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evils. It is melting and transforming in its influence and will take hold
of the lives of the sinful and affect their hearts when every other means
has proved unsuccessful.
Wherever the power of intellect, of authority, or of force is em-
ployed, and love is not manifestly present, the affections and will of
those whom we seek to reach assume a defensive, repelling position,
and their strength of resistance is increased. Jesus was the Prince of
peace. He came into the world to bring resistance and authority into
subjection to Himself. Wisdom and strength He could command, but
the means He employed with which to overcome evil were the wisdom
and strength of love.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:135, 136
(1868).
Evidences a New Principle of Life—When men are bound to-
gether, not by force or self-interest, but by love, they show the working
of an influence that is above every human influence. Where this one-
ness exists, it is evidence that the image of God is being restored in
humanity, that a new principle of life has been implanted. It shows
that there is power in the divine nature to withstand the supernatural
agencies of evil and that the grace of God subdues the selfishness
inherent in the natural heart.—
The Desire of Ages, 678
(1898).
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