The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 665
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.
664