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Guard the Approaches, June 14
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and
weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with
rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:5, 6
.
Many times we [James and Ellen White] are disappointed in our expec-
tations, but, then when we see the Lord working with our efforts, and souls
coming to Christ, we forget the weariness, disappointments, and trials which
we meet in connection with this work and feel honored of God to be permitted
to have a part in it. We have had some very precious seasons of prayer with
some who were discouraged and almost in despair [in a camp meeting held
in Iowa]. We rejoiced with them as light shone into the darkened chambers
of the soul. The Lord has indeed encouraged our hearts and strengthened us
for our great work. We do believe fruit will abound to the glory of God as the
result of this meeting.
Let your prayers, my children [Edson and Emma], go up to heaven in our
behalf, that God would bring souls who are in the darkness of error to the
knowledge of the truth. Light, precious light is shining on every page of the
Word of God. It is the man of our counsel. When we study its pages with a
heartfelt desire to learn our duty, angels are close beside us to impress the
mind and strengthen the imagination to discern the sacred things revealed in
the Word of God.
Every thought, word, and act, we should bring to the test of God’s revealed
will. In all things the inquiry should be, Will this please God? Will it be in
accordance with the teachings of His Word? And when there is an indecision
of mind in regard to duty, our natural hearts will plead for indulgence to follow
inclination. But let us ever take the safe course, however much self-denial it
may involve. Let us be determined to run no risks where eternal interests are
involved....
Dear son, Edson, guard faithfully your thoughts. Keep every approach
to your heart well fortified. You must put up the bars against the approach
of Satan. Watchfulness at one point while others are neglected will not avail.
The careless neglect of one sentinel will imperil the entire army. The neglect
to guard one path to the fortress may prove the loss of the city.... There are
perils before us which we must meet, and our only safety is in God.—
Letter
32, June 14, 1876
, to Edson and Emma White.
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