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The Sanctifying Power of the Truth, September 24
For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through
the truth.
John 17:19
.
Continual application will accomplish for man what nothing else can. Those
who are never content without the consciousness that they are growing every day
will truly make a success of life....
Do not, then, continually dwell upon ... one point, concentrating all the energies
of the mind upon it, constantly urging it upon the attention of others, but take another
subject, and carefully examine that. Thus mystery after mystery will be unfolded
to your comprehension. Two valuable victories will be gained by this course. You
have not only secured useful knowledge, but the exercise of the mind has increased
mental strength and power. The key found to unlock one mystery may develop also
other precious gems of knowledge heretofore undiscovered....
The world is teeming with errors and fables. Novelties in the form of sensational
dramas are continually arising to engross the mind, and absurd theories abound
which are destructive to moral and spiritual advancement. The cause of God needs
men of intellect, men of thought, men well versed in the Scriptures, to meet the
inflowing tide of opposition. We should give no sanction to arrogance, narrow-
mindedness, and inconsistencies, although the garment of professed piety may be
thrown over them. Those who have the sanctifying power of the truth upon their
hearts will exert a persuasive influence. Knowing that the advocates of error cannot
create or destroy truth, they can afford to be calm and considerate....
The satanic delusions of the age must be met clearly and intelligently with
the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. The same unseen Hand that
guides the planets in their courses, and upholds the worlds by His power, has made
provision for man formed in His image, that he may be little less than the angels of
God while in the performance of his duties on earth. God’s purposes have not been
answered by men who have been entrusted with the most solemn truth ever given to
man. He designs that we should rise higher and higher toward a state of perfection,
seeing and realizing at every step the power and glory of God. Man does not know
himself. Our responsibilities are exactly proportioned to our light, opportunities,
and privileges....
The precious Book of God contains rules of life for men of every class and
every vocation. Examples are here found which it would be well for all to study
and imitate. “The Son of God came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” The
true honor and glory of the servant of Christ consists, not in the number of sermons
preached, nor in the amount of writing accomplished, but in the work of faithfully
ministering to the wants of the people (
Testimonies for the Church 4:413-416
).
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