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Fear of Witnessing Gone, November 26
Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in
this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine,
and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other
apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Acts 5:28, 29
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I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth in great power.
It had effect. I saw those who had been bound; some wives had been bound
by their husbands, and some children had been bound by their parents. The
honest who had been held or prevented from hearing the truth now eagerly
laid hold of the truth spoken. All fear of their relatives was gone. The truth
alone was exalted to them. It was dearer and more precious than life. They
had been hungering and thirsting for truth. I asked what had made this great
change. An angel answered, “It is the latter rain. The refreshing from the
presence of the Lord. The loud cry of the third angel.”
Great power was with these chosen ones. Said the angel, “Look ye!”
My attention was turned to the wicked, or unbelievers. They were all astir.
The zeal and power with the people of God had aroused and enraged them.
Confusion, confusion was on every side. I saw measures taken against this
company, who were having the power and light of God. Darkness thickened
around them, yet there they stood, approved of God, and trusting in Him. I
saw them perplexed.
Next I heard them crying unto God earnestly. Through the day and night
their cry ceased not. I heard these words, “Thy will, O God, be done! If
it can glorify Thy name, make a way of escape for Thy people! Deliver us
from the heathen round about us! They have appointed us unto death; but
Thine arm can bring salvation.” These are all the words I can bring to mind.
They seemed to have a deep sense of their unworthiness, and manifested
entire submission to the will of God. Yet everyone, without an exception, was
earnestly pleading, and wrestling like Jacob for deliverance.—
The Review
and Herald, December 31, 1857
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