Labor Among the Churches
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influences surrounded them. Every move made should have been with
due caution and prayerful consideration.
These two brethren had been warned and reproved repeatedly for
moving injudiciously, and they should not have taken the responsibili-
ties upon themselves that they did. Oh, how much better would it have
been for the cause of God in _____ had they been laboring in new
fields! Satan’s seat is in-----, as well as in other wicked cities, and he is
a wily foe to contend with. There were disorderly elements among the
Sabbathkeepers in-----that were hindrances to the cause. But there is a
proper time to speak and act, a golden opportunity which will show
the best results of labor put forth.
If things had been left to more fully develop before they were
touched, there would have been a separation of the disorderly, uncon-
secrated ones, and there would not have been an opposition party. This
should ever be saved if possible. The church might better suffer much
annoyance, and exercise the more patience, than to get in a hurry, drive
matters, and provoke a combative spirit. Those who really loved the
truth for the truth’s sake should have pursued their course with the
glory of God in view and let the light of truth shine out before all.
They might expect that the elements of confusion and dissatisfac-
tion among them would make them trouble. Satan would not remain
quiet and see a company raised up in-----to vindicate truth and to dispel
sophistry and error. His ire would be kindled, and he would institute a
war against those who keep the commandments of God and have the
testimony of Jesus. But this should not have made the faithful believers
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impatient or discouraged. These things should have had an influence to
make the true believer more guarded, watchful, and prayerful—more
tender, pitiful, and loving to those who were making so great a mistake
in regard to eternal things. As Christ has borne, and continues to bear,
with our errors, our ingratitude, and our feeble love, so should we bear
with those who test and try our patience. Shall the followers of the
self-denying, self-sacrificing Jesus be unlike their Lord? Christians
should have hearts of kindness and forbearance.
The Gospel Sower
The parable of the gospel sower, which Christ presented before
His hearers, contains a lesson that we should study. Those who preach