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

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appealed to <strong>the</strong>m to repent. A special, irresistible interference from Heaven<br />

has arrested <strong>the</strong>ir presumptuous rebellion. Now, if <strong>the</strong>y respond to <strong>the</strong><br />

interposition <strong>of</strong> God's providence, <strong>the</strong>y may be saved.<br />

The repentance and humiliation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> congregation <strong>of</strong> Israel must be<br />

proportionate to <strong>the</strong>ir transgression. The signal manifestation <strong>of</strong> divine power<br />

has removed all uncertainty. They may have a knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> true position<br />

and holy calling <strong>of</strong> Moses and Aaron if <strong>the</strong>y will accept it. But <strong>the</strong>ir neglect<br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> evidences which God had given was fatal to <strong>the</strong>m. They did not realize<br />

<strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> immediate action on <strong>the</strong>ir part to seek pardon <strong>of</strong> God for<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir grievous sins. That night <strong>of</strong> probation was not passed in repentance and<br />

confession <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir sins, but in devising some way to resist <strong>the</strong> evidences<br />

which showed <strong>the</strong>m to be <strong>the</strong> greatest <strong>of</strong> sinners. They still cherished <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

jealous hatred <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> men <strong>of</strong> God's appointment. They streng<strong>the</strong>ned<br />

<strong>the</strong>mselves in <strong>the</strong>ir mad course <strong>of</strong> resisting <strong>the</strong> authority <strong>of</strong> Moses and<br />

Aaron. Satan was at hand to pervert <strong>the</strong>ir judgment and lead <strong>the</strong>m blindfold<br />

to destruction.<br />

The day before, all Israel had fled in alarm at <strong>the</strong> cry <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> doomed<br />

sinners who went down into <strong>the</strong> pit, for <strong>the</strong>y said, "Lest <strong>the</strong> earth swallow us<br />

up also." "But on <strong>the</strong> morrow all <strong>the</strong> congregation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> children <strong>of</strong> Israel<br />

murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed <strong>the</strong><br />

people <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lord." And in <strong>the</strong>ir indignation <strong>the</strong>y were prepared to lay<br />

violent hands upon <strong>the</strong>ir faithful and self-sacrificing leaders.<br />

Here we find a striking exhibition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> blindness that will compass<br />

human minds that turn from light and evidence. Here we see <strong>the</strong> strength <strong>of</strong><br />

settled rebellion. Surely, <strong>the</strong> Hebrews had <strong>the</strong> most convincing evidence <strong>of</strong><br />

God's displeasure at <strong>the</strong>ir course, in <strong>the</strong> destruction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> men who had<br />

deceived <strong>the</strong>m. But <strong>the</strong>y still stood forth boldly and defiantly, and accused<br />

Moses and Aaron <strong>of</strong> killing good and holy men. "For rebellion is as <strong>the</strong> sin<br />

<strong>of</strong> witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry."<br />

794

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