From a Personal Letter

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The apostle Paul said, «I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.» See 1 Cor. 2:2-14.

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We have a message to bear to the world. «We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth: comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.» It is for the interest of all to know this great lesson. We are to work vigilantly in prospect of the solemn event of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ; and if we are waiting and watching and working, we shall speak sound words among those who, like ourselves, are waiting and watching. There is work to be done. The piles of rubbish that have been accumulating need to be removed. How? «Cleanse yourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord.» Cultivate personal piety. God would have us inquire, «Who hath known the mind of the Lord?» that He may instruct us, and that we may be able to say, «We have the mind of Christ.» Then all the rubbish of evil words will be removed. May the Lord imbue us with His Spirit, and touch our lips with a burning coal from the altar. Earnestly, vigilantly watching and waiting and working, we are to be, «not slothful in business, fervent in spirit serving the Lord.»

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The church is the one object of Christ’s intense interest in this world, and for which He has unceasing care. This church is engaged in securing the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life to all who receive it. In every soul God looks for stable principles revealed in word and action. Then they will bring from the treasure house words weighted with the principles of eternal truth. We have no time to praise the devil, no time nor voice to criticise. We are to show that the grace of Christ is abiding in our hearts. Its influence will be revealed, whatever company we are in, by words of deepest importance, involving consequences as enduring as eternity.

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At this period of the earth’s history we cannot afford to weaken one another’s influence. The Christian warfare is close and severe. We have to meet and battle with unseen foes, and we must be in harmony with the heavenly agencies, who are seeking to cleanse us from the inclination to criticise our brethren, to pass judgment on them. The Lord desires us to stand under the yoke of Christ. Labor in God. Toil does not hurt half as much as worry and perplexity. It is because we have so little genuine sympathy that the battle goes so hard. If we become so active that we have not time to pray, we have not put on the whole armor of righteousness. Paul enjoined Timothy, «Take heed to thyself and to the doctrine.» The soul must be purified and made ready to receive the golden oil which the two olive branches, through the two golden pipes, pour into vessels cleansed to receive it. In turn the vessels are to empty themselves of the treasures of truth, bringing from the treasure house things new and old. Heavenly messengers, the anointed ones, supply the living agencies, that they may impart.

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The Lord has rich stores, and He desires men to enjoy His blessing. Had men in the beginning rightly appreciated and appropriated the talents God gave them, the earth would not have been cursed by a flood. And we see the work of destruction still going on, and why? Because there has been a national apostasy. The world has thrown off the law of God, and has legalized transgression and sin. The people of God must now show their colors. There must be no drawing back. The very best credentials we can carry is love for one another. All strife, all dissension, are to cease. God will not accept the talents of the smartest, the most eloquent man, if the inner lamp of the soul is not trimmed and burning.

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There must be a consecrated heart, a consecrated surrender of the soul. We are justified by faith and judged by works. The Lord calls. Shall we hear his voice? Shall we by diligent trading place our means where the Lord can co-operate with us in their use? Let us work on, doing our best in all meekness and humility of mind, and we shall be more than conquerors through Him who hath loved us.

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How few are willing to suffer reproach and shame for Christ’s sake. His word is our testimony. We are to believe and love the truth for Christ’s sake. We must rise higher and higher in purity and knowledge. We are Christ’s witnesses. Then let us not talk of difficulties or ponder over our trials, but come close to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. By beholding Him, studying and talking of Him, we become transformed into His image. Mrs. E. G. White. —