Chap. 91 - To Draw Us to God

I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindnesshave I drawn thee. Jer. 31:3. {AG 99.1}

The Lord of life and glory clothed His divinity with humanity to demonstrateto man that God through the gift of Christ would connect us with Him. Without aconnection with God no one can possibly be happy. Fallen man is to learn thatour Heavenly Father cannot be satisfied until His love embraces the repentantsinner, transformed through the merits of the spotless Lamb of God. {AG 99.2}

The work of all the heavenly intelligences is to this end. Under the commandof their General they are to work for the reclaiming of those who bytransgression have separated themselves from their Heavenly Father. A plan hasbeen devised whereby the wondrous grace and love of Christ shall stand revealedto the world. In the infinite price paid by the Son of God to ransom man, thelove of God is revealed. This glorious plan of redemption is ample in itsprovisions to save the whole world. Sinful and fallen man may be made completein Jesus through the forgiveness of sin and the imputed righteousness of Christ.{AG 99.3}

In all the gracious deeds that Jesus did, He sought to impress upon men theparental, benevolent attributes of God. . . . Jesus would have us understand thelove of the Father, and He seeks to draw us to Him by presenting His parentalgrace. He would have the whole field of our vision filled with the perfection ofGod's character. . . . It was only by living among men that He could reveal themercy, compassion, and love of His heavenly Father; for it was only by actionsof benevolence that He could set forth the grace of God. {AG 99.4}

Christ came to manifest the love of God to the world, to draw the hearts ofall men to Himself. . . . The first step toward salvation is to respond to thedrawing of the love of Christ. . . . It is that men may understand the joy offorgiveness, the peace of God, that Christ draws them through the manifestationof His love. If they respond to His drawing, yielding their hearts to His grace,He will lead them on step by step, to a full knowledge of Himself, and this islife eternal. {AG 99.5}

Chap. 92 - To Change the Heart

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: andI will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heartof flesh. Eze. 36:26. {AG 100.1}

When Jesus speaks of the new heart, He means the mind, the life, the wholebeing. To have a change of heart is to withdraw the affections from the world,and fasten them upon Christ. To have a new heart is to have a new mind, newpurposes, new motives. What is the sign of a new heart?--a changed life. Thereis a daily, hourly dying to selfishness and pride. {AG 100.2}

The appetites and passions, clamouring for indulgence, trample reason andconscience underfoot. This is the cruel work of Satan, and he is constantlyputting forth the most determined efforts to strengthen the chains by which hehas bound his victims. Those who have been all their lives indulging wronghabits do not always realize the necessity of a change. . . . Let the consciencebe aroused and much is gained. Nothing but the grace of God can convict andconvert the heart; here alone can the slaves of custom obtain power to break theshackles which bind them. The self-indulgent must be led to see and feel that agreat moral renovation is necessary if they would meet the claims of the divinelaw; the soul-temple has been defiled, and God calls upon them to arouse andstrive with all their might to win back the God-given manhood which has beensacrificed through sinful indulgence. {AG 100.3}

Oh, what rays of softness and beauty shone forth in the daily life of ourSaviour! What sweetness flowed from His very presence! The same spirit will berevealed in His children. Those with whom Christ dwells will be surrounded witha divine atmosphere. Their white robes of purity will be fragrant with perfumefrom the garden of the Lord. Their faces will reflect light from His,brightening the path for stumbling and weary feet. {AG 100.4}

No man who has the true ideal of what constitutes a perfect character willfail to manifest the sympathy and tenderness of Christ. The influence of graceis to soften the heart, to refine and purify the feelings, giving a heaven-borndelicacy and sense of propriety. {AG 100.5}

Chap. 93 - Brings Peace and Rest

The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest. . . . There is nopeace, saith my God, to the wicked. Isa. 57:20, 21. {AG 101.1}

Sin has destroyed our peace. While self is unsubdued, we can find no rest.The masterful passions of the heart no human power can control. We are ashelpless here as were the disciples to quiet the raging storm [Matt. 8:23-27].But He who spoke peace to the billows of Galilee, has spoken the word of peacefor every soul. However fierce the tempest, those who turn to Jesus . . . willfind deliverance. His grace . . . quiets the strife of human passion, and in Hislove the heart is at rest. {AG 101.2}

For every soul struggling to rise from a life of sin to a life of purity, thegreat element of power abides in the only "name under heaven given among men,whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). . . . The only remedy for vice is thegrace and power of Christ. The good resolutions made in one's own strength availnothing. {AG 101.3}

Every unholy passion must be kept under the control of sanctified reasonthrough the grace abundantly bestowed of God. We are living in an atmosphere ofsatanic witchery. The enemy will weave a spell of licentiousness around everysoul that is not barricaded by the grace of Christ. Temptations will come; butif we watch against the enemy, and maintain the balance of self-control andpurity, the seducing spirits will have no influence over us. Those who donothing to encourage temptation will have strength to withstand it when itcomes; but those who keep themselves in an atmosphere of evil will have onlythemselves to blame if they are overcome and fall from their steadfastness. . .. {AG 101.4}

Men and women are to watch themselves; they are to be constantly on guard,allowing no word or act that would cause their good to be evil spoken of. He whoprofesses to be a follower of Christ is to watch himself, keeping himself pureand undefiled in thought, word, and deed. His influence upon others is to beuplifting. His life is to reflect the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness.. . . Eternal vigilance is the price of safety. {AG 101.5}

Chap. 94 - Exalts God's Law

Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thineheart. Job 22:22. {AG 102.1}

Everything in nature, from the mote in the sunbeam to the worlds on high, isunder law. And upon obedience to these laws the order and harmony of the naturalworld depend. So there are great principles of righteousness to control the lifeof all intelligent beings, and upon conformity to these principles thewell-being of the universe depends. Before this earth was called into being,God's law existed. Angels are governed by its principles, and in order for earthto be in harmony with heaven, man also must obey the divine statutes. To man inEden Christ made known the precepts of the law "when the morning stars sangtogether, and all the sons of God shouted for joy" (Job 38:7). The mission ofChrist on earth was not to destroy the law, but by His grace to bring man backto obedience to its precepts. . . . {AG 102.2}

His mission was to "magnify the law, and make it honourable" (Isa. 42:21). Hewas to show the spiritual nature of the law, to present its far-reachingprinciples, and to make plain its eternal obligation. {AG 102.3}

The divine beauty of the character of Christ, of whom the noblest and mostgentle among men are but a faint reflection; . . . Jesus, the express image ofthe Father's person, the effulgence of His glory; the self-denying Redeemer,throughout His pilgrimage of love on earth was a living representative of thecharacter of the law of God. In His life it is made manifest that heaven-bornlove, Christlike principles, underlie the laws of eternal rectitude. {AG 102.4}

The Bible is God's will expressed to man. It is the only perfect standard ofcharacter, and marks out the duty of man in every circumstance of life. {AG102.5}

We must so conduct our life work that we can go to God in confidence and openour hearts before Him, telling Him our necessities and believing that He hearsand will give us grace and strength to carry out the principles of the Word ofGod. {AG 102.6}

Chap. 95 - Gives Power to Obey

For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedienceof one shall many be made righteous. Rom. 5:19. {AG 103.1}

One HONOURED of all heaven came to this world to stand in human nature at thehead of humanity, testifying to the fallen angels and to the inhabitants of theunfallen worlds that through the divine help which has been provided, every onemay walk in the path of obedience to God's commands. . . . {AG 103.2}

No one less holy than the Only Begotten of the Father, could have offered asacrifice that would be efficacious to cleanse all--even the most sinful anddegraded--who accept the Saviour as their atonement and become obedient toHeaven's law. Nothing less could have reinstated man in God's favour. {AG 103.3}

Christ gave His life to make it possible for man to be restored to the imageof God. It is the power of His grace that draws men together in obedience to thetruth. {AG 103.4}

God desires us to reach the standard of perfection made possible for us bythe gift of Christ. He calls upon us to make our choice on the right side, toconnect with heavenly agencies, to adopt principles that will restore in us thedivine image. In His written Word and in the great book of nature He hasrevealed the principles of life. It is our work to obtain a knowledge of theseprinciples, and by obedience to cooperate with Him in restoring health to thebody as well as to the soul. {AG 103.5}

Men need to learn that the blessings of obedience, in their fullness, can betheirs only as they receive the grace of Christ. It is His grace that gives menpower to obey the laws of God. It is this that enables him to break the bondageof evil habit. This is the only power that can make him and keep him steadfastin the right path. {AG 103.6}

To the heart that has become purified, all is changed. . . . The Spirit ofGod produces a new life in the soul, bringing the thoughts and desires intoobedience to the will of Christ; and the inward man is renewed in the image ofGod. Weak and erring men and women show to the world that the redeeming power ofgrace can cause the faulty character to develop into symmetry and abundantfruitfulness. {AG 103.7}

Chap. 96 - Breaks the Hold of Evil

Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. Rom. 5:20. {AG 104.1}

The gifts of Jesus are ever fresh and new. . . . Each new gift increases thecapacity of the receiver to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of the Lord. Hegives grace for grace. There can be no failure of supply. If you abide in Him,the fact that you receive a rich gift today insures the reception of a richergift tomorrow. . . . {AG 104.2}

The gift of Christ to the marriage feast was a symbol [John 2:1-11]. Thewater represented baptism into His death; the wine, the shedding of His bloodfor the sins of the world. The water to fill the jars was brought by humanhands, but the word of Christ alone could impart to it life-giving virtue. . . .{AG 104.3}

The word of Christ supplied ample provision for the feast. So abundant is theprovision of His grace to blot out the iniquities of men, and to renew andsustain the soul. {AG 104.4}

Our condition through sin is unnatural, and the power that restores us mustbe supernatural, else it has no value. There is but one power that can break thehold of evil from the hearts of men, and that is the power of God on JesusChrist. Only through the blood of the Crucified One is there cleansing from sin.His grace alone can enable us to resist and subdue the tendencies of our fallennature. {AG 104.5}

Satan is determined that men shall not see the love of God, which led Him togive His only-begotten Son to save the lost race; for it is the goodness of Godthat leads men to repentance. Oh, how shall we succeed in setting forth beforethe world the deep, precious love of God? In no other way can we compass it thanby exclaiming, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us,that we should be called the sons of God" (1 John 3:1)! Let us say to sinners,"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29)! .. . {AG 104.6}

Look at the cross of Calvary. It is a standing pledge of the boundless love,the measureless mercy, of the heavenly Father. {AG 104.7}

Chap. 97 - Magnifies the Lord

Let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. Ps.40:16. {AG 105.1}

As witnesses for Christ, we are to tell what we know, what we ourselves haveseen and heard and felt, If we have been following Jesus step by step, we shallhave something right to the point to tell concerning the way in which He has ledus. We can tell how we have tested His promise, and found the promise true. Wecan bear witness to what we have known of the grace of Christ. This is thewitness for which our Lord calls, and for want of which the world is perishing.{AG 105.2}

God would have every family that He is preparing to inhabit the eternalmansions above, give glory to Him for the rich treasures of His grace. Werechildren, in the home life, educated and trained to be grateful to the Giver ofall good things we would see an element of heavenly grace manifest in ourfamilies. Cheerfulness would be seen in the home life, and coming from suchhomes, the youth would bring a spirit of respect and reverence with them intothe schoolroom, and into the church. . . . {AG 105.3}

Every temporal blessing would be received with gratitude, and every spiritualblessing become doubly precious because the perception of each member of thehousehold had become sanctified by the Word of truth. The Lord Jesus is verynear to those who thus appreciate His gracious gifts, tracing all their goodthings back to the benevolent, loving care-taking God, and recognizing Him asthe great Fountain of all comfort and consolation, the inexhaustible Source ofgrace. {AG 105.4}

The true Christian will make God first and last and best in everything. Noambitious motives will chill his love for God; steadily, perseveringly, will hecause honour to redound to his heavenly Father. It is when we are faithful inexalting the name of God that our impulses are under divine supervision, and weare enabled to developed spiritual and intellectual power. {AG 105.5}

Jesus, the divine Master, ever exalted the name of His heavenly Father. Hetaught His disciples to pray, "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thyname" (Matt. 6:9, A.R.V.). and they were not to forget to acknowledge, "Thine is. . . the glory" (verse 13). {AG 105.6}

Chap. 98 - To Uproot Selfishness

Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Luke 12:1. {AG106.1}

The hypocrisy of the Pharisees was the product of self-seeking. Theglorification of themselves was the object of their lives. . . . Even thedisciples, though outwardly they had left all for Jesus' sake, had not in heartceased to seek great things for themselves. . . . As leaven, if left to completeits work, will cause corruption and decay, so does the self-seeking spirit,cherished, work the defilement and ruin of the soul. Among the followers of ourLord today, as of old, how widespread is this subtle, deceptive sin! How oftenour service to Christ, our communion with one another, is marred by the secretdesire to exalt self! . . . To His own disciples the warning words of Christ arespoken, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees." . . . Only thepower of God can banish self-seeking and hypocrisy. {AG 106.2}

When Judas joined the disciples, he was not insensible to the beauty of thecharacter of Christ. He felt the influence of that divine power which wasdrawing souls to the Saviour. . . . The Saviour read the heart of Judas; He knewthe depths of iniquity to which, unless delivered by the grace of God, Judaswould sink. In connecting this man with Himself, He placed him where he might,day by day, be brought in contact with the outflowing of His own unselfish love.If he would open his heart to Christ, divine grace would banish the demon ofselfishness, and even Judas might become a subject of the kingdom of God. {AG106.3}

No one was so exalted as Christ, and yet He stooped to the humblest duty. . .. Christ Himself set the example of humility. He would not leave this greatsubject in man's charge. Of so much consequence did He regard it, that HeHimself, One equal with God, acted as servant to His disciples. While they werecontending for the highest place, He to whom every knee shall bow, He whom theangels of glory count it honour to serve, bowed down to wash the feet of thosewho called Him Lord. He washed the feet of His betrayer. . . . His whole lifewas under a law of service. He served all, ministered to all. Thus He lived thelaw of God, and by His example showed how we are to obey it. {AG 106.4}

Chap. 99 - To Break Bad Habits

If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;behold, all things are become new. 2 Cor. 5:17. {AG 107.1}

Through the power of Christ, men and women have broken the chains of sinfulhabit. They have renounced selfishness. The profane have become reverent, thedrunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls that have borne the likeness of Satanhave become transformed into the image of God. This change is in itself themiracle of miracles. A change wrought by the Word, it is one of the deepestmysteries of the Word. We cannot understand it; we can only believe, as declaredby the Scriptures, it is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1: 27). . . .{AG 107.2}

Renouncing all that would hinder him from making progress in the upward wayor that would turn the feet of another from the narrow path, the believer willreveal in his daily life mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, forbearance, andthe love of Christ. {AG 107.3}

The power of a higher, purer, nobler life is our great need. The world hastoo much of our thought, and the kingdom of heaven too little. {AG 107.4}

In his efforts to reach God's ideal for him, the Christian is to despair ofnothing. Moral and spiritual perfection, through the grace and power of Christ,is promised to all. Jesus is the source of power, the fountain of life. {AG107.5}

Let us make God's holy word our study, bringing its holy principles into ourlives. Let us walk before God in meekness and humility, daily correcting ourfaults. . . . Peace and rest will come to you as you bring your will intosubjection to the will of Christ. Then the love of Christ will rule in theheart, bringing into captivity to the Saviour the secret springs of action. Thehasty, easily roused temper will be soothed and subdued by the oil of Christ'sgrace. . . . {AG 107.6}

In humble, grateful dependence he who has been given a new heart relies uponthe help of Christ. He reveals in his life the fruit of righteousness. He onceloved himself. Worldly pleasure was his delight. Now his idol is dethroned, andGod reigns supreme. The sins he once loved he now hates. Firmly and resolutelyhe follows in the path of holiness. {AG 107.7}

Chap. 100 - Creates Hatred for Satan

Give no opportunity to the devil. Eph. 4:27, R.S.V. {AG 108.1}

Satan's enmity against the human race is kindled because, through Christ,they are the objects of God's love and mercy. He desires to thwart the divineplan for man's redemption, to cast dishonour upon God, by defacing and defilingHis handiwork; he would cause grief in heaven and fill the earth with woe anddesolation. And he points to all his evil as the result of God's work increating man. {AG 108.2}

It is the grace that Christ implants in the soul which creates in man enmityagainst Satan. Without this converting grace and renewing power, man wouldcontinue the captive of Satan, a servant ever ready to do his bidding. But thenew principle in the soul creates conflict where hitherto had been peace. Thepower which Christ imparts, enables man to resist the tyrant and usurper.Whoever is seen to abhor sin instead of loving it, whoever resists and conquersthose passions that have held sway within, displays the operation of a principlewholly from above. {AG 108.3}

Like a roaring lion, Satan is seeking for his prey. He tries his wiles uponevery unsuspecting youth; there is safety only in Christ. It is through Hisgrace alone that Satan can be successfully repulsed. Satan tells the young thatthere is time enough yet, that they may indulge in sin and vice this once andnever again; but that one indulgence will poison their whole life. Do not onceventure on forbidden ground. In this perilous day of evil, when allurements tovice and corruption are on every hand, let the earnest, heartfelt cry of theyoung be raised to heaven: "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?" Andmay his ears be open and his heart inclined to obey the instruction given in theanswer: "By taking heed thereto according to thy word" (Ps. 119:9). The onlysafety for the youth in this age of pollution is to make God their trust.Without divine help they will be unable to control human passions and appetites.In Christ is the very help needed. . . . You can say with the apostle: "Nay, inall these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us" (Rom.8:37). Again; "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection" (1 Cor.9:27). {AG 108.4}

Chap. 101 - To Banish Unrest and Doubt

O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Matt. 14:31. {AG 109.1}

Christ came to this world to show that by receiving power from on high, mancan live an unsullied life. With unwearying patience and sympathetic helpfulnessHe met men in their necessities. By the gentle touch of grace He banished fromthe soul unrest and doubt, changing enmity to love, and unbelief to confidence.{AG 109.2}

It is not wise to look to ourselves and study our emotions. If we do this,the enemy will present difficulties and temptations that weaken faith anddestroy courage. Closely to study our emotions and give way to our feelings isto entertain doubt and entangle ourselves in perplexity. We are to look awayfrom self to Jesus. {AG 109.3}

When temptations assail you, when care, perplexity, and darkness seem tosurround your soul, look to the place where you last saw the light. Rest inChrist's love and under His protecting care. When sin struggles for the masteryin the heart, when guilt oppresses the soul and burdens the conscience, whenunbelief clouds the mind, remember that Christ's grace is sufficient to subduesin and banish the darkness. {AG 109.4}

He will give you grace to be patient, He will give you grace to be trustful,He will give you grace to overcome restlessness, He will warm your heart withHis own sweet Spirit, He will revive your soul in its weakness. . . . Then stayyour soul in confidence upon God. Roll all your burdens upon Him. {AG 109.5}

The soul that loves God, rises above the fog of doubt; he gains a bright,broad, deep, living experience, and becomes meek and Christlike. His soul iscommitted to God, hid with Christ in God. He will be able to stand the test ofneglect, of abuse and contempt, because his Saviour has suffered all this. Hewill not become fretful and discouraged when difficulties press him, becauseJesus did not fail or become discouraged. Every true Christian will be strong,not in the strength and merit of his good works, but in the righteousness ofChrist, which through faith is imputed unto him. It is a great thing to be meekand lowly in heart, to be pure and undefiled, as was the Prince of heaven whenHe walked among men. {AG 109.6}

Chap. 102 - To Unify the Church

Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a goodthing that the heart be established with grace. Heb. 13:9. {AG 110.1}

The Lord in His wisdom has arranged that by means of the close relationshipthat should be maintained by all believers, Christian shall be united toChristian and church to church. Thus the human instrumentality will be enabledto cooperate with the divine. Every agency will be subordinate to the HolySpirit, and all the believers will be united in an organized and well-directedeffort to give to the world the glad tidings of the grace of God. {AG 110.2}

God deals with men as individuals, giving to everyone his work. All are to betaught of God. Through the grace of Christ every soul must work out his ownrighteousness, maintaining a living connection with the Father and the Son. . .. {AG 110.3}

While it is true that the Lord guides individuals, it is also true that He isleading out a people, not a few separate individuals here and there, onebelieving this thing, another that. Angels of God are doing the work committedto their trust. The third angel is leading out and purifying a people, and theyshould move with him unitedly. . . . {AG 110.4}

Some have advanced the thought that as we near the close of time, every childof God will act independently of any religious organization. But I have beeninstructed by the Lord that in this work there is no such thing as every man'sbeing independent. . . . In order that the Lord's work may advance healthfullyand solidly, His people must draw together. {AG 110.5}

Each member of the church should feel under sacred obligations to guardstrictly the interests of the cause of God. . . . Jesus has opened to everyone away by which wisdom, grace, and power may be obtained. He is our example in allthings, and nothing should divert the mind from the main object in life, whichis to have Christ in the soul, melting and subduing the heart. When this is thecase, every member of the church, every professor of the truth, will beChristlike in character, in words, in actions. {AG 110.6}

Chap. 103 - That We Might be Overcomers

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of theirtestimony. Rev. 12:11. {AG 111.1}

Christ has made it possible for every member of the human family to resisttemptation. All who would live godly lives may overcome as Christ overcame. {AG111.2}

To make God's grace our own, we must act our part. The Lord does not proposeto perform for us either the willing or the doing. His grace is given to work inus to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort. Our souls are tobe aroused to cooperate. The Holy Spirit works in us, that we may work out ourown salvation. . . . Fine mental qualities and a high tone of moral characterare not the result of accident. God gives opportunities; success depends uponthe use made of them. The openings of Providence must be quickly discerned andeagerly entered. There are many who might become mighty men, if, like Daniel,they would depend upon God for grace to be overcomers, and for strength andefficiency to do their work. {AG 111.3}

It is necessary to maintain a living connection with heaven, seeking as oftenas did Daniel--three times a day--for divine grace to resist appetite andpassion. Wrestling with appetite and passion unaided by divine power will beunsuccessful; but make Christ your stronghold, and the language of your soulwill be, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that lovedus" (Rom. 8:37). Said the apostle Paul, "I keep under my body, and bring it intosubjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myselfshould be a castaway" (1 Cor. 9:27). {AG 111.4}

Let no one think he can overcome without the help of God. You must have theenergy, the strength, the power, of an inner life developed within you. You willthen bear fruit unto godliness, and will have an intense loathing of vice. Youneed to constantly strive to work away from earthliness, from cheapconversation, from everything sensual, and aim for nobility of soul and a pureand unspotted character. Your name may be kept so pure that it cannot justly beconnected with anything dishonest or unrighteous, but will be respected by allthe good and pure, and it may be written in the Lamb's book of life, to beimmortalized among the holy angels. {AG 111.5}

Chap. 104 - To Build Noble Characters

And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16,R.S.V. {AG 112.1}

God expects us to build characters in accordance with the Pattern set beforeus. We are to lay brick by brick, adding grace to grace, finding our weak pointsand correcting them in accordance with the directions given. When a crack isseen in the walls of a mansion, we know that something about the building iswrong. In our character building, cracks are often seen. Unless these defectsare remedied, the house will fall when the tempest of trial beats upon it. {AG112.2}

God gives us strength, reasoning power, time, in order that we may buildcharacters on which He can place His stamp of approval. He desires each child ofHis to build a noble character, by the doing of pure, noble deeds, that in theend He may present a symmetrical structure, a fair temple, HONOURED by man andGod. {AG 112.3}

A noble all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to us byaccident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the meritsand grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form thecharacter. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict afterconflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticizeourselves closely, and allow not one unfavourable trait to remain uncorrected.{AG 112.4}

By the life we live through the grace of Christ the character is formed. Theoriginal loveliness begins to be restored to the soul. The attributes of thecharacter of Christ are imparted, and the image of the Divine begins to shineforth. The faces of men and women who walk and work with God express the peaceof heaven. They are surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven. For these soulsthe kingdom of God has begun. They have Christ's joy, the joy of being ablessing to humanity. They have the honour of being accepted for the Master'suse; they are trusted to do His work in His name. {AG 112.5}

As God is pure in His sphere, so man is to be pure in his. And he will bepure if Christ is formed within, the hope of glory; for he will imitate Christ'slife and reflect His character. {AG 112.6}

Chap. 105 - To Strengthen and Encourage

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil. 4:13. {AG113.1}

The Lord has in readiness the most precious exhibitions of His grace tostrengthen and encourage the sincere, humble worker. {AG 113.2}

The disciples of Christ had a deep sense of their own inefficiency, and withhumiliation and prayer they joined their weakness to His strength, theirignorance to His wisdom, their unworthiness to His righteousness, their povertyto His exhaustless wealth. Thus strengthened and equipped, they hesitated not topress forward in the service of the Master. {AG 113.3}

All that man has, God has given him, and he who improves his abilities toGod's glory will be an instrument to do good; but we can no more live areligious life without constant prayer and the performance of religious dutiesthan we can have physical strength without partaking of temporal food. We mustdaily sit down at God's table. We must receive strength from the living Vine, ifwe are nourished. . . . {AG 113.4}

I entreat you to move with an eye single to the glory of God. Let His powerbe your dependence, His grace your strength. By study of the Scriptures andearnest prayer seek to obtain clear conceptions of your duty, and thenfaithfully perform it. It is essential that you cultivate faithfulness in littlethings, and in so doing you will acquire habits of integrity in greaterresponsibilities. . . . Every event of life is great for good or for evil. Themind needs to be trained by daily tests, that it may acquire power to stand inany difficult position. In the days of trial and of peril you will need to befortified to stand firmly for the right, independent of every opposinginfluence. {AG 113.5}

Jesus consents to bear our burdens only when we trust Him. He is saying:"Come unto me, all ye weary and heavy laden; give Me your load; trust Me to dothe work that it is impossible for the human agent to do." Let us trust Him.Worry is blind and cannot discern the future. But Jesus sees the end from thebeginning, and in every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief.Abiding in Christ, we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. {AG113.6}

Chap. 106 - For Times of Trial

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shallreceive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.James 1:12. {AG 114.1}

The powers of darkness gather about the soul and shut Jesus from our sight,and at times we can only wait in sorrow and amazement until the cloud passesover. These seasons are sometimes terrible. Hope seems to fail, and despairseizes upon us. In these dreadful hours we must learn to trust, to depend solelyupon the merits of the atonement, and in all our helpless unworthiness castourselves upon the merits of the crucified and risen Saviour. We shall neverperish while we do this--never! When light shines on our pathway, it is no greatthing to be strong in the strength of grace. But to wait patiently in hope whenclouds envelop us and all is dark, requires faith and submission which causesour will to be swallowed up in the will of God. We are too quickly discouraged,and earnestly cry for the trial to be removed from us, when we should plead forpatience to endure and grace to overcome. {AG 114.2}

Those who turn to God with heart and soul and mind will find in Him peacefulsecurity. . . . He knows just what we need, just what we can bear, and He willgive us grace to endure every trial and test that He brings upon us. My constantprayer is for greater nearness to God. {AG 114.3}

God in His great love is seeking to develop in us the precious graces of HisSpirit. He permits us to encounter obstacles, persecution, and hardships, not asa curse, but as the greatest blessing of our lives. Every temptation resisted,every trial bravely borne, gives us a new experience and advances us in the workof character building. The soul that through divine power resists temptationreveals to the world and to the heavenly universe the efficiency of the grace ofChrist. {AG 114.4}

Those who surrender their lives to His guidance and to His service will neverbe placed in a position for which He has not made provision. Whatever oursituation, if we are doers of His word, we have a Guide to direct our way;whatever our perplexity, we have a sure Counsellor; whatever our sorrow,bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. {AG 114.5}

Chap. 107 - To Establish the Home

Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established.Prov. 24:3. {AG 115.1}

He who gave Eve to Adam as a helpmeet performed His first miracle at amarriage festival. . . . Thus He sanctioned marriage, recognizing it as aninstitution that He Himself had established. He ordained that men and womenshould be united in holy wedlock, to rear families whose members, crowned withhonour, should be recognized as members of the family above. {AG 115.2}

Like every other one of God's good gifts . . . , marriage has been pervertedby sin; but it is the purpose of the gospel to restore its purity and beauty. .. . {AG 115.3}

The grace of Christ, and this alone, can make this institution what Goddesigned it should be--an agent for the blessing and uplifting of humanity. Andthus the families of earth, in their unity and peace and love, may represent thefamily of heaven. The condition of society presents a sad comment upon Heaven'sideal of this sacred relation. Yet even for those who have found bitterness anddisappointment where they had hoped for companionship and joy, the gospel ofChrist offers a solace. The patience and gentleness which His Spirit can impart,will sweeten the bitter lot. The heart in which Christ dwells will be so filled,so satisfied, with His love that it will not be consumed with longing to attractsympathy and attention to itself. And through the surrender of the soul to God,His wisdom can accomplish what human wisdom fails to do. Through the revelationof His grace, hearts that were once indifferent or estranged may be united. . .. {AG 115.4}

Men and women can reach God's ideal for them if they will take Christ astheir helper. What human wisdom cannot do, His grace will accomplish for thosewho give themselves to Him in loving trust. His providence can unite hearts inbonds that are of heavenly origin. Love will not be a mere exchange of soft andflattering words. The loom of heaven weaves with warp and woof finer, yet morefirm, than can be woven by the looms of earth. The result is not a tissuefabric, but a texture that will bear wear and test and trial. Heart will bebound to heart in the golden bonds of a love that is enduring. {AG 115.5}

Chap. 108 - To Sustain the Burden Bearer

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee. Ps. 55:22. {AG116.1}

In the humble round of toil, the very weakest, the most obscure, may beworkers together with God and may have the comfort of His presence andsustaining grace. They are not to weary themselves with busy anxieties andneedless cares. Let them work on from day to day, accomplishing faithfully thetask that God's providence assigns, and He will care for them. . . . {AG 116.2}

The Lord's care is over all His creatures. He loves them all, and makes nodifference, except that He has the most tender pity for those who are called tobear life's heaviest burdens. {AG 116.3}

Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears, beforeGod. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs ofyour head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. . . . Take to Himeverything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for Heholds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that inany way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapterin our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficultfor Him to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of His children, no anxietyharass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape the lips, of which ourheavenly Father is unobservant, or in which He takes no immediate interest. "Hehealeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds" (Ps. 147:3). Therelations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though therewere not another soul upon earth to share His watchcare, not another soul forwhom He gave His beloved Son. {AG 116.4}

The Lord does not press on anyone burdens too heavy to be borne. He estimatesevery weight before He allows it to rest upon the hearts of those who arelabourers together with Him. To every one of His workers our loving heavenlyFather says: "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee" (Ps.55:22). Let the burden bearers believe that He will carry every load, great orsmall. {AG 116.5}

Chap. 109 - For Each Day's Need

My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by ChristJesus. Phil. 4:19. {AG 117.1}

All blessings are bestowed upon those who have a vital connection with JesusChrist. Jesus calls them to Himself not simply to refresh us with His grace andpresence for a few hours, and then to send us forth from His light to walk apartfrom Him in sadness and gloom. No, no. He tells us that we must abide with Himand He with us. . . . Trust in Him continually, and doubt not His love. He knowsall our weakness and that which we need. He will give us grace sufficient forour day. {AG 117.2}

Those only who are constantly receiving fresh supplies of grace, will havepower proportionate to their daily need and their ability to use that power.Instead of looking forward to some future time when, through a special endowmentof spiritual power, they will receive a miraculous fitting up for soul-winning,they are yielding themselves daily to God, that He may make them vessels meetfor His use. Daily they are improving the opportunities for service that liewithin their reach. Daily they are witnessing for the Master wherever they maybe, whether in some humble sphere of labour in the home, or in a public field ofusefulness. {AG 117.3}

To the consecrated worker there is wonderful consolation in the knowledgethat even Christ during His life on earth sought His Father daily for freshsupplies of needed grace; and from this communion with God He went forth tostrengthen and bless others. . . . {AG 117.4}

Every worker who follows the example of Christ will be prepared to receiveand use the power that God has promised to His church for the ripening ofearth's harvest. Morning by morning, as the heralds of the gospel kneel beforethe Lord and renew their vows of consecration to Him, He will grant them thepresence of His Spirit, with its reviving, sanctifying power. As they go forthto the day's duties, they have the assurance that the unseen agency of the HolySpirit enables them to be "labourers together with God" (1 Cor. 3:9). {AG 117.5}

Chap. 110 - To Lift the Most Sinful

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, butgiveth grace unto the humble. James 4:6. {AG 118.1}

Mary had been looked upon as a great sinner, but Christ knew thecircumstances that had shaped her life. He might have extinguished every sparkof hope in her soul, but He did not. It was He who had lifted her from despairand ruin. Seven times she had heard His rebuke of the demons that controlled herheart and mind. She had heard His strong cries to the Father in her behalf. Sheknew how offensive is sin to His unsullied purity, and in His strength she hadovercome. {AG 118.2}

When to human eyes her case appeared hopeless, Christ saw in Marycapabilities for good. He saw the better traits of her character. The plan ofredemption has invested humanity with great possibilities, and in Mary thesepossibilities were to be realized. Through His grace she became a partaker ofthe divine nature. The one who had fallen, and whose mind had been a habitationof demons, was brought very near to the Saviour in fellowship and ministry. Itwas Mary who sat at His feet and learned of Him. It was Mary who poured upon Hishead the precious anointing oil, and bathed His feet with her tears. Mary stoodbeside the cross, and followed Him to the sepulchre. Mary was first at the tombafter His resurrection. It was Mary who first proclaimed a risen Saviour. {AG118.3}

Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. You may say, I am sinful, verysinful. You may be; but the worse you are, the more you need Jesus. He turns noweeping, contrite one away. . . . He bids every trembling soul take courage.Freely will He pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration. . . .{AG 118.4}

The souls that turn to Him for refuge, Jesus lifts above the accusing and thestrife of tongues. No man or evil angel can impeach these souls. Christ unitesthem to His own divine-human nature. {AG 118.5}

To those who with steadfast perseverance strive to reveal the attributes ofChrist, angels are commissioned to give enlarged views of His character andwork, His power and grace and love. Thus they become partakers of His nature.{AG 118.6}

Chap. 111 - Gives Life to the Soul

Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; butthe water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing upinto everlasting life. John 4:14. {AG 119.1}

He who seeks to quench his thirst at the fountains of this world will drinkto thirst again. Everywhere men are unsatisfied. They long for something tosupply the need of the soul. Only One can meet that want. The need of the world,"the Desire of all nations," is Christ. The divine grace which He alone canimpart, is as living water, purifying, refreshing, and invigorating the soul.{AG 119.2}

Jesus did not convey the idea that merely one draught of the water of lifewould suffice the receiver. He who tastes of the love of Christ will continuallylong for more; but he seeks for nothing else. The riches, honours, and pleasuresof the world do not attract him. The constant cry of his heart is, More of Thee.And He who reveals to the soul its necessity is waiting to satisfy its hungerand thirst. Every human resource and dependence will fail. The cisterns will beemptied, the pools become dry; but our Redeemer is an inexhaustible fountain. Wemay drink, and drink again, and ever find a fresh supply. He in whom Christdwells has within himself the fountain of blessing. . . . From this source hemay draw strength and grace sufficient for all his needs. {AG 119.3}

He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiverbecomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert,welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager todrink of the water of life. {AG 119.4}

The water that Christ referred to was the revelation of His grace in HisWord. . . . Christ's gracious presence in His Word is ever speaking to the soul,representing Him as the well of living water to refresh the thirsting. It is ourprivilege to have a living, abiding Saviour. He is the source of spiritual powerimplanted within us, and His influence will flow forth in words and actions,refreshing all within the sphere of our influence, begetting in them desires andaspirations for strength and purity, for holiness and peace, and for that joywhich brings with it no sorrow. This is the result of an indwelling Saviour. {AG119.5}

Chap. 112 - To Make Us Holy

Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy. Lev. 19:2. {AG 120.1}

Holiness is not rapture: it is an entire surrender of the will to God; it isliving by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; it is doing the willof our heavenly Father; it is trusting God in trial, in darkness as well as inthe light; it is walking by faith and not by sight; it is relying on God withunquestioning confidence, and resting in His love. {AG 120.2}

Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. . . . Education, culture, theexercise of the will, human effort, all have their proper sphere, but here theyare powerless. They may produce an outward correctness of behaviour, but theycannot change the heart; they cannot purify the springs of life. There must be apower working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed fromsin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifelessfaculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness. {AG 120.3}

No man receives holiness as a birthright, or as a gift from any other humanbeing. Holiness is the gift of God through Christ. Those who receive the Saviourbecome sons of God. They are His spiritual children, born again, renewed inrighteousness and true holiness. Their minds are changed. With clearer visionthey behold eternal realities. They are adopted into God's family, and theybecome conformed to His likeness, changed by His Spirit from glory to glory.From cherishing supreme love for self, they come to cherish supreme love for Godand for Christ. . . . Accepting Christ as a personal Saviour, and following Hisexample of self-denial--this is the secret of holiness. {AG 120.4}

Forgetting the things that are behind, let us press forward in the heavenwardway. Let us neglect no opportunity that, if improved, will make us more usefulin God's service. Then like threads of gold, holiness will run through ourlives, and the angels, beholding our consecration, will repeat the promise, "Iwill make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedgeof Ophir" (Isa. 13:12). All heaven rejoices when weak, faulty human beings givethemselves to Jesus, to live His life. {AG 120.5}

Chap. 113 - To Adorn the Christian

Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, andof wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man ofthe heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek andquiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 1 Peter 3:3, 4. {AG121.1}

God, who created everything lovely and beautiful that the eye rests upon, isa lover of the beautiful. He shows you how He estimates true beauty. Theornament of a meek and quiet spirit is in His sight of great price. {AG 121.2}

Of how little value are gold or pearls or costly array in comparison with theloveliness of Christ. Natural loveliness consists in symmetry, or the harmoniousproportion of parts, each with the other; but spiritual loveliness consists inthe harmony or likeness of our souls to Jesus. This will make its possessor moreprecious than fine gold, even the golden wedge of Ophir. The grace of Christ isindeed a priceless adornment. It elevates and ennobles its possessor andreflects beams of glory upon others, attracting them also to the Source of lightand blessing. {AG 121.3}

Our appearance in every respect should be characterized by neatness, modesty,and purity. But the Word of God gives no sanction to the making of changes inapparel merely for the sake of fashion, that we may appear like the world.Christians are not to decorate the person with costly array or expensiveornaments. . . . {AG 121.4}

All who are in earnest in seeking for the grace of Christ will heed theprecious words of instruction inspired by God. Even the style of the apparelwill express the truth of the gospel. {AG 121.5}

It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love andseek first the highest beauty, that which is imperishable. No outward adorningcan compare in value or loveliness with that "meek and quiet spirit," the "finelinen, white and clean" (Rev. 19:14), which all the holy ones of earth willwear. This apparel will make them beautiful and beloved here, and will hereafterbe their badge of admission to the palace of the King. {AG 121.6}

Chap. 114 - To Bring Comfort

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort themwhich are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted. 2Cor. 1:4. {AG 122.1}

The Lord has special grace for the mourner, and its power is to melt hearts,to win souls. His love opens a channel into the wounded and bruised soul, andbecomes a healing balsam to those who sorrow. {AG 122.2}

Those who have borne the greatest sorrows are frequently the ones who carrythe greatest comfort to others, bringing sunshine wherever they go. Such oneshave been chastened and sweetened by their afflictions; they did not loseconfidence in God when trouble assailed them, but clung closer to His protectinglove. Such ones are living proof of the tender care of God, who makes thedarkness as well as the light and chastens us for our good. Christ is the lightof the world; in Him is no darkness. Precious light! Let us live in that light!Bid adieu to sadness and repining. Rejoice in the Lord always. {AG 122.3}

It is your privilege to receive grace from Christ that will enable you tocomfort others with the same comfort wherewith you yourselves are comforted ofGod. . . . Let each try to help the next one. Thus you may have a little heavenhere below, and angels of God will work through you to make right impressions. .. . Seek to help wherever you can. Cultivate the best dispositions that thegrace of God may rest richly upon you. {AG 122.4}

Young and old may learn to look to God as the One who will heal, as One whosympathizes, who understands their necessities and who will never make amistake. {AG 122.5}

Find time to comfort some other heart, to bless with a kind, cheering wordsomeone who is battling with temptation and maybe with affliction. In thusblessing another with cheering, hopeful words, pointing him to the BurdenBearer, you may unexpectedly find peace, happiness, and consolation yourself.{AG 122.6}

A consecrated Christian life is ever shedding light and comfort and peace. Itis characterized by purity, tact, simplicity, and usefulness. It is controlledby that unselfish love that sanctifies the influence. It is full of Christ, andleaves a track of light wherever its possessor may go. {AG 122.7}

Chap. 115 - Makes Our Foundation Sure

Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation astone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. Isa. 28:16.{AG 123.1}

In the Scriptures the figure of the erection of a temple is frequently usedto illustrate the building of the church. . . . Writing of the building of thistemple, Peter says, "To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeedof men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built upa spiritual house, an holy priesthood . . ." (1 Peter 2:4, 5). . . . {AG 123.2}

The apostles built upon a sure foundation, even the Rock of Ages. To thisfoundation they brought the stones that they quarried from the world. Notwithout hindrance did the builders labour. Their work was made exceedinglydifficult by the opposition of the enemies of Christ. They had to contendagainst the bigotry, prejudice, and hatred of those who were building upon afalse foundation. . . . But in the face of imprisonment, torture, and death,faithful men carried the work forward; and the structure grew, beautiful andsymmetrical. . . . {AG 123.3}

Through the ages that have passed since the days of the apostles, thebuilding of God's temple has never ceased. We may look back through thecenturies and see the living stones of which it is composed gleaming like jetsof light through the darkness of error and superstition. Throughout eternitythese precious jewels will shine with increasing lustre. . . . {AG 123.4}

But the structure is not yet complete. We who are living in this age have awork to do, a part to act. We are to bring to the foundation material that willstand the test of fire--gold, silver, and precious stones. . . . The Christianwho faithfully presents the word of life, leading men and women into the way ofholiness and peace, is bringing to the foundation material that will endure, andin the kingdom of God he will be HONOURED as a wise builder. {AG 123.5}

Divine power will unite with our efforts, and as we cling to God with thehand of faith, Christ will impart to us His wisdom and His righteousness. Thus,by His grace, we shall be enabled to build upon the sure foundation. {AG 123.6}

Chap. 116 - A Preserving Power

Ye are the salt of the earth. Matt. 5:13. {AG 124.1}

By these words of Christ we gain some idea of what constitutes the value ofhuman influence. It is to work with the influence of Christ, to lift whereChrist lifts, to impart correct principles, and stay the progress of the world'scorruption. It is to diffuse that grace which Christ alone can impart. It is touplift, to sweeten, the lives and characters of others by the power of a pureexample united with earnest faith and love. God's people are to exercise areforming, preserving power in the world. They are to counterwork thedestroying, corrupting influence of evil. . . . {AG 124.2}

The work of the people of God in the world is to restrain evil, to elevate,to purify, and to ennoble mankind. The principles of kindness and love andbenevolence are to uproot every fibre of the selfishness that has permeated allsociety and corrupted the church. . . . If men and women will open their heartsto the heavenly influence of truth and love, these principles will flow forthagain, like streams in the desert, refreshing all, and causing freshness toappear where now are barrenness and dearth. The influence of those who keep theway of the Lord will be as far-reaching as eternity. They will carry with themthe cheerfulness of heavenly peace as an abiding, refreshing, enlighteningpower. {AG 124.3}

Again, there is to be an open influence. Christ says, "Let your light soshine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Fatherwhich is in heaven." . . . {AG 124.4}

The light that shines from those who receive Jesus Christ is notself-originated. It is all from the Light and Life of the world. . . . Christ isthe light, the life, the holiness, the sanctification, of all who believe, andHis light is to be received and imparted in all good works. In many differentways His grace is also acting as the salt of the earth; whithersoever this saltfinds its way, to homes or communities, it becomes a preserving power to saveall that is good, and to destroy all that is evil. True religion is the light ofthe world, the salt of the earth. . . . {AG 124.5}

The fountain of grace and knowledge is ever flowing. It is inexhaustible. Itis from this abundant fulness that we are supplied. {AG 124.6}

Chap. 117 - A Light to Shine

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen uponthee. Isa. 60:1. {AG 125.1}

Through the social relations, Christianity comes in contact with the world.Everyone who has received the divine illumination is to brighten the pathway ofthose who know not the Light of life. . . . Social power, sanctified by thegrace of Christ, must be improved in winning souls to the Saviour. Let the worldsee that we are not selfishly absorbed in our own interests, but that we desireothers to share our blessings and privileges. Let them see that our religiondoes not make us unsympathetic or exacting. Let all who profess to have foundChrist, minister as He did for the benefit of men. {AG 125.2}

We should never give to the world the false impression that Christians are agloomy, unhappy people. If our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we shall see acompassionate Redeemer, and shall catch light from His countenance. Wherever HisSpirit reigns, there peace abides. And there will be joy also, for there is acalm, holy trust in God. {AG 125.3}

Christ is pleased with His followers when they show that, though human, theyare partakers of the divine nature. They are not statues, but living men andwomen. Their hearts, refreshed by the dews of divine grace, open and expand tothe Sun of Righteousness. The light that shines upon them they reflect uponothers in works that are luminous with the love of Christ. {AG 125.4}

The confession of faith made by saints and martyrs was recorded for thebenefit of succeeding generations. Those living examples of holiness andsteadfast integrity have come down to inspire courage in those who are nowcalled to stand as witnesses for God. They received grace and truth, not forthemselves alone, but that, through them, the knowledge of God might enlightenthe earth. Has God given light to His servants in this generation? Then theyshould let it shine forth to the world. {AG 125.5}

We are to be channels through which the Lord can send light and grace to theworld. . . . The entire church, acting as one, blending in perfect union, is tobe a living, active missionary agency, moved and controlled by the Holy Spirit.{AG 125.6}

Chap. 118 - Workers with God

For we are labourers together with God. 1 Cor. 3:9. {AG 126.1}

God will honour and uphold every true-hearted, earnest soul who is seeking towalk before Him in the perfection of Christ's grace. He will never leave norforsake one humble, trembling soul. Shall we believe that He will work in ourhearts? that if we allow Him to do so, He will make us pure and holy, by Hisrich grace qualifying us to be labourers together with Him? Can we with keen,sanctified perception appreciate the strength of His promises, and appropriatethem, not because we are worthy, but because by living faith we claim therighteousness of Christ? {AG 126.2}

In giving light to His people anciently, God did not work exclusively throughany one class. Daniel was a prince of Judah. Isaiah also was of the royal line.David was a shepherd boy, Amos a herdsman, Zechariah a captive from Babylon,Elisha a tiller of the soil. The Lord raised up as His representatives prophetsand princes, the noble and the lowly, and taught them the truths to be given tothe world. To every one who becomes a partaker of His grace, the Lord appoints awork for others. . . . {AG 126.3}

Let all cultivate their physical and mental powers to the utmost of theirability, that they may work for God where His providence shall call them. Thesame grace that came from Christ to Paul and Apollos, that distinguished themfor spiritual excellencies, will today be imparted to devoted Christianmissionaries. God desires His children to have intelligence and knowledge, thatwith unmistakable clearness and power His glory may be revealed in our world. .. . {AG 126.4}

Men deficient in school education, lowly in social position, have, throughthe grace of Christ, sometimes been wonderfully successful in winning souls forHim. The secret of their success was their confidence in God. They learned dailyof Him who is wonderful in counsel and mighty in power. {AG 126.5}

Everyone in whose heart Christ abides, everyone who will show forth His loveto the world, is a worker together with God for the blessing of humanity. As hereceives from the Saviour grace to impart to others, from his whole being flowsforth the tide of spiritual life. {AG 126.6}

Chap. 119 - Fishers of Men

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matt.4:19. {AG 127.1}

Divine grace in the newly converted soul is progressive. It gives an increaseof grace, which is received, not to be hidden under a bushel, but to beimparted, that others may be benefited. He who is truly converted will work tosave others who are in darkness. {AG 127.2}

When a crisis comes in the life of any soul, and you attempt to give counselor admonition, your words will have only the weight of influence for good thatyour own example and spirit have gained for you. You must be good before you cando good. You cannot exert an influence that will transform others until your ownheart has been humbled and refined and made tender by the grace of Christ. Whenthis change has been wrought in you, it will be as natural for you to live tobless others as it is for the rosebush to yield its fragrant bloom. {AG 127.3}

He whose heart is filled with the grace of God and love for his perishingfellow men will find opportunity, wherever he may be placed, to speak a word inseason to those who are weary. Christians are to work for their Master inmeekness and lowliness, holding fast to their integrity amid the noise andbustle of life. {AG 127.4}

We should strive to understand the weakness of others. We know little of theheart trials of those who have been bound in chains of darkness and who lackresolution and moral power. . . . {AG 127.5}

We become too easily discouraged over the souls who do not at once respond toour efforts. Never should we cease to labour for a soul while there is one gleamof hope. Precious souls cost our self-sacrificing Redeemer too dear a price tobe lightly given up to the tempter's power. . . . Without a helping hand manywould never recover themselves, but by patient, persistent effort they may beuplifted. Such need tender words, kind consideration, tangible help. . . .Christ is able to uplift the most sinful and place them where they will beacknowledged as children of God, joint heirs with Christ to the immortalinheritance. By the miracle of divine grace many may be fitted for lives ofusefulness. {AG 127.6}

Chap. 120 - A Completed Work

He shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace,grace unto it. Zech. 4:7. {AG 128.1}

Human power did not establish the work of God, neither can human powerdestroy it. To those who carry forward His work in face of difficulty andopposition, God will give the constant guidance and guardianship of His holyangels. His work on earth will never cease. The building of His spiritual templewill be carried forward until it shall stand complete, and the headstone shallbe brought forth with shoutings: "Grace, grace unto it." {AG 128.2}

Christ has given to the church a sacred charge. Every member should be achannel through which God can communicate to the world the treasures of Hisgrace, the unsearchable riches of Christ. There is nothing that the Saviourdesires so much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and Hischaracter. There is nothing that the world needs so much as the manifestationthrough humanity of the Saviour's love. . . . {AG 128.3}

The church is God's agency for the proclamation of truth, empowered by Him todo a special work; and if she is loyal to Him, obedient to all His commandments,there will dwell within her the excellency of divine grace. If she will be trueto her allegiance, if she will honour the Lord God of Israel, there is no powerthat can stand against her. {AG 128.4}

Christ desires by the fullness of His power so to strengthen His people thatthrough them the whole world shall be encircled with an atmosphere of grace.When His people shall make a whole-hearted surrender of themselves to God, thispurpose will be accomplished. . . . Christ will abide in humanity, and humanitywill abide in Christ. In all the work will appear, not the character of finiteman, but the character of the infinite God. . . . {AG 128.5}

The goodly fabric of character wrought out through divine power will receivelight and glory from heaven, and will stand before the world as a witnesspointing to the throne of the living God. Then the work will move forward withsolidity and redoubled strength. {AG 128.6}