oks to hang their doubts upon,
will find them. And those who refuse to accept and obey God's word until
every objection has been removed, and there is no longer an opportunity
for doubt, will never come to the light.

Distrust of God is the natural outgrowth of the unrenewed heart, which is
at enmity with Him. But faith is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and it will
flourish only as it is cherished. No man can become strong in faith
without a determined effort. Unbelief strengthens as it is encouraged; and
if men, instead of dwelling upon the evidences which God has given to
sustain their faith, permit themselves to question and cavil, they will
find their doubts constantly becoming more confirmed.

But those who doubt God's promises, and distrust the assurance of His
grace, are dishonoring Him; and their influence, instead of drawing others
to Christ, tends to repel them from Him. They are unproductive trees, that
spread their dark branches far and wide, shutting away the sunlight from
other plants, and causing them to droop and die under the chilling shadow.
The life-work of these persons will appear as a never-ceasing witness
against them. They are sowing seeds of doubt and skepticism that will
yield an unfailing harvest.

There is but one course for those to pursue who honestly desire to be
freed from doubts. Instead of questioning and caviling concerning that
which they do not understand, let them give heed to the light which
already shines upon them, and they will receive greater light. Let them do
every duty which has been made plain to their understanding, and they will
be enabled to understand and perform those of which they are now in doubt.

Satan can present a counterfeit so closely resembling the truth that it
deceives those who are willing to be deceived, who desire to shun the
self-denial and sacrifice demanded by the truth; but it is impossible for
him to hold under his power one soul who honestly desires, at whatever
cost, to know the truth. Christ is the truth, and the "light, which
lighteth every man that cometh into the world."(924) The Spirit of truth
has been sent to guide men into all truth. And upon the authority of the
Son of God it is declared, "Seek, and ye shall find." "If any man will do
His will, he shall know of the doctrine."(925)

The followers of Christ know little of the plots which Satan and his hosts
are forming against them. But He who sitteth in the heavens will overrule
all these