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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
notion of religion in the head, an outside religion, when the heart is
not cleansed. God looks at the heart; “all things are naked and opened
unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” Will He be satisfied
with anything but truth in the inward parts? Every truly converted soul
will carry the unmistakable marks that the carnal mind is subdued.
I speak plainly. I do not think this will discourage a true Christian;
and I do not want any of you to come up to the time of trouble without
a well-grounded hope in your Redeemer. Determine to know the worst
of your case. Ascertain if you have an inheritance on high. Deal truly
with your own soul. Remember that a church without spot, or wrinkle,
or any such thing, will Jesus present to His Father.
How are you to know that you are accepted of God? Study His
word prayerfully. Lay it not aside for any other book. This Book
convinces of sin. It plainly reveals the way of salvation. It brings
to view a bright and glorious reward. It reveals to you a complete
Saviour, and teaches you that through His boundless mercy alone can
you expect salvation.
Do not neglect secret prayer, for it is the soul of religion. With
earnest, fervent prayer, plead for purity of soul. Plead as earnestly, as
eagerly, as you would for your mortal life, were it at stake. Remain
before God until unutterable longings are begotten within you for
salvation, and the sweet evidence is obtained of pardoned sin.
The hope of eternal life is not to be received upon slight grounds.
It is a subject to be settled between God and your own soul—settled
for eternity. A supposed hope, and nothing more, will prove your ruin.
Since you are to stand or fall by the word of God, it is to that word
you must look for testimony in your case. There you can see what is
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required of you to become a Christian. Do not lay off your armor, or
leave the battlefield until you have obtained the victory, and triumph
in your Redeemer.
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