"Satan . . . shall go out to deceive the nations . . . to gather them together to battle."
Rev. 20:7, 8.
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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.
338.1
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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. Skilful artisans construct implements of war. Military leaders, famed for their success,
marshal the throngs of warlike men into companies and divisions.
338.2
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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.
338.3
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