Chapter 56—Perilous Times
The unbelieving world will soon have something to think of besides
their dress and appearance; and as their minds are torn from these
things by distress and perplexity, they will have nothing to turn to. They
are not prisoners of hope, and therefore do not turn to the Stronghold.
Their hearts will fail them for repining and fear. They have not made
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God their refuge, and He will not be their consolation then, but will
laugh at their calamity, and mock when their fear cometh. They have
despised and trampled upon the truths of God’s word. They have
indulged in extravagant dress, and have spent their lives in hilarity and
glee. They have sown to the wind; they must reap the whirlwind. In
the time of distress and perplexity of nations there will be many who
have not given themselves wholly to the corrupting influences of the
world and the service of Satan, who will humble themselves before
God and turn to Him with their whole heart and find acceptance and
pardon.
Those among Sabbathkeepers who have been unwilling to make
any sacrifice, but have yielded to the influence of the world, are to be
tested and proved. The perils of the last days are upon us, and a trial
is before the young which they have not anticipated. They are to be
brought into most distressing perplexity. The genuineness of their faith
will be proved. They profess to be looking for the coming of the Son of
man, yet some of them have been a miserable example to unbelievers.
They have not been willing to give up the world, but have united with
them, have attended picnics and other gatherings of pleasure, flattering
themselves that they were engaging in innocent amusement. Yet I was
shown that it is just such indulgences that separate them from God
and make them children of the world. God does not own the pleasure
seeker as His follower. He has given us no such example. Those only
who are self-denying, and who live a life of sobriety, humility, and
holiness, are true followers of Jesus; and such cannot engage in and
enjoy the frivolous, empty conversation of the lovers of the world.
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