It is now that we must keep ourselves and our children unspotted from the world. It is now that we must wash our robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It is now that we must overcome pride, passion, and spiritual slothfulness. It is now that we must awake and make determined effort for symmetry of character. “Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” We are in a most trying position, waiting, watching for our Lord’s appearing. The world is in darkness. “But ye, brethren,” says Paul, “are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” It is ever God’s purpose to bring light out of darkness, joy out of sorrow, and rest out of weariness for the waiting, longing soul. {5T 215.4}

Det er nu, vi må bevare os selv og vore børn ubesmittede af verden. Det er nu, vi må tvætte vor karakters (216) kjortel og gøre den hvid i Lammets blod. Det er nu, vi må overvinde stolthed, lidenskab og åndelig dorskhed. Det er nu, vi må vågne op og gøre beslutsom anstrengelse for at opnå en harmonisk karakter. »I dag, når I hører hans røst, så forhærd ikke eders hjerter.« Vi befinder os i en yderst prøvende stilling, medens vi venter og våger for vor Herres åbenbarelse. Verden er i mørke. »Men I, brødre! lever ikke i mørke,« siger Paulus.« Det er altid Guds hensigt at bringe lys ud af mørke, glæde ud af sorg og hvile ud af træghed for den ventende, længselsfulde sjæl.