Our Attitude Toward the Civil Authorities
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the word spoken in love for the soul. The truth will have quickening
power when spoken under the influence of the grace of Christ.
God’s plan is first to get at the heart. Speak the truth, and let Him
carry forward the reformatory power and principle. Make no reference
to what opponents say, but let the truth alone be advanced. The truth
can cut to the quick. Plainly unfold the word in all its impressiveness.
As trials thicken around us, both separation and unity will be seen
in our ranks. Some who are now ready to take up weapons of warfare
will in times of real peril make it manifest that they have not built
upon the solid rock; they will yield to temptation. Those who have
had great light and precious privileges, but have not improved them,
will, under one pretext or another, go out from us. Not having received
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the love of the truth, they will be taken in the delusions of the enemy;
they will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and
will depart from the faith. But, on the other hand, when the storm of
persecution really breaks upon us, the true sheep will hear the true
Shepherd’s voice. Self-denying efforts will be put forth to save the lost,
and many who have strayed from the fold will come back to follow
the great Shepherd. The people of God will draw together and present
to the enemy a united front. In view of the common peril, strife for
supremacy will cease; there will be no disputing as to who shall be
accounted greatest. No one of the true believers will say: “I am of
Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas.” The testimony of one and
all will be: “I cleave unto Christ; I rejoice in Him as my personal
Saviour.”
Thus will the truth be brought into practical life, and thus will be
answered the prayer of Christ, uttered just before His humiliation and
death: “That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in
Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that
Thou hast sent Me.”
John 17:21
. The love of Christ, the love of our
brethren, will testify to the world that we have been with Jesus and
learned of Him. Then will the message of the third angel swell to a
loud cry, and the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of the
Lord.
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