Chapter 176—The Bright Side of Religion
I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:18
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Every one who loves God is to testify of the preciousness of His grace
and truth. Those who receive the light of truth are to have lesson upon lesson
to educate them not to keep silent, but to speak often one to another. They
are to keep in mind the Sabbath meeting, when those who love and fear God,
and who think upon His name, can have opportunity to express their thoughts
in speaking one to another....
The Majesty of heaven identifies His interests with those of the believers,
however humble may be their circumstances. And whenever they are
privileged to meet together, it is appropriate that they speak often one to
another, giving utterance to the gratitude and love that is a result of thinking
upon the name of the Lord. Thus shall God be glorified as He hearkens and
hears, and the testimony meeting will be considered the most precious of all
meetings; for the words spoken are recorded in the book of remembrance....
Do not gratify the enemy by dwelling upon the dark side of your
experience; trust Jesus more fully for help to resist temptation. If we thought
and talked more of Jesus, and less of ourselves, we should have much more
of His presence. If we abide in Him, we shall be so filled with peace, faith,
and courage, and shall have so victorious an experience to relate when we
come to meeting, that others will be refreshed by our clear, strong testimony
for God. These precious acknowledgements to the praise of the glory of His
grace, when supported by a Christlike life, have an irresistible power, which
works for the salvation of souls. The bright and cheerful side of religion
will be represented by all who are daily consecrated to God. We should not
dishonor our Lord by a mournful relation of trials that appear grievous. All
trials that are received as educators will produce joy. The whole religious life
will be uplifting, elevating, ennobling, fragrant with good words and works.
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