Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

throne of God.
The Lord is testing and proving His people. You may be just as severe
and critical with your own defective character as you please; but be kind,
pitiful, and courteous toward others. Inquire every day: Am I sound to the
core, or am I false-hearted? Entreat the Lord to save you from all deception
on this point. Eternal interests are involved. While so many are panting after
honor and greedy of gain, do you, my beloved brethren, be eagerly seeking
the assurance of the love of God and crying: Who will show me how to make
my calling and election sure?
Satan carefully studies the constitutional sins of men, and then he begins
his work of alluring and ensnaring them. We are in the thickest of
temptations, but there is victory for us if we fight manfully the battles of the
Lord. All are in danger. But if you walk humbly and prayerfully you will
come forth from the proving process more precious than fine gold, even than
the golden wedge of Ophir. If careless and prayerless, you will be as
sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.
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