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contrast in their self-indulgent life, and become dissatisfied with their
unchristian lives.
Then present to them the prophecies; show them the purity and
binding claims of the Word of God. Not one jot or tittle of this law is
to lose its force, but hold its binding claims on every soul to the end of
time. When the law of God is made void; when the Christian world is
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joined to the Catholic and the worldly, in making of none effect the
commandments of God, then God’s chosen people arise to defend the
law of Jehovah.
This is the guile that Paul used; this is the wisdom of the serpent;
the harmlessness of the dove. When we come to a community that is
acquainted with our faith, this cautious course need not to be pursued,
but in every case special efforts should be made to come close to hearts
by personal efforts. Avoid running down the churches; do not let the
people receive the idea that your work is to tear down, but to build
up, and to present the truth as it is in Jesus. Dwell much upon the
necessity of vital godliness.—
Letter 2, 1885
.
Broaching the Sabbath in New Fields—The message of truth
is new and startling to the people of this country [Australia]. The
Bible doctrines presented are as a new revelation, and they really look
upon the sentiments advanced as infidelity. In presenting the Sunday
question, or the union of church and state, handle it carefully. It will
not answer to present the strong positions that have been and will of
necessity be presented in America.
These subjects must be broached guardedly. We have not as yet
obtained standing place in this country. The enemy of all righteousness
has been and still is working by every device he can invent to hinder the
work that ought to be done in enlightening and educating the people;
his forces are increasing. Delays have been giving Satan advantage
of the situation, and these delays have caused the loss of many souls.
The Lord is not pleased with the retarding of the work. Every delay
renders more difficult the work that must be done, because advantage
is given for Satan to preoccupy the field, and prepare for determined
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resistance.
The tardy movements of our people in raising the standard in
our large cities are not in harmony with the light given of God. A
glimmering of light has been shining in the cities, but just enough to
make the false shepherds feel that it is time for them to be actively at