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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 1
part in the prayer meeting is not safe, but dangerous.—
Testimonies for
the Church 3:223
(1872).
Indulgence of Appetite Impairs Health of Body and Soul—Do
you consider, young man, in choosing your principles of action and
subjecting your mind to influences, you are forming your character
for eternity? You can hide nothing from God. You may practice evil
habits in secret, but it is not hid from God and angels. They view these
things and you must meet them again. God is not pleased with you;
you are required to be far in advance of what you are now in spiritual
knowledge.
With all the privileges and opportunities that God has granted you,
you do not have corresponding works. You owe a duty to others, and
a duty imperfectly understood will be imperfectly performed. There
will be mistakes and errors that not only will be injurious to yourself
but will help to fasten wrong practices upon others. You have habits
of appetite that you indulge to the detriment of the health of the body
as well as the soul. Your habits have been intemperate, after the habits
and customs of the world, and your health has been injured by your
indulgence of appetite. The brain has been beclouded, and you will
never have clear, pure thoughts until your habits and practices are in
accordance with the laws of God in nature.—
Letter 36, 1887
.
Avoid Temptations—Avoid running into temptation. When temp-
tations surround you, and you cannot control the circumstances which
expose you to them, then you may claim the promise of God and with
confidence and conscious power exclaim, “I can do all things through
Christ which strengtheneth me” (
Philippians 4:13
). There is strength
for you all in God. But you will never feel your need of that strength
which alone is able to save you unless you feel your weakness and
sinfulness.
Jesus, your precious Saviour, now calls you to take your position
firmly upon the platform of eternal truth. If you suffer with Him, He
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will crown you with glory in His everlasting kingdom. If you are
willing to sacrifice all for Him, then He will be your Saviour. But if
you choose your own way, you will follow on in darkness until it is too
late to secure the eternal reward.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:45,
46
(1872).
Cherish Righteous Ambition—Love the right because it is right,
and analyze your feelings, your impressions, in the light of the Word