And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree” (Revelation 7:1).

These angels standing on the four corners of the world are at the cardinal points of the earth, restraining or holding back the winds.

Winds in the Bible represent commotions among the nations, such as wars, political movements, strife.

“Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will raise up against Babylon, and against them that dwell in the midst of them that rise up against me, a destroying wind; and will send unto Babylon fanners, that shall fan her, and shall empty her land: for in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about” (Jeremiah 51:1, 2; Read also chapters 25:32; 49:36).

We read also in the Spirit of Prophecy:

“John sees the elements of nature—earthquake, tempest, and political strife—represented as being held by four angels. These winds are under control until God gives the word to let them go. There is the safety of God’s church. The angels of God do His bidding, holding back the winds of the earth, that the winds should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree, until the servants of God should be sealed in their foreheads.” 1

“I asked my accompanying angel the meaning of what I heard, and what the four angels were about to do. He shewed me that it was God that restrained the powers, and that He gave His angels charge over things on the earth, and that the four angels had power from God to hold the four winds, and that they were about to let the four winds go, and while they had started on their mission to let them go, the merciful eye of Jesus gazed on the remnant that were not all sealed, then He raised His hands to the Father and pleaded with Him that He had spilled His blood for them.—Then another angel was commissioned to fly swiftly to the four angels, and bid them hold until the servants of God were sealed with the seal of the living God in their foreheads.” 2

This last Testimony was written on January 5, 1849. At that time the winds were about to blow when the angel who had the seal of the living God bade the four angels to hold them until the sealing was finished. Around the year 1848 there was a commotion among some of the nations in Europe: namely, Italy, France, Germany, and Austria. While this was taking place, the Adventists studied the seventh chapter of Revelation and understood that the winds would be restrained until the sealing work was completed. A vision was given Sister White about these events, and the words spoken while in vision were:

“ ‘The angels are holding the winds. It is God that re­strains the powers. The angels have not let go, for the saints are not all sealed. The time of trouble has commenced. It has begun. The reason why the four winds are not let go, is because the saints are not all sealed. It (the trouble) is on the increase more and more: that trouble will never end until the earth is rid of the wicked. Why, they (the winds) are just ready to blow. There is a check put on because the saints are not all sealed. Yes, publish the things thou has seen and heard and the blessing of God will attend.” 3

The winds were restrained because the saints were not all sealed. This helps us to understand that in 1848 some believers were already sealed.

“The four angels are holding the four winds that a special work may be accomplished: the saints of God are to be sealed in their foreheads. Brethren, how long before you will be ready for the seal of God?” 4

“Men cannot discern the sentinel angels restraining the four winds that they shall not blow until the servants of God are sealed; but when God shall bid His angels loose the winds, there will be such a scene of strife as no pen can picture.” 5

“I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus’ work was done in the sanctuary.” 6

“Angels are belting the world, refusing Satan his claims to supremacy, made because of the vast multitude of his adherents. We hear not the voices, we see not with the natural sight the work of these angels, but their hands are linked about the world, and with sleepless vigilance they are keeping the armies of Satan at bay till the sealing of God’s people shall be accomplished.” 7