The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 298

The European Union in Prophecy
were still with the professed people of God the same spirit of heart searching, the
same earnest, determined faith. Had they continued thus to humble themselves
before the Lord and press 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 Redeemer.
God designed to prove His people. His hand covered a mistake in the reckoning
of the prophetic periods. Adventists did not discover the error, nor was it discovered
by the most learned of their opponents. The latter said: "Your reckoning of the
prophetic periods is correct. Some great event is about to take place; but it is not what
Mr. Miller predicts; it is the conversion of the world, and not the second advent of
Christ." (See Appendix.) The time of expectation passed, and Christ did not appear
for the deliverance of His people. Those who with sincere faith and love had looked for
their Saviour, experienced a bitter disappointment. Yet the purposes of God were
being accomplished; He was testing the hearts of those professed to be waiting for His
appearing. There were among them many who had been actuated by no higher motive
than fear. Their profession of faith had not affected their hearts or their lives. When
the expected event failed to take place, these persons declared that they were not
disappointed; they had never believed that Christ would come. They were among the
first to ridicule the sorrow of the true believers.
But Jesus and all the heavenly host looked with love