Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

174 Testimonies for the Church Volume 1[181][182]the poisonous atmosphere from the evil angels was pressed aroundthese anxious ones, the heavenly angels were continually wafting theirwings over them, to scatter the thick darkness.Some, I saw, did not participate in this work of agonizing andpleading. They seemed indifferent and careless. They were not resistingthe darkness around them, and it shut them in like a thick cloud.The angels of God left these, and I saw them hastening to the assistanceof those who were struggling with all their energies to resist theevil angels, and trying to help themselves by calling upon God withperseverance. But the angels left those who made no effort to helpthemselves, and I lost sight of them. As the praying ones continuedtheir earnest cries, a ray of light from Jesus would at times come tothem, to encourage their hearts, and light up their countenances.I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown thatit would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counselof the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect uponthe heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard andpour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony.They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God’speople.The testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. Thesolemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs hasbeen lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony mustwork deep repentance, and all that truly receive it will obey it and bepurified.Said the angel: “List ye!” Soon I heard a voice that sounded likemany musical instruments, all in perfect strains, sweet and harmonious.It surpassed any music I had ever heard. It seemed to be so full ofmercy, compassion, and elevating, holy joy. It thrilled through mywhole being. Said the angel: “Look ye!” My attention was then turnedto the company I had seen, who were mightily shaken. I was shownthose whom I had before seen weeping and praying with agony ofspirit. The company of guardian angels around them had been doubled,and they were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet.They moved in exact order, firmly, like a company of soldiers. Theircountenances expressed the severe conflict which they had endured,the agonizing struggle they had passed through. Yet their features,marked with severe internal anguish, now shone with the light and