Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

Malachi 3:2, 3 422.
God leads His people on, step by step. He brings them up to different
points calculated to manifest what is in the heart. Some endure at one point,
but fall off at the next. At every advanced point the heart is tested and tried a
little closer. If the professed people of God find their hearts opposed to this
straight work, it should convince them that they have a work to do to
overcome, if they would not be spewed out of the mouth of the Lord.
Just as soon as we realize our inability to do God's work and submit to
be guided by His wisdom, the Lord can work with us. If we will empty the
soul of self, He will supply all our necessities.
Counsel to Those Who Seek Assurance of God's Acceptance
How are you to know that you are accepted of God? Study His word
prayerfully. Lay it not aside for any other book. This Book convinces of sin.
It plainly reveals the way of salvation. It brings to view a bright and glorious
reward. It reveals to you a complete Saviour, and teaches you that through
His boundless mercy alone can you expect salvation. Do not neglect secret
prayer, for it is the soul of religion. With earnest, fervent prayer, plead for
purity of soul. Plead as earnestly, as eagerly, as you would for your mortal
life, were it at stake. Remain before God until unutterable longings are
begotten within you for salvation, and the sweet evidence is obtained of
pardoned sin.
Jesus has not left you to be amazed at the trials and difficulties you
meet. He has told you all about them, and He has told you also not to be cast
down and oppressed when trials come. Look to Jesus, your Redeemer, and
be cheerful and rejoice. The trials hardest to bear are those that come from
our brethren, our own familiar friends; but even these trials may be borne
with patience. Jesus is not lying in Joseph's new tomb. He has risen and has
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