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The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 4
reprove fashionable sins. This spirit will increase more and more as
we near the close of time.
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And what is our duty in view of this? Shall we conclude that the
truth ought not to be presented, since its effect is so often to arouse
men to evade or resist its claims?—No; we have no more reason
for withholding the testimony of God’s word because it excites
opposition than had Martin Luther. Luther declared himself to have
been urged on, compelled by the Spirit of God, to battle against the
evils of his time; and in the same manner must those labor who still
carry forward the work of reform. To the servants of God at this
time is the command addressed, “Lift up thy voice like a trumpet,
and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their
sins.”
The true followers of Christ do not wait for truth to become
popular. Being convinced of their duty, they deliberately accept
the cross, and thus remove the greatest obstacle to the reception
of truth,—the only argument which its advocates have never been
able to refute. It is weak, inefficient world-servers that think it
praiseworthy to have no principle in religious things. We should
choose the right because it is right, and leave consequences with
God. To men of principle, faith, and daring, is the world indebted
for its great reforms. By such men must the work of reform for this
time be carried forward.
Thus saith the Lord: “Hearken unto me, ye that know righteous-
ness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach
of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat
them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool; but
my righteousness shall be forever, and my salvation from generation
to generation.” [
Isaiah 51:7, 8
.]
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