How can one who is in fellowship with Christ's sufferings refuse to obey His will and do His work? They know the terms of salvation which are plainly revealed in the Word of God. They listen to the message which the Lord sends through His delegated servants, but although they assent to the truth, they will not obey. They have not genuine faith to appropriate God's promises to themselves. They do not regard Him as their personal Saviour, in whom they may trust as a child trusts its loving parents. They do not regard God as a loving Heavenly Father, who has provided for them a perfect Saviour, a never failing friend, an infallible guide and teacher.PrT June 13, 1895, par. 1

It is surprising that they can read all the promises in the Word of God, the gracious calls to the heavenly feast, and yet refuse to accept them. Holding themselves aloof from the source of their strength and efficiency, they are as sapless branches. Not having become united with the living Vine, can we suppose that they will have spiritual eyesight to discern the exalted privilege of those who serve God, and the unfavourable position those are placed in who fail to follow Him?PrT June 13, 1895, par. 2

Oh, so many have not the real faith that works by love and purifies the soul; therefore they choose to labour for the approbation of men rather than of God. No real heavenly brightness is brought into their religious life, and the future is devoid of the assurance which leads them to trust and hope. Many are living in transgression and rebellion against God. They choose to indulge their carnal impulses rather than to yoke up with Christ, lift the cross, and follow Jesus. There is a cross to lift, and self-denial to practise in all the ways of practical godliness. It is through care and helpfulness for others that we learn the precious lessons God designs for us. The great sacrifice of love made by the only begotten Son of God, won the victory on our behalf. When will the people of God become pure, and true, and Christ-like? When will they come out from the world and be separate? When will they open the door of their hearts and welcome the heavenly Guest?PrT June 13, 1895, par. 3

We cannot overestimate the value of simple faith and unquestioning obedience. It is by following in the path of obedience in simple faith that the character attains perfection. Adam was requested to render strict obedience to God's commandments, and no lower standard is presented to those who desire salvation in 1895. Christ has promised us sufficient power to reach this high standard. He says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may he glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it. If ye love Me keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive.”PrT June 13, 1895, par. 4

Why cannot the world receive the truth? “Because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him.” The world is leagued against the truth, because it does not desire to obey the truth. Shall I, who perceive the truth, close my eyes and heart to its saving power because the world chooses darkness rather than light? Shall I bind myself up with the bundles of tares because my neighbours refuse to be bound up with the wheat? Shall I refuse light, the evidence of truth which leads to obedience, because my relations and friends choose to follow in the path of disobedience which leads away from God? Shall I close my mind against the knowledge of the truth because my neighbours and friends will not open their understanding to discern the truth as it is in Jesus? Shall I refuse to grow in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ because my neighbours choose to remain dwarfs spiritually? “Be ye perfect,” said Christ, “even as your Father in heaven is perfect.”PrT June 13, 1895, par. 5

Mrs. E. G. White.

May 30, 1895

August 15, 1895