The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 608

hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen because of her
errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent to her from
heaven. As the people go to their former teachers with the eager inquiry,
Are these things so? the ministers present fables, prophesy smooth
things, to soothe their fears and quiet the awakened conscience. But
since many refuse to be satisfied with the mere authority of men and
demand a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” the popular ministry, like the
Pharisees of old, filled with anger as their authority is questioned, will
denounce the message as of Satan and stir up the sin-loving multitudes
to revile and persecute those who proclaim it.
As the controversy extends into new fields and the minds of the
people are called to God’s downtrodden law, Satan is astir. The power
attending the message will only madden those who oppose it. The
clergy will put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light
lest it should shine upon their flocks. By every means at their command
they will endeavor to suppress the discussion of these vital questions.
The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and, in this
work, papists and Protestants unite. As the movement for Sunday
enforcement becomes more bold and decided, the law will be invoked
against commandment keepers. They will be threatened with fines
and imprisonment, and some will be offered positions of influence,
and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their
faith. But their steadfast answer is: “Show us from the word of
God our error”—the same plea that was made by Luther under similar
circumstances. Those who are arraigned before the courts make a strong
vindication of the truth, and some who hear them are led to take their
stand to keep all the commandments of God. Thus light will be brought
before thousands who otherwise would know nothing of these truths.

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