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Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

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sympathies of such are wrought upon, and this lays<br />

a slim foundation upon which <strong>the</strong>y build <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

confidence that <strong>the</strong>y are <strong>the</strong> children of God. They<br />

compare <strong>the</strong>mselves with o<strong>the</strong>rs and settle down<br />

satisfied that <strong>the</strong>y are even better than many true<br />

Christians. But where is <strong>the</strong> deep love of Christ<br />

shining <strong>for</strong>th in <strong>the</strong>ir lives, its bright rays blessing<br />

o<strong>the</strong>rs? Where is <strong>the</strong>ir Bible? and how much is it<br />

studied? Where are <strong>the</strong>ir thoughts? Are <strong>the</strong>y upon<br />

heaven and heavenly things? It is not natural <strong>for</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>ir minds to go <strong>for</strong>th in that direction. The study<br />

of God's word is uninteresting to <strong>the</strong>m. It does not<br />

possess that which excites and fevers <strong>the</strong> mind, and<br />

<strong>the</strong> natural, unrenewed heart prefers some o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

book to <strong>the</strong> word of God. Their attention is<br />

engrossed in self. They have no deep, earnest<br />

longings <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> influence of <strong>the</strong> Spirit of God upon<br />

<strong>the</strong> mind and heart. God is not in all <strong>the</strong>ir thoughts.<br />

How can I endure <strong>the</strong> thought that most of <strong>the</strong><br />

youth in this age will come short of everlasting<br />

life! Oh, that <strong>the</strong> sound of instrumental music<br />

might cease and <strong>the</strong>y no more while away so much<br />

precious time in pleasing <strong>the</strong>ir own fancy. Oh, that<br />

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