506
The Great Controversy 1888
again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close. Here are “the times
of refreshing” to which the apostle Peter looked forward when he said,
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted
out [in the investigative Judgment], when the times of refreshing shall
come from the presence of the Lord; and he shall send Jesus.” [
Acts
3:19, 20
.]
[612]
Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy
consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message
from Heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning
will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and
signs and wonders will follow the believers. Satan also works with
lying wonders, even bringing down fire from heaven in the sight of
men. [
Revelation 13:13
.] Thus the inhabitants of the earth will be
brought to take their stand.
The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the
deep conviction of the Spirit of God. The arguments have been pre-
sented. The seed has been sown, and now it will spring up and bear
fruit. The publications distributed by missionary workers have exerted
their influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been pre-
vented from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience.
Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its
clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have
held them. Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay
them now. Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding
the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their
stand upon the Lord’s side.
[613]