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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
There is in human nature a tendency to run to extremes and from
one extreme to another entirely opposite. Many are fanatics. They are
consumed by a fiery zeal which is mistaken for religion, but character
is the true test of discipleship. Have they the meekness of Christ? have
they His humility and sweet benevolence? Is the soul-temple emptied
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of pride, arrogance, selfishness, and censoriousness? If not, they know
not what manner of spirit they are of. They do not realize that true
Christianity consists in bearing much fruit to the glory of God.
Others go to an extreme in their conformity to the world. There is
no clear, distinct line of separation between them and the worldling. If
in one case men are driven away from the truth by a harsh, censorious,
condemnatory spirit, in this they are led to conclude that the professed
Christian is destitute of principle and knows nothing of a change of
heart or character. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may
see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven,” are
the words of Christ.
There are many who have not a correct knowledge of what consti-
tutes a Christian character, and their lives are a reproach to the cause
of truth. If they were thoroughly converted they would not bear briers
and thorns, but rich clusters of the precious fruits of the Spirit,—“love,
joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, tem-
perance.” The great danger is in neglecting a heartwork. Many feel
well pleased with themselves; they think that a nominal observance of
the divine law is sufficient, while they are unacquainted with the grace
of Christ, and He is not abiding in the heart by living faith.
“Without Me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing;” but with His
divine grace working through our human efforts, we can do all things.
His patience and meekness will pervade the character, diffusing a
precious radiance which makes bright and clear the pathway to heaven.
By beholding and imitating His life we shall become renewed in His
image. The glory of heaven will shine in our lives and be reflected
upon others. At the throne of grace we are to find the help we need to
enable us to live thus. This is genuine sanctification, and what more
exalted position can mortals desire than to be connected with Christ as
a branch is joined to the vine?
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I have seen a device representing a bullock standing between a
plow and an altar, with the inscription, “Ready for either”—willing
to swelter in the weary furrow or to bleed on the altar of sacrifice.