22.03.2013 Views

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

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

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

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

mealtime cast off care <strong>and</strong> taxing thought. Do not be hurried, but eat slowly <strong>and</strong> with<br />

cheerfulness, your heart filled with gratitude to God for all His blessings. And do not<br />

engage in brain labor immediately after a meal. Exercise moderately, <strong>and</strong> give a little<br />

time for the stomach to begin its work.--GW 241, 242 (1892). (CH 565.) {2MCP 759.3}<br />

Cherishing Error Hinders Mental Expansion.--The mind in which error has once<br />

taken possession can never exp<strong>and</strong> freely to truth, even after investigation. The old<br />

theories will claim recognition. The underst<strong>and</strong>ing of things that are true <strong>and</strong> elevated<br />

<strong>and</strong> sanctifying will be confused. Superstitious ideas will enter the mind to mingle with<br />

the true, <strong>and</strong> these ideas are always debasing in their influence. {2MCP 759.4}<br />

Christian knowledge bears its own stamp of unmeasured superiority in all that<br />

concerns the preparation for the future, immortal life. It distinguishes the Bible reader<br />

<strong>and</strong> believer, who has been receiving the precious treasures<br />

760<br />

of truth, from the skeptic <strong>and</strong> the believer in pagan philosophy. {2MCP 759.5}<br />

Cleave to the word, "It is written." Cast out of the mind the dangerous, obtrusive<br />

theories which, if entertained, will hold the mind in bondage so that the man shall not<br />

become a new creature in Christ. The mind must be constantly restrained <strong>and</strong> guarded.<br />

It must be given as food that only which will strengthen the religious experience.-- MS<br />

42, 1904. (MM 89.) {2MCP 760.1}<br />

Divine Power the Only Hope of Reform.--Apart from divine power, no genuine<br />

reform can be effected. Human barriers against natural <strong>and</strong> cultivated tendencies are<br />

but as the s<strong>and</strong>bank against the torrent. Not until the life of Christ becomes a vitalizing<br />

power in our lives can we resist the temptations that assail us from within <strong>and</strong> from<br />

without.--MH 130 (1905). {2MCP 760.2}<br />

The power of the heavenly agencies must combine with the human. This is the only<br />

way for us to be successful.-- Lt 34, 1891. {2MCP 760.3}<br />

Not to Dwell Upon Our Own Emotions.--It is not wise to look to ourselves <strong>and</strong><br />

study our emotions. If we do this, the enemy will present difficulties <strong>and</strong> temptations<br />

that weaken faith <strong>and</strong> destroy courage. Closely to study our emotions <strong>and</strong> give way to<br />

our feelings is to entertain doubt <strong>and</strong> entangle ourselves in perplexity. We are to look<br />

away from self to Jesus.--MH 249 (1905). {2MCP 760.4}<br />

Negative Emotions Changed by God's Spirit.--When the Spirit of God takes<br />

possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds<br />

are renounced; love, humility, <strong>and</strong> peace take the place of anger, envy, <strong>and</strong> strife. Joy<br />

takes the place of sadness, <strong>and</strong> the countenance reflects the joy of heaven. No one<br />

sees the h<strong>and</strong> that lifts the burden or beholds the light descend from the courts above.<br />

The blessing comes when<br />

761

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!