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know it not. The light shines, but they do not comprehend it. No
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stronger delusion can deceive the human mind than that which makes
them believe that they are right, and that God accepts their works, when
they are sinning against Him. They mistake the form of godliness for
the spirit and power thereof. They suppose that they are rich, and have
need of nothing, when they are poor, wretched, blind, and naked, and
need all things.
There are some who profess to be Christ’s followers, yet put forth
no effort in spiritual things. In any worldly enterprise they put forth
effort, and manifest ambition to accomplish their object, and bring
about the desired end; but in the enterprise of everlasting life, where
all is at stake, and their eternal happiness depends upon their success,
they act as indifferent as though they were not moral agents, as though
another were playing the game of life for them, and they had nothing
to do but wait the result. Oh, what folly! what madness! If all will only
manifest that degree of ambition, zeal, and earnestness for everlasting
life that they manifest in their worldly pursuits, they will be victorious
overcomers. Everyone, I saw, must obtain an experience for himself,
each must act well and faithfully his part in the game of life. Satan
watches his opportunity to seize the precious graces when we are
unguarded, and we shall have a severe conflict with the powers of
darkness to retain them, or to regain a heavenly grace if through lack
of watchfulness we lose it.
But I was shown that it is the privilege of Christians to obtain
strength from God to hold every precious gift. Fervent and effectual
prayer will be regarded in heaven. When the servants of Christ take
the shield of faith for their defense, and the sword of the Spirit for war,
there is danger in the enemy’s camp, and something must be done.
Persecution and reproach only wait for those who are endowed with
power from on high to call them into action. When the truth in its
simplicity and strength prevails among believers, and is brought to
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bear against the spirit of the world, it will be evident that there is no
concord between Christ and Belial. The disciples of Christ must be
living examples of the life and spirit of their Master.
Young and old have a conflict, a warfare, before them. They should
not sleep for a moment. A wily foe is constantly on the alert to lead
them astray and overcome them. Believers in present truth must be as
watchful as their enemy and manifest wisdom in resisting Satan. Will