The sacred, solemn work that God has given to His people calls for whole-hearted, thoroughly-converted men, men whose lives are interwoven with the life of Christ. It calls for those who are willing to seek wisdom of God, and to receive counsel from their brethren of experience, that they may not mar His work. The greatest need of today, that the truth may advance rapidly, is unity and harmony among God's people.PUR December 5, 1901, Art. A, par. 1

Some are deceived as to what constitutes true independence. Obstinacy is often confounded with independence. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, being clothed with humility, possessing that love which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, can not be obtained unless Christ rules the life. But every worker who will truly humble himself will be used by the Lord to do a great work.PUR December 5, 1901, Art. A, par. 2

True independence never disdains to ask advice of the experienced, and it treats the counsel of others with respect. God desires His people to be disciplined and brought into harmony, that they may see eye to eye. This does not mean that they are to yield up their individuality. Individuality should not be sacrificed, but it should be refined and elevated. That personal independence which leaves one to trust to his own judgment, to be self-willed, and to despise the counsel of his brethren, is not what is needed at this time.PUR December 5, 1901, Art. A, par. 3

When one loses hope and courage, and is driven hither and thither by this or that idea, and by what this or that one may say; when he is aimless and unstable, and accomplishes little, he needs more self-reliance and independence. But when one has a high opinion of himself, and thinks that his labors are of more real consequence than they are; when he pleads for personal freedom and self-direction in his work, he needs to humble himself before God.PUR December 5, 1901, Art. A, par. 4

In many cases we can yield our will, and even our judgment, to that of others without sacrificing principle. Many have the idea that they are responsible to Christ alone for direction and experience, and are entirely independent of His church. Those who boast of this independence need to be brought into closer relation to Christ. He is the fountain; the church that maintains its connection with Him is the channel of communication.PUR December 5, 1901, Art. A, par. 5

We are living in a solemn time; an important work is to be done for our own souls and for the souls of others. Those who are so independent, so self-sufficient, that they see no need of counseling with their experienced brethren, will suffer great loss. God desires us to have that independence of character which will give us strength to be resolute for the right under all circumstances; strength to overcome bad habits, and to walk in the light; strength to separate ourselves forever from that which we see to be wrong. This independence comes from God, and, in order to gain it, we must maintain a close connection with Him.PUR December 5, 1901, Art. A, par. 6

True strength of character consists of power of will and power of self-control. Uncontrolled passion is not strength, but weakness. The greatness and nobility of a man are measured, not by the power of his feelings to subdue him, but by his power to subdue them. He who can rule his own spirit is greater than he who takes a city.PUR December 5, 1901, Art. A, par. 7

When one tells us of our faults, and points out our mistakes, showing us a better way, we should receive the correction gratefully and try to profit by it. We should put away the temptation to feel hurt, to show our so-called dignity, and to claim our independence. God will reward the humble. In due time he shall be exalted.PUR December 5, 1901, Art. A, par. 8

When we go to the Lord and earnestly plead for wisdom; when we truly long for His guidance in all things, not wishing our own way, but earnestly desiring to walk in His way, then we are glad to advise with those of experience, those who desire to see us do good work for the Master. After we have earnestly sought the Lord for light, often our duty is made plain to us as we counsel with others. When we feel sure that we know the right way, and will listen to nothing unless it agrees with our ideas, we are in no condition to be shown the true path, and are in danger of making mistakes.PUR December 5, 1901, Art. A, par. 9

God does not desire us to be indifferent, not caring what we do, leaving this one or that one to lead us wherever his fancy may run. This is not humility. God desires us to seek Him for light, wisdom, and understanding. Let us keep our minds free from pride, that He may lead. Let us be willing to look at things from all sides, and let self drop out of sight. Let the first thought be, What will tell for the glory of God, and be of the greatest help to others?PUR December 5, 1901, Art. A, par. 10

The Lord desires His children to work as a unit, all seeking the advancement of the cause, and the good of one another. To see another prosper should give us joy. When one of our number is used by the Lord to do a good work, let all rejoice. If self is dead, we can rejoice when we feel that another has a higher place than ours. But we often mistake as to what is the higher place. We do not view the matter as God views it. Those who are called to endure the hardest trials, to bear the heaviest burdens, to meet the greatest difficulties, are those whom God trusts. The Lord said of Paul, “I will show him how great things he must suffer for My name's sake.” It is not the trials we make for ourselves, nor the persecution we bring upon us by our own course, that counts, but the trials and persecution we endure for Christ's sake.PUR December 5, 1901, Art. A, par. 11

Mrs. E. G. White

November 21, 1901

December 5, 1901