32 Supplement to the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White
declare the truth, and warn souls to lay hold upon it, before the sweet
voice of mercy dies away.
Said the angel, “Those who profess his name are not ready.” I saw
the seven last plagues were coming upon the shelterless heads of the
wicked; and then those who have stood in their way will hear the bitter
reproaches of sinners, and their hearts will faint within them.
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Said the angel, “Ye have been picking at straws,” (dwelling upon
little trials,) and sinners must be lost. I saw that God was willing to
work for us in our meetings, and it was his pleasure to work. Satan
says, “I will hinder the work.” His agents say, Amen. Professed
believers in the truth dwell upon their petty trials and difficulties which
Satan has magnified before them. Time that can never be recalled is
wasted. The enemies of the truth have seen our weakness, God has
been grieved, Christ wounded. Satan’s object is accomplished, his
plans have succeeded, and he triumphs!
* * * * *
Self Denial.
I saw that there was danger of the saints making too great prepara-
tions for conferences; that some were cumbered with too much serving;
that the appetite must be denied. There is danger of some attending
the meetings for the loaves and fishes.
I saw all those who are indulging self by using the filthy weed,
[tobacco,] should lay it aside, and put their means to a better use. Those
who deprive themselves of some gratification, and take the means they
formerly used to gratify the appetite, and put it into the treasury of the
Lord, sacrifice; and, like the widow’s two mites, it will be noticed of
God. The amount may be small; but if all will do this, it will tell in
the treasury. And if all would study to be more economical in their
articles of dress, and deprive themselves of some things which are not
actually necessary, and lay aside such useless and injurious things as
tea, &c., and give what they cost to the cause, they would receive more
blessings here, and a reward in heaven. Many think, because God has
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given them the means, they may live almost above want, can have rich
food, and clothe themselves abundantly, and that it is no virtue to deny
themselves when they have enough. Such do not sacrifice. If they