Chapter 23—Conformity to the World
I was shown the conformity of some professed Sabbathkeepers to
the world. Oh, I saw that it is a disgrace to their profession, a disgrace
to the cause of God. They give the lie to their profession. They think
they are not like the world, but they are so near like them in dress,
in conversation, and actions, that there is no distinction. I saw them
decorating their poor, mortal bodies, which are liable at any moment
to be touched by the finger of God and laid upon a bed of anguish. Oh,
then, as they approach their last change, mortal anguish racks their
frames, and the great inquiry is: “Am I prepared to die? prepared to
appear before God in judgment, and pass the grand review?” Ask them
then how they feel about decorating their bodies, and if they have any
sense of what it is to be prepared to appear before God, they will tell
you that if they could take back and live over the past, they would
correct their lives, shun the follies of the world, its vanity and pride,
and would adorn the body with modest apparel, and set an example to
all around them. They would live to the glory of God.
Why is it so hard to lead a self-denying, humble life? Because
professed Christians are not dead to the world. It is easy living after
we are dead. But many are longing for the leeks and onions of Egypt.
They have a disposition to dress and act as much like the world as
possible and yet go to heaven. Such climb up some other way. They
do not enter through the strait gate and narrow way.
I was shown the company present at the Conference. Said the
[132]
angel: “Some food for worms, [
Sister Clarissa M. Bonfoey, who fell
asleep in Jesus only three days after this vision was given, was present
in usual health, and was deeply impressed that she was one who would
go into the grave, and stated her convictions to others.
] some subjects
of the seven last plagues, some will be alive and remain upon the earth
to be translated at the coming of Jesus.”
Solemn words were these, spoken by the angel. I asked the angel
why so few were interested in their eternal welfare, so few preparing
for their last change. Said he: “Earth attracts them, its treasures seem
127