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The Story of Redemption
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 humiliation. The affections that had so long clung
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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.”
Revelation 14:7
.
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. Heartfelt 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 own sins were pardoned,
or for the conversion of their relatives or neighbors. That earnest,
determined faith gained its object. Had the people of God continued
to be thus importunate in prayer, pressing their petitions at the mercy
seat, they would be in possession of a far richer experience than
they now have. There is too little prayer, too little real conviction of
sin; and the lack of living faith leaves many destitute of the grace so
richly provided by our gracious Redeemer.
All classes flocked to the Adventist meetings. Rich and poor,
high and low, were, from various causes, anxious to hear for them-
selves the doctrine of the second advent. The Lord held the spirit
of opposition in check while His servants explained the reasons of
their faith. Sometimes the instrument was feeble; but the Spirit of
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God gave power to His truth. The presence of holy angels was felt
in these assemblies, and many were daily added to the believers. As
the evidences of Christ’s soon coming were repeated, vast crowds