Contents
- The Siege and Overthrow Foretold by Jesus.--God's Favor to Israel.--His Love Rejected.--Jerusalem a Symbol of the World.--The First and Second Temples Compared.--The Twofold phecy.--Christ Warns his Followers.--The Signal for Flight.--strength of Jerusalem's Defenses.--Micah's Prophecy of her Destruction.--Judgments Delayed.--God's Mercy Despised.--Strife and Bloodshed.--Portents of Disaster.--Escape of the Christians.--The Siege by Titus.-- Famine and Suffering.--Efforts to Save the Temple.--The Sanctuary in Flames.--The Temple and City Demolished. --The Inhabitants Slain or Dispersed.--A Symbol of the Future Judgment.
- Martyrs under Paganism.--The Catacombs a Refuge.--Faith and Steadfastness of the Christians.--A Time of Peace.--Union of Christianity and Paganism.--Revival of Persecution.-- Why the Gospel Occasions Strife
- The Rise of the Papacy Foretold.--To whom Belongs the Charge of Heresy?--The Bible Suppressed.--Second Commandment Set Aside.--Fourth Commandment Changed.--The Early Church Honored the Sabbath.--Sunday gradually Introduced.--Finally Exalted to Pre-eminence.--Establishment of the Papacy.--Beginning of the Dark Ages.--Superstitious Forms Multiplied.--Prevalence of Iniquity.--Universal Supremacy Accorded to the Pope.--The Church Infallible. --The Pope Claims Power over Civil Rulers.--Heathen Philosophy.--Its Influence early Felt in the Church.--Papal Errors.--The Inquisition.--Popery Rules the World. -Results of Banishing the Scriptures
- Christians in the Dark Ages.--Their History Unknown.-- Primitive Christianity in Great Britain.--Romish Missionaries.--Churches Destroyed or Forced to Submit to Rome.-- Christians in other Lands.--Churches of Piedmont Required to Bow to the Papacy.--Protesters Flee to the Mountains.-- The Waldenses Possess the Bible.--Training of the Young. --Knowledge of the Scriptures.--The Church of the Alps. --The Scriptures Transcribed.--The Youth at School in Great Cities.--Missionaries in Disguise.--Extent of their Labors.--Bondage of Romanism.--The Gospel secretly Unfolded.--Crusades against the Waldenses.--The Pope's Bull of Extermination.--Steadfastness of the Sufferers.--Seed Sown for the Reformation
- God's Care for his Word.--The True Faith Revived.--"The Morning Star of the Reformation.'--Wycliffe's Talents and Education.--His Study of the Bible.--He Opposes Rome.-- Accused of Heresy.--The Papacy Weakened by Divisions. --Wycliffe Translates the Scriptures.--Priests Renounce Romanism.--Spread of the Gospel.--Wycliffe Dies in Peace. --John Huss.--At the Council of Constance.--Burned at the Stake.--Prophetic Dream.--Jerome a Martyr.--Printing of the Scriptures.--The Slumber of Ages Broken
- Luther the Man for his Time.--Early Life.--Severe Discipline. --At the University.--Discovery of the Bible.--Conviction of Sin.--He Enters a Cloister.--The Chained Bible.-- Ordination as a Priest.--Called to Wittemberg.--Journey to Rome.--Abominations of Popery.--Justification by Faith.-- Made Doctor of Divinity.--Pledged to Teach the Scriptures. --Rome's Traffic in the Grace of God.--Theses against Indulgences.-- Luther at Augsburg.--Plots for his Destruction. --Frederick of Saxony his Protector.--Luther Excommunicated --In all Ages Truth Excites Opposition
- Charles V. and the Emissaries of Rome.--Demand for Luther's Execution.--The Papal Legate.--His Speech against Luther. --A Presentation of Papal Abuses.--The Reformer Summoned to Worms.--Treachery of the Papists.--Luther before the Diet.--A Victory for the Truth.--His Second Appearance. --Refusal to Retract.--His Courage and Firmness.-- the Emperor's Message.--Papal Plots.--Efforts for Compromise.--Luther Adheres to the Bible.--Departure from Worms. --Condemned and Outlawed.--A Prisoner in the Wartburg. --Labors in Captivity.--Designs of Providence
- Effect of Luther's Disappearance.--The Reformation Gaining Ground.--Pretended Prophets.--The Bible Set Aside.--The Reformation on the Verge of Ruin.--Luther's Return to Wittemberg.--God's Word the Standard of Faith.-- Fanaticism Checked.--Its Subsequent Revival.--Revolutionary Teachings.--Strife and Bloodshed.--The Reformation Denounced.--Luther Defends the Gospel.--Translation of the Bible.--Spread of the True Faith
- The Diet of Spires.--A Dark Day for the Reformation.--The Imperial Message.--Religious Toleration Forbidden.--The Princes Refuse to Yield Religious Liberty.--The Protest.-- Principles of the Protest.--Danger of the Protestants.-- Melancthon and Grynaeus.--A Heaven-sent Warning.--The Diet of Augsburg.--The Protestant Confession.--Faith and Courage of the Princes.--The Confession Read before the Emperor.--A Glorious Victory.--God's Care for his Servants. --Prayer the Reformers' Strength
- Tyndale Translates the Bible.--Opposition to his Work.--He Flees to Germany.--Printing of the New Testament.-- Introduced into England by Stealth.--Tyndale's Imprisonment and Martyrdom.--John Knox.--Latimer Defends the Bible. --Barnes and Frith.--The Ridleys and Cranmer.-- Persecution by the Church of England.--Spread of the Gospel.-- John Bunyan.--Baxter, Flavel, Alleine.--Results of their Labors.--Whitefield and the Wesleys.--Early Experience. --Power and Success of their Ministry.--Methodists Ridiculed and Persecuted.--John Wesley Protected by an Angel. --Refutation of Charges against Methodism.--Another Class of Reformers.--Unjustly Treated by Historians.-- Carlstadt.--Testimony of John Frith.--Persecution of John Trask.--Mrs. Trask Imprisoned.--Her only Offense.--First Sabbath-keepers in America.--The Seventh-day Baptists. -Eld. J. W. Morton.--Reform Progressive
- The Old and New Testaments the Witnesses.--In Obscurity for 1260 Years.--Rome Substitutes False Witnesses.--War upon the Bible.--Massacre of St. Bartholomew--Atheism Prevails.--French Revolution.--The Bible Exalted
- Christians Cease to Reform.--Satan Perverts Bible Truths.-- The Coming of Christ Draws Near.--The Warning to be Given.--Proclamation of the First Advent.--Priests and Rulers in Darkness.--Light Given to Humble Men. -Closing Scenes Revealed to John.--The Warning not Committed to Religious Leaders
- An Honest Seeker for Truth.--His Conversion.--The Bible its own Interpreter.--The Prophecies can be Understood.-- Evidence of Christ's Advent Near.--Years of Study.-- Opening of his Public Labors.--God Warns the World of Coming Judgments.--The Flood an Example.--The Revelation not a Sealed Book.--The World Opposes Reformers.--Luther an Illustration.--Also Whitefield and the Wesleys.--Why the Doctrine of the Second Advent is Unwelcome.-- Opposition to Miller and his Work.--His Labors a Blessing to the World
- Fulfillment of Prophecy.--A World-wide Warning.--The Work in America.--Power of the Message.--Solemn Work of Preparation.--Opposition to the Faith.--Precious Experience.--A Disappointment.--Hypocrisy Exposed.--God Sustains his People
- Rejection of First Message.--Darkness that Followed.-- Neglect of Light Hardens the Heart.--"Babylon is Fallen."-- A Profession of Religion Popular.--Union with the World. --False Doctrines in the Church
- Close of the Year 1843.--A Period of Doubt and Perplexity.-- Prophecy of Habakkuk.--A Tarrying Time Brought to View. -Ezekiel's Words a Comfort.--Parable of the Ten Virgins. -Fanaticism Appears.--Influence of Unbalanced, Half-converted Persons.--Parallel in the Time of Paul, Luther, and the Wesleys.--Adventists United
- The Correct Time Discovered.--"Behold, the Bridegroom Cometh!"--The Message Goes with Power.--Illustration from Christ's Entry into Jerusalem.--Solemn Heart-searching. -Fanaticism Disappears.--A Holy Influence Attending the Work.--Passing of the Time.--Scoffing of the Ungodly. --Bitter Disappointment.--Similar Disappointment at the Death of Christ.--Comforting Words of Paul
- Termination of the 2300 Days.--The Earth Supposed to be the Sanctuary.--Interpretation of Prophecy at Fault.-- Computation of the Prophetic Periods Correct.--What is the Sanctuary?--Testimony of the Scriptures.--The Earthly Sanctuary a Figure of the Heavenly.--The Mosaic Service. --The Day of Atonement.--The Ministration of Christ.-- The Investigative Judgment
- The Shut Door Explained.--The Saviour's Change of Ministration. --A Knowledge of his Work Essential.--Light Withdrawn from those who Reject It.--Christ still Pleads for Sinners
- Time of its Proclamation.--A Change in Christ's Ministration.-- God's Law in the Ark.--Fourth Commandment Unchanged. -Why the Third Message is Opposed.--Symbols Explained. --The True Church.--Paganism and the Papacy.--Another Power.--Its Peaceful Rise.--Mild Profession.--Persecuting Spirit.--Sign of Rome's Authority.--A Solemn Warning.-- A Sabbath Reform Foretold by Isaiah.--The Seal of God's Law.--The Sabbath Hallowed in every Age
- Worldly Customs against the Truth.--The Bible the only Guide for Christians.--Adventists Reject the Message.-- Conflicting Views of the Prophecies.--Time-setting an Error. -Important Admonition.--Why the Coming of Christ is Delayed.--Duty of those who Hear God's Messages
- Their Results Unsatisfactory.--A Religion of the Imagination. --Lovers of Pleasure.--Christians in all Denominations.-- Extensive Revivals in the Future.--Character of Modern Revivals.--Nature of Conversion.--Conviction of Sin.--Faith in Christ.--Sanctification, True and False Theories.--God's Law the Standard of Holiness.--True Sanctification Progressive.--Meekness and Humility the Fruits of the Spirit. --Sanctification Includes Temperance.--The Christian's Privilege. --The Great Need of the Church
- Opening of the Judgment.--Christ the Advocate.--The Books of Record.--Every Case Examined.--The Last Act of Mediation.--Vastness of the Work.--The Saviour's Plea.-- Our Daily Record.--Preparation for the Judgment.--Cases of the Living soon to be Decided.
- Sin Unexplainable.--Lucifer before his Fall.--His Wisdom and Honor.--Exaltation of Himself.--Rejection of Warnings.-- Charges against Christ.--Self-justification.--Revolt and Banishment.--Spirit of Rebellion among Men.--Hatred of Reproof.--Satan Accuses God of Injustice.--The Fall of Man. -The Atonement.--Demonstration of God's Love.--Christ's Earthly Ministry.--Satan's Character Unmasked.--God's Justice Vindicated.--No Cause for Sin Exists
- The First Prophecy.--The Sinner in Harmony with Satan.-- God's Grace Creates Enmity.--Why the World Hated Christ.--Its Hatred of his Followers.--Why Resistance against Satan is so Feeble.--Christians Indifferent to their Danger.--Satan Works in Disguise.--His Sleepless Vigilance. --Danger of Association with the Ungodly.--Solomon an Example.--Effect of Familiarity with Sin.--The Last Conflict.--Christ the Helper of his Followers
- The Existence of Satan.--Testimony of the Scriptures.--The Fallen Angels.--Their Intelligence and Subtlety.--Satan's Power over Men.--The Demoniacs of Gadara.--Number of Evil Spirits.--Christ Expels the Demons.--Object of the Miracle.--Other Illustrations.--The Spirit of Divination.-- Why Satan Denies his Existence.--The Ungodly Exposed to Evil Angels.--God Protects his People
- Counsel to his Angels.--Hold Minds in Darkness.--Separate Men from Christ.--Foster Worldliness and Pride.-- Encourage Covetousness.--Introduce False Teachers.--Excite Selfishness and Enmity.--How Satan's Plans are Executed. --His Presence in Religious Assemblies.--He Prevents Men from Listening to the Word of God.--Helpers of Satan.-- Accusers of the Brethren.--Fanciful Interpretations of Scripture.--Mistaken Liberality.--"Science Falsely so Called."--Deceptive Doctrines.--Spiritualism.--Disbelief in Pre-existence of Christ.--Non-existence of Satan.--Coming of Christ at Death.--Miracles Impossible.--Rejection of Truth.--Danger of Cherishing Doubt.--Uses of Temptation.
- The Tempter in Eden.--A Plan for Man's Overthrow.--God's Warning Disbelieved.--Death the Penalty of Transgression. -Immortality the Gift of God.--Satan's Deception.--Life in Disobedience.--Doctrine of Eternal Torment Introduced. -God's Character Misrepresented.--Cruelty is Satanic.-- God Takes no Delight in Torture.--Theory of Eternal Torment Revolting.--A Cause of Infidelity.--Universalism the Opposite Error.--A Universalist Sermon.--The Fate of Amnon.--Wresting of the Scriptures.--Salvation is Conditional.--The Wicked could not Enjoy Heaven.--God's Mercy in their Destruction.--Consciousness of the Dead a Fallacy.--What the Bible Teaches.--The Judgment and the Resurrection
- Natural Immortality its Foundation.--Materialization a Counterfeit.--Heresies Taught by Spirits.--Spiritual Manifestations not the Result of Trickery.--A Revival of Ancient Witchcraft.--Adapted to Deceive all Classes.--Refined and Intellectual Aspects.--Grosser Forms of Spiritualism.--No Distinction between Righteousness and Sin.--The Bible Rejected.--The Hour of Temptation.--The Refuge of Lies to be Swept Away
- Romanism Gaining Favor.--Her Former Cruelty Excused.--The Claim of Infallibility.--True Christians in Roman Church. --Catholicism Opposed to the Gospel.--Her Power Increasing in this Country.--A Cause of Apprehension.--Pomp and Splendor of her Worship.--The Roman and the Jewish Church Compared.--God's Character Misrepresented.-- Contrast between Christ and the Pope.--The Romish Church Unchanged.--Protestants Blinded by False Charity.--The Secret of Rome's Power.--How an Age of Intellectual Light is Favorable to her Success.--Protestants Following in the Steps of Papists.--The Sunday Movement.--How Sunday Came first to be Observed.--First Sunday Law a Heathen Statute.--The Term "Lord's Day."--Measures for Sunday Enforcement.--Lack of Scriptural Authority.--The Roll from Heaven.--A Daring Forgery.--Pretended Miracles.-- A Remarkable Confession.--The Church of Abyssinia.-- Rome's Enmity toward the True Sabbath.--History of the Past to be Repeated.--Popery Strengthening her Forces.-- Purpose of the Romanists
- God's Favor to this Country.--His Blessings Repaid with Ingratitude.--The Impending Conflict.--Agencies to Combine against Righteousness and Truth.--Prevalence of Skepticism. --Growing Contempt for the Scriptures.--Philosophical Idolatry.--Results of Setting aside God's Law.--Temperance Reform and the Sunday Movement.--Spiritualism Changing its Form.--Accepted by Papists and Protestants.--Satan's Power to Control the Elements.--Terrible Calamities.-- God's People Accused as Troubles of the Nation.--Liberty of Conscience Disregarded.--Romish Tyranny Revived.-- Our Land in Jeopardy
- Satan's Activity.--The Last Great Delusion.--The Bible the Detector of Error.--An Understanding of the Prophecies Essential.--Danger of Following Human Leaders.--The Jews an Example.--Ignorance of the Bible a Sin.--How to Understand the Scriptures.--A Humble and Teachable Spirit.--Why Theologians so often Err.--Necessity of Prayer.--Modern Infidelity.--Every Character to be Tested. --Who will Endure the Trial?
- The Mighty Angel.--Application of his Message.--Light for all who Seek It.--Reformers in Past Ages.--Preaching of the Third Message.--Effect of the Warning.--Opposition Extends the Knowledge of the Truth.--Christ's Ambassadors not to Remain Silent.--God's Providence in the National Councils.--The Closing Work.--World-wide Extent.--Power and Glory.--Fruits of Missionary Efforts
- Christ's Ministration Closed.--God's People in Affliction and Distress.--Illustration from the Time of Jacob's Trouble.-- Jacob's Night of Wrestling.--Faith and Penitence Prevail. --God cannot Excuse Evil.--His Mercy to the Penitent.-- Power of Importunate Prayer.--The Prophetic Woe.-- Destructive Power of Evil Angels.--False Christs.--Satan Personates the World's Redeemer.--Religious and Secular Authorities Combine against God's People.--Decree that they may be Put to Death.--The Mountains a Hiding-place. --Imprisonment and Bondage.--God does not Forsake his Servants.--The Day-and-night Cry.--Angels Guard the Righteous.--Their Appearance in Human Form.--God's Promise to his People
- The Wicked Unite to Destroy Them.--The Night Attack.-- Supernatural Darkness.--The Rainbow of God's Glory.-- Celestial Voices.--The Sun Appears at Midnight.--The Voice of God.--A Mighty Earthquake.--Warring of the Elements.--A Special Resurrection.--The Day of God.-- Prophetic Portrayal.--The Star of Hope.--A Song of Trust. --Tables of the Decalogue Revealed in the Heavens.--The Everlasting Covenant.--God's People Glorified.--"The Sign of the Son of Man."--Christ's Coming in Glory.-- Beheld by them that Pierced Him.--The Wicked Flee to Rocks and Mountains.--The Righteous Dead Called Forth. --Ascent to the City of God.--The Reward of the Righteous. --Meeting of the Two Adams.--Eden Restored
- God's Judgments upon the Wicked.--Their Treasures Swept Away.--False Teachers Exposed.--Fury of the Multitudes. --Strife and Carnage.--The Earth Made Waste.--The Prison-house of Satan.--A Work of Judgment
- Christ's Return to the Earth.--The Wicked Dead Called Forth. --Descent of the New Jerusalem.--Satan's Last Struggle for the Supremacy.--He Marshals his Forces.--A Mighty Host.--The Holy City Surrounded.--Christ "upon the Throne of his Glory."--The Subjects of his Kingdom.--The Final Coronation.--Judgment of the Wicked.--The Books of Record Opened.--A Panoramic Portrayal.--The Scenes of Redemption.--The Cross of Calvary.--The Results of Rebellion.--Satan Acknowledges God's Justice.--His Persistence in Rebellion.--The Fire of Destruction.--Satan and his Hosts Consumed.--The Earth Renewed.--The Home of the Saved.--The Universal Anthem