Chapter 39—Slackness Reproved
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See Appendix.
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Dear Brethren and Sisters,
The Lord has again visited me in mercy, in a time of bereavement
and great affliction. December 23, 1860, I was taken off in vision, and
was shown the wrongs of individuals which have affected the cause. I
dare not withhold the testimony from the church to spare the feelings
of individuals.
I was shown the low state of God’s people; that God had not
departed from them, but that they had departed from Him, and had
become lukewarm. They possess the theory of the truth, but lack
its saving power. As we near the close of time, Satan comes down
with great power, knowing that his time is short. Especially will his
power be exercised upon the remnant. He will war against them, and
seek to divide and scatter them, that they may grow weak and be
overthrown. The people of God should move understandingly, and
should be united in their efforts. They should be of the same mind, of
the same judgment; then their efforts will not be scattered, but will tell
forcibly in the upbuilding of the cause of present truth. Order must be
observed, and there must be union in maintaining order, or Satan will
take the advantage.
I saw that the enemy would come in every way possible to dis-
hearten the people of God and perplex and trouble them, and that they
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should move understandingly, and prepare themselves for the attacks
of Satan. Matters pertaining to the church should not be left in an
unsettled condition. Steps should be taken to secure church property
for the cause of God, that the work may not be retarded in its progress,
and that the means which persons wish to dedicate to God’s cause may
not slip into the enemy’s ranks. I saw that God’s people should act
wisely, and leave nothing undone on their part to place the business
of the church in a secure state. Then after all is done that they can do,
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