The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 370
Everywhere the searching testimony was heard, warning sinners,
both worldlings and church members, to flee from the wrath to come.
Like John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, the preachers laid
the ax at the root of the tree and urged all to bring forth fruit meet
for repentance. Their stirring appeals were in marked contrast to the
assurances of peace and safety that were heard from popular pulpits;
and wherever the message was given, it moved the people. The simple,
direct testimony of the Scriptures, set home by the power of the Holy
Spirit, brought a weight of conviction which few were able wholly to
resist. Professors of religion were roused from their false security. They
saw their backslidings, their worldliness and unbelief, their pride and
selfishness. Many sought the Lord with repentance and humiliation. The
affections that had so long clung to earthly things they now fixed upon
heaven. The Spirit of God rested upon them, and with hearts softened
and subdued they joined to sound the cry: “Fear God, and give glory to
Him; for the hour of His judgment is come.”
Sinners inquired with weeping: “What must I do to be saved?”
Those whose lives had been marked with dishonesty were anxious to
make restitution. All who found peace in Christ longed to see others
share the blessing. The hearts of parents were turned to their children,
and the hearts of children to their parents. The barriers of pride and
reserve were swept away. Heartfelt confessions were made, and the
members of the household labored for the salvation of those who were
nearest and dearest. Often was heard the sound of earnest intercession.
Everywhere were souls in deep anguish pleading with God. Many
wrestled all night in prayer for the assurance that their own sins were
pardoned, or for the conversion of their relatives or neighbors.
All classes flocked to the Adventist meetings. Rich and poor, high
and low, were, from various causes, anxious to hear for themselves the
doctrine of the second advent. The Lord held the spirit of opposition in
check while His servants
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