56
Selected Messages Book 2
our guard, he will establish in our hearts, pride, love of self, love of
the world, and many other evil traits. He will also use every possible
device to unsettle our faith in God and in the truths of His Word. If
we have not a deep experience in the things of God, if we have not a
thorough knowledge of His Word, we shall be beguiled to our ruin by
the errors and sophistries of the enemy. False doctrines will sap the
foundations of many, because they have not learned to discern truth
from error. Our only safeguard against the wiles of Satan is to study
the Scriptures diligently, to have an intelligent understanding of the
reasons of our faith, and faithfully to perform every known duty. The
indulgence of one known sin will cause weakness and darkness, and
subject us to fierce temptation.—
The Review and Herald, November
19, 1908
.
Look Constantly to Jesus
Under the showers of the latter rain the inventions of man, the hu-
man machinery, will at times be swept away, the boundary of man’s au-
thority will be as broken reeds, and the Holy Spirit will speak through
[59]
the living, human agent, with convincing power. No one then will
watch to see if the sentences are well rounded off, if the grammar is
faultless. The living water will flow in God’s own channels.
But let us be careful now not to exalt men, their sayings, and
doings; and let not anyone consider it a grand point to have a startling
experience to relate; for here is a fruitful field where credence will be
given to unworthy persons. Young men and women will be lifted up,
and will regard themselves as wonderfully favored, called to do some
great thing. There will be conversions many, after a peculiar order, but
they will not bear the divine signature. Immorality will come in, and
extravagance, and many will make shipwreck of faith.
Our only safety is in keeping fast hold of Jesus. Never are we to
lose sight of Him. He says, “Without me ye can do nothing” (
John
15:5
). We must cultivate an abiding sense of our own inefficiency and
helplessness and rely wholly on Jesus. This should keep us individually
calm and steadfast in words and deportment. Excitement in the speaker
is not power but weakness. Earnestness and energy are essential in
presenting Bible truth, the gospel, which is the power of God unto
salvation