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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
pure principles of truth and holiness are conveyed to the world. They
are the salt of the earth and the light thereof. I saw that in looking
heavenward we shall see light and peace, but in looking to the world
we shall see that every refuge must soon fail us and every good soon
pass away. There is no help for us but in God; in this state of earth’s
confusion we can be composed, strong, or safe, only in the strength
of living faith; nor can we be at peace, only as we rest in God and
wait for His salvation. Greater light shines upon us than shone upon
our fathers. We cannot be accepted or honored of God in rendering
the same service, or doing the same works, that our fathers did. In
order to be accepted and blessed of God as they were, we must imi-
tate their faithfulness and zeal,—improve our light as they improved
theirs,—and do as they would have done had they lived in our day. We
must walk in the light which shines upon us, otherwise that light will
become darkness. God requires of us to exhibit to the world, in our
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character and works, that measure of the spirit of union and oneness
which is in accordance with the sacred truths we profess and with the
spirit of those prophecies that are fulfilling in these last days. The truth
which has reached our understanding, and the light which has shone
on the soul, will judge and condemn us, if we turn away and refuse to
be led by them.
What shall I say to arouse the remnant people of God? I was shown
that dreadful scenes are before us; Satan and his angels are bringing all
their powers to bear upon God’s people. He knows that if they sleep a
little longer he is sure of them, for their destruction is certain. I warn
all who profess the name of Christ to closely examine themselves and
make full and thorough confession of all their wrongs, that they may
go beforehand to judgment, and that the recording angel may write
pardon opposite their names. My brother, my sister, if these precious
moments of mercy are not improved, you will be left without excuse.
If you make no special effort to arouse, if you will not manifest zeal
in repenting, these golden moments will soon pass, and you will be
weighed in the balance and found wanting. Then your agonizing cries
will be of no avail. Then will apply the words of the Lord: “Because
I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out My hand, and no
man regarded; but ye have set at nought all My counsel, and would
none of My reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock
when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and