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

journey, you would have become discouraged and
yielded the truth. You have much to be thankful
for. Your heart should be filled with gratitude to
your loving Saviour for His mercy to you, to you
who have so long abused His love.
I was shown that you were a rough stone from
the quarry, which needed much hewing, squaring,
and polishing before it could fill a place in the
heavenly building. Some of this work has been
done for you; but, oh, there is a much greater work
yet to be done! You have had a very unhappy
spirit. You have seen the rough side of life. You
have not had much happiness; but you were the one
who stood in your own light, debarring yourself
from good. In your youth you encouraged a spirit
of discontent; you would not be ruled; you chose to
walk in your own way, irrespective of others'
judgment or counsel. You would not submit to be
controlled by your stepfather, because you wanted
to follow your own way. He did not understand the
best way to manage you, and you were determined
not to respect his authority. As soon as he would
speak to you, you would place yourself upon the
753