24 Supplement to the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White
If we dwell on these things, dear self, with its dignity, will be
humbled; a child-like simplicity will take its place, which will bear
reproof from others, and will not be easily provoked, and suffer a
self-willed spirit to come in and rule the soul. The true christian’s joys,
and consolation, must and will be in heaven.
The longing souls of those who have tasted of the powers of the
world to come, and have feasted on heavenly joys, will not be satisfied,
or amused, with things of earth. Such will find enough to do in their
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leisure moments. Their souls will be drawn out after God. Where
the treasure is, there will be their heart, holding sweet communion
with the God they love and worship. Their amusements will be in
contemplating their treasure—the holy city—the earth made new—
their eternal home. And while they dwell upon these things, which
are lofty, pure and holy, heaven will be brought near, and they will
feel the power of the Holy Spirit, which will tend to wean them from
the world more and more, and cause their consolation and chief joy to
be in the things of heaven, their sweet home. The power of attraction
to God and heaven will be so great, that nothing can draw their mind
from the great object of securing their soul’s salvation, and honoring
and glorifying God.
As I realize how much has been done for us, to keep us right, I am
led to exclaim, O, what love! What wondrous love hath the Son of
God for us poor sinners! Should we be stupid and careless, while every
thing is being done for our salvation that can be done? All heaven
is interested for us. We should be alive and awake, to honor, glorify
and adore the High and Lofty One. Our hearts should flow out in love
and gratitude to him who has been so full of love and compassion
to us. With our lives we should honor him, and with pure and holy
conversation show that we are born from above; that this world is not
our home, but that we are pilgrims and strangers here, traveling to a
better country.
Many who profess the name of Christ, and profess to be looking
for his speedy coming, know not what it is to suffer for Christ’s sake.
Their hearts are not subdued by grace, and they are not dead to self;
but it often appears in various ways; and at the same time, they are
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talking of having trials. But the principal cause of their trials, is an
unsubdued heart, which makes self so sensitive, that it is often crossed.
If such could realize what it is to be a humble follower of Christ, a true