The Book of Seconds

The Book of Seconds'So they shall fear the name of the Lord from the west and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the Lord drives.'And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,' declares the Lord.'And as for me, this is my covenant with them,' says the Lord: 'My Spirit that is upon you and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring,' says the Lord, 'from this time forth and forevermore.' ―Isaiah 59:19-21The Book of Seconds is a collection of histories and diaries discovered in the aftermath of the worldwide holocaust resulting from the Gathering-Up, when Christians vanished from Earth.Although scribed separately, these writings appear connected, not only through the language and insights of the writers, but also by their consistency related to biblical prophecy. This is remarkable in itself considering the conditions under which they were written. When The Dark began, immediately after the Gathering-Up, no consistent communications bridge such as the Internet, radio or television existed. Electrical and nuclear power ceased to operate at any level. Transportation reverted to horses (until they became food), bicycles, steam-driven vehicles, water travel and walking. Intercontinental exchange, even between countries, states and tribes was inconsistent and perilous, as were trust relationships. Those who could get their message out and convince others of the truth of it held dominance. Falconers, pigeon trainers and pony riders became nobles and legends of the community. Local government took the form of feudal kings who held territory and traded favors in turn with other self-titled 'princes'. For the price of fealty, these provincial rulers provided whatever food, technology, weapons and protection still existed.