“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10. (OHC 316.1) MC VC

There are some who talk in a regretful way concerning the restraints that the religion of the Bible imposes upon those who would follow its teachings. They seem to think that restraint is a great disadvantage, but we have reason to thank God with all our heart that He has raised a heavenly barrier between us and the ground of the enemy. There are certain tendencies of the natural heart that many think must be followed in order that the best development of the individual may result, but that which man thinks essential God sees would not be the blessing to humanity which men imagine; for the development of these very traits of character would unfit them for the mansions above. The Lord places men under test and trial that the dross may be separated from the gold; but He forces none. He does not bind with fetters and cords and barriers; for they increase disaffection rather than decrease it.... Genuine religion does not have a narrowing influence; it is a lack of religion that cramps the faculties and narrows the mind. (OHC 333.2) MC VC