Chap. 330---The Wicked Prepare to Attack the New Jerusalem

"Satan ... shall go out to deceive the nations ... to gather them together to battle.
Revelation 20:7, 8.
In that vast throng are multitudes of the long-lived race that existed before the
Flood; men of lofty stature and giant intellect, who, yielding to the control of fallen
angels, devoted all their skill and knowledge to the exaltation of themselves; men
whose wonderful works of art led the world to idolize their genius, but whose
cruelty and evil inventions, defiling the earth and defacing the image of God, caused
Him to blot them from the face of His creation. There are kings and generals who
conquered nations, valiant men who never lost a battle, proud, ambitious warriors
whose approach made kingdoms tremble. In death these experienced no change. As
they come up from the grave, they resume the current of their thoughts just where it
ceased. They are actuated by the same desire to conquer that ruled them when they
fell.
Satan consults with his angels, and then with these kings and conquerors and
mighty men. They look upon the strength and numbers on their side, and declare
that the army within the city is small in comparison with theirs, and that it can be
overcome. They lay their plans to take possession of the riches and glory of the New
Jerusalem. All immediately begin to prepare for battle. Skillful artisans construct
implements of war. Military leaders, famed for their success, marshal the throngs
of warlike men into companies and divisions.
At last the order to advance is given, and the countless host moves on—an army
such as was never summoned by earthly conquerors, such as the combined forces of
all ages since war began on earth could never equal. Satan, the mightiest of warriors,
leads the van, and his angels unite their forces for this final struggle. Kings and
warriors are in his train, and the multitudes follow in vast companies, each under its
appointed leader. With military precision the serried ranks advance over the earth’s
broken and uneven surface to the City of God. By command of Jesus, the gates of
the New Jerusalem are closed, and the armies of Satan surround the city and make
ready for the onset."
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