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Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

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Rome. Were I to revoke what I have written on this subject, what should I do<br />

but streng<strong>the</strong>n this tyranny, and open a wider door to so many and great<br />

impieties?<br />

The third class <strong>of</strong> his books were written against individuals who<br />

undertook <strong>the</strong> defense <strong>of</strong> Romish tyranny, and <strong>the</strong> overthrow <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> doctrines<br />

which he had inculcated. Concerning <strong>the</strong>se he said, I freely confess that I<br />

have been more violent than was becoming. I do not think myself a saint; but<br />

even <strong>the</strong>se books I cannot revoke, because in so doing I should sanction <strong>the</strong><br />

impieties <strong>of</strong> my opponents, and <strong>the</strong>y would <strong>the</strong>n take occasion to crush God's<br />

people with still greater cruelty.<br />

But, he continued, as I am a mere man, and not God, I will defend<br />

myself as did Christ, who said, "If I have spoken evil bear witness against<br />

me." By <strong>the</strong> mercy <strong>of</strong> God, I implore your imperial majesty, or any one else<br />

who can, whoever he may be, to prove to me from <strong>the</strong> writings <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

prophets that I am in error. As soon as I shall be convinced, I will instantly<br />

retract all my errors, and will be <strong>the</strong> first to cast my books into <strong>the</strong> fire.<br />

What I have just said, I think will clearly show that I have well<br />

considered and weighed <strong>the</strong> dangers to which I am exposing myself; but far<br />

from being dismayed by <strong>the</strong>m, I rejoice exceedingly to see <strong>the</strong> gospel this<br />

day as <strong>of</strong> old a cause <strong>of</strong> disturbance and disagreement. It is <strong>the</strong> character and<br />

destiny <strong>of</strong> God's word. Said Christ, "I came not to send peace, but a sword."<br />

God is wonderful and awful in his counsels. Let us have a care lest in our<br />

endeavors to arrest discords we be found to fight against <strong>the</strong> holy word <strong>of</strong><br />

God, and bring down upon our heads a frightful deluge <strong>of</strong> inextricable<br />

dangers, present disaster, and everlasting desolations. Let us have a care lest<br />

<strong>the</strong> reign <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> young and noble prince, <strong>the</strong> Emperor Charles, on whom, next<br />

to God, we build so many hopes, should not only commence, but continue<br />

and terminate its course, under <strong>the</strong> most fatal auspices. I might cite examples<br />

drawn from <strong>the</strong> oracles <strong>of</strong> God. I might speak <strong>of</strong> Pharaohs, <strong>of</strong> kings <strong>of</strong><br />

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