Shaking
175
glory of heaven. They had obtained the victory, and it called forth
from them the deepest gratitude, and holy, sacred joy.
The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken
out, and left by the way. [
“I know thy works, that thou art neither
cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou
art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My
mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and
have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and
miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”
Revelation 3:15-17
.] The
careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory
and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not
obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, but their numbers were
immediately made up by others taking hold of the truth and coming
into the ranks. Still the evil angels pressed around them, but they
could have no power over them. [
“For we wrestle not against flesh
and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high
places. [Or, “Wicked spirits in heavenly places,” as in the margin.]
Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be
able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand
therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the
breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation
of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith
ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take
the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word
of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit,
and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all
saints.”
Ephesians 6:12-18
.]
I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth in great
power. It had effect. I saw those who had been bound; some wives
had been bound by their husbands, and some children had been bound
by their parents. The honest who had been held or prevented from
[183]
hearing the truth, now eagerly laid hold of it. All fear of their relatives
was gone. The truth alone was exalted to them. It was dearer and more
precious than life. They had been hungering and thirsting for truth. I
asked what had made this great change. An angel answered: “It is the
latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry
of the third angel.”