Answer to Prayer
35
to another testing point, they shrink from it and stand back, because
they find it strikes directly at some cherished idol. Here they have
opportunity to see what is in their hearts that shuts out Jesus. They
prize something higher than the truth, and their hearts are not prepared
to receive Jesus. Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to
see if they will sacrifice their idols, and heed the counsel of the true
Witness. If they will not be purified through obeying the truth, and
overcome their selfishness, their pride, and evil passions, the angels
of God have their charge,—“They are joined to their idols, let them
alone,”—and they pass on to their work, leaving them with their evil
traits unsubdued, to the control of evil angels. Those who come up
to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what
it may, have heeded the counsel of the true Witness, and they will be
fitted for translation by the latter rain.
God proves his people in this world. This is the fitting up place
to appear in his presence. Here in this world, in these last days,
individuals will show what power affects their hearts, and controls
their actions. If it is the power of divine truth, it will lead to good works.
It will elevate the receiver, and make him noble-hearted and generous,
like his divine Lord. But if the evil angels control the heart, it will
be seen in various ways. The fruit will be selfishness, covetousness,
[35]
pride, and evil passions. The heart is deceitful above all things, and
desperately wicked. Professors of religion are not willing to closely
examine their own selves to see whether they are in the faith, and it is a
fearful fact that many are leaning on a false hope. Some lean upon an
old experience; but when brought down to this heart-searching time,
when all should have a daily experience, they have nothing to relate.
They seem to think a profession of the truth will save them. When
those sins which God hates are subdued, Jesus will come in and sup
with you, and you with him. You will then draw divine strength from
Jesus, and you will grow up in him, and be able with holy triumph to
say, Blessed be God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ. It would be more pleasing to the Lord if lukewarm professors
of religion had never named his name. They are a continual weight to
those who would be faithful followers of Jesus. They are a stumbling-
block to unbelievers, and evil angels exult over them, and taunt the
angels of God with their crooked course. Such are a curse to the cause