Seven Last Plagues and the Righteous (The Great Time of Trouble, Part 2) 173
lives. But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed about every
faithful soul. Some are assailed in their flight from the cities and
villages; but the swords raised against them break and fall powerless
as a straw. Others are defended by angels in the form of men of
war.—
The Great Controversy, 631
(1911).
The people of God are not at this time all in one place. They are in
different companies and in all parts of the earth; and they will be tried
singly, not in groups. Every one must stand the test for himself.—
The
S.D.A. Bible Commentary 4:1143
(1908).
The faith of individual members of the church will be tested as
though there were not another person in the world.—
The S.D.A. Bible
Commentary 7:983
(1890).
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Houses and Lands of No Use
Houses and lands will be of no use to the saints in the time of
trouble, for they will then have to flee before infuriated mobs, and at
that time their possessions cannot be disposed of to advance the cause
of present truth....
I saw that if any held on to their property, and did not inquire of
the Lord as to their duty, He would not make duty known, and they
would be permitted to keep their property, and in the time of trouble it
would come up before them like a mountain to crush them, and they
would try to dispose of it, but would not be able.... But if they desired
to be taught, He would teach them, in a time of need, when to sell and
how much to sell.—
Early Writings, 56, 57
(1851).
It is too late now to cling to worldly treasures. Soon unnecessary
houses and lands will be of no benefit to anyone, for the curse of God
will rest more and more heavily upon the earth. The call comes, “Sell
that ye have, and give alms” [
Luke 12:33
]. This message should be
faithfully borne—urged home to the hearts of the people—that God’s
own property may be returned to Him in offerings to advance His work
in the world.—
Manuscript Releases 16:348
(1901).
Like the Time of Jacob’s Trouble
A decree will finally be issued against those who hallow the Sab-
bath of the fourth commandment, denouncing them as deserving of
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the severest punishment, and giving the people liberty, after a certain