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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
in point of means. They have been pleased with his preaching talent,
and some have been so indiscreet as to extol him and show a decided
preference for him above other preaching brethren whose influence
would tell for the advancement of the cause anywhere. This has hurt
him. He had not sufficient humility or enough of the grace of God to
stand against the flattery of his brethren. May God help these brethren
to feel over their mistake and never again to be guilty of injuring a
young minister by flattery.
All who desire to draw away from God’s remnant people in order
to follow their own corrupt hearts would throw themselves willingly
into Satan’s hands, and should have the privilege. There are others
among us who are in danger. They have an exalted opinion of their
own ability, while their influence in many respects has been but little
better than that of Elder Hull. Unless they thoroughly reform, the
cause would be better off without them. Unsanctified ministers injure
the cause and are a heavy tax upon their brethren. They need someone
to follow after them to correct their mistakes and to straighten up and
strengthen those who have been weakened and torn down through
their influence. They are jealous of those who have borne burdens in
the work, those who would sacrifice even their lives if necessary to
advance the cause of truth. They judge their brethren to have no higher
motives than they have had. Doing much for ministers who are thus
subject to Satan’s temptations injures them and is a waste of means.
It gives them influence, and thus places them where they can wound
their brethren and the cause of God most deeply.
[440]
I have been shown that the doubts expressed in regard to the truth-
fulness of our position and the inspiration of the word of God are
not caused as many suppose them to be. These difficulties are not so
much with the Bible or with the evidences of our faith as with their
own hearts. The requirements of God’s word are too close for their
unsanctified natures. “The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is
not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” If the feelings of
the natural heart are not restrained and brought into subjection by the
sanctifying influence of the grace of God received through the channel
of faith, the thoughts of the heart are not pure and holy. The conditions
of salvation brought to view in the word of God are reasonable, plain,
and positive, being nothing less than perfect conformity to the will of
God and purity of heart and life. We must crucify self with the lusts