ot."(1055) This argument will appear conclusive; and a decree will
finally be issued against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth
commandment, denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment, and
giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death.
Romanism in the Old World, and apostate Protestantism in the New, will
pursue a similar course toward those who honor all the divine precepts.

The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and
distress described by the prophet as the time of Jacob's trouble. "Thus
saith the Lord: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of
peace.... All faces are turned into paleness. Alas! for that day is great,
so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he
shall be saved out of it."(1056)

Jacob's night of anguish, when he wrestled in prayer for deliverance from
the hand of Esau,(1057) represents the experience of God's people in the
time of trouble. Because of the deception practised to secure his father's
blessing, intended for Esau, Jacob had fled for his life, alarmed by his
brother's deadly threats. After remaining for many years an exile, he had
set out, at God's command, to return with his wives and children, his
flocks and herds, to his native country. On reaching the borders of the
land, he was filled with terror by the tidings of Esau's approach at the
head of a band of warriors, doubtless bent upon revenge. Jacob's company,
unarmed and defenseless, seemed about to fall helpless victims of violence
and slaughter. And to the burden of anxiety and fear was added the
crushing weight of self-reproach; for it was his own sin that had brought
this danger. His only hope was in the mercy of God; his only defense must
be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing undone on his own part to atone for the
wrong to his brother, and to avert the threatened danger. So should the
followers of Christ, as they approach the time of trouble, make every
exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to
disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of
conscience.

Having sent his family away, that they may not witness his distress, Jacob
remains alone to intercede with God. He confesses his sin, and gratefully
acknowledges the mercy of God toward him, while with deep humiliation he
pleads the covenant made with his fathers, and the promises to himself in
the night vision at Bethel