Chapter 61—The Coming Crisis
As the disrespect for God’s law becomes more manifest, the line
of demarcation between its observers and the world becomes more dis-
tinct. Love for the divine precepts increases with one class according
as contempt for them increases with another class.
The crisis is fast approaching. The rapidly swelling figures show
that the time for God’s visitation has about come. Although loath to
punish, nevertheless He will punish, and that speedily.
The day of God’s vengeance is just upon us. The seal of God will
be placed upon the foreheads of those only who sigh and cry for the
abominations done in the land. Those who link in sympathy with the
world are eating and drinking with the drunken and will surely be
destroyed with the workers of iniquity. “The eyes of the Lord are over
the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of
the Lord is against them that do evil.”
1 Peter 3:12
.
Our own course of action will determine whether we shall receive
the seal of the living God or be cut down by the destroying weapons.
Already a few drops of God’s wrath have fallen upon the earth; but
when the seven last plagues shall be poured out without mixture into
the cup of His indignation, then it will be forever too late to repent and
find shelter. No atoning blood will then wash away the stains of sin.
Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed. There
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
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