John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
[The Great Controversy pp 363] Lacunza lived in the eighteenth century, but it was about 1825 that his book, having found its way to London, was translated into the English language. Its publication served to deepen the interest already awakening in England in the subject of the second advent. In Germany the doctrine had been taught in the eighteenth century by Bengel, a minister in the Lutheran Church, and a celebrated Biblical scholar and critic.
Upon completing his education, Bengel had devoted himself to the study of theology, “to which the grave and religious tone of his mind, deepened and strengthened by his early training and discipline, naturally inclined him. Like other young men of thoughtful character, before and since, he had to struggle with doubts and difficulties of a religious nature, and he alludes, with much feeling, to the ‘many arrows which pierced his poor heart, and made his youth hard to bear.’”
Becoming a member of the consistory of Wurtemberg, he advocated the cause of religious liberty, urging “that all reasonable freedom be accorded those who felt themselves bound, on grounds of conscience, to withdraw from the established church.” The good effects of this policy are still felt in his native province. It was while preparing a sermon from Revelation 21 for “Advent Sunday” that the light of Christ's second coming broke in upon Bengel's mind. The prophecies of the Revelation unfolded to his understanding as never before.
Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!