The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 613
former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the
latter rain at its close. Here are “the times of refreshing” to which
the apostle Peter looked forward when he said: “Repent ye therefore,
and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times o f
refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send
Jesus.” Acts 3:19, 20.
Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy
consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message
from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning
will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and
signs and wonders will follow the believers. Satan also works, with
lying wonders, even bringing down fire from heaven in the sight of men.
Revelation 13:13. Thus the inhabitants of the earth will be brought to
take their stand.
The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep
conviction of the Spirit of God. The arguments have been presented.
The seed has been sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit.
The publications distributed by missionary workers have exerted their
influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been prevented
from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience. Now
the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness,
and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them.
Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay them now.
Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies
combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the
Lord’s side.
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