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Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

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Sympathy at Home 645what you must experience—<strong>the</strong> trans<strong>for</strong>mation which a sanctificationthrough <strong>the</strong> truth will effect <strong>for</strong> you.Do you believe that <strong>the</strong> end of all things is at hand, that <strong>the</strong> scenesof this earth’s history are fast closing? If so, show your faith by yourworks. A man will show all <strong>the</strong> faith he has. Some think <strong>the</strong>y havea good degree of faith, when if <strong>the</strong>y have any, it is dead, <strong>for</strong> it is notsustained by works. “Faith if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” [705]Few have that genuine faith which works by love and purifies <strong>the</strong> soul.But all who are accounted worthy of everlasting life must obtain amoral fitness <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> same. “Beloved, now are we <strong>the</strong> sons of God, andit doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when Heshall appear, we shall be like Him; <strong>for</strong> we shall see Him as He is. Andevery man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He ispure.” This is <strong>the</strong> work be<strong>for</strong>e you, and you have none too much timeif you engage in <strong>the</strong> work with all your soul.You must experience a death to self, and must live unto God. “Ifye <strong>the</strong>n be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, whereChrist sitteth on <strong>the</strong> right hand of God.” Self is not to be consulted.Pride, self-love, selfishness, avarice, covetousness, love of <strong>the</strong> world,hatred, suspicion, jealousy, evil surmisings, must all be subdued andsacrificed <strong>for</strong>ever. When Christ shall appear, it will not be to correct<strong>the</strong>se evils and <strong>the</strong>n give a moral fitness <strong>for</strong> His coming. This preparationmust all be made be<strong>for</strong>e He comes. It should be a subject ofthought, of study, and earnest inquiry, What shall we do to be saved?What shall be our conduct that we may show ourselves approved untoGod?When tempted to murmur, censure, and indulge in fretfulness,wounding those around you, and in so doing wounding your own soul,oh! let <strong>the</strong> deep, earnest, anxious inquiry come from your soul, Shall Istand without fault be<strong>for</strong>e <strong>the</strong> throne of God? Only <strong>the</strong> faultless willbe <strong>the</strong>re. None will be translated to heaven while <strong>the</strong>ir hearts are filledwith <strong>the</strong> rubbish of earth. Every defect in <strong>the</strong> moral character must firstbe remedied, every stain removed by <strong>the</strong> cleansing blood of Christ,and all <strong>the</strong> unlovely, unlovable traits of character overcome.How long a time are you designing to take to prepare to be intro- [706]duced into <strong>the</strong> society of heavenly angels in glory? In <strong>the</strong> state whichyou and your family are in at present, all heaven would be marredshould you be introduced <strong>the</strong>rein. The work <strong>for</strong> you must be done

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