Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

January 4, 1883
The Old Year and the New
Already has the new year been ushered in; yet before we greet its
coming, we pause to ask, What has been the history of the year that with its
burden of records has now passed into eternity? The admonition of the
apostle comes down the lines to every one of us, "Examine yourselves,
whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves." God forbid that at this
important hour we should be so engrossed with other matters as to give no
time to serious, candid, critical self-examination! Let things of minor
consequence be put in the background, and let us now bring to the front the
things which concern our eternal interests.
Christian brethren, as Christ's ambassador I entreat you to inquire into
the character of your thoughts, tempers, purposes, words, and works during
the past year. What has been the nature of your experience? Compare the
records of your religious life with the Bible standard, and pass judgment
upon yourselves. Have the fruits of righteousness testified that you are in the
faith, or have the fruits that you have borne, witnessed against you? This is a
subject worthy of earnest, careful thought. Be thorough and impartial in your
examination of the past year's record. Do you see the defects in your
character, and are you compelled to admit that you have made no decided
advance in overcoming these unholy traits? Remember that if not overcome,
these will surely separate you from the presence of a pure, holy, sin-hating
God, and close the doors of the heavenly mansions against you.
How many have, in the past year, cherished heart-burnings and
bitterness toward their brethren and sisters in the church? How many have
thought and spoken unkindly of those who, like themselves, profess to be
followers of Jesus? We may think we had an excuse for this; but is there any
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