END OF TIME SERIES 

 PART NINE

THE LATTER RAIN  

One of the best descriptions of the relationship of the early to the latter rain is to be found in Testimonies to Ministers, 506-507. But the entire chapter is equally important (pp. 506512). The latter rain is also spoken of as the "refreshing, " for it does just that. It energizes the people of God to do a special work before the general close of probation.

The decisions of men, knowingly made at the time of the terrible threat of the Sunday law crisis, will determine whether they receive the mark or the seal. The sealing, when it occurs, will seal in the blotting out of sin experience. The latter rain is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and it accompanies the sealing. As the Holy Spirit is withdrawn from those receiving the mark, it is poured upon the sealed ones. The latter rain is a powerful witness to the fact that God's faithful ones have been sealed.

But the latter rain is given for a special purpose. This outpouring strengthens the faithful to give the loud cry warning to the world, and to all who hear them; it brings intense conviction that they are speaking the truth. In addition, signs, wonders, and healings will occur, and, as in the days of the early rain experience of Acts 2, men will hear the message each in their own language. (But we are told we must not rely on miracles in the giving of our message, now or later. It is primarily truth for truth's sake, empowered by the Holy Spirit which must convict the hearers.)

It is the Spirit-filled power of the loud cry message, which enables it to be given so quickly and fully to every person living on earth.

   Many approach this topic with one or another of several errors in mind:

(1) The error that the Spirit is something THEY will have and control, which will make them GREAT in the eyes of others. While, in reality, it will only be bestowed upon those who are emptied of self. Only the meek and humble will receive of the Spirit in large measure, and be used by the Spirit in giving the Scripture message to others.

(2) The error that the bestowal of the Spirit will enable them to invent new doctrines, or that, having already invented new theories, they are thereby spirit-filled. Only those humble enough to give ONLY the solid, clearly written Bible, Spirit of Prophecy teachings will be worked by the Spirit.

(3) The error that the man-made machinery, man-made bigness, man-made boasting and applause, or lots of baptisms is evidence of the outpouring of the Spirit.

(4) The error that the latter rain is already falling.

(5) The error that obedience to man and man's policies will bring Spirit-filled success, more than obedience to God and His Word.

(6) The error that the latter rain will bring a magical elimination of sin.

(7) The error that we cannot effectually work for God until we have received the latter rain.

The latter rain is an important topic. We should give it our most careful attention.

- 1 -

WHEN THE LATTER RAIN OCCURS

1 - The sealing occurs prior to the close of probation.

"The living righteous will receive the seal of God prior to the close of probation."- 1 Selected Messages, 66:2.

2 - The latter rain falls before the sealing is finished, and before the work (loud cry) is closed up.

"Before the work is closed up and the sealing of God's people is finished, we shall receive the outpouring of the Spirit of God."- 1 Selected Messages, 111:9.

3 - The latter rain falls before the final judgments (the "final judgments" would be the plagues which begin just after the general close of probation).

"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." -Great Controversy, 464:1.

4 - The latter rain falls at the time of the final harvest (which would be the loud cry).

"Near the close of earth's harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain." - Acts of the Apostles, 55:1.

"The work will be similar to that of the Day of Pentecost. As the 'former rain' was given, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the opening of the gospel, to cause the upspringing of the precious seed, so the 'latter rain' will be given at its close for the ripening of the harvest. " -Great Controversy, 611:2.

Therefore, in summary, the latter rain will occur at the time of the sealing and the loud cry, and before the close of probation and the plagues which follow it.

- 2

THE TIMING OF THE LATTER RAIN

It is not possible to set a date for the occurrence of this event, or to determine time spans leading to or away from it. No date can be predicted for the latter rain (1SM 188), and we should not try to time-set the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Ev 221). No light has been given us regarding a definite time for this event (7BC 984). See our tract study; Its No Time for Time Excitement [PG-21J, for quotations on this.

Although we cannot timeset the latter rain, we can determine the sequence of when it will occur -in relation to other events. In this present study we will examine a surprisingly large number of such sequences; about two dozen of them.

- 3

LATTER RAIN FALLS ON A SEALED PEOPLE

1 - Sequence: (1) Needful preparation; (2) victory; (3) seal, and latter rain (refreshing); (4) no high priestly ministration during (great) time of trouble (after general close of probation).

"I also saw that many do not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord without a high priest in the sanctuary through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected In the time of trouble must reflect the Image of Jesus fully.

"I saw that many were neglecting the preparations 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 and be earnestly seeking that preparation necessary to enable us to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord."- Early Writings, 71:1-2.

2 - Sequence: (1) It is now that we are to remedy our defects and cleanse the soul temple. (2) It is later that the seal and latter rain occur.

"Everyone must now search the Bible for himself upon his knees before God, with the humble, teachable heart of a child if he would know what the Lord requires of him. However high any minister may have stood in the favor of God, if he neglects to follow out the light given him of God, if he refuses to be taught as a little child, he will go into darkness and satanic delusions and will lead others in the same path.

"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." -5 Testimonies, 214:1-2. 

- 4

THOSE WHO RECEIVE SEAL WILL ALREADY HAVE HEARTS CLEANSED OF SIN

See Early Writings, 71:1-2 and 5 Testimonies, 214:1-2, quoted just above.

1 - Sequence: (1) Humility and soul purification; (2) national Sunday law decree; (3) stamp (seal) impressed.

"What are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth -these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity.

"Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God-candidates for heaven. Go forward, my brethren and sisters. I can only write briefly upon these points at this time, merely calling your attention to the necessity of preparation. Search the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour." -5 Testimonies, 218:1-2.

- 5 -

SEAL WILL ONLY BE PLACED ON THOSE PRAYING ABOUT AND REBUKING SIN

In the last days, just before the national Sunday law crisis, the faithful will not only engage in earnest missionary work for those who have never heard the message, but they will also be sighing and crying for the sins done in the church.

1 - Sequence: (1) Sigh and cry because of wickedness; (2) receive seal.

"The day of God's vengeance is just upon us. The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of those only who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land. Those who link in sympathy with the world are eating and drinking with the drunken and will surely be destroyed with the workers of iniquity. 'The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.' "-5 Testimonies, 212:3.

"Our own course of action will determine whether we shall receive the seal of the living God or be cut down by the destroying weapons." -5 Testimonies, 212:3-4.

Note: Have men taught you that it is wrong to reprove sin in the church? Heed them not. We are told that those only who sigh and cry over the sins done in Israel will later receive the seal.

2 - Sequence: (1) Danger and depression of church the greatest; (2) little company are standing in the light and sighing, crying because of wickedness in world, -but especially because of the sins in the church; (3) In the time of vengeance, God will protect them.

"The leaven of godliness has not entirely lost its power. At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land. But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf of the church because its members are doing after the manner of the world.

"The earnest prayers of this faithful few will not be in vain. When the Lord comes forth as an avenger, He will also come as a protector of all those who have preserved the faith in its purity and kept themselves unspotted from the world." -5 Testimonies, 209:9-210:1.

3 - Sequence: (1) Sighing and crying, (2) ignored by the majority.

"In the time when His wrath shall go forth in judgments, these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the rest of the world by their soul anguish, which is expressed in lamentation and weeping, reproofs and warnings. While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God's honor and a love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favor of any. Their righteous souls are vexed day by day with the unholy works and conversation of the unrighteous. They are powerless to stop the rushing torrent of Iniquity, and hence they are filled with grief and alarm. They mourn before God to see religion despised in the very homes of those who have had great light. They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church. The Spirit of God, which prompts to reproof, is trampled underfoot, while the servants of Satan triumph. God is dishonored, the truth made of none effect."- 5 Testimonies, 210:3-211:0.

4 - Sequence: (1) Sigh, cry, reprove, counsel, entreat; (2) receive God's mark.

"The command is: 'Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. ' These sighing, crying ones had been holding forth the words of life; they had reproved, counseled, and entreated. Some who had been dishonoring God repented and humbled their hearts before Him. But the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel; although many still continued the forms of religion, His power and presence were lacking." -5 Testimonies, 210:2.

5 - Sequence: (1) Grieving, mourning; (2) sealing.

"The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God."-5 Testimonies, 211:1.

6 - The sins in the church are more terrible than any realize.

"The abominations for which the faithful ones were sighing and crying were all that could be discerned by finite eyes, but by far the worst sins, those which provoked the jealousy of the pure and holy God, were unrevealed. The great Searcher of hearts knoweth every sin committed in secret by the workers of iniquity. These persons come to feel secure in their deceptions and, because of His long-suffering, say that the Lord seeth not, and then act as though He had forsaken the earth. But He will detect their hypocrisy and will open before others those sins which they were so careful to hide." -5 Testimonies, 211:3212:0.

7 - Sequence: (1) Clear view of sinfulness of sin; (2) sigh and cry; (3) (seal).

"[Speaking of those later sealed:) Their love for purity and the honor and glory of God is such, and they have so clear a view of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that they are represented as being in an agony, even sighing and crying."-Review, June 8, 1886.

8 - Sequence: (1) Sigh and cry over sins in church; (2) receive mark of truth.

"Those who receive the pure mark of truth are those 'that sigh and cry for the abominations that are done in the church. -Review, June 8, 1886.

9 - Sequence: (1) Not excuse sin, not murmur against those who are reproving it, and not sympathizing with wrongdoers; (2) (seal).

"Who are standing in the counsel of God at this time? Is it those who virtually excuse wrongs among the professed people of God and who murmur in their hearts, if not openly against those who would reprove sin? Is it those who take their stand against them and sympathize with those who commit wrong? No, indeed! Unless they repent, and leave the work of Satan in oppressing those who have the burden of the work and in holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, they will never receive the mark of God's approval. "-3 Testimonies, 267:1.

10 - Sequence: (1) View sin as sin; (2) deal faithfully and plainly with sin; (3) in the sealing time will receive the pure mark of truth.

"The true people of God, who have the spirit of the work of the Lord and the salvation of souls at heart, will ever view sin in its real, sinful character. They will always be on the side of faithful and plain dealing with sins which easily beset the people of God. Especially In the closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand who are to stand without fault before the throne of God, will they feel most deeply the wrongs of God's professed people. This is forcibly set forth by the prophet's illustration of the last work under the figure of the men each having a slaughter weapon in his hand. One man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side. 'And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.'

"Who are standing in the counsel of God at this time? Is it those who virtually excuse wrongs among the professed people of God and who murmur in their hearts, if not openly, against those who would reprove sin? Is it those who take their stand against them and sympathize with those who commit wrong? No, indeed! Unless they repent, and leave the work of Satan in oppressing those who have the burden of the work and in holding up the hands of sinners in Zion, they will never receive the mark of God's sealing approval. They will fall in the general destruction of the wicked, represented by the work of the five men bearing slaughter weapons. Mark this point with care: Those who receive the pure mark of truth, wrought In them by the power of the Holy Ghost, represented by a mark by the man in linen, are those 'that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the church. Their love for purity and the honor and glory of God is such, and they have so clear a view of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, that they are represented as being in agony, even sighing and crying. Read the ninth chapter of Ezekiel.

"But the general slaughter of all those who do not thus see the wide contrast between sin and righteousness, and do not feel as those do who stand in the counsel of God and receive the mark, is described in the order to the five men with slaughter weapons: 'Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary.'

"In the case of Achan's sin God said to Joshua: 'Neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.' How does this instance compare with the course pursued by those who will not raise their voice against sin and wrong, but whose sympathies are ever found with those who trouble the camp of Israel with their sins? Said God to Joshua: 'Thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.' He pronounced the punishment which would follow the transgression of His covenant.

"Joshua then began a diligent search to find out the guilty one."-3 Testimonies, 266:2-268:1.

- 6 -

LATTER RAIN WILL GIVE POWER TO THE THIRD ANGEL'S MESSAGE SWELLING IT INTO A LOUD CRY

We have faithful men today who, in their preaching, books, and tracts, are giving the third angel's message. But it will be the latter rain which will transform that proclamation into a loud cry which will fill the entire world. Thus, the outpouring of the latter rain which begins the loud cry, will result in sizeable numbers of genuine converts uniting with the people of God. This will come after a major portion of the professed Sabbath keepers have apostatized.

1 - Sequence: (1) Latter rain (refreshing); (2) loud cry.

"I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. . I asked what made this great change. An angel answered, 'It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel" -Early Writings, 271:2.

2 - Sequence: (1) Latter rain; (2) loud cry.

"The glory of God rested upon the patient waiting saints, and they fearlessly gave the last solemn message." -Early Writings, 277:2-278:0.

3 - Sequence: (1) Latter rain; (2) loud cry; (3) plagues.

"At that time the 'latter rain,' or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out." -Early Writings, 86:0.

4 - Sequence: (1) (Little) time of trouble [which begins with the setting up of the image and the national Sunday law decree]; (2) latter rain; (3) loud cry.

"I saw that God had children who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They have not rejected the light upon it. And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully."- Early Writings, 33:2 (85:2).

- 7

THE LATTER RAIN WILL CONTINUE AS THE POWER OF THE LOUD CRY

Throughout the time during which the latter rain experience continues, it will be the Holy Spirit which will render the proclamation of the third angel's message so powerful.

1 - Sequence: (1) Grow up into Christ; (2) partake largely of His Spirit, His glory, and receive latter rain; (3) faces shine; (4) third angel's message swells to loud cry, as great power and glory attends its delivery; (5) time of Jacob s trouble, their last conflict.

"As the members of the body of Christ approach the period of their last conflict, 'the time of Jacob's trouble,' they will grow up into Christ, and will partake largely of His spirit. As the third message swells to a loud cry, and as great power and glory attend the closing work, the faithful people of God will partake of that glory. It is the latter rain which revives and strengthens them to pass through the time of trouble. Their faces will shine with the glory of that light which attends the third angel." -1 Testimonies, 353:3.

2 - Sequence: (1) Latter rain (refreshing); (2) loud cry.

"It [the third angel's message] is represented as being given with a loud voice, that is with the power of the Holy Spirit. "- 7 Bible Commentary, 980/1:3.

3 - Sequence: (1) Latter rain (refreshing); (2) loud cry.

"At that time the 'latter rain', or refreshing from the presence of the Lord will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel." Early Writings, 86:0.

4 - Sequence: (1) Weeping and praying; (2) severe conflict and agonizing struggle; (3) mightily shaken, and careless and indifferent gone; (4) others fill places; (5) obtained the victory; (6) latter rain, refreshing; (7) faces shone with light, and expressions of deep gratitude to God; (8) evil angels around them, but no longer have power over them; (9) loud cry of third angel; (10) many responded.

"Said the angel, 'List ye!' ['Listen!'] Soon I heard a voice like many musical instruments all sounding in perfect strains, sweet and harmonious. It surpassed any music I had ever heard, seeming to be full of mercy, compassion, and elevating, holy joy. It thrilled through my whole being. Said the angel, 'Look ye!' My attention was then turned to the company I had seen, who were mightily shaken. I was shown those whom I had before seen weeping and praying in agony of spirit. The company of guardian angels around them had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet. They moved in exact order, like a company of soldiers. Their countenances expressed the severe conflict which they had endured, the agonizing struggle they had passed through. Yet their features, marked with severe internal anguish, now shone with the light and glory of heaven. They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude and holy, sacred joy.

"The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out and left by the way. The careless and Indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, and their places were Immediately filled by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks. Evil angels still pressed around them, but could have no power over them.

"I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect. Many had been bound; some wives by their husbands, and some children by their parents. The honest who had been prevented from hearing the truth now eagerly laid hold upon it. All fear of their relatives was gone, and the truth alone was exalted to them. They had been hungering and thirsting for truth; it was dearer and more precious than life. I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, 'It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.' "-Early Writings, 270:4-271:2.

5 - Latter rain and loud cry are inherently linked.

"The third angel, flying in the midst of heaven and heralding the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, represents our work. The message loses none of its force in the angel's onward flight, for John sees it increasing in strength and power until the whole earth is lightened with its glory. The course of God's commandment keeping people is onward, ever onward. The message of truth that we bear must go to nations, tongues, and peoples. Soon it will go with a loud voice, and the earth will be lightened with its glory. Are we preparing for this great outpouring of the Spirit of God?

"Human agencies are to be employed in this work. Zeal and energy must be intensified; talents that are rusting from inaction must be pressed into service. The voice that would say, 'Wait; do not allow yourself to have burdens imposed upon you,' is the voice of the cowardly spies. We want Calebs now who will press to the front -chieftains in Israel who with courageous words will make a strong report in favor of immediate action. When the selfish, ease-loving, panic-stricken people, fearing tall giants and inaccessible walls, clamor for retreat, let the voice of the Calebs be heard, even though the cowardly ones stand with stones in their hands, ready to beat them down for their faithful testimony." -5 Testimonies, 383:2-3.

6 - Sequence: (1) Unity in love (based on obedience by faith to God's truth); (2) loud cry.

"Thus will be answered the prayer of Christ, uttered just before His humiliation and death: 'That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.' John 17:21. The love of Christ, the love of our brethren, will testify to the world that we have been with Jesus and learned of Him. Then will the message of the third angel swell to a loud cry, and the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of God."-6 Testimonies, 401:1.

7 - Sequence: (1) Latter rain; (2) Jacob's trouble.

"God's people were strengthened by the excellent glory which rested upon them in rich abundance and prepared them to endure the hour of temptation."-Early Writings, 279:0.

8 - Sequence: (1) Latter rain; (2) loud cry to all the world; (3) final conflict (during loud cry, and Jacob's trouble which follows it].

"Clad In the armor of Christ's righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict. 'Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners' (Song of Solomon 6:10), she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer." -Prophets and Kings, 725:1.

9 - The sealing/latter rain/loud cry experience.

"For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.

"And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name.

"Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God."-Isaiah 62:1-9.

"And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein." -Isaiah 95:8.

"There shall be no more Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts."-Zechariah 14:21.

-  8

PREPARATION FOR THE LATTER RAIN

When the latter rain is ready to fall, it will fall -whether or not you and I are ready to receive it. Therefore, we need to give earnest attention to our manner of life and conduct NOW, so that we will be prepared to receive the latter rain when our kind Father pours it out upon His people.

Strictly speaking, this topic should be located prior to the Sunday law crisis. However, for purposes of simplicity, it is placed at the close of this Latter Rain study.

1 - The Infilling of the Holy Spirit is our great need.

"At no point in our experiences can we dispense with the assistance of that which enables us to make the first start. The blessings received under the former rain are needful to us to the end. . As we seek God for the Holy Spirit, It will work in us meekness, humbleness of mind, a conscious dependence upon God for the perfecting latter rain."-Testimonies to Ministers, 507:2, 509:0.

"The Holy Spirit seeks to abide in each soul. If it is welcomed as an honored guest, those who receive it will be made complete In Christ. 

The good work begun will be finished; the holy thoughts, heavenly affections, and Christlike actions will take the place of impure thoughts, perverse sentiments, and rebellious acts." -Counsels on Health, 561:1.

"We may have had a measure of the Spirit of God, but by prayer and faith we are continually to seek more of the Spirit. It will never do to cease our efforts. If we do not progress, if we do not place ourselves in an attitude to receive both the former and the latter rain, we shall lose our souls, and the responsibility will lie at our own door."-Testimonies to Ministers, 508:0.

"The measure of the Holy Spirit we receive will be proportioned to the measure of our desire and the faith exercised for it, and the use we shall make of the light and knowledge that shall be given to us. "-Last Day Events, 188:5.

"A revival and a reformation must take place, under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change In Ideas and theories, habits and practices. Reformation will not bring forth the good fruit of righteousness unless it is connected with the revival of the Spirit. Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work, and in doing this work they must blend. "-Last Day Events, 189:3-190:0.

2 . God is waiting for us to get ready to receive It.

"The long night of gloom is trying, but the morning Is deferred In mercy, because if the Master should come, so many would be found unready. God's unwillingness to have His people perish, has been the reason of so long delay."-2 Testimonies, 194:0.

"Had the purpose of God been carried out by His people In giving to the world the message of mercy, Christ would, ere this, have come to the earth, and the saints would have received their welcome into the city of God. It -6 Testimonies, 1,.50:0.

"I know that if God's people had maintained a living connection with Him, If they had obeyed His word, they would today have been in the heavenly Canaan."-General Conference Bulletin, March 90, 1909.

"I asked my accompanying angel the meaning of what I heard, and what the four angels were about to do. He said to me that it was God that restrained the powers, and that He gave his angels charge over things on the earth; that the four angels had power from God to hold the four winds, and that they were about to let them go; but while their hands were loosening, and the four winds were about to blow, the merciful eye of Jesus gazed on the remnant that were not sealed, and He raised his hands to the Father, and pleaded with Him that He had spilled His blood for them. Then another angel was commissioned to fly swiftly to the four angels, and bid them hold, until the servants of God were sealed with the seal of the living God in their foreheads.  -Early Writings, 98:2.

"All we have to do is to keep the vessel clean and right side up and prepared for the reception of the heavenly rain, and keep praying, 'Let the latter rain come into my vessel. Let the light of the glorious angel which unites with the third angel shine upon me; give me a part in the work; let me sound the proclamation; let me be a colaborer with Jesus Christ.' Thus seeking God, let me tell you, He is fitting you up all the time, giving you His grace.  -Upward Look, 289:2.

3 - The latter rain will strengthen God's people for the important events so soon to occur.

"The latter rain, ripening earth's harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man. Testimonies to Ministers, 506:2.

"While the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel. At that time the 'later rain', or refreshing from the presence of the Lord will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out. -Early Writings, 85:9-86:0.

"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. -Early Writings, 71:2.

"Servants of God with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers. Satan also works with lying wonders, even bringing fire down from heaven in the sight of men. Thus the inhabitants of the earth will be brought to take their stand."-Great Controversy, 612:1.

"The glory of God rested upon the patient, waiting saints, and they fearlessly gave the last solemn warning, proclaiming the fall of Babylon, and calling upon God's people to come out of her that they might escape her fearful doom.

"The light that was shed upon the waiting ones penetrated everywhere. . Mighty miracles were wrought, the sick were healed, and signs and wonders followed the believers. God was in the work, and every saint, fearless of consequences, followed the convictions of his own conscience, and united with those who were keeping all the commandments of God; and with power they sounded abroad the third message. I saw that this message will close with power and strength far exceeding the midnight cry." -Early Writings, 277:2-278:1.

"The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or former rain, and glorious was the result. To the end of time the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true church.

"But near the close of earth's harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest in the time of the latter rain." -Acts of the Apostles, 54:2-55:1.

4 - It is our work to earnestly plead for the Holy Spirit, and to live our prayers.

"Those who make no decided effort, but simply wait for the Holy Spirit to compel them to action, will perish in darkness. You are not to sit still and do nothing in the work of God." Christian Service, 228:3.

"We are not to trust to the ordinary working of providence. We must pray that God will unseal the fountains of the water of life. And we must ourselves receive of the living water. Let us, with contrite hearts, pray most earnestly that now, in the time of the latter rain, showers of grace may fall upon us." -Testimonies to Ministers, 509:0.

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