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The Great Controversy
church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but
rapid progress of the papal power—all will be unmasked. By these
solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thou-
sands will listen who have never heard words like these. In amazement
they hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen because of
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her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent to her
from heaven. As the people go to their former teachers with the eager
inquiry, Are these things so? the ministers present fables, prophesy
smooth things, to soothe their fears and quiet the awakened conscience.
But since many refuse to be satisfied with the mere authority of men
and demand a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” the popular ministry, like the
Pharisees of old, filled with anger as their authority is questioned, will
denounce the message as of Satan and stir up the sin-loving multitudes
to revile and persecute those who proclaim it.
As the controversy extends into new fields and the minds of the
people are called to God’s downtrodden law, Satan is astir. The power
attending the message will only madden those who oppose it. The
clergy will put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light
lest it should shine upon their flocks. By every means at their command
they will endeavor to suppress the discussion of these vital questions.
The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and, in this
work, papists and Protestants unite. As the movement for Sunday
enforcement becomes more bold and decided, the law will be invoked
against commandment keepers. They will be threatened with fines
and imprisonment, and some will be offered positions of influence,
and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their
faith. But their steadfast answer is: “Show us from the word of God
our error”—the same plea that was made by Luther under similar
circumstances. Those who are arraigned before the courts make a
strong vindication of the truth, and some who hear them are led to take
their stand to keep all the commandments of God. Thus light will be
brought before thousands who otherwise would know nothing of these
truths.
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Conscientious obedience to the word of God will be treated as
rebellion. Blinded by Satan, the parent will exercise harshness and
severity toward the believing child; the master or mistress will oppress
the commandment-keeping servant. Affection will be alienated; chil-
dren will be disinherited and driven from home. The words of Paul