Seite 85 - Testimonies for the Church Volume 6 (1901)

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Baptism
81
the law, his life will be brought into conformity to the law, into perfect
obedience. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. The light of the word
carefully studied, the voice of conscience, the strivings of the Spirit,
produce in the heart genuine love for Christ, who gave Himself a whole
sacrifice to redeem the whole person, body, soul, and spirit. And love
is manifested in obedience. The line of demarcation will be plain and
distinct between those who love God and keep His commandments,
and those who love Him not and disregard His precepts.
Faithful Christian men and women should have an intense interest
to bring the convicted soul to a correct knowledge of righteousness in
Christ Jesus. If any have allowed the desire for selfish indulgence to
become supreme in their life, the faithful believers should watch for
these souls as they that must give an account. They must not neglect the
faithful, tender, loving instruction so essential to the young converts
that there may be no halfhearted work. The very first experience should
be right.
Satan does not want anyone to see the necessity of an entire sur-
render to God. When the soul fails to make this surrender, sin is not
forsaken; the appetites and passions are striving for the mastery; temp-
tations confuse the conscience, so that true conversion does not take
place. If all had a sense of the conflict which each soul must wage
with satanic agencies that are seeking to ensnare, entice, and deceive,
[93]
there would be much more diligent labor for those who are young in
the faith.
These souls, left to themselves, are often tempted and do not
discern the evil of the temptation. Let them feel that it is their privilege
to solicit counsel. Let them seek the society of those who can help
them. Through association with those who love and fear God they will
receive strength.
Our conversation with these souls should be of a spiritual, encour-
aging character. The Lord marks the conflicts of every weak, doubting,
struggling one, and He will help all who call upon Him. They will see
heaven open before them, and angels of God descending and ascending
the ladder of shining brightness which they are trying to climb.
The Parents’ Work. Parents whose children desire to be baptized
have a work to do, both in self-examination and in giving faithful
instruction to their children. Baptism is a most sacred and important
ordinance, and there should be a thorough understanding as to its