Mind, Character, and Personality Vol. 2 - Second Advent Revival

indulgence are seen in his offspring, and thus the evil is passed on from generation to
generation. {2MCP 570.1}
Many complain of providence when their friends suffer or are removed by death; but
it is not in the order of God that men and women should lead lives of suffering and die
prematurely, leaving their work unfinished. God would have us live out the full measure
of our days, with every organ in health, doing its appointed work. It is unjust to charge
Him with a result which in many cases is due to the individual's own transgression of
natural law.--RH, Feb 11, 1902. {2MCP 570.2}
The Answer to Deism.--Many teach that matter possesses vital power--that certain
properties are imparted to matter, and it is then left to act through its own inherent
energy; and that the operations of nature are conducted in harmony with fixed laws,
with which God Himself cannot interfere. This is false science and is not sustained by
the Word of God. Nature is the servant of her Creator. God does not annul His laws or
work contrary to them, but He is continually using them as His instruments. Nature
testifies of an intelligence, a presence, an active energy, that works in and through her
laws. There is in nature the continual working of the Father and the Son. Christ says,
"My Father worketh hitherto, and I work" (John 5:17).--PP 114 (1890).
571 {2MCP 570.3}
Obedience Brings Happiness.--As they [students] learn thus to study the lessons
in all created things and in all life's experiences, show [them] that the same laws which
govern the things of nature and the events of life are to control us, that they are given
for our good, and that only in obedience to them can we find true happiness and
success.--Ed 103 (1903). {2MCP 571.1}
Far-reaching Principles of Law.--In His teachings, Christ showed how far-reaching
are the principles of the law spoken from Sinai. He made a living application of that law
whose principles remain forever the great standard of righteousness--the standard by
which all shall be judged in that great day when the judgment shall sit and the books
shall be opened. He came to fulfill all righteousness, and as the head of humanity, to
show man that he can do the same work, meeting every specification of the
requirements of God. Through the measure of His grace furnished to the human agent,
not one need miss heaven. Perfection of character is attainable by every one who
strives for it. This is made the very foundation of the new covenant of the gospel. The
law of Jehovah is the tree; the gospel is the fragrant blossoms and fruit which it
bears.--RH, Apr 5, 1898. (1SM 211, 212.) {2MCP 571.2}
The Highest Sense of Freedom.--In the work of redemption there is no compulsion.
No external force is employed. Under the influence of the Spirit of God, man is left free
to choose whom he will serve. In the change that takes place when the soul surrenders
to Christ, there is the highest sense of freedom. The expulsion of sin is the act of the
soul itself. True, we have no power to free ourselves from Satan's control; but when we
desire to be set free from sin, and in our great need cry out for a power out of and
above ourselves, the powers of the soul are imbued with the divine energy of the Holy