Sifting Time
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evil angels, and trying to help themselves by calling upon God with
perseverance. But the angels left those who made no effort to help
themselves, and I lost sight of them. As the praying ones continued
their earnest cries, a ray of light from Jesus would at times come to
them, to encourage their hearts, and light up their countenances.
I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that
it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel
of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon
the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and
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pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony.
They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God’s
people. The testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded.
The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has
been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must
work deep repentance, and all that truly receive it will obey it and be
purified.
Said the angel: “List ye!” [Listen!] Soon I heard a voice that
sounded like many musical instruments, all in perfect strains, sweet
and harmonious. It surpassed any music I had ever heard. It seemed
to be so full of mercy, compassion, and elevating, holy joy. It thrilled
through my whole being. Said the angel: “Look ye!” My attention
was then turned to the company I had seen, who were mightily shaken.
I was shown those whom I had before seen weeping and praying with
agony of spirit. The company of guardian angels around them had
been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their head
to their feet. They moved in exact order, firmly, like a company of
soldiers. Their countenances expressed the severe conflict which they
had endured, the agonizing struggle they had passed through. Yet their
features, marked with severe internal anguish, now shone with the
light and glory of heaven. They had obtained the victory, and it called
forth from them the deepest gratitude, and holy, sacred joy.
The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken
out, and left by the way. [See
Revelation 3:15-17
.] The careless
and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and
salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not
obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, but their numbers were
immediately made up by others taking hold of the truth and coming