In the visions of the night I saw a sword of fire hung out over Battle Creek. (PM 171.1) MC VC

Brethren, God is in earnest with us. I want to tell you that if after the warnings given in these burnings the leaders of our people go right on, just as they have done in the past, exalting themselves, God will take the bodies next. Just as surely as He lives, He will speak to them in language that they cannot fail to understand. (PM 171.2) MC VC

God is watching us to see if we will humble ourselves before Him as little children. I speak these words now that we may come to Him in humility and contrition and find out what He requires of us.—Manuscript 11, 1903. (PM 171.3) MC VC

A Fulfillment of Warnings—Today I received a letter from Elder Daniells [General Conference president] regarding the destruction of the Review office by fire. I feel very sad as I consider the great loss to the cause. I know that this must be a very trying time for the brethren in charge of the work and for the employees of the office. I am afflicted with all who are afflicted. But I was not surprised by the sad news, for in the visions of the night I have seen an angel standing with a sword as of fire stretched over Battle Creek. Once, in the daytime while my pen was in my hand, I lost consciousness, and it seemed as if this sword of flame were turning first in one direction and then in another. Disaster seemed to follow disaster [Seventh-day Adventist fires in Battle Creek destroyed not only the sanitarium building and the Review and Herald factory but also the Haskell orphan home. And there were other fires of less consequence. No more convincing disapproval of the status quo could have been provided by the Master Overseer of the work than these calamities.] because God was dishonored by the devising of men to exalt and glorify themselves.... (PM 171.4) MC VC