e higher than they had done before, for
the great mercy and condescension of God in yielding up his
dearly Beloved to die for a race of rebels. Praise and adoration
were poured forth for the self-denial and sacrifice of Jesus; that
he would consent to leave the bosom of his Father, and choose
a life of suffering and anguish, and die an ignominious death to
give life to others.
Said the angel, Think ye that the Father yielded up his
dearly beloved Son without a struggle? No, no. It was even
a struggle with the God of heaven, whether to let guilty man
perish, or to give his beloved Son to die for them. Angels
were so interested for man’s salvation that there could be found
among them those who would yield their glory, and give their
life for perishing man. But, said my accompanying angel, That
would avail nothing. The transgression was so great that an
angel’s life would not pay the debt. Nothing but the death and
intercessions of his Son would pay the debt, and save lost man
from hopeless sorrow and misery.
But the work of the angels was assigned them, to ascend
and descend with strengthening balm from glory to soothe the
Son of God in his sufferings, and administer unto him.
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Also, their work would be to guard and keep the subjects of
grace from the evil angels, and the darkness constantly thrown
around them by Satan. I saw that it was impossible for God to
alter or change his law, to save lost, perishing man; therefore
he suffered his beloved Son to die for man’s transgression.
Satan again rejoiced with his angels that he could, by
causing man’s fall, pull down the Son of God from his exalted
position. He told his angels that when Jesus should take
fallen man’s nature, he could overpower him, and hinder the
accomplishment of the plan of salvation.
I was then shown Satan as he was, a happy, exalted angel.
Then I was shown him as he now is. He still bears a kingly
form. His features are still noble, for he is an angel fallen.
But the expression of his countenance is full of anxiety, care,
unhappiness, malice, hate, mischief, deceit, and every evil.
That brow which was once so noble, I particularly noticed.
His forehead commenced from his eyes to recede backward.
I saw that he had demeaned himself so long, that every good
quality was debased, and every evil trait was developed. His
eyes were cunning, sly, and showed great penetration. His
frame was large, but the flesh hung loosely about his hands
and face. As I beheld him, his chin was resting upon his left
hand. He appeared to be in deep thought. A smile was upon
his countenance, which made me
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tremble, it was so full of evil, and Satanic slyness. This smile
is the one he wears just before he makes sure of his victim, and
as he fastens the victim in his snare, this smile grows horrible.
*****
Chapter IV. - The First Advent of
Christ.
Then I was carried down to the time when Jesus was to
take upon himself man’s nature, humble himself as a man, and
suffer the temptations of Satan.
His birth was without worldly grandeur. He was born in a
stable, cradled in a manger; yet his birth was honored far above
any of the sons of men. Angels from heaven informed the
shepherds of the advent of Jesus, while the light and glory from
God accompanied their testimony. The heavenly host touched
their harps and glorified God. They triumphantly heralded the
advent of the Son of God to a fallen world to accomplish the
work of redemption, and by his death bring peace, happiness,
and everlasting life to man. God honored the advent of his Son.
Angels worshiped him.
Angels of God hovered over the scene of his baptism, and
the Holy Spirit descended in the shape of a dove, and lighted
upon him, and as
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the people stood greatly amazed, with their eyes fastened upon
him, the Father’s voice was heard from heaven, saying, Thou
art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased.
John was not certain that it was the Saviour who came to be
baptized of him in Jordan. But God had promised him a sign by
which he should know the Lamb of God. That sign was given
as the heavenly Dove rested upon Jesus, and the glory of God
shone round about him. John reached forth his hand, pointing
to Jesus, and with a loud voice cried out, Behold the Lamb of
God which taketh away the sin of the world.
John informed his disciples that Jesus was the promised
Messiah, the Saviour of the world. As his work was closing, he
taught his disciples to look to Jesus, and follow him as the great
teacher. John’s life was without pleasure. It was sorrowful and
self-denying. He heralded the first advent of Christ, and then
was not permitted to witness the miracles, and enjoy the power
manifested by him. He knew that when Jesus should establish
himself as a teacher, he must die. His voice was seldom heard,
except in the wilderness. His life was lonely. He did not cling
to his father’s family, to enjoy their society, but left them in
order to fulfill his mission. Multitudes left the busy cities and
villages, and flocked to the wilderness to hear the words of the
wonderful,
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singular Prophet. John laid the axe at the root of the tree. He
reproved sin fearless of consequences, and prepared the way
for the Lamb of God.
Herod was affected as he listened to the powerful, pointed
testimonies of John. With deep interest he inquired what he
must do to become his disciple. John was acquainted with the
fact that he was about to marry his brother’s wife, while her
husband was yet living, and faithfully told Herod that it was
not lawful. Herod was not willing to make any sacrifice. He
married his brother’s wife, and, through her influence, seized
John and put him in prison. But Herod intended to release
him again. While there confined, John heard through his
disciples of the mighty works of Jesus. He could not listen
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to his gracious words. But the disciples informed him, and
comforted him with what they had heard. Soon John was
beheaded through the influence of Herod’s wife. I saw that
the least disciple that followed Jesus, witnessed his miracles,
and heard the comforting words which fell from his lips, was
greater than John the baptist. That is, they were more exalted
and honored, and had more pleasure in their lives.
John came in the spirit and p
