could not refrain from preaching the plain utterances of the Bible-- doctrines which they had been reluctant to present . They were impelled to zealously declare the truth and the danger which threatened souls . The words which the Lord gave them they uttered , fearless of consequences , and the people were compelled to hear the warning .
Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed . As the time comes for it to be given with greatest power , the Lord will work through humble instruments , leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service . The labourers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions . Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal , declaring the words which God gives them . The sins of Babylon will be laid open . The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority , the inroads of spiritualism , the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power--all will be unmasked . By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred . Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never heard words like these . In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the church , fallen because of her errors and sins , because of her rejection of the truth sent to her from heaven .
As the people go to their former teachers with the eager inquiry , Are these things so ? the ministers present fables , prophesy smooth things , to soothe their fears and quiet the awakened conscience . But since many refuse to be satisfied with the mere authority of men and demand a plain " Thus saith the Lord ," the popular ministry , like the Pharisees of old , filled with anger as their authority is questioned , will denounce the message as of Satan and stir up the sin-loving multitudes to revile and persecute those who proclaim it . As the controversy extends into new fields and the minds of the people are called to God ' s downtrodden law , Satan is astir . The power attending the message will only madden those who oppose it . The clergy will put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light lest it should shine upon their flocks . By every means at their command they will endeavour to suppress the discussion of these vital questions .
The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power , and , in this work , papists and Protestants unite . As the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold and decided , the law will be invoked against commandment keepers . They will be threatened with fines and imprisonment , and some will be offered positions of influence , and other rewards and advantages , as inducements to renounce their faith . But their steadfast answer is : " Show us from the word of God our error " --the same plea that was made by Luther under similar circumstances . Those who are arraigned before the courts make a strong vindication of the truth , and some who hear them are led to take their stand to keep all the commandments of God . Thus light will be brought before thousands who otherwise would know nothing of these truths .
Conscientious obedience to the word of God will be treated as rebellion . Blinded by Satan , the parent will exercise harshness and severity toward the believing child ; the master or mistress will oppress the commandment-keeping servant . Affection will be alienated ; children will be
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