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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
should be in all their thoughts; then all the wiles and subtleties of the
old serpent cannot betray them into sinful neglect of duty. They will
meet the adversary with the simple weapon that Christ used, “It is
written,” or will repulse him with, “Get thee behind Me, Satan.”
In the warning to “watch and pray,” Jesus has indicated the only
safe course. There is need of watchfulness. Our own hearts are
deceitful; we are compassed with the weaknesses and frailties of
humanity, and Satan is intent to destroy. We may be off our guard,
but our adversary is never idle. Knowing his tireless vigilance, let
us not sleep, as do others, but “watch and be sober.” The spirit and
influence of the world must be met, but they must not be allowed to
take possession of the mind and heart.
The active man of business, as he is brought in contact with the
world, will have trials, perplexity, and anxious care. He will find that
there is a tendency to let worldly thoughts and plans take the lead, and
that it will require effort, and discipline of mind and soul, to maintain
a devotional spirit. But divine grace waits his demand, and his great
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need is the mighty argument that will prevail with God. For these men
Jesus has made special provision. He invites them: “Come unto Me,
all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My
yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and
ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden
is light.” Those who have fellowship with Christ have constant rest and
peace. Then why do we walk alone, disdaining His companionship?
Why do we not take Him into all our counsels? Why do we not come
to Him in all our perplexities and prove the strength of His promises?
The Holy Spirit illumines our darkness, informs our ignorance, and
understands and helps us in our manifold necessities. But the mind
must be constantly going out after God. If coldness and worldliness
are allowed to come in, we shall have no heart to pray, no courage
to look up to Him who is the source of strength and wisdom. Then
pray always, dear brethren and sisters, “lifting up holy hands, without
wrath and doubting.” Urge your requests to the throne of grace, and
rely upon God hour by hour and moment by moment. The service of
Christ will regulate all your relations with your fellow men and make
your life fruitful in good works.
Let none imagine that selfishness, self-esteem, and self-indulgence
are compatible with the Spirit of Christ. Upon every truly converted