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

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homes for <strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong> carnage and bloodshed. They must go and face peril,<br />

endure privation and hunger, weariness and loneliness; <strong>the</strong>y must make long<br />

marches, footsore and weary, through heat <strong>of</strong> summer and through winter's<br />

cold; <strong>the</strong>y run <strong>the</strong> risk <strong>of</strong> life. They are compelled to follow <strong>the</strong> commander.<br />

Sometimes <strong>the</strong>y are not even allowed time to eat. And all this severe<br />

experience is in consequence <strong>of</strong> sin. There is an enemy to meet, an enemy to<br />

be resisted; enemies <strong>of</strong> our country will destroy her peace and bring disaster<br />

and ruin, unless driven back and repulsed. Conquer or die is <strong>the</strong> motto.<br />

Thus it is with <strong>the</strong> Christian warfare. We have an enemy which we must<br />

meet, who is vigilant; who is not <strong>of</strong>f his guard one moment. The claims <strong>of</strong><br />

our country are not higher than <strong>the</strong> claims <strong>of</strong> God. If hardships are borne and<br />

trials endured by our soldiers fighting in behalf <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country to obtain <strong>the</strong><br />

mastery and bring into obedience <strong>the</strong> rebellious, how much more willing<br />

should <strong>the</strong> soldiers <strong>of</strong> Christ endure privation, self denial, and any taxation<br />

for Christ's sake. The captain <strong>of</strong> our salvation was made perfect through<br />

suffering that he might bring many sons and daughters to <strong>the</strong> Lord. We are<br />

standing under <strong>the</strong> blood-stained banner <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cross <strong>of</strong> Christ. We are to<br />

meet Satan and his host. We must conquer in <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> Jesus or be<br />

conquered. Armed with <strong>the</strong> mind <strong>of</strong> Christ we shall be more than<br />

overcomers. As faithful soldiers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cross we are not to fight against<br />

principalities and powers, but against spiritual wickedness in high places.<br />

There is no rest in this war, no release. Obedience and faith must<br />

characterize us as Christ's servants. Our Redeemer unfolded before his<br />

disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> chief<br />

priests and elders, and be killed and be raised again from <strong>the</strong> dead <strong>the</strong> third<br />

day. He was already standing under <strong>the</strong> shadow <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cross. He fully<br />

comprehended <strong>the</strong> great work he came to do, and he would have his disciples<br />

understand <strong>the</strong> greatness <strong>of</strong> this work, and <strong>the</strong> responsibilities which would<br />

rest upon <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong> performance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir duty in carrying forward his work<br />

when he should leave <strong>the</strong>m. The grandeur and glory <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> future life is in <strong>the</strong><br />

thoughts and feelings which exercise <strong>the</strong> minds <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> disciples while <strong>the</strong>y<br />

578

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