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God Allows Affliction and Trials, September 10
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.
Psalm 119:67
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The Lord estimates as of supreme value the holiness of His people,
and He permits reverses to come upon individuals, upon families, and
upon churches, that His people may see their danger, and humble their
hearts before Him in repentance. He will treat His backslidden ones
with tenderness. He will speak pardon to them, and clothe them with the
garments of Christ’s righteousness. He will honor them with His presence.
In this, the great day of atonement, it is our duty to confess our sins
and acknowledge God’s mercy and love in pardoning our transgressions.
Let us thank the Lord for the warnings He has given to save us from our
perverse ways. Let us witness to His goodness by revealing a change
in our lives. If those to whom the Lord has sent reproof, warning them
that they are not walking in His way, will repent, and with humility and
contrition of heart make confession, the Lord will surely receive them
again into favor....
A season of great trial is before us. It becomes us now to use all
our capabilities and gifts in advancing the work of God. The powers the
Lord has given us are to be used to build up, not to discourage and to
tear down.... In all ages of the church God’s appointed messengers have
exposed themselves to reproach and persecution for the truth’s sake. But
wherever God’s people may be forced to go, even though, like the beloved
disciple, they are banished to desert islands, Christ will know where they
are, and will strengthen and bless them, filling them with peace and joy....
He will purify His church even as He purified the temple at the be-
ginning and close of His ministry on earth. All that He brings upon the
church in test and trial comes that His people may gain deeper piety and
more strength to carry the triumphs of the cross to all parts of the world.
He has a work for all to do
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The General Conference Bulletin, July 1, 1900
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269