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Christian Service
power of obedience to His law. Even now they are appearing in every
nation, among every tongue and people; and in the hour of deepest
apostasy, when Satan’s supreme effort is made to cause “all, both small
and great, rich and poor, free and bond,” to receive, under penalty of
death, the sign of allegiance to a false rest day, these faithful ones,
“blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke,” will “shine
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as lights in the world.” The darker the night, the more brilliantly will
they shine.—
Prophets and Kings, 188, 189
.
When the storm of persecution really breaks upon us, the true
sheep will hear the true Shepherd’s voice. Self-denying efforts will be
put forth to save the lost, and many who have strayed from the fold
will come back to follow the great Shepherd.—Australian
The Signs
of the Times, January 26, 1903
, Supplement.
The Divine Protection
But though the conflict is a ceaseless one, none are left to struggle
alone. Angels help and protect those who walk humbly before God.
Never will our Lord betray one who trusts in Him. As His children
draw near to Him for protection from evil, in pity and love He lifts
up for them a standard against the enemy. Touch them not, He says;
for they are Mine. I have graven them upon the palms of My hands.—
Prophets and Kings, 571
.
Heaven is very near those who suffer for righteousness’ sake.
Christ identifies His interests with the interests of His faithful people;
He suffers in the person of His saints; and whoever touches His chosen
ones, touches Him. The power that is near to deliver from physical
harm or distress, is also near to save from the greater evil, making
it possible for the servant of God to maintain his integrity under all
circumstances.—
Prophets and Kings, 545
.
At times the Lord may seem to have forgotten the perils of His
church, and the injury done her by her enemies. But God has not
forgotten. Nothing in this world is so dear to the heart of God as His
church. It is not His will that worldly policy shall corrupt her record.
He does not leave His people to be overcome by Satan’s temptations.
He will punish those who misrepresent Him, but He will be gracious
to all who sincerely repent.—
Prophets and Kings, 590
.
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