66
The Desire of Ages
harmless, attaining such a character as would make them manifest as
the children of God. Often He met those who had drifted under Satan’s
control, and who had no power to break from his snare. To such a one,
discouraged, sick, tempted, and fallen, Jesus would speak words of
tenderest pity, words that were needed and could be understood. Oth-
ers He met who were fighting a hand-to-hand battle with the adversary
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of souls. These He encouraged to persevere, assuring them that they
would win; for angels of God were on their side, and would give them
the victory. Those whom He thus helped were convinced that here was
One in whom they could trust with perfect confidence. He would not
betray the secrets they poured into His sympathizing ear.
Jesus was the healer of the body as well as of the soul. He was
interested in every phase of suffering that came under His notice, and
to every sufferer He brought relief, His kind words having a soothing
balm. None could say that He had worked a miracle; but virtue—the
healing power of love—went out from Him to the sick and distressed.
Thus in an unobtrusive way He worked for the people from His very
childhood. And this was why, after His public ministry began, so many
heard Him gladly.
Yet through childhood, youth, and manhood, Jesus walked alone.
In His purity and His faithfulness, He trod the wine press alone, and
of the people there was none with Him. He carried the awful weight
of responsibility for the salvation of men. He knew that unless there
was a decided change in the principles and purposes of the human
race, all would be lost. This was the burden of His soul, and none
could appreciate the weight that rested upon Him. Filled with intense
purpose, He carried out the design of His life that He Himself should
be the light of men.
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