"It is through the transforming influence of divine grace on human hearts that the power of the word of truth is revealed. The truth, proclaimed in regions where it has not yet been heard, makes an impression on hearts. It seems to HAVE GREATER POWER TO TRANSFORM CHARACTER than when presented to those who are familiar with its office work. Truth has little power on the hearts of those who walk contrary to it when by so doing they can gain advantage for themselves,--those who, while claiming to receive it, follow a course opposed to its principles. Such ones admit that they believe the truth, but they give no evidence that they ARE SANCTIFIED BY THE TRUTH. The places in which it has never been proclaimed are the best places in which to work. The TRUTH is to TAKE POSSESSION OF THE WILL of those who have never before heard it. They will see the sinfulness of sin, and their repentance will be thorough and sincere. The Lord will work upon hearts that in the past have not often been appealed to, hearts that heretofore have not seen the enormity of sin." The Southern Watchman, 08-25-03, para 3; Colporteur Ministry, p. 153
 

The question with each of one of us should be, "How do I stand in spiritual things?" Brethren, do you feel the POWER OF PRESENT TRUTH upon your hearts, sanctifying your lives and characters? Are you winning souls to God? When you see one fall in his weakness by the way, do you hasten to him, to strengthen and help him? Do you bow down and plead with God in behalf of his soul? It is said that at one time an infidel came to argue the question of his unbelief with Mr. Moody. The evangelist said to the unbeliever, "Let us pray before we talk of these matters;" and they bowed down, and while Mr. Moody prayed, God changed the man's heart. It was God that wrought where argument would have failed. Let us work upon this plan, and pray for one another, bringing one another right into the presence of God by living faith. The Lord knows all the thoughts and feelings of the heart; and how easily he can melt us, how his spirit, like a fire, can subdue the flinty heart, and, like a hammer, can break the rock into pieces! How he can fill the soul with love and tenderness! How he can give us the graces of his Spirit, and fit us to go in and out, in laboring for souls! This power should be felt in the church today, and it would be felt, if we would but take heed to the doctrines and instructions of Christ. And when Jesus shall come in unto you, he will sweetly say, "Peace be unto you." He will not give such peace as the world gives; but the peace that passes all understanding. And with the peace of Christ in you, when you see a brother falling away, you will be enabled to say just the right thing at the right time. You will be a skillful workman, that need not be ashamed. Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 08-28-88, paragraph 9.

Truth is often preached by one who has not experienced ITS POWER; but it is truth nevertheless, and is blessed to those who, drawn by the Spirit of God, accept it. But when the truth is presented by one who IS HIMSELF SANCTIFIED THROUGH IT, it has a freshness, a force, that gives it a convincing POWER to the hearer. The truth, in its POWER upon the heart, is precious, and the truth addressed to the understanding is clear. Both are needful--the word and the inward testimony of the Spirit. Manuscript Releases Vol. 16, p. 106

There is danger of indulging a controversial spirit. But those who really love the truth, who have received it into the heart as a living principle, will have the greatest desire to reveal in words and actions the sanctifying POWER OF TRUTH upon the life. They will be representatives of the truth, showing its TRANSFORMING POWER upon their own character. When opposed, they will not retaliate. Children and youth cannot, unless they are under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, correctly represent the sanctifying power of truth upon mind and character. And there are many grown-up persons who need to enter the school of Christ and learn his meekness and lowliness of heart, else they will venture to do that which Michael the Archangel dared not do. The railing accusations will be at their tongue's end. There are many fathers and mothers who would to-day engage in the work of God if encouraged, but who, in their own home life, prove themselves unfit to handle sacred responsibilities. They are only grown-up children. There are very few parents who represent the character of Jesus in the home. Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 10-14-02
 

There is a great work to be done. We need all the talent that Bro. Smith has gained in his experience. God calls upon him to come into the mount, that he may hear his voice and behold his glory, that he may reflect this glory upon those with whom he is associated. He needs to work with an eye single to the glory of God. He needs to drink deep of the spirit and power of present truth. He has a logical mind, and he can see through the cheap, feeble propositions that are too often made and seconded as right. The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, p. 908