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Midnight Cry
287
vants. It bore the characteristics which mark the work of God in
every age. There was little ecstatic joy, but rather deep searching of
heart, confession of sin, and forsaking of the world. A preparation
to meet the Lord was the burden of agonizing spirits. There was
persevering prayer and unreserved consecration to God.
The midnight cry was not so much carried by argument, though
the Scripture proof was clear and conclusive. 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!”
[371]
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 wave after
wave of the glory of God swept over the faithful, believing ones.
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.