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the stars. They are there, fixed in the firmament, but the eye cannot
distinguish them. In the night we behold their genuine luster.
The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul.
The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. Those who have step by
step yielded to worldly demands and conformed to worldly customs
will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than
subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and
death. The contest is between the commandments of God and the
commandments of men. In this time the gold will be separated from
the dross in the church. True godliness will be clearly distinguished
from the appearance and tinsel of it. Many a star that we have admired
for its brilliancy will then go out in darkness. Chaff like a cloud will
be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors
of rich wheat. All who assume the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are
not clothed with Christ’s righteousness, will appear in the shame of
their own nakedness.
When trees without fruit are cut down as cumberers of the ground,
when multitudes of false brethren are distinguished from the true, then
the hidden ones will be revealed to view, and with hosannas range
under the banner of Christ. Those who have been timid and self-
distrustful will declare themselves openly for Christ and His truth. The
most weak and hesitating in the church will be as David—willing to
do and dare. The deeper the night for God’s people, the more brilliant
the stars. Satan will sorely harass the faithful; but, in the name of
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Jesus, they will come off more than conquerors. Then will the church
of Christ appear “fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an
army with banners.”
The seeds of truth that are being sown by missionary efforts will
then spring up and blossom and bear fruit. Souls will receive the truth
who will endure tribulation and praise God that they may suffer for
Jesus. “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I
have overcome the world.” When the overflowing scourge shall pass
through the earth, when the fan is purging Jehovah’s floor, God will be
the help of His people. The trophies of Satan may be exalted on high,
but the faith of the pure and holy will not be daunted.
Elijah took Elisha from the plow and threw upon him his mantle
of consecration. The call to this great and solemn work was presented
to men of learning and position; had these been little in their own