Chapter 69—The Rebellion
[
See Appendix
]
The dreadful state of our nation calls for deep humility on the part
of God’s people. The one all-important inquiry which should now
engross the mind of everyone is: Am I prepared for the day of God?
Can I stand the trying test before me?
I saw that God is purifying and proving His people. He will refine
them as gold, until the dross is consumed and His image is reflected
in them. All have not that spirit of self-denial and that willingness to
endure hardness and to suffer for the truth’s sake, which God requires.
Their wills are not subdued; they have not consecrated themselves
wholly to God, seeking no greater pleasure than to do His will. Minis-
ters and people lack spirituality and true godliness. Everything is to
be shaken that can be shaken. God’s people will be brought into most
trying positions, and all must be settled, rooted, and grounded in the
truth, or their steps will surely slide. If God comforts and nourishes the
soul with His inspiring presence, they can endure, though the way may
be dark and thorny. For the darkness will soon pass away, and the true
light shine forever. I was pointed to
Isaiah 58:1-15
;
Jeremiah 14:10-12
,
as a description of the present state of our nation. The people of this
nation have forsaken and forgotten God. They have chosen other Gods
and followed their own corrupt ways until God has turned from them.
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The inhabitants of the earth have trampled upon the law of God and
broken His everlasting covenant.
I was shown the excitement created among our people by the article
in the Review headed, “The Nation.” Some understood it one way, and
some another. The plain statements were distorted, and made to mean
what the writer did not intend. He gave the best light that he then had.
It was necessary that something be said. The attention of many was
turned to Sabbathkeepers because they manifested no greater interest
in the war and did not volunteer. In some places they were looked upon
as sympathizing with the Rebellion. The time had come for our true
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