Lessons of Therapy

This is a compilation of the writings of Ellen White regarding the therapeutic practice of responding to lifes situations the way God intends us to. These insights enlarge upon what is written in the Bible. To relieve yourself of the heavy pressure

of lifes burdens, it is essential for you to practically apply this therapy in your life starting today.
Sickness

of the mind prevails everywhere. Nine tenths of the diseases from which men suffer have their foundation here.
Perhaps some living home trouble is, like a canker, eating to the very soul and weakening the life-forces. Remorse for sin sometimes undermines the constitution and unbalances the mind. There are erroneous doctrines also, as that of an eternally burning hell and the endless torment of the wicked that, by giving exaggerated and distorted views of the character of od, have produced the same result upon sensitive minds ... The relation which exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. !hen one is affected, the other sympathi"es. The condition of the mind affects the health of the physical system. If the mind is free and happy, from a consciousness of right doing and a sense of satisfaction in causing happiness to others, it creates a cheerfulness that will react upon the whole system, causing a freer circulation of the blood and a toning up of the entire body. The blessing of od is a healing power, and those who are abundant in benefiting others will reali"e that wondrous blessing in both heart and life.# (Mind, Character, & Personality, Vol. 1, p. 59). That which brings sickness of body and mind to nearly all is dissatisfied feelings and discontented repining# (Vol. 2, p. 475). As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he $Proverbs %&'(). *any thoughts make up the unwritten history of a single day, and these thoughts have much to do with the formation of character. +ur thoughts are to be strictly guarded, for one impure thought makes a deep impression on the soul . ,n evil thought leaves an evil impress on the mind. -f the thoughts are pure and holy, the man is better for having cherished them. .y them the spiritual pulse is /uickened and the power for doing good is increased. And as one drop of rain prepares the way for another in moistening the earth, so one good thought prepares the way for another ... It is within the power of everyone to choose the topics that shall occupy the thoughts and shape the character# (p. 655). !"ight thoughts, pure and holy purposes, do not come to us naturally. #e shall have to strive for them$ (p. 656). The natural, selfish mind, if left to follow out its own evil desires, will act without high motives, without reference to the glory of od or the benefit of mankind. The thoughts will be evil, and only evil, continually . . . The Spirit of %od produces a new life in the soul, bringing the thoughts and desires into obedience to the will of 0hrist ... The adversary of souls is not permitted to read the thoughts of men& but he is a keen observer, and he marks the words& he takes account of actions, and skillfully adapts his temptations to meet the cases of those who place themselves in his power. If we would labor to repress sinful thoughts and

feelings, giving them no expression in words or actions, Satan would be defeated& for he could not prepare his specious temptations to meet the case. .ut how often do professed 0hristians, by their lack of self-control, open the door to the adversary of souls1# (p. 65 ). 'or every class of temptations there is a remedy. !e are not left to ourselves to fight the battle against self and our sinful natures in our own finite strength. 2esus is a mighty helper3 a never-failing support . . . The mind must be restrained and not allowed to wander. It should be trained to dwell upon the Scriptures and upon noble, elevating themes. (ortions of Scripture, even whole chapters, may be committed to memory, to be repeated when Satan comes in with his temptations . . . #hen Satan would lead the mind to dwell upon earthly and sensual things, he is most effectually resisted with, )It is written. #e need a constant sense of the ennobling power of pure thoughts and the damaging influence of evil thoughts. *et us place our thoughts upon holy things. 4et them be pure and true, for the only security for any soul is right thinking. !e are to use every means that od has placed within our reach for the government and cultivation of our thoughts. !e are to bring our minds into harmony with 5is mind. +is truth will sanctify us, body and soul and spirit# (p. 659). Through ,hrist you may and should be happy and should ac-uire habits of self.control. 6ven your thoughts must be brought into sub7ection to the will of od and your feelings under the control of reason and religion. 8our imagination was not given you to be allowed to run riot and have its own way without any effort at restraint or discipline. If the thoughts are wrong, the feelings will be wrong& and the thoughts and feelings combined make up the moral character. !hen you decide that as 0hristians you are not re/uired to restrain your thoughts and feelings, you are brought under the influence of evil angels and invite their presence and their control. -f you yield to your impressions and allow your thoughts to run in a channel of suspicion, doubt, and repining, you will be among the most unhappy of mortals, and your lives will prove a failure# (p. 66!). "#e re$oice in hope, not in %eelin&. 'n the hope o% the &lory o% (od )e *no) that tri+,lation )or*eth patience and e-perience hope. #hat does it .ean/ If we do not feel /ust as we want to , are we to fly into impatience, speaking those words that show that we have the attributes of Satan? #e cannot afford to speak a harsh word or an unkind word, +eca,se )e are standin& ri&ht in 0ie) o% the hea0enly intelli&ences and )e are %i&htin& the +attle )ith all the hea0enly ,ni0erse loo*in& ,pon ,s1 and how we grieve the heart of God when we deny Him in any way! 2he .ar*s o% the cr,ci%i-ion in the hands o% Christ sho) that 3e has &ra0en ,s ,pon the pal.s o% 3is hands4 (*anuscript 9:, 1 94) As we are not our own, as we are bought with a price, it is the duty of everyone who professes to be a ,hristian to keep his thoughts under the control of reason and oblige himself to be cheerful and happy. +owever bitter may be the cause of his grief, he should cultivate a spirit of rest and -uietude in %od. The restfulness which is in 0hrist 2esus, the peace of 0hrist, how

precious, how healing its influence, how soothing to the oppressed soul1 5owever dark his prospects, let him cherish a spirit to hope for good. !hile nothing is gained by despondency, much is lost. !hile cheerfulness and a calm resignation and peace will make others happy and healthy, it will be of the greatest benefit to oneself. Sadness and talking of disagreeable things is encouraging the disagreeable scenes, bringing back upon oneself the disagreeable effect. %od wants us to forget all these0not look down but up, up1# (p. 662). 4et the soul be drawn out and upward that od may grant us a breath of the heavenly atmosphere. !e may keep so near to od that in every unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to 5im as naturally as the flower turns to the sun# (p. 67!). The thoughts are not to be allowed to run riot. They must be restrained, brought into captivity to the obedience of ,hrist. *et them be placed upon holy things. Then, through the grace of ,hrist, they will be pure and true. #e need a constant sense of the ennobling power of pure thoughts. The only security for any soul is right thinking. 2ur minds take the level of the things on which our thoughts dwell, and if we think upon earthly things, we shall fail to take the impress of that which is heavenly. #e would be greatly benefited by contemplating the mercy, goodness, and love of %od& but we sustain great loss by dwelling upon those things which are earthly and temporal. Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. #e may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of %od through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of od will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with 5eaven# (2he 5aith ' 6i0e 7y, p. 222). -f you would be a saint in heaven you must first be a saint on earth. The traits of character you cherish in life will not be changed by death or by the resurrection. 8ou will come up from the grave with the same disposition you manifested in your home and in society. 3esus does not change the character at +is coming. The work of transformation must be done now. 2ur daily lives are determining our destiny. 4efects of character must be repented of and overcome through the grace of ,hrist, and a symmetrical character must be formed while in this probationary state, that we may be fitted for the mansions above# (6ast 8ay 90ents, p. 295). The reason why so many are left to themselves in places of temptation is that they do not set the 4ord always before them. #hen we permit our communion with %od to be broken, our defense is departed from us. ;ot all your good purposes and good intentions will enable you to withstand evil. 8ou must be men and women of prayer. 8our petitions must not be faint, occasional, and fitful, but earnest, persevering, and constant. -t is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. ,ultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone,

when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor. 4et the heart be continually uplifted in silent petition for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge. *et every breath be a prayer# (Ministry o% 3ealin&, p. 51!). #hen the thought of evil is loved and cherished , however secretly, said 2esus, it shows that sin still reigns in the heart. The soul is still in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of ini/uity. 5e who finds pleasure in dwelling upon scenes of impurity, who indulges the evil thought, the lustful look, may behold in the open sin, with its burden of shame and heart-breaking grief, the true nature of the evil which he has hidden in the chambers of the soul. The season of temptation, under which, it may be, one falls into grievous sin, does not create the evil that is revealed, but only develops or makes manifest that which was hidden and latent in the heart. ,s a man <thinketh in his heart, so is he3= for out of the heart <are the issues of life= $Proverbs %&'()# (2ho,&hts %ro. the Mo,nt o% 7lessin&, p. 6!). 5our feelings, your impressions, your emotions, are not to be trusted, for they are not reliable, especially with your perverted ideas3 and the knowledge of your broken promises and your forfeited pledges weakens your confidence in yourself, and the faith of others in you. .ut you need not despair. 8ou must be determined to believe, although nothing seems true and real to you ... It is for you to yield up your will to the will of 3esus ,hrist& and as you do this, %od will immediately take possession and work in you to will and to do of 5is good pleasure. 8our whole nature will then be brought under the control of the >pirit of 0hrist, and even your thoughts will be sub7ect to 5im. 5ou cannot control your impulses, your emotions, as you may desire& but you can control the will, and you can make an entire change in your life. 6y steadfastly keeping the will 7power of choice8 on the *ord9s side, every emotion will be brought into captivity to the will of 3esus. 8ou will then find your feet on solid rock. It will take, at times, every particle of will power which you possess& but it is %od that is working for you , and you will come forth from the molding process a vessel unto honor. Talk faith. ?eep on od@s side of the line. >et not your foot on the enemy@s side, and the 4ord will be your helper. +e will do for you that which it is not possible for you to do for yourself. The result will be that you will become <like a cedar in 4ebanon.= 8our life will be noble, and your works will be wrought in od. There will be in you a power, an earnestness, and a simplicity that will make you a polished instrument in the hands of od. 5ou need to drink daily at the fountain of truth, that you may understand the secret of pleasure and 7oy in the 4ord. 6ut you must remember that your will is the spring of all your actions. This will, that forms so important a factor in the character of man, was at the Aall given into the control of >atan3 and he has ever since been working in man to will and to do of his own pleasure, but to the utter ruin and misery of man. .ut the infinite sacrifice of od in giving 2esus, 5is beloved >on, to become a sacrifice for sin, enables 5im to say, without violating one principle of 5is government' )5ield yourself up to :e& give :e that will& take it from the control of Satan, and I will take possession of it& then I can work in you to will and to do of :y good pleasure. !hen 5e gives you the mind of 0hrist, your will becomes as 5is will, and your character is transformed to be like 0hrist@s character. -s it your purpose

to do od@s willB Co you wish to obey the >cripturesB <-f any man will come after *e, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow *e= (2esti.onies Vol. 5, p. 514). Portions o% M: ;o. 1547 < 2rials and 7lessin&s at the ;e)castle Ca.p Meetin&1 =+idin& in Christ and :estin& in 3is 6o0e . . . <,ome unto :e, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take :y yoke upon you, and learn of :e, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 'or :y yoke is easy, and :y burden is light $*atthew 99'%D-&E). >imple enough, is it notB Thus it appears. The promise is large and far-reaching. "est for the soul is comprehensive. It implies much. It means deliverance from constant, perplexing, uncertainty. The word rest is repeated0)I will give you rest. -n wearing 0hrist@s yoke and learning from 5im 5is meekness and lowliness, <8e shall find rest unto your souls.= 5ere is a giving by 0hrist, and on our part, an acceptance of the promise, a conscious finding, a sense of relief from all perplexing doubt. The reason why there are so many in perplexity is they take their case into their own finite hands, and manufacture yokes that are not pleasant for them to wear. They suppose they understand their own case, and will worry and plan and devise, when 0hrist stands inviting, <Take *y yoke upon you...= 5ave you come to 5im, renouncing all your makeshifts, all your unbelief, all your selfrighteousnessB 0ome 7ust as you are, weak, helpless, and ready to die. #hat is the )rest ; It is the consciousness that %od is true, that +e never disappoints a soul who comes to +im. +is pardon is full and free, and +is acceptance of you means rest to your soul, rest in +is love. 6ut be sure that you act your part& cooperate with the 2ne who has promised... !hile you have been walking in meekness and lowliness of heart a work has been going on for you, a work which only od could do, for it is od that worketh in you both to will and to do of 5is good pleasure. ,nd that good pleasure is to have you abide in ,hrist, rest in +is love. 5ou must not let anything rob your soul of peace, of restfulness, of the assurance that you are accepted /ust now. Appropriate every promise& all are yours on condition of your complying with the *ord9s prescribed terms. <ntire surrender of your ways which seem so very wise, and taking ,hrist9s ways, is the secret of perfect rest in +is love. iving up one@s life to 5im means much more than we suppose. !e must learn 5is meekness and lowliness before we reali"e the fulfillment of the promise, <8e shall find rest unto your souls.= It is by learning the habits of ,hrist, +is meekness, +is lowliness, that self becomes transformed0 by taking 0hrist@s yoke upon you and then submitting to learn. There is no one who has not much to learn. ,ll must come under training by 2esus 0hrist. #hen they fall upon ,hrist, their own hereditary and cultivated traits of character are taken away as hindrances to their being partakers of the divine nature. #hen self dies ... he abides in ,hrist, and ,hrist lives in him... The abiding rest0who has it; That rest is found when all /ustification of self, all reasoning from a selfish standpoint, is put away. Ac-uaintance

with ,hrist makes you want to abide in +im and to have +im abide in you. <ntire surrender of self is re-uired.$ ;one but od can subdue the pride of man@s heart. #e cannot save ourselves. !e cannot regenerate ourselves. -n the heavenly courts there will be no song sung, <To me that loved myself, and washed myself, redeemed myself, unto me be glory and honor, blessing and praise.= .ut this is the keynote of the song that is sung by many here in this world. They do not know what it means to be meek and lowly in heart, and they do not mean to know this if they can avoid it. The whole gospel is comprised in learning of ,hrist +is meekness and lowliness. #hat is /ustification by faith; It is the work of %od in laying the glory of man in the dust, and doing for man that which it is not in his power to do for himself. !hen men see their own nothingness, they are prepared to be clothed with the righteousness of 0hrist. #hen they begin to praise and exalt %od all the day long, then by beholding they are becoming changed into the same image. !hat is regenerationB -t is revealing to man what is his own real nature, that in himself he is worthless# (Man,script :eleases, Vol. 2!, p. 117). >everal have written to me, in/uiring if the message of /ustification by faith is the third angel@s message, and - have answered, <-t is the third angel9s message in verity.= The prophet declares, <,nd after these things - saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power& and the earth was lightened with his glory. .rightness, glory, and power are to be connected with the third angel@s message, and conviction will follow wherever it is preached in demonstration of the >pirit. 5ow will any of our brethren know when this light shall come to the people of odB ,s yet, we certainly have not seen the light that answers to this description. %od has light for his people, and all who will accept it will see the sinfulness of remaining in a lukewarm condition 3 they will heed the counsel of the True !itness when he says, <.e "ealous therefore, and repent. .ehold, - stand at the door, and knock' if any man hear *y voice, and open the door, - will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with *e= (:e0ie) and 3erald, =pril 1, 1 9!, par. ). >,estions to Consider? 3o) do )e +eco.e p,re and not l,*e)ar./ #ill Christ %orce 3is tho,&hts into ,s )itho,t ,s acti0ely p,rs,in& the./ 's 3e a (od o% %orce, or does 3e o%%er ,s 3is yo*e o% .ee*ness and lo)liness/ Always act from principle, never from impulse. Temper the natural impetuosity of your nature with meekness and gentleness. -ndulge in no lightness or trifling. 4et no low witticism escape your lips. <ven the thoughts are not to be allowed to run riot. They must be restrained, brought into captivity to the obedience of ,hrist. *et them be placed upon holy things. Then, through the grace of ,hrist, they will be pure and true. !e need a constant sense of the ennobling power of pure thoughts. The only security for any soul is right thinking. ,s a man <thinketh in his heart, so is he.= $Proverbs %&'(). The power of self.restraint strengthens by exercise. That which at first seems difficult, by constant repetition grows easy, until right thoughts and actions become habitual. If we will we may turn away from all that is cheap and inferior, and rise to a high standard3 we may be respected by men and beloved

of od. ,ultivate the habit of speaking well of others. Cwell upon the good /ualities of those with whom you associate, and see as little as possible of their errors and failings. !hen tempted to complain of what someone has said or done, praise something in that person@s life or character. ,ultivate thankfulness. Praise od for 5is wonderful love in giving 0hrist to die for us. It never pays to think of our grievances. %od calls upon us to think of +is mercy and +is matchless love, that we may be inspired with praise# (Ministry o% 3ealin&, p. 491). Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings0as much a duty as it is to pray. -f we are heaven-bound, how can we go as a band of mourners, groaning and complaining all along the way to our Aather@s houseB ... 2ften your mind may be clouded because of pain. Then do not try to think. 8ou know that 2esus loves you. 5e understands your weakness. 5ou may do +is will by simply resting in +is arms. It is a law of nature that our thoughts and feelings are encouraged and strengthened as we give them utterance. #hile words express thoughts, it is also true that thoughts follow words. -f we would give more expression to our faith, re7oice more in the blessings that we know we haveFthe great mercy and love of odFwe should have more faith and greater 7oy. No tongue can express, no finite mind can conceive, the blessing that results from appreciating the goodness and love of %od. 6ven on earth we may have 7oy as a wellspring, never failing, because fed by the streams that flow from the throne of od. Then let us educate our hearts and lips to speak the praise of %od for +is matchless love... !hen someone asks how you are feeling, do not try to think of something mournful to tell in order to gain sympathy. 4o not talk of your lack of faith and your sorrows and sufferings. The tempter delights to hear such words. #hen talking on gloomy sub/ects, you are glorifying him. !e are not to dwell on the great power of >atan to overcome us. 2ften we give ourselves into his hands by talking of his power. 4et us talk instead of the great power of od to bind up all our interests with 5is own. Tell of the matchless power of ,hrist, and speak of +is glory. ,ll heaven is interested in our salvation. The angels of od, thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand, are commissioned to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. They guard us against evil and press back the powers of darkness that are seeking our destruction. +ave we not reason to be thankful every moment, thankful even when there are apparent difficulties in our pathway;$ (p. 251<254). You are not to trust simply in pleasant emotions @,ppose that a%ter yo, ha0e +een %illed )ith $oy, yo, sho,ld rise in the .ornin& ,nder a clo,d, )ith the sa.e train o% shado)y tho,&hts as ha0e tro,+led yo, in the past. #o,ld that +e an e0idence that (od had le%t yo, d,rin& the ni&ht/ ;ot at all. 't )o,ld si.ply +e an e0idence that yo,r .ind has so lon& +een trained in the line o% ,n+elie%, that it is %ro. %orce o% ha+it r,nnin& in the do,+tin& channel. 8)ell on the %aith side o% the A,estion. !ducate your thoughts

in the line of God"s mercy 9d,cate yo,r ton&,e to spea* o% 3is &oodness. 2rain the )hole .ind and so,l to act in %aith. 't is praisin& @atan )hen yo, tal* so contin,o,sly o% yo,r do,+ts and dar*ness. Bo, are &lori%yin& the prince o% dar*ness )hen yo, &i0e ,p yo,r tho,&hts and )ords to %ollo) in the shado) he casts on yo,r path)ay. 6et yo,r %irst .ornin& tho,&ht +e, C3o) &ood is the 6ordD 3e is %,ll o% &oodness and tender .ercy.E Praise hi.. @ay, C6ord, tho, *no)est that ' lo0e thee.E #hen the dar*ness o% the ene.y +e&ins to s)eep o0er yo,, say, C' do lo0e the 6ord. ' *no) that ' lo0e hi., and ' *no) that the 6ord lo0es .e, e0en .e.E # good way to disperse darkness is to talk faith and courage$ (@i&ns o% the 2i.es, March 1 , 1 9). %rain and educate the mind to think and to talk of &esus, and @atan )ill lose his po)er o0er yo,4 (i+id., @epte.+er 4, 1 9F). *any, walking along the path of life, dwell upon their mistakes and failures and disappointments, and their hearts are filled with grief and discouragement. !hile was in 6urope, a sister who had been doing this, and who was in deep distress, wrote to me, asking for some word of encouragement. The night after - had read her letter dreamed that - was in a garden, and one who seemed to be the owner of the garden was conducting me through its paths. - was gathering the flowers and en7oying their fragrance, when this sister, who had been walking by my side, called my attention to some unsightly briers that were impeding her way. There she was mourning and grieving. >he was not walking in the pathway, following the guide, but was walking among the briers and thorns. <+h,= she mourned, <is it not a pity that this beautiful garden is spoiled with thornsB= Then the guide said, )*et the thorns alone, for they will only wound you. %ather the roses, the lilies, and the pinks. = 5ave there not been some bright spots in your experienceB 5ave you not had some precious seasons when your heart throbbed with 7oy in response to the >pirit of odB !hen you look back into the chapters of your life experience do you not find some pleasant pagesB Are not %od9s promises, like the fragrant flowers, growing beside your path on every hand; #ill you not let their beauty and sweetness fill your heart with /oy;
The briers and thorns will only wound and grieve you 3 and if you gather only these things, and present them to others, are you not, besides slighting the goodness of od yourself, preventing those around you from walking in the path of lifeB

It is not wise to gather together all the unpleasant recollections of a past life0its ini-uities and disappointments0to talk over them and mourn over them until we are overwhelmed with discouragement. , discouraged soul is filled with darkness, shutting out the light of od from his own soul and casting a shadow upon the pathway of others. Thank od for the bright pictures which 5e has presented to us. 4et us group together the blessed assurances of 5is love, that we may look upon them continually' The >on of od leaving 5is Aather@s throne, clothing 5is divinity with humanity, that 5e might rescue man from the power of >atan3 5is triumph in our behalf, opening heaven to men, revealing to human vision the presence chamber where the Ceity unveils 5is glory3 the fallen race uplifted from the pit of ruin into which sin had

plunged it, and brought again into connection with the infinite od, and having endured the divine test through faith in our Redeemer, clothed in the righteousness of 0hrist, and exalted to 5is throneFthese are the pictures which od would have us contemplate... ,ll have trials3 griefs hard to bear, temptations hard to resist. 4o not tell your troubles to your fellow mortals, but carry everything to %od in prayer. :ake it a rule never to utter one word of doubt or discouragement. 8ou can do much to brighten the life of others and strengthen their efforts, by words of hope and holy cheer# (@teps to Christ, p. 116<12!). (olluted thoughts harbored become habit, and the soul is scarred and defiled. +nce do a wrong action and a blot is made which nothing can heal but the blood of ,hrist3 and if the habit is not turned from with firm determination , the soul is corrupted and the streams flowing from this defiling fountain corrupt others. There are men and women who invite temptation3 they place themselves in positions where they will be tempted, where they cannot but be tempted , when they place themselves in society that is ob7ectionable. The best way to keep safe from sin is to move with due consideration at all times and under all circumstances, never to move or act from impulse. :ove with the fear of %od ever before you and you will be sure to act right3 then leave your reputation with od. >lander cannot then sully your character one particle. No one can degrade our character but ourselves, by our own course of action. . . . The mind must be kept meditating upon pure and holy sub/ects. An impure suggestion must be dismissed at once, and pure, elevating thoughts, holy contemplation, be entertained, thus obtaining more and more knowledge of %od, by training the mind in the contemplation of heavenly things . od has simple means open to every individual case, sufficient to secure the great end, the salvation of the soul# ('n 3ea0enly Places, p. 197). #hen it is in the heart to obey %od, when efforts are put forth to this end, 3esus accepts this disposition and effort as man9s best service and +e makes up for the deficiency with +is own divine merit& for +e is the source of every right impulse. Through the merits of the Redeemer, the Aather looks upon us with tender compassion, and speaks to us hopefully the language of forgiveness and love, for ,hrist was treated as we deserve that we might be treated as +e deserves. 5e was condemned for our sins in which he had no share, that we might be 7ustified by 5is righteousness in which we had no share... %od does not re-uire us to give up any thing that it is for our best interest to retain. -n all that 5e does, 5e has the well being of 5is children in view. !ould that all who have not chosen 0hrist might reali"e that +e has something vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves1 Aor the more we know %od, the more intense will be our happiness # (2he Griental #atch.an, 8ec. 1, 19!9).

Trust yourself in the hands of od. 4o cease complaining, even though you suppose that there is something to complain of. >atan says, <- will harass him until he shall make shipwreck of faith3= but you need not be overcome by his devices... The >pirit speaks to you, <.e ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the *ord is= $6phesians G'9(). -n words and attitude you reveal a weakness of character when you are under the impression that you are not treated well and with the confidence and deference you should have... 5ou are to know that %od has you under +is special care& you are to trust in +im because you love +im, and +e loves you. +e will uphold all who put their trust in +im. %od will make everything work for your sanctification if you will stop fretting and trust in +im... Co not fall into the temptation to harass your own life and make yourself miserable by your own reflections, which are fre/uently the direct insinuations of >atan. 5ou keep fresh in your mind your own grievances, and go over and over the same things, cutting and bruising your own soul... 4o not bring the disagreeable things of the past into your present life. Testify that life with ,hrist is no failure# (Hp)ard 6oo*, p. F14). !e shall fail often in our efforts to copy the divine Pattern. #e shall often have to bow down to weep at the feet of 3esus, because of our short.comings and mistakes& but we are not to be discouraged. (ray more fervently. 6elieve more fully, and try again with more steadfastness to grow into the likeness of your *ord. ,s we distrust our own power, we shall trust the power of our Redeemer, and we shall praise od who is the health of our countenance. #e are to talk of heavenly things. 2ur conversation must be holy. #e must train our minds to dwell upon pure and holy thoughts. #hen the enemy thrusts into our souls his subtle doubts and temptations, we are to close the door -uickly, and dispel the influence of his suggestion, by repeating the Scripture. 3esus met and overpowered Satan with, )It is written. Speak forth the promises of %od. Talk of the wondrous love that he has manifested toward fallen man. Cwell upon the theme of salvation# (:e0ie) & 3erald, =,&. 7, 1 ). "#e are not to %ashion o,rsel0es a%ter the )orldIs type. (odIs people )ill hear con0ersations re&ardin& the carryin& o,t o% )ron& .ethods and plans. #ords o% irre0erence )ill +e spo*en. :eli&ion )ill +e $ested a+o,t. 3ear the 0oice o% (od? '(y son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not ) 2hose )ho are controlled +y the @pirit o% (od are to *eep their perceptive faculties awake1 %or the ti.e has co.e )hen their inte&rity and loyalty to (od and to one another )ill +e tested. 8o not co..it the least in$,stice in order to &ain an ad0anta&e %or yo,rsel0es. *o unto others, in small matters as well as in great, as you would that others should do unto you (od says, CBe are .y )itnesses.E Bo, are to act in .y place. Co,ld the c,rtain +e rolled +ac*, yo, )o,ld see the hea0enly ,ni0erse loo*in& )ith intense interest ,pon the one )ho is te.pted. '% yo, do not yield to the ene.y, there is $oy in hea0en. +hen the first suggestion of wrong is heard, dart a prayer to heaven, and then firmly

resist the temptation to tamper with the principles condemned in God"s word 2he %irst ti.e the te.ptation co.es, .eet it in s,ch a decided .anner that it )ill ne0er +e repeated4 (May 9, 1 99). 6e cheerful, and praise the *ord for +is lovingkindness. That which you cannot understand, commit to 5im. 5e loves you, and pities your every weakness... .ut though 2esus sees the guilt of the past, 5e speaks pardon3 and we should not dishonor +im by doubting +is love. The feeling of guiltiness must be laid at the foot of the cross, or it will poison the springs of life. #hen Satan thrusts his threatenings upon you, turn from them, and comfort your soul with the promises of %od. The cloud may be dark in itself, but when filled with the light of heaven, it turns to the brightness of gold3 for the glory of od rests upon it. %od9s children are not to be sub/ect to feelings and emotions. !hen they fluctuate between hope and fear, the heart of 0hrist is hurt3 for 5e has given them unmistakable evidence of 5is love# (Messa&es to Bo,n& People, p. 1!9). Those who really trust in %od will find the rest he has promised, will find +is yoke easy and +is burden light... The *ord is a mighty helper. If we trust in +im, we shall have rest and peace. The language of the soul should be that of /oy and gratitude. If we have dark chapters in our experience, let us not keep their memory fresh by repetition. Aorgetting the things that are behind, let us press forward to the things that are before. ,ultivate only those thoughts and feelings which produce gratitude and praise. If you have been wronged, forget it, and think only of the great mercy, the loving. kindness, the inexpressible love of 3esus. *earn to praise rather than to censure. -f you meet with insult and abuse, do not become discouraged, for 2esus met the same. o forward, doing your work with fidelity. Store the mind with the precious promises of %od9s word, and hold sweet communion with him by fre-uently repeating them. ,ease fretting, cease murmuring, cease finding fault, and make melody to %od in your hearts... I entreat you never to utter one word of complaint. !eave into the warp and woof of your experience the golden threads of gratitude. ,ontemplate the better land, where tears are never shed, where temptations and trials are never experienced, where losses and reproaches are never known, where all is peace, and /oy, and happiness. +ere your imagination may have full scope. These thoughts will make you more spiritually minded, will imbue you with heavenly vigor, will satisfy your thirsty soul with living water, and will impress upon your heart the seal of the divine image. 8ou will be filled with hope and 7oy in believing, and the 0omforter will abide with you forever# (@i&ns o% the 2i.es, @ept. 27, 1 F). #e are forming characters for heaven. No character can be complete without trial and suffering. !e must be tested, we must be tried. 0hrist bore the test of character of our behalf that we might bear this test in our own behalf through the divine strength 5e has brought to us. 0hrist is our example in patience, in forbearance, in meekness and lowliness of mind. 5e was at variance and at war with

the whole ungodly world, yet 5e did not give way to passion and violence manifested in words and actions, although receiving shameful abuse in return for good works. 5e was afflicted, 5e was re7ected and despitefully treated, yet 5e retaliated not. 5e possessed self-control, dignity, and ma7esty. 5e suffered with calmness and for abuse gave only compassion, pity, and love. . . -mitate your Redeemer in these things. 4o not get excited when things go wrong. 4o not let self arise, and lose your self.control because you fancy things are not as they should be. .ecause others are wrong is no excuse for you to do wrong. Two wrongs will not make one right. 8ou have victories to gain in order to overcome as 0hrist overcame. ,hrist never murmured, never uttered discontent, displeasure, or resentment. +e was never disheartened, discouraged, ruffled, or fretted. +e was patient, calm, and self.possessed under the most exciting and trying circumstances. ,ll 5is works were performed with a /uiet dignity and ease, whatever commotion was around 5im. ,pplause did not elate 5im. 5e feared not the threats of 5is enemies. +e moved amid the world of excitement, of violence and crime, as the sun moves above the clouds. +uman passions and commotions and trials were beneath +im. +e sailed like the sun above them all. 8et 5e was not indifferent to the woes of men. 5is heart was ever touched with the sufferings and necessities of 5is brethren, as though 5e 5imself was the one afflicted. +e had a calm inward /oy, a peace which was serene. 5is will was ever swallowed up in the will of 5is Aather. ;ot *y will but Thine be done, was heard from 5is pale and /uivering lips# (This Cay with od, Ch. 255). !#hen the mind dwells upon self, it is turned away from ,hrist, the source of strength and life. +ence it is Satan9s constant effort to keep

the attention diverted from the Saviour and thus prevent the

,-. The pleasures of the world, ,/. life9s cares and perplexities and sorrows, ,0. the faults of others, or ,1. your own faults and imperfections0to any or all of these he will seek to divert the
union and communion of the soul with ,hrist. mind.

4o not be misled by his

devices$ (>teps to 0hrist, p. 71)

,ll are free moral agents. ,nd as such they must bring their thoughts to run in the right channel. Their meditations should be of that nature which will elevate their minds, and make 3esus and heaven the sub/ects of their thoughts. +ere is a wide field in which the mind can safely range. If Satan seeks to

divert the mind from this to low and sensual things,

bring it back again, and place it on eternal things& and when the *ord sees the determined effort made to retain only pure thoughts, he will attract the mind, like the magnet, and purify the thoughts, and enable them to
cleanse themselves from every secret sin. ),asting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of %od, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of ,hrist $-- 0or. 9E'G). The first work for those who would reform, is to purify the imagination. If the mind is led out in a vicious direction, it must be restrained to dwell only upon pure and elevated sub/ects. !hen tempted to yield to a corrupt imagination, then flee to the throne of grace and pray for strength from 5eaven. -n the strength of od the imagination can be restricted to dwell upon things which are pure and heavenly# (=ppeal to Mothers, p. F!). Portions o% 5aith and Prayer JChapter F! o% 6ducationK? +ow to exercise faith should be made very plain. To every promise of %od there are conditions. If we are willing to do +is will, all +is strength is ours. #hatever gift +e promises, is in the promise itself. )The seed is the word of %od. 4uke D'99. As surely as the oak is in the acorn, so surely is the gift of %od in +is promise. If we receive the promise, we have the gift. 'aith that enables us to receive %od9s gifts is itself a gift, of which some measure is imparted to every human being. It grows as exercised in appropriating the #ord of %od. In order to strengthen faith, we must often bring it in contact with the #ord. -n the study of the .ible the student should be led to see the power of %od9s word. In the creation, )+e spake, and it was done& +e commanded, and it stood fast. +e )calleth those things which be not as though they were $Psalm &&'H3 Romans I'9()& for when +e calls them, they are... Aaith is needed in the smaller no less than in the greater affairs of life. -n all our daily interests and occupations the sustaining strength of od becomes real to us through an abiding trust... As a shield from temptation and an inspiration to purity and truth, no other influence can e-ual the sense of %od9s presence... Through faith in ,hrist, every deficiency of character may be supplied, every defilement cleansed, every fault corrected, every excellence developed. )5e are complete in +im. 0olossians %'9E. Prayer and faith are closely allied, and they need to be studied together. In the prayer of faith there is a divine science& it is a science that everyone who would make his lifework a success must understand. ,hrist says, )#hat things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. *ark 99'%I. 5e makes it plain that our asking must be

according to %od9s will& we must ask for the things that +e has promised, and whatever we receive must be used in doing +is will. The conditions met, the promise is une-uivocal. 'or the pardon of sin, for the +oly Spirit, for a ,hristlike temper, for wisdom and strength to do +is work, for any gift +e has promised, we

=>? ask& then we are to =@? believe that we receive, and =A? return thanks to %od that we have received.
may #e need look for no outward evidence of the blessing. The gift is in the promise, and we may go about our work assured that what %od has promised +e is able to perform, and that the gift, which we already possess, will be realiBed when we need it most. To live thus by the word of %od means the surrender to +im of the whole life. There will be felt a continual sense of need and dependence, a drawing out of the heart after %od. Prayer is a necessity3 for it is the life of the soul. Aamily prayer, public prayer, have their place3 but it is secret communion with %od that sustains the soul life.4 !hen we believe the promise, <4o, - am with you alway, even unto the end of the world,= we shall be strong to endure. #e need a constant sense of the abiding presence of ,hrist. +e is our righteousness # (2he @o,thern #atch.an, Lan,ary 29, 19!F). The sense of sin has poisoned the springs of life. .ut 0hrist says, <- will take your sins3 - will give you peace. - have bought you with *y blood. 8ou are *ine. *y grace shall strengthen your weakened will3 your remorse for sin - will remove.= #hen temptations assail you, when care and perplexity surround you, when, depressed and discouraged, you are ready to yield to despair, look to 3esus, and the darkness that encompasses you will be dispelled by the bright shining of +is presence. !hen sin struggles for the mastery in your soul, and burdens the conscience, look to the >aviour. 5is grace is sufficient to subdue sin. 4et your grateful heart, trembling with uncertainty, turn to 5im. 4ay hold on the hope set before you. 0hrist waits to adopt you into 5is family. 5is strength will help your weakness3 5e will lead you step by step. Place your hand in 5is, and let 5im guide you. Never feel that ,hrist is far away. +e is always near. +is loving presence surrounds you. >eek 5im as +ne who desires to be found of you. 5e desires you not only to touch 5is garments, but to walk with +im in constant communion# (Ministry o% 3ealin&, p. 5). !#e should educate the mind so that we can hold communion with %od constantly. !e must learn to glance upward in sincere desire, sending a prayer to +eaven in all places and under all circumstances. 8ou may have that faith that will place your hand in the hand of 2esus, and by faith you may keep hold of him . 5ou should keep your mind filled with the precious promises of %od. ,s 0hristians we do not make half enough of the promises, for %od will never fail in any good thing which he has promised. !e should take these promises singly,

view them critically in all their richness, meditate upon them until the soul is burdened with their greatness, and delighted with their strength and power. - am so sorry that we deprive ourselves of the blessing we might have, and it is simply because we do not cherish the thought that the promises of %od are for us. od has left them in this word for us, and we should dig for them as for hidden treasures. !hy are we so easily satisfied with little flashes of light when there is a heaven of illumination for usB !e drink at shallow streams, when there is a great fountain /ust above us, if we will only rise a little higher in the pathway of faith. +ur natures must be raised from their earthliness, they must be kindled and purified in the upper brightness of %od9s divine presence$ (@i&ns o% the 2i.es, =pril 14, 1 9!). Then talk of the promises& talk of 2esus@ willingness to bless. 5e does not forget us for one brief moment. !hen, notwithstanding disagreeable circumstances, we rest confidingly in +is love, and shut ourselves in with 5im, the sense of +is presence will inspire a deep, tran-uil /oy. +f 5imself 0hrist said' <- do nothing of *yself3 but as *y Aather hath taught *e, - speak these things. ,nd 5e that sent *e is with *e' the Aather hath not left *e alone3 for - do always those things that please 5im.= 2ohn D'%D, %H. The Aather@s presence encircled 0hrist, and nothing befell 5im but that which infinite love permitted for the blessing of the world. 5ere was 5is source of comfort, and it is for us. +e who is imbued with the Spirit of ,hrist abides in ,hrist. The blow that is aimed at him falls upon the Saviour, who surrounds him with +is presence. !hatever comes to him comes from 0hrist. +e has no need to resist evil, for ,hrist is his defense. Nothing can touch him except by our *ord9s permission, and )all things that are permitted )work together for good to them that love %od Romans D'%D# (Ministry o% 3ealin&, p. 71). The soul that is brought into personal contact with 0hrist becomes a holy temple unto the 4ord3 for 2esus is made unto the believer wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. 5e who has fully surrendered to od has a consciousness of ,hrist9s saving presence. 5e is a possessor of spiritual patience, and has the rest of soul that comes from learning of 5im who is meek and lowly of heart. Trusting in 2esus to be his efficiency and righteousness, his soul is filled with a pleasant contentment. #hat is the /oy of the ,hristian; It is the result of the consciousness of the presence of ,hrist$ (:e0ie) and 3erald, 8ec. 4, 1 94). !)"e/oice in the *ord alwayC and again I say, "e/oice. Those who do this have a /oyous life. No unpleasantness comes from their lips or from the atmosphere surrounding the soul, for they do not feel that they are better than others. 5ide in 2esus 0hrist3 then all the time the truth of od will be fitting you up for the future, immortal life. !hen you have confidence in the *ighty +ne, your experience is not borrowed3 it is your own. #hatever your disposition may be, %od is able to so mold that disposition that it will be sweet and ,hristlike. 6y living faith you separate from everything not in accordance with the mind of %od, and thus bring a heaven into your life here below. #ill you do this; If you do, you will have sunshine at every step$ (6i%t 3i. Hp, p. 1 5). !The peace of ,hrist, the peace of ,hrist0 money cannot buy it, brilliant talent cannot command it, intellect cannot secure it3 it is the gift of %od. The religion of

0hristFhow shall - make all understand their great loss if they fail to carry its holy principles into the daily lifeB The meekness and lowliness of ,hrist is the ,hristian9s power. It is indeed more precious than all things which genius can create or wealth can buy. 2f all things that are sought, cherished, and cultivated, there is nothing so valuable in the sight of %od as a pure heart, a disposition imbued with thankfulness and peace. -f the divine harmony of truth and love exists in the heart, it will shine forth in words and actions. The most careful cultivation of the outward proprieties and courtesies of life has not sufficient power to shut out all fretfulness, harsh /udgment, and unbecoming speech$ (Co,nsels on 3ealth, p. 4!F).