arrayed against them.
Like the captive exile, they will be in fear of death by starvation or by
violence. But the Holy One who divided the Red Sea before Israel, will
manifest His mighty power and turn their captivity. "They shall be Mine,
saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will
spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him."(1088) If the
blood of Christ's faithful witnesses were shed at this time, it would not,
like the blood of the martyrs, be as seed sown to yield a harvest for God.
Their fidelity would not be a testimony to convince others of the truth;
for the obdurate heart has beaten back the waves of mercy until they
return no more. If the righteous were now left to fall a prey to their
enemies, it would be a triumph for the prince of darkness. Says the
psalmist, "In the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the
secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me."(1089) Christ has spoken:
"Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about
thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation
be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the
inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity."(1090) Glorious will be the
deliverance of those who have patiently waited for His coming, and whose
names are written in the book of life.

40. GOD'S PEOPLE DELIVERED.

[Illustration: Chapter header.]

When the protection of human laws shall be withdrawn from those who honor
the law of God, there will be, in different lands, a simultaneous movement
for their destruction. As the time appointed in the decree draws near, the
people will conspire to root out the hated sect. It will be determined to
strike in one night a decisive blow, which shall utterly silence the voice
of dissent and reproof.

The people of God--some in prison cells, some hidden in solitary retreats
in the forests and the mountains--still plead for divine protection, while
in every quarter companies of armed men, urged on by hosts of evil angels,
are preparing for the work of death. It is now, in the hour of utmost
extremity, that the God of Israel will interpose for the deliverance of
His chosen. Saith the Lord: "Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a
holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth ... to
come into the mountain of Jehovah, to the Mighty One of Israel. And the
Lord shall cause H