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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
language of the obedient soul is: Old things are passed away; behold,
all things are become new.” “This is the true religion of the Bible.
Everything short of this is a deception.
The youth have not realized that freedom and light can be retained
only through self-denial and constant watchfulness and prayer, with a
continual reliance upon the merits of the blood of Christ. When the
Holy Spirit is breathing upon the soul, the will and the powers of the
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man must respond to Its influence. Those who abide in Jesus will be
happy, cheerful, and joyful in God. A subdued gentleness will mark
the voice, reverence for spiritual and eternal things will be expressed
in the actions, and music, joyful music, will echo from the lips; for it
is wafted from the throne of God. This is the mystery of godliness,
not easily explained, but nonetheless felt and enjoyed. A stubborn
and rebellious heart can close its doors to all the sweet influences of
the grace of God and all the joy in the Holy Ghost; but the ways of
wisdom are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. The
more closely we are connected with Christ, the more will our words
and actions show the subduing, transforming power of His grace.
I appeal to the youth at-----to consider their ways and change
their course of action before it shall be too late. Some of you pride
yourselves on your capabilities; but the more valuable the talents
entrusted to your keeping, the greater will be your condemnation if
these gifts of heaven are employed in the service of Satan. God can
do without you, but you cannot do without God. It is you who will
suffer without Jesus. The commands of God are as briers and thorns
to some of the youth in-----. Their knowledge of the truth makes it
hard for them to indulge in sinful pleasures, for they cannot altogether
put out of the mind the claims of God upon them. There is a feeling
of impatience at the restraint which is thus imposed. They try to get
away from this admonitory voice; but they find themselves kicking
against the pricks, piercing themselves through with many sorrows.
Oh, that they would come to the Fountain of living waters before they
shall have grieved away the Spirit of God for the last time!
A few words more to the church members. Said Christ: “If any
man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross,
and follow Me.” We are not to make crosses for ourselves, by wearing
sackcloth, by pinching our bodies, or by denying ourselves wholesome,
nourishing food. We are not to shut ourselves in monasteries, away