The Great Controversy Between Christ and His Angels and Satan and His Angels
EGW Chapter 7—The Flood
Everything was now ready for the closing of the ark, which could not be done by Noah from within. The scoffing multitude behold an angel descending from heaven, clothed with brightness like the lightning. He closes that massive outer door, and then takes his course upward to heaven again. Seven days were the family of Noah in the ark before the rain began to descend. During this time they were arranging for their long stay while the waters should be upon the earth. And these were days of blasphemous merriment by the unbelieving masses. Because the prophecy of Noah was not fulfilled immediately after he entered the ark, they thought that he was deceived, and that it was impossible for the world to be destroyed by a flood. Notwithstanding the solemn scenes which they had witnessed, the beasts leaving the mountains and forests and going into the ark, and the angel of God, clothed with brightness and terrible in majesty, descending from Heaven and closing the door, they hardened their hearts and continued to revel and sport over the signal manifestations of divine power.
(ST March 6, 1879, Art. A, 1)
But the same power that called the world into existence, and that created man, has shut Noah into his temporary refuge. The last golden opportunity is past. All have heard the warning, God's forbearance with that vile race is exhausted, and the swift bolts of his wrath are to be hurled upon the impenitent. Upon the eighth day the heavens gathered blackness. The muttering thunders and vivid lightning flashes began to terrify man and beast. The rain descended from the clouds above them. This was something they had never witnessed, and their hearts were faint with fear. The beasts were roving about in the wildest terror, and their discordant voices seemed to moan out their own destiny and the fate of man. The storm increased in violence until water appeared to come from heaven in mighty cataracts. The boundaries of rivers broke away, and the waters rushed to the valleys. The foundations of the great deep also were broken up. Jets of water would burst up from the earth with indescribable force, throwing massive rocks hundreds of feet into the air, and these, in falling, would bury themselves deep in the ground.
(ST March 6, 1879, Art. A, 2)
The people first beheld the destruction of the works of their own hands. Their splendid buildings, the beautifully arranged gardens and groves where they had placed their idols, were destroyed by lightning from heaven. The ruins were scattered everywhere. They had erected and consecrated to their idols altars whereon they offered human sacrifices. These which God detested were torn down in his wrath before them, and they were made to tremble at the power of the living God, the Maker of the heavens and the earth, and to know that it was their abominations and horrible, idolatrous sacrifices, which had called for their destruction.
(ST March 6, 1879, Art. A, 3)
The violence of the storm increased, and there were mingled with the warring of the elements, the wailings of the people who had despised the authority of God. Trees, buildings, rocks, and earth were hurled in every direction. The terror of man and beast was beyond description. And even Satan himself, who was compelled to be amid the warring elements, feared for his own existence. He had delighted to control so powerful a race, and wished them to live to practice their abominations, and increase their rebellion against the God of Heaven. He now uttered imprecations against God, charging him with injustice and cruelty. Many of the people, like Satan, blasphemed God, and if they could have carried out their rebellion, would have torn him from the throne of justice. Others were frantic with fear, stretching their hands toward the ark, and pleading for admittance. But this was impossible. God had closed the door, the only entrance, and shut Noah in, and the ungodly out. He alone could open the door. Their fear and repentance came too late. Conscience was at last awake to know that there was a God who ruled in the heavens. They called upon him earnestly, but his ear was not open to their cry. Some in their desperation sought to break into the ark, but that firm-made structure resisted all their efforts. Some clung to the ark until they were borne away with the furious surging of the waters, or their hold was broken off by rocks and trees that were swept here and there by the angry billows. The ark was severely rocked and tossed about. With the noise of the tempest was mingled the roaring of the terrified beasts; yet amid all the warring of the elements, the ark rode safely. Angels that excel in strength guided and preserved it from harm. Every moment during that frightful storm of forty days and forty nights the preservation of the ark was a miracle of almighty power.
(ST March 6, 1879, Art. A, 4)
The animals exposed to the tempest rushed toward man, choosing the society of human beings, as though expecting help from them. Some of the people bound their children and themselves upon powerful beasts, knowing that they would be tenacious of life, and would climb the highest points to escape the rising water. The storm does not abate its fury—the waters increase faster than at first. Some fasten themselves to lofty trees, but these trees are torn up by the roots, and carried with violence through the air, and angrily hurled, with stones and earth, into the foaming billows. As the black, seething waters rise higher and higher, the wicked flee for safety to the loftiest mountains. The solemn denunciations of Noah did not then seem to be so laughable a matter. One spot after another that promised safety was abandoned for one still higher. Men looked abroad upon a shoreless ocean. How they longed then for the opportunities, which they had slighted. How they pleaded for one hour's probation, one more privilege of mercy, one more call from the lips of Noah. But mercy's sweet voice was no more to be heard by them. She had stepped down from her golden throne, and stern, imperative justice had taken her place. The pitiless waves finally sweep over the last retreat, and man and beast alike perish in the black depths.
(ST March 6, 1879, Art. A, 5)
Fifteen cubits above the highest mountains did the waters prevail; but Noah and his family were safe in the ark, under the protecting care of God. The Lord had shut out all his foes, and he was never more to hear their taunts and sneers. Often it seemed to this family of God's providence that they must go to destruction as their boat was swept hither and thither. It was a trying ordeal; but Noah believed God. He had the assurance that God was caring for them. A Divine Hand was upon the helm.
(ST March 6, 1879, Art. A, 6)
As the waters began to abate, the Lord caused the ark to rest upon the top of a cluster of mountains which had been preserved by his power and made to stand fast all through that violent storm. These mountains were but a little distance apart, and the ark moved about and rested upon one, then another, and was no more driven upon the boundless ocean. This gave great relief to all within the ark.
(ST March 6, 1879, Art. A, 7)
Anxiously did Noah and his family watch the decrease of the waters. He wished to go forth upon the earth again, and sent out a raven which flew back and forth, to and from the ark. Not receiving the information he desired, he sent forth a dove, which finding no rest, returned to the ark. After seven days the dove was again sent forth, and when the olive leaf was seen in its mouth, there was great rejoicing by this family which had so long been shut up in the ark. Again an angel descends from Heaven and opens the door of the ark. Noah could remove the top, but he could not open the door which God had shut. God spoke to Noah through the angel and bade him go forth with his family out of the ark, and bring forth with them every living thing.
(ST March 6, 1879, Art. A, 8)
Noah did not forget Him who had so graciously preserved them, but immediately erected an altar and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt-offerings on the altar, thus showing his faith in Christ the great sacrifice, and manifesting his gratitude to God for their wonderful preservation. Noah's offering came up before God like a sweet savor. He accepted the sacrifice, and blessed the patriarch and his family. Here a lesson is taught all who should live upon the earth, that for every manifestation of God's mercy and love toward them, the first act should be to render to him grateful thanks and humble worship.
(ST March 6, 1879, Art. A, 9)
Lest man should be terrified with gathering clouds and falling rains, and should be in continual dread, fearing another flood, God graciously encourages the family of Noah by a promise. “And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations. I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth.”
(ST March 6, 1879, Art. A, 10)
What a condescension on the part of God! What compassion for erring man, to place the beautiful, variegated rainbow in the clouds, a token of the covenant of the great God with man! This rainbow was to evidence to all generations the fact that God destroyed the inhabitants of the earth by a flood, because of their great wickedness. It was his design that as the children of after generations should see the bow in the cloud, and should inquire the reason of this glorious arch that spanned the heavens, their parents should explain to them the destruction of the old world by a flood, because the people gave themselves up to all manner of wickedness, and that the hands of the Most High had bended the bow, and placed it in the clouds, as a token that he would never bring again a flood of waters on the earth. This symbol in the clouds was to confirm the belief of all, and establish their confidence in God; for it was a token of divine mercy and goodness to man. Although God had been provoked to destroy the earth by the flood, yet his mercy still encompasseth the earth. God says when he looks upon the bow in the cloud, he will remember. He would not have us understand that he would ever forget; but he speaks to us in our own language, that we may better understand him.
(ST March 6, 1879, Art. A, 11)
A rainbow is represented in Heaven round about the throne, also above the head of Christ, as a symbol of God's mercy encompassing the earth. When man, by his great wickedness, provokes the wrath of God, Christ, man's intercessor, pleads for him, and points to the rainbow in the cloud, as evidence of God's great compassion for erring man; also to the rainbow above the throne and upon his head, emblematical of the glory and mercy from God resting there for the benefit of repentant man.
(ST March 6, 1879, Art. A, 12)
After Noah had come forth from the ark, he looked around upon the powerful and ferocious beasts which he brought out with him and then upon his family, numbering only eight, and was greatly afraid that they would be destroyed by the beasts. But the Lord sent his angel to say to Noah, “The fear of you, and the dread of you, shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hands are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.”
(ST March 6, 1879, Art. A, 13)
Previous to this time God had given man no permission to eat animal food. But every living substance upon the face of the earth upon which man could subsist had been destroyed; therefore God gave Noah permission to eat of the clean beasts which he had taken with him into the ark. God said to Noah, “Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you, even as the green herb have I given you all things.” God had formerly given them the herb of the ground and the fruit of the field, but now, in the peculiar circumstances in which they were placed, he permitted them to eat animal food.
(ST March 6, 1879, Art. A, 14)
Necessity of Thorough Bible Study
EGW
[The following we find in the weekly Instructor, No. 9. It is for the special consideration of those interested in the Sabbath-school work.]
(ST March 6, 1879, 1)
We are fast entering the perils of the last days, when views which conflict with the word of God will be presented by men of giant intellects, and we ought to be able to show the falsity of their claims. Our children also should be thoroughly furnished with Bible truth, so that they will not be moved by every new doctrine presented in their hearing.
(ST March 6, 1879, 2)
Many parents do not see the necessity that their children should be so particular in learning their Sabbath-school lessons, and often neglect to give them proper assistance or encouragement. The great object of thoroughness in the study of the Bible is that they may understand why they believe as they do, and that when the test shall come and the question is asked, “Will you obey God, or will you yield to the requirements of the world?” they will decide to serve God, because by studying his word they have learned to love him and his truth.
(ST March 6, 1879, 3)
We desire that the youth shall be able to say, we have become familiar with the Scriptures, and we see that it is of the highest importance that we be obedient to the truth of God found in his word. We want the little children to understand the Bible, and grow up in the knowledge of the truth. And we as parents do not wish to be found among those who do not see the necessity of their children's understanding the Scriptures for themselves, and who are therefore negligent and cause their children to be negligent; but we want to be in earnest in these matters, and search the Scriptures, and see that our children search them. Christ said, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me.” We should become firm in the truth, the word of God, which testifies of Him in whom all our hopes of everlasting life are centered. If you would know how to imitate the spotless life and character of Christ, obtain a knowledge of him as presented in the word of God.
(ST March 6, 1879, 4)
The apostle says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” If, therefore, you would be thus thoroughly furnished, and “ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear,” study the Bible with all diligence.
(ST March 6, 1879, 5)
The teachers in our Sabbath-schools should be God-fearing men and women who can have an interest in the spiritual condition of the members of their classes, as well as see that they have good lessons. They should be connected with God, and should feel it a duty to pray with and for each pupil in their classes.
(ST March 6, 1879, 6)
The Sabbath-school teacher who is faithful in little things is preparing himself for a higher responsibility. We should be faithful in everything. It is a sin to forget. Many are heard again and again to excuse themselves for some gross error, by saying that they forgot. Have they not intellectual powers? and is it not a duty to discipline their minds to be retentive? It is a sin to neglect. If you form a habit of negligence you will find at last you have neglected your own soul's salvation, and are unready for the kingdom of God.
(ST March 6, 1879, 7)
Parents and teachers, let us awake to our duty; let us sense the responsibility of our position, and take hold of the Sabbath-school work with more zeal and earnestness, that God can approve of our efforts, and that our children may lay up sound knowledge, and with us be prepared for the future immortal life.
(ST March 6, 1879, 8)
E. G. White.
Reports from the Field
Texas
Sister White writes Feb. 16: “Yesterday we bore pointed testimony to the church in Dallas upon the subject of health reform. My husband spoke from the text “Preach the word.” The Spirit of the Lord was in our midst softening hearts and breaking up the fallow ground. Many testimonies were borne, and the church encouraged. We now expect to commence labor here with a tent in about two weeks. We shall also hold meetings in Denison and vicinity. Angels of God are at work impressing souls everywhere, and we want to be at work doing all we can for the Master.”
(ST March 6, 1879, 1)
* * * * * Arbuckle, Cal.
Several more have signed the covenant here. We now number eleven, and expect others to unite with us. Next week some wish to be baptized. Have reviewed a Baptist minister, who preached against the law, taking the strongest antinomian ground.
(ST March 6, 1879, 2)
February 25. J. D. Rice.
An Arbuckle correspondent of the Willows Journal says of Bro. Rice's meetings : “Elder J. D. Rice is still preaching here. He has organized an Adventist Church, and commences with fifteen members, with good prospects of many more accessions soon. He has done a power of good here. He has caused to join the church people who were hardly ever seen inside of a church before.”
(ST March 6, 1879, 3)
* * * * * Capay Valley, Yolo Co., Cal.
I came up here and began meetings Jan. 25. Elder Bauder, a United Brethren, is opposing by speaking on the immortality question. He began by railing against Sister White. He showed more zeal than love for truth.
(ST March 6, 1879, 4)
We closed our meetings evening after the Sabbath, with twenty-one names on the covenant; we hope a few others will unite with us. I shall remain here and visit during Eld. B.'s meetings, and if necessary review what he shall say.
(ST March 6, 1879, 5)
W. C. Grainger. * * * * * St. Helena, Cal
We have been holding meetings here as best we could for two weeks. Much of the time the rain has hindered. There is considerable interest already manifested. Our attendance is quite good and we hope for good results.
(ST March 6, 1879, 6)
Many calls for help are coming from all parts of the State, and I find I am hardly able to do the work in one place. May the Lord of the harvest send more laborers and give strength to those now in the field. Brethren, pray for us.
(ST March 6, 1879, 7)
Feb. 23, 1879. W. M. Healey. * * * * * Finlay, Dakota
Having visited all the churches in the territory, and got our tract society matters into as good a condition as possible for the present, I made arrangements to hold a series of meetings in this place, and began them on Monday evening last. The interest has been good from the first. We held the first few meetings in the school-house, but that proving too small for the congregation, and being occupied several evenings in the week, we soon moved to a commodious hall about a mile away. This hall was freely offered us by the owner, especially as we were requested to occupy it by some in the community. Our audiences are large for the territory; there were nearly a hundred out last night.
(ST March 6, 1879, 8)
S. B. Whitney * * * * * Seville, Gratiot Co., Mich.
I have held thirty-six meetings, besides listening to four opposition discourses, which were so contradictory that they served to strengthen our positions. We think a good work is begun here. Fifteen have commenced to keep the Sabbath. There are urgent calls for labor in many districts; the minds of the people seem to be preparing for the reception of the truth. The Lord's hand is in this work.
(ST March 6, 1879, 9)
L. A. Kellogg. * * * * * Toledo, Iowa
I leave in this place, as the result of labor here, five who are keeping the “Sabbath of the Lord our God,” seven almost decided who expressed a firm determination to continue the investigation till the Bible evidence on the question is clear to them, and many others favorably impressed. Those taking hold of this work are the most influential and devoted of the Baptist church.
(ST March 6, 1879, 10)
We commenced labor at this place Jan. 15. The interest has increased as our work has progressed. Seven kept last Sabbath, and as many more are convinced. The interest continues. The large school-house in which our meetings are held is often filled with attentive hearers.
(ST March 6, 1879, 11)
H. W. Babcock, E. A. Curtis. * * * * * Little Prairie, Wis.
At our business meeting Jan. 1, in addition to what we had before pledged and paid, we pledged for the Tabernacle $14.00, for the Oakland house $20.25. For the Tabernacle $6.40 was paid down, and for the Oakland house $4.65.
(ST March 6, 1879, 12)
Pliny Potter, Eld. * * * * * Spring Lake, Wis.
We commenced to hold meetings in this vicinity about the first of January. The attendance has been good. Nine were keeping the Sabbath when we came, and fifteen have been added to that number, making twenty-four in all. The interest is still good, and many are deciding. Bro. E. E. Olive has joined me this week.
(ST March 6, 1879, 13)
S. Fulton. * * * * * Nova, Ashland Co., Ohio
Our church held a meeting on New Year's day, and pledged $9.00 for the Oakland, Cal., house. This is called the Troy church.
(ST March 6, 1879, 14)
John Sprinkle. * * * * * York Co., Neb.
My meetings at the Pleasant Hill schoolhouse, which have just closed, were held in the vicinity of the Waco church. This church was much encouraged, and received three additional members. Several took hold of the truth for the first time. May the Great Shepherd lead them.
(ST March 6, 1879, 15)
H. Shultz. * * * * * Clarksville, Georgia
With pleasure I acknowledge the receipt of the package of books and papers. We find here the book we needed. The Signs of the Times is so well liked—there is nothing like it. All want the paper, but only a few can read. I trust before the summer is over we shall be able to send for it. I have three schools in charge—all Sabbath-schools.
(ST March 6, 1879, 16)