434
Counsels for the Church
be deferred until we can accomplish the work which has so long been
neglected. Let there be most earnest prayer, and then let us work in
harmony with our prayers. It may appear that Satan is triumphant and
that truth is overborne with falsehood and error; the people over whom
God has spread His shield, and the country which has been an asylum
for the conscience-oppressed servants of God and defenders of His
truth, may be placed in jeopardy. But God would have us recall His
dealings with His people in the past to save them from their enemies.
He has always chosen extremities, when there seemed no possible
chance for deliverance from Satan’s workings, for the manifestation
of His power. Man’s necessity is God’s opportunity.
My brethren, do you realize that your own salvation, as well as the
destiny of other souls, depends upon the preparation you now make
for the trial before us? Have you that intensity of zeal, that piety and
devotion, which will enable you to stand when opposition shall be
brought against you? If God has ever spoken by me, the time will
come when you will be brought before councils, and every position
of truth which you hold will be severely criticized. The time that so
many are now allowing to go to waste should be devoted to the charge
that God has given us of preparing for the approaching crisis
God’s Judgments
We are near the close of time. I have been shown that the retribu-
tive judgments of God are already in the land. The Lord has given
us warning of the events about to take place. Light is shining from
His word; yet darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the peo-
ple. “When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction
cometh upon them; ... and they shall not escape.
The Lord is removing His restrictions from the earth, and soon
there will be death and destruction, increasing crime, and cruel, evil
working against the rich who have exalted themselves against the poor.
Those who are without God’s protection will find no safety in any
place or position. Human agents are being trained and are using their
598
Testimonies for the Church 5:713-717
599
Testimonies for the Church 5:99