Great Religious Awakening
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message; therefore it was largely committed to humble laymen. Farm-
ers left their fields, mechanics their tools, traders their merchandise,
professional men their positions; and yet the number of workers was
small in comparison with the work to be accomplished. The condition
of an ungodly church and a world lying in wickedness burdened the
souls of the true watchmen, and they willingly endured toil, privation,
and suffering, that they might call men to repentance unto salvation.
Though opposed by Satan, the work went steadily forward, and the
Advent truth was accepted by many thousands.
Everywhere the searching testimony was heard, warning sinners,
both worldlings and church-members, to flee from the wrath to come.
Like John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, the preachers laid
the ax at the root of the tree, and urged all to bring forth fruit meet
for repentance. Their stirring appeals were in marked contrast to the
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assurances of peace and safety that were heard from popular pulpits;
and wherever the message was given, it moved the people. The simple,
direct testimony of the Scriptures, set home by the power of the Holy
Spirit, brought a weight of conviction which few were able wholly
to resist. Professors of religion were roused from their false security.
They saw their backslidings, their worldliness and unbelief, their pride
and selfishness. Many sought the Lord with repentance and humilia-
tion. The affections that had so long clung to earthly things they now
fixed upon Heaven. The Spirit of God rested upon them, and with
hearts softened and subdued they joined to sound the cry, “Fear God,
and give glory to him; for the hour of his Judgment is come.”
Sinners inquired with weeping, “What must I do to be saved?”
Those whose lives had been marked with dishonesty were anxious
to make restitution. All who found peace in Christ longed to see
others share the blessing. The hearts of parents were turned to their
children, and the hearts of children to their parents. The barriers of
pride and reserve were swept away. Heart-felt confessions were made,
and the members of the household labored for the salvation of those
who were nearest and dearest. Often was heard the sound of earnest
intercession. Everywhere were souls in deep anguish, pleading with
God. Many wrestled all night in prayer for the assurance that their sins
were pardoned, or for the conversion of their relatives or neighbors.
All classes flocked to the Adventist meetings. Rich and poor, high
and low, were, from various causes, anxious to hear for themselves the