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Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
If men, for no higher object than a wreath or perishable crown
as a reward of their ambition, subjected themselves to temperance
in all things, how much more should those be willing to practice
self-denial who profess to be seeking, not only a crown of immortal
glory, but a life which is to endure as long as the throne of Jehovah,
and riches that are eternal, honors which are imperishable, an eternal
weight of glory. Will not the inducements presented before those
who are running in the Christian race lead them to practice self-
denial and temperance in all things, that they may keep their animal
propensities in subjection, keep under the body, and control the
appetite and lustful passions? Then can they be partakers of the
divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world
through lust.
If the exceeding precious and glorious reward promised will not
lead us to welcome greater privations and endure greater self-denial
than are cheerfully borne by worldly men who are seeking merely a
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bauble of earth, a perishable laurel which brings honors from a few of
the worldly, and hate from more, we are unworthy of everlasting life.
In the earnestness and intensity of our zeal, perseverance, courage,
energy, self-denial, and sacrifice we should as much excel those who
are engaged in any other enterprise as the object we are seeking to
attain is of higher value than theirs. The treasure we are seeking
is imperishable, eternal, immortal, all overglorious; while that of
which the worldling is in pursuit, endures but a day; it is fading,
perishable, fleeting as the morning cloud.
The cross, the cross; lift it, Brother D, and in the act of raising
it you will be astonished to find that it raises you, it supports you.
In adversity, privation, and sorrow it will be a strength and a staff to
you. You will find it all hung with mercy, compassion, sympathy,
and inexpressible love. It will prove to you a pledge of immortality.
May you be able to say with Paul: “God forbid that I should glory,
save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is
crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”
The Spirit of the Lord has been striving with your wife for some
time. If you would yield all to God, she would have strength to
take her position to seek to live out the truth. If you choose to turn
from the truth, you will not go down alone; you will not only lose
your own soul, but will be the means of turning others out of the