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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
the poisonous atmosphere from the evil angels was pressed around
these anxious ones, the heavenly angels were continually wafting their
wings over them, to scatter the thick darkness.
Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing and
pleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resist-
ing the darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud.
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The angels of God left these, and I saw them hastening to the assis-
tance of those who were struggling with all their energies to resist the
evil angels, and trying to help themselves by calling upon God with
perseverance. But the angels left those who made no effort to help
themselves, and I lost sight of them. As the praying ones continued
their earnest cries, a ray of light from Jesus would at times come to
them, to encourage their hearts, and light up their countenances.
I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that
it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel
of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon
the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and
pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony.
They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God’s
people.
The testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The
solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has
been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must
work deep repentance, and all that truly receive it will obey it and be
purified.
Said the angel: “List ye!” Soon I heard a voice that sounded like
many musical instruments, all in perfect strains, sweet and harmonious.
It surpassed any music I had ever heard. It seemed to be so full of
mercy, compassion, and elevating, holy joy. It thrilled through my
whole being. Said the angel: “Look ye!” My attention was then turned
to the company I had seen, who were mightily shaken. I was shown
those whom I had before seen weeping and praying with agony of
spirit. The company of guardian angels around them had been doubled,
and they were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet.
They moved in exact order, firmly, like a company of soldiers. Their
countenances expressed the severe conflict which they had endured,
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the agonizing struggle they had passed through. Yet their features,
marked with severe internal anguish, now shone with the light and