Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Shaking 175glory of heaven. They had obtained the victory, and it called forthfrom them the deepest gratitude, and holy, sacred joy.The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shakenout, and left by the way. [“I know thy works, that thou art neithercold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thouart lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of Mymouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, andhave need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, andmiserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:15-17.] Thecareless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victoryand salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did notobtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, but their numbers wereimmediately made up by others taking hold of the truth and cominginto the ranks. Still the evil angels pressed around them, but theycould have no power over them. [“For we wrestle not against fleshand blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulersof the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in highplaces. [Or, “Wicked spirits in heavenly places,” as in the margin.]Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may beable to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Standtherefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on thebreastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparationof the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewithye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And takethe helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the wordof God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit,and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for allsaints.” Ephesians 6:12-18.]I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth in greatpower. It had effect. I saw those who had been bound; some wiveshad been bound by their husbands, and some children had been boundby their parents. The honest who had been held or prevented from [183]hearing the truth, now eagerly laid hold of it. All fear of their relativeswas gone. The truth alone was exalted to them. It was dearer and moreprecious than life. They had been hungering and thirsting for truth. Iasked what had made this great change. An angel answered: “It is thelatter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cryof the third angel.”