The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 374

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 were purity
of soul—characters cleansed from sin by the atoning blood of Christ.
Would that there were still with the professed people of God the same
spirit of heart searching, the same earnest, determined faith. Had they
continued thus to humble themselves before the Lord and press their
petitions at the mercy seat they would be in possession of a far richer
experience than they now have. There is too little prayer, too little real
conviction of sin, and the lack of living faith leaves many destitute of the
grace so richly provided by our Redeemer.
God designed to prove His people. His hand covered a mistake in
the reckoning of the prophetic periods. Adventists

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