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First Angel’s Message
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call men to repentance unto salvation. Though opposed by Satan,
the work went steadily forward, and the Advent truth was accepted
by many thousands.
Everywhere was heard the searching testimony warning sinners,
both worldlings and church-members, to flee from the wrath to come.
Like John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, the preachers laid
the ax at the root of the tree, and urged all to bring forth fruit meet
for repentance. Their stirring appeals were in marked contrast to the
assurances of peace and safety that were heard from popular pulpits;
and wherever the message was given, it moved the people. The
simple, direct testimony of the Scriptures, set home by the power of
the Holy Spirit, brought a weight of conviction which few were able
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wholly to resist. Professors of religion were roused from their false
security. They saw their backslidings, their worldliness and unbelief,
their pride and selfishness. Many sought the Lord with repentance
and humiliation. The affections that had so long clung to earthly
things they now fixed upon Heaven. The Spirit of God rested upon
them, and with hearts softened and subdued they joined to sound the
cry, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his Judgment
is come.”
Sinners inquired with weeping, “What must I do to be saved?”
Those whose lives had been marked with dishonesty were anxious
to make restitution. All who found peace in Christ longed to see
others share the blessing. The hearts of parents were turned to their
children, and the hearts of children to their parents. The barriers of
pride and reserve were swept away. Heartfelt confessions were made,
and the members of the household labored for the salvation of those
who were nearest and dearest. Often was heard the sound of earnest
intercession. Everywhere were souls in deep anguish, pleading with
God. Many wrestled all night in prayer for the assurance that their
own sins were pardoned, or for the conversion of their relatives or
neighbors. That earnest, determined faith gained its object. Had the
people of God continued to be thus importunate in prayer, pressing
their petitions at the mercy-seat, they would be in possession of a far
richer experience than they now have. There is too little prayer, too
little real conviction of sin; and the lack of living faith leaves many
destitute of the grace so richly provided by our gracious Redeemer.
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