Themostfearfulthreateningeveraddressedtomortalsiscontainedinthethirdangel’smessage。ThatmustbeaterriblesinwhichcallsdownthewrathofGodunmingledwithmercy。Menarenottobeleftindarknessconcerningthisimportantmatter；thewarningagainstthissinistobegiventotheworldbeforethevisitationofGod’sjudgments，thatallmayknowwhytheyaretobeinflicted，andhave450
opportunitytoescapethem。Prophecydeclaresthatthefirstangelwouldmakehisannouncementto\"everynation，andkindred，andtongue，andpeople。\"Thewarningofthethirdangel，whichformsapartofthesamethreefoldmessage，istobenolesswidespread。Itisrepresentedintheprophecyasbeingproclaimedwithaloudvoice，byanangelflyinginthemidstofheaven；anditwillcommandtheattentionoftheworld。
IntheissueofthecontestallChristendomwillbedividedintotwogreatclasses——thosewhokeepthecommandmentsofGodandthefaithofJesus，andthosewhoworshipthebeastandhisimageandreceivehismark。Althoughchurchandstatewillunitetheirpowertocompel\"all，bothsmallandgreat，richandpoor，freeandbond\"(Revelation13:16)，toreceive\"themarkofthebeast，\"yetthepeopleofGodwillnotreceiveit。TheprophetofPatmosbeholds\"themthathadgottenthevictoryoverthebeast，andoverhisimage，andoverhismark，andoverthenumberofhisname，standontheseaofglass，havingtheharpsofGod\"andsingingthesongofMosesandtheLamb。Revelation15:2，3。
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Chapter26
AWorkofReformTheworkofSabbathreformtobeaccomplishedinthelastdaysisforetoldintheprophecyofIsaiah:\"ThussaiththeLord，Keepyejudgment，anddojustice:forMysalvationisneartocome，andMyrighteousnesstoberevealed。Blessedisthemanthatdoeththis，andthesonofmanthatlayethholdonit；thatkeepeththeSabbathfrompollutingit，andkeepethhishandfromdoinganyevil。\"\"Thesonsofthestranger，thatjointhemselvestotheLord，toserveHim，andtolovethenameoftheLord，tobeHisservants，everyonethatkeepeththeSabbathfrompollutingit，andtakethholdofMycovenant；eventhemwillIbringtoMyholymountain，andmakethemjoyfulinMyhouseofprayer。\"Isaiah56:1，2，6，7。
ThesewordsapplyintheChristianage，asshownbythecontext:\"TheLordGodwhichgathereththeoutcastsofIsraelsaith，YetwillIgatherotherstohim，besidethosethataregathereduntohim。\"Verse8。HereisforeshadowedthegatheringinoftheGentilesbythegospel。AnduponthosewhothenhonortheSabbath，ablessingispronounced。Thustheobligationofthefourthcommandmentextendspastthecrucifixion，resurrection，andascensionofChrist，tothetimewhenHisservantsshouldpreachtoallnationsthemessageofgladtidings。
452
TheLordcommandsbythesameprophet:\"Bindupthetestimony，sealthelawamongMydisciples。\"Isaiah8:16。ThesealofGod’slawisfoundinthefourthcommandment。Thisonly，ofalltheten，bringstoviewboththenameandthetitleoftheLawgiver。ItdeclaresHimtobetheCreatoroftheheavensandtheearth，andthusshowsHisclaimtoreverenceandworshipaboveallothers。Asidefromthisprecept，thereisnothingintheDecaloguetoshowbywhoseauthoritythelawisgiven。WhentheSabbathwaschangedbythepapalpower，thesealwastakenfromthelaw。ThedisciplesofJesusarecalledupontorestoreitbyexaltingtheSabbathofthefourthcommandmenttoitsrightfulpositionastheCreator’smemorialandthesignofHisauthority。
\"Tothelawandtothetestimony。\"Whileconflictingdoctrinesandtheoriesabound，thelawofGodistheoneunerringrulebywhichallopinions，doctrines，andtheoriesaretobetested。Saystheprophet:\"Iftheyspeaknotaccordingtothisword，itisbecausethereisnolightinthem。\"Verse20。
Again，thecommandisgiven:\"Cryaloud，sparenot，liftupthyvoicelikeatrumpet，andshowMypeopletheirtransgression，andthehouseofJacobtheirsins。\"Itisnotthewickedworld，butthosewhomtheLorddesignatesas\"mypeople，\"thataretobereprovedfortheirtransgressions。Hedeclaresfurther:\"YettheyseekMedaily，anddelighttoknowMyways，asanationthatdidrighteousness，andforsooknottheordinanceoftheirGod。\"
Isaiah58:1，2。HereisbroughttoviewaclasswhothinkthemselvesrighteousandappeartomanifestgreatinterestintheserviceofGod；butthesternandsolemnrebukeoftheSearcherofheartsprovesthemtobetramplinguponthedivineprecepts。
Theprophetthuspointsouttheordinancewhichhasbeenforsaken:\"Thoushaltraiseupthefoundationsofmanygenerations；andthoushaltbecalled，Therepairerofthebreach，Therestorerofpathstodwellin。Ifthouturnaway453
thyfootfromtheSabbath，fromdoingthypleasureonMyholyday；andcalltheSabbathadelight，theholyoftheLord，honorable；andshalthonorHim，notdoingthineownways，norfindingthineownpleasure，norspeakingthineownwords:thenshaltthoudelightthyselfintheLord。\"Verses12-14。Thisprophecyalsoappliesinourtime。ThebreachwasmadeinthelawofGodwhentheSabbathwaschangedbytheRomanpower。
Butthetimehascomeforthatdivineinstitutiontoberestored。Thebreachistoberepairedandthefoundationofmanygenerationstoberaisedup。
HallowedbytheCreator’srestandblessing，theSabbathwaskeptbyAdaminhisinnocenceinholyEden；byAdam，fallenyetrepentant，whenhewasdrivenfromhishappyestate。Itwaskeptbyallthepatriarchs，fromAbeltorighteousNoah，toAbraham，toJacob。WhenthechosenpeoplewereinbondageinEgypt，many，inthemidstofprevailingidolatry，losttheirknowledgeofGod’slaw；butwhentheLorddeliveredIsrael，HeproclaimedHislawinawfulgrandeurtotheassembledmultitude，thattheymightknowHiswillandfearandobeyHimforever。
FromthatdaytothepresenttheknowledgeofGod’slawhasbeenpreservedintheearth，andtheSabbathofthefourthcommandmenthasbeenkept。
Thoughthe\"manofsin\"succeededintramplingunderfootGod’sholyday，yetevenintheperiodofhissupremacytherewere，hiddeninsecretplaces，faithfulsoulswhopaidithonor。SincetheReformation，therehavebeensomeineverygenerationtomaintainitsobservance。Thoughofteninthemidstofreproachandpersecution，aconstanttestimonyhasbeenbornetotheperpetuityofthelawofGodandthesacredobligationofthecreationSabbath。
Thesetruths，aspresentedinRevelation14inconnectionwith\"theeverlastinggospel，\"willdistinguishthechurchofChristatthetimeofHisappearing。Forastheresultofthe454
threefoldmessageitisannounced:\"HerearetheythatkeepthecommandmentsofGod，andthefaithofJesus。\"AndthismessageisthelasttobegivenbeforethecomingoftheLord。ImmediatelyfollowingitsproclamationtheSonofmanisseenbytheprophet，cominginglorytoreaptheharvestoftheearth。
ThosewhoreceivedthelightconcerningthesanctuaryandtheimmutabilityofthelawofGodwerefilledwithjoyandwonderastheysawthebeautyandharmonyofthesystemoftruththatopenedtotheirunderstanding。TheydesiredthatthelightwhichappearedtothemsopreciousmightbeimpartedtoallChristians；andtheycouldnotbutbelievethatitwouldbejoyfullyaccepted。ButtruthsthatwouldplacethematvariancewiththeworldwerenotwelcometomanywhoclaimedtobefollowersofChrist。Obediencetothefourthcommandmentrequiredasacrificefromwhichthemajoritydrewback。
AstheclaimsoftheSabbathwerepresented，manyreasonedfromtheworldling’sstandpoint。Saidthey:\"WehavealwayskeptSunday，ourfatherskeptit，andmanygoodandpiousmenhavediedhappywhilekeepingit。Iftheywereright，soarewe。ThekeepingofthisnewSabbathwouldthrowusoutofharmonywiththeworld，andwewouldhavenoinfluenceoverthem。
WhatcanalittlecompanykeepingtheseventhdayhopetoaccomplishagainstalltheworldwhoarekeepingSunday？\"ItwasbysimilarargumentsthattheJewsendeavoredtojustifytheirrejectionofChrist。TheirfathershadbeenacceptedofGodinpresentingthesacrificialofferings，andwhycouldnotthechildrenfindsalvationinpursuingthesamecourse？So，inthetimeofLuther，papistsreasonedthattrueChristianshaddiedintheCatholicfaith，andthereforethatreligionwassufficientforsalvation。Suchreasoningwouldproveaneffectualbarriertoalladvancementinreligiousfaithorpractice。
ManyurgedthatSundaykeepinghadbeenanestablisheddoctrineandawidespreadcustomofthechurchformany455
centuries。AgainstthisargumentitwasshownthattheSabbathanditsobservanceweremoreancientandwidespread，evenasoldastheworlditself，andbearingthesanctionbothofangelsandofGod。Whenthefoundationsoftheearthwerelaid，whenthemorningstarssangtogether，andallthesonsofGodshoutedforjoy，thenwaslaidthefoundationoftheSabbath。Job38:6，7；Genesis2:1-3。Wellmaythisinstitutiondemandourreverence；itwasordainedbynohumanauthorityandrestsuponnohumantraditions；itwasestablishedbytheAncientofDaysandcommandedbyHiseternalword。
AstheattentionofthepeoplewascalledtothesubjectofSabbathreform，popularministerspervertedthewordofGod，placingsuchinterpretationsuponitstestimonyaswouldbestquietinquiringminds。AndthosewhodidnotsearchtheScripturesforthemselveswerecontenttoacceptconclusionsthatwereinaccordancewiththeirdesires。Byargument，sophistry，thetraditionsoftheFathers，andtheauthorityofthechurch，manyendeavoredtooverthrowthetruth。ItsadvocatesweredriventotheirBiblestodefendthevalidityofthefourthcommandment。Humblemen，armedwiththewordoftruthalone，withstoodtheattacksofmenoflearning，who，withsurpriseandanger，foundtheireloquentsophistrypowerlessagainstthesimple，straightforwardreasoningofmenwhowereversedintheScripturesratherthaninthesubtletiesoftheschools。
IntheabsenceofBibletestimonyintheirfavor，manywithunwearyingpersistenceurged——forgettinghowthesamereasoninghadbeenemployedagainstChristandHisapostles:\"WhydonotourgreatmenunderstandthisSabbathquestion？Butfewbelieveasyoudo。Itcannotbethatyouarerightandthatallthemenoflearningintheworldarewrong。\"
TorefutesuchargumentsitwasneedfulonlytocitetheteachingsoftheScripturesandthehistoryoftheLord’sdealingswithHispeopleinallages。Godworksthrough456
thosewhohearandobeyHisvoice，thosewhowill，ifneedbe，speakunpalatabletruths，thosewhodonotfeartoreprovepopularsins。ThereasonwhyHedoesnotoftenerchoosemenoflearningandhighpositiontoleadoutinreformmovementsisthattheytrusttotheircreeds，theories，andtheologicalsystems，andfeelnoneedtobetaughtofGod。OnlythosewhohaveapersonalconnectionwiththeSourceofwisdomareabletounderstandorexplaintheScriptures。Menwhohavelittleofthelearningoftheschoolsaresometimescalledtodeclarethetruth，notbecausetheyareunlearned，butbecausetheyarenottooself-sufficienttobetaughtofGod。
TheylearnintheschoolofChrist，andtheirhumilityandobediencemakethemgreat。IncommittingtothemaknowledgeofHistruth，Godconfersuponthemanhonor，incomparisonwithwhichearthlyhonorandhumangreatnesssinkintoinsignificance。
ThemajorityofAdventistsrejectedthetruthsconcerningthesanctuaryandthelawofGod，andmanyalsorenouncedtheirfaithintheadventmovementandadoptedunsoundandconflictingviewsoftheprophecieswhichappliedtothatwork。SomewereledintotheerrorofrepeatedlyfixinguponadefinitetimeforthecomingofChrist。Thelightwhichwasnowshiningonthesubjectofthesanctuaryshouldhaveshownthemthatnopropheticperiodextendstothesecondadvent；thattheexacttimeofthisadventisnotforetold。But，turningfromthelight，theycontinuedtosettimeaftertimefortheLordtocome，andasoftentheyweredisappointed。
WhentheThessalonianchurchreceivederroneousviewsconcerningthecomingofChrist，theapostlePaulcounseledthemtotesttheirhopesandanticipationscarefullybythewordofGod。HecitedthemtopropheciesrevealingtheeventstotakeplacebeforeChristshouldcome，andshowedthattheyhadnogroundtoexpectHimintheirday。\"Letnomandeceiveyoubyanymeans\"(2Thessalonians2:3)，arehiswordsofwarning。ShouldtheyindulgeexpectationsthatwerenotsanctionedbytheScriptures，theywouldbeledto457
amistakencourseofaction；disappointmentwouldexposethemtothederisionofunbelievers，andtheywouldbeindangerofyieldingtodiscouragementandwouldbetemptedtodoubtthetruthsessentialfortheirsalvation。Theapostle’sadmonitiontotheThessalonianscontainsanimportantlessonforthosewholiveinthelastdays。ManyAdventistshavefeltthatunlesstheycouldfixtheirfaithuponadefinitetimefortheLord’scoming，theycouldnotbezealousanddiligentintheworkofpreparation。Butastheirhopesareagainandagainexcited，onlytobedestroyed，theirfaithreceivessuchashockthatitbecomeswell-nighimpossibleforthemtobeimpressedbythegreattruthsofprophecy。
Thepreachingofadefinitetimeforthejudgment，inthegivingofthefirstmessage，wasorderedbyGod。Thecomputationofthepropheticperiodsonwhichthatmessagewasbased，placingthecloseofthe2300daysintheautumnof1844，standswithoutimpeachment。Therepeatedeffortstofindnewdatesforthebeginningandcloseofthepropheticperiods，andtheunsoundreasoningnecessarytosustainthesepositions，notonlyleadmindsawayfromthepresenttruth，butthrowcontemptuponalleffortstoexplaintheprophecies。Themorefrequentlyadefinitetimeissetforthesecondadvent，andthemorewidelyitistaught，thebetteritsuitsthepurposesofSatan。Afterthetimehaspassed，heexcitesridiculeandcontemptofitsadvocates，andthuscastsreproachuponthegreatadventmovementof1843
and1844。ThosewhopersistinthiserrorwillatlastfixuponadatetoofarinthefutureforthecomingofChrist。Thustheywillbeledtorestinafalsesecurity，andmanywillnotbeundeceiveduntilitistoolate。
ThehistoryofancientIsraelisastrikingillustrationofthepastexperienceoftheAdventistbody。GodledHispeopleintheadventmovement，evenasHeledthechildrenofIsraelfromEgypt。InthegreatdisappointmenttheirfaithwastestedaswasthatoftheHebrewsattheRedSea。Hadtheystilltrustedtotheguidinghandthathadbeenwiththemin458
theirpastexperience，theywouldhaveseenthesalvationofGod。Ifallwhohadlaboredunitedlyintheworkin1844，hadreceivedthethirdangel’smessageandproclaimeditinthepoweroftheHolySpirit，theLordwouldhavewroughtmightilywiththeirefforts。Afloodoflightwouldhavebeenshedupontheworld。Yearsagotheinhabitantsoftheearthwouldhavebeenwarned，theclosingworkcompleted，andChristwouldhavecomefortheredemptionofHispeople。
ItwasnotthewillofGodthatIsraelshouldwanderfortyyearsinthewilderness；HedesiredtoleadthemdirectlytothelandofCanaanandestablishthemthere，aholy，happypeople。But\"theycouldnotenterinbecauseofunbelief。\"Hebrews3:19。Becauseoftheirbackslidingandapostasytheyperishedinthedesert，andotherswereraiseduptoenterthePromisedLand。Inlikemanner，itwasnotthewillofGodthatthecomingofChristshouldbesolongdelayedandHispeopleshouldremainsomanyyearsinthisworldofsinandsorrow。ButunbeliefseparatedthemfromGod。AstheyrefusedtodotheworkwhichHehadappointedthem，otherswereraiseduptoproclaimthemessage。Inmercytotheworld，JesusdelaysHiscoming，thatsinnersmayhaveanopportunitytohearthewarningandfindinHimashelterbeforethewrathofGodshallbepouredout。
Nowasinformerages，thepresentationofatruththatreprovesthesinsanderrorsofthetimeswillexciteopposition。\"Everyonethatdoethevilhateththelight，neithercomethtothelight，lesthisdeedsshouldbereproved。\"John3:20。AsmenseethattheycannotmaintaintheirpositionbytheScriptures，manydeterminetomaintainitatallhazards，andwithamaliciousspirittheyassailthecharacterandmotivesofthosewhostandindefenseofunpopulartruth。Itisthesamepolicywhichhasbeenpursuedinallages。ElijahwasdeclaredtobeatroublerinIsrael，Jeremiahatraitor，Paulapolluterofthetemple。Fromthatdaytothis，thosewhowouldbeloyaltotruthhavebeendenouncedasseditious，459
heretical，orschismatic。Multitudeswhoaretoounbelievingtoacceptthesurewordofprophecywillreceivewithunquestioningcredulityanaccusationagainstthosewhodaretoreprovefashionablesins。Thisspiritwillincreasemoreandmore。AndtheBibleplainlyteachesthatatimeisapproachingwhenthelawsofthestatewillsoconflictwiththelawofGodthatwhosoeverwouldobeyallthedivinepreceptsmustbravereproachandpunishmentasanevildoer。
Inviewofthis，whatisthedutyofthemessengeroftruth？Shallheconcludethatthetruthoughtnottobepresented，sinceoftenitsonlyeffectistoarousementoevadeorresistitsclaims？No；hehasnomorereasonforwithholdingthetestimonyofGod’sword，becauseitexcitesopposition，thanhadearlierReformers。Theconfessionoffaithmadebysaintsandmartyrswasrecordedforthebenefitofsucceedinggenerations。
ThoselivingexamplesofholinessandsteadfastintegrityhavecomedowntoinspirecourageinthosewhoarenowcalledtostandaswitnessesforGod。
Theyreceivedgraceandtruth，notforthemselvesalone，butthat，throughthem，theknowledgeofGodmightenlightentheearth。HasGodgivenlighttoHisservantsinthisgeneration？Thentheyshouldletitshineforthtotheworld。
AncientlytheLorddeclaredtoonewhospokeinHisname:\"ThehouseofIsraelwillnothearkenuntothee；fortheywillnothearkenuntoMe。\"
NeverthelessHesaid:\"ThoushaltspeakMywordsuntothem，whethertheywillhear，orwhethertheywillforbear。\"Ezekiel3:7；2:7。TotheservantofGodatthistimeisthecommandaddressed:\"Liftupthyvoicelikeatrumpet，andshowMypeopletheirtransgression，andthehouseofJacobtheirsins。\"
Sofarashisopportunitiesextend，everyonewhohasreceivedthelightoftruthisunderthesamesolemnandfearfulresponsibilityaswastheprophetofIsrael，towhomthewordoftheLordcame，saying:\"Sonofman，IhavesettheeawatchmanuntothehouseofIsrael；thereforethoushalthear460
thewordatMymouth，andwarnthemfromMe。WhenIsayuntothewicked，O
wickedman，thoushaltsurelydie；ifthoudostnotspeaktowarnthewickedfromhisway，thatwickedmanshalldieinhisiniquity；buthisbloodwillIrequireatthinehand。Nevertheless，ifthouwarnthewickedofhiswaytoturnfromit；ifhedonotturnfromhisway，heshalldieinhisiniquity；
butthouhastdeliveredthysoul。\"Ezekiel33:7-9。
Thegreatobstaclebothtotheacceptanceandtothepromulgationoftruthisthefactthatitinvolvesinconvenienceandreproach。Thisistheonlyargumentagainstthetruthwhichitsadvocateshaveneverbeenabletorefute。ButthisdoesnotdeterthetruefollowersofChrist。Thesedonotwaitfortruthtobecomepopular。Beingconvincedoftheirduty，theydeliberatelyacceptthecross，withtheapostlePaulcountingthat\"ourlightaffliction，whichisbutforamoment，workethforusafarmoreexceedingandeternalweightofglory；\"withoneofold，\"esteemingthereproachofChristgreaterrichesthanthetreasuresinEgypt。\"2
Corinthians4:17；Hebrews11:26。
Whatevermaybetheirprofession，itisonlythosewhoareworldserversatheartthatactfrompolicyratherthanprincipleinreligiousthings。Weshouldchoosetherightbecauseitisright，andleaveconsequenceswithGod。Tomenofprinciple，faith，anddaring，theworldisindebtedforitsgreatreforms。Bysuchmentheworkofreformforthistimemustbecarriedforward。
ThussaiththeLord:\"HearkenuntoMe，yethatknowrighteousness，thepeopleinwhoseheartisMylaw；fearyenotthereproachofmen，neitherbeyeafraidoftheirrevilings。Forthemothshalleatthemuplikeagarment，andthewormshalleatthemlikewool:butMyrighteousnessshallbeforever，andMysalvationfromgenerationtogeneration。\"Isaiah51:7，8。
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Chapter27
ModernRevivalsWhereverthewordofGodhasbeenfaithfullypreached，resultshavefollowedthatattesteditsdivineorigin。TheSpiritofGodaccompaniedthemessageofHisservants，andthewordwaswithpower。Sinnersfelttheirconsciencesquickened。The\"lightwhichlightetheverymanthatcomethintotheworld\"
illuminedthesecretchambersoftheirsouls，andthehiddenthingsofdarknessweremademanifest。Deepconvictiontookholdupontheirmindsandhearts。Theywereconvincedofsinandofrighteousnessandofjudgmenttocome。TheyhadasenseoftherighteousnessofJehovahandfelttheterrorofappearing，intheirguiltanduncleanness，beforetheSearcherofhearts。
Inanguishtheycriedout:\"Whoshalldelivermefromthebodyofthisdeath？\"AsthecrossofCalvary，withitsinfinitesacrificeforthesinsofmen，wasrevealed，theysawthatnothingbutthemeritsofChristcouldsufficetoatonefortheirtransgressions；thisalonecouldreconcilemantoGod。WithfaithandhumilitytheyacceptedtheLambofGod，thattakethawaythesinoftheworld。ThroughthebloodofJesustheyhad\"remissionofsinsthatarepast。\"
Thesesoulsbroughtforthfruitmeetforrepentance。Theybelievedandwerebaptized，androsetowalkinnewnessoflife——newcreaturesinChristJesus；nottofashionthemselvesaccordingtotheformerlusts，butbythefaithoftheSonof462
GodtofollowinHissteps，toreflectHischaracter，andtopurifythemselvesevenasHeispure。Thethingstheyoncehatedtheynowloved，andthethingstheyoncelovedtheyhated。Theproudandself-assertivebecamemeekandlowlyofheart。Thevainandsuperciliousbecameseriousandunobtrusive。Theprofanebecamereverent，thedrunkensober，andtheprofligatepure。Thevainfashionsoftheworldwerelaidaside。Christianssoughtnotthe\"outwardadorningofplaitingthehair，andofwearingofgold，orofputtingonofapparel；but……thehiddenmanoftheheart，inthatwhichisnotcorruptible，eventheornamentofameekandquietspirit，whichisinthesightofGodofgreatprice。\"1Peter3:3，4。
Revivalsbroughtdeepheart-searchingandhumility。Theywerecharacterizedbysolemn，earnestappealstothesinner，byyearningcompassionforthepurchaseofthebloodofChrist。MenandwomenprayedandwrestledwithGodforthesalvationofsouls。Thefruitsofsuchrevivalswereseeninsoulswhoshranknotatself-denialandsacrifice，butrejoicedthattheywerecountedworthytosufferreproachandtrialforthesakeofChrist。MenbeheldatransformationinthelivesofthosewhohadprofessedthenameofJesus。Thecommunitywasbenefitedbytheirinfluence。TheygatheredwithChrist，andsowedtotheSpirit，toreaplifeeverlasting。
Itcouldbesaidofthem:\"Yesorrowedtorepentance。\"\"Forgodlysorrowworkethrepentancetosalvationnottoberepentedof:butthesorrowoftheworldworkethdeath。Forbeholdthisselfsamething，thatyesorrowedafteragodlysort，whatcarefulnessitwroughtinyou，yea，whatclearingofyourselves，yea，whatindignation，yea，whatfear，yea，whatvehementdesire，yea，whatzeal，yea，whatrevenge！Inallthingsyehaveapprovedyourselvestobeclearinthismatter。\"
2Corinthians7:9-11。
ThisistheresultoftheworkoftheSpiritofGod。Thereisnoevidenceofgenuinerepentanceunlessitworksreformation。
463
Ifherestorethepledge，giveagainthathehadrobbed，confesshissins，andloveGodandhisfellowmen，thesinnermaybesurethathehasfoundpeacewithGod。Suchweretheeffectsthatinformeryearsfollowedseasonsofreligiousawakening。Judgedbytheirfruits，theywereknowntobeblessedofGodinthesalvationofmenandtheupliftingofhumanity。
ButmanyoftherevivalsofmoderntimeshavepresentedamarkedcontrasttothosemanifestationsofdivinegracewhichinearlierdaysfollowedthelaborsofGod’sservants。Itistruethatawidespreadinterestiskindled，manyprofessconversion，andtherearelargeaccessionstothechurches；
neverthelesstheresultsarenotsuchastowarrantthebeliefthattherehasbeenacorrespondingincreaseofrealspirituallife。Thelightwhichflamesupforatimesoondiesout，leavingthedarknessmoredensethanbefore。
Popularrevivalsaretoooftencarriedbyappealstotheimagination，byexcitingtheemotions，bygratifyingtheloveforwhatisnewandstartling。
ConvertsthusgainedhavelittledesiretolistentoBibletruth，littleinterestinthetestimonyofprophetsandapostles。Unlessareligiousservicehassomethingofasensationalcharacter，ithasnoattractionsforthem。Amessagewhichappealstounimpassionedreasonawakensnoresponse。
TheplainwarningsofGod’sword，relatingdirectlytotheireternalinterests，areunheeded。
WitheverytrulyconvertedsoultherelationtoGodandtoeternalthingswillbethegreattopicoflife。Butwhere，inthepopularchurchesoftoday，isthespiritofconsecrationtoGod？Theconvertsdonotrenouncetheirprideandloveoftheworld。Theyarenomorewillingtodenyself，totakeupthecross，andfollowthemeekandlowlyJesus，thanbeforetheirconversion。Religionhasbecomethesportofinfidelsandskepticsbecausesomanywhobearitsnameareignorantofitsprinciples。Thepowerofgodlinesshaswell-nighdepartedfrommanyofthechurches。Picnics，churchtheatricals，464
churchfairs，finehouses，personaldisplay，havebanishedthoughtsofGod。
Landsandgoodsandworldlyoccupationsengrossthemind，andthingsofeternalinterestreceivehardlyapassingnotice。
Notwithstandingthewidespreaddeclensionoffaithandpiety，therearetruefollowersofChristinthesechurches。BeforethefinalvisitationofGod’sjudgmentsupontheearththerewillbeamongthepeopleoftheLordsucharevivalofprimitivegodlinessashasnotbeenwitnessedsinceapostolictimes。TheSpiritandpowerofGodwillbepouredoutuponHischildren。AtthattimemanywillseparatethemselvesfromthosechurchesinwhichtheloveofthisworldhassupplantedloveforGodandHisword。Many，bothofministersandpeople，willgladlyacceptthosegreattruthswhichGodhascausedtobeproclaimedatthistimetoprepareapeoplefortheLord’ssecondcoming。Theenemyofsoulsdesirestohinderthiswork；andbeforethetimeforsuchamovementshallcome，hewillendeavortopreventitbyintroducingacounterfeit。InthosechurcheswhichhecanbringunderhisdeceptivepowerhewillmakeitappearthatGod’sspecialblessingispouredout；therewillbemanifestwhatisthoughttobegreatreligiousinterest。
MultitudeswillexultthatGodisworkingmarvelouslyforthem，whentheworkisthatofanotherspirit。Underareligiousguise，SatanwillseektoextendhisinfluenceovertheChristianworld。
Inmanyoftherevivalswhichhaveoccurredduringthelasthalfcentury，thesameinfluenceshavebeenatwork，toagreaterorlessdegree，thatwillbemanifestinthemoreextensivemovementsofthefuture。Thereisanemotionalexcitement，aminglingofthetruewiththefalse，thatiswelladaptedtomislead。Yetnoneneedbedeceived。InthelightofGod’sworditisnotdifficulttodeterminethenatureofthesemovements。WherevermenneglectthetestimonyoftheBible，turningawayfromthoseplain，soul-testingtruthswhichrequireself-denialandrenunciationoftheworld，therewemaybesurethatGod’sblessingisnotbestowed。
465
AndbytherulewhichChristHimselfhasgiven，\"Yeshallknowthembytheirfruits\"(Matthew7:16)，itisevidentthatthesemovementsarenottheworkoftheSpiritofGod。
InthetruthsofHisword，GodhasgiventomenarevelationofHimself；andtoallwhoacceptthemtheyareashieldagainstthedeceptionsofSatan。Itisaneglectofthesetruthsthathasopenedthedoortotheevilswhicharenowbecomingsowidespreadinthereligiousworld。ThenatureandtheimportanceofthelawofGodhavebeen，toagreatextent，lostsightof。A
wrongconceptionofthecharacter，theperpetuity，andtheobligationofthedivinelawhasledtoerrorsinrelationtoconversionandsanctification，andhasresultedinloweringthestandardofpietyinthechurch。HereistobefoundthesecretofthelackoftheSpiritandpowerofGodintherevivalsofourtime。
Thereare，inthevariousdenominations，meneminentfortheirpiety，bywhomthisfactisacknowledgedanddeplored。ProfessorEdwardsA。Park，insettingforththecurrentreligiousperils，ablysays:\"Onesourceofdangeristheneglectofthepulpittoenforcethedivinelaw。Informerdaysthepulpitwasanechoofthevoiceofconscience……OurmostillustriouspreachersgaveawonderfulmajestytotheirdiscoursesbyfollowingtheexampleoftheMaster，andgivingprominencetothelaw，itsprecepts，anditsthreatenings。Theyrepeatedthetwogreatmaxims，thatthelawisatranscriptofthedivineperfections，andthatamanwhodoesnotlovethelawdoesnotlovethegospel；forthelaw，aswellasthegospel，isamirrorreflectingthetruecharacterofGod。Thisperilleadstoanother，thatofunderratingtheevilofsin，theextentofit，thedemeritofit。Inproportiontotherightfulnessofthecommandmentisthewrongfulnessofdisobeyingit……
\"AffiliatedtothedangersalreadynamedisthedangerofunderestimatingthejusticeofGod。Thetendencyofthemodernpulpitistostrainoutthedivinejusticefromthedivinebenevolence，tosinkbenevolenceintoasentimentrather466
thanexaltitintoaprinciple。ThenewtheologicalprismputsasunderwhatGodhasjoinedtogether。Isthedivinelawagoodoranevil？Itisagood。
Thenjusticeisgood；foritisadispositiontoexecutethelaw。Fromthehabitofunderratingthedivinelawandjustice，theextentanddemeritofhumandisobedience，meneasilyslideintothehabitofunderestimatingthegracewhichhasprovidedanatonementforsin。\"Thusthegospellosesitsvalueandimportanceinthemindsofmen，andsoontheyarereadypracticallytocastasidetheBibleitself。
ManyreligiousteachersassertthatChristbyHisdeathabolishedthelaw，andmenarehenceforthfreefromitsrequirements。Therearesomewhorepresentitasagrievousyoke，andincontrasttothebondageofthelawtheypresentthelibertytobeenjoyedunderthegospel。
ButnotsodidprophetsandapostlesregardtheholylawofGod。SaidDavid:
\"Iwillwalkatliberty:forIseekThyprecepts。\"Psalm119:45。TheapostleJames，whowroteafterthedeathofChrist，referstotheDecalogueas\"theroyallaw\"and\"theperfectlawofliberty。\"James2:8；1:25。Andtherevelator，halfacenturyafterthecrucifixion，pronouncesablessinguponthem\"thatdoHiscommandments，thattheymayhaverighttothetreeoflife，andmayenterinthroughthegatesintothecity。\"Revelation22:14。
TheclaimthatChristbyHisdeathabolishedHisFather’slawiswithoutfoundation。Haditbeenpossibleforthelawtobechangedorsetaside，thenChristneednothavediedtosavemanfromthepenaltyofsin。ThedeathofChrist，sofarfromabolishingthelaw，provesthatitisimmutable。TheSonofGodcameto\"magnifythelaw，andmakeithonorable。\"
Isaiah42:21。Hesaid:\"ThinknotthatIamcometodestroythelaw；\"\"tillheavenandearthpass，onejotoronetittleshallinnowisepassfromthelaw。\"Matthew5；17，18。AndconcerningHimselfHedeclares:\"IdelighttodoThywill，OmyGod:yea，ThylawiswithinMyheart。\"Psalm40:8。
467
ThelawofGod，fromitsverynature，isunchangeable。ItisarevelationofthewillandthecharacterofitsAuthor。Godislove，andHislawislove。
ItstwogreatprinciplesarelovetoGodandlovetoman。\"Loveisthefulfillingofthelaw。\"Romans13:10。ThecharacterofGodisrighteousnessandtruth；suchisthenatureofHislaw。Saysthepsalmist:\"Thylawisthetruth:\"\"allThycommandmentsarerighteousness。\"Psalm119:142，172。AndtheapostlePauldeclares:\"Thelawisholy，andthecommandmentholy，andjust，andgood。\"Romans7:12。Suchalaw，beinganexpressionofthemindandwillofGod，mustbeasenduringasitsAuthor。
ItistheworkofconversionandsanctificationtoreconcilementoGodbybringingthemintoaccordwiththeprinciplesofHislaw。Inthebeginning，manwascreatedintheimageofGod。HewasinperfectharmonywiththenatureandthelawofGod；theprinciplesofrighteousnesswerewrittenuponhisheart。ButsinalienatedhimfromhisMaker。Henolongerreflectedthedivineimage。HisheartwasatwarwiththeprinciplesofGod’slaw。\"ThecarnalmindisenmityagainstGod:foritisnotsubjecttothelawofGod，neitherindeedcanbe。\"Romans8:7。But\"Godsolovedtheworld，thatHegaveHisonly-begottenSon，\"thatmanmightbereconciledtoGod。ThroughthemeritsofChristhecanberestoredtoharmonywithhisMaker。Hisheartmustberenewedbydivinegrace；hemusthaveanewlifefromabove。Thischangeisthenewbirth，withoutwhich，saysJesus，\"hecannotseethekingdomofGod。\"
ThefirststepinreconciliationtoGodistheconvictionofsin。\"Sinisthetransgressionofthelaw。\"Bythelawistheknowledgeofsin。\"1John3:4；Romans3:20。Inordertoseehisguilt，thesinnermusttesthischaracterbyGod’sgreatstandardofrighteousness。Itisamirrorwhichshowstheperfectionofarighteouscharacterandenableshimtodiscernthedefectsinhisown。
Thelawrevealstomanhissins，butitprovidesnoremedy。
468
Whileitpromiseslifetotheobedient，itdeclaresthatdeathistheportionofthetransgressor。ThegospelofChristalonecanfreehimfromthecondemnationorthedefilementofsin。HemustexerciserepentancetowardGod，whoselawhasbeentransgressed；andfaithinChrist，hisatoningsacrifice。Thusheobtains\"remissionofsinsthatarepast\"andbecomesapartakerofthedivinenature。HeisachildofGod，havingreceivedthespiritofadoption，wherebyhecries:\"Abba，Father！\"
IshenowfreetotransgressGod’slaw？SaysPaul:\"Dowethenmakevoidthelawthroughfaith？Godforbid:yea，weestablishthelaw。\"\"Howshallwe，thataredeadtosin，liveanylongertherein？\"AndJohndeclares:\"ThisistheloveofGod，thatwekeepHiscommandments:andHiscommandmentsarenotgrievous。\"Romans3:31；6:2；1John5:3。InthenewbirththeheartisbroughtintoharmonywithGod，asitisbroughtintoaccordwithHislaw。
Whenthismightychangehastakenplaceinthesinner，hehaspassedfromdeathuntolife，fromsinuntoholiness，fromtransgressionandrebelliontoobedienceandloyalty。TheoldlifeofalienationfromGodhasended；thenewlifeofreconciliation，offaithandlove，hasbegun。Then\"therighteousnessofthelaw\"will\"befulfilledinus，whowalknotaftertheflesh，butaftertheSpirit。\"Romans8:4。Andthelanguageofthesoulwillbe:\"OhowloveIThylaw！itismymeditationalltheday。\"Psalm119:97。
\"ThelawoftheLordisperfect，convertingthesoul。\"Psalm19:7。Withoutthelaw，menhavenojustconceptionofthepurityandholinessofGodoroftheirownguiltanduncleanness。Theyhavenotrueconvictionofsinandfeelnoneedofrepentance。NotseeingtheirlostconditionasviolatorsofGod’slaw，theydonotrealizetheirneedoftheatoningbloodofChrist。
Thehopeofsalvationisacceptedwithoutaradicalchangeofheartorreformationoflife。Thussuperficialconversionsabound，andmultitudesarejoinedtothechurchwhohaveneverbeenunitedtoChrist。
469
Erroneoustheoriesofsanctification，also，springingfromneglectorrejectionofthedivinelaw，haveaprominentplaceinthereligiousmovementsoftheday。Thesetheoriesarebothfalseindoctrineanddangerousinpracticalresults；andthefactthattheyaresogenerallyfindingfavor，rendersitdoublyessentialthatallhaveaclearunderstandingofwhattheScripturesteachuponthispoint。
TruesanctificationisaBibledoctrine。TheapostlePaul，inhislettertotheThessalonianchurch，declares:\"ThisisthewillofGod，evenyoursanctification。\"Andheprays:\"TheveryGodofpeacesanctifyyouwholly。\"
1Thessalonians4:3；5:23。TheBibleclearlyteacheswhatsanctificationisandhowitistobeattained。TheSaviourprayedforHisdisciples:
\"SanctifythemthroughThytruth:Thywordistruth。\"John17:17。AndPaulteachesthatbelieversaretobe\"sanctifiedbytheHolyGhost。\"Romans15:16。WhatistheworkoftheHolySpirit？JesustoldHisdisciples:\"WhenHe，theSpiritoftruth，iscome，Hewillguideyouintoalltruth。\"John16:13。Andthepsalmistsays:\"Thylawisthetruth。\"BythewordandtheSpiritofGodareopenedtomenthegreatprinciplesofrighteousnessembodiedinHislaw。AndsincethelawofGodis\"holy，andjust，andgood，\"
atranscriptofthedivineperfection，itfollowsthatacharacterformedbyobediencetothatlawwillbeholy。Christisaperfectexampleofsuchacharacter。Hesays:\"IhavekeptMyFather’scommandments。\"\"IdoalwaysthosethingsthatpleaseHim。\"John15:10；8:29。ThefollowersofChristaretobecomelikeHim——bythegraceofGodtoformcharactersinharmonywiththeprinciplesofHisholylaw。ThisisBiblesanctification。
ThisworkcanbeaccomplishedonlythroughfaithinChrist，bythepoweroftheindwellingSpiritofGod。Pauladmonishesbelievers:\"Workoutyourownsalvationwithfearandtrembling。ForitisGodwhichworkethinyoubothtowillandtodoofHisgoodpleasure。\"Philippians2:12，13。TheChristianwillfeelthepromptingsofsin，buthewill470
maintainaconstantwarfareagainstit。HereiswhereChrist’shelpisneeded。Humanweaknessbecomesunitedtodivinestrength，andfaithexclaims:\"ThanksbetoGod，whichgivethusthevictorythroughourLordJesusChrist。\"1Corinthians15:57。
TheScripturesplainlyshowthattheworkofsanctificationisprogressive。
WheninconversionthesinnerfindspeacewithGodthroughthebloodoftheatonement，theChristianlifehasbutjustbegun。Nowheisto\"goonuntoperfection；\"togrowup\"untothemeasureofthestatureofthefullnessofChrist。\"SaystheapostlePaul:\"ThisonethingIdo，forgettingthosethingswhicharebehind，andreachingforthuntothosethingswhicharebefore，IpresstowardthemarkfortheprizeofthehighcallingofGodinChristJesus。\"Philippians3:13，14。AndPetersetsbeforeusthestepsbywhichBiblesanctificationistobeattained:\"Givingalldiligence，addtoyourfaithvirtue；andtovirtueknowledge；andtoknowledgetemperance；andtotemperancepatience；andtopatiencegodliness；andtogodlinessbrotherlykindness；andtobrotherlykindnesscharity……Ifyedothesethings，yeshallneverfall。\"2Peter1:5-10。
ThosewhoexperiencethesanctificationoftheBiblewillmanifestaspiritofhumility。LikeMoses，theyhavehadaviewoftheawfulmajestyofholiness，andtheyseetheirownunworthinessincontrastwiththepurityandexaltedperfectionoftheInfiniteOne。
TheprophetDanielwasanexampleoftruesanctification。HislonglifewasfilledupwithnobleserviceforhisMaster。Hewasaman\"greatlybeloved\"
(Daniel10:11)ofHeaven。Yetinsteadofclaimingtobepureandholy，thishonoredprophetidentifiedhimselfwiththereallysinfulofIsraelashepleadedbeforeGodinbehalfofhispeople:\"WedonotpresentoursupplicationsbeforeTheeforourrighteousness，butforThygreatmercies。\"
\"Wehavesinned，wehavedonewickedly。\"Hedeclares:\"Iwasspeaking，andpraying，andconfessingmysinandthesinofmypeople。\"AndwhenatalatertimetheSonofGodappeared，togive471
himinstruction，Danielsays:\"Mycomelinesswasturnedinmeintocorruption，andIretainednostrength。\"Daniel9:18，15，20；10:8。
WhenJobheardthevoiceoftheLordoutofthewhirlwind，heexclaimed:\"I
abhormyself，andrepentindustandashes。\"Job42:6。ItwaswhenIsaiahsawthegloryoftheLord，andheardthecherubimcrying，\"Holy，holy，holy，istheLordofhosts，\"thathecriedout，\"Woeisme！forIamundone。\"
Isaiah6:3，5。Paul，afterhewascaughtupintothethirdheavenandheardthingswhichitwasnotpossibleforamantoutter，speaksofhimselfas\"lessthantheleastofallsaints。\"2Corinthians12:2-4，margin；Ephesians3:8。ItwasthebelovedJohn，wholeanedonJesus’breastandbeheldHisglory，thatfellasonedeadbeforethefeetoftheangel。Revelation1:17。
Therecanbenoself-exaltation，noboastfulclaimtofreedomfromsin，onthepartofthosewhowalkintheshadowofCalvary’scross。TheyfeelthatitwastheirsinwhichcausedtheagonythatbroketheheartoftheSonofGod，andthisthoughtwillleadthemtoself-abasement。ThosewholivenearesttoJesusdiscernmostclearlythefrailtyandsinfulnessofhumanity，andtheironlyhopeisinthemeritofacrucifiedandrisenSaviour。
Thesanctificationnowgainingprominenceinthereligiousworldcarrieswithitaspiritofself-exaltationandadisregardforthelawofGodthatmarkitasforeigntothereligionoftheBible。Itsadvocatesteachthatsanctificationisaninstantaneouswork，bywhich，throughfaithalone，theyattaintoperfectholiness。\"Onlybelieve，\"saythey，\"andtheblessingisyours。\"Nofurthereffortonthepartofthereceiverissupposedtoberequired。AtthesametimetheydenytheauthorityofthelawofGod，urgingthattheyarereleasedfromobligationtokeepthecommandments。Butisitpossibleformentobeholy，inaccordwiththewillandcharacterofGod，withoutcomingintoharmonywiththeprincipleswhichareanexpressionofHisnatureandwill，andwhichshowwhatiswellpleasingtoHim？
472
Thedesireforaneasyreligionthatrequiresnostriving，noself-denial，nodivorcefromthefolliesoftheworld，hasmadethedoctrineoffaith，andfaithonly，apopulardoctrine；butwhatsaiththewordofGod？SaystheapostleJames:\"Whatdothitprofit，mybrethren，thoughamansayhehathfaith，andhavenotworks？canfaithsavehim？……Wiltthouknow，Ovainman，thatfaithwithoutworksisdead？WasnotAbrahamourfatherjustifiedbyworks，whenhehadofferedIsaachissonuponthealtar？Seestthouhowfaithwroughtwithhisworks，andbyworkswasfaithmadeperfect？……Yeseethenhowthatbyworksamanisjustified，andnotbyfaithonly。\"James2:14-24。
ThetestimonyofthewordofGodisagainstthisensnaringdoctrineoffaithwithoutworks。ItisnotfaiththatclaimsthefavorofHeavenwithoutcomplyingwiththeconditionsuponwhichmercyistobegranted，itispresumption；forgenuinefaithhasitsfoundationinthepromisesandprovisionsoftheScriptures。
LetnonedeceivethemselveswiththebeliefthattheycanbecomeholywhilewillfullyviolatingoneofGod’srequirements。ThecommissionofaknownsinsilencesthewitnessingvoiceoftheSpiritandseparatesthesoulfromGod。
\"Sinisthetransgressionofthelaw。\"And\"whosoeversinneth[transgresseththelaw]hathnotseenHim，neitherknownHim。\"1John3:6。ThoughJohninhisepistlesdwellssofullyuponlove，yethedoesnothesitatetorevealthetruecharacterofthatclasswhoclaimtobesanctifiedwhilelivingintransgressionofthelawofGod。\"Hethatsaith，IknowHim，andkeepethnotHiscommandments，isaliar，andthetruthisnotinhim。ButwhosokeepethHisword，inhimverilyistheloveofGodperfected。\"1John2:4，5。Hereisthetestofeveryman’sprofession。WecannotaccordholinesstoanymanwithoutbringinghimtothemeasurementofGod’sonlystandardofholinessinheavenandinearth。Ifmenfeelnoweightofthemorallaw，iftheybelittleandmakelightofGod’sprecepts，iftheybreakoneoftheleastof473
thesecommandments，andteachmenso，theyshallbeofnoesteeminthesightofHeaven，andwemayknowthattheirclaimsarewithoutfoundation。
Andtheclaimtobewithoutsinis，initself，evidencethathewhomakesthisclaimisfarfromholy。ItisbecausehehasnotrueconceptionoftheinfinitepurityandholinessofGodorofwhattheymustbecomewhoshallbeinharmonywithHischaracter；becausehehasnotrueconceptionofthepurityandexaltedlovelinessofJesus，andthemalignityandevilofsin，thatmancanregardhimselfasholy。ThegreaterthedistancebetweenhimselfandChrist，andthemoreinadequatehisconceptionsofthedivinecharacterandrequirements，themorerighteousheappearsinhisowneyes。
ThesanctificationsetforthintheScripturesembracestheentirebeing——spirit，soul，andbody。PaulprayedfortheThessaloniansthattheir\"wholespiritandsoulandbodybepreservedblamelessuntothecomingofourLordJesusChrist。\"1Thessalonians5:23。Againhewritestobelievers:
\"Ibeseechyoutherefore，brethren，bythemerciesofGod，thatyepresentyourbodiesalivingsacrifice，holy，acceptableuntoGod。\"Romans12:1。InthetimeofancientIsraeleveryofferingbroughtasasacrificetoGodwascarefullyexamined。Ifanydefectwasdiscoveredintheanimalpresented，itwasrefused；forGodhadcommandedthattheofferingbe\"withoutblemish。\"
SoChristiansarebiddentopresenttheirbodies，\"alivingsacrifice，holy，acceptableuntoGod。\"Inordertodothis，alltheirpowersmustbepreservedinthebestpossiblecondition。EverypracticethatweakensphysicalormentalstrengthunfitsmanfortheserviceofhisCreator。AndwillGodbepleasedwithanythinglessthanthebestwecanoffer？SaidChrist:\"ThoushaltlovetheLordthyGodwithallthyheart。\"ThosewhodoloveGodwithalltheheartwilldesiretogiveHimthebestserviceoftheirlife，andtheywillbeconstantlyseekingtobringeverypoweroftheirbeingintoharmonywiththelawsthatwillpromotetheirabilitytodoHiswill。Theywillnot，bytheindulgenceof474
appetiteorpassion，enfeebleordefiletheofferingwhichtheypresenttotheirheavenlyFather。
Petersays:\"Abstainfromfleshlylusts，whichwaragainstthesoul。\"1
Peter2:11。Everysinfulgratificationtendstobenumbthefacultiesanddeadenthementalandspiritualperceptions，andthewordortheSpiritofGodcanmakebutafeebleimpressionupontheheart。PaulwritestotheCorinthians:\"Letuscleanseourselvesfromallfilthinessofthefleshandspirit，perfectingholinessinthefearofGod。\"
2Corinthians7:1。AndwiththefruitsoftheSpirit——\"love，joy，peace，long-suffering，gentleness，goodness，faith，meekness\"——heclasses\"temperance。\"Galatians5:22，23。
Notwithstandingtheseinspireddeclarations，howmanyprofessedChristiansareenfeeblingtheirpowersinthepursuitofgainortheworshipoffashion；howmanyaredebasingtheirgodlikemanhoodbygluttony，bywinedrinking，byforbiddenpleasure。Andthechurch，insteadofrebuking，toooftenencouragestheevilbyappealingtoappetite，todesireforgainorloveofpleasure，toreplenishhertreasury，whichloveforChrististoofeebletosupply。WereJesustoenterthechurchesoftodayandbeholdthefeastingandunholytrafficthereconductedinthenameofreligion，wouldHenotdriveoutthosedesecrators，asHebanishedthemoney-changersfromthetemple？
TheapostleJamesdeclaresthatthewisdomfromaboveis\"firstpure。\"HadheencounteredthosewhotakethepreciousnameofJesusuponlipsdefiledbytobacco，thosewhosebreathandpersonarecontaminatedbyitsfoulodor，andwhopollutetheairofheavenandforceallaboutthemtoinhalethepoison——hadtheapostlecomeincontactwithapracticesoopposedtothepurityofthegospel，wouldhenothavedenounceditas\"earthly，sensual，devilish\"？Slavesoftobacco，claimingtheblessingofentiresanctification，talkoftheirhopeofheaven；butGod’swordplainlydeclaresthat\"thereshallinnowiseenterintoitanythingthatdefileth。\"
Revelation21:27。
475
\"KnowyenotthatyourbodyisthetempleoftheHolyGhostwhichisinyou，whichyehaveofGod，andyearenotyourown？foryeareboughtwithaprice:thereforeglorifyGodinyourbody，andinyourspirit，whichareGod’s。\"1Corinthians6:19，20。HewhosebodyisthetempleoftheHolySpiritwillnotbeenslavedbyapernicioushabit。HispowersbelongtoChrist，whohasboughthimwiththepriceofblood。HispropertyistheLord’s。Howcouldhebeguiltlessinsquanderingthisentrustedcapital？
ProfessedChristiansyearlyexpendanimmensesumuponuselessandperniciousindulgences，whilesoulsareperishingforthewordoflife。Godisrobbedintithesandofferings，whiletheyconsumeuponthealtarofdestroyinglustmorethantheygivetorelievethepoororforthesupportofthegospel。IfallwhoprofesstobefollowersofChristweretrulysanctified，theirmeans，insteadofbeingspentforneedlessandevenhurtfulindulgences，wouldbeturnedintotheLord’streasury，andChristianswouldsetanexampleoftemperance，self-denial，andself-sacrifice。Thentheywouldbethelightoftheworld。
Theworldisgivenuptoself-indulgence。\"Thelustoftheflesh，andthelustoftheeyes，andtheprideoflife\"controlthemassesofthepeople。
ButChrist’sfollowershaveaholiercalling。\"Comeoutfromamongthem，andbeyeseparate，saiththeLord，andtouchnottheunclean。\"InthelightofGod’swordwearejustifiedindeclaringthatsanctificationcannotbegenuinewhichdoesnotworkthisutterrenunciationofthesinfulpursuitsandgratificationsoftheworld。
Tothosewhocomplywiththeconditions，\"Comeoutfromamongthem，andbeyeseparate，……andtouchnottheunclean，\"God’spromiseis，\"Iwillreceiveyou，andwillbeaFatheruntoyou，andyeshallbeMysonsanddaughters，saiththeLordAlmighty。\"2Corinthians6:17，18。ItistheprivilegeandthedutyofeveryChristiantohavearichandabundantexperienceinthethingsofGod。\"Iamthelightof476
theworld，\"saidJesus。\"HethatfollowethMeshallnotwalkindarkness，butshallhavethelightoflife。\"John8:12。\"Thepathofthejustisastheshininglight，thatshinethmoreandmoreuntotheperfectday。\"
Proverbs4:18。EverystepoffaithandobediencebringsthesoulintocloserconnectionwiththeLightoftheworld，inwhomthere\"isnodarknessatall。\"ThebrightbeamsoftheSunofRighteousnessshineupontheservantsofGod，andtheyaretoreflectHisrays。Asthestarstellusthatthereisagreatlightinheavenwithwhoseglorytheyaremadebright，soChristiansaretomakeitmanifestthatthereisaGodonthethroneoftheuniversewhosecharacterisworthyofpraiseandimitation。ThegracesofHisSpirit，thepurityandholinessofHischaracter，willbemanifestinHiswitnesses。
PaulinhislettertotheColossianssetsforththerichblessingsgrantedtothechildrenofGod。Hesays:We\"donotceasetoprayforyou，andtodesirethatyemightbefilledwiththeknowledgeofHiswillinallwisdomandspiritualunderstanding；thatyemightwalkworthyoftheLorduntoallpleasing，beingfruitfulineverygoodwork，andincreasingintheknowledgeofGod；strengthenedwithallmight，accordingtoHisgloriouspower，untoallpatienceandlong-sufferingwithjoyfulness。\"Colossians1:9-11。
AgainhewritesofhisdesirethatthebrethrenatEphesusmightcometounderstandtheheightoftheChristian’sprivilege。Heopensbeforethem，inthemostcomprehensivelanguage，themarvelouspowerandknowledgethattheymightpossessassonsanddaughtersoftheMostHigh。Itwastheirs\"tobestrengthenedwithmightbyHisSpiritintheinnerman，\"tobe\"rootedandgroundedinlove，\"to\"comprehendwithallsaintswhatisthebreadth，andlength，anddepth，andheight；andtoknowtheloveofChrist，whichpassethknowledge。\"Buttheprayeroftheapostlereachestheclimaxofprivilegewhenhepraysthat\"yemightbefilledwithallthefullnessofGod。\"
Ephesians3:16-19。
477
HerearerevealedtheheightsofattainmentthatwemayreachthroughfaithinthepromisesofourheavenlyFather，whenwefulfillHisrequirements。
ThroughthemeritsofChristwehaveaccesstothethroneofInfinitePower。
\"HethatsparednotHisownSon，butdeliveredHimupforusall，howshallHenotwithHimalsofreelygiveusallthings？\"Romans8:32。TheFathergaveHisSpiritwithoutmeasuretoHisSon，andwealsomaypartakeofitsfullness。Jesussays，\"Ifyethen，beingevil，knowhowtogivegoodgiftsuntoyourchildren:howmuchmoreshallyourheavenlyFathergivetheHolySpirittothemthataskHim？\"Luke11:13。\"IfyeshallaskanythinginMyname，Iwilldoit。\"\"Ask，andyeshallreceive，thatyourjoymaybefull。\"
John14:14，16:24。
WhiletheChristian’slifewillbecharacterizedbyhumility，itshouldnotbemarkedwithsadnessandself-depreciation。ItistheprivilegeofeveryonesotolivethatGodwillapproveandblesshim。ItisnotthewillofourheavenlyFatherthatweshouldbeeverundercondemnationanddarkness。Thereisnoevidenceoftruehumilityingoingwiththeheadboweddownandtheheartfilledwiththoughtsofself。WemaygotoJesusandbecleansed，andstandbeforethelawwithoutshameandremorse。\"ThereisthereforenownocondemnationtothemwhichareinChristJesus，whowalknotaftertheflesh，butaftertheSpirit。\"Romans8:1。
ThroughJesusthefallensonsofAdambecome\"sonsofGod。\"\"BothHethatsanctifiethandtheywhoaresanctifiedareallofone:forwhichcauseHeisnotashamedtocallthembrethren。\"Hebrews2:11。TheChristian’slifeshouldbeoneoffaith，ofvictory，andjoyinGod。\"WhatsoeverisbornofGodovercomeththeworld:andthisisthevictorythatovercomeththeworld，evenourfaith。\"IJohn5:4。TrulyspokeGod’sservantNehemiah:\"ThejoyoftheLordisyourstrength。\"Nehemiah8:10。AndPaulsays:\"RejoiceintheLordalway:andagainIsay，Rejoice。\"\"Rejoiceevermore。Praywithoutceasing。Ineverythinggivethanks:forthis478
isthewillofGodinChristJesusconcerningyou。\"Philippians4:4；1
Thessalonians5:16-18。
SucharethefruitsofBibleconversionandsanctification；anditisbecausethegreatprinciplesofrighteousnesssetforthinthelawofGodaresoindifferentlyregardedbytheChristianworldthatthesefruitsaresorarelywitnessed。Thisiswhythereismanifestsolittleofthatdeep，abidingworkoftheSpiritofGodwhichmarkedrevivalsinformeryears。
Itisbybeholdingthatwebecomechanged。AndasthosesacredpreceptsinwhichGodhasopenedtomentheperfectionandholinessofHischaracterareneglected，andthemindsofthepeopleareattractedtohumanteachingsandtheories，whatmarvelthattherehasfollowedadeclineoflivingpietyinthechurch。SaiththeLord:\"TheyhaveforsakenMethefountainoflivingwaters，andhewedthemoutcisterns，brokencisterns，thatcanholdnowater。\"Jeremiah2:13。
\"Blessedisthemanthatwalkethnotinthecounseloftheungodly……
ButhisdelightisinthelawoftheLord；andinHislawdothhemeditatedayandnight。Andheshallbelikeatreeplantedbytheriversofwater，thatbringethforthhisfruitinhisseason；hisleafalsoshallnotwither；
andwhatsoeverhedoethshallprosper。\"Psalm1:1-3。ItisonlyasthelawofGodisrestoredtoitsrightfulpositionthattherecanbearevivalofprimitivefaithandgodlinessamongHisprofessedpeople。\"ThussaiththeLord，Standyeintheways，andsee，andaskfortheoldpaths，whereisthegoodway，andwalktherein，andyeshallfindrestforyoursouls。\"Jeremiah6:16。
(479)
Chapter28
FacingLife’sRecord\"Ibeheld，\"saystheprophetDaniel，\"tillthroneswereplaced，andOnethatwasAncientofDaysdidsit:Hisraimentwaswhiteassnow，andthehairofHisheadlikepurewool；Histhronewasfieryflames，andthewheelsthereofburningfire。AfierystreamissuedandcameforthfrombeforeHim:thousandthousandsministereduntoHim，andtenthousandtimestenthousandstoodbeforeHim:thejudgmentwasset，andthebookswereopened。\"Daniel7:9，10，R。V。
Thuswaspresentedtotheprophet’svisionthegreatandsolemndaywhenthecharactersandthelivesofmenshouldpassinreviewbeforetheJudgeofalltheearth，andtoeverymanshouldberendered\"accordingtohisworks。\"
TheAncientofDaysisGodtheFather。Saysthepsalmist:\"Beforethemountainswerebroughtforth，oreverThouhadstformedtheearthandtheworld，evenfromeverlastingtoeverlasting，ThouartGod。\"Psalm90:2。ItisHe，thesourceofallbeing，andthefountainofalllaw，thatistopresideinthejudgment。Andholyangelsasministersandwitnesses，innumber\"tenthousandtimestenthousand，andthousandsofthousands，\"attendthisgreattribunal。
\"And，behold，oneliketheSonofmancamewiththecloudsofheaven，andcametotheAncientofDays，andtheybroughtHimnearbeforeHim。AndtherewasgivenHim480
dominion，andglory，andakingdom，thatallpeople，nations，andlanguages，shouldserveHim:Hisdominionisaneverlastingdominion，whichshallnotpassaway。\"Daniel7:13，14。ThecomingofChristheredescribedisnotHissecondcomingtotheearth。HecomestotheAncientofDaysinheaventoreceivedominionandgloryandakingdom，whichwillbegivenHimatthecloseofHisworkasamediator。Itisthiscoming，andnotHissecondadventtotheearth，thatwasforetoldinprophecytotakeplaceattheterminationofthe2300daysin1844。Attendedbyheavenlyangels，ourgreatHighPriestenterstheholyofholiesandthereappearsinthepresenceofGodtoengageinthelastactsofHisministrationinbehalfofman——toperformtheworkofinvestigativejudgmentandtomakeanatonementforallwhoareshowntobeentitledtoitsbenefits。
InthetypicalserviceonlythosewhohadcomebeforeGodwithconfessionandrepentance，andwhosesins，throughthebloodofthesinoffering，weretransferredtothesanctuary，hadapartintheserviceoftheDayofAtonement。SointhegreatdayoffinalatonementandinvestigativejudgmenttheonlycasesconsideredarethoseoftheprofessedpeopleofGod。Thejudgmentofthewickedisadistinctandseparatework，andtakesplaceatalaterperiod。\"JudgmentmustbeginatthehouseofGod:andifitfirstbeginatus，whatshalltheendbeofthemthatobeynotthegospel？\"1
Peter4:17。
Thebooksofrecordinheaven，inwhichthenamesandthedeedsofmenareregistered，aretodeterminethedecisionsofthejudgment。SaystheprophetDaniel:\"Thejudgmentwasset，andthebookswereopened。\"Therevelator，describingthesamescene，adds:\"Anotherbookwasopened，whichisthebookoflife:andthedeadwerejudgedoutofthosethingswhichwerewritteninthebooks，accordingtotheirworks。\"Revelation20:12。
ThebookoflifecontainsthenamesofallwhohaveeverenteredtheserviceofGod。JesusbadeHisdisciples:\"Rejoice，481
becauseyournamesarewritteninheaven。\"Luke10:20。Paulspeaksofhisfaithfulfellowworkers，\"whosenamesareinthebookoflife。\"Philippians4:3。Daniel，lookingdownto\"atimeoftrouble，suchasneverwas，\"
declaresthatGod’speopleshallbedelivered，\"everyonethatshallbefoundwritteninthebook。\"AndtherevelatorsaysthatthoseonlyshallenterthecityofGodwhosenames\"arewrittenintheLamb’sbookoflife。\"Daniel12:1；Revelation21:27。
\"Abookofremembrance\"iswrittenbeforeGod，inwhicharerecordedthegooddeedsof\"themthatfearedtheLord，andthatthoughtuponHisname。\"
Malachi3:16。Theirwordsoffaith，theiractsoflove，areregisteredinheaven。Nehemiahreferstothiswhenhesays:\"Rememberme，OmyGod，……
andwipenotoutmygooddeedsthatIhavedoneforthehouseofmyGod。\"
Nehemiah13:14。InthebookofGod’sremembranceeverydeedofrighteousnessisimmortalized。Thereeverytemptationresisted，everyevilovercome，everywordoftenderpityexpressed，isfaithfullychronicled。Andeveryactofsacrifice，everysufferingandsorrowenduredforChrist’ssake，isrecorded。Saysthepsalmist:\"Thoutellestmywanderings:putThoumytearsintoThybottle:aretheynotinThybook？\"Psalm56:8。
Thereisarecordalsoofthesinsofmen。\"ForGodshallbringeveryworkintojudgment，witheverysecretthing，whetheritbegood，orwhetheritbeevil。\"Everyidlewordthatmenshallspeak，theyshallgiveaccountthereofinthedayofjudgment。\"SaystheSaviour:\"Bythywordsthoushaltbejustified，andbythywordsthoushaltbecondemned。\"Ecclesiastes12:14；
Matthew12:36，37。Thesecretpurposesandmotivesappearintheunerringregister；forGod\"willbringtolightthehiddenthingsofdarkness，andwillmakemanifestthecounselsofthehearts。\"ICorinthians4:5。\"Behold，itiswrittenbeforeMe，……youriniquities，andtheiniquitiesofyourfatherstogether，saiththeLord。\"Isaiah65:6，7。
482
Everyman’sworkpassesinreviewbeforeGodandisregisteredforfaithfulnessorunfaithfulness。Oppositeeachnameinthebooksofheavenisenteredwithterribleexactnesseverywrongword，everyselfishact，everyunfulfilledduty，andeverysecretsin，witheveryartfuldissembling。
Heaven-sentwarningsorreproofsneglected，wastedmoments，unimprovedopportunities，theinfluenceexertedforgoodorforevil，withitsfar-reachingresults，allarechronicledbytherecordingangel。
ThelawofGodisthestandardbywhichthecharactersandthelivesofmenwillbetestedinthejudgment。Saysthewiseman:\"FearGod，andkeepHiscommandments:forthisisthewholedutyofman。ForGodshallbringeveryworkintojudgment。\"Ecclesiastes12:13，14。TheapostleJamesadmonisheshisbrethren:\"Sospeakye，andsodo，astheythatshallbejudgedbythelawofliberty。\"James2:12
Thosewhointhejudgmentare\"accountedworthy\"willhaveapartintheresurrectionofthejust。Jesussaid:\"Theywhichshallbeaccountedworthytoobtainthatworld，andtheresurrectionfromthedead，……areequaluntotheangels；andarethechildrenofGod，beingthechildrenoftheresurrection。\"Luke20:35，36。AndagainHedeclaresthat\"theythathavedonegood\"shallcomeforth\"untotheresurrectionoflife。\"John5:29。Therighteousdeadwillnotberaiseduntilafterthejudgmentatwhichtheyareaccountedworthyof\"theresurrectionoflife。\"Hencetheywillnotbepresentinpersonatthetribunalwhentheirrecordsareexaminedandtheircasesdecided。
Jesuswillappearastheiradvocate，topleadintheirbehalfbeforeGod。
\"Ifanymansin，wehaveanadvocatewiththeFather，JesusChristtherighteous。\"IJohn2:1。\"ForChristisnotenteredintotheholyplacesmadewithhands，whicharethefiguresofthetrue；butintoheavenitself，nowtoappearinthepresenceofGodforus。\"\"WhereforeHeisablealsotosavethemtotheuttermostthatcomeuntoGodbyHim，seeingHeeverlivethtomakeintercessionforthem。\"Hebrews9:24；7:25。
483
Asthebooksofrecordareopenedinthejudgment，thelivesofallwhohavebelievedonJesuscomeinreviewbeforeGod。Beginningwiththosewhofirstlivedupontheearth，ourAdvocatepresentsthecasesofeachsuccessivegeneration，andcloseswiththeliving。Everynameismentioned，everycasecloselyinvestigated。Namesareaccepted，namesrejected。Whenanyhavesinsremaininguponthebooksofrecord，unrepentedofandunforgiven，theirnameswillbeblottedoutofthebookoflife，andtherecordoftheirgooddeedswillbeerasedfromthebookofGod’sremembrance。TheLorddeclaredtoMoses:\"WhosoeverhathsinnedagainstMe，himwillIblotoutofMybook。\"Exodus32:33。AndsaystheprophetEzekiel:\"Whentherighteousturnethawayfromhisrighteousness，andcommittethiniquity，……allhisrighteousnessthathehathdoneshallnotbementioned。\"Ezekiel18:24。
Allwhohavetrulyrepentedofsin，andbyfaithclaimedthebloodofChristastheiratoningsacrifice，havehadpardonenteredagainsttheirnamesinthebooksofheaven；astheyhavebecomepartakersoftherighteousnessofChrist，andtheircharactersarefoundtobeinharmonywiththelawofGod，theirsinswillbeblottedout，andtheythemselveswillbeaccountedworthyofeternallife。TheLorddeclares，bytheprophetIsaiah:\"I，evenI，amHethatblottethoutthytransgressionsforMineownsake，andwillnotrememberthysins。\"Isaiah43:25。SaidJesus:\"Hethatovercometh，thesameshallbeclothedinwhiteraiment；andIwillnotblotouthisnameoutofthebookoflife，butIwillconfesshisnamebeforeMyFather，andbeforeHisangels。\"\"WhosoeverthereforeshallconfessMebeforemen，himwillI
confessalsobeforeMyFatherwhichisinheaven。ButwhosoevershalldenyMebeforemen，himwillIalsodenybeforeMyFatherwhichisinheaven。\"
Revelation3:5；Matthew10:32，33。
Thedeepestinterestmanifestedamongmeninthedecisionsofearthlytribunalsbutfaintlyrepresentstheinterest484
evincedintheheavenlycourtswhenthenamesenteredinthebookoflifecomeupinreviewbeforetheJudgeofalltheearth。ThedivineIntercessorpresentsthepleathatallwhohaveovercomethroughfaithinHisbloodbeforgiventheirtransgressions，thattheyberestoredtotheirEdenhome，andcrownedasjointheirswithHimselfto\"thefirstdominion。\"Micah4:8。
Sataninhiseffortstodeceiveandtemptourracehadthoughttofrustratethedivineplaninman’screation；butChristnowasksthatthisplanbecarriedintoeffectasifmanhadneverfallen。HeasksforHispeoplenotonlypardonandjustification，fullandcomplete，butashareinHisgloryandaseatuponHisthrone。
WhileJesusispleadingforthesubjectsofHisgrace，SatanaccusesthembeforeGodastransgressors。Thegreatdeceiverhassoughttoleadthemintoskepticism，tocausethemtoloseconfidenceinGod，toseparatethemselvesfromHislove，andtobreakHislaw。Nowhepointstotherecordoftheirlives，tothedefectsofcharacter，theunlikenesstoChrist，whichhasdishonoredtheirRedeemer，toallthesinsthathehastemptedthemtocommit，andbecauseoftheseheclaimsthemashissubjects。
Jesusdoesnotexcusetheirsins，butshowstheirpenitenceandfaith，and，claimingforthemforgiveness，HeliftsHiswoundedhandsbeforetheFatherandtheholyangels，saying:Iknowthembyname。IhavegraventhemonthepalmsofMyhands。\"ThesacrificesofGodareabrokenspirit:abrokenandacontriteheart，OGod，Thouwiltnotdespise。\"Psalm51:17。AndtotheaccuserofHispeopleHedeclares:\"TheLordrebukethee，OSatan；eventheLordthathathchosenJerusalemrebukethee:isnotthisabrandpluckedoutofthefire？\"Zechariah3:2。ChristwillclotheHisfaithfuloneswithHisownrighteousness，thatHemaypresentthemtoHisFather\"agloriouschurch，nothavingspot，orwrinkle，oranysuchthing。\"Ephesians5:27。
Theirnamesstandenrolledinthebookoflife，andconcerningthemitiswritten:\"TheyshallwalkwithMeinwhite:fortheyareworthy。\"Revelation3:4。
485
Thuswillberealizedthecompletefulfillmentofthenew-covenantpromise:
\"Iwillforgivetheiriniquity，andIwillremembertheirsinnomore。\"\"Inthosedays，andinthattime，saiththeLord，theiniquityofIsraelshallbesoughtfor，andthereshallbenone；andthesinsofJudah，andtheyshallnotbefound。\"Jeremiah31:34；50:20。\"InthatdayshallthebranchoftheLordbebeautifulandglorious，andthefruitoftheearthshallbeexcellentandcomelyforthemthatareescapedofIsrael。Anditshallcometopass，thathethatisleftinZion，andhethatremainethinJerusalem，shallbecalledholy，eveneveryonethatiswrittenamongthelivinginJerusalem。\"Isaiah4:2，3。
TheworkoftheinvestigativejudgmentandtheblottingoutofsinsistobeaccomplishedbeforethesecondadventoftheLord。Sincethedeadaretobejudgedoutofthethingswritteninthebooks，itisimpossiblethatthesinsofmenshouldbeblottedoutuntilafterthejudgmentatwhichtheircasesaretobeinvestigated。ButtheapostlePeterdistinctlystatesthatthesinsofbelieverswillbeblottedout\"whenthetimesofrefreshingshallcomefromthepresenceoftheLord；andHeshallsendJesusChrist。\"
Acts3:19，20。Whentheinvestigativejudgmentcloses，Christwillcome，andHisrewardwillbewithHimtogivetoeverymanashisworkshallbe。
Inthetypicalservicethehighpriest，havingmadetheatonementforIsrael，cameforthandblessedthecongregation。SoChrist，atthecloseofHisworkasmediator，willappear，\"withoutsinuntosalvation\"(Hebrews9:28)，toblessHiswaitingpeoplewitheternallife。Asthepriest，inremovingthesinsfromthesanctuary，confessedthemupontheheadofthescapegoat，soChristwillplaceallthesesinsuponSatan，theoriginatorandinstigatorofsin。Thescapegoat，bearingthesinsofIsrael，wassentaway\"untoalandnotinhabited\"(Leviticus16:22)；soSatan，bearingtheguiltofallthesinswhichhehascausedGod’speopletocommit，willbeforathousandyearsconfinedtotheearth，whichwillthenbedesolate，withoutinhabitant，andhewillatlastsufferthe486
fullpenaltyofsininthefiresthatshalldestroyallthewicked。Thusthegreatplanofredemptionwillreachitsaccomplishmentinthefinaleradicationofsinandthedeliveranceofallwhohavebeenwillingtorenounceevil。
