40 . Great Deliverance
When the protection of human laws shall be withdrawn from those who honor the law of God , there will be , in different lands , a simultaneous movement for their destruction . As the time appointed in the decree draws near , the people will conspire to root out the hated sect . It will be determined to strike in one night a decisive blow , which shall utterly silence the voice of dissent and reproof .
The people of God--some in prison cells , some hidden in solitary retreats in the forests and the mountains--still plead for divine protection , while in every quarter companies of armed men , urged on by hosts of evil angels , are preparing for the work of death . It is now , in the hour of utmost extremity , that the God of Israel will interpose for the deliverance of His chosen . Saith the Lord ; " Ye shall have a song , as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept ; and gladness of heart , as when one goeth . . . to come into the mountain of the Lord , to the Mighty One of Israel . And the Lord shall cause His glorious voice to be heard , and shall show the lighting down of His arm , with the indignation of His anger , and with the flame of a devouring fire , with scattering , and tempest , and hailstones ." Isaiah 30:29 , 30 .
With shouts of triumph , jeering , and imprecation , throngs of evil men are about to rush upon their prey , when , lo , a dense blackness , deeper than the darkness of the night , falls upon the earth . Then a rainbow , shining with the glory from the throne of God , spans the heavens and seems to encircle each praying company . The angry multitudes are suddenly arrested . Their mocking cries die away . The objects of their murderous rage are forgotten . With fearful forebodings they gaze upon the symbol of God ' s covenant and long to be shielded from its overpowering brightness .
By the people of God a voice , clear and melodious , is heard , saying , " Look up ," and lifting their eyes to the heavens , they behold the bow of promise . The black , angry clouds that covered the firmament are parted , and like Stephen they look up steadfastly into heaven and see the glory of God and the Son of man seated upon His throne . In His divine form they discern the marks of His humiliation ; and from His lips they hear the request presented before His Father and the holy angels : " I will that they also , whom Thou hast given Me , be with Me where I am ." John 17:24 . Again a voice , musical and triumphant , is heard , saying : " They come ! they come ! holy , harmless , and undefiled . They have kept the word of My patience ; they shall walk among the angels ;" and the pale , quivering lips of those who have held fast their faith utter a shout of victory .
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