END OF TIME SERIES 

 PART TWO - B

THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST  

In Revelation 13, we are told about the first (Ieopardlike) beast, which is Rome. Then we are shown a second (Iamblike) beast, which is the United States of America. This second beast makes an image of (also to) the first beast. The setting up of that image constitutes a church-state union mirroring the earlier 1260-year persecuting actions of the first beast. When apostate Protestantism coerces the U.S. government to enact the national Sunday law, -that image will have been set up. The image does not exist until that enactment is made.

In summary then; the image will be formed by the two-horned beast of Revelation 13 (GC 443, 445), which is the Protestant churches of America (GC 443-450). This image is of / to the leopardlike beast of Revelation 13 (GC 443), so it is an image of the papacy (GC 443,445; SR 381-3). In addition, we are told, it will be formed before probation closes (7BC 976; 2SM 81).

A detailed analysis of the truths of Revelation 13 is given in chapter 25 of Great Controversy (pages 433-450). 

- 1

WHAT THE IMAGE IS

1 - It is made by the lamblike beast as a duplicate (in principles and methods) OF the leopard beast. It is also made TO that beast, that is, it is done as an act of veneration to the first beast to enhance its power and influence.

"What is the 'image to the beast'? and how is it to be formed? The image is made by the two-horned beast, and is an image to the [first] beast. It is also called an image of the beast. Then to learn what the image is like, and how it is to be formed, we must study the characteristics of the beast itself,-the papacy."-Great Controversy, 443:l.

2 - The image is set up when the church uses the state's power to force men to obey its own dictates.

"In order for the United States to form an image of the beast, the religious power must so control the civil government that the authority of the state will also be employed by the church to accomplish her own ends." -Great Controversy, 443:2. 

- 2 -

HOW IMAGE WILL BE FORMED

1 - The image is formed when the religious power, because of apostasy, tries - and succeeds - in controlling the government to enforce church decrees; just as the papacy did centuries earlier.

"In order for the United States to form an image of the beast, the religious power must so control the civil government that the authority of the state will also be employed by the church to accomplish her own ends. .

"It was apostasy that led the early church to seek the aid of the civil government, and this prepared the way for the development of the papacy, -the beast." -Great Controversy, 443:2,4.

2 - It will be formed when apostate Protestantism coerces civil authorities into enforcing church doctrines. In so doing the Protestant/government union will have produced a working image of the papacy.

"The 'image to the beast' represents that form of apostate Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their dogmas. "-Great Controversy, 445:2.

3 - It will be formed when the churches unite with the state to enforce a false religion.

"With rapid steps we are approaching this period. When the Protestant churches shall unite with the secular power to sustain a false religion, for opposing which their ancestors endured the fiercest persecution: When the state shall use Its power to enforce the decrees and sustain the Institutions of the church,-then will Protestant America have formed an image to the Papacy, and there will be a national apostasy which will end only in national ruin."-7 Bible Commentary, 976/1:4.

4 - It will be the civil enforcement of a religious duty.

"But in the very act of enforcing a religious duty by secular power, the churches would themselves form an image to the beast; hence the enforcement of Sunday-keeping in the United States would be an enforcement of the worship of the beast and his image." -Great Controversy, 449:0.

5 - The government legislature will command obedience to that which is actually a papal decree.

"In the time of testing and trial the shield of Omnipotence will be spread over those whom God has made the depositaries of His law. When legislators shall abjure the [religious liberty] principles of Protestantism, so as to give countenance and the right hand of fellowship to Romanism, then God will interpose in a special manner in behalf of His own honor and the salvation of His people.

"The principles necessary for our youth to cultivate must be kept before them in their daily education, that when the decree shall go forth requiring all to worship the beast and his image, they may make the right decisions, and have strength to declare, without wavering, their confidence in the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, even at the very time when the law of God Is made void by the religious world;"-5 Testimonies, 525:1-2.

6 - In contrast, the opposite of worship of the beast is obedience-through Christ's grace-to the laws of God. In the contest, everyone will decide whether he will obey God or man.

"After the warning against the worship of the beast and his image, the prophecy declares, 'Here [in contrast] are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.' Since those who keep God's commandments are thus placed In contrast with those that worship the beast and his Image and receive his mark, it follows that the keeping of God's law, on the one hand, and its violation, on the other, will make the distinction between the worshipers of God and the worshipers of the beast." -Great Controversy, 445:3-446:0. 

- 3

IMPLICATIONS OF THIS TERRIBLE EVENT

1 - This legislation will require obedience to commonly-held points of faith of the churches, and will result in heavy persecution to the people of God.

"By this first [leopard] beast Is represented the Roman Church, an ecclesiastical body clothed with civil power, having authority to punish all dissenters. The Image to the beast represents another religious body clothed with similar powers. The formation of this image is the work of that beast whose peaceful rise and mild professions render it so striking a symbol of the United States. Here Is to be found an Image of the Papacy. When the churches of our land, uniting upon such points of faith as are held by them In common, shall Influence the State to enforce their decrees and sustain their Institutions, then will Protestant America have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy. Then the true church will be assailed by persecution, as were God's ancient people." - Story of Redemption, 381:2-382:0.

2 - The worship of the beast will be enforced with the threat of death.

"John was shown the last great struggles of the church with earthly powers, he was also permitted to behold the final victory and deliverance of the faithful. He saw the church brought Into deadly conflict with the beast and his Image, and the worship of the beast enforced on pain of death. But looking beyond the smoke and din of the battle, he beheld a company upon Mount Zion with the Lamb, having, instead of the mark of the beast, the 'Father's name written in their foreheads.' And again he saw 'them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God' and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb." -5 Testimonies, 752:3-753:0.

3 - The lives of God's people will be in danger; their only safety will be in clinging to Jesus, and, by faith, looking upward to Him as He ministers in the most holy place.

"Said the [third) angel: 'They will be brought Into close combat with the beast and his Image. Their only hope of eternal life is to remain steadfast. Although their lives are at stake, they must hold fast the truth.' The third angel closes his message thus: 'Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.' As he repeated these words, he pointed to the heavenly sanctuary. The minds of all who embrace this message are directed to the most holy place, where Jesus stands before the ark, making His final intercession."  -Early Writings, 254:1.

4 - Persecution always follows religious favoritism by a government.

"But the stern tracings of the prophetic pencil reveal a change in this peaceful scene. The beast with Iamb-like horns speaks with the voice of a dragon, and 'exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him. ' The spirit of persecution manifested by paganism and the papacy is again to be revealed. Prophecy declares that this power will say 'to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast.' [Rev. 13:14.) The Image Is made to the first or leopard-like beast, which is the one brought to view in the third angel's message. By this first beast is represented the Roman Church, an ecclesiastical body clothed with civil power, having authority to punish all dissenters. The image to the beast represents another religious body clothed with similar power. The formation of this Image is the work of that beast whose peaceful rise and mild professions render it so striking a symbol of the United States. Here is to be found an image of the papacy. When the churches of our land uniting upon such points of faith as are held by them In common, shall Influence the State to enforce their decrees and sustain their Institutions, then will Protestant America have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy. Then the true church will be assailed by persecution, as were God's ancient people. Almost every century furnishes examples of what bigotry and malice can do under a plea of serving God by protecting the rights of Church and State. Protestant churches that have followed in the steps of Rome by forming alliance with worldly powers have manifested a similar desire to restrict liberty of conscience. In the seventeenth century thousands of nonconformist ministers suffered under the rule of the Church of England. Persecution always follows religious favoritism on the part of secular governments. "- 4 Spirit of Prophecy, 277:02 (1884 Great Controversy). 

- 4

IMAGE FORMED BEFORE PROBATION CLOSES

1 - It will be formed before probation closes. "The Lord has shown me clearly that the Image of the beast will be formed before probation closes; for it is to be the great test for the people of God, by which their eternal destiny will be decided."-2 Selected Messages, 81:0. 

- 5 -

IMAGE FORMED WHEN THE NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW IS ENACTED

The image represents a religious body clothed with civil power (SR 381), and represents a form of apostate Protestantism (GC 445). It is formed by the union of church and state (GC 443). Sunday observance is the worship of the image and the beast (GC 449; TM 133). It is formed when Sunday observance becomes the worship of the image of the beast (GC 449). The enforcement of Sunday observance in the United States would be the setting up of the image to the beast (GC 449). The Sunday law decree will enforce the worship of the beast (4T 251). The Sunday law decree will require all to worship the image (5T 525).

1 - The image will be formed when the churches select jointly held religious beliefs, and coerce the federal government into requiring obedience to them.

"By this first beast is represented the Roman Church, an ecclesiastical body clothed with civil power, having authority to punish all dissenters. The image to the beast represents another religious body clothed with similar powers. The formation of this Image Is the work of that beast whose peaceful rise and mild professions render it so striking a symbol of the United States. Here is to be found an image of the Papacy. When the churches of our land, uniting upon such points of faith as are held by them In common, shall Influence the State to enforce their decrees and sustain their Institutions, then will Protestant America have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy. Then the true church will be assailed by persecution, as were God's ancient people."-Story of Redemption, 381:2-382:0.

"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 inevitably result." -Great Controversy, 445:1.

2 - Protestant enforcement of Sundaykeeping on church members IS the worship of the beast. But Protestant-coerced government enforcement of Sundaykeeping on citizens is the worship of the beast AND its image.

"The enforcement of Sundaykeeplng on the part of Protestant churches is an enforcement of the worship of the papacy-of the beast. Those who, understanding the claims of the fourth commandment, choose to observe the false instead of the true Sabbath, are thereby paying homage to that power by which alone it is commanded. But In the very act of enforcing a religious duty by secular power, the churches would themselves form an Image to the beast; hence the enforcement of Sunday-keeping in the United States would be an enforcement of the worship of the beast and his Image." -Great Controversy, 448:3-449:0. 

- 6 -

FORMATION OF IMAGE WILL BRING NATIONAL APOSTASY AND NATIONAL RUIN

1 - The Sunday law will produce national apostasy.

"Laws enforcing the observance of Sunday as the Sabbath will bring about a national apostasy from the principles of republicanism upon which the government has been founded. The religion of the papacy will be accepted by the rulers, and the law of God will be made void."-7 Manuscript Releases, 192.

2 - It will disconnect America from righteousness, and will mean the repudiation of the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

"By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of Its constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. "-5 Testimonies, 451:1.

3 - The Sunday law will bring a national apostasy, which will inevitably end in national ruin.

"When the Protestant churches shall unite with the secular power to sustain a false religion, for opposing which their ancestors endured the fiercest persecution; when the state shall use its power to enforce the decrees and sustain the institutions of the church -then will Protestant America have formed an image to the papacy, and there will be a national apostasy which will end only In national ruin. "-7 Bible Commentary, 976 /1:4.

"When our nation, in its legislative councils, shall enact laws to bind the consciences of men in regard to their religious privileges, enforcing Sunday observance, and bringing oppressive power to bear against those who keep the seventh-day Sabbath, the law of God will, to all intents and purposes, be made void in our land, and national apostasy will be followed by national ruin. "-7 Bible Commentary, 977 /1:2.

"When Protestant churches shall seek the support of the secular power, thus following the example of that apostate church, for opposing which their ancestors endured the fiercest persecution, then will there be a national apostasy which will end only In national ruin." -4 Spirit of Prophecy, 410 (1884).

4 - The national apostasy will be a signal that the national ruin will follow.

"It is at the time of the national apostasy When, acting on the policy of Satan, the rulers of the land will rank themselves on the side of the man of sin. It is then the measure of guilt is full. The national apostasy Is the signal for national ruin. "-2 Selected Messages, 373:0.

5 - The national ruin will follow speedily.

"Protestants will work upon the rulers of the land to make laws to restore the lost ascendancy of the man of sin, who sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Roman Catholic principles will be taken under the care and protection of the state. This national apostasy will speedily be followed by national ruin. . The Protestant governments will reach a strange pass. They will be converted to the world. They will also, in their separation from God, work to make falsehood and apostasy from God the law of the nation."- Review, June 15, 1897.

6 - A full measure of guilt will be the result.

"The people of the United States have been a favored people; but when they restrict religious liberty, surrender Protestantism, and give countenance to popery, the measure of their guilt will be full, and 'national apostasy' will be registered in the books of heaven."-Review, May 2, 1893.

"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." -5 Testimonies, 451.

7 - That apostasy will be a special sign that the end of probation is near.

"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 nations iniquity is full, and that the angel of mercy is about to take her flight, never to return." -5 Testimonies, 451:1-2.

8 - Then God will work for His people.

"When the law of God has been made void, and apostasy becomes a national sin, the Lord will work In behalf of His people." -Review Extra, December 24, 1889. 

- 7

HOW TO AVOID WORSHIPING THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE

1 - This is a matter of grave importance.

"The fearful judgments denounced against the worship of the beast and his image, should lead all to a diligent study of the prophecies to learn what the mark of the beast is, and how they are to avoid receiving It." -Great Controversy, 594:2.

2 - When the test comes, will we obey God's commandments, or our own interests and the commands of men?

"If we are true servants of God, there should be no question in our minds as to whether we will obey His commandments or consult our own temporal interests. If the believers in the truth are not sustained by their faith in these comparatively peaceful days, what will uphold them when the grand test comes and the decree goes forth against all those who will not worship the Image of the beast and receive his mark in their foreheads or in their hands? This solemn period is not far off. Instead of becoming weak and irresolute, the people of God should be gathering strength and courage for the time of trouble."-4 Testimonies, 251:1.

3 - Victory over the beast and his image will only be for those who obey God and keep His holy Sabbath.

"And when [just before the Second Advent the voice of God spoke, delivering His people and] the never-ending blessing was pronounced on those who had honored God In keeping His Sabbath holy, there was a mighty shout of victory over the beast and over his image." Early Writings, 286:0.

4 - We are not to reverence Sunday.

"We must take a firm stand that we will not reverence the first day of the week as the Sabbath, for it is not the day that was blessed and sanctified by Jehovah, and In reverencing Sunday we should place ourselves on the side of the great deceiver. .

"When the law of God has been made void and apostasy becomes a national sin, the Lord will work in behalf of His people." - 9 Selected Messages, 388:3, 5.

Note: A study on what God's people should do on Sunday during the crisis will be found near the beginning of the "Loud Cry" section of this compilation. 

- 8 -

WE SHOULD NOW TRY TO DEFEAT SUNDAY LAWS

1 - Sunday laws are inevitable.

"Sooner or later Sunday laws will be passed."-Last Day Events, 128:4.

2 - Avert the danger.

"It is our duty to do all In our power to avert the threatened danger. . A vast responsibility is devolving upon men and women of prayer throughout the land to petition that God may sweep back this cloud of evil, and give a few more years of grace to work for the Master." -Last Day Events, 126:3.

3 - Work earnestly.

"Those who are now keeping the commandments of God need to bestir themselves that they may obtain the special help which God alone can give them. They should work more earnestly to delay as long as possible the threatened calamity. " -Last Day Events, 126:1-127:0.

4 - Do not be silent.

"Let not the commandment-keeping people of God be silent at this time as though we gracefully accepted the situation."-7 Bible Commentary, 975/1 :1.

5 - Earnestly pray.

"We are not doing the will of God if we sit in quietude, doing nothing to preserve liberty of conscience. Fervent, effectual prayer should be ascending to heaven that this calamity may be deferred until we can accomplish the work, which has so long been neglected. Let there be most earnest prayer and then let us work in harmony with our prayers." - 5 Testimonies, 714:0.

6 - Give the warning about the coming Sunday laws.

"There are many who are at ease, who are, as it were, asleep. They say, 'If prophecy has foretold the enforcement of Sunday observance the law will surely be enacted,' and having come to this conclusion they sit down in a calm expectation of the event, comforting themselves with the thought that God will protect His people in the day of trouble. But God will not save us if we make no effort to do the work He has committed to our charge.

"As faithful watchmen you should see the sword coming and give the warning, that men and women may not pursue a course through ignorance that they would avoid If they knew the truth. " -Last Day Events, 127:3-4.

7 - Do not support men who suppress religious liberty.

"We cannot labor to please men who will use their Influence to repress religious liberty and to set in operation oppressive measures to lead or compel their fellow men to keep Sunday as the Sabbath. The first day of the week is not a day to be reverenced. It is a spurious sabbath, and the members of the Lord's family cannot participate with the men who exalt this day and violate the law of God by trampling upon His Sabbath. The people of God are not to vote to place such men in office, for when they do this they are partakers with them of the sins, which they commit while in office. "- Fundamentals of Christian Education, 475:2.

8 - Emphasize the importance of obeying God's law.

"I do hope that the trumpet will give a certain sound in regard to this Sunday-law movement. I think that it would be best if in our papers the subject of the perpetuity of the law of God were made a specialty. . We should now be doing our very best to defeat this Sunday law. "Counsels to Writers, 97:1, 98:1. 

LAST DAYS APPENDIX 

Part 1- NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW

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.

NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW

Laws Enforcing Sunday as the Sabbath Bring About National Apostasy in the United States.

"Any fallacy is likely to be received by a people who make void the law of God. There is a crisis just ahead of those who are acting on a shortsighted policy. The rulers of the land will take their position above the great Creator of the world. The claims of a false sabbath will be brought to the front, and the rulers and the people will act upon the principle of a shortsighted policy. The false sabbath, the first day of the week, will be accepted, and the rulers will unite with the man of sin to restore his lost ascendancy. Laws enforcing the observance of Sunday as the Sabbath will bring about a national apostasy from the principles of republicanism upon which the government has been founded. The religion of the papacy will be accepted by the rulers, and the law of God will be made void."- Manuscript 39, 1906, pp.1-2. {The Law of God, copied May 1, 1906). [See also: 7BC 412.]

OUT OF CITIES

The Time Is Coming When Gods People Will Have to live in Small Companies Away From the Cities. -"The plagues of the last days are to be poured out on the inhabitants of the world, who have shown marked contempt for the law of God. God's people should seek to reach the people of the world, proclaiming the truth as it is found in His Word. But the time will come when they will have to move away from the cities and live in small companies by themselves.

Those Who Choose to Remain in the Cities Must Share in Their Coming disasters.-"If our people regard God's instruction as of value, they will move out of the city, so that they will not be pained by its revolting sights, and so that their children will not be corrupted by its vices. Those who choose to remain in the cities, surrounded by the houses of unbelievers, must share [in] the disasters that will come upon them. .

Rationalizing That There is Patronage for Our Sanitariums to Be Gained in the Cities Is Not God-inspired Reasoning.

"The time is not far distant when every city will be visited by the plagues of God. Those who suppose that the patronage to be gained [for our sanitariums] in the congested cities would be a great advantage, do not reason wisely. In this respect their reasoning is not inspired of God. Men should have less confidence in their finite wisdom." -Manuscript 41,1902, pp. 3-4, 10-11. (The Location of the Sanitarium in Southern California, " March 14, 1902).

It is Time to Leave the Cities.- "It is time for our people to take their families from the cities into more retired localities, else many of the youth, and many of those older in years, who put their trust in their own capabilities will be ensnared and taken by the enemy. "-Letter 5,1903, pg. 7r. (To A. G. Daniells, January 5, 1903.) [See also: OHC 85, 132; TMK 351.]

Agencies Through Which Satan Is Working in Crowded Cities.- "Satan is busily at work in our crowded cities. His work is to be seen in the confusion, the strife, and discord between labor and capital, and the hypocrisy that has come into the churches. The lust of the flesh, the pride of the eyes, the display of selfishness, the misuse of power, the cruelty, and the force used to cause men to unite with confederacies and unions, -binding themselves up in bundles for the burning of the great fires of the last days,-all these are the working of satanic agencies. "Manuscript 139, 1903, pp. 5-6. (The Message in Revelation, October 23, 1903). [See also: 7BC 410, 421-2; Ev 26; UL 310.]

Evil Angels Are in Every Mob Inciting Men to Commit Deeds of Violence.- "No scientific theory can explain the steady march of evil workers under the generalship of Satan. In every mob wicked angels are at work rousing men to commit deeds of violence. Satan seems to have taken control of the minds of men. Murder, robbery, wickedness of every kind, reveal the leadership of the great enemy of souls.

Man's Cruelty Will Reach Such Heights that God Will Reveal Himself. - "In the days of Noah, violence filled the land; and thus Christ has told us that it will be in the last days. The history of the old world is to be repeated. The perversity and cruelty of men will reach such a height that God will reveal Himself in His majesty. Very soon the wickedness of the world will have reached its limit, and as in the days of Noah, God will pour out His judgments.

When Wickedness is at its Height, God Will Be Close to Our Side.- "But even when wickedness is at its height, we may know that our Helper is close by our side." Letter 250,1903, pgs 3-4. (To J. E. White, November 16, 1903).

It Will Become Very Hard for Adventists to Remain in Cities. - "Conditions are arising in the cities that will make it very hard for those of our faith to remain in them. It would therefore be a great mistake to invest money in the establishment of business interests in the cities. . The cities will become worse and worse. In them will be strife and bloodshed, and at last they will be visited by earthquakes. Buildings will be thrown down and will be consumed by fire from heaven." 

Part 2

THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST 

IMAGE OF THE BEAST

It Will Appear as Though Infernal Government Has Been Transferred From Hell to Earth. - "The two classes which are formed to enact the solemnities of the last days will be distinguished as [the] commandment-keeping people of God and commandment-breakers, who are inspired by the devil and his angels. The appearance is as if the infernal government had been transferred from hell to earth."-Letter 60, 1893, p. 2. (To I. D. Van Horn, July 20, 1893). [See also-TMK 346.]

Spiritual Fornication by Trampling on God's Commandments, God's People Remain Faithful to Him, Even If It Means Death. - "Babylon is represented as holding a wine cup in her hand, from which she makes all nations drink. The nations commit spiritual fornication by divorcing themselves from God and trampling on His commandments. But there are some who remain true to their allegiance to Jehovah. John beholds the loyal people of God, and he exclaims, 'Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God and the -faith of Jesus.' (Revelation 14:12). The time in which the saints live is a trying one for those who refuse to receive the mark of the beast, but through it all the saints show their patience. They continue steadfast in the faith, even should their firmness cost them their lives." -Manuscript 16, 1899, pp. 1-6, 10-11. (The Word for This Time," February 20, 1900).

SEEK TO PREVENT NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW

Danger of a Laissez-faire Attitude Toward the Sunday Issue - "There are many who are at ease, who are, as it were, asleep. They say, 'If prophecy has foretold the enforcement of Sunday observance, the law will surely be enacted,' and having come to this conclusion, they sit down in a calm expectation of the event, comforting themselves with the thought that God will protect His people in the day of trouble. But God will not save us, if we make no effort to do the work He has committed to our charge. We must be found faithfully vigilant soldiers, lest Satan shall gain an advantage, which it is our duty to prevent." -Manuscript18, 1888, pp.2, 3, 5-19, 13. (Religious Liberty, n.d. Portions appeared in the Review and Herald, Extra, December 24, 1889). [See also EV pp. 198; 3SM pp. 388-389.]

Those Remaining in the Cities Will Be Expected to Observe Holidays. - "The cities must be worked. Those who are living in them must be warned of what is before us. Let time and means be wisely spent. See if you cannot do something in the highways and byways of the cities to proclaim the message of present truth, but do not locate your families in the city, and do not establish business interests there. If you do this, you will in the future be expected to conform to the observance of various holidays. Watchers will be set to seek occasion of complaint against the commandment-keeping people of God. Satan will exercise his power and enmity, and oppression will be the result. The larger the city, the greater will be the oppression." Manuscript 76,1905, pp. 2-5. (The Work in Melbourne, [Australia]," June 29, 1905). [See also: CG 66-67; CL 12-13,29; PM 185-186; 2SM 355, 357.]

Unless God Positively Opens the Way, Means Are Not to be Invested in Building in the Cities.- "Some time after this, I was shown that the vision of the buildings in Chicago and the draft upon the means of our people to erect them and their destruction, was an object lesson for our people, warning them not to invest largely of their means in property in Chicago or any other city, unless the providence of God should positively open the way and plainly point out duty to build or buy, as necessary, in giving the note of warning. A similar caution was given in regard to building in Los Angeles. Repeatedly I have been instructed that we must not invest means in the erection of expensive buildings in cities." -Manuscript 33, 1906, pp. 2, 3, 5, 6, (The Chicago Work, March 20, 1906). [See also: MM 304-6.]

Scientifically Constructed Buildings, Supposedly Destruction-proof, Will Suffer the Fate of the Temple.- "Men will continue to erect expensive buildings, costing millions of money. Special attention will be called to their architectural beauty and firmness, and [the] solidity with which they are constructed, but the Lord has instructed men that despite the unusual firmness and expensive display, these buildings will share the fate of the temple in Jerusalem.

"I am instructed to declare the message that the cities, full of transgression and sinful in the extreme, will be destroyed by earthquakes, by fire, by flood. All the world will be warned that there is a God who will display His authority as God. His unseen agencies will cause destruction, devastation, and death. All the accumulated riches will be as nothingness. Notwithstanding the scientific care with which men safeguard buildings from destruction, one touch of the great and rightful Ruler will bring to nothingness the idolatrous possessions that have been laid up in a sightly and magnificent display. The devices of men will come to naught." Manuscript 35, 1906, pp. 5, 8-11. (The Judgments of God, copied, April 27, 1906). [See also: 7BC 20, 33, 219; Ev 27.]

God's Punishment of Transgressors Will be Progressively Severe. - "The Lord will not suddenly cast off all transgressors and destroy entire nations, but He will punish cities and places where men have given themselves up to the possession of satanic agencies. Strictly will the cities of the nations be dealt with, and yet they will not be visited in the extreme of God's indignation, because some souls will yet break away from the delusions of the enemy, and will repent and be converted, while the masses of the people will be treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath. "-Manuscript 35, 1906, pp. 5, 8-11. (The Judgments of God, copied April 27, 1906). [See also: 7BC 20, 33, 219; Ev 27.]

Cities Will be Destroyed by Earthquake, Fire, Flood, and Lightening.-"In the future cities will certainly feel the terrible results of earthquakes and fires. Cities will be destroyed by flood and by lightnings. [Get] Out of the cities, is my message at this time."

Locate Our Institutions Miles Away from Large Cities. - "Be assured that the call is for our people to locate miles away from the large cities. .Do not establish institutions in the cities, but seek a rural location. The call is, 'Come out from among them, and be ye separate' (2 Corinthians 6:17). The very atmosphere of the cities is polluted. Let your schools be established away from the cities, where agricultural and other industries can be carried on.

When a City Is Destroyed, Do not Relocate in that City.- "The Lord calls for His people to locate away from the cities, for in such an hour as ye think not, fire and brimstone will be rained from heaven upon these cities. Proportionate to their sins will be their visitation. When one city is destroyed, let not our people regard this matter as a light affair and think that they may, if favorable opportunity offers, build themselves homes in that same destroyed city." -Letter 158,1906, pp. 1-4 (To Dr. H. Kress and wife, May 10, 1906).

Earthquakes Like the San Francisco Quake Will Be Repeated Elsewhere. "As we near the close of this earth's history, we shall see the scenes of the San Francisco calamity repeated in other places. .

Iniquity of the most Revolting Character Is Practiced in the Cities.- "These things make me feel very solemn, because I know that the judgment day is right upon us. The judgments that have already come are a warning, but not the finishing of the punishment that will come on wicked cities. Our cities are most terrible places, wherein are practiced all kinds of sin and iniquity of the most revolting character. The Lord's name is greatly dishonored." -Letter 154, 1906, pp. 3-7. (To J. E. White and wife, May 12, 1906).

The Judgments of God Will Fall.- "The judgments of God will certainly fall upon all transgressors. The terrible earthquake that has visited San Francisco will be followed by other manifestations of the power of God. His law has been transgressed. Cities have become polluted with sin." - Manuscript 61 a, 1906, pp. 1,3. ("God's Judgments on the Cities, " June 3, 1906).

A Sample of the Future. -God is permitting those things to be brought to light that he who reads may run. The city of San Francisco is a sample of what the whole world is becoming. The wicked bribery, the misappropriation of means, the fraudulent transactions among men who have power to release the guilty and condemn the innocent-all this iniquity is filling other large cities of the earth, and is making the world as it was in the days that were before the flood." Letter 230, 1907, pp. 2-3. (To J. E. White and wife, July 22, 1907). [See also: 7BC 228-9; SD 228.]

Secure Places in Retired Country Regions for Sanitariums and Schools, because Cities Are Becoming Increasingly Corrupt, and Travel Will Become Increasingly Dangerous. - "Christ is soon coming, and Satan knows that his time is short. As we draw near to the close of time, the cities will become more and more corrupt, and more and more objectionable as places for establishing centers of our work. The dangers of travel will increase, confusion and drunkenness will abound; and, if there can be found places in retired mountain regions, where it would be difficult for the evils of the cities to enter, let our people secure such places for our sanitariums and advanced schools. .

The Earth Is becoming Corrupt; Religious Liberty Will be Little Respected. "In the days before the flood, every kind of amusement was invented to lead men and women to forgetfulness and sin. Today, Satan is working with intensity, that the same conditions of evil shall prevail, and the earth is becoming corrupt. Religious liberty will be little respected by professing Christians, for many of them have no understanding of spiritual things. .

Some Must Remain in the Cities to Give Our Message, but to Do so Will Become Increasingly Dangerous. - "At such a time as this, the people who are seeking to keep the commandments of God should look for retired places away from the cities. Some must remain in the cities to give the last note of warning, but this will become more and more dangerous.

Moving to the Hills and Mountains Should Not Be Considered A Great Deprivation.- Do not consider it a great deprivation that you must go into the hills and mountains, but seek for that retirement where you can be alone with God, to learn His will and way. .

Spiritual Advantages of Living in the Country. - "Do not consider it a privation when you are called to leave the cities and move out into country places. Here there await rich blessing for those who will grasp them. By beholding the scenes of nature, the works of the Creator, by studying God's handiwork, imperceptibly you will be changed into the same image." -Manuscript 85, 1908, pp. 1-5. ("Cooperation Between Schools and Sanitariums," June 30, 1908). [See also: CL 13-14; SD 127; 2SM 355-356.]

LABOR UNIONS

Revelation 18 Shows How Completely Earthly Powers Will Give Themselves Over to Evil. - "This terrible picture [Revelation 18:1-8], drawn by John to show how completely the powers of earth will give themselves over to evil, should show those who have received the truth how dangerous it is to link up with secret societies or to join themselves in any way with those who do not keep God's commandments."-Manuscript 135, 1902, pp. 3-6, 9. ("Instruction to the Church, " October 31, 1902). [See also: 7BC 424,429; UL 318.]

If We Join Trusts and Unions We shall Become Like the World.- "The wicked are being bound up in bundles, bound up in trusts, in unions, in confederacies. Let us have nothing to do with these organizations. God is our Ruler, our Governor, and He calls us to come out from the world and be separate." -Manuscript 71, 1903, pp. 4, 5, 12. ("To Every Man His Work," a talk to the California Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, June 18, 1903).

BINDING INTO BUNDLES

Everyone Will Reveal The Character He is Developing.-"As character develops, men and women will take their positions; for varied circumstances brought to bear upon them will cause them to reveal the spirit which prompts them to action. Everyone will reveal the character of the bundle with which he is binding himself. The wheat is being bound up for the heavenly garner. . The true people of God are now pulling apart, and the tares are being bound in bundles to [be] burn[ed]. Decided positions will be taken." Letter 12, 1892. pp. 3, 9, 10. (To S. N. Haskell, August 22, 1892). [See a/so-7ABC 356-357; AH 472-473, 476; WM 76. 105, 166.]

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