Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Young Sabbathkeepers 153that the fruits of His Spirit may dwell in you, and you shine as lightsin the world. Be not a hindrance or curse to the cause of God; youcan be a help, a blessing. Does Satan tell you that you cannot enjoysalvation, full and free? Believe him not.I saw that it is the privilege of every Christian to enjoy the deepmovings of the Spirit of God. A sweet, heavenly peace will pervadethe mind, and you will love to meditate upon God and heaven. Youwill feast upon the glorious promises of His word. But know first thatyou have begun the Christian course. Know that the first steps aretaken in the road to everlasting life. Be not deceived. I fear, yea, Iknow, that many of you know not what religion is. You have felt someexcitement, some emotion, but have never seen sin in its enormity. Youhave never felt your undone condition and turned from your evil wayswith bitter sorrow. You have never died to the world. You still love itspleasures; you love to engage in conversation on worldly matters. Butwhen the truth of God is introduced, you have nothing to say. Why sosilent? Why so talkative upon worldly things, and so silent upon thesubject that should most concern you—a subject that should engageyour whole soul? The truth of God does not dwell in you.I saw that many are fair in their profession, while within is corruption.Deceive not yourselves, falsehearted professors. God looksat the heart. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”The world, I saw, is in the heart of such, but the religion of Jesus is [160]not there. If professed Christians love Jesus better than the world, theywill love to speak of Him, their best Friend, in whom their highestaffections are centered. He came to their aid when they felt their lostand perishing condition. When weary and heavy-laden with sin, theyturned unto Him. He removed their burden of guilt and sin, took awaytheir sorrow and mourning, and turned the whole current of their affections.The things they once loved, they now hate; and the thingsthey hated, they now love.Has this great change taken place in you? Be not deceived. I wouldnever name the name of Christ, or I would give Him my whole heart,my undivided affections. We should feel the deepest gratitude thatJesus will accept this offering. He demands all. When we are broughtto yield to His claims, and give up all, then, and not till then, will Hethrow around us His arms of mercy. But what do we give when wegive all? A sin-polluted soul for Jesus to purify, to cleanse by His