The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 373

Thus it was shown that Scripture gives no warrant for men to remain
in ignorance concerning the nearness of Christ’s coming. But those
who desired only an excuse to reject the truth closed their ears to this
explanation, and the words “No man knoweth the day nor the 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

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