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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
In concluding this narrative, I would say that we are living in a
most solemn time. In the last vision given me, I was shown the startling
fact that but a small portion of those who now profess the truth will be
sanctified by it and be saved. Many will get above the simplicity of
the work. They will conform to the world, cherish idols, and become
spiritually dead. The humble, self-sacrificing followers of Jesus will
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pass on to perfection, leaving behind the indifferent and lovers of the
world.
I was pointed back to ancient Israel. But two of the adults of
the vast army that left Egypt entered the land of Canaan. Their dead
bodies were strewn in the wilderness because of their transgressions.
Modern Israel are in greater danger of forgetting God and being led
into idolatry than were His ancient people. Many idols are worshiped,
even by professed Sabbathkeepers. God especially charged His ancient
people to guard against idolatry, for if they should be led away from
serving the living God, His curse would rest upon them, while if they
would love Him with all their heart, with all their soul, and with all
their might, He would abundantly bless them in basket and in store,
and would remove sickness from the midst of them.
A blessing or a curse is now before the people of God—a blessing
if they come out from the world and are separate, and walk in the path
of humble obedience; and a curse if they unite with the idolatrous,
who trample upon the high claims of heaven. The sins and iniquities
of rebellious Israel are recorded and the picture presented before us
as a warning that if we imitate their example of transgression and
depart from God we shall fall as surely as did they. “Now all these
things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our
admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”
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