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

They are not established, strengthened, settled. He
who understands well his own character, who is
acquainted with the sin which most easily besets
him, and the temptations that will be most likely to
overcome him, should not expose himself
needlessly and invite temptation by placing himself
upon the enemy's ground. If duty calls him where
circumstances are not favorable, he will have
special help from God, and thus go fully girded for
a conflict with the enemy. Self-knowledge will
save many from falling into grievous temptations,
and prevent many an inglorious defeat. In order to
become acquainted with ourselves, it is essential
that we faithfully investigate the motives and
principles of our conduct, comparing our actions
with the standard of duty revealed in God's word.
Ministers should encourage and cultivate
benevolence.
I was shown that some who have been engaged
in our office of publication, in our Health Institute,
and in the ministry have labored simply for wages.
There are exceptions; not all are guilty in this
respect, but few have seemed to realize that they
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