of God's children in the first centuries; the great
apostasy which followed in His church; the world-awakening of the
Reformation, in which some of the great principles of the controversy are
clearly manifest; the awful lesson of the rejection of right principles by
France; the revival and exaltation of the Scriptures, and their
beneficent, life-saving influence; the religious awakening of the last
days; the unsealing of the radiant fountain of God's word, with its
wonderful revelations of light and knowledge to meet the baleful
upspringing of every delusion of darkness.

The present impending conflict, with the vital principles involved, in
which no one can be neutral, are simply, lucidly, strongly set forth.

Last of all, we are told of the eternal and glorious victory of good over
evil, right over wrong, light over darkness, joy over sorrow, hope over
despair, glory over shame, life over death, and everlasting,
long-suffering love over vindictive hate.

Former editions of this book have brought many souls to the True Shepherd;
it is the prayer of the publishers that this edition may be even more
fruitful of eternal good.

THE PUBLISHERS.

INTRODUCTION.

[Illustration: Introduction]

Before the entrance of sin, Adam enjoyed open communion with his Maker;
but since man separated himself from God by transgression, the human race
has been cut off from this high privilege. By the plan of redemption,
however, a way has been opened whereby the inhabitants of the earth may
still have connection with heaven. God has communicated with men by His
Spirit, and divine light has been imparted to the world by revelations to
His chosen servants. "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy
Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21.

During the first twenty-five hundred years of human history, there was no
written revelation. Those who had been taught of God, communicated their
knowledge to others, and it was handed down from father to son, through
successive generations. The preparation of the written word began in the
time of Moses. Inspired revelations were then embodied in an inspired
book. This work continued during the long period of sixteen hundred
years,--from Moses, the historian of creation and the law, to John, the
recorder of the most sublime truths of the gospel.

The Bible points to God as its author; yet it was written by human hands;
and in the varied style of its different books it pres