The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 529

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 lifework 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.” John 1:9. 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.” Matthew 7:7; John 7:17.
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 devices for the accomplishment of His deep designs.
The Lord permits His people to be subjected to the fiery ordeal of
temptation, not because He takes pleasure in their distress and affliction,
but because this process is essential to their final victory. He could not,
consistently with His own glory, shield them from temptation; for the
very object of the trial is to prepare them to resist all the allurements of
evil.

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