Chapter 51—Warnings and Admonitions
November 23, 1879, some things were shown me in reference to
the institutions among us and the duties and dangers of those who
occupy a leading position in connection with them. I saw that these
men have been raised up to do a special work as God’s instruments, to
be led, guided, and controlled by His Spirit. They are to answer the
[538]
claims of God and never to feel that they are their own property and
that they can employ their powers as they shall deem most profitable
to themselves. Although it is their purpose to be and to do right, yet
they will most surely err unless they are constant learners in the school
of Christ. Their only safety is in humbly walking with God.
Dangers beset every path, and he who comes off conqueror will
indeed have a triumphant song to sing in the city of God. Some have
strong traits of character that will need to be constantly repressed.
If kept under the control of the Spirit of God, these traits will be a
blessing; but if not, they will prove a curse. If those who are now
riding upon the wave of popularity do not become giddy, it will be a
miracle of mercy. If they lean to their own wisdom, as so many thus
situated have done, their wisdom will prove to be foolishness. But
while they shall give themselves unselfishly to the work of God, never
swerving in the least from principle, the Lord will throw about them
the everlasting arm and will prove to them a mighty helper. “Them
that honor Me, I will honor.”
This is a dangerous age for any man who has talents which can
be of value in the work of God; for Satan is constantly plying his
temptations upon such a person, ever trying to fill him with pride and
ambition; and when God would use him, it is too often the case that he
becomes independent and self-sufficient, and feels capable of standing
alone. This will be your danger, brethren, unless you live a life of
constant faith and prayer. You may have a deep and abiding sense of
eternal things and that love for humanity which Christ has shown in
His life. A close connection with heaven will give the right tone to
your fidelity and will be the ground of your success. Your feeling of
492