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Be a Cheerful Christian, November 6
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
Psalm 13:5
.
The more we reveal the power of an indwelling Saviour, the more of His power
will be manifested unto us....
When the farmers seek to recommend or exhibit their products, they do not
gather up the poorest but the best specimens. Women possess a zeal to bring the
very best golden lumps of butter, molded and prettily stamped. Men bring the
best yield of vegetables of every kind. The very best and most attractive fruit
is brought, and their appearance does the skillful workers credit. The variety of
fruits—the apples, peaches, apricots, oranges, lemons, and plums—all these are
very attractive, and make those who look upon the fruit from the orchards and
gardens desire to be in the country where they can till the soil....
Why should not Christians living in these last days reveal the most attractive
fruit in unselfish actions? Why should not the fruit of the commandment-keeping
people of God appear in the very best representation of good works? Their words,
their deportment, their dress, should bear fruit of the very best quality. “By their
fruits,” Christ said, “ye shall know them.” ...
Trials are Christ’s workmen to perfect the Christian graces.... These tests are
not to sink the believers’ faith, but raise it equal to the occasion, that unto all it may
be made to appear more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with
fire. Every trial permitted is designed to exalt the truth to a higher appreciation,
that praise to God alone shall be upon the lips of the true disciple of Christ. And
the growth in grace is to the honor and glory of God at the appearing of Jesus
Christ, “whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet
believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of
your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have
enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come
unto you” (
1 Peter 1:8-10
)....
The bright and cheerful side of our religion will be represented by all who are
daily consecrated to God.... We do not want to dishonor God by the mournful
relation of trials that appear grievous. All trials that are received as educators
will produce joy. The whole religious life will be uplifting, elevating, ennobling,
fragrant with good words and works. The enemy is well pleased to have souls
complaining and stumbling their way along, depressed, downcast, mourning, and
groaning; because Satan wants just such impressions made as to the effects of
our faith. God designs that the mind shall take no low level.—
Manuscript 70,
November 6, 1897
, “Diary.”
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