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Selected Messages Book 2
He bears his testimony, that which the Lord revealed to him in vision
of the great and solemn events which we must know as we stand on
the very threshold of their fulfillment.
In history and prophecy the Word of God portrays the long contin-
ued conflict between truth and error. That conflict is yet in progress.
Those things which have been, will be repeated. Old controversies
will be revived, and new theories will be continually arising. But
God’s people, who in their belief and fulfillment of prophecy have
acted a part in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’
messages, know where they stand. They have an experience that is
more precious than fine gold. They are to stand firm as a rock, holding
the beginning of their confidence steadfast unto the end.
A transforming power attended the proclamation of the first and
second angels’ messages, as it attends the message of the third angel.
Lasting convictions were made upon human minds. The power of the
Holy Spirit was manifested. There was diligent study of the Scriptures,
point by point. Almost entire nights were devoted to earnest searching
of the Word. We searched for the truth as for hidden treasures. The
Lord revealed Himself to us. Light was shed on the prophecies, and
we knew that we received divine instruction....
After the great disappointment there were few who set themselves
to seek the Word with all their heart. But some souls would not settle
down in discouragement and deny that the Lord had led them. To
these the truth was opened point by point, and entwined with their
most hallowed recollections and sympathies. The searchers after truth
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felt that the identification of Christ with their nature and interest was
complete. Truth was made to shine forth, beautiful in its simplicity,
dignified with a power and invested with an assurance unknown before
the disappointment. We could then proclaim the message in unity.
But among those who had not held fast their faith and experience,
there was great confusion. Every conceivable opinion was presented
as the message of truth; but the Lord’s voice was, “Believe them not;
for I have not sent them.”
We walked carefully with God. The message was to be given to
the world, and we knew that this present light was the special gift of
God. The impartation of this gift was the prerogative of God. His
disappointed ones, who were still seeking after truth, were led step by
step to communicate to the world that which had been communicated