576
Counsels on Health
nature to them; and they will soon fail to realize that instead of uplifting
Jesus they uplift themselves, that instead of being channels through
which the living water can flow to refresh others, they absorb the
sympathies and affections of those around them. This is not loyalty to
our crucified Lord.
Living Epistles
We are ambassadors for Christ and we are to live, not to save
our reputation, but to save perishing souls from perdition. Our daily
endeavor should be to show them that they may gain truth and righ-
teousness. Instead of trying to elicit sympathy for ourselves by giving
others the impression that we are not appreciated, we are to forget
self entirely; and if we fail to do this, through want of spiritual dis-
cernment and vital piety, God will require at our hands the souls of
those for whom we should have labored. He has made provision that
every worker in His service may have grace and wisdom, that he may
become a living epistle, known and read of all men.
By watchfulness and prayer we may accomplish just what the Lord
designs that we shall. By faithful, painstaking discharge of our duty,
by watching for souls as they that must give account, we may remove
every stumbling block out of the way of others. By earnest warnings
[561]
and entreaties, with our own souls drawn out in tender solicitude for
those that are ready to perish, we may win souls to Christ.
Grieving the Holy Spirit
I would that all my brethren and sisters would remember that it is
a serious thing to grieve the Holy Spirit, and it is grieved when the
human agent seeks to work himself and refuses to enter the service of
the Lord because the cross is too heavy or the self-denial too great. The
Holy Spirit seeks to abide in each soul. If it is welcomed as an honored
guest, those who receive it will be made complete in Christ. The good
work begun will be finished; the holy thoughts, heavenly affections,
and Christlike actions will take the place of impure thoughts, perverse
sentiments, and rebellious acts.
The Holy Spirit is a divine teacher. If we heed its lessons we shall
become wise unto salvation. But we need to guard well our hearts, for