Chapter 21—The Church and World United
Satan then consulted with his angels, and they there considered
what they had gained. It was true that they had kept some timid souls
through fear of death, from embracing the truth; but many, even of the
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most timid, received the truth, and immediately their fears and timidity
left them, and as they witnessed the death of their brethren, and saw
their firmness and patience, they knew that God and angels assisted
them to endure such sufferings, and they grew bold and fearless. And
when called to yield their own lives, they maintained their faith with
such patience and firmness as caused even their murderers to tremble.
Satan and his angels decided that there was a more successful way to
destroy souls, and more certain in the end. They saw that although they
caused Christians to suffer, their steadfastness, and the bright hope that
cheered them, caused the weakest to grow strong, and that the rack
and the flames could not daunt them. They imitated the noble bearing
of Christ when before his murderers, and many were convinced of the
truth by witnessing their constancy, and the glory of God which rested
upon them. Satan decided that he must come in a milder form. He had
corrupted the doctrines of the Bible; and traditions which were to ruin
millions were taking deep root. He restrained his hate, and decided
not to urge on his subjects to such bitter persecution; but lead on the
church to contend, not for the faith once delivered to the saints, but,
for various traditions. As he led on the church to receive favors and
honors of the world, under the false pretense of benefiting
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them, she began to lose favor with God. Gradually the church lost her
power, as she shunned to declare the straight truths which shut out the
lovers of pleasure and friends of the world.
The church is not the separate and peculiar people she was when
the fires of persecution were kindled against her. How is the gold
become dim? How is the most fine gold changed? I saw that if the
church had always retained her holy and peculiar character, the power
of the Holy Spirit which was imparted to the disciples would be with
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