Great Religious Awakening
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those who desired only an excuse to reject the truth closed their ears
to this explanation, and the words “No man knoweth the day nor the
hour” continued to be echoed by the bold scoffer and even by the
professed minister of Christ. As the people were roused, and began
to inquire the way of salvation, religious teachers stepped in between
them and the truth, seeking to quiet their fears by falsely interpreting
the word of God. Unfaithful watchmen united in the work of the great
deceiver, crying, Peace, peace, when God had not spoken peace. Like
the Pharisees in Christ’s day, many refused to enter the kingdom of
heaven themselves, and those who were entering in they hindered. The
blood of these souls will be required at their hand.
The most humble and devoted in the churches were usually the first
to receive the message. Those who studied the Bible for themselves
could not but see the unscriptural character of the popular views of
prophecy; and wherever the people were not controlled by the influ-
ence of the clergy, wherever they would search the word of God for
themselves, the advent doctrine needed only to be compared with the
Scriptures to establish its divine authority.
Many were persecuted by their unbelieving brethren. In order
to retain their position in the church, some consented to be silent in
regard to their hope; but others felt that loyalty to God forbade them
thus to hide the truths which He had committed to their trust. Not a
few were cut off from the fellowship of the church for no other reason
than expressing their belief in the coming of Christ. Very precious to
those who bore this trial of their faith were the words of the prophet:
“Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for My name’s sake,
said, Let the Lord be glorified: but He shall appear to your joy, and
they shall be ashamed.”
Isaiah 66:5
.
Angels of God were watching with the deepest interest the result of
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the warning. When there was a general rejection of the message by the
churches, angels turned away in sadness. But there were many who
had not yet been tested in regard to the advent truth. Many were misled
by husbands, wives, parents, or children, and were made to believe it
a sin even to listen to such heresies as were taught by the Adventists.
Angels were bidden to keep faithful watch over these souls, for another
light was yet to shine upon them from the throne of God.
With unspeakable desire those who had received the message
watched for the coming of their Saviour. The time when they ex-