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

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peace I give unto you; not as <strong>the</strong> world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your<br />

heart be troubled, nei<strong>the</strong>r let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you,<br />

I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice,<br />

because I said, I go unto <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r; for my Fa<strong>the</strong>r is greater than I. And now<br />

I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might<br />

believe." The Savior encouraged his disciples with <strong>the</strong> assurance that when<br />

he was no longer with <strong>the</strong>m his Spirit would refresh <strong>the</strong>ir memories, so that<br />

<strong>the</strong> words which he had spoken to <strong>the</strong>m would be imprinted on <strong>the</strong>ir hearts,<br />

to be afterward given to all nations, tongues and kindred on earth. The Savior<br />

settled his peace upon his disciples as a legacy, and exhorted <strong>the</strong>m not to be<br />

overwhelmed with anguish, for <strong>the</strong>y should enjoy that peace which is a<br />

mystery to <strong>the</strong> world.<br />

He led <strong>the</strong>ir minds from <strong>the</strong> great loss <strong>the</strong>y would soon sustain, to <strong>the</strong><br />

advantages <strong>the</strong>y would gain by his leaving <strong>the</strong>m. He told <strong>the</strong>m that <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />

was greater than himself, that he would stand by <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r's side as <strong>the</strong><br />

friend <strong>of</strong> his followers, to speak in <strong>the</strong>ir behalf. He is acquainted with human<br />

nature and <strong>the</strong> tendencies <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> human heart, and promises to unite his<br />

petition with <strong>the</strong>irs, that <strong>the</strong> comforter, <strong>the</strong> spirit <strong>of</strong> truth might abide with<br />

<strong>the</strong>m and shine forth in <strong>the</strong>ir lives and works, winning many to Christ. This<br />

promise has been <strong>the</strong> comfort and stay <strong>of</strong> millions who have since followed<br />

Jesus in humble obedience.<br />

Through <strong>the</strong> strength <strong>of</strong> Jesus men may be made strong; through his love<br />

<strong>the</strong>y may become lovely in character. He would have his followers<br />

understand that <strong>the</strong>y cannot go to <strong>the</strong> people <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world for sympathy and<br />

comfort in <strong>the</strong>ir religious difficulties and trials; because <strong>the</strong> spirit <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> truth<br />

is not discerned by <strong>the</strong>m.<br />

Our Savior had one more work to do in evidence <strong>of</strong> his own complete<br />

obedience to <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r. It was to die for <strong>the</strong> world. Said he: "Hereafter I will<br />

not talk much with you; for <strong>the</strong> prince <strong>of</strong> this world cometh, and hath nothing<br />

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