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Temperance
holy ground to a low level. In a moment decisions may be made that
fix one’s condition forever. One failure to overcome leaves the soul
unguarded. One evil habit, if not firmly resisted, will strengthen into
chains of steel, binding the whole man.
The reason why so many are left to themselves in places of
temptation is that they do not set the Lord always before them. When
we permit our communion with God to be broken, our defense is
departed from us. Not all your good purposes and good intentions
will enable you to withstand evil. You must be men and women
of prayer. Your petitions must not be faint, occasional, and fitful,
but earnest, persevering, and constant. It is not always necessary
to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of
talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking,
and when you are busy with your daily labor. Let the heart be
continually uplifted in silent petition for help, for light, for strength,
for knowledge. Let every breath be a prayer.
Protection for Those Who Make God Their Trust
—As work-
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ers for God we must reach men where they are, surrounded with
darkness, sunken in vice, and stained with corruption. But while we
stay our minds upon Him who is our sun and our shield, the evil
that surrounds us will not bring one stain upon our garments. As
we work to save the souls that are ready to perish, we shall not be
put to shame if we make God our trust. Christ in the heart, Christ
in the life, this is our safety. The atmosphere of His presence will
fill the soul with abhorrence of all that is evil. Our spirit may be
so identified with His that in thought and aim we shall be one with
Him.—
The Ministry of Healing, 509-511
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