194
Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
a refuge, but do not avail themselves of it. They know a remedy for
sin, but do not use it. They know the right, but have no relish for it.
All their knowledge will but increase their condemnation. They have
[222]
never tasted and learned by experience that the Lord is good.
To become a disciple of Christ is to deny self and follow Jesus
through evil as well as good report. Few are doing this now. Many
prophesy falsely, and the people love to have it so; but what will be
done in the end thereof? What will be the decision when their work,
with all its results, shall be brought in review before God?
The Christian life is a warfare. The apostle Paul speaks of wrestling
against principalities and powers as he fought the good fight of faith.
Again, he declares: “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving
against sin.” Ah, no. Today sin is cherished and excused. The sharp
sword of the Spirit, the word of God, does not cut to the soul. Has
religion changed? Has Satan’s enmity to God abated? A religious
life once presented difficulties and demanded self-denial. All is made
very easy now. And why is this? The professed people of God have
compromised with the power of darkness.
There must be a revival of the strait testimony. The path to heaven
is no smoother now than in the days of our Saviour. All our sins must
be put away. Every darling indulgence that hinders our religious life
must be cut off. The right eye or the right hand must be sacrificed if it
cause us to offend. Are we willing to renounce our own wisdom and to
receive the kingdom of heaven as a little child? Are we willing to part
with self-righteousness? Are we willing to give up our chosen worldly
associates? Are we willing to sacrifice the approbation of men? The
prize of eternal life is of infinite value. Will we put forth efforts and
make sacrifices proportionate to the worth of the object to be attained?
Every association we form, however limited, exerts some influence
upon us. The extent to which we yield to that influence will be deter-
mined by the degree of intimacy, the constancy of the intercourse, and
our love and veneration for the one with whom we associate. Thus by
acquaintance and association with Christ we may become like Him,
[223]
the one faultless Example.
Communion with Christ—how unspeakably precious! Such com-
munion it is our privilege to enjoy if we will seek it, if we will make
any sacrifice to secure it. When the early disciples heard the words
of Christ, they felt their need of Him. They sought, they found, they