The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 632

of the cup and be baptized with the baptism. The very delay, so painful
to them, is the best answer to their petitions. As they endeavor to wait
trustingly for the Lord to work they are led to exercise faith, hope,
and patience, which have been too little exercised during their religious
experience. Yet for the elect’s sake the time of trouble will be shortened.
“Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him?
... I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.” Luke 18:7, 8. The end
will come more quickly than men expect. The wheat will be gathered
and bound in sheaves for the garner of God; the tares will be bound as
fagots for the fires of destruction.
The heavenly sentinels, faithful to their trust, continue their watch.
Though a general decree has fixed the time when commandment keepers
may be put to death, their enemies will in some cases anticipate the
decree, and before the time specified, will endeavor to take their lives.
But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed about every faithful
soul. Some are assailed in their flight from the cities and villages; but the
swords raised against them break and fall powerless as a straw. Others
are defended by angels in the form of men of war.
In all ages, God has wrought through holy angels for the succor and
deliverance of His people. Celestial beings have taken an active part in
the affairs of men. They have appeared clothed in garments that shone as
the lightning; they have come as men in the garb of wayfarers. Angels
have appeared in human form to men of God. They have rested, as if
weary, under the oaks at noon. They have accepted the hospi