08.02.2017 Views

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

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

entire being; like a loadstone <strong>the</strong>y hold <strong>the</strong> mind<br />

and affections, binding <strong>the</strong>m down to a low level.<br />

Some of <strong>the</strong>se persons will never attain to<br />

perfection of Christian character because <strong>the</strong>y do<br />

not see <strong>the</strong> value and necessity of such a character.<br />

Their minds cannot be elevated so that <strong>the</strong>y will be<br />

charmed with holiness. Self-love and selfish<br />

interests have so warped <strong>the</strong> character that <strong>the</strong>y<br />

cannot be made to distinguish <strong>the</strong> sacred and<br />

eternal from <strong>the</strong> common. God's cause and His<br />

treasury are no more sacred to <strong>the</strong>m than common<br />

business or means devoted to worldly purposes.<br />

Duties in this direction are binding upon all<br />

who profess to be followers of Christ. God's law<br />

specifies <strong>the</strong>ir duty to <strong>the</strong>ir fellow men: "Thou shalt<br />

love thy neighbor as thyself." By a disregard of<br />

justice, mercy, and benevolence to <strong>the</strong>ir neighbor,<br />

some have so hardened <strong>the</strong> heart that <strong>the</strong>y can go<br />

still fur<strong>the</strong>r, and even rob God without<br />

compunctions of conscience. Do such close <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

eyes and <strong>the</strong>ir understanding to <strong>the</strong> fact that God<br />

knows, that He reads <strong>the</strong>ir every action and <strong>the</strong><br />

motive which impelled <strong>the</strong>m to it? His reward is<br />

929

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!