THE LOUD CRY OF THE THIRD ANGEL.
By H. F. Phelps
We as a people believe that just prior to the close of this message, the proclamation will go with a loud cry; that it will go with great power; that the whole earth will be lighted with its glory; and that such a call will be made for God's people to come out of Babylon, that all the honest in heart will hear and be compelled, as it were, to come out. Long years have passed since we began to look for this event to be accomplished. Earnest have been the prayers that have risen, that that time might come, and that we might be ready to rise with the message, and not be left behind. But little did we realize the tests that were to be brought upon us. We well knew that we must be holy; that we must be purified, soul, body, and spirit, in order to participate in this closing work, and finally receive of the promised blessing, the latter rain. But how become holy? how become sanctified? how purified? We thought, and that rightly, that it was by being obedient to God's holy law. We had thought that we were keeping all the commandments, except it might be the fourth, and we were earnestly trying to conform our lives to, and raise our voices against the abuse of, that blessed precept, and hallow the sweet rest day so divinely blest, but long down trodden by the Man of Sin. But on a more recent examination we find as David says, that the “commandment is exceeding broad,” and we find we were daily by our habits of living, such as eating, drinking, and laboring, violating that precept which says, “Thou shalt not kill.” This may appear to be strong language to some; but if we by gratifying the appetite, in the use of stimulants and poisons, and things contrary to nature, which in no way tend to build up the system, but to tear it down, were bringing on disease, and premature death, who can, or will even dare to say it is not a violation of that precept? I dare not, I believe it to be a violation, and that it will be imputed as sin, especially after we have heard the truth on this point. I feel thankful for the Health Reform. I receive it as one of God's appointed means of preparing a people for the coming of Christ. It is by this means we are to become purified and made fit temples for the Spirit of God. I hail this movement, as a sign that we are nearing that time when the message will go with power. When we get just right, when we are obedient, and come up to all the light; in other words when we wholly reform, then we may expect great things. Oh! let us not be slow in this great work of Reform. For over four years myself and family have been trying to reform. We have reformed some; but, oh! how slow! I sometimes wonder that God is so patient with us. I wonder the faithful Witness has not left us. Let us be zealous and seek that repentance that needeth not to be repented of, that we may ever keep pace with the work of God, and finally reign with Jesus on Mount Zion. H. F. PHELPS.
Pine Island, Minn.