the Brethren in Battle Creek
Today I received a letter from Elder Daniells regarding the destruction
of the Review office by fire. I feel very sad as I consider
the great loss to the cause. I know that this must be a very trying
time for the brethren in charge of the work and for the employees
of the office. I am afflicted with all who are afflicted. But I was
not surprised by the sad news, for in the visions of the night I have
seen an angel standing with a sword as of fire stretched over Battle
Creek. Once, in the daytime, while my pen was in my hand, I lost
consciousness, and it seemed as if this sword of flame were turning
first in one direction and then in another. Disaster seemed to follow
disaster because God was dishonored by the devising of men to exalt
and glorify themselves.
This morning I was drawn out in earnest prayer that the Lord
would lead all who are connected with the Review and Herald office
to make diligent search, that they may see wherein they have
disregarded the many messages God has given.
Sometime ago the brethren at the Review office asked my counsel
about the erection of another building. I then said that if those who
were in favor of adding another building to the Review and Herald
office had the future mapped out before them, if they could see what
would be in Battle Creek, they would have no question about putting
up another building there. God said: “My word has been despised;
and I will turn and overturn.”
[98] At the General Conference, held in Battle Creek in 1901, the
Lord gave His people evidence that He was calling for reformation.
Minds were convicted, and hearts were touched; but thorough work
was not done. If stubborn hearts had then broken in penitence before
God, there would have been seen one of the greatest manifestations
of the power of God that has ever been seen. But God was not
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Review and Herald Fire 97
honored. The testimonies of His Spirit were not heeded. Men
did not separate from the practices that were in decided opposition
to the principles of truth and righteousness, which should ever be
maintained in the Lord’s work.
The messages to the church of Ephesus and to the church in
Sardis have been often repeated to me by the One who gives me
instruction for His people. “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus
write; These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right
hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I
know thy works, and the labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst
not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say
they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast
borne, and hast patience, and for My name’s sake hast labored, and
hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because
thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou
art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come
unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place,
except thou repent.” Revelation 2:1-5.
“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things
saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars;
I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art
dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that
are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold [99]
fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on
thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon
thee.” Revelation 3:1-3.
We are seeing the fulfillment of these warnings. Never have
scriptures been more strictly fulfilled than these have been.
Men may erect the most carefully constructed, fireproof buildings,
but one touch of God’s hand, one spark from heaven, will
sweep away every refuge.
It has been asked if I have any advice to give. I have already
given the advice that God has given me, hoping to prevent the falling
of the fiery sword that was hanging over Battle Creek. Now that
which I dreaded has come—the news of the burning of the Review
and Herald building. When this news came, I felt no surprise, and I
had no words to speak. What I have had to say from time to time
98 Testimonies for the Church Volume 8
in warnings has had no effect except to harden those who heard,
and now I can only say: I am so sorry, so very sorry, that it was
necessary for this stroke to come. Light enough has been given. If it
were acted upon, further light would not be needed.
To our people, ministers and lay members, I am instructed to say:
“Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while
He is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man
his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord,”—for many ministers
and people are walking in strange paths,—“and He will have mercy
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upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah
55:6, 7.
Let every soul be on the alert. The adversary is on your
