A careful analysis of the various teachings of would-be reformers that have developed into offshoot movements reveals the fact that most of these persons are either misapplying or overemphasizing some point of truth, especially in the field of the earth's future, closing events. Along with this misapplication of truth, the natural result is the mingling of error, which eventually leads to a break with the movement. Recognizing this fact, I made careful study of the books "Early Writings" and "The Great Controversy," in an effort to determine the relationship of important events still in the future.
The Spirit of prophecy has clearly outlined for us the order of events, beginning with the 1844 disappointment on through to the earth made new. In studying the initial vision of Mrs. E. G. White, recorded in "Early Writings" (page 13 ff.), I found that it afforded a brief chronological view of the order of events, but touched only the high points, as it were.* With this brief outline as a basis, I fitted in the events described in later sections of the same book in which the terse outline of that first vision was materially expanded in the view of 1838, which occupies the last half of "Early Writings." Then with this larger outline as a basis, I carefully studied the book, "The Great Controversy" (especially chapters thirty-eight and onward), to discover
the order of events which were still more fully presented by Mrs. White as repeated revelations through succeeding years in which these matters were more fully opened to her. The outline of the order of events in "The Great Controversy" harmonizes beautifully with the order as indicated in the earliest vision given to Mrs. White.
As a result of this study, the accompanying diagram was prepared. This diagram, when carefully studied, gives one a comprehensive view of the history of the last-day advent movement. It establishes certain definite events, and their relationship to one another in point of time. For example, the time of Jacob's trouble is seen to be a definite period
It is well to bear in mind, in studying this first vision, that Mrs. White was but seventeen years of age, knew nothing of the Sabbath truth, the mark of the beast, the close of probation, or the time of Jacob's trouble, as such.
of time marked by outstanding events within the general time of trouble, which begins with the standing up of Michael, or the close of probation. A careful study of the references indicated on the chart, brings into bold relief the events connected with the voice of God heard at the opening of the seventh plague, which marks the beginning of a most important period for God's people.
Many details might have been added to the chart, such as the time of the opening of the seventh trumpet, the approximate time of the beginning of Jacob's trouble, etc. But these points, to avoid complication, were purposely left off the chart. They may, hOwever, be discovered by the careful student. A clear understanding of a number of other events that have been points of controversy in the past, is also made possible by a perception of this order of events.
Now let us note the value of this chart in revealing the inconsistencies of some would-be reformers and "new-light" movements that veer away from the historic movement. A certain movement attracting considerable attention in several parts of the United States, places the sealing of the 144,000 at the beginning of the loud cry, or as indicated on the chart, event number three. The Spirit of prophecy and the Bible, however, indicate quite clearly that the 144,000 are made up at the close of probation. This contention also places the slaughter of Ezekiel 9 at the beginning of the loud cry. But "The Great Controversy" definitely states that the men with the slaughter weapons of Ezekiel 9 go forth at the time of Christ's second coming. Other instances might be cited in which a statement is taken entirely out of its setting in order to substantiate the user's views.
If the membership in our churches were thoroughly acquainted with the teachings of the Spirit of prophecy, so-called "new-light" and heretical movements would not gain a foothold. Surely it is our responsibility as shepherds of the flocks to guide our people in a careful study of the light that has been given us for this time. Too many Seventh-day Adventists are being "destroyed for lack of knowledge."
The worker who, makes a careful study of this theme will not only find it of value in meeting heresies and in testing supposed new light, but will also find it of untold value as a subject for presentation at his weekly prayer meetings or Sabbath services. Upon being transferred to a church of over eight hundred members, I found the attendance at prayer meeting to be only twenty-five or thirty. I immediately began a series of studies based on the order of events as given in "Early Writings" and "The Great Controversy." The attendance at prayer meeting increased to over two hundred, and stayed at from two hundred to two hundred fifty for a period of a year or more. This has been my experience in several churches. After attending this series of studies, the members urgently requested that these findings be put in the form of a printed chart. The accompanying chart is the result.*
It was not without purpose that the Lord gave to His servant the correct view of the order of events. It must be recognized, of course, that the view given in the first vision ("Early Writings," p. 13 ff.) was amplified, and certain sections were described in greater detail at a later time. However, the studious-minded will observe that not one event is ever taken out of its chronological setting as given in the first vision. Only when we clearly understand the description of coming events as given through the Spirit of prophecy, can we correctly interpret those portions of the Old and New Testaments which are yet to be fulfilled.
* This chart may be secured on thin paper, folded to fit into the back of the book, "The Great Controversy," for twenty-five cents, postpaid, from the designer, E. L, Pingenot, 4602 Bancroft Ave., Lincoln, Nebraska.
