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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
betrayal, and crucifixion. Shall the undershepherds seek for an easier
lot than that of their Master?
The word of God is a great simplifier of life’s complicated pursuits.
To every earnest seeker it imparts a divine wisdom. We should never
forget that we have been redeemed by suffering. It is the precious
blood of Christ that makes atonement for us. By toil and sacrifice
and peril, by losses of worldly goods, and in agony of soul the gospel
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has been borne to the world. God calls young men in the vigor and
strength of their youth to share with Him self-denial, sacrifice, and
suffering. If they accept the call, He will make them His instruments
to save souls for whom He died. But He would have them count the
cost and enter upon their work with a full knowledge of the conditions
upon which they serve a crucified Redeemer.
I can hardly express my feelings when I think how God’s purpose
in the establishment of our college has been disregarded. Those who
have a form of godliness are denying, by their unconsecrated lives,
the power of the truth to make men wise unto salvation. Look at the
history of the apostles, who suffered poverty, disgrace, abuse, and
even death for the truth’s sake. They rejoiced that they were accounted
worthy to suffer for Christ.
If great results can be attained by great efforts and great suffering,
who of us that are subjects of divine grace can refuse the sacrifice?
The gospel of Christ includes in its requirements every soul that has
heard the message of glad tidings. What shall we render unto God for
all His benefits to us? His matchless mercy can never be repaid. We
can, only by willing obedience and grateful service, testify our loyalty,
and crown with honor our Redeemer.
I have no higher wish than to see our youth imbued with that spirit
of pure religion which will lead them to take up the cross and follow
Jesus. Go forth, young disciples of Christ, controlled by principle,
clad in the robes of purity and righteousness. Your Saviour will guide
you into the position best suited to your talents and where you can be
most useful. In the path of duty you may be sure of receiving grace
sufficient for your day.
The preaching of the gospel is God’s chosen agency for the sal-
vation of souls. But our first work should be to bring our own hearts
into harmony with God, and then we are prepared to labor for others.
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In former days there was great searching of heart among our earnest