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Fundamentals of Christian Education
test of trial, who is a partaker of the divine nature, will be among those
whom Christ pronounces blessed.
Without Christ we can do nothing. The pure principles of upright-
ness, virtue, and goodness are all from God. A conscientious discharge
of duty, Christlike sympathy, love for souls and love for your own soul,
because you belong to God, and have been bought with the precious
blood of Christ, will make you a laborer together with God, and endow
you with persuasive, drawing power. You must respect your own faith
in order successfully to introduce it to others. By example as well
as precept, you must show that you reverence your faith, speaking
reverently of sacred things. Never allow one expression of lightness
and trifling to escape your lips when quoting Scripture. As you take the
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Bible in your hands, remember that you are on holy ground. Angels
are around you, and could your eyes be opened, you would behold
them. Let your conduct be such that you will leave the impression
upon every soul with whom you associate that a pure and holy atmo-
sphere surrounds you. One vain word, one trifling laugh, may balance
a soul in the wrong direction. Terrible are the consequences of not
having a constant connection with God.
Abstain from all evil. Common sins, however insignificant they
may be regarded, will impair your moral sense, and extinguish the
inward impression of the Spirit of God. The character of the thoughts
leaves its imprint upon the soul, and all low conversation pollutes the
mind. All evil works ruin to those who commit it. God may and will
forgive the repenting sinner, but though forgiven, the soul is marred;
the power of the elevated thought possible to the unimpaired mind
is destroyed. Through all time the soul bears the scars. Then let us
seek for that faith which works by love and purifies the heart, that we
may represent the character of Christ to the world.—
The Review and
Herald, December 8, 1891
.
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