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

Heavy indeed seemed the sentence that those who had for forty years
patiently shared the penalty of Israel's sin, who had borne with their
murmurings, and by earnest intercessions had so often averted from their
guilty heads the swift judgments of God,--that these chosen men, overcome
at last with the ingratitude and complaining of the people, and letting go for a
moment their hold of the divine strength, should be prohibited from sharing
the joyous, triumphal entry of the promised land,--that they must, with the
rebellious multitude, perish in the wilderness.
By this judgment, God would impress upon his people the lesson, that,
whatever the temptation, there is no excuse for sin. Those whom he has
called to do a great work for him, he will endow with all the strength
required to execute their divine commission. Those only will fail who rely
upon their own strength and wisdom, instead of trusting in the mighty God of
Israel. A man may explore all the treasures of science and literature, he may
reach the very summit of earthly power and greatness; but if he becomes
self-sufficient; if he fails to connect with Heaven, and by faith appropriate to
himself the promises of God; if he does not become strong in divine strength
to battle for the right,--all his exaltation will avail him nothing. The
knowledge that fallen man may gain by connection with God will impart a
dignity which sits with heavenly grace, and which leads him to place a
proper estimate upon his work, and upon all his faculties. He is a co-laborer
with God, bearing a commission from the Most High, and working, with all
patience, heartiness, and love, for the Master.
God designs that all his servants shall let rays of light shine forth from
their holy lives, filling the world with the light of his glory, not their own.
Men who live and work for God will possess patience, humility, and
meekness, coupled with a reverent, sacred dignity, reflected from the
character of Christ. They will manifest simplicity and tenderness, propriety
of conduct, and purity of motive and action, which are not earth-born. The
Spirit of the Holy One dwells in their hearts, and directs their conduct. And
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