Loughborough on Rev. 12:17

"Of the church waiting of Christ’s second coming, we read in Revelation: “And the dragon (the devil) was wroth with the woman (the church) and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17.

 Here, then, is the last of the church in her probationary state, two features being prominent in her work-- the keeping of all the commandment of God, and having the spirit of prophecy.

In the prophecy of Isaiah we have a testimony concerning this same people, and a statement respecting the opposition to their work. The prophet says:

“Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it I a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever (Hebrew: the later day, margin) that this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not ear the law of the LORD: which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits; get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.” Isaiah 30:8-11.

Here is presented what is to be found in the last days,
--a people teaching the law of God,
--and the gift of prophecy as connected with their work, which work is the exalting of the Holy One of Israel, and making plain His pathway of light and truth. 

Those opposing them desire an easier path, and “smooth things,” consequently
---they reject the law of God
---and the teachings of His Holy Spirit through the gift of prophecy."
J.N.Loughborough