The Angel of Rev. 18 by C. Lawton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 14, 1873

The Angel of Rev. 18.

By C. Lawton

In the 18th chapter of Revelation, John saw an “angel come down from Heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Again, we read in Spiritual Gifts, “I saw angels hastening to and fro in Heaven; they were descending to earth, and again ascending to Heaven, preparing for the fulfillment of some important event. Then I saw another mighty angel commissioned to descend to earth and unite his voice with the third angel, and give power and force to his message; and great power and glory were imparted to the angel. And as he descended, the earth was lightened with his glory. The light which went before and followed after this angel penetrated everywhere.”

Now, when I see the means that are put in operation to scatter the light of present truth, broadcast throughout the land, and see how fast the way is being prepared for the loud cry, I think that this mighty angel is about to descend to earth; and the thought that it may be so, sends a thrill of joy through my heart. When I see the spirit of labor and consecration which is settling on the church, I think, Is not this the very work to prepare them for the refreshing? God has sent the spirit of labor on the church as they press into the work. They feel perhaps more than ever before the want of entire consecration to God; of a living, active faith, a faith that takes God at his word, that, while we pray for his blessing on the efforts put forth for conviction to rest upon those who investigate, the seed sown may spring up in every honest heart. It must, and will have a great tendency to draw us nearer to the Lord, to seek a higher state of grace, and to be guided in judgment, and fully fitted for the work. While angels might rejoice in this work, God has committed it to his people. How many will seek a preparation and engage in this closing-up work? May God speed on the work. C. LAWTON. Adams Center, Jeff Co., N. Y.