THE GREAT PARADOX OF THE AGES
TEXT FOR PRAYER
Break Up The Fallow Ground
I shall read from page 56 of "Christ's Object Lessons":
"Throughout the parable of the sower, Christ represents the different results of the sowing as
depending upon the soil. In every case the sower and the seed are the same. Thus He teaches
that if the word of God fails of accomplishing its work in our hearts and lives, the reason is to be
found in ourselves. But the result is not beyond our control. True, we can not change ourselves;
but the power of choice is ours, and it rests with us to determine what we will become. The
wayside, the stony-ground, the thorny-ground hearers need not remain such.... The soil once
overgrown by thorns can be reclaimed only by diligent labor. So the evil tendencies of the natural
hear can be overcome only by earnest effort in the name and strength of Jesus. The Lord bids us
by His prophet, 'Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.' 'Sow to yourselves in
righteousness; reap in mercy.' This work He desires to accomplish for us, and He asks us to
cooperate with Him."
We shall now kneel and pray that we may ever be awake to the Voice of the Spirit of God; to
know that although we cannot change ourselves, yet the power of choice is ours; to ever
remember that God has created us free moral agents, that we ourselves are responsible for our
hardness of heart; to let Him break up our fallow ground so that we may sow to ourselves
righteousness; to know that through prayer and study we can keep awake our desire for spiritual
things.
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 16
THE GREAT PARADOX OF THE AGES
TEXT OF ADDRESS BY V.T. HOUTEFF,
MINISTER OF DAVIDIAN 7TH-DAY ADVENTISTS
SABBATH, JANUARY 10, 1948
MT. CARMEL CHAPEL
WACO, TEXAS
Zech. 6:1-8 -- "And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four
chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass. In the
first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; and in the third chariot white
horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses. Then I answered and said unto the angel
that talked with me, What are these, my Lord? And the angel answered and said unto me, These
are the four Spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after
them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country. And the bay went forth, and sought to
go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and He said, Get you hence, walk to and fro
through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth. Then cried He upon me, and
spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the noth country have quieted My Spirit in
the north country."
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 17
PICTURE
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 18
The paradox in this prophetic symbolism is with the fourth chariot, you see: It is hitched to two
teams, the grisled and the bay, one team trying to take it in one direction (south), and the other in
another direction (to and fro through the earth)! What is to become of the chariot, and which of
the teams is likely to take it? That is the paradox, for they cannot both have it unless they walk
together. As this is a paradoxical symbolism, it has been a mystery ever since the prophet wrote
it, and as it is now disclosed for the first time, Inspiration obviously is forewarning someone of
something very serious that is taking place at this particular time. What can it be?--
The prophet Zechariah was as anxious to know as we are, for he asked, "What are these, my
Lord"? And to his question came the answer, "These are the four Spirits of the heavens, which go
forth from standing before the Lord of the whole earth."
The angel's answer is positive. The chariots, He declared, are the Spirits of the heavens, Who
stand before the Lord, and Who are sent to go to and fro through the earth. Plainly, then, these
four teams and chariots symbolize four messages (four Spirits) sent from God's presence. And
since all the messages from God are carried to and fro through the earth by the Ministry and the
Church, the chariots and their teams, therefore, are seen to symbolize the church at work in four
different periods.
The next question is, Where in the stream of time shall we look for this message-laden and
trouble-burden church? in our time, in the past or what? The brass mountains give the clue, for
the chariots came from between them. We should, therefore, first find out what the mountains
symbolize, and
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 19
where they stand in time. And as the chariots came from between the mountains, one standing to
their left (in the future) and the other to their right (in the past), it is necessary to locate them first.
The Biblical interpretation of a symbolical mountain is as follows: "Jerusalem shall be called a city
of Truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain." Zech. 8:3. The mountains in
Zechariah's prophecy, therefore, as elsewhere in the Bible, are seen to symbolize two
governments, churches, very similar in nature (both of brass) and at two different times (one to
the chariot's right and one to their left). Being of brass, a metal that has everlasting qualities, that
does not deteriorate, shows that they represent something eternal. Moreover the mountains being
of the same symbolical material as that which the feet of Christ (Rev. 1:15) were shown to be
(brass), it locates the mountains in the Christian era.
The only such holy governments of God in the Christian era, one in the past and one in the
future between which the path of the chariots lies, are the church of the Pentecost with the 120
Spirit-filled disciples, symbolized by the mountain to the chariots' right, and the church at the
second Pentecost (Joel 2:28, 29, yet future) with the 144,000 Spirit-filled disciples standing on
Mount Zion with the Lamb (Rev. 14:1), symbolized by the mountain to the chariots' left.
It is well understood that the church of today is made up of all kinds of materials, not of solid
brass -- not of true Christians only, but commingled with good and bad -- wheat and tares. The
truth is therefore obvious: There is to be another such sin-destroying and sinner-sifting Theocracy
as the one in the day of Ananias and Sapphira who for sinning gave up the
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 20
ghost as they fell at the apostle's feet (Acts 5:1-11).
Plainly, the chariots symbolize the church militant at work between the two Pentecosts.
The fourth chariot being the last, it is to be found operating just before the second Pentecost.
Since the chariots are led by horses, the horses themselves must symbolize the chariot's
(church's) leadership, and the passengers in the chariots must symbolize the laity.
The symbolism, though, is to disclose the paradoxical situation that exists with the fourth
chariot, the last, and hence the Laodicean church with the Judgment message, as her name itself
indicates.
The first chariot, you remember, is led by red horses; the second by black horses; the third by
white; and the fourth by two kinds -- grisled and bay horses. The color of each horse being a
mark of species, it must be indicative of their natural and consequential circumstances. And as
afore-noted, they are symbolical of the ministry in each segment of church history. The red
evidently signifies martyrdom; the black signifies captivity; the white signifies freedom; grisled (an
indefinite color, neither black nor white) symbolizes ministers that are neither true Christians nor
true Gentiles -- hypocrites. The bay, however, denote strength, as the marginal reference points
out.
This symbolical prophecy is seen to corroborate history. It points out that the Christian Church
at first suffered martyrdom, shown by the color, red. Then followed the Dark Ages of religion
when the church
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 21
was in captivity (black). Following these came the Protestant period, the period of religious
freedom (white team). And at last comes the fourth chariot with its bay and grisled teams. The
teams are seen to have a controversial struggle over the chariot. Grisled being an indefinite color
-- neither black nor white, denotes hypocrisy, the kind of which is heretofore unknown, whereas
the color, bay, denotes spiritual strength (margin) the kind heretofore unknown.
Since the Church originated in Asia, Jerusalem in particular, the first chariot is seen to have
remained there, for it went nowhere. The "north country," geographically north of Palestine is
where the other chariots went; that is, the countries which the Christian nations are now
inhabiting. The fourth chariot, though, is supposed to go to and fro through the earth -- to every
nation, and kindred, and tongue and people. But contrary to this, the grisled horses "go forth
toward the south country" which, figuratively speaking, would be spiritual Egypt -- worldliness.
God's Spirit having been silenced in the north country, must denote that the messages of God in
the north country were generally rejected, especially the one of the forth chariot, which caused the
Spirit of Truth to turn away and to bring Truth no more through them -- to be silent there -- and
that, therefore, there is not to be expected any Truth through them.
The double team of horses, and their two kinds of colors, pulling in two different directions are
immediately seen to symbolize a double set of church leaders (the Seventh-day Adventist leaders
and the Davidian Seventh-day Adventist leaders) unlike in character and aim. Symbolically
speaking, the grisled horses, those that appeared first on the
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 22
prophetic scene, are leading the chariot into Egypt -- the worldliness from which they ought to
come out rather than go back into. The bay horses, though, are endeavoring to pull away from it
and go to and fro through the earth as commanded -- to finish the gospel work in accordance with
God's plan. But this cannot take place so long as both teams are hitched to the chariot, for the
chariot cannot possibly move in either direction while one team pulls in one direction and the
other in another direction.
The immediate necessity, therefore, is to unhitch (discharge) the one, so that the other can be
free to go to and fro through the earth as soon as they are told to "Go." When this happens the
paradox will be a paradox no longer.
What put two different kinds of leaders working at cross purposes? -- I shall let the Spirit of
Prophecy give the answer. Here follows the description of one set of church leaders:
"...Those who have rendered supreme homage to 'science falsely so-called,' will not be the
leaders then. Those who have trusted to intellect, genius, or talent, will not then stand at the head
of rank and file. They did not keep pace with the light. Those who have proved themselves
unfaithful will not then be entrusted with the flock..." -- "Testimonies," Vol. 5, pg. 80.
Obviously, these self-important leaders, who love to slumber in a lukewarm country, are
represented by the grisled horses.
We shall now read of the leaders whom the bay
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 23
horses depict, the ones that come on the scene last:
"...The Lord has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view.
There are precious ones now hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal. They have not had
the light which has been shining in a concentrated blaze upon you. But, it may be under a rough
and uninviting exterior the pure brightness of a genuine Christian character will be revealed. In
the daytime we look toward heaven, but do not see the stars. They are there, fixed in the
firmament, but the eye cannot distinguish them. In the night we behold their genuine lustre." --
"Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. 80-81.
This is exactly what is happening right now: Those who are rejecting the message that is
announcing the Judgment for the Living; those who "did not keep pace with the light," and are
satisfied to stay in antitypical Egypt; the Seventh-day Adventists' ministry are to be discharged
(unhitched); and the "hidden" ones, those represented by the bay horses, the Davidian
Seventh-day Adventists' ministry, are coming to the front. They are now being "disclosed to
view," and are getting ready to take the chariot! Then as soon as they are told to "Go," they will
unhesitatingly and speedily move on "to and fro through the earth" with the message of the hour,
the Judgment for the Living.
Now let the founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Denomination concretely explain what and
where the south country is:
"I am filled with sadness when I think of our condition as a people.... The church has turned
back from following Christ her Leader, and is steadily
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 24
retreating toward Egypt. Yet few are alarmed or astonished at their want of spiritual power.
Doubt and even disbelief of the testimonies of the Spirit of God, is leavening our churches
everywhere. Satan would have it thus. Ministers who preach self instead of Christ would have it
thus. The testimonies are unread and unappreciated. God has spoken to you. Light has been
shining from his world and from the testimonies, and both have been slighted and disregarded.
The result is apparent in the lack of purity and devotion and earnest faith among us." --
"Testimonies," Vol. 5, pg. 217. (Underscored words ours.)
What will unhitch the grisled horses from the chariot? -- Isaiah the prophet has the answer:
Isa. 66:16, 19, 20 -- "For by fire and by His sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain
of the Lord shall be many.... And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of
them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the
isles afar off, that have not heard My fame, neither have seen My glory; and they shall declare My
glory among the Gentiles. And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the Lord out
of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts,
to My holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the Lord, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a
clean vessel into the house of the Lord."
Here is projected a slaughter, taking place among those who have been instructed to abstain
from unclean meats, but among whom many are violating God's command. The disobedient,
those whose bellies are their gods, including those who sanctify
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 25
and purify themselves, (the self-righteous) in the gardens behind one tree (behind their
Truth-hating minister, Isa. 66:17, margin), are by the Lord Himself removed from among His
Truth-seeking ones.
After the transgressors are thus removed, then those who are left, the "remnant," the escaped
ones, become the servants of God and are sent to all the nations, especially to those who have not
as yet heard either of God's fame or the good news of His Kingdom. These escaped ones are to
bring to the house of the Lord all their brethren, all that will be converted to Christ -- "a great
multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues."
They shall stand "before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in
their hands." Rev. 7:9.
Thus will the Gospel be finished by those who escape from the Lord's slaying (Isa. 66:15,16)
and God's people be quickly gathered from the four corners of the earth, happily brought as an
offering to the house of the Lord (Isa. 66:19, 20).
Now is everyone's chance to decide to be either on the one side or on the other, either to reform
and be led by the faithful bay horses, or to cling to the self-important grisled horses and stay by
them in the south country, there to perish. Here is indeed a momentous decision to be made by
every member of the Denomination. It calls for action that will decide the future destiny of the
laity as well as of the ministry.
Now is your opportunity to act, and it is my wish and prayer that you, and every member of the
Denomination,
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 26
chooses to be on the side which this unveiled paradox of the ages plainly and definitely instructs
you to be on. Do not let the grisled horses deceive you any longer. Meet their fair speeches with
"Thus saith the Lord." You take them to task on this strictly Biblical Truth.
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 27
Break Up The Fallow Ground
I shall read from page 56 of "Christ's Object Lessons":
"Throughout the parable of the sower, Christ represents the different results of the sowing as
depending upon the soil. In every case the sower and the seed are the same. Thus He teaches
that if the word of God fails of accomplishing its work in our hearts and lives, the reason is to be
found in ourselves. But the result is not beyond our control. True, we can not change ourselves;
but the power of choice is ours, and it rests with us to determine what we will become. The
wayside, the stony-ground, the thorny-ground hearers need not remain such.... The soil once
overgrown by thorns can be reclaimed only by diligent labor. So the evil tendencies of the natural
hear can be overcome only by earnest effort in the name and strength of Jesus. The Lord bids us
by His prophet, 'Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.' 'Sow to yourselves in
righteousness; reap in mercy.' This work He desires to accomplish for us, and He asks us to
cooperate with Him."
We shall now kneel and pray that we may ever be awake to the Voice of the Spirit of God; to
know that although we cannot change ourselves, yet the power of choice is ours; to ever
remember that God has created us free moral agents, that we ourselves are responsible for our
hardness of heart; to let Him break up our fallow ground so that we may sow to ourselves
righteousness; to know that through prayer and study we can keep awake our desire for spiritual
things.
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 16
THE GREAT PARADOX OF THE AGES
TEXT OF ADDRESS BY V.T. HOUTEFF,
MINISTER OF DAVIDIAN 7TH-DAY ADVENTISTS
SABBATH, JANUARY 10, 1948
MT. CARMEL CHAPEL
WACO, TEXAS
Zech. 6:1-8 -- "And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four
chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass. In the
first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; and in the third chariot white
horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses. Then I answered and said unto the angel
that talked with me, What are these, my Lord? And the angel answered and said unto me, These
are the four Spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.
The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after
them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country. And the bay went forth, and sought to
go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and He said, Get you hence, walk to and fro
through the earth. So they walked to and fro through the earth. Then cried He upon me, and
spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the noth country have quieted My Spirit in
the north country."
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 17
PICTURE
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 18
The paradox in this prophetic symbolism is with the fourth chariot, you see: It is hitched to two
teams, the grisled and the bay, one team trying to take it in one direction (south), and the other in
another direction (to and fro through the earth)! What is to become of the chariot, and which of
the teams is likely to take it? That is the paradox, for they cannot both have it unless they walk
together. As this is a paradoxical symbolism, it has been a mystery ever since the prophet wrote
it, and as it is now disclosed for the first time, Inspiration obviously is forewarning someone of
something very serious that is taking place at this particular time. What can it be?--
The prophet Zechariah was as anxious to know as we are, for he asked, "What are these, my
Lord"? And to his question came the answer, "These are the four Spirits of the heavens, which go
forth from standing before the Lord of the whole earth."
The angel's answer is positive. The chariots, He declared, are the Spirits of the heavens, Who
stand before the Lord, and Who are sent to go to and fro through the earth. Plainly, then, these
four teams and chariots symbolize four messages (four Spirits) sent from God's presence. And
since all the messages from God are carried to and fro through the earth by the Ministry and the
Church, the chariots and their teams, therefore, are seen to symbolize the church at work in four
different periods.
The next question is, Where in the stream of time shall we look for this message-laden and
trouble-burden church? in our time, in the past or what? The brass mountains give the clue, for
the chariots came from between them. We should, therefore, first find out what the mountains
symbolize, and
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 19
where they stand in time. And as the chariots came from between the mountains, one standing to
their left (in the future) and the other to their right (in the past), it is necessary to locate them first.
The Biblical interpretation of a symbolical mountain is as follows: "Jerusalem shall be called a city
of Truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain." Zech. 8:3. The mountains in
Zechariah's prophecy, therefore, as elsewhere in the Bible, are seen to symbolize two
governments, churches, very similar in nature (both of brass) and at two different times (one to
the chariot's right and one to their left). Being of brass, a metal that has everlasting qualities, that
does not deteriorate, shows that they represent something eternal. Moreover the mountains being
of the same symbolical material as that which the feet of Christ (Rev. 1:15) were shown to be
(brass), it locates the mountains in the Christian era.
The only such holy governments of God in the Christian era, one in the past and one in the
future between which the path of the chariots lies, are the church of the Pentecost with the 120
Spirit-filled disciples, symbolized by the mountain to the chariots' right, and the church at the
second Pentecost (Joel 2:28, 29, yet future) with the 144,000 Spirit-filled disciples standing on
Mount Zion with the Lamb (Rev. 14:1), symbolized by the mountain to the chariots' left.
It is well understood that the church of today is made up of all kinds of materials, not of solid
brass -- not of true Christians only, but commingled with good and bad -- wheat and tares. The
truth is therefore obvious: There is to be another such sin-destroying and sinner-sifting Theocracy
as the one in the day of Ananias and Sapphira who for sinning gave up the
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 20
ghost as they fell at the apostle's feet (Acts 5:1-11).
Plainly, the chariots symbolize the church militant at work between the two Pentecosts.
The fourth chariot being the last, it is to be found operating just before the second Pentecost.
Since the chariots are led by horses, the horses themselves must symbolize the chariot's
(church's) leadership, and the passengers in the chariots must symbolize the laity.
The symbolism, though, is to disclose the paradoxical situation that exists with the fourth
chariot, the last, and hence the Laodicean church with the Judgment message, as her name itself
indicates.
The first chariot, you remember, is led by red horses; the second by black horses; the third by
white; and the fourth by two kinds -- grisled and bay horses. The color of each horse being a
mark of species, it must be indicative of their natural and consequential circumstances. And as
afore-noted, they are symbolical of the ministry in each segment of church history. The red
evidently signifies martyrdom; the black signifies captivity; the white signifies freedom; grisled (an
indefinite color, neither black nor white) symbolizes ministers that are neither true Christians nor
true Gentiles -- hypocrites. The bay, however, denote strength, as the marginal reference points
out.
This symbolical prophecy is seen to corroborate history. It points out that the Christian Church
at first suffered martyrdom, shown by the color, red. Then followed the Dark Ages of religion
when the church
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 21
was in captivity (black). Following these came the Protestant period, the period of religious
freedom (white team). And at last comes the fourth chariot with its bay and grisled teams. The
teams are seen to have a controversial struggle over the chariot. Grisled being an indefinite color
-- neither black nor white, denotes hypocrisy, the kind of which is heretofore unknown, whereas
the color, bay, denotes spiritual strength (margin) the kind heretofore unknown.
Since the Church originated in Asia, Jerusalem in particular, the first chariot is seen to have
remained there, for it went nowhere. The "north country," geographically north of Palestine is
where the other chariots went; that is, the countries which the Christian nations are now
inhabiting. The fourth chariot, though, is supposed to go to and fro through the earth -- to every
nation, and kindred, and tongue and people. But contrary to this, the grisled horses "go forth
toward the south country" which, figuratively speaking, would be spiritual Egypt -- worldliness.
God's Spirit having been silenced in the north country, must denote that the messages of God in
the north country were generally rejected, especially the one of the forth chariot, which caused the
Spirit of Truth to turn away and to bring Truth no more through them -- to be silent there -- and
that, therefore, there is not to be expected any Truth through them.
The double team of horses, and their two kinds of colors, pulling in two different directions are
immediately seen to symbolize a double set of church leaders (the Seventh-day Adventist leaders
and the Davidian Seventh-day Adventist leaders) unlike in character and aim. Symbolically
speaking, the grisled horses, those that appeared first on the
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 22
prophetic scene, are leading the chariot into Egypt -- the worldliness from which they ought to
come out rather than go back into. The bay horses, though, are endeavoring to pull away from it
and go to and fro through the earth as commanded -- to finish the gospel work in accordance with
God's plan. But this cannot take place so long as both teams are hitched to the chariot, for the
chariot cannot possibly move in either direction while one team pulls in one direction and the
other in another direction.
The immediate necessity, therefore, is to unhitch (discharge) the one, so that the other can be
free to go to and fro through the earth as soon as they are told to "Go." When this happens the
paradox will be a paradox no longer.
What put two different kinds of leaders working at cross purposes? -- I shall let the Spirit of
Prophecy give the answer. Here follows the description of one set of church leaders:
"...Those who have rendered supreme homage to 'science falsely so-called,' will not be the
leaders then. Those who have trusted to intellect, genius, or talent, will not then stand at the head
of rank and file. They did not keep pace with the light. Those who have proved themselves
unfaithful will not then be entrusted with the flock..." -- "Testimonies," Vol. 5, pg. 80.
Obviously, these self-important leaders, who love to slumber in a lukewarm country, are
represented by the grisled horses.
We shall now read of the leaders whom the bay
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 23
horses depict, the ones that come on the scene last:
"...The Lord has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view.
There are precious ones now hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal. They have not had
the light which has been shining in a concentrated blaze upon you. But, it may be under a rough
and uninviting exterior the pure brightness of a genuine Christian character will be revealed. In
the daytime we look toward heaven, but do not see the stars. They are there, fixed in the
firmament, but the eye cannot distinguish them. In the night we behold their genuine lustre." --
"Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. 80-81.
This is exactly what is happening right now: Those who are rejecting the message that is
announcing the Judgment for the Living; those who "did not keep pace with the light," and are
satisfied to stay in antitypical Egypt; the Seventh-day Adventists' ministry are to be discharged
(unhitched); and the "hidden" ones, those represented by the bay horses, the Davidian
Seventh-day Adventists' ministry, are coming to the front. They are now being "disclosed to
view," and are getting ready to take the chariot! Then as soon as they are told to "Go," they will
unhesitatingly and speedily move on "to and fro through the earth" with the message of the hour,
the Judgment for the Living.
Now let the founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Denomination concretely explain what and
where the south country is:
"I am filled with sadness when I think of our condition as a people.... The church has turned
back from following Christ her Leader, and is steadily
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 24
retreating toward Egypt. Yet few are alarmed or astonished at their want of spiritual power.
Doubt and even disbelief of the testimonies of the Spirit of God, is leavening our churches
everywhere. Satan would have it thus. Ministers who preach self instead of Christ would have it
thus. The testimonies are unread and unappreciated. God has spoken to you. Light has been
shining from his world and from the testimonies, and both have been slighted and disregarded.
The result is apparent in the lack of purity and devotion and earnest faith among us." --
"Testimonies," Vol. 5, pg. 217. (Underscored words ours.)
What will unhitch the grisled horses from the chariot? -- Isaiah the prophet has the answer:
Isa. 66:16, 19, 20 -- "For by fire and by His sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain
of the Lord shall be many.... And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of
them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the
isles afar off, that have not heard My fame, neither have seen My glory; and they shall declare My
glory among the Gentiles. And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the Lord out
of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts,
to My holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the Lord, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a
clean vessel into the house of the Lord."
Here is projected a slaughter, taking place among those who have been instructed to abstain
from unclean meats, but among whom many are violating God's command. The disobedient,
those whose bellies are their gods, including those who sanctify
Timely Greetings, Vol. 2, No. 22 25
and purify themselves, (the self-righteous) in the gardens behind one tree (behind their
Truth-hating minister, Isa. 66:17, margin), are by the Lord Himself removed from among His
Truth-seeking ones.
After the transgressors are thus removed, then those who are left, the "remnant," the escaped
ones, become the servants of God and are sent to all the nations, especially to those who have not
as yet heard either of God's fame or the good news of His Kingdom. These escaped ones are to
bring to the house of the Lord all their brethren, all that will be converted to Christ -- "a great
multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues."
They shall stand "before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in
their hands." Rev. 7:9.
Thus will the Gospel be finished by those who escape from the Lord's slaying (Isa. 66:15,16)
and God's people be quickly gathered from the four corners of the earth, happily brought as an
offering to the house of the Lord (Isa. 66:19, 20).
Now is everyone's chance to decide to be either on the one side or on the other, either to reform
and be led by the faithful bay horses, or to cling to the self-important grisled horses and stay by
them in the south country, there to perish. Here is indeed a momentous decision to be made by
every member of the Denomination. It calls for action that will decide the future destiny of the
laity as well as of the ministry.
Now is your opportunity to act, and it is my wish and prayer that you, and every member of the
Denomination,
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chooses to be on the side which this unveiled paradox of the ages plainly and definitely instructs
you to be on. Do not let the grisled horses deceive you any longer. Meet their fair speeches with
"Thus saith the Lord." You take them to task on this strictly Biblical Truth.
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