Chapter 61—Love of the World
Dear Brethren and Sisters at-----,
You are in a rich, beautiful country, where the bounties of God’s
providence have been scattered with a liberal hand; but unless they are
wisely improved, these very blessings will prove a curse. Some of you
are surfeited with the cares of this life, and some are becoming drunken
with the spirit of the world. Your position is one of danger. Especially
is this the case with the youth among you. Parents have not closely
connected with God so that they could labor intelligently, in His Spirit
and power, for the conversion of their children. Continual talk will
not convert them. Reproof and restraint are frequently necessary; but
these are often carried too far, especially when vital godliness is not
exemplified in the life of those who administer the reproof.
Our words and actions constitute the fruit we bear. A consecrated
life is a daily, living sermon. But inward piety and true devotion are
fast giving place to outward forms. Pure and undefiled religion is the
great need of the church at-----. They should make it an individual
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work to draw near to God. No one can be saved by proxy, but every
man and woman must work out their own salvation with fear and
trembling. Satan has much more power over some who profess the
truth than many realize. Self reigns in the heart, instead of Christ.
Self-will, self-interest, envy, and pride shut out the presence of God.
The love of God must pervade the soul, or the fruits of righteous-
ness will not appear. It is not safe to indulge in vanity and pride, or
love of power or gain. It is the worst phase of selfishness to fret and
censure and complain because you have the power to do this and those
whom you abuse in this way cannot prevent you. It is selfishness that
causes variance in the family circle and in the church. Unchristian
hearts will think they can discern great wrongs in others where none
exist and will dwell upon little matters until they appear greatly mag-
nified. The work of adjusting these little matters, which seem so large
to some, God has left for His followers themselves to do. Let not those
unhappy differences remain till they become a root of bitterness in the
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