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Close of Probation
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was no more to invite them. When the saints, and all heaven, were
interested for their salvation, they had not interest for themselves.
Life and death had been set before them. Many desired life, but made
no effort to obtain it. They did not choose life, and now there was
no atoning blood to cleanse the guilty, no compassionate Saviour to
plead for them and cry, “Spare, spare the sinner a little longer.” All
heaven had united with Jesus, as they heard the fearful words, “It is
done. It is finished.” The plan of salvation had been accomplished,
but few had chosen to accept it. And as mercy’s sweet voice died
away, fear and horror seized the wicked. With terrible distinctness
they heard the words, “Too late! too late!”
Those who had not prized God’s Word were hurrying to and fro,
wandering from sea to sea, and from the north to the east, to seek the
Word of the Lord. Said the angel, “They shall not find it. There is a
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famine in the land; not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but
for hearing the words of the Lord. What would they not give for one
word of approval from God! but no, they must hunger and thirst on.
Day after day have they slighted salvation, prizing earthly riches and
earthly pleasure higher than any heavenly treasure or inducement.
They have rejected Jesus and despised His saints. The filthy must
remain filthy forever.”
Many of the wicked were greatly enraged as they suffered the
effects of the plagues. It was a scene of fearful agony. Parents were
bitterly reproaching their children, and children their parents, broth-
ers their sisters, and sisters their brothers. Loud, wailing cries were
heard in every direction, “It was you who kept me from receiving the
truth which would have saved me from this awful hour.” The people
turned upon their ministers with bitter hate and reproached them,
saying, “You have not warned us. You told us that all the world was
to be converted, and cried, Peace, peace, to quiet every fear that was
aroused. You have not told us of this hour; and those who warned us
of it you declared to be fanatics and evil men, who would ruin us.”
But I saw that the ministers did not escape the wrath of God. Their
suffering was tenfold greater than that of their people. 406
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