Chapter 45—A Dishonest Steward
I was shown that the Spirit of God has had less and less influence
upon F, until he has no strength from God to overcome. Self and
self-interest have been prominent with him for some length of time.
Pride of heart, a set, unsubdued will, and an unwillingness to confess
and yield his wrongs, have brought him to the dreadful position he is
in. Long has the cause been injured by his injudicious course.
He has been exacting, which has encouraged a spirit of faultfinding
in the church. He has been severe where it was uncalled for, and has
lorded it over those upon whom he dared to exercise authority. His
prayers and exhortations have led the brethren to think that he was
a devoted Christian, which has prepared them to be affected by his
wrong course. He has been notional, and his oddities have had a bad
influence upon the minds of many. Some have been so weak as to
imitate his example. I saw that he had done far greater injury than
good to the cause.
Had he received the instruction given of God, and been corrected,
he would have obtained the victory over these strong habits and beset-
ments. But I saw that he had so long let these habits control him that
the strong foe has bound him. His deal has not been correct. Dishon-
esty has been gaining upon him, and he has taken from the treasury
means that he had no right to, and has used it to his own advantage. He
has considered that he had better judgment in disposing of means than
his brethren. When means was placed in his hands to be applied, and
the giver named the individuals who were to receive it, he has acted
from impulse, taken the liberty to apply it to suit himself, instead of
carrying out the wishes of the giver, and has used what portion of it
he saw fit for his own benefit. God has frowned upon these things.
A dishonest course has been gaining upon him. He has considered
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that he was the Lord’s steward, and could apply the means, even of
another, as he saw fit. Every man is to be his own steward.
He has rejected the counsel and advice of his brethren, gone on
in his own strength, followed his own will, and has rejected every
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