Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

epentance could change into golden grain the vile weed sown. This view of
the matter makes it of the highest consequence that in words and actions we
move in conscious integrity, for "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also
reap."
As Jacob pursued his journey, a stranger in a strange land, he sadly
pondered the events which had transpired as the result of his own
transgression. At night he lay down to sleep with the canopy of heaven as a
covering, the earth his bed, and a stone his pillow. A compassionate God,
who ever pitieth the woes of men, saw the lonely fugitive, troubled and
perplexed, fearing that God had forsaken him because of his injustice,
deception, and falsehood. In a vision of the night, the Lord manifested
himself to Jacob. He saw a ladder, the base resting upon the earth, the top
round reaching into the highest heaven even to the throne of God. The Lord
himself, enshrouded in light, stood above the top of the ladder, and angels
were ascending and descending upon it.
As Jacob gazed with wonder upon the scene, the voice of God was
heard, saying, "I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of
Isaac. And behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither
thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee
until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of." Jacob awakened from
his dream, and exclaimed in solemn awe, "Surely the Lord is in this place,
and I knew it not." He looked about as if to again catch a glimpse of the
heavenly messengers, but above him was only the blue, star-gemmed
firmament, his head was still resting upon the rocky pillow. The ladder was
gone, and the angels were no longer to be seen; but the voice of God was still
echoing in his ears, with the promise now to him so precious. He felt indeed
that angels of God, although unseen, peopled the place; that God was looking
down upon him with compassion and love. Filled with holy awe and
amazement, he involuntarily exclaimed, "How dreadful is this place! This is
none other but the house of God, and this the gate of Heaven."
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