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

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treasures seem <strong>of</strong> worth to <strong>the</strong>m. They find enough to engross <strong>the</strong> mind, and<br />

have no time to prepare for Heaven. Satan is ever ready to plunge <strong>the</strong>m<br />

deeper and deeper into difficulty; and as one perplexity and trouble is<br />

removed from <strong>the</strong> mind, he begets within <strong>the</strong>m an unholy desire for more <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> things <strong>of</strong> earth. Thus time passes, and when it is too late <strong>the</strong>y find <strong>the</strong>y<br />

have nothing substantial. They have grasped at shadows, and lost eternal life.<br />

If <strong>the</strong> Christian would have a true and saving influence, let him show his<br />

faith by righteous works, and make <strong>the</strong> distinction great between himself and<br />

<strong>the</strong> world. The words, <strong>the</strong> dress, <strong>the</strong> actions, all should tell for God. Then a<br />

holy influence will be shed upon all. God hates pride. "And all <strong>the</strong> proud,<br />

yea, and all that do wickedly will be stubble; and <strong>the</strong> day that cometh will<br />

burn <strong>the</strong>m up." Religion will work like leaven upon hearts that embrace it,<br />

and purge away pride, selfishness, covetousness, and love <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world.<br />

In <strong>the</strong>se days childlike simplicity is rarely seen. The approbation <strong>of</strong> man<br />

is more thought <strong>of</strong> than fear to displease God. Some spend time that is worse<br />

than thrown away in studying how to decorate <strong>the</strong>ir person, forgetting that<br />

<strong>the</strong> same body may in a few days be food for worms. Mo<strong>the</strong>rs frequently set<br />

<strong>the</strong> example <strong>of</strong> pride to <strong>the</strong>ir children, sowing seed that will spring up and<br />

bear fruit. The harvest will be plenteous and sure. It is much easier to teach a<br />

child a lesson <strong>of</strong> pride than <strong>of</strong> humility. If in after years <strong>the</strong>y would<br />

counteract <strong>the</strong> influence <strong>of</strong> such a lesson, <strong>the</strong>y find it impossible to do so.<br />

Pride early fostered in <strong>the</strong> heart remains <strong>the</strong>re; and nothing but <strong>the</strong> Spirit <strong>of</strong><br />

God can eradicate it.<br />

Both young and old neglect <strong>the</strong> study <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bible, and do not make it<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir rule <strong>of</strong> life. That important book by which <strong>the</strong>y are to be judged is<br />

scarcely studied at all. Idle stories have been attentively read, while <strong>the</strong> Bible<br />

has been passed by, neglected. A day is coming when all will wish to be<br />

thoroughly furnished by <strong>the</strong> plain truths <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> word <strong>of</strong> God.<br />

665

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