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the law and the testimony; then, if hearts are teachable, there will be
no divisions among us. Some are inclined to be disorderly, and are
drifting away from the great landmarks of the faith; but God is moving
upon His ministers to be one in doctrine and in spirit.
It is necessary that our unity today be of a character that will bear
the test of trial.... We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to
unlearn. God and Heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that
they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion
to change an opinion, will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our
own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have
the unity for which Christ prayed.
When a brother receives new light upon the Scriptures, he should
frankly explain his position, and every minister should search the
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Scriptures with the spirit of candor to see if the points presented can be
substantiated by the inspired word. “The servant of the Lord must not
strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness
instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will
give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.”
2 Timothy
2:24, 25
.
What Hath God Wrought!
In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of
advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what
God has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence
in Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the future, except as
we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our
past history.
We are now a strong people, if we will put our trust in the Lord;
for we are handling the mighty truths of the word of God. We have
everything to be thankful for. If we walk in the light as it shines upon
us from the living oracles of God, we shall have large responsibilities,
corresponding to the great light given us of God. We have many duties
to perform, because we have been made the depositaries of sacred
truth to be given to the world in all its beauty and glory. We are debtors
to God to use every advantage He has entrusted to us to beautify the
truth by holiness of character, and to send the messages of warning,