66 Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists
of mind, remembering the care that Jesus has for you. All the meek
of the earth are exhorted to seek him. Those who have wrought his
judgments are to seek him. Let self break in pieces before God. It is
hard to do this; but we are warned to fall upon the rock and be broken,
else it will fall upon us, and grind us to powder. It is to the humble in
heart that Jesus speaks; his everlasting arms encircle them, and he will
not leave them to perish by the hands of the wicked.
All heaven is interested in the salvation of the human race; what
are you doing for yourselves, brethren? While from the light of the
cross of Calvary you obtain a view of the great love of God for man,
do not build yourselves up in self-esteem; but in humility of soul stand
before God as prisoners of hope. Why not be in earnest in your efforts
for eternal life? Why not manifest a perseverance and an intensity
of desire proportionate to the value of the object of which you are in
pursuit? Instead of doing this, many now engage in the work of God
at will, and let it alone at pleasure. They thus invite Satan to come in
and take possession of their hearts.
What is it to be a Christian? It is to be Christ-like; it is to do the
works of Christ. Some fail on one point, some on another. Some are
naturally impatient. Satan understands their weakness, and manages
to overcome them again and again. But let none be discouraged by
this. Whenever little annoyances and trials arise, ask God in silent
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prayer to give you strength and grace to bear them patiently. There is
a power in silence; do not speak a word until you have sent up your
petition to the God of heaven. If you will always do this, you will soon
overcome your hasty temper, and you will have a little heaven here to
go to heaven in.
God wants his people to cleanse their hands and purify their hearts.
Will it make them unhappy to do this? Will it bring unhappiness into
their families if they are kind and patient, courteous and forbearing?
Far from it. The kindness they manifest toward their families will be
reflected upon themselves. This is the work that should be carried
forward in the home. If the members of a family are not prepared to
dwell in peace here, they are not prepared to dwell in the family that
shall gather around the great white throne. Sin always brings darkness
and bondage; but right-doing will bring peace and holy joy.
The work of overcoming is a great work. Shall we take hold of it
with energy and perseverance? Unless we do, our “filthy garments”