event so long doubted and disbelieved is seen to be approaching , and the third message will produce an effect which it could not have had before .
In every generation God has sent His servants to rebuke sin , both in the world and in the church . But the people desire smooth things spoken to them , and the pure , unvarnished truth is not acceptable . Many reformers , in entering upon their work , determined to exercise great prudence in attacking the sins of the church and the nation . They hoped , by the example of a pure Christian life , to lead the people back to the doctrines of the Bible . But the Spirit of God came upon them as it came upon Elijah , moving him to rebuke the sins of a wicked king and an apostate people ; they 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 laborers 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 endeavor to suppress the discussion of these vital questions .
422