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Testimonies for the Church Volume 6
world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the
world is the enemy of God.”
James 4:4
.
To lower the standard in order to secure popularity and an increase
of numbers, and then to make this increase a cause of rejoicing, shows
great blindness. If numbers were an evidence of success, Satan might
claim the pre-eminence; for in this world his followers are largely
in the majority. It is the degree of moral power pervading a school
that is a test of its prosperity. It is the virtue, intelligence, and piety
of the people composing our schools, not their numbers, that should
be a source of joy and thankfulness. Then shall our schools become
converted to the world and follow its customs and fashions? “I beseech
you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye ... be not
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conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of
your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God.”
Romans 12:1, 2
.
Men will employ every means to make less prominent the differ-
ence between Seventh-day Adventists and observers of the first day
of the week. A company was presented before me under the name of
Seventh-day Adventists, who were advising that the banner, or sign,
which makes us a distinct people should not be held out so strikingly;
for they claimed that this was not the best policy in order to secure
success to our institutions. But this is not a time to haul down our
colors, to be ashamed of our faith. This distinctive banner, described
in the words, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that
keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” is to be borne
through the world to the close of probation. While efforts should be
increased to advance in different localities, there must be no cloaking
of our faith to secure patronage. Truth must come to souls ready to
perish; and if it is in any way hidden, God is dishonored, and the blood
of souls will be upon our garments.
Just as long as those in connection with our institutions walk
humbly with God, heavenly intelligences will co-operate with them;
but let all bear in mind the fact that God has said: “Them that honor
Me I will honor.”
1 Samuel 2:30
. Never for one moment should the
impression be given to anyone that it would be for his profit to hide his
faith and doctrines from the unbelieving people of the world, fearing
that he may not be so highly esteemed if his principles are known.
Christ requires from all His followers open, manly confession of faith.