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Reasonable Service, February 15
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,
and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without
partiality, and without hypocrisy.
James 3:16, 17
.
There is one thing upon which I am settled. It is not the duty of the Lord’s
children to remain in an objectionable climate, and be continually failing in
health. Many of our brethren have done this and have lost their lives. When
in a place where the atmosphere is filled with friction, when the work of a
laborer is made exceeding hard by those who are continually counterworking
his efforts and scheming to obtain advantage, then let the laborer go to some
place where the atmosphere is more healthful spiritually, and where he can
have more hope of success....
We must remember that in every place in which we work on the Lord’s
side, we counterwork the efforts of Satanic agencies. You have passed through
trials; and you will have trials to meet to a greater or less degree, wherever
you may be. Satan will watch every weak point of character, and will strive
for the mastery; but we cannot afford to lose our chance of gaining a victory
for the Lord’s side. Constantly we encounter foes, and unless we are on guard,
we shall lose precious opportunities of obtaining victories....
The troubles of this present time are diversified in form, but Christ has
passed over the ground, and we need not be in uncertainty. He has invited us,
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my
burden is light” (
Matthew 11:28-30
). The promise is, “I will be with him in
trouble” (
Psalm 91:15
).
O what a fortress and high tower He is for us. I have been passing through
great sorrow because some among those who ...have evidence that the Lord
has used the feeble agent to express great and everlasting truths, are turning
from the living wells to hew out and drink at broken fountains. My soul is in
agony night after night. I can sleep but a few hours; for the thought of those
who are in false paths afflicts my soul.—
Letter 80, February 15, 1906
, to F.
M. Wilcox, manager of the Boulder, Colorado, Sanitarium and later editor of
the
Review and Herald
.
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