44
Christian Service
of advance that Satan may make among us.—
The Review and Herald,
January 24, 1893
.
There are moral icebergs in our churches. There are plenty of
formalists who can make an imposing display, but cannot shine as
lights in the world.—
The Review and Herald, March 24, 1891
.
Narrowed by Selfishness
The reason why God’s people are not more spiritual minded, and
have no more faith, I have been shown, is because they are narrowed
up with selfishness.... It is not the abundance of your meetings that
God accepts. It is not the numerous prayers, but the right-doing, doing
the right thing, and at the right time.—
Testimonies for the Church
2:36
.
Covetousness
Yet some refused to be converted. They were not willing to walk in
God’s way, and when, in order that the work of God might be advanced,
calls were made for freewill offerings, some clung selfishly to their
earthly possessions. These covetous ones became separated from the
company of believers.—
Testimonies for the Church 9:126
.
[41]
Not One in Twenty Prepared
It is a solemn statement that I make to the church, that not one
in twenty whose names are registered upon the church books are
prepared to close their earthly history, and would be as verily without
God and without hope in the world as the common sinner. They are
professedly serving God, but they are more earnestly serving mammon.
This half-and-half work is a constant denying of Christ, rather than a
confessing of Christ. So many have brought into the church their own
unsubdued spirit, unrefined; their spiritual taste is perverted by their
own immoral, debasing corruptions, symbolizing the world in spirit,
in heart, in purpose, confirming themselves in lustful practices, and
are full of deception through and through in their professed Christian
life. Living as sinners, claiming to be Christians! Those who claim
to be Christians and will confess Christ should come out from among
them and touch not the unclean thing, and be separate....