Chapter 38—Importance of the Work
January 3, 1875, I was shown many things relative to the great
and important interests at Battle Creek in the work of the Publishing
Association, the school, and the Health Institute. If these institutions
were properly conducted, they would greatly advance the cause of
God in the spread of the truth and in the salvation of souls. We are
living amid the perils of the last days. Consecration to God can alone
fit any of us to act a part in the solemn and important closing work for
this time. There are but few wholly unselfish men to fill responsible
positions, few who have given themselves unreservedly to God to
hear His voice and study His glory. There are but few who would, if
required, give their lives to advance the cause of God. Yet it is just
such devotion as this that God claims.
Men are deceived in thinking they are serving God when they are
serving themselves and making the interest of the cause and work of
God a secondary matter. Their hearts are not consecrated. The Lord
takes no pleasure in the services of this class. From time to time, as
the cause has progressed, He has in His providence designated men to
fill positions at Battle Creek. These men could have filled important
positions if they had consecrated themselves to God and devoted their
energies to His work. These men of God’s selection needed the very
discipline that a devotion to His work would give them. He would
honor them by connecting them with Himself and giving them His
Holy Spirit to qualify them for the responsibilities they were called to
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bear. They could not gain that breadth of experience and knowledge
of the divine will unless they were in positions to bear burdens and
responsibilities.
None should be deceived in thinking that in connecting themselves
with the work of God in Battle Creek they will have less care, less hard
labor, and fewer trials. Satan is most active where the most is being
done to advance the truth and to save souls. He understands human
nature, and he will not let these men alone if there is any prospect of
their becoming more like Christ and more useful workers in the cause
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