The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 637

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.
It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance
of His people. The sun appears, shining in its strength. Signs and
wonders follow in quick succession. The wicked look with terror and
amazement upon the scene, while the righteous behold with solemn joy
the tokens of their deliverance. Everything in nature seems turned out
of its course. The streams cease to flow. Dark, heavy clouds come up
and clash against each other. In the midst of the angry heavens is one
clear space of indescribable glory, whence comes the voice of God like
the sound of many waters, saying: “It is done.” Revelation 16:17.
That voice shakes the heavens and the earth. There is a

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