Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Slavery and the War 259them but little courage to triumph. This destruction, occurring whenthey had every advantage, and the North great disadvantage, causedthem much perplexity. They know that if the North have an equalchance with them, victory is certain for the North. Their only hope isto occupy positions difficult of approach, and then have formidablearrangements to hurl destruction on every hand.The South have strengthened themselves greatly since their rebellionfirst commenced. If active measures had then been taken by theNorth, this rebellion would have been speedily crushed out. But thatwhich was small at first has increased in strength and numbers until ithas become most powerful. Other nations are intently watching this [268]nation, for what purpose I was not informed, and are making greatpreparations for some event. The greatest perplexity and anxiety nowexists among our national men. Proslavery men and traitors are in thevery midst of them; and while these are professedly in favor of theUnion, they have an influence in making decisions, some of whicheven favor the South.I was shown the inhabitants of the earth in the utmost confusion.War, bloodshed, privation, want, famine, and pestilence were abroad inthe land. As these things surrounded God’s people, they began to presstogether, and to cast aside their little difficulties. Self-dignity no longercontrolled them; deep humility took its place. Suffering, perplexity,and privation caused reason to resume its throne, and the passionateand unreasonable man became sane, and acted with discretion andwisdom.My attention was then called from the scene. There seemed to bea little time of peace. Once more the inhabitants of the earth werepresented before me; and again everything was in the utmost confusion.Strife, war, and bloodshed, with famine and pestilence, ragedeverywhere. Other nations were engaged in this war and confusion.War caused famine. Want and bloodshed caused pestilence. And thenmen’s hearts failed them for fear, “and for looking after those thingswhich are coming on the earth.”* * * * *