The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 368

however, it was evident that they were moved by an influence beyond
their own natural gifts. Tone and manner changed, and with solemn
power they gave the warning of the judgment, employing the very
words of Scripture: “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour
of His judgment is come.” They reproved the sins of the people, not
only condemning immorality and vice, but rebuking worldliness and
backsliding, and warning their hearers to make haste to flee from the
wrath to come.
The people heard with trembling. The convicting Spirit of God
spoke to their hearts. Many were led to search the Scriptures with new
and deeper interest, the intemperate and immoral were reformed, others
abandoned their dishonest practices, and a work was done so marked
that even ministers of the state church were forced to acknowledge that
the hand of God was in the movement.
It was God’s will that the tidings of the Saviour’s coming should
be given in the Scandinavian countries; and when the voices of His
servants were silenced, He put His Spirit upon the children, that the
work might be accomplished. When Jesus drew near to Jerusalem
attended by the rejoicing multitudes that, with shouts of triumph and
the waving of palm branches, heralded Him as the Son of David, the
jealous Pharisees called upon Him to silence them; but Jesus answered
that all this was in fulfillment of prophecy, and if these should hold their
peace, the very stones would cry out. The people, intimidated by the
threats of the priests and rulers, ceased their joyful proclamation as they
entered the gates of Jerusalem; but the children in the temple courts
afterward took up the refrain, and, waving their branches of palm, they
cried: “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Matthew 21:8-16. When the
Pharisees, sorely displeased, said unto Him, “Hearest Thou what these
say?” Jesus answered, “Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth
of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise?” As God wrought
through children

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