HE DRAWS ALL MEN BY HIS DEATH

"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw allmen unto me." John 12:32.

The great plan of redemption results in fully bringing back the world into God's favor. All that was lost by sin is restored. Not only an but the earth is redeemed, to be the eternal abode of the obedient. for six thousand years, Satan has struggled to maintain possession o f the earth. Now God's original purpose in s creattion is accomplished. "The saints of the Most High shlal take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever." - Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 342.

The true object of education is to restore the image of God in the soul. in the beginning, God created man in His own likeness. He endowed him with noble qualities. His mind was well balanced, and all the powers of his being were harmonious. But the fall and its effects have perverted these gifts....To bring him back to the perfection in which he was first created, is the great object of life, - the object that underlies every other. It is the work of parents and teachers, in the education of the youth, to co-operate with the divine purpose; and in so doing they are "laborers together with God." - ibid., p 595.

The theme of redemption will bear the most concentrated study, and its depths will never be fully explored. do not fear that you will exhaust the wonderful theme. go the fountain for yourself, that you may be filled with refreshment. Drink deep at the well of salvation, that Jesus may be in you a well of water, springing up unto everlasting life. - Counsels to Teachers, p. 528.

COURAGE

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Rom. 1:16.

God cannot use men who, in time of peril, when the strength, courage, and influence of all are needed, are afraid to take a firm stand for the right. He calls for men who will do faithful battle against wrong, warring against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. It is to such as these that He will speak the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant;…enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

Hope and courage are essential to perfect service for God. These are the fruit of faith. Despondency is sinful and unreasonable. God is able and willing “more abundantly” to bestow upon His servants the strength they need for test and trial. The plans of the enemies of His work may seem to be well laid and firmly established; but God can overthrow the strongest of these. And this He does in His own time and way, when He sees that the faith of His servants has been sufficiently tested.

Through the fidelity the principles of temperance shown by the Hebrew youth, God is speaking to the youth of to-day. There is need of men who, like Daniel, will do and dare for the cause of right. Pure hearts, strong hands, fearless courage, are needed; for the warfare between vice and virtue calls for ceaseless vigilance. To every soul Satan comes with temptation in many alluring forms on the point of indulgence of appetite. ….Intellectual power, physical stamina, and the length of life depend upon immutable laws. Through obedience to these laws, man may stand conqueror of himself.

GOD’S APPOINTED WEAPONS

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Eph. 6:16, 17.

Good has provided abundant means for successful warfare against the evil that is in the world. The Bible is the armory where we may equip for the struggle. Our loins must be girt about with truth. Our breastplate must be righteousness. The shield of faith must be in our hand, the helmet of salvation on our brow; and with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, we are to cut our way through the obstructions and entanglements of sin……

Summoning Timothy before the bar of God, Paul ‘bids him preach the Word, not the sayings and customs of men; to be ready to witness for God whenever opportunity should present itself – before large congregations and private circles, by the way and at the fireside, to friends and to enemies, whether in safety or exposed to hardship and peril, reproach and loss….He was to reveal the patience and love of Christ, explaining and enforcing his reproofs by the truths of the Word.

To hate and reprove sin, and at the same time to show pity and tenderness for the sinner, is a difficult attainment…

We must guard against undue severity toward the wrong-doer; but we must also be careful not to lose sight of the exceeding sinfulness of sin. There is need of showing Christ-like patience and love for the erring one, but there is also danger of showing so great toleration for his error that he will look upon himself as undeserving of reproof, and will reject it as uncalled for and unjust.

HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS MARKS HIS SUPERIORITY

"Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." Heb. 1:9.

We are God's servants, and to each of us He has given talents, both natural and spiritual. As children of God, we should be constantly gaining in fitness for the heavenly mansions which Christ told His disciples He was going away to prepare for them. He who lays hold upon the righteiousness of Christ may become a perfect man in Christ Jesus. Working from a high standpoint, seeking to follow the example of Christ, we shall grow up into His likeness, possessing more and more refinement. -Testimonies to Ministers, p. 150.

The Christian in his business life is to represent to the world the manner in which our Lord would conduct business enterprises. In every transaction he is to make it manifest that God is his teacher. "Holiness unto the Lord", is to be written upon day books and ledgers, on deeds, receipts, and bills of exchange. Those who profess to be followers of Christ, and who deal in an unrighteous manner, are bearing false witness against the character of a holy, just, and merciful God. - The Desire of Ages, p. 556.

Only the covering which Christ Himself has provided, can make us meet to appear in God's presence. This covering, the robe of His own righteousness, Christ will put upon every repenting, believing soul. - Christ's Object Lessons, p. 311.

If we will but keep our eyes fixed on the Saviour, and trust in His power, we shall be filled with a sense of security; for the righteousness of Christ will become our righteousness. - Messages to Young People, p. 107.

IF WE CONFESS, HE IS FAITHFULL

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

The humble and broken heart, subdued by genuine repentance, will appreciate something of the love of God, and the cost of Calvary; and as a son confesses to a loving father, so will the truly penitent bring all his sins before God. - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 641.

Every sin is an offense against God, and is to be confessed to Him through Christ. Every open sin should be as openly confessed. Wrong done to a fellow being should be made right with the one who has been offended. If any who are seeking health have been guilty of evil-speaking, if they have sowed discord in the home, and neighborhood, or the church, and have stirred up alienation and dissension, if by any wrong practise they have led others into sin, these things should be confessed before God and before those who have been offended. - Ministry of Healing, pp. 228, 229.

We are not to trust in our faith, but in the promises of God. When we repent of our past transgressions of His law, and resolve to render obedience in the future, we should believe that God for Christ's sake accepts us, and forgives our sins.

Darkness and discouragement will sometimes come upon the soul, and threaten to overwhelm us; but we should not cast away our confidence. We must keep the eye fixed on Jesus, feeling or no feeling. We should seek to faithfully perform every known duty, and then calmly rest in the promises of God. - Messages to Young People, p. 111.

ONLY GOD CAN FORGIVE

"To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenes, though we have rebelled against him." Dan. 9:9.

Do not look to men, nor hang your hopes upon them, feeling that they are infallible, but look to Jesus constantly. Say nothing that would cast a reproach upon our faith. Confess your secret sins alone before your God. Acknowledge your heart wanderings to Him who knows perfectly how to treat your case.

If you have wronged your neighbor, acknowledge to him your sin, and show fruit of the same by making restitution. Then claim the blessing. Come to God just as you are, and let him heal all your infirmities. Press your case to the throne of grace; let the work be thorough. Be sincere in dealing with God and your own soul. If you come to Him with a heart truly contrite, he will give you the victory. Then you may bear a sweet testimony of freedom, showing forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. He will not misapprehend or misjudge you. your fellowmen cannot absolve you from sin, or cleanse you from iniquity. Jesus is the only one who can give you peace. He loved you, and gave Himself for you. His great heart of love is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities."

What sins are too great for him to pardon? What soul too dark and sin-oppressed for Him to save? He is gracious, not looking for merit in us, but of His own boundless goodness healing our backsliding and loving us freely, while we are yet great sinners. He is "slow to anger and of great kindness." - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 649.

Confess your sins to God, who only can forgive them, and your faults to one another. - Ibid., p. 639.

ALL SINS, SAVE ONE, SHALL BE FORGIVEN

"Verily I say unto you, all sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men...but he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness." Mark 3:28, 29.

what constitutes the sin against the Holy Ghost? - It is willfully attributing to Satan the work of the Holy Spirit. For example, suppose that one is a witness of the special work of the Spirit of God. he has convincing evidence that the work is in harmony with Scriptures, and the Spirit witnesses with his spirit that it is of God. Afterward, however he falls under temptation; pride, self-sufficiency, or some other evil trait, controls him; and rejecting all the evidence of its divine character, he declares that that which he had before acknowledged to be the power of the Holy Spirit was the power of Satan. It is through the medium of His Spirit that God works upon the human heart; and when men willfully reject the Spirit, and declare it to be from Satan, they cut off the channel by which God can communicate with them. By denying the evidence which God has been pleased to give them, they shut the result they are left in darkness. - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 634.

Whatever the sin, if the soul repents and believes, the guilt is washed away by the blood of Christ; but he who rejects the work of the Holy Spirit is placing himself where repentance and faith cannot come to him. It is by the Spirit that God works upon the heart; when men willfully reject the Spirit, and declare it to be from Satan, they cut off the channel by which God can communicate with them. When the Spirit is finally rejected, there is no more that god can do for the soul. - the Desire of Ages, p. 322. 

MY FOOLISHNESS IS KNOWN TO GO

"O God thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee." Ps. 69:5

We may flatter ourselves that we are free from many things of which others are guilty; but if we have some strong points of character, and but one weak point, there is yet a communion between sin and the soul. The heart is divided in its service, and says, "Some of self and some of Thee." The child of God must search out the sin which he has petted and indulged himself in, and permit God to cut it out of his heart. He must overcome that one sin; for it is not a trifling matter in the sight of God.

One says, "I am not the least jealous, but then I do get provoked and say mean things, although I am always sorry after giving way to temper." Another says, "I have this fault or that, but then I just despise such and such meanness as is manifested by a certain person of my acquaintance." The Lord has not given us a list of graded sins, so that we may reckon some as of little consequence, and say that they will do but little harm, while others are of greater magnitude and will do much harm.

A chain is no stronger than is its weakest link. We might pronounce such a chain good on the whole, but if one link is weak the chain cannot be depended on...That impatient word quivering on your lips must be left unspoken. That thought that your character is not rightly estimated must be put from you; for it weakens your influence, and works out the sure result, making you of light estimation in the minds of others. You should overcome the idea that you are a martyr, and lay claim to the promise of Christ, who says, "My grace is sufficient for thee." - Messages to Young People, pp. 91,92.

MY LIFE IS SPENT WITH GRIEF

"For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed." Ps. 31:10

Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. The greater the sinner's guilt, the more he needs the Saviour. His heart of divine love and sympathy is drawn out most of all for the one who is the most hopelessly entangled in the snares of the enemy. With His own blood He has signed the emancipation papers of the race. - Ministry of Healing, pp. 89,90

When, after his sin in deceiving Esau, Jacob fled from his father's home, he was weighed down with a sense of guilt. Lonely and outcast as he was, separated from all that had made life dear, the one thought that above all others pressed upon his soul, was the fear that his sin had cut him off from God, that he was forsaken of Heaven. In sadness he lay down to rest on the bare earth, around him only the lonely hills, and above, the heavens bright with stars. As he slept, a strange light broke upon his vision; and lo, from the plain on which he lay, vast shadowy stairs seemed to lead upward to the very gates of heaven, and upon them angels of God were passing up and down; while from the glory above, the divine voice was heard in a message of comfort and hope. Thus was made known to Jacob that which met the need and longing of his soul, - a Saviour. With joy and gratitude he saw revealed a way by which he, a sinner, could be restored to communion with God. The mystic ladder of his dream represented Jesus, the only medium of communication between God and man....

O let us contemplate the amazing sacrifice that has been made for us! Let us try to appreciate the labor and energy that Heaven is expending to reclaim the lost, and bring them back to the Father's house. - Steps to Christ, pp. 22-24.

CAST THY BREAD UPON THE WATERS

"Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days." Eccl. 11:1

No one can live the law of God without ministereing to otehrs. But there are many who do not live out Christ's merciful, unselfish life......They plan and study to please themselves. They act only in reference to self. Time is of value to them only as they can gather for themselves. In all the affairs of life this is their object. not for others but for themselves do they minister. God created them to live in a world where unselfish service must be performed. He designed them to help their fellow-men in every possible way. but self is so large that they cannot see anything else. They are not in touch with humanity. Those who thus live for self are like the fig-tree, which made every pretension, but was fruitless.....In the sentence pronounced on the fig-tree Christ demonstrates how fateful in His eyes is this vain pretense. He declares that the open sinner is less guilty than is he who professes to serve God, but who bears no fruit to His glory. - The Desire of Ages, p. 584.

"I am debtor," Paul declares, "both to the Greeks and to the barbarians; both to the wise and to the unwise." So all are we. By all that has blessed our life above others, we are placed under obligation to every human being whom we might benefit.

These truths are not for the closet more than for the counting-room. The goods that we handle are not our own, and never can this fact safely be lost sight of. We are but stewards, and on the discharge of our obligation to God and man depend both the welfare of our fellow-beings and our own destiny for this life and for the life to come. -Education, p. 139. 

WE ARE ASHAMED

"We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God." Jer. 3:25.

Confession will not be acceptable to God without sincere repentance and reformation. There must be decided changes in the life; everything offensive to God must be put away. This will be the result of genuine sorrow for sin. The work that we have to do on our part is plainly set before us: "Wash you, make you clean."....

When sin has deadened the moral perceptions, the wrongdoer does not discern the defects of his character, nor realise the enormity of the evil he has committed; and unless he yields to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, he remains in partial blindness to his sin. His confessions are not sincere and in earnest. To every acknowledgement of his guilt he adds an apology in excuse of his course, declaring that if it had not been for certain circumstances, he would not have done this or that, for which he is reproved. - Steps to Christ, pp. 44, 45.

No man lives to himself. Shame, defeat, and death were brought upon Israel by one man's sin....Various sins that are cherished and practiced by professed Christians bring the frown of God upon the church. In the day when the Ledger of Heaven shall be opened, the Judge will not in words express to man his guilt, but will cast one penetrating, convicting glance, and every deed, every transaction of life, will be vividly impressed upon the memory of the wrongdoer. The person will not, as in Joshua's day, need to be hunted out from tribe to family, but his own lips will confess his shame, his selfishness, covetousness, dishonesty, dissembling, and fraud. - Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 493.

GOD DIRECTS OUR SERVICE

"And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted osul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day." Isa. 58:10.

As we see the necessities of the poor, the ignorant, the afflicted, how often our hearts sink. We question, "What avail our feeble strength and slender resources to supply this terrible necessity? Shall we not wait for some one of greater ability to direct the work, or for some organization to undertake it?" Christ says, "Give ye them to eat." use the means, the time, the ability, you have. Bring your barley loaves to Jesus.

Though your resources may not be sufficient to feed thousands, they may suffice to feed one. In the hand of christ they may feed many, Like the disciples, give what you have. Christ will multiply the gift. He will reward honest, simple reliance upon Him. That which seemed but a meager supply will prove to be a rich feast. - Ministry of Healing, pp. 49, 50.

Our hearts are to be so filled with the love of Christ that our words of thanksgiving shall warm other hearts. This is service that all can perform, and the Lord accepts it as offered to Himself. He makes it efficacious, imparting to the earnest work to be done. May He help them to remember that in the home, in the church, and in the world they are to work the works of Christ. They are not left to labor alone. The angels are their helpers. And Christ is their helper. Then let them labor faithfully and untiringly. In due season they will reap, if they faint not.

The Christian pilgrim does not yield to his desire to rest. He moves steadily forward, saying, "The night is far spent; the day is at hand." - Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 18.

MESSENGERS OF GOD

"As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." John 17:18.

But when we give ourselves wholly to God, and in our work follow His directions, He makes Himself responsible for its accomplishment. he would not have us conjecture as to the success of our honest endeavors. Not once should we even think of failure. we are to co-operate with One who knows no failure.

We should not talk of our own weakness and inability. This is a manifest distrust of God, a denial of His Word. When we murmur because of our burdens, or refuse the responsibilities He calls upon us to bear, we are virtually saying that He is a hard master, that he requires what he has not given us power to do...God works by whom He will. He sometimes selects the humblest instrument to do the greatest work; for his power is revealed through the weakness of men. We have our standard, and by it we pronounce one thing great and another small; but God does not estimate according to our rule....It does not rest with us to pass judgment on our talents or to choose our work. We are to take up the burdens that god appoints, bearing them for His sake, and ever going to him for rest. Whatever our work, God is honored by whole-hearted, cheerful servie. He is pleased when we take up our duties with gratitude, rejoicing that we are accounted worthy to be co-laborers with Him. - Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 363, 364.

Christ accepts, oh, so gladly, every human agency that is surrendered to Him. He brings the human into union with the divine, that He may communicate to the world the mysteries of incarnate love. - Mount of Blessing, p. 71.

GIVE THANKS IN PRAYER AND MELODY

"The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: He is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him." Ex. 15:2

It was in hours of solitary prayer that Jesus in His earthlife received wisdom and power. Let the youth follow His example in finding at dawn and twilight a quiet season for communion with their Father in heaven. And throughout the day let them lift up their hearts to God. AT every step of our way He says, "I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand;....fear not; I will help thee."

Could our children learn these lessons in the morning of their years,what freshness and power, what joy and sweetness, would be brought into their lives! - Education, p. 259.

As the children of Israel, journeying through the wilderness, cheered their way by the music of sacred song, so God bids His children to-day gladden their pilgrim life. There are few means more effective for fixing His words in the memory than repeating them in song. And such song has wonderful power. It has power to subdue rude and uncultivated natures; power to quicken thought and to awaken sympathy, to promote harmony of action, and to banish the gloom and foreboding that destroy courage and weaken effort......

Let there be singing in the home, of songs that are sweet and pure, and there will be fewer words of censure, and more of cheerfulness and hope and joy. Let there be singing in the school, and the pupils will be drawn closer to God, to their teachers, and to one another.

As a part of religious service, singing is as much an act of worship as is prayer. Indeed, many a song is prayer. - Ibid., pp. 167, 168

PRAISE THE LORD

"I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Ps. 34:1.

Shall all our devotional exercises consist in asking and receiving? Shall we be always thinking of our wants, and never of the benefits we receive? Shall we be recipients of His mercies, and never express our gratitude to God, never praise Him for What He has done for us? We would abound more and more in the love of God, and have more bestowed to praise Him for. You who complain that God does not hear yoru prayers, change the present order, and mingle praise with your petitions. When you consider his goodness and mercies, you will find that he will consi der your wants.

Pray, pray earnestly and without ceasing, but do not forget to praise. It becomes every child of god to vindicate his character. you can magnify the lord; you can show the power of sustaining grace. There are multitudes who do not appreciate the great love of God nor the diivine compassion of Jesus. Thousands even rgard with disdain the marchless greace shown in the plan of redemption. all who are partakers of this great salvation are not clear in this matter. they do not cultivate grateful hearts.

but the theme of redemption is one that the angels desire to look into; it will be the science and the song of the ransomed throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Is it not owrthy of careful thought and study now? Should we not praise God with heart and soul and voice for his "wonderful works to the children of men"? - Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 317, 318.

AS FOR ME, I WILL CALL UPON GOD

"As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." Ps. 55:16, 17.

As we make Christ our daily companion, we shall feel that the powers of an unseen world are all around us; and by looking unto Jesus we shall become assimilated to His image. By beholding we become changed. The character is softened, refined, and ennobled for the heavenly kingdom. The sure result of or intercourse and fellowship with our lord will be intelligence in prayer. We are receiving a divine education, and this is illustrated in a life of diligence and zeal.

The soul that turns to God for its help, its support, its power, by daily, earnest prayer, will have noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth and duty, lofty purposes of action, and a continual hungering and thristing after righteousness. By maintaining a connection with God, we shall be enabled to diffuse to others through our association with them, the light, the peace, the serenity that rule in our hearts. The strength acquired in prayer to God, united with persevering effort in training the mind in thoughtfulness and care-taking, prepares one for daily duties, and keeps the spirit in peace under all circumstances. - Mount of Blessing, p. 127.

We are living in a most solemn, important time of this earth's history. We are amid the perils of the last days. important and fearful events are before us...We should flee to the Word of God and to prayer, individually seeking the Lord earnestly, that we may find Him. We should make this our first business. - Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 53.

HOLY AND REVEREND IS HIS NAME

"He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name." Ps. 111:9.

Both in public and in private worship, it is our privilege to bow on our knees before the Lord when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, "kneeled down, and prayed." Of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, "kneeled down, and prayed." Paul declared, "I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. Daniel "kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God."

True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realisation of His presence. With this sense of the unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer are sacred, because God is there; and as reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened. "Holy and reverend is His name," the psalmist declares. Angels, when they speak that name, veil their faces. With what reverence, then should we, who are fallen and sinful, take it upon our lips!

Well would it be for old and young to ponder those words of Scripture that show how the place marked by God's special presence should be regarded. - Gospel Workers, p. 178.

High-flown language is inappropriate in prayer, whether the petition be offered in the pulpit, in the family circle, or in secret. Especially should the one offering public prayer use simple language, that others may understand what is said and unite with the petition. - Ibid., p. 177.

IN THE MORNING I WILL PRAY TO THEE

"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." Ps. 5:3

When you rise in the morning, do you feel your helplessness, and your need of strength from God? and do you humbly, heartily make known your wants to your heavenly Father? If so, angels mark your prayers, and if these prayers have not gone forth out of feigned lips, when you are in danger of unconsciously doing wrong, and exerting an influence which will lead others to do wrong, your guardian angel will be by your side, prompting you to a better course, choosing your words for you, and influencing your actions.

If you feel in no danger, and if you offer no prayer for help and strength to resist temptations, you will be sure to go astray; your neglect of duty will be marked in the book of God in Heaven, and you will be found wanting in the trying day. - Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 363,364.

Morning and night obtain the victory for yourselves in your own family. Let not your daily labor keep you from this. Take time to pray, and as your pray, believe that god hears you. Have faith mixed with your prayers. You may not at all times feel the immediate answer; but then it is that faith is tried. You are proved to see whether you will trust i God, whether you have living, abiding faith. - Ibid, vol. 1, p. 167.

Those who thus connect themselves with God are acknowledged by Him as his sons and daughters. They are constantly reaching higher and still higher, obtaining clearer views of God and of eternity, until the Lord makes them channels of light and wisdom to the world. - Messages to Young People, p. 247.

AS LONG AS I LIVE I WILL CALL

"Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live." Ps. 116:2.

We should have the door of the heart open continually, and our invitation going up that Jesus may come and abide as a heavenly guest in the soul.

Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we need not breath its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth, and will have constant communion with Heaven.

We need to have more distinct views of Jesus, and a fuller comprehension of the value of eternal realities. The beauty of holiness is to fill the hearts of God's children; and that this may be accomplished, we should seek for divine disclosures of heavenly things.

Let the soul be drawn out and upward, that god may grant us a breath of the heavenly atmosphere. We may keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the lower turns to the sun. Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears, before God. You can not burden Him; you can not weary Him...Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. - Steps to Christ, pp. 103-105.

EXAMPLE OF PAUL

"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." Col. 1:9.

The ship on which Paul and his companions were to continue their journey, was about to sail, and the brethren hastened on board. The apostle himself, however, chose to take the nearer route by land between Troas and Assos, meeting his companions at the latter city. This gave him a short season for meditation and prayer. The difficulties and dangers connected with his coming visit to Jerusalem, the attitude of the church there toward him and his work, as well as the condition of the churches and the interests of the gospel work in other fields, were subjects of earnest, anxious thought; and he took advantage of this special opportunity to seek God for strength and guidance. - Acts of the Apostles, pp. 391, 392

Pray in your closet; and as you go about your daily labor, let your heart be often uplifted to God. It was thus that Enoch walked with God. these silent prayers rise like precious incense before the throne of grace. Satan can not overcome him whose heart is thus stayed upon God.

There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God. there is nothing that can prevent us form lifting up our hearts in the spirit of earnest prayer. In the crowds of the street, in the midst of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God, and plead for divine guidance, as did Nehemiah when he made his request before King Artaxerxes. A closet of communion may be found wherever we are. - Steps to Christ, p. 103./

CONTINUING INSTANT IN PRAYER

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."Rom. 12:12,13.

Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must pray always, if we would grow in faith and experience. We are to be "instant in prayer," to "continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." ..... Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God.

There is necessity for diligence in prayer; let nothing hinder you. Make every effort to keep open the communion between Jesus and your own soul. Seek every opportunity to go where prayer is wont to be made. Those who are really seeking for communion with God, will be seen in the prayer-meeting, faithful to do their duty, and earnest and anxious to reap all the benefits they can gain. they will improve every opportunity of placing themselves where they can receive the rays of light from heaven.

We should pray in the family circle; and above all we must not neglect secret prayer; for this is the life of the soul. It is impossible for the soul to flourish while prayer is neglected. Family or public prayer alone is not sufficient. In solitude let the soul be laid open to the inspecting eye of God. Secret prayer is to be heard only by the prayer-hearing God. Secret prayer is to be heard only by the prayer-hearing God. No curiousear is to receive the burden of such petitions. in secret prayer the soul is free from surrounding influences, free from excitement. Calmly, yet fervently, will it reach out after God. Sweet and abiding will be the influence emanating from him who seeth in secret, whose ear is open to hear the prayer arising form the heart. - Steps to Christ, pp. 101-103.

WE WILL GIVE OURSELVES TO PRAYER

"But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the world." Acts 6:4.

Pray, yes, pray as you have never prayed before, that you may not be deluded by Satan's devices, that you may not be given up to a headless, careless, vain spirit, and attend to religious duties to quiet your own conscience. It is inappropriate for Christians in any age of the world to be lovers of pleasure, but how much more so now when the scenes of this earth's history are so soon to close.

Surely the foundation of your hope of everlasting life cannot be laid too sure. The welfare of your soul, and your eternal happiness depend upon whether your foundation is built upon Christ. While others are panting after earthly enjoyments, be ye panting after the unmistakable assurance of the love of God, earnestly, fervently crying, Who will show me how to make my calling and election sure? - Testimonies, vol. 2, pp.144,145

The darkness of the evil one incloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the devine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligence watchin, we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy-seat, that we may not be earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation.  Steps to Christ,  pp.98, 99.

MUSE ON THE WORK OF HIS HANDS

"I remember the day's of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands." Ps. 143:5

The mercies of God surround you every moment;  and it would be profitable for you to consider how and whence your blessings come every day. Let the precious blessings of God awaken gratitude in you. You cannot number the blessings of God, the constant loving-kindness expressed to you, for they are as numerous as the refreshing drops of rain.

Clouds of mercy are hanging over you, and ready to drop upon you. If you will appreciate the valuable gift of salvation, you will be sensible of daily refreshment, of the protection and love of Jesus; you will be guided in the way of peace.

Look upon the glorious things of God in nature, and let your heart go out in gratitude to the Giver. There is in nature's book profitable study for the mind. Be not thankless and reckless. Open the eyes of your understanding; see the beautiful harmony in the laws of God in nature, and be awed, and reverence your Creator, the supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. - Messages to Young People, p. 409.

If the young would study the glorious works of God in nature, and his majesty and power as revealed in His Word, they would come from every such exercise with faculties quickened and elevated. A vigor would be received, having no kin to arrogance. by a contemplation of the marvels of divine power, the mind will learn that hardest but most useful of all lessons, that human wisdom, unless connected with the Infinite and sanctified by the grace of Christ, is foolishness. - Ibid., p. 253.

If we faithfully study the book of nature, we shall find it a fruitful source of contemplating the infinite love and power of God. - Ibid., pp. 365, 366.






 

MY SOUL THIRSTETH FOR GOD

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?" Psalms 42:1, 2

The heart that has once tasted the love of Christ, cries out continually for a deeper draught, and as you impart, you will receive in richer and more abundant measure.  Every revelation of God to the soul increases the capacity to know and to love.-mount of blessings,  p.37.

The cry of Christ to the thirsty soul is still going forth, and it appeals to us with even greater power than those who heard it in the temple on the last  day of the feast. The  fountain is open for all. The weary and  exhausted ones are offered the refreshing  draught of eternal life.- The Desire of Ages, p. 454.

The greatest victories gained for the cause of God are not the result of labored argument, ample facilities, wide influence, or abundace of means; they are gained in the audience chamber with God, when with earnest, agonizing faith men lay hold upon the mighty arm of power.

True faith and true prayer - how strong they are! as two arms by which the human suppliant lays hold upon the power of infinite Love. Faith is trusting in God, - believing that He loves us, and knows what is for our best good. Thus, instead of our own way, it leads us to choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, his strength; in place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves are already His; faith acknowledges His ownership and accepts its blessing. Truth, uprightness, purity, are pointed out as secrets of life's success. It is faith that puts us in possession of these - Gospel Workers, p. 259.

I HAVE REMEMBERED THY NAME IN THE NIGHT

"Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law." Ps. 119:54, 55.

God's messengers must tarry long with Him, if they would have success in their work. The story is told of an old Lancashire woman who was listening to the reasons that her neighbors gave for their minister's success. They spoke of his gifts, of his style of address, of his manners. "Nay," said the old woman, "I will tell you what it is. your man is very thick with the Almighty.".

When men are as devoted as Elijah was and possess the faith that he had, God will reveal himself as he did then. When men plead with Lord as did Jacob, the results that were seen then will again be seen. Power will come from God in answer to the prayer of faith....

The Saviour loved the solitude of the mountain in which to hold commune with His Father. Through the day he laboured earnestly to save men from destruction. he healed the sick, comforted the mourning, called the dead to life, and brought hope and cheer to the despairing. After His work for the day was finished, He went forth, evening after evening, away from the confusion of the city, and bowed in prayer to His Father, frequently He continued His petitions through the entire night; but He came from these seasons of communion invigorated and refreshed, braced for duty and for trial. - Gospel Workers, pp. 255, 256.

Feeble, sinful man has the privilege of speaking to his Maker. We may utter words that reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. We may speak with Jesus as we walk by the way, and he says, I am at thy right hand. - Ibid., p. 258.

I WILL MEDITATE IN THY PRECEPTS

"I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word." Ps. 119: 15, 16.

Thoughts and meditations upon the goodness of God to us would close the avenues of the soul to Satan's suggestions. god's love for us is proved daily; yet we are thoughtless of His favors and indifferent to his entreaties. He seeks to impress us with His Spirit of tenderness, His love and forbearance; but we scarcely recognize the marks of His kindness, and have little sense of the lesson of love He desires us to learn. Some, like Haman, forget all God's favors, because Mordecai is before them and is not disgraced; because their hearts are filled with enmity and hatred, rather than love, the spirit of our dear Redeemer, who gave His precious life for His enemies.

We profess to have the same Father, to be bound to the same immortal home, to enjoy the same solemn faith, and to believe the same testing message; and yet  many are at strife with one another like quarrelsome children. Some who are engaged in the same branch of the work are at variance with one another and therefore at variance with the spirit of Christ. - Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 222, 223.

Let the student take the Bible as his guide, and stand like a rock for principle, and he may aspire to any height of attainment. All the philosophies of human nature have led to confusion and shame when god has  not been recognized as all in all. But the precious faith inspired of God imparts strength and nobility of character. As His goodness, His mercy, and his love are dwelt upon, clearer and still clearer will be the perception of truth; higher, holier, the desire for purity of heart and clearness of thought. - Ibid., vol. 8, p. 322.

COMMUNE WITH THINE OWN HEART

"Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still." Ps. 4:4.

Closely examine your own heart, and the state of your affections toward God. Inquire, Have I devoted the precious moments of today in seeking to please myself, seeking for my own amusement? or have I made others happy? have I helped those connected with me to greater devotion to God and to appreciate eternal things? Have I brought my religion into my home, and there revealed the grace of Christ in my words and in my deportment? By my respectful obedience, have I honored my parents, and thus kept the fifth commandment? Have I cheerfully taken up my little, everyday duties, performing them with fidelity, doing what i could to lighten the burdens of thers? have I kept my lips from evil, and my tongue from speaking guile?  have I honored Christ my Redeemer, who gave His precious life that eternal life might be within my reach?.....

Be earnest; be resolute. Present the promise of God, and then believe without a doubt. Do not wait to feel special emotions before you think the Lord answers. Do not mark out some particular way that the Lord must work for you before you believe you receive the things you ask of Him; but trust His word, and leave the whole matter in the hands of the Lord, with full faith that your prayer will be honored, and the answer will come at the very time and in the very way your heavenly Father sees is for your good; and then live out your prayers. Walk humbly and keep moving forward. - Messages to Young People,pp. 122, 123.

IN THE NIGHT HIS SONG IS WITH ME

"Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the might his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life." Ps. 42:8. 

If you have given yourself to God, to do His work, you have no need to be anxious for tomorrow. He whose servant you are, knows the end from the beginning. The events of tomorrow, which are hidden from your view, are open to the eyes of Him who is omnipotent. - Mount of Blessing, p. 149.

Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. - The Desire of Ages, p. 330.

As Jesus rested by faith in the Father's care, so we are to rest in the care of our Saviour. If the disciples had trusted in Him, they would have been kept in peace....How often the disciples' experience is ours! When the tempests of temptation gather, and the fierce lightnings flash, and the waves sweep over us, we battle with the storm alone, forgetting that there is one who can help us. We trust to our own strength till our hope is lost, and we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus, and if we call upon Him to save us, we shall not cry in vain. - Ibid., p. 336.

We shall be tested and tried; we may be called to spend wakeful nights; but let such times be spent in earnest prayer to God, that he may give understanding, and quicken the mind to discern the privileges that are ours. - Messages to young People, p. 26.

The soul dwelling in the pure atmosphere of holy thought will be transformed by communion with God through the study of the Scriptures. - Christ's Object Lessons, p. 60.

BLESSED IS HE THAT READETH

"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is it hand." Rev. 1:3.

When a real love for the Bible is awakened, and the student begins to realize how vast is the field and how precious its treasure, he will desire to seize upon every opportunity for acquainting himself with God's Word. Its study will be restricted to no special time or place. And this continuous study is one of the best means of cultivating a love for the Scriptures. Let the student keep his Bible always with him. As you have opportunity, read a text and meditate upon it. While walking the streets, waiting at a railway station, waiting to meet an engagement, improve the opportunity to gain some precious thought from the treasure-house of truth.

The great motive powers of the soul are faith, hope, and love; and it is to these that Bible study, rightly pursued, appeals. The outward beauty of the Bible, the beauty of imagery and expression, is but the setting as it were, for its real treasure, - the beauty of holiness. In its record of the men who walked with God, we may catch glimpses of his glory. in the One "altogether lovely" we behold Him, of whom all beauty of earth and heaven is but a dim reflection....As the student of the Bible beholds the Redeemer, there is awakened in the soul the mysterious power of faith, adoration, and love. Upon the vision of Christ the gaze is fixed, and the beholder grows into the likeness of that which he adores...

The springs of heavenly peace and joy unsealed in the soul by the words of Inspiration will become a mighty river of influence to bless all who come within its reach. - Education, pp. 191, 192.

FAITH AND BELIEF ARE NECESSARY

"But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Heb. 11:6.

In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin.

It is His will to cleanse us form sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." - Ministry of Healing, p.70

It is faith that connects us with heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every evil trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong. But many feel that they lack faith, and therefore they remain away from Christ. Let these souls, in their helpless unworthiness, cast themselves upon the mercy of their compassionate Saviour. Look not to self, but to Christ. he who healed the sick and cast out demons when He walked among men, is still the same mighty reedemer. then grasp His promises as leaves from the tree of life:  "Him that cometh to Me I will in nowise cast out." As you come to Him, believe that He accepts you, because He has promised. You can never perish while you do this-never.-Ibid., pp. 65,66.

In the prayer of faith there is a divine science; it is a science that every one who would make his life-work a success must understand. - Education, p. 257

IF TWO SHALL AGREE, IT SHALL BE DONE

"Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." Matt. 18:19.

The earnest prayers of this faithful few will not be in vain. When the lord comes forth as an  avenger, he will also come as a protector of all those who have preserved the faith in its purity, and kept themselves unspotted from the world. It is at this time that god has promised to avenge his won elect which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them. - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 210.

Strive earnestly for unity. Pray for it, work for it, it will bring spiritual health, elevation of though, nobility of character, heavenly-mindedness, enabling you to overcome selfishness and evil-surmising, and to be more than conquerors through him that loved you, and gave Himself for you. Crucify self; esteem others better than yourselves. Thus you will be brought into oneness with Christ. Before the heavenly universe, and before the church and the world, you will bear unmistakable evidence that you are God's sons and daughters. God will be glorified in the example that you set. The world needs to see worked out before it the miracle that binds the hearts of God's people together in Christian love. IT needs to see the Lord's people sitting together in heavenly places in Christ. -Ibid., vol. 9, p. 188.

God calls upon His faithful ones, who believe in Him, to talk courage to those who are unbelieving and hopeless. May the Lord help us to help one another, and to prove Him by living faith. - Ibid., vol. 8, p.12

SECRET PRAYER WILL BE ANSWERED

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into they closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." Matt. 6:6

Family prayer and public prayer have their place; but it is secret communion with God that sustains the soul-life. It was in the mount with God that Moses beheld the pattern of what wonderful building which was to be the abiding -place of His glory. It is in the mount with God- the secret place of communion-that we are to contemplate His glorious ideal for humanity. Thus we shall be enabled so to fashion our character-building that to us may be fulfilled the promise, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."

While engaged in our daily work, we should lift the soul to heaven in prayer. These silent petitions rise like incense before the throne of grace; and the enemy is baffled. The Christian whose heart is thus stayed upon God cannot be overcome. No evil arts can destroy his peace. All the promises of God's Word, all the power of divine grace, all the resources of Jehovah, are pledged to secure his deliverance. - Gospel Workers, p.254.

God reads teh hidden thoughts. We may pray in secret, and he who sees in secret will hear, and will reward us openly. - Messages to young People, p. 247.

We should be much in secret prayer. Christ is the vine, we are the branches. And if we would grow and flourish, we must continually draw sap and nourishment from the living Vine; for separated from the Vine, we have no strength....Press your petitions to the throne, and hold on by strong faith. The promises are sure. - Early Writings, p. 73.

ASK, THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL

"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:24.

It was represented to me like children asking a blessing of their earthly parents who love them. They ask something that the parent knows will hurt them; the parent gives them the things that will be good and healthful for them, in the place of that which they desired. i saw that every prayer which is sent up in fiath from an honest heart, will be heard of God and answered, and the one that sent up the petition will have the blessing when he needs it most, and it will often exceed his expectations. Not a prayer of a true saint is lost if sent up in faith, from an honest heart. - Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 121.

Watch, pray, work - this is the Christian's watchword. The life of a true Christian is a life of constant prayer. He knows that the light and strength of one day is not sufficient for the trials and conflicts of the next. Satan is continually changing his temptations. Every day we shall be placed in different circumstances; and in the untried scenes that await us we shall be surrounded by fresh dangers, and constantly assailed by new and unexpected temptations. It is only through the strength and grace gained from heaven that we can hope to meet the temptations and perform the duties before us....

Ask, then; ask, and ye shall receive. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage, increase of faith. To every sincere prayer an answer will come....The prayers you offer in loneliness, in weariness, in trial, God answers, not always according to your expectations, but always for your good. - Gospel Workers, pp. 257, 258.

WHATSOEVER WE ASK WE RECEIVE

“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” 1 John 3:22.

It is possible even for a parent to turn away from his hungry child, but God can never reject the cry of the needy and longing heart. With what wonderful tenderness he has described His love! To those who in days of darkness fee that God is unmindful of them, this is the message from the Father's heart: “Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands.

Every promise in the Word of God furnishes us with subject-matter for prayer, presenting the pledged word of Jehovah as our assurance. Whatever spiritual blessing we need, it is our privilege to claim through Jesus. We may tell the Lord, with the simplicity of a child, exactly what we need. We may state to Him our temporal matters, asking Him for bread and raiment as well as for the bread of life and the robe of Christ's righteousness. Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things, and you are invited to ask him concerning them. It is through the name of Jesus that every favor is received. God will honor that name, and will supply your necessities from the riches of His liberality.

But do not forget that in coming to God as a father, you acknowledge your relation to him as a child. You not only trust His goodness, but in all things yield to His will, knowing that His love is changeless. - Mount of Blessing, pp. 190, 191.

IF I CALL, GOD WILL ANSWER

“He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.”. Ps. 91:15.

We all desire immediate and direct answers to our prayers, and are tempted to become discouraged when the answer is delayed or comes in an unlooked-for form. But God is too wise and good to answer our prayers always at just the time and in just the manner we desire. He will do more and better for us than to accomplish all our wishes. And because we can trust His wisdom and love, we should not ask Him to concede to our will, but should seek to enter into and accomplish His purpose. Our desires and interests should be lost in His will. These experiences that test faith are for our benefit. By them it is made manifest whether our faith is true and sincere, resting on the word of God alone, or whether depending on circumstances, it is uncertain and changeable. Faith is strengthened by exercise. We must let patience have its perfect work, remembering that there are precious promises in the Scriptures for those who wait upon the Lord. - Ministry of Healing, pp. 230, 231.

God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from His saints that walk uprightly. Man is erring, and although his petitions are sent up from an honest heart, he does not always ask for the things that are good for himself, or that will glorify God. When this is so, our wise and good Father hears our prayers, and will answer, sometimes immediately; but He gives us the things that are for our best good and His own glory. God gives us blessings; if we could look into His plan, we would clearly see that He knows what is best for us, and that our prayers are answered. - Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 120, 121.

GOD WILL AVENGE HIS OWN ELECT

"And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily." Luke 18:7.8

In all ages, God has wrought through holy angels for the succor and deliverance of his people. Celestial beings have taken an active part in the affairs of men. They have appeared clothed in garments that shone as the lightning; they have come as men, in the garb of wayfarers. Angels have appeared in human form to men of God. They have rested, as if weary, under the oaks at noon. They have accepted the hospitality of human homes. They have acted as guides to benighted travelers. They have, with their own hands, kindled the fires of the altar. They have opened prison doors, and set free the servants of the Lord. clothed with the panoply of heaven, they came to roll away the stone from the Saviour's tomb. - The Great Controversy, p. 631.

The precious Saviour will send help just when we need it. The way to heaven is consecrated by His footprints. Every thorn that wounds our feet has wounded his. Every cross that we are called to bear, He has borne before us.

The Lord permits conflicts, to prepare the soul for peace. The time of trouble is a fearful ordeal for God's people; but it is the time for every true believer to look up, and by faith he may see the bow of promise encircling him. - Ibid., p. 633.

It is at midnight that God manifests his power for the deliverance of His people....In the midst of the angry heavens is one clear space of indescribable glory, whence comes the voice of God like the sound of many waters, saying, "It is done." - Ibid., p. 636.

GOD WILL PROTECT

"Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgement; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the lord's anger." Zeph. 2:3.

The tempest is coming, and we must get ready for its fury by having repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord will arise to shake terribly the earth. We shall see troubles on all sides. Thousands of ships will be hurled into the depths of the sea. Navies will go down and human lives will be sacrificed by millions. Fires will break out unexpectedly, and no human effort will be able to quench them. The palaces of earth will be swept away in the fury of the flames.

Disasters by rail will become more and more frequent; confusion, collision, and death without a moment's warning will occur on the great lines of travel. The end is near, probation is closing. Oh, let us seek God while He may be found, call upon him while he is near! - Messages to Young People, pp. 89,90.

God forbid, that I should cease to warn you. Young friends, seek the Lord with all your heart. Come with zeal, and when you sincerely feel that without the help of God you perish, when you pant after him as the hart panteth after the water-brooks, then will the Lord strengthen you speedily. Then will your peace pass all understanding. If you expect salvation, you must pray. Take time. Be not hurried and careless in your prayers. Beg of God to work in you a thorough reformation, that the fruits of Spirit may dwell in you, and you shine as lights in the world. Be not a hindrance or curse to the cause of God; you can be a help, a blessing. Does Satan tell you that you cannot enjoy salvation, full and free? Believe him not. - Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 159

GOD HEARS THE PRAYER OF THE DISCOURAGED ONE

"For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee." Ps. 31:22.

Be not discouraged because your heart seems hard. Every obstacle, every internal foe, only increases your need of Christ. He came to take away the heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh. Look to Him for special grace to overcome your peculiar faults.....Cry to the dear Saviour for help to sacrifice every idol, and to put away every darling sin. Let the eye of faith see Jesus standing before the Father's throne, presenting His wounded hands as he pleads for you. Believe that strength comes to you through your precious Saviour. -Messages to Young People, p. 112.

The first resistance to the Spirit's pleading prepares the way for the second resistance. Thus the heart is hardened, and the conscience seared.

On the other hand, every resistance of temptation makes resistance more easy. Every denial of self makes self-denial easier. Every victory gained prapares the way for a fresh victory. Each resistance of temptation, each self-denial, each triumph over sin, is a seed sown unto eternal life. Every un-selfish action gives new strength to spirituality....With outstretched arms He waits to welcome the prodigal. Go to Him, and tell Him about your mistakes and failures. Ask Him to strengthen you for fresh endeavor. He will never disappoint you, never abuse your confidence. Trial will come to you. Thus the Lord polishes the roughness from your character. Do not murmur, you make the trial harder by repining. honor God by cheerful submission. Patiently endure the pressure. Ibid., pp. 96,97

HE KNOWS OUR NEEDS BEFORE WE ASK

"For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." Matt. 6:8

Jesus Himself, while he dwelt among men, was often in prayer. Our Saviour identified Himself with our needs and weakness, in that He became a suppliant, a petitioner, seeking from his Father fresh supplies of strength, that He might come forth braced for duty and trial. He is our example in all things. He is a brother in our infirmities, "in all points tempted like as we are;" but as the sinless one, His nature recoiled from evil; he endured struggles and torture of soul in a world of sin. his humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege. he found comfort and joy in communion with his Father. And if the Saviour of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer.

Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of his blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little" God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of his children, and yet there is much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God. What can the angels of heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God's heart of infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little, and have so little faith. - Steps to Christ, pp. 97, 98.

Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary, in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to him. - Ibid., p. 97

IN THEE DO I HOPE, FOR THOU WILT HEAR

"For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God." Ps. 38:15.

We must be much in prayer, if we would make progress in the divine life. When the message of truth was first proclaimed, how much we prayed. how often was the voice of intercession heard in the chamber, in the barn, in the orchard, or the grove. Frequently we spent hours in earnest prayer, two or three together claiming the promise; often the sound of weeping was heard, and then the voice of thanksgiving and the song of praise. now the day of God is nearer than when we first believed, and we should be more earnest, more zealous, and fervent than in those early days. our perils are greater now than then. Souls are more hardened. We need now to be imbued with the spirit of Christ; and we should not rest until we receive it. - Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 161, 162.

Pray, yes, pray with unshaken fiath and trust. The Angel of the Covenant, even our Lord Jesus Christ, is the mediator who secures the acceptance of the prayers of his believing ones - Ibid., vol. 8, p. 179.

Through nature and revelation, through his providence, and by the influence of His Spirit, God speaks to us. but these are not enough; we need also to pour out our hearts to him. In order to have spiritual life and energy, we must have actual intercourse with our heavenly Father. our minds may be drawn out toward Him; we may meditate upon his works, his mercies, His blessings; but this not, in the fullest sense, communing with Him. In order to commune with God, we must have something to say tho Him concerning our actual life. - Steps to Christ, p. 97.

GOD WILL BE FAVORABLE

"He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness." Job 33:26.

No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. - The Desire of Ages, pp. 258, 259.

There are few who rightly appreciate or improve the precious privilege of prayer. We should go to Jesus and tell Him all our needs. We may bring Him our little cares and perplexities as well as our greater troubles. Whatever arises to disturb or distress us, we should take it to the Lord in prayer. When we feel that we need the presence of Christ at every step, Satan will have little opportunity to intrude his temptations. It is his studied effort to keep us away from our best and most sympathizing friend. We should make no one our confidant but Jesus. We can safely commune with him of all that is in our hearts. - Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 200,201.

Every sincere prayer is heard in heaven. It may not be fluently expressed; but if the heart is in it, it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and He will present it to the Father without one awkward, stammering word, beautiful and fragrant with the incense of His own perfection. - The Desire of Ages, p. 667.

If we would only take the Lord at His word, what blessings might be ours! Would that there were more fervent, effectual prayer. Christ will be the helper of all who seek Him in faith. - Testimonies, vol. 5, p.202.

TAKE HOLD OF GOD'S STRENGTH

"Or let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me." Isa. 27:5.

Enoch was a man of strong and highly cultivated mind, and extensive knowledge; he was honored with special revelations from God; yet being in constant communion with heaven, with a sense of the divine greatness and perfection ever before him, he was one of the humblest of men. The closer the connection with God, the deeper was the sense of his own weakness and imperfection.

Distressed by the increasing wickedness of the ungodly, and fearing that their infidelity might lessen his reverence for God, Enoch avoided constant association with them, and spent much time in solitude, giving himself to meditation and prayer. Thus he waited before the Lord, seeking a clearer knowledge of His will, that he might perform it. To him prayer was as the breath of the soul; he lived in the very atmosphere of heaven. - Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 85

Communing thus with God, Enoch came more and more to reflect the divine image. his face was radiant with a holy light, even the light that shineth from the face of Jesus. As he came forth from these divine communings, even the ungodly beheld with awe the impress of heaven upon his countenance. -Ibid., p.87.

Whoever under the reproof of God will humble the soul with confession and repentance, as did David, may be sure that there is hope for him. Whoever will in faith accept God's promises, will find pardon. The Lord will never cast away one truly repentant soul. He has given this promise: "Let him take hold of my strength,....and he shall make peace with me." - Ibid. p. 726.