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

as it is in Jesus will make it known. The ideas and convictions of the individual mind will
seek for expression. Whoever cherishes unbelief and criticism, whoever feels capable
of judging the work of the Holy Spirit, will diffuse the spirit by which he is animated. It is
the nature of unbelief and infidelity and resistance of the grace of God to make
themselves felt and heard. The mind actuated by these principles is always striving to
make a place for itself and obtain adherents. All who walk by the side of an apostate
will be imbued by his spirit to share with others their thoughts and the result of their own
inquiries, and the feelings which prompted their action; for it is not an easy matter to
repress the principles upon which we act.--SpT Series A, No. 6, p 39, July 6, 1896. (TM
290, 291.) {2MCP 419.2}
Expression Strengthens Thoughts and Feelings.-- It is a law of nature that our
thoughts and feelings are
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encouraged and strengthened as we give them utterance. While words express
thoughts, it is also true that thoughts follow words. If we would give more expression to
our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have--the great mercy and love
of God--we should have more faith and greater joy. No tongue can express, no finite
mind can conceive, the blessing that results from appreciating the goodness and love of
God. Even on earth we may have joy as a wellspring, never failing, because fed by the
streams that flow from the throne of God.--MH 251-253 (1905). {2MCP 419.3}
Mind Has Power of Choice.--God has given us the power of choice; it is ours to
exercise. We cannot change our hearts, we cannot control our thoughts, our impulses,
our affections. We cannot make ourselves pure, fit for God's service. But we can
choose to serve God, we can give Him our will; then He will work in us to will and to do
according to His good pleasure. Thus our whole nature will be brought under the control
of Christ.--MH 176 (1905). {2MCP 420.1}
The tempter can never compel us to do evil. He cannot control minds unless they
are yielded to his control. The will must consent, faith must let go its hold upon Christ,
before Satan can exercise his power upon us. But every sinful desire we cherish affords
him a foothold. Every point in which we fail of meeting the divine standard is an open
door by which he can enter to tempt and destroy us. And every failure or defeat on our
part gives occasion for him to reproach Christ.--DA 125 (1898). {2MCP 420.2}
Man a Free Moral Agent.--To stir up rebellion in the fallen race, he [Satan] now
represented God as unjust in having permitted man to transgress His law. "Why," said
the artful tempter, "when God knew what would be the result, did He permit man to be
placed on trial, to sin, and bring in misery and death?" ...
421 {2MCP 420.3}
There are thousands today echoing the same rebellious complaint against God.
They do not see that to deprive man of the freedom of choice would be to rob him of his