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LEKTION 23: DER SPäTREGEN

In Biblical time, there are two most important rain waves for Israel, the “former rain” at the start of an agricultural season, which helps the seeds, the buds and the sprouts spring up, and the “latter rain” at the end of the season, that helps the fruits ripen, ready for the harvest.

The field is the world, and the harvest are those who accepted the Word. As the apostles received “the former rain” at the Pentecost when the Lord poured down His Holy Spirit, we too shall receive “the latter rain”. The Last Church will be baptized with the Holy Spirit, and the work of evangelism will finish even more gloriously than when it began, to the glory of the Lord.

The outpouring of the “latter rain” is not just prophesied in the Bible, but also confirmed by “the Spirit of Prophecy”. Only with the baptism of the Lord’s Holy Spirit, can we be armed with power and perfected enough to be ready for the final conflict, wrestling captured souls from the hands of the devil when the Mark of the Beast is issued, and then to meet the Lord at His second coming.

{Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, 464.1}

‘Before the final visitation of God’s judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time to prepare a people for the Lord’s second coming.’

{Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, 612.2}

‘The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God. The arguments have been presented. The seed has been sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit. The publications distributed by missionary workers have exerted their influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been prevented from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience. Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them. Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord’s side.’

{Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers 92, 383.3}

‘John says, “I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.” [Revelation 18:1.] Then, as at the Pentecostal season, the people will hear the truth spoken to them, every man in his own tongue. God can breathe new life into every soul that sincerely desires to serve him, and can touch the lips with a live coal from off the altar, and cause them to become eloquent with his praise. Thousands of voices will be imbued with the power to speak forth the wonderful truths of God’s word. The stammering tongue will be loosed, and the timid will be made strong to bear courageous testimony to the truth. May the Lord help his people to cleanse the soul-temple from every defilement, and to maintain so close a connection with him that they may be partakers of the latter rain when it shall be poured out.’

In lesson “Who are the 144.000“, we have learned the identity of the 144.000 who will walk in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this lesson, we will learn about the peculiar lifestyle of godliness that will perfect us into members of this group, through two of their main “shadows” or “type” in the Bible:
1) John the baptist – the messenger that went before the Lord to prepare the way for His first advent – and we are those who will prepare the way for His second coming.
2) The apostles – those who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit as the Former Rain and went forth to begin the work – and we are those who will receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit as the Latter Rain, to finish the work.

1. Were the apostles diligent Bible students?

[05] Acts 17:2-3 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

The apostles were all extremely well-versed in the Bible; they’ve mastered all the truths of God’s word to such an extent that they could reason out of it fluently. Many times, they have accurately quoted the Scriptures to defeat all the reasonings of enemies who sought to suppress the Truth by wickedness. They were not those who could be distracted by worldly books and philosophies from the Word of God.

{Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church vol. 7, 205.2 – 205.3}

‘The gathering together of many books for study too often interposes between God and man a mass of knowledge that weakens the mind and makes it incapable of assimilating that which it has already received. The mind becomes dyspeptic. Wisdom is needed, that man may choose aright between these many authors and the word of life, that he may eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God.

My brethren, discard the streams of the lowlands and come to the pure waters of Lebanon. Never can you walk in the light of God while you crowd the mind with a mass of matter which it cannot digest. It is time we resolved to have heaven’s help and allow the mind to be impressed with the word of God. Let us close the door to so much reading. Let us pray more and eat the words of life. Unless there is a deeper work of grace in mind and heart, we can never see the face of God.’

The devil will throw in anything he can think of to divert the mind from the Truth, even dumb heresies supported by twisted Bible verses that can easily be proven wrong, to discredit the Word of God.

{Ellen G. White, Letters and Manuscripts vol.20 (1905), Manuscript 10, 1905, par. 3}

‘FALSE DOCTRINES of every kind will be brought in to divert the mind from a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” Wherever we go, we shall find men ready with some side issue. While I was at Melrose, a man came with a message that the world is flat. I was instructed to present the commission that Christ gave His disciples just before His ascension, as recorded in Matthew 28:16-20…

We are not to allow our minds to be occupied by subjects such as that presented by this man. In regard to such subjects, God says to every soul, “What is that to thee? Follow thou Me.” [John 21:22.] I have given you your commission. Dwell upon the great testing truths for this time, not upon matters that have no bearing upon our work.

Again and again these nonessential subjects have been agitated, but their discussion has never done a particle of good. We are not to allow our attention to be diverted from the proclamation of the message given us. For years I have been instructed that we are not to give our attention to nonessential questions.’

{Ellen G. White, Letters and Manuscripts vol.4 (1883-1886), Manuscript 62, 1886, par. 103}

‘While we talk freely of other countries, why should we be reticent in regard to the heavenly country, and the house not built with hands, eternal in the heavens? This heavenly country is of more consequence to us than any other city or country on the GLOBE.’

Thus heavenly things were what the apostles dwelt upon.

Moreover, the early Christians even fasted and prayed often ([05] Acts 13:2). This is another sign of their sincere and deep affection for the Lord, and their dedication to His work. In the same way, through praying and contemplating the Bible, we can start building up a personal relationship with the Lord, and grow to love Him more and to be filled more with His Spirit.

In the last days, the deception of the enemy will be very overwhelming, requiring anyone who would want to withstand them to master the Bible to such an extent that even if Satan impersonates Christ, standing before them to preach lies, they would be able to detect it.

2. Was the apostle Paul ever ready to witness to others about Lord JESUS?

[07] I Corinthians 9:22 I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

With the motto “ever ready to do anything not forbidden by the Lord to save more people”, even preaching unpaid WHILE making tents for self-support, laboring day and night whenever it is necessary, the apostle Paul is probably the most outstanding evangelist ever lived in the history of mankind, right after our Lord JESUS Christ. He was never “shy” to point others to JESUS. Quite the opposite.

Likewise, those who truly love the Lord nowadays would be ready to overcome their fear or inconvenience to witness for the Lord. Not to mention, how cruel would we be if we know others are heading to a giant lake of fire and not lifting our voices to save them?

However, that does not mean we shall approach people rudely and recklessly. On the contrary, we are to cultivate our manners to make the Truth as appealing and lovely as possible to hearers.

{Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the church vol. 6, 276.2}

‘Every church member should feel it his special duty to labor for those living in his neighborhood. Study how you can best help those who take no interest in religious things. As you visit your friends and neighbors, show an interest in their spiritual as well as in their temporal welfare. Present Christ as a sin-pardoning Saviour. Invite your neighbors to your home, and read with them from the precious Bible and from books that explain its truths. This, united with simple songs and fervent prayers, will touch their hearts. Let church members educate themselves to do this work. This is just as essential as to save the benighted souls in foreign countries. While some feel the burden of souls afar off, let the many who are at home feel the burden of precious souls around them and work just as diligently for their salvation.’

*Note: wherever you are, good food would bring people closer together. If you know how to cook delicious and healthy meals, that would be a powerful gift to pull others closer to Christ.

{Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers 92, 321.2 – 322.1}

‘The enterprise of gaining everlasting life is above every earthly consideration. In order to lead souls to JESUS, there must be a knowledge of human nature and a study of the human mind. Much careful thought and fervent prayer are required to know how to approach men and women upon the great subject of truth. Some rash, impulsive, yet honest souls, after a pointed discourse has been given, will accost those who are not with us in a very abrupt manner, and make the truth, which we desire them to receive, repulsive to them. “The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” Business men and politicians study courtesy. It is their policy to make themselves as attractive as possible. They study to render their address and manners such that they may have the greatest influence over the minds of those about them. They use their knowledge and abilities as skillfully as possible in order to gain this object.

There is a vast amount of rubbish brought forward by professed believers in Christ, which blocks up the way to the cross. Notwithstanding all this, there are some who are so deeply convicted that they will come through every discouragement, and will surmount every obstacle in order to gain the truth. But had the believers in the truth purified their minds by obeying it, had they felt the importance of knowledge and of refinement of manners in Christ’s work, where one soul has been saved there might have been twenty.’

3. However, did the apostles ever care about how they are judged by men? When the laws of men contradicts the will of God, whom did they always obey?

[05] Acts 5:27-29 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name (JESUS Christ)? And, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

In reality, almost every single apostle of JESUS had in their turns sealed their testimonies with their blood, a witness to their strict adherence to the protocol “we ought to obey God rather than men”. Could not be compromised, terrorized, alured, bought or sold by anyone or anything, knowing no fear but the fear of God, THAT has been the characters of the apostles of old. If after they have spoken the Truth in love, many people would still reject and persecute them, they would not let that persecution hinder them from witnessing the Truth to others.

Usually in a group of people – for example, in a church, or in a community – only less than 30% are those who fanatically believe in a stated lie and fiercely oppose the Truth, despite all reasons and evidences. They are completely blind of all the errors of the idea that they are following, dedicated to that idea, and aggressively oppose anything and anyone who would lift their voices to point out the errors of their idea. Apart from them, there are 65% to approximately 70% of the community are those who only chose to go along with the 30% who seems to have the loudest voice so that they can be left in peace, while they don’t really believe in the stated lie. And then the remaining minority, usually less than 5%, are those who believe in the Truth and boldly preach the Truth, opposing the lies.

In a community sunken in sin and disconnected from Him who created and gave them purpose of life, they would generally feel lonely, lost, and that their lives are meaningless. Thus they would naturally feel frustrated but do not know the cause of their frustration. Therefore they have no target to unleash their frustration upon, but this frustrations would continue to pile up in them and make them grow ever more and more anxious, aggressive and aversive.

Then, if a narrative is introduced and widely circulated, bringing up to the public a certain threat, and at the same time propose strategies to deal with the stated threat, the mass would be more than willing to go along with the falsehood that is being propagated, no matter how absurd it is. Because deep down, they don’t really care about it being right or wrong, but that THEY NEED A TARGET TO UNLEASH THEIR FRUSTRATION just so they can feel better. The case of the Corona pandemic, or the genocide of the Jews in Nazi Germany of old, are grand examples of this group psychology phenomenon.

And that was just step (1). Then it gets even worse. (2) Because so many people are now participating in the same strategies against the common threat, they will feel connected again! Like all loneliness has disappeared, and they feel themselves full of solidarity. (3) Then they will be willing to sacrifice everything to fight against the threat, even their health, their properties, the future of their children, their freedom, and even important moral principles. And finally, (4) they will become radically intolerant towards dissident voices, and regard those who disagree with them as arrogant, lacking solidarity, enemies of the society that need to be terminated.

This “mass formation” technique of indoctrinating propaganda to do evil, is really a kind of group hypnosis, destroying the ethical sense of individuals and robs them of their ability to think critically. We often associate dictatorship regimes with concentration camps and genocide, with withering persecution of conscientious Christians in the dark age. But that is only the final stage of a long process of group hypnosis.

This demonic mass-hypnosis technique, like any hypnosis, first begins with introducing a “swinging watch”, an object of attention to focus all attention of the one being hypnotized into it. That “swinging watch” is the threat that is being introduced and continuously repeated through the media. Then once people are focused upon that threat, they lose their senses of all the other things, và become willing to sacrifice everything to deal with that threat, and also to persecute anyone who doesn’t agree with them.

Hypnosis is always led by the voice of someone – the leaders of the mass who are using indoctrination and propaganda to continue the work of mass hypnosis – and therefore what it fears the most is having someone sitting nearby constantly raising their voices, disrupting the hypnosis. It is because of this, that having the minority who are following the Truth constantly raise up their voices is extremely crucial, even when they will not manage to persuade anyone, because the voice that is constantly raised to preach the Truth and point out the errors of the ideology before the public IS WHAT CONSTANTLY DISRUPT THE HYPNOSIS, preventing the community to fall into the state of being hypnotized completely and consent to atrocities, like the genocide used against the Jews in Nazi Germany of old, or the massacre of so-called “heretics” that the church employed against anyone who would not believe as she dictated.

If the 5% stop raising their voices in public, they will allow the group hypnosis “mass formation” technique to move on to its final stage, when all the remaining 95% would be hypnotized completely, to ruthlessly destroy the small group of 5%. The years 1930 and 1935 in Germany and the USSR were clear and perfect examples of this phenomenon, when the dissident voices of those 2 countries stopped raising their voice in the public, and started to work underground only. And within 6 months, the destruction campaigns started. It is the very meaning of “if the salt has lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men“ ([01] Matthew 5:13).

We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world ([01] Matthew 5:13-14). Salt fights against corruption and decay, but at the same time it is irritating to the wound – unavoidable. Light also fights against darkness, but at the same we have to accept that it can be irritating to the eyes. Salt and light will be hated, and will have to accept the fact that they will be persecuted, but our voices are indispensable to prevent the world from falling into corruption and darkness.

So don’t ever falter when you have rightly preached the Truth and still no one would listen. Unless what you preach is wrong – in that case you are screwed, being not only the minority but also on the wrong side, not having the Lord with you. But if you are preaching the Truth, even if you are unsuccessful in convincing anyone else, you would still be somewhat disrupting the mass hypnosis that Satan is trying to conduct through his servants, and prevent your church, your family, your community, your society, from falling into the state of being entirely hypnotized by him and consent to atrocities to persecute anyone who disapproves of their wrong idea which they are propagating.

Keep on patiently fulfilling our God-appointed function, and obey the Lord more than men.

4. How does the Bible teach us to eat and to dress? What do we learn from John the Baptist, JESUS, and the apostles regarding this point?

[15] I Timothy 2:9 that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array.
[21] I Peter 3:3, 4 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Although our Father in heaven does not require us to cloth ourselves with rags, He obviously does not want us to dress with the purpose of showing off our riches and sexually provoking other people either. The wearing of jewelry nowaday indeed is accepted by the world, but according to the Bible, it has always been a negative thing in the Father’s eyes. Many of us might not yet realize the jewelries mentioned in [23] Isaiah 3:18-23 actually all have their roots in paganism, and the wearing of them on the body have from there perpetuated the entire world, even into the church. Together with the sexually provocative and health-destroying fashion so popular in our age, they not only provide temptations to others, but are also worst than a waste of the Lord’s resources.

{Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the church vol. 4, 634.2}

‘Fashion rules the world; and she is a tyrannical mistress, often compelling her devotees to submit to the greatest inconvenience and discomfort. Fashion taxes without reason and collects without mercy. She has a fascinating power, and stands ready to criticize and ridicule the poor if they do not follow in her wake at any cost, even the sacrifice of life itself. Satan triumphs that his devices succeed so well, and Death laughs at the health-destroying folly and blind zeal of the worshipers at Fashion’s shrine.’

Many are the inventions of Satan in the field of fashion to destroy health and life. But in this lesson, we shall make two “honorable” mentions that are perhaps his most savage and widely circulated devices nowadays.

1) High heels.

These attack the entire cardiovascular system, the spine, the knees, the feet, the toes, and all the related bones, muscles and nerves. So much inconvenience, pain and injuries under the execution of this cruel machine, for what? Not the improvement of character, but only an illusion of longer legs and bigger asses. May it be clarified that it is an ILLUSION. Because in fact, after all these abuses, the legs are not getting any longer, and the asses are not getting any bigger. Aren’t they still as small and short as the core values of those who willfully continue to submit themselves to be thus deceived and abused?

2) Bras.

In the book entitled “Dress to Kill: the Link between Breast Cancer and Bras” by Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer, a research has found out that the odds of getting breast cancer dramatically increased with bra-wearing over 12 hours per day:

• Women who wore their bras 24 hours per day had a 3 out of 4 chance of developing breast cancer (in their study, n=2056 for the cancer group and n=2674 for the standard group).
• Women who wore bras more than 12 hour per day but not to bed had a 1 out of 7 risk.
• Women who wore their bras less than 12 hours per day had a 1 out of 152 risk.
• Women who wore bras rarely or never had a 1 out of 168 chance of getting breast cancer. The overall difference between 24 hour wearing and not at all was a 125-fold difference (4-12 times greater in significance than the connection between cigarette smoking and lung cancer).

Which only makes total sense, because lymphatic circulation in many tissues (especially the primary lymphatics) are highly dependent on MOVEMENT. When you sit for a long time on an airplane flight, your feet and ankles can swell, because lymphatic circulation goes to near zero. Wearing a bra, especially a constricting one with underwires, and especially to bed, prevents normal lymphatic flow and would likely lead to anoxia (lower than normal oxygen content), which has been related to fibrosis, which has been linked to increased cancer risk.

The support that bras provide, in fact is but the deprivation of work from the muscles and the physical structure of the tissues there, making them no longer have to work to support themselves and thus be weaken in the long run, making the breasts droop even more. If even muscles in arms and legs will have to shrink if inactive, then let alone these tissues.

All these clearly goes against the original design of God. So instead, why don’t we go to one of the most beautiful and healthful pair of breasts found in the Bible and see how they are treated?

[22] Song of Songs 4:5 Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.

Shulamite did not wear bras, for her breasts had the healthful free movement which promote circulation, liken by Solomon to the graceful young deers. In fact, up until they were invented by the end of the 19th century in France, no women in history wear bras. Not Eve, not Sarah, not Shulamite, not Mary, and not Ellen G. White. But just because they didn’t wear bras, doesn’t mean that they were revealing in their dress. Think: the very fact that one has to muster an UNDERWEAR to cover the body, show just how transparent and short-of-fabric all the outer-wears are.

Lastly, this invention heats up an organ that was purposefully designed by God to be protruding from the body to have a lower temperature. Such binding up can but leads to inevitably evil, no matter what the protruding organ is, and whether it is on the body of male or female.

{Ellen G. White, Health Reformer, September 1, 1871, par. 4}

‘Because it is the fashion, many females place over their breasts paddings, to give the form the appearance of well-developed breasts. These appendages attract the blood to the chest, and produce a dry, irritating heat. The veins, because of unnatural heat, become contracted, and the natural circulation is obstructed. These appendages, in connection with other bad habits of dressing and eating, result in obstructing the process of nature, making a healthy development of the breasts impossible. And if these become mothers, there cannot be a natural secretion of the fluids, to have a sufficient supply of nourishment for their offspring.’

{Ellen G. White, Healthful Living, p. 123.2}

‘Many have become lifelong invalids through their compliance with the demands of fashion. Displacements and deformities, cancers and other terrible diseases, are among the evils resulting from fashionable dress.’

Now, to the sexually provocative clothes, despite the Bible’s clear teaching “that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety,” ([15] I Timothy 2:9), how bold are the clothes of female Christians nowadays! All these revealing clothes, gaudy makeup and sparkling jewelries only reveal even more a fact in the women who are adorned with them: they have lost their own worth and identity in the Lord, and are desperate for attention from males, hoping that there will be a prey shallow enough, ungodly enough, and morally worthless enough to bite the bait. May it also be made clear that there are no true men of God among these potential victims.

Daughters of God! Recall in your mind your true worth in the price paid for you at the cross. You have been bought by the Lord with an extremely expensive price. You are neither your own, nor cheap, to be sold out at such a low price as the attention, adoration or acceptance of men. Recall, because only at the cross can you gather again your moral awareness, self-respect and repentance to liquidize all the jewels of vanity and unhealthful articles and indecent outfits to where they belong: the garbage.

{Ellen G. White, Education, 248.5}

‘A person’s character is judged by his style of dress. A refined taste, a cultivated mind, will be revealed in the choice of simple and appropriate attire. Chaste simplicity in dress, when united with modesty of demeanor, will go far toward surrounding a young woman with that atmosphere of sacred reserve which will be to her a shield from a thousand perils.’

From John the Baptist, to the Lord JESUS Christ, to His apostles, simplicity and neatness in dress were unanimously held – something Christians would better learn to adopt. They also would always eat for health, never for indulgence.

{Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the church vol. 3, 62.1}

‘John separated himself from friends and from the luxuries of life. The simplicity of his dress, a garment woven of camel’s hair, was a standing rebuke to the extravagance and display of the Jewish priests, and of the people generally. His diet, purely vegetable, of locusts and wild honey, was a rebuke to the indulgence of appetite and the gluttony that everywhere prevailed.’

[01] Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts (*) and wild honey.

(*) Interestingly enough, this “ἀκρίς” word, both in the original Greek language of the Bible, and in English language “locust”, can refer both to the locust bugs and the locust beans, and thanks to the testimony of JESUS given through the prophet Ellen G. White, testifying that John was a vegan, we can know for certainty that it refers to the locust BEANS, not the bugs.

5. What does the Bible say about the pleasures of the world?

[23] I John 2:15-16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
[19] Psalm 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.

{Ellen G. White, Counsels for the church, 170.3}

‘Readers of frivolous, exciting tales become unfitted for the duties of practical life. They live in an unreal world. I have watched children who have been allowed to make a practice of reading such stories. Whether at home or abroad, they were restless, dreamy, unable to converse except upon the most commonplace subjects. Religious thought and conversation was entirely foreign to their minds. With the cultivation of an appetite for sensational stories, the mental taste is perverted, and the mind is not satisfied unless fed upon this unwholesome food. I can think of no more fitting name for those who indulge in such reading than mental inebriates.’

And that applies not only to reading. Except for a few things that are Christ-centered, like some movies and music works, it is not hard to realize that the rest of the entertaining movies, television shows, games, books, fictions, love stories, sports, gamblings, bars, music and dancing etc… nowadays, are in truth the farces of Satan centering around the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, things that are directly condemned by the Word of God. Even the things that are seemingly innocent among them, like some fictional works teaching some good moral lessons, are Satan’s means of attracting the minds of men from Lord JESUS, and are totally void of His mention and presence.

{Ellen G. White, Special Testimonies on Education, 44.2, 45.1, 81.1}

‘The love of pleasure is one of the most dangerous, because it is one of the most subtle, of the many temptations that assail the children and youth in the cities. Holidays are numerous; games and horse-racing draw thousands, and the whirl of excitement and pleasure attracts them away from the sober duties of life. Money that should have been saved for better uses—in many cases the scanty earnings of the poor—is frittered away for amusements.

The continual craving for pleasurable amusements reveals the deep longings of the soul. But those who drink at this fountain of worldly pleasure, will find their soul-thirst still unsatisfied. They are deceived; they mistake mirth for happiness; and when the excitement ceases, many sink down into the depths of despondency and despair. O what madness, what folly to forsake the “Fountain of living waters” for the “broken cisterns” of worldly pleasure!

…The world is full of excitement. Men act as though they had gone mad, over low, cheap, unsatisfying things. How excited have I seen them over the result of a cricket match! I have seen the streets in Sydney densely crowded for blocks, and on inquiring what was the occasion of the excitement, was told that it was because some expert player of cricket had won the game. I felt disgusted…’

{Ellen G. White, Counsels on Health, 189.3 – 189.4}

‘Some of the most popular amusements, such as football and boxing, have become schools of brutality. They are developing the same characteristics as did the games of ancient Rome. The love of domination, the pride in mere brute force, the reckless disregard of life, are exerting upon the youth a power to demoralize that is appalling.

Other athletic games, though not so brutalizing, are scarcely less objectionable, because of the excess to which they are carried. They stimulate the love of pleasure and excitement, thus fostering a distaste for useful labor, a disposition to shun practical duties and responsibilities. They tend to destroy a relish for life’s sober realities and its tranquil enjoyments. Thus the door is opened to dissipation and lawlessness, with their terrible results.’

Even so, athletes and those working in the entertainment industry when surrender to the Lord, can by their influence lead many people to Him and His teachings. Eric Liddell, a marathon sprinter, is one grand example. As a devout Christian, He refused to compete in his best event the 100-meter race in the 1924 Olympic in Paris, because it was held on the day he believed (although mistakenly) to be the sabbath day of the Ten Commandments of God, despite the booing protest of his countrymen. Instead, he competed in the 400-meter race held on a normal weekday. In the morning of the race, July 11th 1924, he received a note that said: “Those that honour me, I will honour.” The promise of God in [09] I Samuel 2:30 had strengthened Liddell to win the gold medal for his country and break the Olympic world record that day, a record that stood for another 12 years. Eric Liddell then returned to China, where he was born, to be an evangelist serving the Lord, and by the gift of his speed, had carried many people and saved their lives from the bombs and bullets of world war II, until the day of his death in a concentration camp, where he was still striving to bring others to the Lord.

His story had inspired many to be faithful to the Lord, and was made into a movie named “Chariots of Fire” in 1981, which won 4 Oscars, including “best picture”. Modern athletes and famous people when giving their lives to JESUS can also serve Him in many works like Erid Liddell, a grand example of which is the work of health reform that He is executing for mankind, to lead communities back to a healthy lifestyle and the original diet of Eden – grains, fruits, nuts, so they can have better health and clearer minds to comprehend and receive His Truths.

6. What about the pleasure parties, that neither having the Lord as their center (to worship, to learn Bible truths, to pray or witness…), nor to do any work, but just for the sake of pleasures and killing time?

[10] Ephesians 5:11 Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (expose).
[06] Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The only acceptable reason before God for Christians to have anything to do with those who fear Him not, is to try to find a way to help them and share to them of the Lord. Beside this cause, we have no justifiable reason to seek the fellowship of the ungodly. “Evil communications corrupt good manners.” ([07] I Corinthians 15:33).

{Ellen G. White, Special Testimonies on Education, 82.2}

‘I do not recommend pleasure parties where young people assemble together for mere amusement, to engage in cheap, nonsensical talk, and where loud, boisterous laughter is to be heard. I do not recommend this kind of gathering, where there is a letting down of dignity, and the scene is one of weakness and folly.

Many times young men for whom heavenly intelligences have been waiting in order to number them as missionaries for God, are drawn into the gatherings for amusement, and are carried away with Satan’s fascinations. Instead of being afraid to continue their association with girls whose depth of mind is easily measured, whose character is of a cheap order, they become enamored of them, and enter into an engagement. Satan knows that if these young men enter into an engagement with cheap-minded, pleasure-loving, worldly-minded, irreligious young women, they will bind themselves to stumbling-blocks. Their usefulness will be largely crippled, if not utterly destroyed. Even if the young men themselves succeed in making an unreserved surrender to God, yet they will find that they are greatly crippled by being bound to an untrained, undisciplined, unchristlike wife, who is dead to God, dead to piety, and dead to true holiness. Their lives will prove unsatisfying and unhappy…’

By the way, this works the other way around also: a godly woman would also destroy her happiness and usefulness if she tangles with an ungodly man. As long as both sides have not surrendered to the Lord, to learn the truths of His Word in order to live firm godly lives in Him, reaching the needed maturity for marriage, the act of developing the relationship into a romantic one for marriage will surely turn that marriage into a curse rather than a blessings, and is strictly forbidden by God ([08] II Corinthians 6:14).

That is not to mention: probation is closing, and the second coming of Christ is now imminent. Aren’t we coming too close to the end of this game of souls to be entangled by romance and the breeding of children? Do you have any idea how much devotion it takes to raise a child successfully – devotion that now should have been devoted to the work of the Lord? Do you even know how many years does it take before children are grown enough that their usefulness for the house of God can make up for the long years that were invested for them – years that we now probably do not have?

{Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the church vol. 4, 503.3}

‘We are living in the last days, when the mania upon the subject of marriage constitutes one of the signs of the near coming of Christ. God is not consulted in these matters. Religion, duty, and principle are sacrificed to carry out the promptings of the unconsecrated heart. There should be no great display and rejoicing over the union of the parties. There is not one marriage in one hundred that results happily, that bears the sanction of God, and places the parties in a position better to glorify Him. The evil consequences of poor marriages are numberless. They are contracted from impulse. A candid review of the matter is scarcely thought of, and consultation with those of experience is considered old-fashioned.’

May this writer present his humble opinion – I think I too have been given some wisdom to compile these lessons and give good counsels: now is the time that not only both parties have to be true Christians that have mastered the truth, but there also need to be clear evidences that their union will enable them to labor with greater efficiency and effectiveness for the work of saving souls, in order for the marriage to be approved and blessed of God. Other than that, don’t even think about it. Breeding more children to absorb the minds with extra care is even more out of the question. Wait until probation closes, when every case has been decided, and the 7 last plagues in [27] Revelation 16 have started falling upon the earth. At that time we shall all be released from the work of saving souls, so if God be willing, go ahead.

{Ellen G. White, Last Day Events, 36.5}

‘It is really not wise to have children now. Time is short, the perils of the last days are upon us, and the little children will be largely swept off before this.’

7. What should Christians contemplate?

[11] Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Not marriage, of course, but the Son of God, our Lord and Savior JESUS Christ, for this is precisely His description. It would be tremendously beneficial for Christians if we learn to fill our lives and living space with praise songs, with the things of nature – the work of the Lord’s hands, with the thoughts of Him and all the good things that come from Him.

{Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, 367.1}

‘Instead of dwelling where only the works of men can be seen, where the sights and sounds frequently suggest thoughts of evil, where turmoil and confusion bring weariness and disquietude, go where you can look upon the works of God. Find rest of spirit in the beauty and quietude and peace of nature. Let the eye rest on the green fields, the groves, and the hills. Look up to the blue sky, unobscured by the city’s dust and smoke, and breathe the invigorating air of heaven.’

{Ellen G. White, Special Testimonies on Education, 46.4}

‘…In retired places, where we are farthest from the corrupting maxims, customs, and excitements of the world, and nearest to the heart of nature, Christ makes his presence real to us, and speaks to our souls of his peace and love.’

8. Where does the true joy of true Christians lies?

[11] Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

What worldly joy can ever compare with the true joy of living a noble and fulfilled life in Christ JESUS, doing the work given us according to the good will of the Most High God our Creator, knowing that each labor performed and hardship endured will yield eternal results? Won’t holding communion with the Lord, living and working usefully in Him bring far more happiness, fulfillment and contentment than all the entertainment of the world combine?

If we have time for loitering around, we can pray, study the Word of God to improve our spirituality, or work, or witness for Him, or spend that time out in nature for recreation or rest, to be recovered, ready for the next work. If we have money to waste, why shouldn’t we devote to the Lord’s work and perform the good works available around us, which we can perform, to see ourselves living meaningful lives that glorify the Lord? Should Christians offer time and money to be burned as incense for the Devil upon the altar of worldly pleasures?

See what JESUS, by His own example, taught us about useless entertainment.

{Ellen G. White, Special Testimonies on Education, 191.2}

‘I cannot find an instance in the life of Christ where he devoted time to play and amusement. He was the great Educator for the present and the future life. I have not been able to find one instance where he educated his disciples to engage in amusement of football or pugilistic games, to obtain physical exercise, or in theatrical performances; and yet Christ was our pattern in all things. Christ, the world’s Redeemer, gave to every man his work, and bids them “occupy till I come.”

And in doing his work, the heart warms to such an enterprise, and all the powers of the soul are enlisted in a work assigned of the Lord and Master. It is a high and important work.’

With the increase of the love of Christ, comes the gradual and natural death of the love of worldly pleasures. Worldly movies will become dull, parties will become boring, entertaining games will become uninteresting. Only the glory of God in the face of JESUS Christ remains, and the mission to usher in the glorious eternal world upon mankind, flooding the mind and heart.

{Ellen G. White, Messages to Young People, 398.1 – 398.3}

‘The true Christian will not desire to enter any place of amusement or engage in any diversion upon which he cannot ask the blessing of God. He will not be found at the theater, the billiard hall, or the bowling saloon. He will not unite with the gay waltzers, or indulge in any other bewitching pleasure that will banish Christ from the mind.

To those who plead for these diversions, we answer, We cannot indulge in them in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. The blessing of God would not be invoked upon the hour spent at the theater or in the dance. No Christian would wish to meet death in such a place. No one would wish to be found there when Christ shall come.

When we come to the final hour, and stand face to face with the record of our lives, shall we regret that we have attended so few parties of pleasure? that we have participated in so few scenes of thoughtless mirth? Shall we not, rather, bitterly regret that so many precious hours have been wasted in self-gratification—so many opportunities neglected, which, rightly improved, would have secured for us immortal treasures?’

{Ellen G. White, Counsels for the Church, 158.2, 158.4, 158.5}

‘Through the observance of holidays the people both of the world and of the churches have been educated to believe that these lazy days are essential to health and happiness, but the results reveal that they are full of evil.

…After a day of pleasure seeking is ended, where is the satisfaction to the pleasure seeker? As Christian workers, whom have they helped to a better, higher, and purer life? What would they see if they should look over the record the angel wrote? A day lost! To their own souls a day lost, a day lost in the service of Christ, because no good was accomplished. They may have other days but never that day which was idled away in cheap, foolish talk, of girls with boys, and boys with girls.

Never will these same opportunities offer themselves again. They had better been doing the hardest kind of labor on that holiday. They did not make the right use of their holiday, and it passed into eternity to confront them in the judgment as a day misspent.’

9. What is the one characteristic that will make the 144.000 stand out from worldlings?

[27] Revelation 14:4 These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.

True, the 144.000 are very powerful Christians, the best of the best even, but that is only because they are those that stick closest to the Lord and rely most heavily upon Him. More than anyone, they understand thoroughly that vain self-sufficiency and foolish self-confidence will bring devastating defeats. Watch how it was with Eve, the lesson that this group has access to via the writings of Ellen G. White.

{Ellen G. White, Spirit of Prophecy vol.1, 35.2-36.1}

‘Eve, unconsciously at first, separated from her husband in her employment. When she became aware of the fact, she felt that there might be danger; but again she thought herself secure, even if she did not remain close by the side of her husband. She had wisdom and strength to know if evil came, and to meet it. This the angels had cautioned her not to do…

Eve’s curiosity was aroused. Instead of fleeing from the spot, she listened to hear a serpent talk. It did not occur to her mind that it might be that fallen foe, using the serpent as a medium. It was Satan that spoke, not the serpent… that strange voice should have driven her to her husband’s side to inquire of him why another should thus freely address her. But she enters into a controversy with the serpent.’

A personal relationship in total surrender, and a lifestyle of walking with the Lord JESUS Christ, going wherever He goes, to rejoice with His joy, to weep at what break His heart, to fight His fight together with Him, all in a fervent love for the Lord, in response to the love that He has bestowed, THAT is the one characteristic that will make the 144.000 stand out from the rest of the ungodly world, including the many false and lukewarm professed Christians of this age.

{Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, August 26th 1890, par. 10}

‘The reason why the churches are weak and sickly and ready to die, is that the enemy has brought influences of a discouraging nature to bear upon trembling souls. He has sought to shut Jesus from their view as the Comforter, as one who reproves, who warns, who admonishes them, saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it.”’

10. What are the conditions that need to be fulfilled in order for the Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit to be poured down upon the saints?

[05] Acts 1:14 These (the disciples of JESUS) all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of JESUS, and with his brethren.

We can observe what happened with the disciples before receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit on the Pentecost to know what the necessary preparation is.

After JESUS rose from the dead, He spent 40 days appearing to the disciples to gather and reorganize them ([05] Acts 1:3), who were scattered after witnessing Him died on the cross. After those 40 days, He ascended to Heaven, and the disciples returned to Jerusalem, and they have finally managed to unite as one, on their knees praying.

When the Lord was still with them, they were carried away with arguments and even fights, over who among them is the greatest. Now that He’s gone, being great or not no longer worth a dime. It was not until then, did the disciples realize how foolish their bickering was. For 10 days, each of them relinquished self, kneeling down on their knees praying to the Father in heaven. The hearts of the entire church were as one, they confess their faults which they committed against each other, and forgive one another. All sins have been forsaken, all selves have died. THEN, could the Lord pour out His Holy Spirit upon them, to baptize them in power.

{Ellen G. White, Early Writings, 71.2}

‘I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking to the time of “refreshing” and the “latter rain” to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation; therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God. Those who refuse to be hewed by the prophets and fail to purify their souls in obeying the whole truth, and who are willing to believe that their condition is far better than it really is, will come up to the time of the falling of the plagues, and then see that they needed to be hewed and squared for the building. But there will be no time then to do it and no Mediator to plead their cause before the Father. Before this time the awfully solemn declaration has gone forth, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” I saw that none could share the “refreshing” unless they obtain the victory over every besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action. We should, therefore, be drawing nearer and nearer to the Lord.’

{Ellen G. White, Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White, 189.2}

‘Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul-temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost.’

The works of perfecting Christian characters and uniting the whole church under one flag, have to precede the baptism of the Holy Spirit. These two works are but one: among those who have access to the full knowledge of the Truth, – as presented in this Prophecy Encyclopedia, for example – those who are willing to be fitted up by the Lord daily will be cleanse from all impurities, die to self, pride and selfishness, to love one another and unite to fill up the number of 144.000.

Should we refuse the work of preparation that the Lord is performing upon each of us, to unite us and form His army, we will fall back to darkness, and others will be raised up to replace us. When the day the Latter Rain shall fall, we will know among those that had access to these truths, who have graduated into members of this group.

11. How did the Lord teach us Christians to treat one another?

[04] John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

ALL those who have the Spirit of Christ reigning in their souls will automatically be drawn together in love. If there would ever be a group of saints throughout the entire history of mankind that will reflect this the most, whom God could point to and declare before the entire universe that they are unmistakably His children, it would be the 144.000. Along with total surrender to the Lord and the full knowledge of the Truth, Love for one another will be our outstanding feature.

12. Should we ignore a brother or sister when we see them sin and allow sins to remain upon them?

[03] Leviticus 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

The act of ignoring sins on others, not seeking to winsomely rebuke them and turn them away from sins, has been plainly declared by the Bible to actually be hating others in your heart. So is the act of sympathizing with wrongs when they are rebuked and punished. When the two sons of Aaron were executed by the Lord, their father and brothers were not even allowed to weep ([03] Leviticus 10:1-7).

{Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts 4A, 13.2-13.3}

‘When the Israelites committed sin, and God punished them for their transgression, and the people mourned for the fate of the one punished, instead of sorrowing because God had been dishonored, the sympathizers were accounted equally guilty as the transgressor.

The Lord teaches us, in the directions given to Aaron, reconciliation to his just punishments, even if his wrath comes very nigh. He would have his people acknowledge the justness of his corrections, that others may fear.

In these last days many are liable to be self-deceived, and they are unable to see their own wrongs. If God, through his servants, reprove and rebuke the erring, there are those who stand ready to sympathize with those who deserve reproof. They will seek to lighten the burden which God compelled his servants to lay upon them.

These sympathizers think they are performing a virtuous act by sympathizing with the one at fault, whose course may have greatly injured the cause of God. Such are deceived. They are only arraying themselves against God’s servants, who have done his will, and against God himself, and are equally guilty with the transgressor. There are many erring souls who might have been saved if they had not been deceived by receiving false sympathy.’

It would have been so much better for everyone, even for those who are rightfully rebuked, that after they are rebuked, there are other brothers and sisters around loving them responsibly, confirming the rightfulness of the rebuke, and seek to winsomely turn the transgressors from their sins, encourage them to repent, instead of giving them false sympathy for their sins. Many souls would have thus been turned back from wrong to right and be saved.

{Ellen G. White, Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 105.3 – 105.4}

‘As a people professing to be reformers, treasuring the most sacred, solemn, purifying truths of God’s Word, we must elevate the standard far higher than it is at the present time. Sin and sinners in the church must be promptly dealt with, that others may fear God. Truth and purity require that we make more thorough work to cleanse the camp of the Achans. Let those in responsible positions not suffer sin in a brother. Show him that he must either put away his sins or be separated from the church.’

13. What is the code of conduct that the Lord gave us when dealing with conflicts among brethren, to defeat Satan’s scheme of division?

[01] Matthew 5:23-24 if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
[01] Matthew 18:15-17 if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

A spirit full of uprightness, love and sincerity, willing to overcome self and shyness, to cherish Christian brotherly love enough to straightforwardly resolve all conflicts with others and winsomely turn them from sins, is a positive requirement for true Christians. If we would heed this admonition of the Lord and do it, no enemy would have been able to sow division and discord.

{Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the church vol. 9, 191.4 – 192.4}

‘Years ago, when the company of believers in the soon coming of Christ was very small, the Sabbathkeepers at Topsham, Maine, met for worship in the large kitchen in the home of Brother Stockbridge Howland. One Sabbath morning Brother Howland was absent. We were surprised at this, because he was always so punctual. Soon he came in, his face aglow, shining with the glory of God. “Brethren,” he said, “I have found it. I have found that we can pursue a course of action regarding which the guarantee of God’s word is: ‘Ye shall never fall.’ I am going to tell you about it.”

He then told us that he had noticed that one brother, a poor fisherman, had been feeling that he was not as highly respected as he ought to be and that Brother Howland and others thought themselves above him. This was not true, but it seemed true to him; and for several weeks he had not attended the meetings. So Brother Howland went to his house and knelt before him, saying: “My brother, forgive me. What is it that I have done?” The man took him by the arm and tried to raise him to his feet. “No,” said Brother Howland, “what have you against me?” “I have nothing against you.” “But you must have,” said Brother Howland, “because once we could speak to one another, but now you do not speak to me at all, and I want to know what is the matter.”

“Get up, Brother Howland,” he said. “No,” said Brother Howland, “I will not.” “Then I must get down,” he said, and he fell on his knees, and confessed how childish he had been and how many evil surmisings he had cherished. “And now,” he said, “I will put them all away.”

As Brother Howland told this story, his face shone with the glory of the Lord. Just as he had finished, the fisherman and his family came in, and we had an excellent meeting.

Suppose that some of us should follow the course pursued by Brother Howland. If when our brethren surmise evil, we would go to them, saying, “Forgive me if I have done anything to harm you,” we might break the spell of Satan and set our brethren free from their temptations. Do not let anything interpose between you and your brethren. If there is anything that you can do by sacrifice to clear away the rubbish of suspicion, do it. God wants us to love one another as brethren. He wants us to be pitiful and courteous. He wants us to educate ourselves to believe that our brethren love us, and to believe that Christ loves us. Love begets love.’

{Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the church vol 7, 263.2 – 263.3}

‘“Verily I say unto you,” Christ continued, “whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

This statement holds its force in all ages. On the church has been conferred the power to act in Christ’s stead. It is God’s instrumentality for the preservation of order and discipline among His people. To it the Lord has delegated the power to settle all questions respecting its prosperity, purity, and order. Upon it rests the responsibility of excluding from its fellowship those who are unworthy, who by their un-Christlike conduct would bring dishonor on the truth. Whatever the church does that is in accordance with the directions given in God’s word will be ratified in heaven.‘

14. What does “let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican” mean? How did the Lord teach us to treat those who have Him not, who frequently do evil and even persecute us?

[01] Matthew 5:43-48 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
[03] Luke 23:34 “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…”

15. Are you ready to daily approach the Lord nearer and nearer with a surrendered heart, to learn the practical godliness of love and holiness, to care and get closer to one another, for Him to finish the work of perfecting you into a member of the 144.000?

{Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts 4b, 34.1}

‘God leads his people on step by step. He brings them up to different points which are calculated to manifest what is in the heart. Some endure at one point, but fall off at the next. At every advanced point the heart is tested, and tried a little closer. If the professed people of God find their hearts opposed to the straight work of God, it should convince them that they have a work to do to overcome, or be spued out of the mouth of the Lord. Said the angel, “God will bring his work closer and closer to test them, and prove every one of his people.” Some are willing to receive one point, but when God brings them to another testing point, they shrink from it and stand back, because they find it strikes directly at some cherished idol. Here they have opportunity to see what is in their hearts that shuts out JESUS. They prize something higher than the truth, and their hearts are not prepared to receive JESUS. Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to see if they will sacrifice their idols, and heed the counsel of the true Witness. If they will not be purified through obeying the truth, and overcome their selfishness, their pride, and evil passions, the angels of God have their charge,—“They are joined to their idols, let them alone,”—and they pass on to their work, leaving them with their evil traits unsubdued, to the control of evil angels. Those who come up to EVERY POINT, and stand EVERY TEST, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the true Witness, and they will be fitted for translation by the latter rain.’

Appendix