Although I did not have good sleep during the night, my peace was like a river. The love of Jesus grows in my heart, and I do love Him, and my heart flows out in grateful thanksgiving. The preciousness of divine truth presents itself with such clearness and force to my mind that I long to express it to all that I can reach to comfort, and encourage them with the consolation wherewith I myself also am comforted. I feel not the slightest depression of spirits. Pleasant views and ideas present themselves to me like precious views of gold, and my heart is all aglow and I feel an ardor of soul that seems longing to express itself.
In reading the Scriptures, light seems to shine upon every letter--sentences seem so fresh and new and important--and my heart is in complete harmony with the whole. I am thankful every moment, even when awake at night and unable to sleep.
I know in my daily experience that the Holy Spirit is present as I read His Word, planting the truth in the heart, that it may be expressed in the life and character to others. The Spirit of God takes the truth from the sacred page, where He Himself hath placed it, and stamps it on the soul. What holy joy, what hope and consolation can be ours to impart to others.
I attended the afternoon meeting [at Ballarat, N.S.W., Australia], and there were more people present to hear the word than I expected. I spoke from John 14:15-24. The Lord gave me words to speak to the people to present before them the precious assurances that Christ has given to all those who know and do His commandments.
Jesus asks an evidence of their love for Him. "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). If it were not possible for us to keep His commandments, why does He speak words to us of this kind? Now the following verse opens to us a treasure of knowledge. "And I will pray the Father, [although I be absent from you] and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever" (verse 16). . . .
Is not this promise sure? Can any words from the lips of God's only begotten Son make it more decided and positive?-- Manuscript 2, Dec. 3, 1892, diary. TDG 346
We are never called upon to make a real sacrifice for God. Many things He asks us to yield to Him, but in doing this we are but giving up that which hinders us in the heavenward way. Even when called upon to surrender those things which in themselves are good, we may be sure that God is thus working out for us some higher good. Pr 112
I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18 (New King James Version)