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God, and also tells of the sufferings of Christ for us, the great sacrifice
that has been made that we might be saved and enjoy the presence of
God forever. And if any come short at last, having heard the truth as
they have in this land of light, it will be their own fault; they will be
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without excuse. The word of God tells us how we may become perfect
Christians and escape the seven last plagues. But they took no interest
to find this out. Other things diverted the mind, idols were cherished
by them, and God’s Holy Word was neglected and slighted. God has
been trifled with by professed Christians, and when His Holy Word
shall judge them in the last day, they will be found wanting. That word
which they have neglected for foolish storybooks, tries their lives. That
is the standard; their motives, words, works, and the manner in which
they use their time are all compared with the written word of God; and
if they come short then, their cases are decided forever.
I saw that many measure themselves among themselves, and com-
pare their lives with the lives of others. This should not be. No one
but Christ is given us as an example. He is our true Pattern, and each
should strive to excel in imitating Him. We are co-workers with Christ,
or co-workers with the enemy. We either gather with Christ or scat-
ter abroad. We are decided, wholehearted Christians, or none at all.
Says Christ: “I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou
art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My
mouth.”
I saw that some hardly know as yet what self-denial or sacrifice is,
or what it is to suffer for the truth’s sake. But none will enter heaven
without making a sacrifice. A spirit of self-denial and sacrifice should
be cherished. Some have not sacrificed themselves, their own bodies,
on the altar of God. They indulge in hasty, fitful temper, gratify their
appetites, and attend to their own self-interest, regardless of the cause
of God. Those who are willing to make any sacrifice for eternal life,
will have it; and it will be worth suffering for, worth crucifying self
for, and sacrificing every idol for. The far more exceeding and eternal
weight of glory swallows up everything and eclipses every earthly
pleasure.
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