the dead and declares that as their leader he is well able to overthrow the city and regain his throne and his kingdom .
In that vast throng are multitudes of the long-lived race that existed before the Flood ; men of lofty stature and giant intellect , who , yielding to the control of fallen angels , devoted all their skill and knowledge to the exaltation of themselves ; men whose wonderful works of art led the world to idolize their genius , but whose cruelty and evil inventions , defiling the earth and defacing the image of God , caused Him to blot them from the face of His creation . There are kings and generals who conquered nations , valiant men who never lost a battle , proud , ambitious warriors whose approach made kingdoms tremble . In death these experienced no change . As they come up from the grave , they resume the current of their thoughts just where it ceased . They are actuated by the same desire to conquer that ruled them when they fell .
Satan consults with his angels , and then with these kings and conquerors and mighty men . They look upon the strength and numbers on their side , and declare that the army within the city is small in comparison with theirs , and that it can be overcome . They lay their plans to take possession of the riches and glory of the New Jerusalem . All immediately begin to prepare for battle . Skillful artisans construct implements of war . Military leaders , famed for their success , marshal the throngs of warlike men into companies and divisions . At last the order to advance is given , and the countless host moves on--an army such as was never summoned by earthly conquerors , such as the combined forces of all ages since war began on earth could never equal . Satan , the mightiest of warriors , leads the van , and his angels unite their forces for this final struggle . Kings and warriors are in his train , and the multitudes follow in vast companies , each under its appointed leader . With military precision the serried ranks advance over the earth ' s broken and uneven surface to the City of God . By command of Jesus , the gates of the New Jerusalem are closed , and the armies of Satan surround the city and make ready for the onset . Now Christ again appears to the view of His enemies . Far above the city , upon a foundation of burnished gold , is a throne , high and lifted up . Upon this throne sits the Son of God , and around Him are the subjects of His kingdom . The power and majesty of Christ no language can describe , no pen portray . The glory of the Eternal Father is enshrouding His Son . The brightness of His presence fills the City of God , and flows out beyond the gates , flooding the whole earth with its radiance .
Nearest the throne are those who were once zealous in the cause of Satan , but who , plucked as brands from the burning , have followed their Saviour with deep , intense devotion . Next are those who perfected Christian characters in the midst of falsehood and infidelity , those who honoured the law of God when the Christian world declared it void , and the millions , of all ages , who were martyred for their faith . And beyond is the " great multitude , which no man could number , of all nations , and kindreds , and people , and tongues , . . . before the throne , and before the Lamb , clothed with white robes , and palms in their hands ." Revelation 7:9 . Their warfare is ended , their victory
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