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Preparation for Christ’s Coming
[From the The Review and Herald, February 17, 1853.]
Dear Brethren and Sisters,
Do we believe with all the heart that Christ is soon coming and
that we are now having the last message of mercy that is ever to be
given to a guilty world? Is our example what it should be? Do we,
by our lives and holy conversation, show to those around us that we
are looking for the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, who shall change these vile bodies and fashion them like
unto His glorious body? I fear that we do not believe and realize
these things as we should. Those who believe the important truths
that we profess, should act out their faith. There is too much seeking
after amusements and things to take the attention in this world; the
mind is left to run too much upon dress, and the tongue is engaged
too often in light and trifling conversation, which gives the lie to our
profession, for our conversation is not in heaven, whence we look
for the Saviour.
Angels are watching over and guarding us; we often grieve these
angels by indulging in trifling conversation, jesting, and joking, and
also by sinking down into a careless, stupid state. Although we may
now and then make an effort for the victory and obtain it, yet if we
do not keep it, but sink down into the same careless, indifferent state,
unable to endure temptations and resist the enemy, we do not endure
the trial of our faith that is more precious than gold. We are not
suffering for Christ’s sake, and glorying in tribulation.
There is a great lack of Christian fortitude and serving God from
principle. We should not seek to please and gratify self, but to honor
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and glorify God, and in all we do and say to have an eye single to
His glory. If we would let our hearts be impressed with the following
important words, and ever bear them in mind, we should not so easily
fall into temptation and our words would be few and well chosen:
“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our
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