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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
stature of men in Christ Jesus. They are childish and self-indulgent.
Humble piety would correct all this. Pure religion possesses no char-
acteristics of childish self-indulgence. It is honorable in the highest
degree. Then let not one of those who have enlisted as soldiers of
Christ be ready to faint in the day of trial. All should feel that they
have earnest work to do to elevate their fellow men. Not one has a right
to rest from the warfare to make virtue desirable and vice hated. There
is no rest for the living Christian this side of the eternal world. To obey
God’s commandments is to do right and only right. This is Christian
manliness. But many need to take frequent lessons from the life of
Christ, who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. “Consider Him
that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be
wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood,
striving against sin.” You are to show a growth in the Christian graces.
By manifesting meekness under provocation and growing away from
low earthliness you give evidence that you have an indwelling Saviour,
and every thought, word, and deed attracts men to Jesus rather than to
self. There is a great amount of work to be done and but little time in
which to do it. Let it be your lifework to inspire all with the thought
that they have a work to do for Christ. Wherever there are duties to be
done which others do not understand because they do not wish to see
their lifework, accept them and do them.
The standard of morality is not exalted high enough among God’s
people. Many who profess to be keeping God’s commandments and
standing in their defense are breaking them. Temptations present
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themselves in such a way that the tempted think they see an excuse to
transgress. Those who enter the missionary field should be men and
women who walk and talk with God. Those who stand as ministers
in the sacred desk should be men of blameless reputation; their lives
should be spotless, above everything that savors of impurity. Do not
place your reputation in jeopardy by going in the way of temptation.
If a woman lingeringly holds your hand, quickly withdraw it and save
her from sin. If she manifests undue affection and mourns that her
husband does not love her and sympathize with her, do not try to
supply this lack. Your only safe and wise course in such a case is
to keep your sympathy to yourself. Such cases are numerous. Point
such souls to the Burden Bearer, the true and safe Counselor. If she
has chosen Christ as a companion, He will give her grace to bear