IntroductionBeforetheentranceofsin，AdamenjoyedopencommunionwithhisMaker；butsincemanseparatedhimselffromGodbytransgression，thehumanracehasbeencutofffromthishighprivilege。Bytheplanofredemption，however，awayhasbeenopenedwherebytheinhabitantsoftheearthmaystillhaveconnectionwithheaven。GodhascommunicatedwithmenbyHisSpirit，anddivinelighthasbeenimpartedtotheworldbyrevelationstoHischosenservants。"HolymenofGodspakeastheyweremovedbytheHolyGhost。"2
Peter1:21。
Duringthefirsttwenty-fivehundredyearsofhumanhistory，therewasnowrittenrevelation。ThosewhohadbeentaughtofGod，communicatedtheirknowledgetoothers，anditwashandeddownfromfathertoson，throughsuccessivegenerations。ThepreparationofthewrittenwordbeganinthetimeofMoses。Inspiredrevelationswerethenembodiedinaninspiredbook。
Thisworkcontinuedduringthelongperiodofsixteenhundredyears——fromMoses，thehistorianofcreationandthelaw，toJohn，therecorderofthemostsublimetruthsofthegospel。
TheBiblepointstoGodasitsauthor；yetitwaswrittenbyhumanhands；
andinthevariedstyleofitsdifferentbooksitpresentsthecharacteristicsoftheseveralwriters。Thetruthsrevealedareall"givenbyinspirationofGod"2Timothy3:16；yettheyareexpressedinthewordsofmen。TheInfiniteOnebyHisHolySpirithasshedlightintothemindsandheartsofHisservants。Hehasgivendreamsandvisions，symbolsandfigures；andthosetowhomthetruthwasthusrevealedhavethemselvesembodiedthethoughtinhumanlanguage。
TheTenCommandmentswerespokenbyGodHimself，andwerewrittenbyHisownhand。Theyareofdivine，viandnotofhumancomposition。ButtheBible，withitsGod-giventruthsexpressedinthelanguageofmen，presentsaunionofthedivineandthehuman。SuchaunionexistedinthenatureofChrist，whowastheSonofGodandtheSonofman。ThusitistrueoftheBible，asitwasofChrist，that"theWordwasmadeflesh，anddweltamongus。"John1:14。
Writtenindifferentages，bymenwhodifferedwidelyinrankandoccupation，andinmentalandspiritualendowments，thebooksoftheBiblepresentawidecontrastinstyle，aswellasadiversityinthenatureofthesubjectsunfolded。Differentformsofexpressionareemployedbydifferentwriters；oftenthesametruthismorestrikinglypresentedbyonethanbyanother。Andasseveralwriterspresentasubjectundervariedaspectsandrelations，theremayappear，tothesuperficial，careless，orprejudicedreader，tobediscrepancyorcontradiction，wherethethoughtful，reverentstudent，withclearerinsight，discernstheunderlyingharmony。
Aspresentedthroughdifferentindividuals，thetruthisbroughtoutinitsvariedaspects。Onewriterismorestronglyimpressedwithonephaseofthesubject；hegraspsthosepointsthatharmonizewithhisexperienceorwithhispowerofperceptionandappreciation；anotherseizesuponadifferentphase；andeach，undertheguidanceoftheHolySpirit，presentswhatismostforciblyimpresseduponhisownmind——adifferentaspectofthetruthineach，butaperfectharmonythroughall。Andthetruthsthusrevealedunitetoformaperfectwhole，adaptedtomeetthewantsofmeninallthecircumstancesandexperiencesoflife。
GodhasbeenpleasedtocommunicateHistruthtotheworldbyhumanagencies，andHeHimself，byHisHolySpirit，qualifiedmenandenabledthemtodothiswork。Heguidedthemindintheselectionofwhattospeakandwhattowrite。Thetreasurewasentrustedtoearthenvessels，yetitis，nonetheless，fromHeaven。Thetestimonyisviiconveyedthroughtheimperfectexpressionofhumanlanguage，yetitisthetestimonyofGod；andtheobedient，believingchildofGodbeholdsinitthegloryofadivinepower，fullofgraceandtruth。
InHisword，Godhascommittedtomentheknowledgenecessaryforsalvation。
TheHolyScripturesaretobeacceptedasanauthoritative，infalliblerevelationofHiswill。Theyarethestandardofcharacter，therevealerofdoctrines，andthetestofexperience。"EveryscriptureinspiredofGodisalsoprofitableforteaching，forreproof，forcorrection，forinstructionwhichisinrighteousness；thatthemanofGodmaybecomplete，furnishedcompletelyuntoeverygoodwork。"2Timothy3:16，17，R。V。
YetthefactthatGodhasrevealedHiswilltomenthroughHisword，hasnotrenderedneedlessthecontinuedpresenceandguidingoftheHolySpirit。Onthecontrary，theSpiritwaspromisedbyourSaviour，toopenthewordtoHisservants，toilluminateandapplyitsteachings。AndsinceitwastheSpiritofGodthatinspiredtheBible，itisimpossiblethattheteachingoftheSpiritshouldeverbecontrarytothatoftheword。
TheSpiritwasnotgiven——norcaniteverbebestowed——tosupersedetheBible；fortheScripturesexplicitlystatethatthewordofGodisthestandardbywhichallteachingandexperiencemustbetested。SaystheapostleJohn，"Believenoteveryspirit，buttrythespiritswhethertheyareofGod:becausemanyfalseprophetsaregoneoutintotheworld。"
1John4:1。AndIsaiahdeclares，"Tothelawandtothetestimony:iftheyspeaknotaccordingtothisword，itisbecausethereisnolightinthem。"Isaiah8:20。
GreatreproachhasbeencastupontheworkoftheHolySpiritbytheerrorsofaclassthat，claimingitsenlightenment，professtohavenofurtherneedofguidancefromthewordofGod。TheyaregovernedbyimpressionswhichtheyregardasthevoiceofGodinthesoul。ButthespiritthatcontrolsthemisnottheSpiritofGod。Thisfollowingofviiiimpressions，totheneglectoftheScriptures，canleadonlytoconfusion，todeceptionandruin。Itservesonlytofurtherthedesignsoftheevilone。SincetheministryoftheHolySpiritisofvitalimportancetothechurchofChrist，itisoneofthedevicesofSatan，throughtheerrorsofextremistsandfanatics，tocastcontemptupontheworkoftheSpiritandcausethepeopleofGodtoneglectthissourceofstrengthwhichourLordHimselfhasprovided。
InharmonywiththewordofGod，HisSpiritwastocontinueitsworkthroughouttheperiodofthegospeldispensation。DuringtheageswhiletheScripturesofboththeOldandtheNewTestamentwerebeinggiven，theHolySpiritdidnotceasetocommunicatelighttoindividualminds，apartfromtherevelationstobeembodiedintheSacredCanon。TheBibleitselfrelateshow，throughtheHolySpirit，menreceivedwarning，reproof，counsel，andinstruction，inmattersinnowayrelatingtothegivingoftheScriptures。
Andmentionismadeofprophetsindifferentages，ofwhoseutterancesnothingisrecorded。Inlikemanner，afterthecloseofthecanonoftheScripture，theHolySpiritwasstilltocontinueitswork，toenlighten，warn，andcomfortthechildrenofGod。
JesuspromisedHisdisciples，"TheComforterwhichistheHolyGhost，whomtheFatherwillsendinMyname，Heshallteachyouallthings，andbringallthingstoyourremembrance，whatsoeverIhavesaiduntoyou。""WhenHe，theSpiritoftruth，iscome，Hewillguideyouintoalltruth:……andHewillshowyouthingstocome。"John14:26；16:13。Scriptureplainlyteachesthatthesepromises，sofarfrombeinglimitedtoapostolicdays，extendtothechurchofChristinallages。TheSaviourassuresHisfollowers，"Iamwithyoualway，evenuntotheendoftheworld。"Matthew28:20。AndPauldeclaresthatthegiftsandmanifestationsoftheSpiritweresetinthechurch"fortheperfectingofthesaints，fortheworkoftheministry，fortheedifyingofthebodyofChrist:tillweallcomeintheunityofthefaith，andixoftheknowledgeoftheSonofGod，untoaperfectman，untothemeasureofthestatureofthefullnessofChrist。"Ephesians4:12，13。
ForthebelieversatEphesustheapostleprayed，"ThattheGodofourLordJesusChrist，theFatherofglory，maygiveuntoyoutheSpiritofwisdomandrevelationintheknowledgeofHim:theeyesofyourunderstandingbeingenlightened；thatyemayknowwhatisthehopeofHiscalling，and……
whatistheexceedinggreatnessofHispowertouswardwhobelieve。"
Ephesians1:17-19。TheministryofthedivineSpiritinenlighteningtheunderstandingandopeningtothemindthedeepthingsofGod’sholyword，wastheblessingwhichPaulthusbesoughtfortheEphesianchurch。
AfterthewonderfulmanifestationoftheHolySpiritontheDayofPentecost，PeterexhortedthepeopletorepentanceandbaptisminthenameofChrist，fortheremissionoftheirsins；andhesaid:"YeshallreceivethegiftoftheHolyGhost。Forthepromiseisuntoyou，andtoyourchildren，andtoallthatareafaroff，evenasmanyastheLordourGodshallcall。"Acts2:38，39。
InimmediateconnectionwiththescenesofthegreatdayofGod，theLordbytheprophetJoelhaspromisedaspecialmanifestationofHisSpirit。Joel2:28。ThisprophecyreceivedapartialfulfillmentintheoutpouringoftheSpiritontheDayofPentecost；butitwillreachitsfullaccomplishmentinthemanifestationofdivinegracewhichwillattendtheclosingworkofthegospel。
Thegreatcontroversybetweengoodandevilwillincreaseinintensitytotheverycloseoftime。InallagesthewrathofSatanhasbeenmanifestedagainstthechurchofChrist；andGodhasbestowedHisgraceandSpirituponHispeopletostrengthenthemtostandagainstthepoweroftheevilone。
WhentheapostlesofChristweretobearHisgospeltotheworldandtorecorditforallfutureages，theywereespeciallyendowedwiththeenlightenmentoftheSpirit。Butasthexchurchapproachesherfinaldeliverance，Satanistoworkwithgreaterpower。Hecomesdown"havinggreatwrath，becauseheknoweththathehathbutashorttime。"Revelation12:12。Hewillwork"withallpowerandsignsandlyingwonders。"2Thessalonians2:9。ForsixthousandyearsthatmastermindthatoncewashighestamongtheangelsofGodhasbeenwhollybenttotheworkofdeceptionandruin。Andallthedepthsofsatanicskillandsubtletyacquired，allthecrueltydeveloped，duringthesestrugglesoftheages，willbebroughttobearagainstGod’speopleinthefinalconflict。AndinthistimeofperilthefollowersofChristaretobeartotheworldthewarningoftheLord’ssecondadvent；andapeoplearetobepreparedtostandbeforeHimatHiscoming，"withoutspot，andblameless。"2
Peter3:14。Atthistimethespecialendowmentofdivinegraceandpowerisnotlessneedfultothechurchthaninapostolicdays。
ThroughtheilluminationoftheHolySpirit，thescenesofthelong-continuedconflictbetweengoodandevilhavebeenopenedtothewriterofthesepages。FromtimetotimeIhavebeenpermittedtobeholdtheworking，indifferentages，ofthegreatcontroversybetweenChrist，thePrinceoflife，theAuthorofoursalvation，andSatan，theprinceofevil，theauthorofsin，thefirsttransgressorofGod’sholylaw。Satan’senmityagainstChristhasbeenmanifestedagainstHisfollowers。ThesamehatredoftheprinciplesofGod’slaw，thesamepolicyofdeception，bywhicherrorismadetoappearastruth，bywhichhumanlawsaresubstitutedforthelawofGod，andmenareledtoworshipthecreatureratherthantheCreator，maybetracedinallthehistoryofthepast。Satan’seffortstomisrepresentthecharacterofGod，tocausementocherishafalseconceptionoftheCreator，andthustoregardHimwithfearandhateratherthanwithlove；hisendeavorstosetasidethedivinelaw，leadingthepeopletothinkthemselvesfreefromitsrequirements；andhispersecutionofthosewhodaretoresisthisdeceptions，havebeensteadfastlypursuedinallages。Theymaybetracedxiinthehistoryofpatriarchs，prophets，andapostles，ofmartyrsandreformers。
Inthegreatfinalconflict，Satanwillemploythesamepolicy，manifestthesamespirit，andworkforthesameendasinallprecedingages。Thatwhichhasbeen，willbe，exceptthatthecomingstrugglewillbemarkedwithaterribleintensitysuchastheworldhasneverwitnessed。Satan’sdeceptionswillbemoresubtle，hisassaultsmoredetermined。Ifitwerepossible，hewouldleadastraytheelect。Mark13:22，R。V。
AstheSpiritofGodhasopenedtomymindthegreattruthsofHisword，andthescenesofthepastandthefuture，Ihavebeenbiddentomakeknowntoothersthatwhichhasthusbeenrevealed——totracethehistoryofthecontroversyinpastages，andespeciallysotopresentitastoshedalightonthefast-approachingstruggleofthefuture。Inpursuanceofthispurpose，Ihaveendeavoredtoselectandgrouptogethereventsinthehistoryofthechurchinsuchamannerastotracetheunfoldingofthegreattestingtruthsthatatdifferentperiodshavebeengiventotheworld，thathaveexcitedthewrathofSatan，andtheenmityofaworld-lovingchurch，andthathavebeenmaintainedbythewitnessofthosewho"lovednottheirlivesuntothedeath。"
Intheserecordswemayseeaforeshadowingoftheconflictbeforeus。
RegardingtheminthelightofGod’sword，andbytheilluminationofHisSpirit，wemayseeunveiledthedevicesofthewickedone，andthedangerswhichtheymustshunwhowouldbefound"withoutfault"beforetheLordatHiscoming。
Thegreateventswhichhavemarkedtheprogressofreforminpastagesaremattersofhistory，wellknownanduniversallyacknowledgedbytheProtestantworld；theyarefactswhichnonecangainsay。ThishistoryIhavepresentedbriefly，inaccordancewiththescopeofthebook，andthebrevitywhichmustnecessarilybeobserved，thefactshavingbeencondensedintoaslittlespaceasseemedconsistentwithxiiaproperunderstandingoftheirapplication。Insomecaseswhereahistorianhassogroupedtogethereventsastoafford，inbrief，acomprehensiveviewofthesubject，orhassummarizeddetailsinaconvenientmanner，hiswordshavebeenquoted；butinsomeinstancesnospecificcredithasbeengiven，sincethequotationsarenotgivenforthepurposeofcitingthatwriterasauthority，butbecausehisstatementaffordsareadyandforciblepresentationofthesubject。Innarratingtheexperienceandviewsofthosecarryingforwardtheworkofreforminourowntime，similarusehasbeenmadeoftheirpublishedworks。
Itisnotsomuchtheobjectofthisbooktopresentnewtruthsconcerningthestrugglesofformertimes，astobringoutfactsandprincipleswhichhaveabearingoncomingevents。Yetviewedasapartofthecontroversybetweentheforcesoflightanddarkness，alltheserecordsofthepastareseentohaveanewsignificance；andthroughthemalightiscastuponthefuture，illuminingthepathwayofthosewho，likethereformersofpastages，willbecalled，evenattheperilofallearthlygood，towitness"forthewordofGod，andforthetestimonyofJesusChrist。"
Tounfoldthescenesofthegreatcontroversybetweentruthanderror；torevealthewilesofSatan，andthemeansbywhichhemaybesuccessfullyresisted；topresentasatisfactorysolutionofthegreatproblemofevil，sheddingsuchalightupontheoriginandthefinaldispositionofsinastomakefullymanifestthejusticeandbenevolenceofGodinallHisdealingswithHiscreatures；andtoshowtheholy，unchangingnatureofHislaw，istheobjectofthisbook。Thatthroughitsinfluencesoulsmaybedeliveredfromthepowerofdarkness，andbecome"partakersoftheinheritanceofthesaintsinlight，"tothepraiseofHimwholovedus，andgaveHimselfforus，istheearnestprayerofthewriter。
E。G。W。
TheDestructionofJerusalem"Ifthouhadstknown，eventhou，atleastinthisthyday，thethingswhichbelonguntothypeace！butnowtheyarehidfromthineeyes。Forthedaysshallcomeuponthee，thatthineenemiesshallcastatrenchaboutthee，andcompasstheeround，andkeeptheeinoneveryside，andshalllaytheeevenwiththeground，andthychildrenwithinthee；andtheyshallnotleaveintheeonestoneuponanother；becausethouknewestnotthetimeofthyvisitation。"Luke19:42-44。
FromthecrestofOlivet，JesuslookeduponJerusalem。FairandpeacefulwasthescenespreadoutbeforeHim。ItwastheseasonofthePassover，andfromalllandsthechildrenofJacobhadgatheredtheretocelebratethegreatnationalfestival。Inthemidstofgardensandvineyards，andgreenslopesstuddedwithpilgrims’tents，rosetheterracedhills，thestatelypalaces，andmassivebulwarksofIsrael’scapital。ThedaughterofZionseemedinherpridetosay，Isitaqueenandshallseenosorrow；aslovelythen，anddeemingherselfassecureinHeaven’sfavor，aswhen，agesbefore，theroyalminstrelsang:"Beautifulforsituation，thejoyofthewholeearth，isMountZion，……thecityofthegreatKing。"Psalm48:2。Infullviewwerethemagnificentbuildingsofthetemple。Theraysofthesettingsunlightedupthesnowywhitenessofitsmarblewallsandgleamedfromgoldengateandtowerandpinnacle。"Theperfectionof18
beauty"itstood，theprideoftheJewishnation。WhatchildofIsraelcouldgazeuponthescenewithoutathrillofjoyandadmiration！ButfarotherthoughtsoccupiedthemindofJesus。"WhenHewascomenear，Hebeheldthecity，andweptoverit。"Luke19:41。Amidtheuniversalrejoicingofthetriumphalentry，whilepalmbrancheswaved，whilegladhosannasawoketheechoesofthehills，andthousandsofvoicesdeclaredHimking，theworld’sRedeemerwasoverwhelmedwithasuddenandmysterioussorrow。He，theSonofGod，thePromisedOneofIsrael，whosepowerhadconquereddeathandcalleditscaptivesfromthegrave，wasintears，notofordinarygrief，butofintense，irrepressibleagony。
HistearswerenotforHimself，thoughHewellknewwhitherHisfeetweretending。BeforeHimlayGethsemane，thesceneofHisapproachingagony。Thesheepgatealsowasinsight，throughwhichforcenturiesthevictimsforsacrificehadbeenled，andwhichwastoopenforHimwhenHeshouldbe"broughtasalambtotheslaughter。"Isaiah53:7。NotfardistantwasCalvary，theplaceofcrucifixion。UponthepathwhichChristwassoontotreadmustfallthehorrorofgreatdarknessasHeshouldmakeHissoulanofferingforsin。YetitwasnotthecontemplationofthesescenesthatcasttheshadowuponHiminthishourofgladness。NoforebodingofHisownsuperhumananguishcloudedthatunselfishspirit。HeweptforthedoomedthousandsofJerusalem——becauseoftheblindnessandimpenitenceofthosewhomHecametoblessandtosave。
ThehistoryofmorethanathousandyearsofGod’sspecialfavorandguardiancare，manifestedtothechosenpeople，wasopentotheeyeofJesus。TherewasMountMoriah，wherethesonofpromise，anunresistingvictim，hadbeenboundtothealtar——emblemoftheofferingoftheSonofGod。Therethecovenantofblessing，thegloriousMessianicpromise，hadbeenconfirmedtothefatherofthefaithful。Genesis22:9，16-18。TheretheflamesofthesacrificeascendingtoheavenfromthethreshingfloorofOrnanhadturned19
asidetheswordofthedestroyingangel1Chronicles21——fittingsymboloftheSaviour’ssacrificeandmediationforguiltymen。JerusalemhadbeenhonoredofGodabovealltheearth。TheLordhad"chosenZion，"Hehad"desireditforHishabitation。"Psalm132:13。There，forages，holyprophetshadutteredtheirmessagesofwarning。Therepriestshadwavedtheircensers，andthecloudofincense，withtheprayersoftheworshipers，hadascendedbeforeGod。Theredailythebloodofslainlambshadbeenoffered，pointingforwardtotheLambofGod。ThereJehovahhadrevealedHispresenceinthecloudofgloryabovethemercyseat。ThererestedthebaseofthatmysticladderconnectingearthwithheavenGenesis28:12；John1:51——thatladderuponwhichangelsofGoddescendedandascended，andwhichopenedtotheworldthewayintotheholiestofall。HadIsraelasanationpreservedherallegiancetoHeaven，Jerusalemwouldhavestoodforever，theelectofGod。Jeremiah17:21-25。Butthehistoryofthatfavoredpeoplewasarecordofbackslidingandrebellion。TheyhadresistedHeaven’sgrace，abusedtheirprivileges，andslightedtheiropportunities。
AlthoughIsraelhad"mockedthemessengersofGod，anddespisedHiswords，andmisusedHisprophets"2Chronicles36:16，HehadstillmanifestedHimselftothem，as"theLordGod，mercifulandgracious，long-suffering，andabundantingoodnessandtruth"Exodus34:6；notwithstandingrepeatedrejections，Hismercyhadcontinueditspleadings。Withmorethanafather’spityingloveforthesonofhiscare，Godhad"senttothembyHismessengers，risingupbetimes，andsending；becauseHehadcompassiononHispeople，andonHisdwellingplace。"2Chronicles36:15。Whenremonstrance，entreaty，andrebukehadfailed，Hesenttothemthebestgiftofheaven；
nay，HepouredoutallheaveninthatoneGift。
TheSonofGodHimselfwassenttopleadwiththeimpenitentcity。ItwasChristthathadbroughtIsraelasagoodlyvineoutofEgypt。Psalm80:8。
Hisownhandhadcast20
outtheheathenbeforeit。Hehadplantedit"inaveryfruitfulhill。"Hisguardiancarehadhedgeditabout。Hisservantshadbeensenttonurtureit。
"WhatcouldhavebeendonemoretoMyvineyard，"Heexclaims，"thatIhavenotdoneinit？"Isaiah5:1-4。ThoughwhenHelookedthatitshouldbringforthgrapes，itbroughtforthwildgrapes，yetwithastillyearninghopeoffruitfulnessHecameinpersontoHisvineyard，ifhaplyitmightbesavedfromdestruction。HediggedaboutHisvine；Heprunedandcherishedit。HewasunweariedinHiseffortstosavethisvineofHisownplanting。
ForthreeyearstheLordoflightandgloryhadgoneinandoutamongHispeople。He"wentaboutdoinggood，andhealingallthatwereoppressedofthedevil，"bindingupthebrokenhearted，settingatlibertythemthatwerebound，restoringsighttotheblind，causingthelametowalkandthedeaftohear，cleansingthelepers，raisingthedead，andpreachingthegospeltothepoor。Acts10:38；Luke4:18；Matthew11:5。Toallclassesalikewasaddressedthegraciouscall:"ComeuntoMe，allyethatlaborandareheavy-laden，andIwillgiveyourest。"Matthew11:28。
Thoughrewardedwithevilforgood，andhatredforHislovePsalm109:5，HehadsteadfastlypursuedHismissionofmercy。NeverwerethoserepelledthatsoughtHisgrace。Ahomelesswanderer，reproachandpenuryHisdailylot，Helivedtoministertotheneedsandlightenthewoesofmen，topleadwiththemtoacceptthegiftoflife。Thewavesofmercy，beatenbackbythosestubbornhearts，returnedinastrongertideofpitying，inexpressiblelove。ButIsraelhadturnedfromherbestFriendandonlyHelper。ThepleadingsofHislovehadbeendespised，Hiscounselsspurned，Hiswarningsridiculed。
Thehourofhopeandpardonwasfastpassing；thecupofGod’slong-deferredwrathwasalmostfull。Thecloudthathadbeengatheringthroughagesofapostasyandrebellion，nowblackwithwoe，wasabouttoburstuponaguiltypeople；
21
andHewhoalonecouldsavethemfromtheirimpendingfatehadbeenslighted，abused，rejected，andwassoontobecrucified。WhenChristshouldhanguponthecrossofCalvary，Israel’sdayasanationfavoredandblessedofGodwouldbeended。Thelossofevenonesoulisacalamityinfinitelyoutweighingthegainsandtreasuresofaworld；butasChristlookeduponJerusalem，thedoomofawholecity，awholenation，wasbeforeHim——thatcity，thatnation，whichhadoncebeenthechosenofGod，Hispeculiartreasure。
ProphetshadweptovertheapostasyofIsraelandtheterribledesolationsbywhichtheirsinswerevisited。Jeremiahwishedthathiseyeswereafountainoftears，thathemightweepdayandnightfortheslainofthedaughterofhispeople，fortheLord’sflockthatwascarriedawaycaptive。
Jeremiah9:1；13:17。What，then，wasthegriefofHimwhosepropheticglancetookin，notyears，butages！HebeheldthedestroyingangelwithswordupliftedagainstthecitywhichhadsolongbeenJehovah’sdwellingplace。
FromtheridgeofOlivet，theveryspotafterwardoccupiedbyTitusandhisarmy，Helookedacrossthevalleyuponthesacredcourtsandporticoes，andwithtear-dimmedeyesHesaw，inawfulperspective，thewallssurroundedbyalienhosts。Heheardthetreadofarmiesmarshalingforwar。Heheardthevoiceofmothersandchildrencryingforbreadinthebesiegedcity。Hesawherholyandbeautifulhouse，herpalacesandtowers，giventotheflames，andwhereoncetheystood，onlyaheapofsmolderingruins。
Lookingdowntheages，Hesawthecovenantpeoplescatteredineveryland，"likewrecksonadesertshore。"Inthetemporalretributionabouttofalluponherchildren，Hesawbutthefirstdraftfromthatcupofwrathwhichatthefinaljudgmentshemustdraintoitsdregs。Divinepity，yearninglove，foundutteranceinthemournfulwords:"OJerusalem，Jerusalem，thouthatkillesttheprophets，andstonestthemwhicharesentuntothee，howoftenwouldI
22
havegatheredthychildrentogether，evenasahengatherethherchickensunderherwings，andyewouldnot！"Othatthou，anationfavoredaboveeveryother，hadstknownthetimeofthyvisitation，andthethingsthatbelonguntothypeace！Ihavestayedtheangelofjustice，Ihavecalledtheetorepentance，butinvain。Itisnotmerelyservants，delegates，andprophets，whomthouhastrefusedandrejected，buttheHolyOneofIsrael，thyRedeemer。Ifthouartdestroyed，thoualoneartresponsible。"YewillnotcometoMe，thatyemighthavelife。"Matthew23:37；John5:40。
ChristsawinJerusalemasymboloftheworldhardenedinunbeliefandrebellion，andhasteningontomeettheretributivejudgmentsofGod。Thewoesofafallenrace，pressinguponHissoul，forcedfromHislipsthatexceedingbittercry。Hesawtherecordofsintracedinhumanmisery，tears，andblood；Hisheartwasmovedwithinfinitepityfortheafflictedandsufferingonesofearth；Heyearnedtorelievethemall。ButevenHishandmightnotturnbackthetideofhumanwoe；fewwouldseektheironlySourceofhelp。HewaswillingtopouroutHissouluntodeath，tobringsalvationwithintheirreach；butfewwouldcometoHimthattheymighthavelife。
TheMajestyofheavenintears！theSonoftheinfiniteGodtroubledinspirit，boweddownwithanguish！Thescenefilledallheavenwithwonder。
Thatscenerevealstoustheexceedingsinfulnessofsin；itshowshowhardataskitis，evenforInfinitePower，tosavetheguiltyfromtheconsequencesoftransgressingthelawofGod。Jesus，lookingdowntothelastgeneration，sawtheworldinvolvedinadeceptionsimilartothatwhichcausedthedestructionofJerusalem。ThegreatsinoftheJewswastheirrejectionofChrist；thegreatsinoftheChristianworldwouldbetheirrejectionofthelawofGod，thefoundationofHisgovernmentinheavenandearth。ThepreceptsofJehovahwouldbedespisedandsetatnought。Millionsinbondagetosin，slavesofSatan，doomedtosuffertheseconddeath，would23
refusetolistentothewordsoftruthintheirdayofvisitation。Terribleblindness！strangeinfatuation！
TwodaysbeforethePassover，whenChristhadforthelasttimedepartedfromthetemple，afterdenouncingthehypocrisyoftheJewishrulers，HeagainwentoutwithHisdisciplestotheMountofOlivesandseatedHimselfwiththemuponthegrassyslopeoverlookingthecity。OncemoreHegazeduponitswalls，itstowers，anditspalaces。OncemoreHebeheldthetempleinitsdazzlingsplendor，adiademofbeautycrowningthesacredmount。
Athousandyearsbefore，thepsalmisthadmagnifiedGod’sfavortoIsraelinmakingherholyhouseHisdwellingplace:"InSalemalsoisHistabernacle，andHisdwellingplaceinZion。"He"chosethetribeofJudah，theMountZionwhichHeloved。AndHebuiltHissanctuarylikehighpalaces。"Psalms76:2；78:68，69。ThefirsttemplehadbeenerectedduringthemostprosperousperiodofIsrael’shistory。VaststoresoftreasureforthispurposehadbeencollectedbyKingDavid，andtheplansforitsconstructionweremadebydivineinspiration。1Chronicles28:12，19。Solomon，thewisestofIsrael’smonarchs，hadcompletedthework。Thistemplewasthemostmagnificentbuildingwhichtheworldeversaw。YettheLordhaddeclaredbytheprophetHaggai，concerningthesecondtemple:"Thegloryofthislatterhouseshallbegreaterthanoftheformer。""Iwillshakeallnations，andtheDesireofallnationsshallcome:andIwillfillthishousewithglory，saiththeLordofhosts。"Haggai2:9，7。
AfterthedestructionofthetemplebyNebuchadnezzaritwasrebuiltaboutfivehundredyearsbeforethebirthofChristbyapeoplewhofromalifelongcaptivityhadreturnedtoawastedandalmostdesertedcountry。
TherewerethenamongthemagedmenwhohadseenthegloryofSolomon’stemple，andwhoweptatthefoundationofthenewbuilding，thatitmustbesoinferiortotheformer。Thefeelingthatprevailedisforciblydescribedbytheprophet:"Whois24
leftamongyouthatsawthishouseinherfirstglory？andhowdoyeseeitnow？isitnotinyoureyesincomparisonofitasnothing？"Haggai2:3；
Ezra3:12。Thenwasgiventhepromisethatthegloryofthislatterhouseshouldbegreaterthanthatoftheformer。
Butthesecondtemplehadnotequaledthefirstinmagnificence；norwasithallowedbythosevisibletokensofthedivinepresencewhichpertainedtothefirsttemple。Therewasnomanifestationofsupernaturalpowertomarkitsdedication。Nocloudofglorywasseentofillthenewlyerectedsanctuary。Nofirefromheavendescendedtoconsumethesacrificeuponitsaltar。TheShekinahnolongerabodebetweenthecherubiminthemostholyplace；theark，themercyseat，andthetablesofthetestimonywerenottobefoundtherein。NovoicesoundedfromheaventomakeknowntotheinquiringpriestthewillofJehovah。
ForcenturiestheJewshadvainlyendeavoredtoshowwhereinthepromiseofGodgivenbyHaggaihadbeenfulfilled；yetprideandunbeliefblindedtheirmindstothetruemeaningoftheprophet’swords。ThesecondtemplewasnothonoredwiththecloudofJehovah’sglory，butwiththelivingpresenceofOneinwhomdweltthefullnessoftheGodheadbodily——whowasGodHimselfmanifestintheflesh。The"Desireofallnations"hadindeedcometoHistemplewhentheManofNazarethtaughtandhealedinthesacredcourts。InthepresenceofChrist，andinthisonly，didthesecondtempleexceedthefirstinglory。ButIsraelhadputfromhertheprofferedGiftofheaven。
WiththehumbleTeacherwhohadthatdaypassedoutfromitsgoldengate，thegloryhadforeverdepartedfromthetemple。AlreadyweretheSaviour’swordsfulfilled:"Yourhouseisleftuntoyoudesolate。"Matthew23:38。
ThediscipleshadbeenfilledwithaweandwonderatChrist’spredictionoftheoverthrowofthetemple，andtheydesiredtounderstandmorefullythemeaningofHiswords。Wealth，labor，andarchitecturalskillhadformorethanfortyyearsbeenfreelyexpendedtoenhanceitssplendors。Herod25
theGreathadlavisheduponitbothRomanwealthandJewishtreasure，andeventheemperoroftheworldhadenricheditwithhisgifts。Massiveblocksofwhitemarble，ofalmostfabuloussize，forwardedfromRomeforthispurpose，formedapartofitsstructure；andtothesethediscipleshadcalledtheattentionoftheirMaster，saying:"Seewhatmannerofstonesandwhatbuildingsarehere！"Mark13:1。
Tothesewords，Jesusmadethesolemnandstartlingreply:"VerilyIsayuntoyou，Thereshallnotbelefthereonestoneuponanother，thatshallnotbethrowndown。"Matthew24:2。
WiththeoverthrowofJerusalemthedisciplesassociatedtheeventsofChrist’spersonalcomingintemporalglorytotakethethroneofuniversalempire，topunishtheimpenitentJews，andtobreakfromoffthenationtheRomanyoke。TheLordhadtoldthemthatHewouldcomethesecondtime。HenceatthementionofjudgmentsuponJerusalem，theirmindsrevertedtothatcoming；andastheyweregatheredabouttheSaviourupontheMountofOlives，theyasked:"Whenshallthesethingsbe？andwhatshallbethesignofThycoming，andoftheendoftheworld？"Verse3。
Thefuturewasmercifullyveiledfromthedisciples。Hadtheyatthattimefullycomprehendthetwoawfulfacts——theRedeemer’ssufferingsanddeath，andthedestructionoftheircityandtemple——theywouldhavebeenoverwhelmedwithhorror。Christpresentedbeforethemanoutlineoftheprominenteventstotakeplacebeforethecloseoftime。Hiswordswerenotthenfullyunderstood；buttheirmeaningwastobeunfoldedasHispeopleshouldneedtheinstructionthereingiven。TheprophecywhichHeutteredwastwofoldinitsmeaning；whileforeshadowingthedestructionofJerusalem，itprefiguredalsotheterrorsofthelastgreatday。
JesusdeclaredtothelisteningdisciplesthejudgmentsthatweretofalluponapostateIsrael，andespeciallytheretributivevengeancethatwouldcomeuponthemfortheirrejectionandcrucifixionoftheMessiah。
Unmistakablesignswouldprecedetheawfulclimax。Thedreadedhourwouldcome26
suddenlyandswiftly。AndtheSaviourwarnedHisfollowers:"Whenyethereforeshallseetheabominationofdesolation，spokenofbyDanieltheprophet，standintheholyplace，whosoreadeth，lethimunderstand:thenletthemwhichbeinJudeafleeintothemountains。"Matthew24:15，16；Luke21:20，21。WhentheidolatrousstandardsoftheRomansshouldbesetupintheholyground，whichextendedsomefurlongsoutsidethecitywalls，thenthefollowersofChristweretofindsafetyinflight。Whenthewarningsignshouldbeseen，thosewhowouldescapemustmakenodelay。ThroughoutthelandofJudea，aswellasinJerusalemitself，thesignalforflightmustbeimmediatelyobeyed。Hewhochancedtobeuponthehousetopmustnotgodownintohishouse，eventosavehismostvaluedtreasures。Thosewhowereworkinginthefieldsorvineyardsmustnottaketimetoreturnfortheoutergarmentlaidasidewhiletheyshouldbetoilingintheheatoftheday。Theymustnothesitateamoment，lesttheybeinvolvedinthegeneraldestruction。
InthereignofHerod，Jerusalemhadnotonlybeengreatlybeautified，butbytheerectionoftowers，walls，andfortresses，addingtothenaturalstrengthofitssituation，ithadbeenrenderedapparentlyimpregnable。Hewhowouldatthistimehaveforetoldpubliclyitsdestruction，would，likeNoahinhisday，havebeencalledacrazedalarmist。ButChristhadsaid:
"Heavenandearthshallpassaway，butMywordsshallnotpassaway。"
Matthew24:35。Becauseofhersins，wrathhadbeendenouncedagainstJerusalem，andherstubbornunbeliefrenderedherdoomcertain。
TheLordhaddeclaredbytheprophetMicah:"Hearthis，Iprayyou，yeheadsofthehouseofJacob，andprincesofthehouseofIsrael，thatabhorjudgment，andpervertallequity。TheybuildupZionwithblood，andJerusalemwithiniquity。Theheadsthereofjudgeforreward，andtheprieststhereofteachforhire，andtheprophetsthereofdivineformoney:yetwilltheyleanupontheLord，andsay，IsnottheLordamongus？noneevilcancomeuponus。"Micah3:9-11。
27
Thesewordsfaithfullydescribedthecorruptandself-righteousinhabitantsofJerusalem。WhileclaimingtoobserverigidlythepreceptsofGod’slaw，theyweretransgressingallitsprinciples。TheyhatedChristbecauseHispurityandholinessrevealedtheiriniquity；andtheyaccusedHimofbeingthecauseofallthetroubleswhichhadcomeupontheminconsequenceoftheirsins。ThoughtheyknewHimtobesinless，theyhaddeclaredthatHisdeathwasnecessarytotheirsafetyasanation。"IfweletHimthusalone，"
saidtheJewishleaders，"allmenwillbelieveonHim:andtheRomansshallcomeandtakeawaybothourplaceandnation。"John11:48。IfChristweresacrificed，theymightoncemorebecomeastrong，unitedpeople。Thustheyreasoned，andtheyconcurredinthedecisionoftheirhighpriest，thatitwouldbebetterforonemantodiethanforthewholenationtoperish。
ThustheJewishleadershadbuiltup"Zionwithblood，andJerusalemwithiniquity。"Micah3:10。Andyet，whiletheyslewtheirSaviourbecauseHereprovedtheirsins，suchwastheirself-righteousnessthattheyregardedthemselvesasGod’sfavoredpeopleandexpectedtheLordtodeliverthemfromtheirenemies。"Therefore，"continuedtheprophet，"shallZionforyoursakebeplowedasafield，andJerusalemshallbecomeheaps，andthemountainofthehouseasthehighplacesoftheforest。"Verse12。
FornearlyfortyyearsafterthedoomofJerusalemhadbeenpronouncedbyChristHimself，theLorddelayedHisjudgmentsuponthecityandthenation。
Wonderfulwasthelong-sufferingofGodtowardtherejectorsofHisgospelandthemurderersofHisSon。TheparableoftheunfruitfultreerepresentedGod’sdealingswiththeJewishnation。Thecommandhadgoneforth，"Cutitdown；whycumberethittheground？"Luke13:7butdivinemercyhadsparedityetalittlelonger。TherewerestillmanyamongtheJewswhowereignorantofthecharacterandtheworkofChrist。Andthechildrenhadnotenjoyedtheopportunitiesor28
receivedthelightwhichtheirparentshadspurned。Throughthepreachingoftheapostlesandtheirassociates，Godwouldcauselighttoshineuponthem；
theywouldbepermittedtoseehowprophecyhadbeenfulfilled，notonlyinthebirthandlifeofChrist，butinHisdeathandresurrection。Thechildrenwerenotcondemnedforthesinsoftheparents；butwhen，withaknowledgeofallthelightgiventotheirparents，thechildrenrejectedtheadditionallightgrantedtothemselves，theybecamepartakersoftheparents’sins，andfilledupthemeasureoftheiriniquity。
Thelong-sufferingofGodtowardJerusalemonlyconfirmedtheJewsintheirstubbornimpenitence。IntheirhatredandcrueltytowardthedisciplesofJesustheyrejectedthelastofferofmercy。ThenGodwithdrewHisprotectionfromthemandremovedHisrestrainingpowerfromSatanandhisangels，andthenationwaslefttothecontroloftheleadershehadchosen。
HerchildrenhadspurnedthegraceofChrist，whichwouldhaveenabledthemtosubduetheirevilimpulses，andnowthesebecametheconquerors。Satanarousedthefiercestandmostdebasedpassionsofthesoul。Mendidnotreason；theywerebeyondreason——controlledbyimpulseandblindrage。Theybecamesatanicintheircruelty。Inthefamilyandinthenation，amongthehighestandthelowestclassesalike，therewassuspicion，envy，hatred，strife，rebellion，murder。Therewasnosafetyanywhere。Friendsandkindredbetrayedoneanother。Parentsslewtheirchildren，andchildrentheirparents。Therulersofthepeoplehadnopowertorulethemselves。
Uncontrolledpassionsmadethemtyrants。TheJewshadacceptedfalsetestimonytocondemntheinnocentSonofGod。Nowfalseaccusationsmadetheirownlivesuncertain。Bytheiractionstheyhadlongbeensaying:
"CausetheHolyOneofIsraeltoceasefrombeforeus。"Isaiah30:11。Nowtheirdesirewasgranted。ThefearofGodnolongerdisturbedthem。Satan29
wasattheheadofthenation，andthehighestcivilandreligiousauthoritieswereunderhissway。
Theleadersoftheopposingfactionsattimesunitedtoplunderandtorturetheirwretchedvictims，andagaintheyfelluponeachother’sforcesandslaughteredwithoutmercy。Eventhesanctityofthetemplecouldnotrestraintheirhorribleferocity。Theworshiperswerestrickendownbeforethealtar，andthesanctuarywaspollutedwiththebodiesoftheslain。YetintheirblindandblasphemouspresumptiontheinstigatorsofthishellishworkpubliclydeclaredthattheyhadnofearthatJerusalemwouldbedestroyed，foritwasGod’sowncity。Toestablishtheirpowermorefirmly，theybribedfalseprophetstoproclaim，evenwhileRomanlegionswerebesiegingthetemple，thatthepeopleweretowaitfordeliverancefromGod。
Tothelast，multitudesheldfasttothebeliefthattheMostHighwouldinterposeforthedefeatoftheiradversaries。ButIsraelhadspurnedthedivineprotection，andnowshehadnodefense。UnhappyJerusalem！rentbyinternaldissensions，thebloodofherchildrenslainbyoneanother’shandscrimsoningherstreets，whilealienarmiesbeatdownherfortificationsandslewhermenofwar！
AllthepredictionsgivenbyChristconcerningthedestructionofJerusalemwerefulfilledtotheletter。TheJewsexperiencedthetruthofHiswordsofwarning:"Withwhatmeasureyemete，itshallbemeasuredtoyouagain。"
Matthew7:2。
Signsandwondersappeared，forebodingdisasteranddoom。Inthemidstofthenightanunnaturallightshoneoverthetempleandthealtar。Uponthecloudsatsunsetwerepicturedchariotsandmenofwargatheringforbattle。
Thepriestsministeringbynightinthesanctuarywereterrifiedbymysterioussounds；theearthtrembled，andamultitudeofvoiceswereheardcrying:"Letusdeparthence。"Thegreateasterngate，whichwassoheavythatitcouldhardlybeshutbyascoreofmen，andwhichwassecuredby30
immensebarsofironfasteneddeepinthepavementofsolidstone，openedatmidnight，withoutvisibleagency——Milman，TheHistoryoftheJews，book13。
ForsevenyearsamancontinuedtogoupanddownthestreetsofJerusalem，declaringthewoesthatweretocomeuponthecity。Bydayandbynighthechantedthewilddirge:"Avoicefromtheeast！avoicefromthewest！avoicefromthefourwinds！avoiceagainstJerusalemandagainstthetemple！
avoiceagainstthebridegroomsandthebrides！avoiceagainstthewholepeople！"——Ibid。Thisstrangebeingwasimprisonedandscourged，butnocomplaintescapedhislips。Toinsultandabuseheansweredonly:"Woe，woetoJerusalem！""woe，woetotheinhabitantsthereof！"Hiswarningcryceasednotuntilhewasslaininthesiegehehadforetold。
NotoneChristianperishedinthedestructionofJerusalem。ChristhadgivenHisdiscipleswarning，andallwhobelievedHiswordswatchedforthepromisedsign。"WhenyeshallseeJerusalemcompassedwitharmies，"saidJesus，"thenknowthatthedesolationthereofisnigh。ThenletthemwhichareinJudeafleetothemountains；andletthemwhichareinthemidstofitdepartout。"Luke21:20，21。AftertheRomansunderCestiushadsurroundedthecity，theyunexpectedlyabandonedthesiegewheneverythingseemedfavorableforanimmediateattack。Thebesieged，despairingofsuccessfulresistance，wereonthepointofsurrender，whentheRomangeneralwithdrewhisforceswithouttheleastapparentreason。ButGod’smercifulprovidencewasdirectingeventsforthegoodofHisownpeople。ThepromisedsignhadbeengiventothewaitingChristians，andnowanopportunitywasofferedforallwhowould，toobeytheSaviour’swarning。
EventsweresooverruledthatneitherJewsnorRomansshouldhindertheflightoftheChristians。UpontheretreatofCestius，theJews，sallyingfromJerusalem，pursuedafterhisretiringarmy；andwhilebothforceswerethusfullyengaged，theChristianshadanopportunitytoleavethecity。Atthistimethecountryalso31
hadbeenclearedofenemieswhomighthaveendeavoredtointerceptthem。Atthetimeofthesiege，theJewswereassembledatJerusalemtokeeptheFeastofTabernacles，andthustheChristiansthroughoutthelandwereabletomaketheirescapeunmolested。Withoutdelaytheyfledtoaplaceofsafety——thecityofPella，inthelandofPerea，beyondJordan。
TheJewishforces，pursuingafterCestiusandhisarmy，fellupontheirrearwithsuchfiercenessastothreatenthemwithtotaldestruction。ItwaswithgreatdifficultythattheRomanssucceededinmakingtheirretreat。TheJewsescapedalmostwithoutloss，andwiththeirspoilsreturnedintriumphtoJerusalem。Yetthisapparentsuccessbroughtthemonlyevil。ItinspiredthemwiththatspiritofstubbornresistancetotheRomanswhichspeedilybroughtunutterablewoeuponthedoomedcity。
TerriblewerethecalamitiesthatfelluponJerusalemwhenthesiegewasresumedbyTitus。ThecitywasinvestedatthetimeofthePassover，whenmillionsofJewswereassembledwithinitswalls。Theirstoresofprovision，whichifcarefullypreservedwouldhavesuppliedtheinhabitantsforyears，hadpreviouslybeendestroyedthroughthejealousyandrevengeofthecontendingfactions，andnowallthehorrorsofstarvationwereexperienced。
Ameasureofwheatwassoldforatalent。Sofiercewerethepangsofhungerthatmenwouldgnawtheleatheroftheirbeltsandsandalsandthecoveringoftheirshields。Greatnumbersofthepeoplewouldstealoutatnighttogatherwildplantsgrowingoutsidethecitywalls，thoughmanywereseizedandputtodeathwithcrueltorture，andoftenthosewhoreturnedinsafetywererobbedofwhattheyhadgleanedatsogreatperil。Themostinhumantortureswereinflictedbythoseinpower，toforcefromthewant-strickenpeoplethelastscantysupplieswhichtheymighthaveconcealed。Andthesecrueltieswerenotinfrequentlypracticedbymenwhowerethemselveswellfed，andwhoweremerelydesirousoflayingupastoreofprovisionforthefuture。
32
Thousandsperishedfromfamineandpestilence。Naturalaffectionseemedtohavebeendestroyed。Husbandsrobbedtheirwives，andwivestheirhusbands。
Childrenwouldbeseensnatchingthefoodfromthemouthsoftheiragedparents。Thequestionoftheprophet，"Canawomanforgethersuckingchild？"receivedtheanswerwithinthewallsofthatdoomedcity:"Thehandsofthepitifulwomenhavesoddentheirownchildren:theyweretheirmeatinthedestructionofthedaughterofmypeople。"Isaiah49:15；Lamentations4:10。Againwasfulfilledthewarningprophecygivenfourteencenturiesbefore:"Thetenderanddelicatewomanamongyou，whichwouldnotadventuretosetthesoleofherfootuponthegroundfordelicatenessandtenderness，hereyeshallbeeviltowardthehusbandofherbosom，andtowardherson，andtowardherdaughter，……andtowardherchildrenwhichsheshallbear:
forsheshalleatthemforwantofallthingssecretlyinthesiegeandstraitness，wherewiththineenemyshalldistresstheeinthygates。"
Deuteronomy28:56，57。
TheRomanleadersendeavoredtostriketerrortotheJewsandthuscausethemtosurrender。Thoseprisonerswhoresistedwhentaken，werescourged，tortured，andcrucifiedbeforethewallofthecity。Hundredsweredailyputtodeathinthismanner，andthedreadfulworkcontinueduntil，alongtheValleyofJehoshaphatandatCalvary，crosseswereerectedinsogreatnumbersthattherewasscarcelyroomtomoveamongthem。SoterriblywasvisitedthatawfulimprecationutteredbeforethejudgmentseatofPilate:
"Hisbloodbeonus，andonourchildren。"Matthew27:25。
Tituswouldwillinglyhaveputanendtothefearfulscene，andthushavesparedJerusalemthefullmeasureofherdoom。Hewasfilledwithhorrorashesawthebodiesofthedeadlyinginheapsinthevalleys。Likeoneentranced，helookedfromthecrestofOlivetuponthemagnificenttempleandgavecommandthatnotonestoneofitbetouched。Beforeattemptingtogainpossessionofthisstronghold，33
hemadeanearnestappealtotheJewishleadersnottoforcehimtodefilethesacredplacewithblood。Iftheywouldcomeforthandfightinanyotherplace，noRomanshouldviolatethesanctityofthetemple。Josephushimself，inamosteloquentappeal，entreatedthemtosurrender，tosavethemselves，theircity，andtheirplaceofworship。Buthiswordswereansweredwithbittercurses。Dartswerehurledathim，theirlasthumanmediator，ashestoodpleadingwiththem。TheJewshadrejectedtheentreatiesoftheSonofGod，andnowexpostulationandentreatyonlymadethemmoredeterminedtoresisttothelast。InvainweretheeffortsofTitustosavethetemple；
Onegreaterthanhehaddeclaredthatnotonestonewastobeleftuponanother。
TheblindobstinacyoftheJewishleaders，andthedetestablecrimesperpetratedwithinthebesiegedcity，excitedthehorrorandindignationoftheRomans，andTitusatlastdecidedtotakethetemplebystorm。Hedetermined，however，thatifpossibleitshouldbesavedfromdestruction。
Buthiscommandsweredisregarded。Afterhehadretiredtohistentatnight，theJews，sallyingfromthetemple，attackedthesoldierswithout。Inthestruggle，afirebrandwasflungbyasoldierthroughanopeningintheporch，andimmediatelythecedar-linedchambersabouttheholyhousewereinablaze。Titusrushedtotheplace，followedbyhisgeneralsandlegionaries，andcommandedthesoldierstoquenchtheflames。Hiswordswereunheeded。Intheirfurythesoldiershurledblazingbrandsintothechambersadjoiningthetemple，andthenwiththeirswordstheyslaughteredingreatnumbersthosewhohadfoundshelterthere。Bloodfloweddownthetemplestepslikewater。ThousandsuponthousandsofJewsperished。Abovethesoundofbattle，voiceswereheardshouting:"Ichabod！"——thegloryisdeparted。
"Titusfounditimpossibletochecktherageofthesoldiery；heenteredwithhisofficers，andsurveyedtheinteriorofthesacrededifice。Thesplendorfilledthemwithwonder；andastheflameshadnotyetpenetratedtotheholyplace，34
hemadealastefforttosaveit，andspringingforth，againexhortedthesoldierstostaytheprogressoftheconflagration。ThecenturionLiberalisendeavoredtoforceobediencewithhisstaffofoffice；butevenrespectfortheemperorgavewaytothefuriousanimosityagainsttheJews，tothefierceexcitementofbattle，andtotheinsatiablehopeofplunder。Thesoldierssaweverythingaroundthemradiantwithgold，whichshonedazzlinglyinthewildlightoftheflames；theysupposedthatincalculabletreasureswerelaidupinthesanctuary。Asoldier，unperceived，thrustalightedtorchbetweenthehingesofthedoor:thewholebuildingwasinflamesinaninstant。Theblindingsmokeandfireforcedtheofficerstoretreat，andthenobleedificewaslefttoitsfate。
"ItwasanappallingspectacletotheRoman——whatwasittotheJew？Thewholesummitofthehillwhichcommandedthecity，blazedlikeavolcano。
Oneafteranotherthebuildingsfellin，withatremendouscrash，andwereswallowedupinthefieryabyss。Theroofsofcedarwerelikesheetsofflame；thegildedpinnaclesshonelikespikesofredlight；thegatetowerssentuptallcolumnsofflameandsmoke。Theneighboringhillswerelightedup；anddarkgroupsofpeoplewereseenwatchinginhorribleanxietytheprogressofthedestruction:thewallsandheightsoftheuppercitywerecrowdedwithfaces，somepalewiththeagonyofdespair，othersscowlingunavailingvengeance。TheshoutsoftheRomansoldieryastheyrantoandfro，andthehowlingsoftheinsurgentswhowereperishingintheflames，mingledwiththeroaringoftheconflagrationandthethunderingsoundoffallingtimbers。Theechoesofthemountainsrepliedorbroughtbacktheshrieksofthepeopleontheheights；allalongthewallsresoundedscreamsandwailings；menwhowereexpiringwithfamineralliedtheirremainingstrengthtoutteracryofanguishanddesolation。
35
"Theslaughterwithinwasevenmoredreadfulthanthespectaclefromwithout。Menandwomen，oldandyoung，insurgentsandpriests，thosewhofoughtandthosewhoentreatedmercy，werehewndowninindiscriminatecarnage。Thenumberoftheslainexceededthatoftheslayers。Thelegionarieshadtoclamberoverheapsofdeadtocarryontheworkofextermination。"——Milman，TheHistoryoftheJews，book16。
Afterthedestructionofthetemple，thewholecitysoonfellintothehandsoftheRomans。TheleadersoftheJewsforsooktheirimpregnabletowers，andTitusfoundthemsolitary。Hegazeduponthemwithamazement，anddeclaredthatGodhadgiventhemintohishands；fornoengines，howeverpowerful，couldhaveprevailedagainstthosestupendousbattlements。Boththecityandthetemplewererazedtotheirfoundations，andthegrounduponwhichtheholyhousehadstoodwas"plowedlikeafield。"Jeremiah26:18。Inthesiegeandtheslaughterthatfollowed，morethanamillionofthepeopleperished；
thesurvivorswerecarriedawayascaptives，soldasslaves，draggedtoRometogracetheconqueror’striumph，throwntowildbeastsintheamphitheaters，orscatteredashomelesswanderersthroughouttheearth。
TheJewshadforgedtheirownfetters；theyhadfilledforthemselvesthecupofvengeance。Intheutterdestructionthatbefellthemasanation，andinallthewoesthatfollowedthemintheirdispersion，theywerebutreapingtheharvestwhichtheirownhandshadsown。Saystheprophet:"O
Israel，thouhastdestroyedthyself；""forthouhastfallenbythineiniquity。"Hosea13:9；14:1。TheirsufferingsareoftenrepresentedasapunishmentvisiteduponthembythedirectdecreeofGod。Itisthusthatthegreatdeceiverseekstoconcealhisownwork。Bystubbornrejectionofdivineloveandmercy，theJewshadcausedtheprotectionofGodtobewithdrawnfromthem，andSatanwaspermittedtorulethemaccordingtohiswill。Thehorriblecrueltiesenactedinthe36
destructionofJerusalemareademonstrationofSatan’svindictivepoweroverthosewhoyieldtohiscontrol。
WecannotknowhowmuchweowetoChristforthepeaceandprotectionwhichweenjoy。ItistherestrainingpowerofGodthatpreventsmankindfrompassingfullyunderthecontrolofSatan。ThedisobedientandunthankfulhavegreatreasonforgratitudeforGod’smercyandlong-sufferinginholdingincheckthecruel，malignantpoweroftheevilone。Butwhenmenpassthelimitsofdivineforbearance，thatrestraintisremoved。Goddoesnotstandtowardthesinnerasanexecutionerofthesentenceagainsttransgression；butHeleavestherejectorsofHismercytothemselves，toreapthatwhichtheyhavesown。Everyrayoflightrejected，everywarningdespisedorunheeded，everypassionindulged，everytransgressionofthelawofGod，isaseedsownwhichyieldsitsunfailingharvest。TheSpiritofGod，persistentlyresisted，isatlastwithdrawnfromthesinner，andthenthereisleftnopowertocontroltheevilpassionsofthesoul，andnoprotectionfromthemaliceandenmityofSatan。ThedestructionofJerusalemisafearfulandsolemnwarningtoallwhoaretriflingwiththeoffersofdivinegraceandresistingthepleadingsofdivinemercy。NeverwastheregivenamoredecisivetestimonytoGod’shatredofsinandtothecertainpunishmentthatwillfallupontheguilty。
TheSaviour’sprophecyconcerningthevisitationofjudgmentsuponJerusalemistohaveanotherfulfillment，ofwhichthatterribledesolationwasbutafaintshadow。InthefateofthechosencitywemaybeholdthedoomofaworldthathasrejectedGod’smercyandtrampleduponHislaw。Darkaretherecordsofhumanmiserythatearthhaswitnessedduringitslongcenturiesofcrime。Theheartsickens，andthemindgrowsfaintincontemplation。
TerriblehavebeentheresultsofrejectingtheauthorityofHeaven。Butasceneyetdarkerispresentedintherevelationsofthefuture。Therecordsofthepast，——thelongprocessionoftumults，37
conflicts，andrevolutions，the"battleofthewarrior……withconfusednoise，andgarmentsrolledinblood"Isaiah9:5，——whatarethese，incontrastwiththeterrorsofthatdaywhentherestrainingSpiritofGodshallbewhollywithdrawnfromthewicked，nolongertoholdinchecktheoutburstofhumanpassionandsatanicwrath！Theworldwillthenbehold，asneverbefore，theresultsofSatan’srule。
Butinthatday，asinthetimeofJerusalem’sdestruction，God’speoplewillbedelivered，everyonethatshallbefoundwrittenamongtheliving。
Isaiah4:3。ChristhasdeclaredthatHewillcomethesecondtimetogatherHisfaithfulonestoHimself:"Thenshallallthetribesoftheearthmourn，andtheyshallseetheSonofmancominginthecloudsofheavenwithpowerandgreatglory。AndHeshallsendHisangelswithagreatsoundofatrumpet，andtheyshallgathertogetherHiselectfromthefourwinds，fromoneendofheaventotheother。"Matthew24:30，31。ThenshalltheythatobeynotthegospelbeconsumedwiththespiritofHismouthandbedestroyedwiththebrightnessofHiscoming。2Thessalonians2:8。LikeIsraelofoldthewickeddestroythemselves；theyfallbytheiriniquity。Byalifeofsin，theyhaveplacedthemselvessooutofharmonywithGod，theirnatureshavebecomesodebasedwithevil，thatthemanifestationofHisgloryistothemaconsumingfire。
LetmenbewarelesttheyneglectthelessonconveyedtotheminthewordsofChrist。AsHewarnedHisdisciplesofJerusalem’sdestruction，givingthemasignoftheapproachingruin，thattheymightmaketheirescape；soHehaswarnedtheworldofthedayoffinaldestructionandhasgiventhemtokensofitsapproach，thatallwhowillmayfleefromthewrathtocome。Jesusdeclares:"Thereshallbesignsinthesun，andinthemoon，andinthestars；andupontheearthdistressofnations。"Luke21:25；Matthew24:29；
Mark13:24-26；Revelation6:12-17。ThosewhobeholdtheseharbingersofHiscomingareto"knowthatitisnear，even38
atthedoors。"Matthew24:33。"Watchyetherefore，"areHiswordsofadmonition。Mark13:35。Theythatheedthewarningshallnotbeleftindarkness，thatthatdayshouldovertakethemunawares。Buttothemthatwillnotwatch，"thedayoftheLordsocomethasathiefinthenight。"
1Thessalonians5:2-5。
TheworldisnomorereadytocreditthemessageforthistimethanweretheJewstoreceivetheSaviour’swarningconcerningJerusalem。Comewhenitmay，thedayofGodwillcomeunawarestotheungodly。Whenlifeisgoingoninitsunvaryinground；whenmenareabsorbedinpleasure，inbusiness，intraffic，inmoney-making；whenreligiousleadersaremagnifyingtheworld’sprogressandenlightenment，andthepeoplearelulledinafalsesecurity——then，asthemidnightthiefstealswithintheunguardeddwelling，soshallsuddendestructioncomeuponthecarelessandungodly，"andtheyshallnotescape。"Verse3。
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Chapter2
PersecutionintheFirstCenturiesWhenJesusrevealedtoHisdisciplesthefateofJerusalemandthescenesofthesecondadvent，HeforetoldalsotheexperienceofHispeoplefromthetimewhenHeshouldbetakenfromthem，toHisreturninpowerandgloryfortheirdeliverance。FromOlivettheSaviourbeheldthestormsabouttofallupontheapostolicchurch；andpenetratingdeeperintothefuture，Hiseyediscernedthefierce，wastingtempeststhatweretobeatuponHisfollowersinthecomingagesofdarknessandpersecution。InafewbriefutterancesofawfulsignificanceHeforetoldtheportionwhichtherulersofthisworldwouldmeteouttothechurchofGod。Matthew24:9，21，22。ThefollowersofChristmusttreadthesamepathofhumiliation，reproach，andsufferingwhichtheirMastertrod。Theenmitythatburstforthagainsttheworld’sRedeemerwouldbemanifestedagainstallwhoshouldbelieveonHisname。
ThehistoryoftheearlychurchtestifiedtothefulfillmentoftheSaviour’swords。ThepowersofearthandhellarrayedthemselvesagainstChristinthepersonofHisfollowers。Paganismforesawthatshouldthegospeltriumph，hertemplesandaltarswouldbesweptaway；thereforeshesummonedherforcestodestroyChristianity。Thefiresofpersecutionwerekindled。Christianswerestrippedoftheirpossessionsanddrivenfromtheirhomes。They"enduredagreatfightofafflictions。"Hebrews10:32。They"hadtrialofcruel40
mockingsandscourgings，yea，moreoverofbondsandimprisonment。"Hebrews11:36。Greatnumberssealedtheirtestimonywiththeirblood。Nobleandslave，richandpoor，learnedandignorant，werealikeslainwithoutmercy。
Thesepersecutions，beginningunderNeroaboutthetimeofthemartyrdomofPaul，continuedwithgreaterorlessfuryforcenturies。Christianswerefalselyaccusedofthemostdreadfulcrimesanddeclaredtobethecauseofgreatcalamities——famine，pestilence，andearthquake。Astheybecametheobjectsofpopularhatredandsuspicion，informersstoodready，forthesakeofgain，tobetraytheinnocent。Theywerecondemnedasrebelsagainsttheempire，asfoesofreligion，andpeststosociety。Greatnumberswerethrowntowildbeastsorburnedaliveintheamphitheaters。Somewerecrucified；
otherswerecoveredwiththeskinsofwildanimalsandthrustintothearenatobetornbydogs。Theirpunishmentwasoftenmadethechiefentertainmentatpublicfetes。Vastmultitudesassembledtoenjoythesightandgreetedtheirdyingagonieswithlaughterandapplause。
Wherevertheysoughtrefuge，thefollowersofChristwerehuntedlikebeastsofprey。Theywereforcedtoseekconcealmentindesolateandsolitaryplaces。"Destitute，afflicted，tormented；ofwhomtheworldwasnotworthy:theywanderedindeserts，andinmountains，andindensandcavesoftheearth。"Verses37，38。Thecatacombsaffordedshelterforthousands。
BeneaththehillsoutsidethecityofRome，longgallerieshadbeentunneledthroughearthandrock；thedarkandintricatenetworkofpassagesextendedformilesbeyondthecitywalls。IntheseundergroundretreatsthefollowersofChristburiedtheirdead；andherealso，whensuspectedandproscribed，theyfoundahome。WhentheLife-givershallawakenthosewhohavefoughtthegoodfight，manyamartyrforChrist’ssakewillcomeforthfromthosegloomycaverns。
41
UnderthefiercestpersecutionthesewitnessesforJesuskepttheirfaithunsullied。Thoughdeprivedofeverycomfort，shutawayfromthelightofthesun，makingtheirhomeinthedarkbutfriendlybosomoftheearth，theyutterednocomplaint。Withwordsoffaith，patience，andhopetheyencouragedoneanothertoendureprivationanddistress。ThelossofeveryearthlyblessingcouldnotforcethemtorenouncetheirbeliefinChrist。
Trialsandpersecutionwerebutstepsbringingthemnearertheirrestandtheirreward。
LikeGod’sservantsofold，manywere"tortured，notacceptingdeliverance；
thattheymightobtainabetterresurrection。"Verse35。ThesecalledtomindthewordsoftheirMaster，thatwhenpersecutedforChrist’ssake，theyweretobeexceedingglad，forgreatwouldbetheirrewardinheaven；forsotheprophetshadbeenpersecutedbeforethem。Theyrejoicedthattheywereaccountedworthytosufferforthetruth，andsongsoftriumphascendedfromthemidstofcracklingflames。Lookingupwardbyfaith，theysawChristandangelsleaningoverthebattlementsofheaven，gazinguponthemwiththedeepestinterestandregardingtheirsteadfastnesswithapproval。AvoicecamedowntothemfromthethroneofGod:"Bethoufaithfuluntodeath，andIwillgivetheeacrownoflife。"Revelation2:10。
InvainwereSatan’seffortstodestroythechurchofChristbyviolence。
ThegreatcontroversyinwhichthedisciplesofJesusyieldeduptheirlivesdidnotceasewhenthesefaithfulstandard-bearersfellattheirpost。Bydefeattheyconquered。God’sworkmenwereslain，butHisworkwentsteadilyforward。Thegospelcontinuedtospreadandthenumberofitsadherentstoincrease。ItpenetratedintoregionsthatwereinaccessibleeventotheeaglesofRome。SaidaChristian，expostulatingwiththeheathenrulerswhowereurgingforwardthepersecution:Youmay"killus，tortureus，condemnus……Yourinjusticeistheproofthatweareinnocent42……Nordoesyourcruelty……availyou。"Itwasbutastrongerinvitationtobringotherstotheirpersuasion。"Theoftenerwearemowndownbyyou，themoreinnumberwegrow；thebloodofChristiansisseed。"——Tertullian，Apology，paragraph50。
Thousandswereimprisonedandslain，butothersspranguptofilltheirplaces。AndthosewhoweremartyredfortheirfaithweresecuredtoChristandaccountedofHimasconquerors。Theyhadfoughtthegoodfight，andtheyweretoreceivethecrownofglorywhenChristshouldcome。ThesufferingswhichtheyenduredbroughtChristiansnearertooneanotherandtotheirRedeemer。Theirlivingexampleanddyingtestimonywereaconstantwitnessforthetruth；andwhereleastexpected，thesubjectsofSatanwereleavinghisserviceandenlistingunderthebannerofChrist。
SatanthereforelaidhisplanstowarmoresuccessfullyagainstthegovernmentofGodbyplantinghisbannerintheChristianchurch。IfthefollowersofChristcouldbedeceivedandledtodispleaseGod，thentheirstrength，fortitude，andfirmnesswouldfail，andtheywouldfallaneasyprey。
Thegreatadversarynowendeavoredtogainbyartificewhathehadfailedtosecurebyforce。Persecutionceased，andinitssteadweresubstitutedthedangerousallurementsoftemporalprosperityandworldlyhonor。IdolaterswereledtoreceiveapartoftheChristianfaith，whiletheyrejectedotheressentialtruths。TheyprofessedtoacceptJesusastheSonofGodandtobelieveinHisdeathandresurrection，buttheyhadnoconvictionofsinandfeltnoneedofrepentanceorofachangeofheart。WithsomeconcessionsontheirparttheyproposedthatChristiansshouldmakeconcessions，thatallmightuniteontheplatformofbeliefinChrist。
Nowthechurchwasinfearfulperil。Prison，torture，fire，andswordwereblessingsincomparisonwiththis。SomeoftheChristiansstoodfirm，declaringthattheycouldmakeno43
compromise。OtherswereinfavorofyieldingormodifyingsomefeaturesoftheirfaithandunitingwiththosewhohadacceptedapartofChristianity，urgingthatthismightbethemeansoftheirfullconversion。ThatwasatimeofdeepanguishtothefaithfulfollowersofChrist。UnderacloakofpretendedChristianity，Satanwasinsinuatinghimselfintothechurch，tocorrupttheirfaithandturntheirmindsfromthewordoftruth。
MostoftheChristiansatlastconsentedtolowertheirstandard，andaunionwasformedbetweenChristianityandpaganism。Althoughtheworshipersofidolsprofessedtobeconverted，andunitedwiththechurch，theystillclungtotheiridolatry，onlychangingtheobjectsoftheirworshiptoimagesofJesus，andevenofMaryandthesaints。Thefoulleavenofidolatry，thusbroughtintothechurch，continueditsbalefulwork。Unsounddoctrines，superstitiousrites，andidolatrousceremonieswereincorporatedintoherfaithandworship。AsthefollowersofChristunitedwithidolaters，theChristianreligionbecamecorrupted，andthechurchlostherpurityandpower。Thereweresome，however，whowerenotmisledbythesedelusions。TheystillmaintainedtheirfidelitytotheAuthoroftruthandworshipedGodalone。
TherehaveeverbeentwoclassesamongthosewhoprofesstobefollowersofChrist。WhileoneclassstudytheSaviour’slifeandearnestlyseektocorrecttheirdefectsandconformtothePattern，theotherclassshuntheplain，practicaltruthswhichexposetheirerrors。Eveninherbestestatethechurchwasnotcomposedwhollyofthetrue，pure，andsincere。OurSaviourtaughtthatthosewhowillfullyindulgeinsinarenottobereceivedintothechurch；yetHeconnectedwithHimselfmenwhowerefaultyincharacter，andgrantedthemthebenefitsofHisteachingsandexample，thattheymighthaveanopportunitytoseetheirerrorsandcorrectthem。
Amongthetwelveapostleswasatraitor。Judaswasaccepted，not44
becauseofhisdefectsofcharacter，butnotwithstandingthem。Hewasconnectedwiththedisciples，that，throughtheinstructionandexampleofChrist，hemightlearnwhatconstitutesChristiancharacter，andthusbeledtoseehiserrors，torepent，and，bytheaidofdivinegrace，topurifyhissoul"inobeyingthetruth。"ButJudasdidnotwalkinthelightsograciouslypermittedtoshineuponhim。ByindulgenceinsinheinvitedthetemptationsofSatan。Hiseviltraitsofcharacterbecamepredominant。Heyieldedhismindtothecontrolofthepowersofdarkness，hebecameangrywhenhisfaultswerereproved，andthushewasledtocommitthefearfulcrimeofbetrayinghisMaster。Sodoallwhocherishevilunderaprofessionofgodlinesshatethosewhodisturbtheirpeacebycondemningtheircourseofsin。Whenafavorableopportunityispresented，theywill，likeJudas，betraythosewhofortheirgoodhavesoughttoreprovethem。
Theapostlesencounteredthoseinthechurchwhoprofessedgodlinesswhiletheyweresecretlycherishinginiquity。AnaniasandSapphiraactedthepartofdeceivers，pretendingtomakeanentiresacrificeforGod，whentheywerecovetouslywithholdingaportionforthemselves。TheSpiritoftruthrevealedtotheapostlestherealcharacterofthesepretenders，andthejudgmentsofGodridthechurchofthisfoulblotuponitspurity。ThissignalevidenceofthediscerningSpiritofChristinthechurchwasaterrortohypocritesandevildoers。Theycouldnotlongremaininconnectionwiththosewhowere，inhabitanddisposition，constantrepresentativesofChrist；andastrialsandpersecutioncameuponHisfollowers，thoseonlywhowerewillingtoforsakeallforthetruth’ssakedesiredtobecomeHisdisciples。Thus，aslongaspersecutioncontinued，thechurchremainedcomparativelypure。Butasitceased，convertswereaddedwhowerelesssincereanddevoted，andthewaywasopenforSatantoobtainafoothold。