The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials: Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

now to bear fruit; we have our opportunities now
that we can reveal that we are fruit-bearing
branches of the vine. And if we go on now in a
careless and indifferent manner, then what will be
our position? He tells us He will take us away, for
we cannot do anything without Christ; and if we
are as a dead branch and do not draw any sap and
nourishment from the living vine, we shall become
withered branches. He says every branch that
beareth fruit, He purgeth it (pruneth it), that it may
bring forth more fruit. Then He tells them that "It is
My Father's good pleasure that ye bring forth much
fruit." Are we the branches of the living vine?
Now, if we are, we are distinct; we are not all
blended together; there are a number of branches,
but we have one parent stock. If we are in Christ,
and Christ is in us, will not our conversation, our
words--everything we say--our deportment--
everything we do-will it not have reference to Jesus
Christ?
Well, then, supposing that every branch had a
voice--if they are bearing fruit they do have a
voice--will they talk to every shrub, every tree, and