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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
lessens physical vigor is a warring lust. The apostle declares that
he who would gain special victories and make higher attainments
in righteousness must be “temperate in all things.” Temperance in
eating and drinking at our tables, as well as the exercise of temperance
in every other respect, is essential if we would overcome as Christ
overcame. God has given us light, not to be treated indifferently, but
to be our guide and help.
You need to cultivate self-control. The lesson you should have
learned in your youth should be mastered now. Discipline yourself
to die to self, to bring your will in subjection to the will of Christ. A
deep and thorough conversion is essential, or you, my dear brother,
will fail of eternal life. Your service in the cause of God must be more
hearty, full, and thorough. You cannot perfect a Christian character by
serving God when you feel inclined to do so and neglecting it when
you please. A decided change must take place in your life, and you
must obtain a different experience from any you have yet had, or your
service will not be accepted of God.
Our heavenly Father has been very gracious to you. He has dealt
tenderly with you. Sickness and disease came upon you when you
were unprepared to die, for you had not perfected a Christian character
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and had not a moral fitness for heaven. Satan stood by your side to
afflict and destroy, that you might be numbered with the transgressors.
Fervent and effectual prayer prevailed in your behalf. Angels were sent
to wait and watch about you, to guard and protect you from Satan’s
power and preserve your life. God has, in His matchless love, granted
you another trial. Not because of any goodness or virtue in you but,
because of His mercy, He has answered the prayers of faith. Your
probation has been lengthened that you may have an opportunity to
redeem the past, overcome the defects in your character, and show in
your life that devotion to God which He claims from you. You have
had emotions of gratitude, but you have not experienced that heartfelt
thankfulness and becoming humility that should have been kindled by
His unsurpassed love.
You have not sufficiently felt your obligations to God for sparing
your life. You have, for pettish reasons of your own, excused yourself
time and again from religious duties which devolve upon us at all
times and under all circumstances. Feelings of discouragement are
no apology before God for the neglect of a single duty. You are not