Chapter 43—The Relation of Church Membership
Every man who is striving to overcome will have his own weak-
nesses to contend with, but it is so much easier for persons to see the
faults of their brethren than to see their own that they should be much
more diligent and critical with themselves than with others.
All the members of the church, if they are sons and daughters of
God, will have to undergo a process of discipline before they can be
lights in the world. God will not make men and women channels of
light while they are in darkness and are content to remain so, making
no special efforts to connect with the Source of light. Those who feel
their own need, and arouse themselves to the deepest thought and the
most earnest, persevering prayer and action, will receive divine aid.
There is much for each to unlearn with respect to himself, as well as
much to learn. Old habits and customs must be shaken off, and it is
only by earnest struggles to correct these errors, and a full reception
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of the truth in carrying out its principles, by the grace of God, that the
victory can be gained.
I wish I could speak words which would impress us all that our
only hope as individuals is to connect with God. Purity of soul must
be obtained; and there is much heart searching to be done and much
obstinacy and self-love to be overcome, which will require constant,
earnest prayer.
Men who are harsh and censorious often excuse or try to jus-
tify their lack of Christian politeness because some of the Reformers
worked with such a spirit, and they claim that the work for this time
requires the same spirit; but this is not so. A spirit which is calm
and under perfect control is better in any place, even in the roughest
company. A furious zeal does no good to anyone. God did not select
the Reformers because they were overbearing, passionate men. He
accepted them as they were, notwithstanding these traits of character;
but He would have placed tenfold greater responsibilities upon them
had they been of humble mind, having their spirits under control of
reason. While ministers of Christ must denounce sin and ungodliness,
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