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。
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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。
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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。
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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。
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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。
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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"
Daniel10:11ofHeaven。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？
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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。
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"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。
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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。
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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。
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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。
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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。
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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。