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Selected Messages Book 1
It is an easy matter to idle away, talk and play away, the Holy
Spirit’s influence. To walk in the light is to keep moving onward in the
direction of light. If the one blessed becomes negligent and inattentive
and does not watch unto prayer, if he does not lift the cross and bear
the yoke of Christ, if his love of amusements and strivings for the
mastery absorb his power or ability, then God is not made the first
and best and last in everything, and Satan comes in to act his part in
playing the game of life for his soul. He can play much more earnestly
than they can play, and make deep-laid plots for the ruin of the soul....
The results after the working of the Spirit of God in Battle Creek
are not because of fanaticism, but because those who were blessed did
not show forth the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into
His marvelous light; and when the earth is lightened with the glory of
God, some will not know what it is, and from whence it came, because
they misapplied and misinterpreted the Spirit shed upon them. God is
a jealous God of His own glory. He will not honor those who dishonor
Him. Some persons living in the light ought to have instructed these
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souls young in experience to walk in the light after they had received
the light. I wish I had time to write more fully, but I fear I have
not.—
Letter 58, 1893
.
Easy Ways to Lose the Blessing
Some things have been urged upon my mind with great force of
late, and I feel constrained by the Spirit of God to write in reference
to them. [
Addressed to the president of Battle Creek College.
] Has
the Lord graciously opened to you the windows of heaven and poured
you out a blessing? Oh! Then, that was the very time to educate
the teachers and students how to retain the precious favor of God by
working in accordance with increased light, and send its precious rays
to others. Has Heaven’s light been given? And for what purpose has
it been given? That the light should shine forth in practical works of
righteousness. When those so abundantly blessed shall be seen with
deeper and more fervent piety, having a sense that they have been
bought with the precious blood of the Lamb of God, and are clothed
with the garments of His salvation, will they not represent Christ?
Have not the playing of games, and rewards, and the using of the
boxing glove been educating and training after Satan’s direction to lead