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mountains and deserts, when left in dungeons to die with hunger, cold,
and torture, when martyrdom seemed the only way out of their distress,
they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ, who
was crucified for them. Their worthy example will be a comfort and
encouragement to the people of God who will be brought into the time
of trouble such as never was.
Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed. There
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are many even among those who teach the truth to others who will
not receive the seal of God in their foreheads. They had the light of
truth, they knew their Master’s will, they understood every point of
our faith, but they had not corresponding works. These who were so
familiar with prophecy and the treasures of divine wisdom should have
acted their faith. They should have commanded their households after
them, that by a well-ordered family they might present to the world
the influence of the truth upon the human heart.
By their lack of devotion and piety, and their failure to reach a
high religious standard, they make other souls contented with their
position. Men of finite judgment cannot see that in patterning after
these men who have so often opened to them the treasures of God’s
word, they will surely endanger their souls. Jesus is the only true
pattern. Everyone must now search the Bible for himself upon his
knees before God, with the humble, teachable heart of a child, if he
would know what the Lord requires of him. However high any minister
may have stood in the favor of God, if he neglects to follow out the
light given him of God, if he refuses to be taught as a little child, he
will go into darkness and satanic delusions and will lead others in the
same path.
Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters
have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects
in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then
the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples
on the Day of Pentecost.
We are too easily satisfied with our attainments. We feel rich
and increased with goods and know not that we are “wretched, and
miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Now is the time to heed
the admonition of the True Witness: “I counsel thee to buy of Me gold
tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou
mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear;
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