Safeguarding the New Experience
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to the possession of his attributes? What if they could see Jesus, the
Man of Calvary looking upon them in sorrow, as was represented to me.
Things are certainly receiving a wrong mold, and are counteracting the
work of the divine power which has been graciously bestowed. The
work of every true Christian is to represent Christ, to reflect light, to
elevate the standard of morals, and by words and influence consecrated
to God, to compel the careless and reckless to think of God and eternity.
The world would gladly drop eternity out of their reckoning, but they
cannot succeed so long as there are those who represent Christ in their
practical life.
Every believer forms a link in the golden chain connecting the soul
to Jesus Christ, and is the channel of communication of that light to
those who are in darkness. Let one lose his connection with Christ, and
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Satan seizes the opportunity to lead him to dishonor Christ by words,
by spirit, by action, and thus Christ’s character is misinterpreted. I ask
you, my brother, if the religion of Jesus Christ is not by the excess of
the amusements misunderstood. When the Lord gave to Battle Creek
the riches of His grace, were there those in responsibility who could
have directed these souls as to how to improve upon the endowment
given, in doing good, useful work that would give a change from their
studies, other than the excitement and emotions caused by their games?
This kind of pastime is not improving mind or spirit or manners for
the preparation for the scenes of trial that they must soon enter. The
superficial piety that passes for religion will be consumed when tried
in the furnace.
The Lord would have the teachers consider the contagion of their
own example. They need to pray much more and consider that the
convictions which flow out from a well-ordered life and a godly con-
versation, from a living, decided Christianity, are the preparation of
the garden of the heart for the seeds of truth to be planted for a fruitful
harvest, and for the Sun of Righteousness when He comes with healing
in His beams. Let your righteousness so shine before men, “that they
may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”
(
Matthew 5:16
). “Ye are,” said Christ to His disciples, “the salt of the
earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?
it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden
under foot of men” (
Matthew 5:13
). The church illuminates the world,