As the time comes for it [the third angel's message] to be given
with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments,
leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service. The
laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by
the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be
constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God
gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results
of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the
inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal
power—all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be
stirred....
The power attending the message will only madden those who oppose
it.... The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and in this
work, papists and Protestants unite. As the movement for Sunday
enforcement becomes more bold and decided, the law will be invoked
against commandment keepers....
The words of Paul will be literally fulfilled, “All that will live
godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” As the defenders of
truth refuse to honor the Sunday-sabbath, some of them will be thrust
into prison, some will be exiled, some will be treated as slaves. To
human wisdom, all this now seems impossible; but as the restraining
Spirit of God shall be withdrawn from men, and they shall be under the
control of Satan, ... there will be strange developments....
No man can serve God without enlisting against himself the opposition of the hosts of darkness. The Great Controversy, 606-610.
What was the strength of those who in the past have suffered
persecution for Christ's sake? It was union with God, union with the
Holy Spirit, union with Christ. It is this fellowship with the Saviour
that will enable God's people to endure to the end. The Review and
Herald, February 9, 1911.
Note: In
some areas phrases have been omitted by the compilers for whatever
reason. I have restored them as underlined text, that the full intent of
the author may be given.
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