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

the spirit of that law which they profess to revere.
"By the law," says Paul, "is the knowledge of sin."
"I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not
known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not
covet." Some who labor in word and doctrine have
not a practical understanding of the law of God and
its holy claims, or of the atonement of Christ. They
themselves need to be converted before they can
convert sinners.
The faithful mirror which would reveal the
defects in the character is neglected; therefore
deformity and sin exist, and are apparent to others,
if not understood by those who are in fault. The
hateful sin of selfishness exists to a great degree,
even in some who profess to be devoted to the
work of God. If they would compare their character
with His requirements, especially with the great
standard, His holy, just, and good law, they would
ascertain, if earnest, honest searchers, that they are
fearfully wanting. But some are not willing to look
far enough or deep enough to see the depravity of
their own hearts. They are wanting in very many
respects; yet they remain in willing ignorance of
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