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prize something higher than the truth, and their hearts are not prepared
to receive Jesus. Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to
see if they will sacrifice their idols and heed the counsel of the True
Witness. If any will not be purified through obeying the truth, and
overcome their selfishness, their pride, and evil passions, the angels of
God have the charge: “They are joined to their idols, let them alone,”
and they pass on to their work, leaving these with their sinful traits
unsubdued, to the control of evil angels. Those who come up to every
point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may,
have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the
latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation.
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God proves His people in this world. This is the fitting-up place to
appear in His presence. Here, in this world, in these last days, persons
will show what power affects their hearts and controls their actions.
If it is the power of divine truth, it will lead to good works. It will
elevate the receiver, and make him noblehearted and generous, like
his divine Lord. But if evil angels control the heart, it will be seen in
various ways. The fruit will be selfishness, covetousness, pride, and
evil passions.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.
Professors of religion are not willing to closely examine themselves to
see whether they are in the faith; and it is a fearful fact that many are
leaning on a false hope. Some lean upon an old experience which they
had years ago; but when brought down to this heart-searching time,
when all should have a daily experience, they have nothing to relate.
They seem to think that a profession of the truth will save them. When
they subdue those sins which God hates, Jesus will come in and sup
with them and they with Him. They will then draw divine strength
from Jesus, and will grow up in Him, and be able with holy triumph
to say: “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our
Lord Jesus Christ.” It would be more pleasing to the Lord if lukewarm
professors of religion had never named His name. They are a continual
weight to those who would be faithful followers of Jesus. They are a
stumbling block to unbelievers, and evil angels exult over them, and
taunt the angels of God with their crooked course. Such are a curse to
the cause at home or abroad. They draw nigh to God with their lips,
while their heart is far from Him.