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The Great Controversy 1888
who received it withdrew from their connection. In the providence of
God, this proclamation united with the second angel’s message, and
gave power to that work.
The message, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!” was not so much
a matter of argument, though the Scripture proof was clear and con-
clusive. There went with it an impelling power that moved the soul.
There was no doubt, no questioning. Upon the occasion of Christ’s
triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the people who were assembled from
all parts of the land to keep the feast, flocked to the Mount of Olives,
and as they joined the throng that were escorting Jesus, they caught
the inspiration of the hour and helped to swell the shout, “Blessed
is He that cometh in the name of the Lord!” [
Matthew 21:9
.] In like
manner did unbelievers who flocked to the Adventist meetings—some
from curiosity, some merely to ridicule—feel the convincing power
attending the message, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!”
At that time there was faith that brought answers to prayer,—
faith that had respect to the recompense of reward. Like showers of
rain upon the thirsty earth, the Spirit of grace descended upon the
earnest seekers. Those who expected soon to stand face to face with
their Redeemer felt a solemn joy that was unutterable. The softening,
subduing power of the Holy Spirit melted the heart, as his blessing
was bestowed in rich measure upon the faithful, believing ones.
[403]
Carefully and solemnly those who received the message came up
to the time when they hoped to meet their Lord. Every morning they
felt that it was their first duty to secure the evidence of their acceptance
with God. Their hearts were closely united, and they prayed much
with and for one another. They often met together in secluded places
to commune with God, and the voice of intercession ascended to
Heaven from the fields and groves. The assurance of the Saviour’s
approval was more necessary to them than their daily food, and if a
cloud darkened their minds, they did not rest until it was swept away.
As they felt the witness of pardoning grace, they longed to behold Him
whom their souls loved.
But again they were destined to disappointment. The time of
expectation passed, and their Saviour did not appear. With unwavering
confidence they had looked forward to his coming, and now they felt
as did Mary, when, coming to the Saviour’s tomb and finding it empty,