Self-Confidence
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present truth endured before them. The truth has been brought out link
after link, till it forms a clear, connected chain. To bring the truth out in
such clearness and harmony has required careful research. Opposition,
the most bitter and determined, drove the servants of God to the Lord
and to their Bibles. Precious indeed to them was the light which came
from God....
In the final victory, God will have no use for those persons who are
nowhere to be found in time of peril and danger, when the strength,
courage, and influence of all are required to make a charge upon
the enemy. Those who stand like faithful soldiers to battle against
wrong and to vindicate the right, warring against principalities and
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places, will each receive the commendation from
the Master, “Well done, good and faithful servant; ...enter thou into
the joy of thy Lord.” [
Matthew 25:23
.]—
Testimonies for the Church,”
Vol. III, pages 320-327
.
* * * * *
He who loses sight of his entire dependence upon God is sure to
fall. We are contending with those who are stronger than we. Satan
and his hosts are constantly watching to assail us with temptations, and
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in our own strength and wisdom it is impossible for us to withstand
them. Hence, whenever we permit our hearts to be drawn away from
God, whenever we indulge self-exaltation or self-dependence, we are
sure to be overthrown.
* * * * *
The world will never know the work secretly going on between the
soul and God, nor the inward bitterness of spirit, the self-loathing, and
the constant efforts to control self; but many of the world will be able
to appreciate the result of these efforts.
* * * * *
Those who have the deepest experience in the things of God, are
the farthest removed from pride or self-exaltation. It is when men have
the most exalted conceptions of the glory and excellence of Christ,