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make Christ your physician in chief. Seek earnestly for the crown of
life. Make a business of serving God. It will pay, not only in this life,
but in the life to come. I feel as deep an interest in you and your wife,
whom I love in the Lord, as I do in my own sons and their wives. I
want you and your wife to be among the redeemed, to act a part in the
coronation of Christ. I greatly desire that you shall come off more than
conqueror through Him who gave His life for you. For this reason, my
brother, I have spoken plainly to you. I am so desirous that you should
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have an eternity of bliss. Your position has been most trying. I have
feared that you would lose faith and courage. You must grow in grace
and in a knowledge of the truth. You must draw close to your brethren.
Whatever may come, do not lose faith in them or in Christ; and hold
fast to the truth.
* * * * *
Extract from a letter written in 1892 from Adelaide, South
Australia.—My brother, you will meet with trials, but hold fast your
integrity. Never show anything but a noble spirit. The heavenly uni-
verse is watching the conflict. Satan is watching, anxious to catch
you off your guard, anxious to see you acting impetuously, that he
may obtain the advantage over you. Fight manfully the battle of the
Lord. Do just as Christ would do were He in your place. Let there
be no inconsistency in your faith or practice. Do not allow yourself
to become wrought up over the vexatious troubles that are constantly
arising. Keep calm, think of Jesus, and do what you can to please Him.
The grace of Christ and the Holy Spirit are God’s gifts to you, that you
may be strengthened with all might in the inner man.
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