17. Heralds Of The Morning. 323
threefold message represented as proclaimed by heavenly beings, and immediately followed by the coming of the Son of man“ to reap the harvest of the earth.” The first of these warnings announces the approaching judgment. The prophet beheld an angel flying“ in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” 504 [ 312 ]
This message is declared to be a part of the“ everlasting gospel.” The work of preaching the gospel has not been committed to angels, but has been intrusted to men. Holy angels have been employed in directing this work, they have in charge the great movements for the salvation of men; but the actual proclamation of the gospel is performed by the servants of Christ upon the earth.
Faithful men, who were obedient to the promptings of God ' s Spirit and the teachings of His word, were to proclaim this warning to the world. They were those who had taken heed to the“ sure word of prophecy,” the“ light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise.” 505 They had been seeking the knowledge of God more than all hid treasures, counting it“ better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.” 506 And the Lord revealed to them the great things of the kingdom.“ The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant.” 507
It was not the scholarly theologians who had an understanding of this truth, and engaged in its proclamation. Had these been faithful watchmen, diligently and prayerfully searching the
504 Rev. 14:6, 7. 505 2 Peter 1:19. 506 Prov. 3:14. 507 Ps. 25:14.