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Chapter 1—Only as the Life Is Changed
The Character Reshaped
—Our work for the tempted and
fallen will achieve real success only as the grace of Christ reshapes
the character and the man is brought into living connection with the
infinite God. This is the purpose of all true temperance effort.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:111
.
Christ Works From Within
—Men will never be truly temper-
ate until the grace of Christ is an abiding principle in the heart....
Circumstances cannot work reform. Christianity proposes a refor-
mation in the heart. What Christ works within, will be worked out
under the dictation of a converted intellect. The plan of beginning
outside and trying to work inward has always failed, and always will
fail.—
Counsels on Diet and Foods, 35
.
Power of Self-Control Must Be Regained
—One of the most
deplorable effects of the original apostasy was the loss of man’s
power of self-control. Only as this power is regained, can there be
real progress.
The body is the only medium through which the mind and the
soul are developed for the upbuilding of character. Hence it is
that the adversary of souls directs his temptations to the enfeebling
and degrading of the physical powers. His success here means the
surrender to evil of the whole being. The tendencies of our physical
nature, unless under the dominion of a higher power, will surely
work ruin and death.
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The body is to be brought into subjection. The higher powers of
the being are to rule. The passions are to be controlled by the will,
which is itself to be under the control of God. The kingly power of
reason, sanctified by divine grace, is to bear sway in our lives.—
The
Ministry of Healing, 129, 130
.
Futility of Attempts to Stop by Degrees
—Shall those who
have had more opportunities and much precious light, who enjoy
the advantages of education, make the plea that they cannot cut
away from unhealthful practices? Why do not those who have
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