38
Last Day Events
No one seemed to be too proud to make heartfelt confession, and
those who led in this work were the ones who had influence, but had
not before had courage to confess their sins.
There was rejoicing such as never before had been heard in the
Tabernacle.
Then I aroused from my unconsciousness, and for a while could
not think where I was. My pen was still in my hand. The words were
spoken to me: “This might have been. All this the Lord was waiting to
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do for His people. All heaven was waiting to be gracious.” I thought
of where we might have been had thorough work been done at the last
General Conference.—
Testimonies for the Church 8:104-106
(January
5, 1903).
I have been deeply impressed by scenes that have recently passed
before me in the night season. There seemed to be a great movement—
a work of revival—going forward in many places. Our people were
moving into line, responding to God’s call.—
Testimonies to Ministers
and Gospel Workers, 515
(1913). [
From Ellen White’s first message to
the General Conference Session of 1913.
]
The Patience of God With His People
The church has failed, sadly failed, to meet the expectations of
her Redeemer, and yet the Lord does not withdraw Himself from His
people. He bears with them still, not because of any goodness found
in them, but that His name may not be dishonored before the enemies
of truth and righteousness, that the satanic agencies may not triumph
in the destruction of God’s people. He has borne long with their
waywardness, unbelief and folly. With wonderful forbearance and
compassion He has disciplined them. If they will heed His instruction
He will cleanse away their perverse tendencies, saving them with an
everlasting salvation and making them eternal monuments of the power
of His grace.—
The Signs of the Times, November 13, 1901
.
We should remember that the church, enfeebled and defective
though it be, is the only object on earth on which Christ bestows His
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supreme regard. He is constantly watching it with solicitude, and is
strengthening it by His Holy Spirit.—
Selected Messages 2:396
(1902).