hour " continued to be echoed by the bold scoffer and even by the professed minister of Christ . As the people were roused , and began to inquire the way of salvation , religious teachers stepped in between them and the truth , seeking to quiet their fears by falsely interpreting the word of God . Unfaithful watchmen united in the work of the great deceiver , crying , Peace , peace , when God had not spoken peace . Like the Pharisees in Christ ' s day , many refused to enter the kingdom of heaven themselves , and those who were entering in they hindered . The blood of these souls will be required at their hand .
The most humble and devoted in the churches were usually the first to receive the message . Those who studied the Bible for themselves could not but see the unscriptural character of the popular views of prophecy ; and wherever the people were not controlled by the influence of the clergy , wherever they would search the word of God for themselves , the advent doctrine needed only to be compared with the Scriptures to establish its divine authority . Many were persecuted by their unbelieving brethren . In order to retain their position in the church , some consented to be silent in regard to their hope ; but others felt that loyalty to God forbade them thus to hide the truths which He had committed to their trust . Not a few were cut off from the fellowship of the church for no other reason than expressing their belief in the coming of Christ . Very precious to those who bore this trial of their faith were the words of the prophet : " Your brethren that hated you , that cast you out for My name ' s sake , said , Let the Lord be glorified : but He shall appear to your joy , and they shall be ashamed ." Isaiah 66:5 .
Angels of God were watching with the deepest interest the result of the warning . When there was a general rejection of the message by the churches , angels turned away in sadness . But there were many who had not yet been tested in regard to the advent truth . Many were misled by husbands , wives , parents , or children , and were made to believe it a sin even to listen to such heresies as were taught by the Adventists . Angels were bidden to keep faithful watch over these souls , for another light was yet to shine upon them from the throne of God .
With unspeakable desire those who had received the message watched for the coming of their Saviour . The time when they expected to meet Him was at hand . They approached this hour with a calm solemnity . They rested in sweet communion with God , and earnest of the peace that was to be theirs in the bright hereafter . None who experienced this hope and trust can forget those precious hours of waiting . For some weeks preceding the time , worldly business was for the most part laid aside . The sincere believers carefully examined every thought and emotion of their hearts as if upon their deathbeds and in a few hours to close their eyes upon earthly scenes . There was no making of " ascension robes " ( See Appendix ); but all felt the need of internal evidence that they were prepared to meet the Saviour ; their white robes
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