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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
which there might be no sin in possessing were not means so greatly
needed in extending the truth. How many of you, my brethren, are
seeking your own and not the things which are Jesus Christ’s!
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Suppose Christ should abide in every heart and selfishness in all its
forms should be banished from the church, what would be the result?
Harmony, unity, and brotherly love would be seen as verily as in the
church which Christ first established. Christian activity would be seen
everywhere. The whole church would be kindled into a sacrificial
flame for the glory of God. Every Christian would cast in the fruit
of his self-denial to be consumed upon the altar. There would be far
greater activity in devising fresh methods of usefulness and in studying
how to come close to poor sinners to save them from eternal ruin.
Should we dress in plain, modest apparel, without reference to the
fashions; should our tables at all times be set with simple, healthful
food, avoiding all luxuries, all extravagance; should our houses be
built with becoming plainness and furnished in the same manner, it
would show the sanctifying power of the truth and would have a telling
influence upon unbelievers. But while we conform to the world in
these matters, in some cases apparently seeking to excel worldlings in
fanciful arrangement, the preaching of the truth will have but little or
no effect. Who will believe the solemn truth for this time when those
who already profess to believe it contradict their faith by their works?
It is not God who has closed the windows of heaven to us, but it is our
own conformity to the customs and practices of the world.
The third angel of
Revelation 14
is represented as flying swiftly
through the midst of heaven crying: “Here are they that keep the
commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Here is shown the
nature of the work of the people of God. They have a message of so
great importance that they are represented as flying in the presentation
of it to the world. They are holding in their hands the bread of life
for a famishing world. The love of Christ constraineth them. This is
the last message. There are no more to follow, no more invitations of
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mercy to be given after this message shall have done its work. What
a trust! What a responsibility is resting upon all to carry the words
of gracious invitation: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And
let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And
whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”