Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Chapter 56—Perilous Times[269]The unbelieving world will soon have something to think of besidestheir dress and appearance; and as their minds are torn from thesethings by distress and perplexity, they will have nothing to turn to. Theyare not prisoners of hope, and therefore do not turn to the Stronghold.Their hearts will fail them for repining and fear. They have not madeGod their refuge, and He will not be their consolation then, but willlaugh at their calamity, and mock when their fear cometh. They havedespised and trampled upon the truths of God’s word. They haveindulged in extravagant dress, and have spent their lives in hilarity andglee. They have sown to the wind; they must reap the whirlwind. Inthe time of distress and perplexity of nations there will be many whohave not given themselves wholly to the corrupting influences of theworld and the service of Satan, who will humble themselves beforeGod and turn to Him with their whole heart and find acceptance andpardon.Those among Sabbathkeepers who have been unwilling to makeany sacrifice, but have yielded to the influence of the world, are to betested and proved. The perils of the last days are upon us, and a trialis before the young which they have not anticipated. They are to bebrought into most distressing perplexity. The genuineness of their faithwill be proved. They profess to be looking for the coming of the Son ofman, yet some of them have been a miserable example to unbelievers.They have not been willing to give up the world, but have united withthem, have attended picnics and other gatherings of pleasure, flatteringthemselves that they were engaging in innocent amusement. Yet I wasshown that it is just such indulgences that separate them from Godand make them children of the world. God does not own the pleasureseeker as His follower. He has given us no such example. Those onlywho are self-denying, and who live a life of sobriety, humility, andholiness, are true followers of Jesus; and such cannot engage in andenjoy the frivolous, empty conversation of the lovers of the world.260