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

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compassionate heavenly Fa<strong>the</strong>r, and not because<br />

any good was found in us.<br />

We should ever exert an influence which will<br />

be sanctifying on those around us. This saving,<br />

ennobling influence has been very feeble at ——-.<br />

Many have mingled with <strong>the</strong> world and partaken of<br />

its spirit and influence, and its friendship has<br />

separated <strong>the</strong>m from God. Jesus has passed a day's<br />

journey in advance of <strong>the</strong>m. They can no longer<br />

hear His voice of counsel and warning, and <strong>the</strong>y<br />

follow <strong>the</strong>ir own wisdom and judgment. They<br />

follow a course which appears right in <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />

eyes, but which afterward proves to be folly. God<br />

will not allow His work to be mixed with worldly<br />

policy. Shrewd, calculating men of <strong>the</strong> world are<br />

not <strong>the</strong> men to take leading positions in this most<br />

solemn, sacred work. They must ei<strong>the</strong>r be<br />

converted, or engage in that calling which is<br />

appropriate to <strong>the</strong>ir world-loving inclinations, and<br />

which does not involve such eternal consequences.<br />

God will never enter into partnership with<br />

worldlings. Christ gives everyone his choice: Will<br />

you have Me or <strong>the</strong> world? Will you suffer<br />

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