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Selected Messages Book 2
A Desire to Change the Present Order
Instead of living in expectation of some special season of excite-
ment, we are wisely to improve present opportunity, doing that which
must be done in order that souls may be saved. Instead of exhausting
the powers of our mind in speculations in regard to the times and
seasons which the Lord has placed in His own power, and withheld
from men, we are to yield ourselves to the control of the Holy Spirit, to
do present duties, to give the bread of life, unadulterated with human
opinions, to souls who are perishing for the truth....
We are in continual danger of getting above the simplicity of the
gospel. There is an intense desire on the part of many to startle the
world with something original, that shall lift the people into a state of
spiritual ecstasy, and change the present order of experience. There
is certainly great need of a change in the present order of experience;
for the sacredness of present truth is not realized as it should be, but
the change we need is a change of heart, and can only be obtained by
seeking God individually for His blessing, by pleading with Him for
His power, by fervently praying that His grace may come upon us, and
that our characters may be transformed. This is the change we need
today, and for the attainment of this experience we should exercise
persevering energy and manifest heartfelt earnestness.—
The Review
and Herald, March 22, 1892
.
No Oddities or Eccentricities
Let there be no oddities or eccentricities of movement on the part
of those who speak the Word of truth, for such things will weaken the
impression that should be made by the Word. We must be guarded, for
Satan is determined, if possible, to intermingle with religious services
his evil influence. Let there be no theatrical display, for this will not
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help to strengthen belief in the Word of God. Rather, it will divert
attention to the human instrument.—
Letter 352, 1908
.
God’s Word to Be Uncontaminated by Fallacies
Amid the confusing cries, “Lo, here is Christ! Lo, there is Christ!”
will be borne a special testimony, a special message of truth appropriate
for this time, which message is to be received, believed, and acted