The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 459

their past experience, they would have seen the salvation of God. If all
who had labored unitedly in the work in 1844, had received the third
angel’s message and proclaimed it in the power of the Holy Spirit, the
Lord would have wrought mightily with their efforts. A flood of light
would have been shed upon the world. Years ago the inhabitants of the
earth would have been warned, the closing work completed, and Christ
would have come for the redemption of His people.
It was not the will of God that Israel should wander forty years in the
wilderness; He desired to lead them directly to the land of Canaan and
establish them there, a holy, happy people. But “they could not enter
in because of unbelief.” Hebrews 3:19. Because of their backsliding
and apostasy they perished in the desert, and others were raised up to
enter the Promised Land. In like manner, it was not the will of God that
the coming of Christ should be so long delayed and His people should
remain so many years in this world of sin and sorrow. But unbelief
separated them from God. As they refused to do the work which He
had appointed them, others were raised up to proclaim the message. In
mercy to the world, Jesus delays His coming, that sinners may have an
opportunity to hear the warning and find in Him a shelter before the
wrath of God shall be poured out.
Now as in former ages, the presentation of a truth that reproves the
sins and errors of the times will excite opposition. “Everyone that doeth
evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should
be reproved.” John 3:20. As men see that they cannot maintain their
position by the Scriptures, many determine to maintain it at all hazards,
and with a malicious spirit they assail the character and motives of those
who stand in defense of unpopular truth. It is the same policy which has
been pursued in all ages. Elijah was declared to be a troubler in Israel,
Jeremiah a traitor, Paul a polluter of the temple. From that day to this,
those who would be loyal to truth have been denounced as seditious,

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