The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 607

as the question of enforcing Sunday observance is widely agitated, the
event so long doubted and disbelieved is seen to be approaching, and the
third message will produce an effect which it could not have had before.
In every generation God has sent His servants to rebuke sin, both
in the world and in the church. But the people desire smooth things
spoken to them, and the pure, unvarnished truth is not acceptable. Many
reformers, in entering upon their work, determined to exercise great
prudence in attacking the sins of the church and the nation. They
hoped, by the example of a pure Christian life, to lead the people back
to the doctrines of the Bible. But the Spirit of God came upon them
as it came upon Elijah, moving him to rebuke the sins of a wicked
king and an apostate people; they could not refrain from preaching the
plain utterances of the Bible—doctrines which they had been reluctant
to present. They were impelled to zealously declare the truth and the
danger which threatened souls. The words which the Lord gave them
they uttered, fearless of consequences, and the people were compelled
to hear the warning.
Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As the
time comes for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work
through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate
themselves to His service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the
unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of
faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring
the words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open.
The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil
authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of
the papal power—all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the
people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have
never heard words like these. In amazement they

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