into personal danger and distress, need not cause despondency, but should quicken the vigor and hopes of God's people; for the time of their peril is the season for God to grant them clearer manifestations of His power." -2 Selected Messages, 367:4368:0, 370:2.

"Before the warfare shall be ended and the victory won, we as a people are to experience trials similar to those of Paul. We shall encounter the same hardness of heart, the same cruel determination, the same unyielding hatred. . Persecution will again be kindled against those who are true to God; their motives will be impugned, their best efforts misinterpreted, their names cast out as evil. . God would have His people prepared for the soon-coming crisis. Prepared or unprepared, we must meet it."-Sketches from the Life of Paul, 251:0-252:1.

"There will come a time when, because of our advocacy of Bible truth, we shall be treated as traitors. "-6 Testimonies, 394:2.

"Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith." -5 Testimonies, 450:2.

"Conscientious obedience to the word of God will be treated as rebellion. Blinded by Satan, the parent will exercise harshness and severity toward the believing child; the master or mistress will oppress the commandment-keeping servant. Affection will be alienated; children will be disinherited and driven from home."-Great Controversy, 608:1.

7 - They will be brought before courts and imprisoned.

"And all who prove their loyalty by obedience to the law of Jehovah must be prepared to be arrested, to be brought before councils that have not for their standard the high and holy law of God." -7 Bible Commentary 977/2:0.

"The tender mercies of this power will be displayed in prison cells and dungeons. Already preparations are advancing, and movements are in progress, which will result in making an image to the beast."-Review, April 23, 1889.

"As the defenders of truth refuse to honor the Sunday-sabbath, some of them will be thrust into prison, some will be exiled, some will be treated as slaves. To human wisdom, all this now seems impossible; but as the restraining Spirit of God shall be withdrawn from men, and they shall be under the control of Satan, who hates the divine precepts, there will be strange developments. The heart can be very cruel when God's fear and love are removed."-Great Controversy, 608:1.

- 10

ROME INTENDS TO RENEW ITS PERSECUTIONS: THE PERSECUTIONS OF THE PAST WILL BE REPEATED

1 - The church, state, Protestants, Romanists, and devils are already at work.

"Church and state are now making preparations for the future conflict. Protestants are working in disguise to bring Sunday to the front, as did the Romanists. Throughout the land the papacy is piling up her lofty and massive structures, in the secret recesses of which her former persecutions are to be repeated. And the way is preparing for the manifestation, on a grand scale, of those lying wonders by which, if it were possible, Satan would deceive even the elect."-5 Testimonies, 449:3-450:0.   

2 - When Rome is reinstated in power, there will be a return to persecution.

"The papal church will never relinquish her claim to infallibility. All that she has done in her persecution of those who reject her dogmas she holds to be right; and would she not repeat the same acts, should the opportunity be presented? Let the restraints now Imposed by secular governments be removed and Rome be reinstated In her former power, and there would speedily be a revival of her tyranny and persecution. "-Great Controversy, 564:2.

3 - The goal will be to regain control and re-establish persecution.

"The Roman Church is far-reaching in her plans and modes of operation. She is employing every device to extend her influence and increase her power in preparation for a fierce and determined conflict to regain control of the world, to re-establish persecution, and to undo all that Protestantism has done."-Great Controversy, 565:4-566:0.

4 - A cruel and despotic power.

"She [Rome] possess the same pride and arrogant assumption that lorded it over kings and princes and claimed the prerogatives of God. Her spirit is no less cruel and despotic now than when she crushed out human liberty and slew the saints of the Most High,"-Great Controversy, 571:1.

5 - The enmity of Rome toward Sabbathkeepers.

"These records of the past clearly reveal the enmity of Rome toward the true Sabbath and Its defenders, and the means which she employs to honor the institution of her creating, The word of God teaches that these scenes are to be repeated as Roman Catholics and Protestants shall unite for the exaltation of the Sunday." -Great Controversy, 578:2.

6 - Rome's power will be restored.

"The influence of Rome in the countries that once acknowledged her dominion is still far from being destroyed. And prophecy foretells a restoration of her power. "-Great Controversy, 579:0.

7 - The triumph of Rome is assured.

"Let the principle once be established in the United States that the church may employ or control the power of the state; that religious observances may be enforced by secular laws; in short, that the authority of church and state is to dominate the conscience, and the triumph of Rome in this country is assured.

"God's word has given warning of the impending danger; let this be unheeded, and the Protestant world will learn what the purposes of Rome really are, only when It Is too late to escape the snare. She is silently growing into power. Her doctrines are exerting their influence in legislative halls, in the churches, and in the hearts of men. She is piling up her lofty and massive structures in the secret recesses of which her former persecutions will be repeated, Stealthily and unsuspectedly she is strengthening her forces to further her own ends when the time shall come for her to strike. All that she desires is vantage ground, and this is already being given her, We shall soon see and shall feel what the purpose of the Roman element Is. Whoever shall believe and obey the word of God will thereby incur reproach and persecution." -Great Controversy, 581:1-2.

-11

PROTESTANTS WILL PERSECUTE THE FAITHFUL ALSO

Catholicism will be concerned with (1) urging apostate Protestantism to coerce the government to enact a repressive Sunday Law and ancillary legislation, and (2) physically persecute the faithful.

Protestant leaders will focus on getting the Sunday law passed and heavily enforced by governmental powers.

1 - Read the past if you would understand the future.

"If the reader would understand the agencies to be employed in the soon-coming contest, he has but to trace the record of the means which Rome employed for the same object in ages past. If he would know how papists and Protestants united will deal with those who reject their dogmas, let him see the spirit which Rome manifested toward the Sabbath and Its defenders. "-Great Controversy, 573:2-574:0.

2 - Papists and Protestants will unite in these coercive actions.

"The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and, in this work, papists and Protestants unite. "-Great Controversy, 607:1.

3 - The spirit of Antichrist is also in the Protestant churches.

" 'There is no reason to consider the antichristian spirit and practices to be confined to that which is now called the Church of Rome. The Protestant churches have much of antichrist in them, and are far from being wholly reformed from. . corruptions and wickedness.' "-Great Controversy, 984:2.

4 - Satan says: "We are now bringing the Protestant churches to Rome."

" '(In past ages] we (Satan and his hosts] led the Romish church to inflict imprisonment, torture, and death upon those who refused to yield to her decrees; and now that we are bringing the Protestant churches and the world Into harmony with this right arm of our strength, we will finally have a law to exterminate all who will not submit to our authority,' "-Testimonies to Ministers, 479:1 {the complete statement by Satan is also quoted in the 1884 edition of Great Controversy (pp. 997-940)}.

5 - Former believers will do their part.

"Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbath keepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them." Great Controversy, 608:2.

- 12

THE FAITHFUL WILL BE THREATENED WITH DEATH

1 - As in earlier centuries, Satan is still seeking to destroy God's people.

"The decree which is to go forth against the people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews in the time of Esther . . Satan instigated the scheme In order to rid the earth of those who preserved the knowledge of the true God. But his plots were defeated by a counterpower that reigns among the children of men. . The Protestant world today see in the little company keeping the Sabbath a Mordecai in the gate. His character and conduct, expressing reverence for the law of God, are a constant rebuke to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord and are trampling upon His Sabbath; the unwelcome Intruder must by some means be put out of the way.

"The same masterful mind that plotted against the faithful in ages past is still seeking to rid the earth of those who fear God and obey His law. Satan will excite indignation against the humble minority who conscientiously refuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith. By false representations and angry appeals they will stir up the passions of the people. Not having a 'Thus saith the Scriptures' to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack. To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for a Sunday law. Those who fear God cannot accept an institution that violates a precept of the Decalogue. On this battlefield comes the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error. And we are not left in doubt as to the issue. Now, as in the days of Mordecai, the Lord will vindicate His truth and His people,"- 5 Testimonies, 450:1-451:0.

2 - The decree brings the threat of death.

The time of trouble is about to come upon the people of God. Then it is that the decree will go forth forbidding those who keep the Sabbath of the Lord to buy or sell, and threatening them with punishment, and even death, if they do not observe, the first day of the week as the Sabbath,"-Maranatha, 198:1.

3 - It will bring threatened imprisonment and death.

"The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, Insult, threatened imprisonment, and death. The contest is between the commandments of God and the commandments of men,"-5 Testimonies, 81:1.

- 13 -

PRIOR TO THE CLOSE OF PROBATION THERE WILL BE MARTYRS

1 - The blood of martyrs cries to God.

"As the approach of the Roman armies was a sign to the disciples of the impending destruction of Jerusalem, so may this apostasy be a sign to us that the limit of God's forbearance is reached, that the measure of our nation's iniquity is full, and that the angel of mercy is about to take her flight, never to return. The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress which prophets have described as the time of Jacob's trouble, The cries of the faithful, persecuted ones ascend to heaven, And as the blood of Abel cried from the ground, there are voices also crying to God from martyrs' graves, from the sepulchres of the sea, from mountain caverns, from convent vaults: 'How long, 0 Lord, holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth.' "-5 Testimonies, 451:2.

2 - Linking the fifth seal and Revelation 18.

"When the fifth seal was opened, John the Revelator in vision saw beneath the altar the company that were slain for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. After this came the scenes described in the eighteenth of Revelation, when those who are faithful and true are called out from Babylon,"-7 Bible Commentary, 968/1:4.

3 - There will be martyrs.

"The two armies will stand distinct and separate, and this distinction will be so marked that many who shall be convinced of truth will come on the side of God's commandment-keeping people, When this grand work is to take place in the battle, prior to the last closing conflict, many will be imprisoned, many will flee for their lives from cities and towns, and many will be martyrs for Christ's sake in standing in defense of the truth."- Maranatha, 199:2.

"Christ will restore the life taken; for He is the Life-giver: He will beautify the righteous with immortal life."-Maranatha, 199:6,

"There is a prospect before us of a continued struggle, at the risk of imprisonment, loss of property, and even of life itself, to defend the law of God," -5 Testimonies 712:9.

"As he [Satan) influenced the heathen nations to destroy Israel, so in the near future he will stir up the wicked powers of earth to destroy the people of God. Men will be required to render obedience to human edicts in violation of the divine law, Those who are true to God will be menaced, denounced, proscribed, They will be 'betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinskfolk, and friends,' even unto death. "Prophets and Kings, 587:2-588:0.

Note: For the righteous, the "last closing conflict" is Jacob's trouble, which comes after probation closes. We are told that there will be no martyrs after the close of probation (discussed later in this study; for example, see GC 634:1; 629:2; PK 513).

4 - God will give grace for every emergency.

"If we are called to suffer for Christ's sake, we shall be able to go to prison trusting in Him as a little child trusts In Its parents. Now is the time to cultivate faith in God."-Our High Calling, 357:3.

"We are not to have the courage and fortitude of martyrs of old until brought Into the position they were In. . Should there be a return of persecution there would be grace given to arouse every energy of the soul to show a true heroism. "-Our High Calling, 125:3.

"The disciples were not endowed with the courage and fortitude of the martyrs until such grace was needed. "-Desire of Ages, 354:3.

"When for the truth's sake the believer stands at the bar of the unrighteous tribunals, Christ stands by his side. . When one is incarcerated in prison walls, Christ ravishes the heart with His love. When one suffers death for His sake, Christ says, 'I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, . . and have the keys of hell and of death.' Revelation 1:8. The life that is sacrificed for Me is preserved unto eternal glory. "-Desire of Ages, 669:3.

LAST DAYS APPENDIX

The following material was gleaned from our book of unpublished manuscripts, entitled The Last Days, and is some of the best material from that volume on topics given in this section.

LITTLE TIME OF PEACE

The Present Peace Is a Lull Before the Storm: Nations Will Be in Confusion.- "We have the light of prophecy -the Old Testament [which indicates] that we are standing on the threshold of the fulfillment of great and solemn events. Prophecies are coming down to point. The dangers and perils of the last days are right upon us. At the present time the angels are holding the four winds. There seems to be a little moment of peace. It is a lull in the conflicting elements just before the outburst of the unprecedented storm that has been gathering its forces for the last great crisis. Nations will be in confusion. Kingdoms will be terribly shaken. Everything betokens [that] the end is near. "-Undated Manuscript 153, pp. 1-4. (Copenhagen, Denmark, 1886.)

PERSECUTION

Persecution Will Come to Those Who Seek Uprightness and Holiness. - "The tyrant is seeking to oppress man's conscience, which Christ has made free. Persecution will come more definitely and decidedly upon the people of God, because the godly are seeking for uprightness and holiness, and the disobedient are in sin. -Letter 2c, 1892, pp. 7-8,12-14. (To "Dear Brethren and Sisters in Battle Creek," December 21, 1892). [See also-EV 506.]

False Charges Against the Truth and Its Representatives Will Create Holy Indignation in Non Adventists Who Reverence God. - "The inconsistencies, the unreasonable workings of the human agents, stirred with a power from beneath, will create in those who reverence God, a holy indignation to see the truth of God brought into contempt, and its advocates misrepresented and clothed in garments of darkness-false charges. Then is the very time [that] the Holy Spirit is to take possession of the human mind and it be made to appear that Christ is formed within."-Letter 60, 1899, p. 2. (To I. D. Van Horn, July 20, 1899). [See also-TMK 946.}

Commit the Word to Memory for the Time Is Coming when Many Will Be Deprived of It.- "The time will come (in] which many will be deprived of the Written Word. But, if this Word is printed in the memory, no one can take it from us . . It is a talisman that will meet the worst forms of error and evil. .

The End Will Come Suddenly.-" Only for a very short time longer will the Lord bear with the gross wickedness that fills the world. Oh, how suddenly will the end come, surprising the world in their increasing iniquity."-Manuscript 20, 1906, pp. 2-9. ("Preach The Word," February 7, 1906). [See also: Ev 616-17; PM 224-5.J

God's People Will be Scattered In Many Countries.-"The time is soon coming when God's people, because of persecution, will be scattered in many countries. Those who have received an all-rounded education will have a great advantage wherever they are." -Letter 92, 1908, p. 9. ("To Our Brethren in Positions of Responsibility," January 6, 1908).

WARFARE

Great Trouble Will Soon Arise.- "Great trouble will soon arise among the nations which will not cease until Jesus comes.-Letter 5, 1889, pp. 1-5. (To "Brethren," November 1889). [See 3Sm 414-415]

CALAMITIES

God Will Not Intervene to Protect the Property of Transgressors of His Law.-"What mean the awful calamities by sea-vessels hurled into eternity without a moment's warning? What means the accidents by land-fire consuming the riches men have hoarded, much of which has been accumulating by oppression of the poor. The Lord will not interfere to protect the property of those who transgress His law, break His covenant, and trample upon His Sabbath, accepting in its place a spurious rest day."-Manuscript 106, 1902, pp. 14-15. ("An aggressive Work," July 21, 1902).

God Has a Purpose in Permitting Calamities. - "Frequently we hear of earthquakes, of tempests and tornadoes, accompanied by thunder and lightning. Apparently these are capricious outbreaks of seemingly disorganized, unregulated forces. But God has a purpose in permitting these calamities to occur. They are one of His means of calling men and women to their senses. By unusual workings through nature, God will express to doubting human agencies that which He clearly reveals in His Word. .

Calamities Foreshadow What Will Happen Worldwide When Angels Loose Winds. "Local disturbances in nature are permitted to take place as symbols of that which may be expected all over the world when the angels loose the four winds of the earth. The forces of nature are under the direction of an eternal Agency." Manuscript 159, 1902, pp. 1-6. (Calamities, November 5, 1902). [See also: Mar 205; TE 95.}

STRIFE

Strife and Oppression of Foreign Nations Coming With Unanticipated Intensity. "Very soon the strife and oppression of foreign nations will break forth with an intensity that you do not now anticipate. "-Manuscript 21, 1909, pp. 9-5. ("A Call to Service, " a sermon preached in Takoma Park, Maryland, May 17,1909). [See also: GC 244.]

MARTYRS

God May Permit Some to Become Martyrs in the Issue over Obedience to God's Commandments or the Commandments of Men. - "The worthies who refused to bow to the golden image were cast into a burning fiery furnace, but Christ was with them there, and the fire did not consume them. . Now some of us may be brought to just as severe a test: Will we obey the commandments of men or will we obey the commandments of God? This is the question that will be asked of many, The best thing for us is to come in close connection with God, and, if He would have us be martyrs for the truth's sake, it may be the means of bringing many more into the truth,"-Manuscript 83, 1886, pp, 3, 5, (Sermon preached at Grimsby, England, September, 1886).


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