Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Authorʼs Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1:
When is the Kingdom Set Up?
The Throne of David
The Cleansing Fountain
The Ensign of Isaiah Eleven
Broken in Pieces
Where and When Perfect Safety?
“This Man”
The Covenants
A Warning
Light to the Gentiles
The Two Pipes
The Overcomers
Prophecies Concerning Literal and Spiritual Israel
Prophecies to Be Fulfilled to Spiritual Israel
Peace and Safety
Foundations of Our Faith
The Return to Palestine
A False Foundation
A Solemn Warning
Chapter 2:
Ezekiel 9
Ezekielʼs Vision and Predictions
Shepherdʼs Rod Claims Refuted
Predictions Literally Fulfilled
Last-Day Fulfillment of Ezekiel Nine
Chapter 3:
Where Were the 144,000 Seen?
An Army With Banners
The Wheat and the Tares
Chapter 4:
Warnings Against Deception
Misguided Efforts to Reform the Church
Organization and the Platform of Truth
AUTHOR’S PREFACE one may escape from Satan’s snare.”-Testimonies, vol. 1, p.
334.
The Shepherd’s Rod teachings came to
me in the autumn of 1933. A book was sent to me which I I send this booklet out with a prayer that it
was asked to read through twice before saying anything to will be of some help to those who have been led astray, as
anyone. I received it with joy, for across the page were the well as to those who have remained upon the true platform.
words, “The 144,000--A Call for Reformation.” Just what I My heart goes out to those in deception; for I know just
was interested in! how they were ensnared, and how hard it is to get free. I
bad declared many times that if the Shepherd’s Rod were
I became an ardent supporter of the not true, nothing was. But sincerely and honestly believing
Shepherd’s Rod. Though I had read the Bible through at a lie does not make it true.
least three times and the Testimonies and other writings of
the Spirit of prophecy almost as many times, I could not see “God will not condemn any at the judg-
that this new teaching was false, so the words and entreaties ment because they honestly believed a lie, or conscien-
of friends and ministers fell as stones at my feet. I worked tiously cherished error; but it will be because they neglected
all the more to give this doctrine to others. the opportunities of making themselves acquainted with
truth.”-Testimonies to Ministers, p. 437.
I realize now why I could not see the
falsehoods the Shepherd’s Rod teachings contain. I was Let us study the Bible and the Spirit of
so busy searching through the Spirit of prophecy writings prophecy as we have never studied before, and may truth
to find quotations and statements to harmonize with the be so embedded in our minds and hearts that we will stand
Shepherd’s Rod that the thought never came to me that I unshaken against the delusions of these last days.
was taking the truth out of its setting and placing it in the
framework of error. How differently I would approach the My desire now is to help those who have been
matter now! I would leave the quotations from the Spirit of deceived, and to redeem the time that is past. I
prophecy just where they belonged and read from cover to 4
cover and from book to book, then judge between truth and pray and beseech all those who are now in the clutches of
error. I would bring the teachings to the light of the Spirit the enemy of truth to step back upon the platform of the
of prophecy. three angels’ messages, that the prayer of Christ may be
fulfilled: “That they all may be one.”
It took seven years to bring me to my
senses. Seven years of perplexity, confusion, heartache, Appreciation is hereby expressed for the
darkness, gloom, loneliness, and suffering, mentally, physi- hearty reception accorded the first edition of this booklet
cally, and spiritually, finally brought me to the place where and for the many expressions of gratitude from those who
my eyes could be opened. But, as I cried out for the Lord to have been helped by it to avoid or renounce this Shepherd’s
open my eyes and Rod delusion.
“When this prophecy was made, David, the king We see by the above quotations from the
Spirit of prophecy that there is to be no king on the throne
9 of David until Christ Himself shall receive it when He
appears as King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the one
raised up to sit on David’s throne. (See Acts 2:29-30.)
The Cleansing Fountain
The Shepherd’s Rod.-”The above-quoted
The Shepherd’s Rod.--”Speaking of the scriptures [Isa. 11:2-5; Rev. 22:16] plainly show that from
time when the descendants of the two ancient kingdoms, the ‘stem’ of Jesse came the ‘rod’ (David), and that from the
Judah and Israel, are to be gathered together with the rod sprang the Branch (Christ). Therefore, ‘in that day’--
antitypical David as their king, the prophet Zechariah says: in our time-David the visible king and Christ the invisible
‘In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house King of kings shall constitute the ‘ensign,’ and ‘to it shall
of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for
uncleanness.’ (Zech. 13:1.) 12
the Gentiles seek,’ and His ‘rest’ (or His resting place,-the
“The fact that ‘to the house of David’ there location, where the ‘rod’ or ensign stands), and ‘it’ (the
is a fountain opened ‘for sin and for uncleanness,’ proves kingdom) ‘shall be glorious proving that the church, or king-
that the consolidation of these two kingdoms is accom- dom, shall be without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing.
plished, and that then the gospel is proclaimed in all the Saith the Lord, ‘I will make the place of My feet glorious.’
world, because no one can by that ‘fountain’ have his sin (Isa. 60:13.)”--Tract 8, p. 42.
and uncleanness washed away after the close of probation.”
-Tract 8, pp. 17, 18. (Italics theirs.) These passages are used by the Shepherd’s
Rod to prove that Judah and Israel will be united into a lit-
In other words, the Shepherd’s Rod teaches eral kingdom under David as king. But the Spirit of proph-
that there can be no “house of David” until the kingdoms ecy gives no such idea.
of Judah and Israel are literally reunited on this earth, and
that after this union takes place, the gospel is proclaimed to The Spirit of Prophecy--”The groups of
all the missionaries in heathen lands have been likened by the
prophet to ensigns set up for the guidance of those who are
11 looking for the light of truth.
world. But according to the Spirit of prophecy, a spiritual
“house of David” is referred to, and the “fountain,” signi- “’In that day,’ says Isaiah, ‘there shall be a
fies the divine provisions for our salvation. root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people;
to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious;
The Spirit of Prophecy.--”In order to gain and it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set
a proper knowledge of ourselves, it is necessary to look into His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of
the mirror, and there. discovering our own defects, avail His people. . . . And He shall set up an ensign for the na-
ourselves of the blood of Christ, the fountain opened for tions, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather
sin and uncleanness, in which we may wash our robes of together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of
character and remove the stains of sin. But many refuse to the earth.”’ Isa. 11:10-12.--Prophets and Kings, pp. 375,
see their errors and correct them; they do not want a true 376.
knowledge of themselves.”-Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 59.
Broken in Pieces
“To Jeremiah, Christ is ‘the fountain of liv-
ing waters;’ to Zechariah, ‘a fountain opened . . . for sin and The Shepherd’s Rod.--”The prophet
for uncleanness.’”--Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 413. Daniel plainly declares that ‘in the days of these kings,’ and
not after their destruction, ‘shall the God of heaven set up
“Christ came as the Great Physician to heal a kingdom,’ and that instead of Christ’s second advent, as
the wounds that sin has made in the human family, and His understood by some, it is ‘the kingdom’ that ‘shall break in
Spirit, working through His servants, imparts to sinsick, pieces and consume all these kingdoms,’ and thus it shall fill
suffering human beings a mighty healing power, that is ‘the whole earth.’ “-Tract 8, p. 56. (Dan. 2: 44, 35.)
efficacious for the body and the soul. ‘In that day,’ says the
Scripture, ‘there shall be a fountain opened to the house of Thus the Shepherd’s Rod teaches that a
David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for kingdom which is set up before Christ’s second coming will
uncleanness.’ Zech. 13:1. The waters of this fountain con- 13
tain medicinal properties that will heal both physical and break in pieces and consume all these other kingdoms be-
spiritual infirmities.”-Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 227. fore Christ appears.
The Shepherd’s Rod.-”The old ‘covenant’ “Though this covenant was made with
or agreement between God and His people was upon the Adam and renewed to Abraham, it could not be ratified un-
promises of both parties based thus. . . . [Deuteronomy 28: til the death of Christ. It had existed by the promise of God
1-9 and Exodus 19:8 are quoted in the tract. Please read since the first intimation of redemption had been given; it
them.] had been accepted by faith; yet when ratified by Christ, it
is called a new covenant. The law of God was the basis of
“The above paragraph describes the first this covenant, which was simply an arrangement for bring-
covenant, which covers the period from the time it was ing men again into harmony with the divine will, placing
made to the imminent and final ingathering of the twelve them where they could obey God’s law.
tribes as a kingdom, and which covenant has been broken
by the Old and New Testament churches until this very day. “Another compact called in the Scripture
. . . But the new covenant, which the Lord is now about to the ‘old’ covenant was formed between God and Is-
make, is to be unlike the old. The commandments of God
(Ex. 20:1-17) will not be written on tables of stone (Ex. 31: 18
18), but ‘in fleshy tables of the heart and at that time all rael at Sinai, and was then ratified by the blood of a sac-
shall ‘know the Lord, . . . from the least of them unto the rifice. The Abrahamic covenant was ratified by the blood
greatest of them’-exhibiting a church without tares. (Jer. 31: of Christ, and it is called the ‘second,’ or ‘new’ covenant,
34.) because the blood by which it was sealed was shed after
the blood of the first covenant. That the new covenant was
“This is the second covenant, which God valid in the days of Abraham, is evident from the fact that it
is about to make, and the law of God, being written on the was then confirmed both by the promise and by the oath of
heart, will be perfectly kept; then, and not before, will the God,--the ‘two immutable things, in which it was impossible
blessings, which His ancient people failed to realize, be fully for God to lie,’ “--Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 370, 371.
ours.”--Tract 8, pp. 68-70. (Italics theirs.)
“Every Time a soul is converted, and learns
Notice that the Shepherd’s Rod says that the to love God and keep His commandments, the promise of
God is fulfilled, ‘A new heart also will I give you, and a new
17 spirit will I put within you.’”--The Desire of Ages, p. 407.
Following are the comments made by the “This is the work that the Lord would have
Shepherd’s Rod. Note the idea conveyed as compared with every soul prepared to do at this time, when the four angels
that expressed by the Spirit of prophecy: are holding the four winds, that they shall not blow until the
servants of God are sealed
The Shepherd’s Rod-”The two pipes
through which the oil is carried into the bowl, can only 23
represent the channels (prophets) through, whom the oil is in their foreheads. . . . We should daily receive the holy
transferred from the Bible into the bowl, in the period dur- oil, that we may impart to others. . . . From the two olive
ing which both olive trees (Old and New Testaments) live-in trees the golden oil flowing through the golden pipes has
the Christian Era. been communicated to us. But those who do not cultivate
the spirit and habit of prayer cannot expect to receive the
“Let the reader take a searching look at golden oil of goodness, patience, long-suffering, gentleness,
the visual illustration on page 19, and He will see the utter love. . . . The dispensation in which we are now living is to
impossibility of the candlestick’s (the church membership’s) be, to those that ask, the dispensation of the Holy Spirit.”-
and of the tubes’ (ministers) themselves, extracting oil direct Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 509-511.
from the olive trees. The interpretation of the Scriptures,
therefore, being entrusted to the two pipes (proph- “Let every man who enters the pulpit know
that he has angels from heaven in his audience. And when
22 these angels empty from themselves the golden oil of truth
eta) in the Christian Era shows that ‘no prophecy of the into the heart of him who is teaching the word, then the ap-
Scriptures is of any private interpretation,’ but is of inspira- plication of the truth will be a solemn, serious matter. The
tion only. . . . angel messengers will expel sin from the heart, unless the
door of the heart is padlocked and Christ is refused admis-
“The interpreters (the two golden pipes), sion. . . .
therefore, are the only ones who are enabled to bring forth
meat in due season (golden oil) from the Scriptures (olive “The Holy Spirit is doing its work on the
trees) into the storehouse (golden bowl) of present truth, hearts. But if the ministers have not first received their mes-
and by the aid of the ministers (seven tubes) to pass on the sage from heaven, if they have not drawn their own supplies
oil to the church (candlestick), that it might illumine with from the refreshing, life-giving stream, how can they let that
the light of life this dark and dying world of ours.”-Tract 6, flow forth which they have not received? . . . A man may
revised, pp. 23, 24. lavish all the treasures of his learning, he may exhaust the
moral energies of his nature, and yet accomplish nothing,
The Spirit of Prophecy.-”The continued because he himself has not received the golden oil from the
communication of the Holy Spirit to the church is rep- heavenly messengers. . . . If the Christian minister receives
resented by the prophet Zechariah under another figure, the golden oil, he has life.”-Ibid., p. 338.
which contains a wonderful lesson of encouragement for us.
... The Shepherd’s Rod says that it is impossible for
the people or ministers to obtain the oil directly from the
“From the two olive trees, the golden oil Bible, but that they must obtain it through a prophet; but
was emptied through golden pipes into the bowl of the the Spirit of prophecy tells us that the minister must obtain
candlestick and thence into the golden lamps that gave light the golden oil directly from the heavenly messengers, or
angels. The teaching of the Shepherd’s Rod on this the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their
24 glory and honor into it.’ Saith the Lord, ‘I will rejoice in
point is a subtle device of the enemy to cause men to trust Jerusalem, and joy in My people.’ ‘The tabernacle of God
in the arm of flesh. is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be
His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be
“The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. their God.’ ‘”--The Great Controversy, p. 676.
Thus the Spirit is represented in the prophecy of Zechari-
ah. . . . Without the Spirit of God a knowledge of His word “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar
is of no avail. The theory of truth, unaccompanied by the in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and
Holy Spirit, cannot quicken the soul or sanctify the heart.”- I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name
Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 407, 408. of the city of My God, which is New Jerusalem, which
cometh down out of heaven from My God: and I will write
The author of the Shepherd’s Rod would upon him My new name.” Rev. 3:12.
convey the thought to God’s people that they can obtain
knowledge of the Scriptures only through him. According In the quotation from the Shepherd’s Rod,
to his teachings on this very point, the thought he wishes to the author states that the overcomers, or marked ones,
convey in his tract is that the two pipes represent Mrs. E. G. are those that hear the Rod and who are gathered into
White and himself; and as Mrs. White is dead, that leaves the kingdom, “barn,” or place of safety, before the second
him to communicate the “oil” to the church. He claims that coming of Christ; and that the church shall be called by a
the church was without the Spirit of prophecy from 1915 to new name and shall “be a crown of glory in the hand of
1930, that is, from Sister White’s death to the beginning of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.” (Isa.
his revelations. The Spirit of prophecy tells us that the “oil” 62:3). But the Spirit of prophecy definitely places this scene
represents the Holy Spirit, and each one of us can obtain after the coming of Christ, and says that it is the New Je-
this “oil” only through faith and prayer. Each one is to ask rusalem, that is “a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord,
for it of God, and when it is obtained, then the fruits of the and a royal diadem in the
Spirit will be seen in the character.
26
The Overcomers -------------------
The Shepherd’s Rod--”The church of the hand of thy God,” and it is at that time that the overcomers
Laodiceans, being the last of the seven churches, is the last receive their new name.
section of the Christian church in which the wheat and the
tares are commingled. The overcomers, the marked ones, Prophecies Concerning Literal
from it, those who hear the Rod, begin the eighth section and Spiritual Israel
of the church-the one symbolized by the ‘barn’ (Matt.
13:30) and by the ‘vessels’ (verse 48), also by the ‘golden Theories concerning the setting up of a
candlestick’ of Zechariah 4. Of her the Lord says: 1. . . The temporal kingdom of David are due to a misinterpreta-
Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: tion of Old Testament prophecies. The Jews of the time of
and thou shalt Christ misunderstood these prophecies and so were expect-
ing the Messiah to set up an earthly kingdom at that time.
25 Likewise, thousands of Christians of our day have fallen
be called by a now name, which the mouth of the Lord into a similar error, and are expecting the literal fulfillment
shall name. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of these prophecies by the establishment of a kingdom of
of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.’”- David in old Jerusalem.
Tract 9, pp. 61, 62 (second revised edition).
The Shepherd’s Rod has taken the prophe-
The Spirit of Prophecy.-Now note the ap- cies concerning literal Israel, including promises given to
plication of Isaiah 62:23 in the Spirit of prophecy. “There them on the condition of obedience, and uses all of them
is the New Jerusalem, the metropolis of the glorified new to apply literally to spiritual Israel, thus forming the theory
earth, ‘a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a of the setting up of the kingdom on this side of the second
royal diadem in the hand of thy God.’ ‘Her light was like coming of Christ.
unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as
crystal.’ ‘The nations of them which are saved shall walk in Few seem to realize the great purpose of
God to be fulfilled through Israel, His chosen people. In
the introductory chapter of Prophets and Kings we are concerning literal Israel:
told that “it was God’s purpose that by the revelation of
His character through Israel men should be drawn unto 28
Him. To all the world the gospel invitation was to be given. The Spirit of Prophecy.-”The prophet was
Through the teaching of the sacrificial service, Christ was now directed to predict, ‘Thus saith the Lord of hosts: My
to be uplifted before the nations, and all who would look cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the
unto Him should live. All who . . . turned from idolatry Lord shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusa-
to the worship of the true God, were to unite themselves lem.’ (Zech. 1:17.)
with His chosen people.” And the astonishing statement is
made that “As the numbers of Israel increased, they were to “Zechariah then saw the powers that had
enlarge their borders, until their kingdom should embrace ‘scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem,’ symbolized by
the world.’”--Prophets and Kings, p. 19. Through Jeremiah four horns. Immediately afterward he saw four carpenters,
the Lord had told His people that if they would be faithful representing the agencies used by the Lord in restoring His
to God in the observance people and the house of His worship. . . . (See Zech. 1:18-
21.)
27
of the Sabbath, Jerusalem would “remain forever.” (Jer. 17: “God had commanded that Jerusalem
24, 25.) be rebuilt; the vision of the measuring of the city was an
assurance that He would give comfort and strength to His
How different would have been the history afflicted ones, and fulfill to them the promises of His ever-
of our world had Israel fulfilled God’s great purpose for lasting covenant. His protecting care, He declared, would
them. “But,” says Mrs. White, “ancient Israel did not fulfill be like ‘a wall of fire round about;’ and through them His
God’s purpose. The Lord declared: ‘I had planted thee a glory would be revealed to all the sons of men. That which
noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned He was accomplishing for His people was to be known in
into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?’ (Jer. all the earth. ‘Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion:
2:21) ‘Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.”’
himself.’ (Hosea 10:1).”-Ibid. Zech. 2:1-5.-Prophets and Kings, pp. 580, 581.
We are also told that “the withdrawal of Concerning the time when Nebuchadnez-
divine favor during the period of the exile led many to zar’s armies were about to take the walls of Zion by storm,
repentance, yet after their return to the land of promise, the Spirit of prophecy says:
the Jewish people repeated the mistakes of former genera-
tions.”--Ibid., p. 21. Thus Israel failed, and many glorious “The city was soon to fall into the hand of
promises made on condition of obedience have never been the Chaldeans; its gates and palaces were to be set on fire
fulfilled nor ever will be. Finally, Israel, as a nation, rejected and burned; but notwithstanding the fact that destruction
and crucified their Messiah, and ceased to be the chosen was imminent, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem were to be
people of God; and the kingdom of David shall be no more carried away captive, nevertheless the eternal purpose of
“until he come whose right it is.” Eze. 21:27. At that time- Jehovah for Israel was yet to be fulfilled. In further answer
His second coming--”the Lord God shall give unto him to the prayer of His servant, the Lord declared concerning
the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the those upon whom His chastisements were falling:
house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be
no end.” Luke 1:32, 33. Not a temporal kingdom with some 29
earthly representative of King David on the throne, but the “Behold, I will gather them out of all
eternal kingdom of Christ in the earth made new. Let us countries, whither I have driven them in Mine anger, and
review some of the promises to Israel and see where and in My fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again
when they apply to spiritual Israel. unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely: and
they shall be My people, and I will be their God: and I will
The Shepherd’s Rod.-The Shepherd’s give them one heart, and one way, that they way fear Me
Rod teaches that “the Scriptures plainly point out that the forever, for the good of them, and of their children after
Gentiles will be driven out of the Holy Land. [Zech. 1:1821 them: and I will make an everlasting covenant with them,
quoted. .]”-Tract 12, p. 53. And this, they say, is to be in the that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but
near future. I will put My fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart
from Me. Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good,
But this is a prophecy which was fulfilled and I will plant them in this land assuredly with My whole
heart and with My whole soul.’ (Jer. 32:37-41.) . . . the story of “The Return of the Exiles.” The promises
made through Jeremiah are beginning to be fulfilled. Please
“In confirmation of these assurances of read this and following chapters to get the complete history.
deliverance and restoration, ‘the word of the Lord came
unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in “At the end of the years of humiliating
the court of the prison, saying, exile, God graciously gave to His people Israel, through
Zechariah, the assurance: ‘I am returned unto Zion, and
11 ‘Thus saith the Lord the Maker thereof, will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall
the Lord that formed it, to establish it; the Lord is His be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of
name; call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee hosts the holy mountain.’ (Zech. 8:3.) . . .
great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. For thus
saith the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of “These promises were conditional on obe-
this city, and concerning the houses of the kings of Judah, dience. The sins that bad characterized the Israelites
which are thrown down by the mounts, and by the sword;
. . . I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of 31
Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first. . . . prior to the captivity, were not to be repeated.” -Ibid., p.
704. (Italics supplied.)
“’Behold, the days come, saith the Lord,
that I will perform that good thing which I have promised But the Israelites failed, and thus separated
unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.’ (Jer. 33: themselves from God.
1-14.)
“Through messages such as those borne
“Thus was the church of God comforted in by Malachi, the last of the old Testament prophets, as well
one of the darkest hours of her long conflict with the forces as through oppression from heathen foes, the Israelites
of evil. Satan had seemingly triumphed in his efforts to finally learned the lesson that true prosperity depends upon
destroy Israel; but the Lord was obedience to the law of God. But with many of the people,
obedience was not the outflow of faith and love. Their
30 motives were selfish. Outward service was rendered as a
overruling the events of the present, and during the years means of attaining national greatness. The chosen people
that were to follow, His people were to have opportunity to did not become the light of the world, but shut themselves
redeem the past. . . . away from the world as a safeguard against being seduced
into idolatry. . . . Thus ‘going about to establish their own
“Humbled in the sight of the nations, righteousness,’ they built themselves up in a self-sufficient
those who once had been recognized as favored of Heaven formalism. . . . Thus Satan had succeeded in preparing the
above all other peoples of the earth were to learn in exile hearts of the people to reject the Saviour when He should
the lesson of obedience so necessary for their future happi- appear. Their own pride of heart, and their false concep-
ness. Until they had learned this lesson, God could not do tions of His character and mission, would prevent them
for them all that He desired to do. . . . To the prophet was from honestly weighing the evidences of his Messiahship.”--
given the message: Ibid., pp. 708-710.
11 ‘He that scattereth Israel will gather “Christ would have averted the doom of
him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock. For the the Jewish nation if the people had received Him. . . . They
Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the determined that they would not receive Jesus of Nazareth
hand of him that was stronger than he. Therefore they shall as the Messiah. They rejected the Light of the world, and
come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together henceforth their lives were surrounded with darkness as the
to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and darkness of midnight. The doom foretold came upon the
for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and Jewish nation.’”-Ibid., p. 712.
their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not
sorrow any more at all.” (Jer. 31:10-12.) -Ibid., pp. 471-476. In the previous quotations we have been
studying the history of literal Israel and the promises made
The reader will notice that the above quo- to them upon condition of obedience. Israel failed, and
tations from the Spirit of prophecy were promises made to thus received the promises only in part. Now let us study
Israel at the time they were taken captive by Nebuchadnez- spiritual Israel and see how these promises will be fulfilled
zar. Turn to page 551 of Prophets and Kings, where begins in them.
appearing. The unsullied light will shine from His splendor,
32 and Christ the Redeemer will be admired by all who have
Promises to Be Fulfilled to Spiritual Israel served Him. While the wicked flee, Christ’s followers will
rejoice in His presence,
“That which God purposed to do for the
world through Israel, the chosen nation, He will finally “Then it is that the redeemed from among
accomplish through His church on earth today. He has ‘let men will receive their promised inheritance. Thus God’s
out His vineyard unto other husbandmen,’ even to His cov- purpose for Israel will meet with literal fulfillment. That
enant-keeping people, who faithfully ‘render Him the fruits which God purposes, man is powerless to disannul. Even
in their seasons.’ Never has the Lord been without true amid the working of evil, God’s purposes have been moving
representatives on this earth who have made His interests steadily forward to their accomplishment. It was thus with
their own. These witnesses for God are numbered among the house of Israel throughout the history of the divided
spiritual Israel, and to them will be fulfilled all the covenant monarchy; it is thus with spiritual Israel today.
promises made by Jehovah to His ancient people.
“The seer of Patmos, looking down
“Today the church of God is free to carry through the ages to the time of this restoration of Israel in
forward to completion the divine plan for the salvation of a the earth made new, testified:
lost race. . . . God’s church on earth was as verily in captiv-
ity during this long period of relentless persecution, as were “’I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which
the children of Israel held captive in Babylon, during the no man could number, of all nations, and kin-
period of the exile. dreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the
throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white
“But, thank God, His church is no lon- robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with
ger in bondage. To spiritual Israel have been restored the a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which
privileges accorded the people of God at the time of their 34
deliverance from Babylon. In every part of the earth men sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.’ (Rev. 7:9,
and women are responding to the Heaven-sent message 10.)”-Ibid., pp. 720, 721.
which John the revelator prophesied would be proclaimed
prior to the second coming of Christ: ‘Fear God, and give Could the truth be more clearly expressed that the restora-
glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come., tion of Israel is “in the new earth,” and not in old Jerusa-
lem?
“No longer have the hosts of evil power
to keep the church captive; for ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, Peace and Safety
that great city,’ which hath ‘made all nations drink of the
wine of the wrath of her fornication;’ and to spiritual Israel In misleading the people to believe that God’s people will
is given the message, ‘Come out of her, My people, that ye be in a kingdom, set up before the close of probation, in a
be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her place of “perfect peace and absolute safety,” the Shepherd’s
plagues.’ (Rev. 14:8; 18:4.) As the cap- Rod is joining in the last day “peace and safety” cry foretold
by the apostle Paul. (1 These. 5:3.) What a different picture
33 is given by the Spirit of prophecy!
tive exiles heeded the message, ‘Flee out of the midst of
Babylon,’ and were restored to the Land of Promise so “When the protection of human laws shall be withdrawn
those who fear God today are heeding the message to with- from those who honor the law of God, there will be, in
draw from spiritual Babylon, and soon they are to stand as different lands, a simultaneous movement for their destruc-
trophies of divine grace in the earth made new, the heav- tion. . . .
enly Canaan.”--Ibid., pp. 713-715.
“The people of God-some in prison cells, some hidden in
“’Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the solitary retreats in the forests and the mountains-still plead
glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.’ (Isa. 60:1.) Christ is for divine protection, while in every quarter companies of
coming with power and great glory. He is coming with His armed men, urged on by hosts of evil angels, are preparing
own glory, and with the glory of the Father. And the holy for the work of death. It is now, in the hour of utmost ex-
angels will attend Him on His way. While all the world is tremity, that the God of Israel will interpose for the deliver-
plunged in darkness, there will be light in every dwelling ance of His chosen. . . .
of the saints. They will catch the first light of His second
“With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs ance . . . . Like Jacob, they were wrestling with God . . . .
of evil men are about to rush upon their prey, when, lo,
a dense blackness, deeper than the darkness of the night, 36
falls upon the earth. Then a rainbow, shining with the glory “As the saints left the cities and villages,
from the throne of God, spans the heavens, and seems to they were pursued by the wicked, who sought to slay them.
encircle each praying company. . . . But the swords that were raised to kill God’s people broke
and fell as powerless as a straw. Angels of God shielded the
“It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the de- saints. As they cried day and night for deliverance, their cry
liverance of His people.”--The Great Controversy, pp. 635, came up before the Lord. “Early Writings, pp. 282-285.
636. (Italics supplied.)
Foundations of Our Faith
“The living righteous are changed ‘in a mo-
ment, in the twinkling of an eye.’ At the voice The Shepherd’s Rod group claims to
35 believe in the inspiration of Mrs. White’s writings, but
confronted with such explicit quotations as these from her
pen, the only possible answer is that she did not understand
--------------- about the setting up of the kingdom of David. For instance,
the leader of this group was asked how he harmonized his
of God they were glorified; now they are made immortal, exposition of Zechariah 14:4, concerning the Lord de-
and with the risen saints are caught up to meet their Lord scending on the Mount of Olives before the close of proba-
in the air.”-Ibid., p. 645. tion, with the statement in Early Writings, pages 51 and 53,
that this will be fulfilled at the close of the thousand years,
In Early Writings we have the same scene when the New Jerusalem descends to the earth. His answer
pictured again. One does not find the saints of God in a was that what Sister White said was all right, but that hers
kingdom of “perfect peace and absolute safety,” but quite was a secondary application. Christ would descend at the
the contrary. Not until they stand around the throne in end of the thousand years, said he, but the primary appli-
heaven, do we see them in perfect peace and safety. cation of this passage is to the coming of Jesus before the
close of probation to establish the kingdom of David. He
“I saw the saints leaving the cities and did not explain how the Mount of Olives could twice part
villages, and associating together in companies, and living asunder and become a great valley.
in the most solitary places. Angels provided them food and
water, while the wicked were suffering from hunger and Is this new doctrine of the kingdom of Da-
thirst. Then I saw the leading men of the earth consulting vid being set up in Jerusalem before the close of probation a
together, and Satan and his angels busy around them. I saw part of this Advent message? Perhaps the greatest and most
a writing, copies of which were scattered in different parts comprehensive revelation that came through Ellen White
of the land, giving orders that unless the saints would yield was the wonderful representation of the great conflict be-
their peculiar faith, giving up the Sabbath, and observe tween good and evil, from the fall of Satan to the
the first day of the week, the people were at liberty after
a certain time, to put them to death. But in this hour of 37
trial the saints were calm and composed, trusting in God, restitution of the new earth. She tells us how in the early
and leaning upon His promise that a way of escape would days of this message, the little group of believers earnestly
be made for them. In some places, before the time for the prayed for guidance in their search for truth, and how at
decree to be executed, the wicked rushed upon the saints to times, explanations would be made to her in vision. She
slay them; but angels in the form of men of war fought for said: “A line of truth extending from that time to the time
them. . . . when we shall enter the city of God, was made plain to
me.” In telling of this, she said further: “Many of our
“Soon I saw the saints suffering great men- people do not realize how firmly the foundation of our faith
tal anguish. They seemed to be surrounded by the wicked has been laid.” (Series B, No. 2, pp. 57, 56.)
inhabitants of the earth. Every appearance was against
them. Some began to fear that God had at last left them to Let us consider what the acceptance of this
perish by the hand of the wicked. . . . central doctrine of the Shepherd’s Rod, “present truth”
(falsely so-called), would mean to “the foundations of our
“It was an hour of fearful, terrible agony to faith.”
the saints. Day and night they cried unto God for deliver-
In 1856 Mrs. White was given a vision in work of the Lord, and to cause them to neglect the neces-
which most of what she had been shown ten years before sary preparation for the day of the Lord.”--Early Writings,
was repeated, concerning this “line of truth,” covering the pp. 75, 76.
last events in the great conflict. She was then instructed to
write it out. In obedience to this instruction we have that Believers in the Shepherd’s Rod are doing the
remarkable series of books on the conflict of the ages. How 39
clearly and specifically the closing events are delineated- very things against which the Spirit of prophecy here warns
the sealing, the loud cry, the time of trouble, the seven last us. Some whom I know are saving up their means to get to
plagues, the second coming of Christ, the judgment of Palestine, and their minds and interests are centered there.
the wicked dead, when the saints shall reign as priests and To be sure, they give many reasons that may be different
kings, to the parting asunder of the Mount of Olives and from those stated above, but the evil results are just the
the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven, the second same whatever the inducement. Satan certainly would pres-
resurrection, the second death, and the purification of the ent other reasons to deceive, and this false doctrine of the
earth by fire, on to the earth made new with New Jerusalem kingdom is his strongest.
as the capital of the universe.
A False Foundation
Is it conceivable, after a hundred years of
preaching this revealed “line of truth,” more than half of The setting up of the kingdom before the
that time under the instruction and counsel of the Lord’s close of probation and, therefore, before the second com-
messenger that God would now reveal to us that one of the ing of Christ, is the foundation of all the Shepherd’s Rod
most important events in the history of the great conflict teachings; and as it is contrary to the Bible and Spirit of
had been omitted; prophecy, as has been clearly shown, it is a false doctrine.
38 Thus, all the other points of doctrine presented by the
namely-the setting up of a temporal kingdom of David Shepherd’s Rod which lead up to this main issue of the
before the close of probation and the second coming of kingdom, can be proved false in like manner.
Christ? Certainly some “do not realize how firmly the foun-
dation of our faith has been laid.” A Solemn Warning
A subject of which the Shepherd’s Rod “In the sixth year of the reign of Zedekiah,
makes an issue almost as strongly and as falsely as the king- the Lord revealed to Ezekiel in vision some of the abomina-
dom, is Ezekiel 9. Let us bring this also to the light of the tions that were being practiced in Jerusalem, and within the
Spirit of prophecy: gate of the Lord’s house, and even in the inner court. The
chambers of images, and the pictured idols, ‘every form of
The Shepherd’s Rod.-”According to Eze- creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of
kiel 2: 3; 3:1, 4, 5, 7, the prophet was to bear his message the house of Israel’ (Eze. 8:10)-all these in rapid succession
to the whole ‘house of Israel’ (the term ‘house of Israel,’ passed before the astonished gaze of the prophet.
denoting either all twelve tribes or only the ten tribes as the
case might be). Yet he did not understand the meaning of “Those who should have been spiritual
the vision. Had he, he would have explained it, rather than leaders among the people, ‘the ancients of the house of
declaring: ‘I came to them of the captivity of Telabib, that Israel,’ to the number of seventy, were seen offering incense
dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and before the idolatrous representations that had been intro-
remained there astonished among them seven days.’ Eze. 3: duced into hidden chambers within the sacred precincts of
15. the temple court. ‘The Lord seeth us not,’ the men of Judah
flattered themselves as they engaged in their heathenish
“Since at the time of the vision, the house practices; ‘the Lord hath forsaken the
of Judah, the two-tribe kingdom, was in captivity in the
land of the Chaldeans, and the house of Israel, the ten- 43
tribe kingdom, was in dispersion among the nations whither earth,’ they blasphemously declared. (Eze. 8: 11,
it had been carried away and scattered some years before (2
Kings 17:6), there was no possibility of Ezekiel’s delivering 12.)
the message to them. And as it is to both the house of Israel
and the house of Judah (Eze. 9:9),-the twelve tribes, conse- “There were still ‘greater abominations’ for
quently it was prophetic in Ezekiel’s time. . . . the prophet to behold. At a gate leading from the outer to
the inner court he was shown ‘women weeping for Tam-
“And finally as no slaughter such as the one muz;’ and within ‘the inner court of the Lord’s house. . . . at
described in Ezekiel 9 has ever occurred, its fulfillment is the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and
obviously yet future.”--Tract 1, pp. 11, 12, second revised the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs
edition. (Italics theirs.) toward the temple of the Lord, and their faces toward the
east; and they worshiped the sun toward the east.’ (Eze. 8:
These are rather astonishing statements. Is it true 13-16.)
that Ezekiel did not understand the meaning of the mes-
sage he was sent to deliver? Is it “And now the glorious Being who ac-
true that he did not go to those to whom he was companied Ezekiel throughout this astonishing vision of
42 wickedness in high places in the land of Judah, inquired of
the prophet: ‘Hast thou seen this, 0 son of man? Is it a light nose. Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not
thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abomina- spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine
tions which they commit here? for they have filled the land ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.” Eze. 8:17,
with violence, and have returned to provoke Me to anger 18.
: and, lo, they put the branch to their nose. Therefore will
I also deal in fury: Mine eye shall not spare, neither will I It is very plain to be seen that chapter nine
have pity: and though they cry in Mine ears with a loud is a continuation of chapter eight, where under the
voice, yet will I not hear them.’ (Verses 17, 18) . . .
45
“The day of doom for the kingdom of symbol of “men” with slaughter weapons, the execution of
Judah was fast approaching. No longer could the Lord set God’s judgment is foretold. First a mark was to be placed
before them the hope of averting the severest of His judg- on the foreheads of those in the city who were sighing and
ments. ‘Should ye be utterly unpunished?’ He inquired. ‘Ye crying for the abominations that were done, and then they
shall not be unpunished.’ went forth to slay, without mercy, all upon whom no mark
had been placed.
“Even these words were received with
mocking derision. ‘The days are prolonged, and every Shepherd’s Rod Claims Refuted
vision faileth,’ declared the impenitent. But through Eze-
kiel this denial of the sure word of prophecy was sternly It is certainly evident from these consid-
rebuked. ‘Tell them,’ the Lord declared, ‘I will make this erations that Ezekiel understood the message to be given,
proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb and gave it: He was raised up to “warn” and “comfort” the
in Israel; but say unto them, the days are at hand, and the exiles, and to “confirm” the word of the Lord spoken by
effect of every vision. For there shall be no Jeremiah. The Lord said to Ezekiel: “All my words that I
shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with
44 thine ears.” Eze. 3:10. That surely indicates understanding
more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the of all God’s messages, including Ezekiel 9.
house of Israel. For I am the Lord: I will speak, and the
word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no We are told that “through Jeremiah in
more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I Jerusalem, through Daniel in the court of Babylon, through
say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord God.’ Ezekiel on the banks of the Chebar, the Lord in mercy
made clear His eternal purpose, and gave assurance of
“’Again’ testifies Ezekiel, ‘the word of the His willingness to fulfill to His chosen people the promises
Lord came to me, saying, Son of man, behold they of the recorded in the writings of Moses.”-Prophets and Kings,
house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many p. 464. It is also said in Prophets and Kings that “Ezekiel
days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are afar made very plain” the falsity of predictions that the exiles
off. Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; would soon return to Jerusalem. Evidently he understood
There shall none of My words be prolonged any more, but and made plain all that God revealed to him.
the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord
God.”’ (Eze. 12:26-28.) -Prophets and Kings, pp. 448-450. As to whether Ezekiel really went to those
to whom the Lord commissioned him to deliver His mes-
The second section of the book of Ezekiel, sage, we learn that three times in chapters two and three
chapters eight to nineteen, opens with the account of the he was commanded to go. “I send thee to the children of
vision given “in the sixth year; in the sixth month; in the Israel, to a rebellious nation.” Eze. 2:3. “Thou shalt speak
fifth day of the month.” The eighth chapter consists of my words unto them.” Verse 7. “Go, get thee to them of
a series of scenes of the heathen abominations that were the captivity.” Eze. 3:11. “Then,” says Ezek-
being practiced in the holy temple of God in Jerusalem.
The last words of this chapter introduce the account in the 46
ninth chapter, of the punishment to be meted out to the iel, “I came to them of the captivity of Telabib.” (Verse 15.)
perpetrators of this terrible desecration of God’s house of
worship. The Lord said to Ezekiel: “Hast thou seen this, O Certainly there is no reason to assume that
son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that Ezekiel’s message did not reach the whole house of Israel
they commit the abominations which they commit here? for then residing in the region of that eastern country where
they have filled the land with violence, and have returned to the prophet himself was an exile.
provoke me to anger: and, lo, they put the branch to their
We have here some rather strange rea- Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished: it
soning on the part of the leader and spokesman of the is sharpened to make a sore slaughter.” Verses 9, 10. “This
Shepherd’s Rod. On the basis of Ezekiel’s statement that at sword is sharpened, ... to give it into the hand of the slayer.”
Telabib, he “sat where they sat, and remained there aston- Verse 11. “It shall be upon all the princes of Israel: terrors
ished [“overwhelmed,”--A.R.V.] among them seven days,” by reason of the sword shall be upon my people.” Verse 12.
he concludes that Ezekiel did not understand the meaning “It is the sword of the great men that are slain.” Verse 14.
of the vision, and that “had he, he would have explained “I have set the point of the sword against all their gates,
it.” Does the fact that he remained among them seven days that their heart may faint, and their ruins be multiplied: ah!
prove that the Lord’s messenger was dumb? Mrs. White it is made bright, it is wrapped up for the slaughter.” Verse
says that the visions received by Ezekiel had “in rapid suc- 15.
cession passed before the astonished gaze of the prophet.”
The very thought of the utter destruction of the city of 48
God and the slaughter of the priests, princes, and people It was the Lord’s decree, and He chose
because of their apostasy must have been terrible to con- Nebuchadnezzar to execute the decree. “Behold, I will send
template, both to Ezekiel and the other exiles. Doubtless, and take all the families of the north, saith the Lord, and
too, Ezekiel’s astonishment was due to the fact that the cap- Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will
tives did not accept his message, even though he had been bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants
warned that they would not hearken unto him. (Verse 7.) thereof.” Jer. 25:9.
“The true people of God, who have the spirit The foregoing quotation is one used by the
of the work of the Lord and the salvation of Shepherd’s Rod to prove that there is a special fulfillment of
souls at heart, will ever view sin in its real, sin- Ezekiel 9 in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, but it does
ful character. They will always be on the side not say so.
of faithful and plain dealing with sins which
easily beset the people of God. Especially in the What does the Spirit of prophecy say is
55 “represented by the work of the five men bearing slaugh-
closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one ter weapons”? Answer: “The general destruction of the
hundred and forty-four thousand who are to stand without wicked.” And who is it that Mrs. White says “will never
fault before the throne of God, will they feel most deeply receive the mark of God’s sealing approval,” but “will fall in
the wrongs of God’s professed people. This is forcibly set the general destruction of the wicked”? Answer: It is “those
forth by the prophet’s illustration of the last work under who virtually excuse wrongs among the professed people of
the figure of the men each having a slaughter weapon in God.” It is those “who sympathize with those who commit
his hand. One man among them was clothed with linen, wrong.” It is the ones who oppress “those who have the bur-
with a writer’s inkhorn by his side. ‘And the Lord said unto den of the work” and hold up “the hands of sinners in Zion
him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of (the church).” Unless the people in the church “repent,”
Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men they will not be sealed, but will go down “in the general
that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done destruction of the wicked.”
in the midst thereof.’
If the leader of the Shepherd’s Rod is
“Who are standing in the counsel of God speaking by inspiration, as he claims, would he contradict
at this time? Is it those who virtually excuse wrongs among what the Lord revealed through Mrs. White? His only
the professed people of God, and who murmur in their defense is to say that Mrs. White did not understand fully
hearts, if not openly, against those who would reprove sin? the two slaughters. There is not an intimation or the faintest
Is it those who take their stand against them, and sympa- suggestion in the writings of the Spirit of prophecy that the
thize with those who commit wrong? No, indeed! Unless slaughter in the vision of Ezekiel nine symbolized
they repent, and leave the work of Satan in oppressing
those who have the burden of the work, and in holding up 57
the hands of sinners in Zion, they will never receive the the slaughter of the unfaithful in the Laodicean church.
mark of God’s sealing approval. They will fall in the general The explanation is that this refers to the “general slaughter
of all those who do not thus see the wide contrast between great light, and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual
sin and righteousness.” interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. . . .
Let us turn to the Spirit of prophecy again “No superiority of rank, dignity, or worldly
and get another view of the same subject. In a chapter on wisdom, no position in sacred office, will preserve men from
“The Seal of God,” in Testimonies, volume 5, we read: sacrificing principle, when left to their own deceitful hearts.
Those who have been regarded as worthy and righteous,
“’He cried also in mine ears with a loud prove to be ringleaders in apostasy, and examples in indif-
voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to ference and in the abuse of God’s mercies. Their wicked
draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in course He will tolerate no longer, and in His wrath He deals
his hand.’ . . . with them without mercy. . . .
“Jesus is about to leave the mercy seat of “The day of God’s vengeance is just upon
the heavenly sanctuary, to put on garments of vengeance, us. The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of
and pour out His wrath in judgments upon those who have those only who sigh and cry for the abominations done in
not responded to the light God has given them. . . With the land. Those who link in sympathy with the world are
unerring accuracy, the Infinite One still keeps an account eating and drinking with the drunken, and will surely be
with all nations. While His mercy is tendered, with calls to destroyed with the workers of iniquity. ‘The eyes of the
repentance, this account will remain open; but when the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto
figures reach a certain amount which God has fixed, the their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against them that
ministry of His wrath commences. The account is closed. do evil.’
Divine patience ceases. There is no more pleading of mercy
in their behalf.” “Our own course of action will determine
whether we shall receive the seal of the living
“The command is, ‘Go through the midst
of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark 59
upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for
all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.’ God, or be cut down by the destroying weapons. Already
These sighing, crying ones [in Jerusalem] had been holding a few drops of God’s wrath have fallen upon the earth; but
forth the words of life; they had reproved, counseled, and when the seven last plagues shall be poured out without
entreated. Some who had been dishonoring God, repented mixture into the cup of His indignation, then it will be for-
and humbled their hearts before Him. But the glory of the ever too late to repent, and find shelter. No atoning blood
Lord had departed from Israel; although many still con- will then wash away the stains of sin. “Testimonies, vol. 5,
tinued the forms of religion, His power and presence were pp. 207-212.
lacking.
The Shepherd’s Rod teaches that the 144,000 cannot be
“In the time when His wrath shall go forth in perfected and fitted for translation until they go to Pales-
tine as citizens of that perfect kingdom of David. We are
58 told that “as long as His people are commingling with the
judgments, these humble, devoted followers of Christ will tares, and live among the Gentiles, they can never be fitted
be distinguished from the rest of the world by their soul for translation.” But that is not the teaching of the Bible
anguish, which is expressed in lamentations and weeping, or Spirit of prophecy, as all Seventh-day Adventist Bible
reproofs and warnings. . . . students know. The following from Testimonies, volume 5,
gives a true picture of the final struggles of the people of
“The class who do not feel grieved over God in the days of purification of the church and the seal-
their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of ing of the 144,000.
others, will be left without the seal of God. The Lord com-
missions His messengers, the men with slaughtering weap- “While the followers of Christ have sinned, they have not
ons in their hands: ‘Go ye after him through the city, and given themselves to the control of evil. They have put away
smite; let not your eye spare.’... their sins, and have sought the Lord in humility and contri-
tion, and the Divine Advocate pleads in their behalf. . . .
“Here we see that the church-the Lord’s
sanctuary-was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of “The assaults of Satan are strong, his delusions are ter-
God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given rible; but the Lord’s eye is upon His people. Their affliction
is great, the flames of the furnace seem about to consume new song before the throne, that song which no man can
them; but Jesus will bring them forth as gold tried in the learn save the hundred and forty and four thousand, which
fire. Their earthliness must be removed that the image of were redeemed from the earth. ‘These are they which
Christ may be perfectly reflected, unbelief must be over- follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were
come; faith, hope, and patience are to be developed. redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God
and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile;
“The people of God are sighing and crying for the abomi- for they are without fault before the throne of God.’ ‘”--
nations done in the land. With tears they warn the wicked Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 474-476.
of their danger in trampling upon the divine law, and with
unutterable In the quotations given above the whole
truth of the subject of Ezekiel 9 is clearly stated.
60
There is no mention made of a kingdom
------------------ set up before Christ comes, with the people of God, espe-
sorrow they humble themselves before the Lord on account cially the 144,000, safely within; but just the opposite. The
of their own transgressions. The wicked mock their sorrow, 144,000 are particularly mentioned during the time of
ridicule their solemn appeals, and sneer at what they term Jacob’s trouble. They are in anguish and trouble, with the
their weakness. But the anguish and humiliation of God’s enemy of God’s law seeking to destroy them. They are puri-
people is unmistakable evidence that they are regaining the fied during this time, and not in a perfect kingdom of David
strength and nobility of character lost in consequence of in old Palestine, without which, says the Shepherd’s Rod,
sin.... “they can never be fitted for translation.” Their pilgrimage
on this earth is over, and now they stand before the throne
“The faithful, praying ones are, as it were, of God.
shut in with God. They themselves know not how securely
they are shielded. Urged on by Satan, the rulers of this Surely, it behooves every Seventh-day
world are seeking to destroy them; but could their eyes be Adventist to study as never before to know what the Spirit
opened, as were the eyes of Elisha’s servant at Dothan, of prophecy really teaches, that he may not be ensnared by
they would see the angels of God encamped about them, the terrible delusions of Satan, who will if possible deceive
by their brightness and glory holding in check the hosts of the very elect. Every one of us must be fortified by the truth
darkness. and with God’s Holy Spirit if he is to stand.
The Shepherd’s Rod.--”As the 144,000 are But of this remnant church, purified in the
the ‘first fruits,’ there must be second fruits, for where there fires of affliction, it is said, “Clad in the armor of Christ’s
is first, there must also be second. And as the first fruits are righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict.
the ‘servants of God,’ they must subsequently be sent to all ‘Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army
nations to gather the second fruits (Isa. 66:19, 20)-the great with banners,’ she is to go forth into all the world, conquer-
multitude of Revelation 7:9, whom John saw after viewing ing
the sealing of the 144,000.”--Tract 8, pp. 16, 17.
67
This theory is false, because the 144,000 and to conquer.”-Ibid., p. 725. This does not mean the
stand in heaven, after “final victory and deliverance,” “hav- gathering in of the “great multitude” by the 144,000 as the
ing been translated from the earth, from among the living.” Shepherd’s Rod would have us believe. In this time of test
Therefore they cannot “subsequently be sent to all nations there is a mighty struggle with foes from without and with-
to gather the second fruits.” The fact that they are servants in, but it is a time of personal victory and the final triumph
of God does not prove the theory, for in Revelation 22:3 we of the church. In speaking of this time “when the test will
read concerning the new earth: “There shall be no more come to every soul,” the Spirit of prophecy has said:
curse: but the throne of
“When trees without fruit are cut down as
66 cumberers of the ground, when multitudes of false breth-
God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall ren are distinguished from the true, then the hidden ones
serve Him.” Further, we have the following definite com- will be revealed to view, and with hosannas range under the
ment on Isaiah 66:19: banner of Christ. Those who have been timid and self-dis-
trustful will declare themselves openly for Christ and His
The Spirit of Prophecy.-”Jehovah declared truth. The most weak and hesitating in the church will be
to the prophet that He would send His witnesses ‘unto the as David-willing to do and dare. The deeper the night for
nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, . . . to Tubal, and Javan, God’s people, the more brilliant the stars. Satan will sorely
to the isles afar off.’ . . . harass the faithful; but, in the name of Jesus, they will come
off more than conquerors. Then will the church of Christ
“The prophet heard the voice of God call- appear ‘fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an
ing His church to her appointed work, that the way might army with banners.”’ -Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 81, 82.
be prepared for the ushering in of His everlasting kingdom.
... “The decree that will finally go forth
against the remnant people of God will be very similar
“These prophecies of a great spiritual to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews. Today the
awakening in a time of gross darkness, are today meeting enemies of the true church see in the little company keep-
fulfillment in the advancing lines of mission stations that ing the Sabbath commandment, a Mordecai at the gate. . .
are reaching out into the benighted regions of earth.”-- . To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield
Prophets and Kings, pp. 374, 375. to the demand for Sunday laws. . . . On this battlefield will
be fought the last great conflict in the controversy between
An Army With Banners truth and error.’ -Ibid., pp. 605, 606. “As the members of
the body of Christ approach the period of their last con-
In the closing chapter of Prophets and flict, ‘the time of Jacob’s trouble,’ they will grow up into
Christ.” -Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 353. the sentence used so much by the Shepherd’s Rod:
“The conflict is to wax fiercer and fiercer. What is it that Satan would rejoice to do?
Satan will take the field and personate Christ. He will mis-
represent, misapply, and pervert everything he possibly can, “O how Satan would rejoice to get in
to deceive, if possible, the very elect. Even in our day there among this people, and disorganize the work at a time when
have been and will continue to be entire families who have thorough organization is essential, and will be the greatest
once power to keep out spurious uprisings, and to refute claims
not endorsed by the word of God!”-Testimonies to Minis-
71 ters, p. 228.
rejoiced in the truth, but who will lose faith because of cal- We are told in an official publication of
umnies and falsehoods brought to them in regard to those the Shepherd’s Rod that this organization “exists solely to
whom they have loved and with whom they have had sweet accomplish a divinely appointed work within the Seventh-
counsel.” -Ibid., p. 411. day Adventist denomination, wherein it therefore strictly
confines its activities.” According to this there is no burden
To those who may be misled into thinking for the salvation of sinners, either at home or abroad, who
the Shepherd’s Rod must be true because of the interpreta- never heard or accepted the Advent message. The words
tions of figures and symbols, I would refer to these state- of Mrs. White, quoted above, are definitely applicable to
ments: the members of this offshoot. Let us repeat: “When men
arise claiming to have a message from God, but instead of
“Others, who have an active imagination, warning against principalities and powers, and the rulers of
seize upon the figures and symbols of Holy Writ, interpret the darkness of this world, they form a hollow square, and
them to suit their fancy, with little regard to the testimony turn the weapons of warfare against the church militant, be
of Scripture as its own interpreter, and then they present afraid of them.”
their vagaries as the teachings of the Bible.”-The Great
Controversy, p. 521. This is a very accurate description of
Shepherd’s Rod work. It is negative. Church leaders are
Misguided Efforts to Reform the Church called “conference prelates” who yield to “demon power”
“to prolong the lukewarm condition indefinitely,” and there
“There are little companies continually arising who are many like denunciations. And what is the counsel of
believe that God is only with the very few, the very scat- the Spirit of prophecy? “Be afraid of them.” The following
tered, and their influence is to tear down and scatter that counsel seems very applicable to those who pursue such a
which God’s servants build up. Restless minds who want course.
to be seeing and believing something new continually, are
constantly arising, some in one place and some in another, “Those who would be overcomers must be drawn
all doing a special work for the enemy, yet claiming to have
the truth. They stand separate from the people whom 73
God is leading out and prospering, and through whom He out of themselves; and the only thing which will accom-
is to do His great work. They are continually expressing plish this great work, is to become intensely interested in
their fears that the body of Sabbathkeepers are becoming the salvation of others. This does not mean that you are to
like the world. . . . Some of these profess to have the gifts convert men to your way of doing, or to compel them to
among them; but are led by the influence and teachings of view things in the same light as you do; but you are to seek
these gifts to hold in doubt those upon whom God has laid to present the truth as it is in Jesus, and laboring to be a
the special burden of His work, and to lead off a class from blessing to others, you will be blessed of God abundantly.
the body. The people, who, in accordance with God’s word, That you have done and are doing something to enlarge the
are putting forth every effort to be one, who are established boundaries of the kingdom of God in rescuing poor souls
in the from Satan’s yoke of superstition and error, will rejoice
72 the heart, and broaden your ideas and plans. . . . Some of
you will consider it your privilege to leave your homes that sage is sounding; it is infallible. . . .
you may labor in the islands of the sea, and rescue souls
from the bondage of sin and error. As you gain a new and “It is as certain that we have the truth
deeper experience, you will learn what it is to pray in the as that God lives; and Satan, with all his arts and hellish
Holy Spirit; and those who are backslidden from God will power, cannot change the truth of God into a lie. . . .
be reclaimed, and there will be more anxiety manifested to
learn of Jesus to be meek and lowly of heart, than to point “The Lord has singled us out, and made us
out the mistakes and errors of your brethren.”-Fundamen- subjects of His marvelous mercy. Shall we be charmed with
tals of Christian Education, pp. 207, 208. the pratings of the apostate? Shall
77
us to hold firmly to the fundamental principles that are
based upon unquestionable authority.” -Ibid., p. 308.
78