nction of His
Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and
prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words
which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful
results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the
inroads of Spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal
power,--all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be
stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never heard words
like these.

In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen
because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent
to her from heaven. As the people go to their former teachers with the
eager inquiry, Are these things so? the ministers present fables, prophesy
smooth things, to soothe their fears, and quiet the awakened conscience.
But since many refuse to be satisfied with the mere authority of men, and
demand a plain "Thus saith the Lord," the popular ministry, like the
Pharisees of old, filled with anger as their authority is questioned, will
denounce the message as of Satan, and stir up the sin-loving multitudes to
revile and persecute those who proclaim it.

As the controversy extends into new fields, and the minds of the people
are called to God's down-trodden law, Satan is astir. The power attending
the message will only madden those who oppose it. The clergy will put
forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light, lest it should
shine upon their flocks. By every means at their command they will
endeavor to suppress the discussion of these vital questions. The church
appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and in this work, papists and
Protestants unite. As the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more
bold and decided, the law will be invoked against commandment-keepers.
They will be threatened with fines and imprisonment, and some will be
offered positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as
inducements to renounce their faith. But their steadfast answer is, "Show
us from the word of God our error,"--the same plea that was made by Luther
under similar circumstances. Those who are arraigned before the courts,
make a strong vindication of the truth, and some who hear them are led to
take their stand to keep all the commandments of God. Thus light will be
brought before thousands who otherwise would know nothing of these truths