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Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
Christ is unattractive, that the blessing of God is bestowed at severe
cost to the receivers. By dwelling upon our trials, and making
much of difficulties, we misrepresent God and Jesus Christ whom
He has sent; for the path to heaven is made unattractive by the
gloom that gathers about the soul of the believer, and many turn
in disappointment from the service of Christ. But are those who
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thus present Christ believers? No, for believers rely upon the divine
promise, and the Holy Spirit is a comforter as well as a reprover.
The Christian must build all the foundation if he would build a
strong, symmetrical character, if he would be well balanced in his
religious experience. It is in this way that the man will be prepared to
meet the demands of truth and righteousness as they are represented
in the Bible; for he will be sustained and energized by the Holy
Spirit of God. He who is a true Christian combines great tenderness
of feeling with great firmness of purpose, with unswerving fidelity to
God; he will in no case become the betrayer of sacred trusts. He who
is endowed with the Holy Spirit has great capacities of heart and
intellect, with strength of will and purpose that is unconquerable.
* * * * *
My brethren, you are required by our Saviour to take heed how
you witness for Him. You need to go deeper and still deeper in the
study of the word. You have all classes of minds to meet, and as you
teach the truths of the sacred word, you are to manifest earnestness,
respect, and reverence. Weed out storytelling from your discourses,
and preach the word. You will then have more sheaves to bring to
the Master. Remember that in your audience there are those who are
constantly harassed by temptation. Some are wrestling with doubt,
almost in despair, almost hopeless. Ask God to help you to speak
words that will strengthen them for the conflict.—
The Review and
Herald, December 22, 1904
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