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 upon 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 could never equal. Satan, the
mightiest of warriors, leads the van, and his angels join their forces
for this final struggle. Kings and warriors are in his train, and the
multitudes follow in vast companies, each army 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 the 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.
