Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

Chapter 14
The Sin of Sodom and Gomorrah
This chapter is based on Genesis 19.
Among the cities of the Jordan valley, Sodom was "like the
garden of the Lord" (Genesis 13:10) in its fruitfulness and beauty.
Rich harvests clothed the fields, and flocks and herds covered the
encircling hills all around. Art and commerce enriched the proud
city and the treasures of the East decorated her palaces. Caravans
brought supplies of precious things to her markets, and with little
thought or work, people could live comfortably there.
Idleness and riches harden the heart that has never been
troubled by poverty or burdened by sorrow. The people gave
themselves up to fulfilling their sensual desires. "This was the
iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride,
fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she
strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty
and committed abomination before Me; therefore I took them away
as I saw fit" (Ezekiel 16:49, 50). Satan is never more successful than
when he comes to people in their idle hours.
In Sodom there was laughter, partying, feasting, and
drunkenness. The most evil passions were unrestrained. People
openly defied God and His law and delighted in violence. Though
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