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Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

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plainly presented <strong>the</strong> fact that it is simply impossible <strong>for</strong> us to serve both. If<br />

our interest in, and love <strong>for</strong>, this world predominate, we shall not appreciate<br />

<strong>the</strong> things, which, above all o<strong>the</strong>rs, are worthy of our attention. The love of<br />

<strong>the</strong> world will exclude <strong>the</strong> love of God and make our highest interests<br />

subordinate to worldly considerations. Thus God will not hold so exalted a<br />

place in our affections and devotions as do <strong>the</strong> things of <strong>the</strong> world.<br />

Satan deals with men more guardedly than he dealt with Christ in <strong>the</strong><br />

wilderness of temptation, <strong>for</strong> he is admonished that he <strong>the</strong>re lost his case. He<br />

is a conquered foe. He does not come to man directly and demand homage<br />

by outward worship. He simply asks men to place <strong>the</strong>ir affections upon <strong>the</strong><br />

good things of this world. If he succeeds in engaging <strong>the</strong> mind and<br />

affections, <strong>the</strong> heavenly attractions are eclipsed. All he wants of man is <strong>for</strong><br />

him to fall under <strong>the</strong> deceitful power of his temptations, to love <strong>the</strong> world, to<br />

love rank and position, to love money, and to place his affections upon<br />

earthly treasures. If he secures this, he gains all that he asked of Christ.<br />

430

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