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Testimonies for the Church Volume 3
they are ignorant of their true condition. The True Witness thus de-
scribes their blindness: “And knowest not that thou art wretched, and
miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”
Faith in the soon coming of Christ is waning. “My Lord delayeth
His coming” is not only said in the heart, but expressed in words and
most decidedly in works. Stupidity in this watching time is sealing
the senses of God’s people as to the signs of the times. The terrible
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iniquity which abounds calls for the greatest diligence and for the living
testimony, to keep sin out of the church. Faith has been decreasing to
a fearful degree, and it is only by exercise that it can increase.
In the rise of the third angel’s message those who engaged in the
work of God had something to venture; they had sacrifices to make.
They started this work in poverty and suffered the greatest deprivations
and reproach. They met determined opposition, which drove them
to God in their necessity and kept their faith alive. Our present plan
of systematic benevolence amply sustains our ministers, and there is
no want and no call for the exercise of faith as to a support. Those
who start out now to preach the truth have nothing to venture. They
have no risks to run, no special sacrifices to make. The system of truth
is made ready to their hand, and publications are provided for them,
vindicating the truths they advance.
Some young men start out with no real sense of the exalted charac-
ter of the work. They have no privations, hardships, or severe conflicts
to meet, which would call for the exercise of faith. They do not cul-
tivate practical self-denial and cherish a spirit of sacrifice. Some are
becoming proud and lifted up, and have no real burden of the work
upon them. The True Witness speaks to these ministers: “Be zealous
therefore, and repent.” Some of them are so lifted up in pride that they
are really a hindrance and a curse to the precious cause of God. They
do not exert a saving influence upon others. These men need to be
thoroughly converted to God themselves and sanctified by the truths
they present to others.
Pointed Testimonies in the Church
Very many feel impatient and jealous because they are frequently
disturbed with warnings and reproofs which keep their sins before
them. Says the True Witness: “I know thy works.” The motives, the