“By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe; for there is no difference.”PUR June 5, 1902, par. 1

I am pained as I see so little faith among those who claim to be children of God. Nearly all carry a heavy burden of unbelief. This darkens their Christian experience. They do not believe except where they can see. They walk by sight, not by faith. When difficulties arise, they do not go to God, asking Him to strengthen their faith and give them power to overcome. The Lord can do little for them, because of their lack of faith in His power.PUR June 5, 1902, par. 2

Many make a serious mistake in their religious life by keeping their attention fixed upon their feelings, thus judging of their advancement or decline. Feelings are not a safe guide. We are not to look within for evidence of our acceptance with God. We shall find nothing there but that which will discourage us. Our only hope is in looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. In Him there is everything to inspire us with hope, with faith, with courage. He is our righteousness, our consolation, our rejoicing.PUR June 5, 1902, par. 3

Those who look within for comfort will become weary and disappointed. But relying on Christ's merits, we shall find rest and peace and joy. He saves to the uttermost all who come to God by Him.PUR June 5, 1902, par. 4

We need to trust Jesus daily, hourly. He has promised that as our day is, so shall our strength be. By His grace we may bear all the burdens of the present, and perform its duties. Many are weighed down by the anticipation of future troubles. They are constantly seeking to bring tomorrow's burdens into today. But Jesus promises grace only for today. He bids us not to burden ourselves with the cares and troubles of tomorrow.PUR June 5, 1902, par. 5

Self-exaltation, as well as unbelief, robs us of many blessings. The Lord would work for us in mighty power if we would humble our hearts before Him, and remain humble when we see of His salvation, giving the glory to Him, not to man. We have deprived ourselves of many blessings by being so ready to exalt self when the Lord has blessed us.PUR June 5, 1902, par. 6

When we are closely united to Christ, our self-confidence will disappear. Our self-important words will be left unspoken. We shall humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. We shall pray, we shall believe, we shall be kind and true and tender-hearted, loving one another as Christ has loved us. Unkind criticism will die when we live the truth.PUR June 5, 1902, par. 7

Christianity means more than making good resolutions, more than having a fitful, spasmodic experience. Our thoughts must be brought into captivity to Christ. There must be a steady, persevering cultivation of Christ-like thoughts. There must be earnest prayer. Weaken the hands of the enemy by wrestling with God in prayer. Pray in the name of Christ for what you need, and then in His strength answer your prayer by bringing your actions into harmony with it. Remember that unless you follow Christ in self-denial, your prayers will not reach the throne of God. Christ points you to the path of self-denial, saying, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” He has made abundant provision for the sufficiency of those who will to do His requirements. As soon as He sees a child of His in contrite, persevering prayer, He comes to him with the words, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me, and he shall make peace with Me.”PUR June 5, 1902, par. 8

Mrs. E. G. White

May 22, 1902

June 19, 1902