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Spiritual Gifts. Volume 1
in God. The answer from them, as they earnestly looked to heaven, and
pointed upward, was, Come out from among them, and be separate. I
saw individuals struggling for freedom, and at last they broke the cords
that bound them. They resisted the efforts which were made to fasten
the cords tighter, and would not heed the repeated assertions, God is
with us, We have the truth with us. Individuals continued to leave the
companies who were in darkness, and joined the free company, who
appeared to be in an open field raised above the earth. Their gaze was
upward, and the glory of God rested upon them, and they shouted the
praises of God. They were united, and seemed to be wrapt in the light
of heaven. Around this company were some who came
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under the influence of the light, but who were not particularly united
to the company. All who cherished the light shed upon them were
gazing upward with intense interest. Jesus looked upon them with
sweet approbation. They expected Jesus to come. They longed for his
appearing. They did not cast one lingering look to earth. Again I saw
a cloud settle upon the waiting ones. I saw them turn their weary eyes
downward. I inquired the cause of this change. Said my accompanying
angel, They are again disappointed in their expectations. Jesus cannot
yet come to earth. They must yet suffer for Jesus and endure greater
trials. They must give up errors and traditions received from men, and
turn wholly to God and his word. They must be purified, made white
and tried. And those who endure that bitter trial will obtain an eternal
victory.
Jesus did not come to earth as the waiting, joyful company ex-
pected, to cleanse the Sanctuary, by purifying the earth by fire. I
saw that they were correct in their reckoning of the prophetic periods.
Prophetic time closed in 1844. Their mistake consisted in not under-
standing what the Sanctuary was, and the nature of its cleansing. Jesus
did enter the Most Holy place to cleanse the Sanctuary at the ending of
the days. I looked again at the waiting, disappointed company. They
looked sad. They carefully examined the evidences of their faith, and
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followed down through the reckoning of the prophetic periods, and
could discover no mistake. Time was fulfilled, but where was their
Saviour? They had lost him.
I was then shown the disappointment of the disciples as they came
to the sepulchre and found not the body of Jesus. Said Mary, They have
taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. Angels