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Testimonies for the Church Volume 1
in danger of getting above the work and losing humbleness of mind
and the simplicity which has hitherto characterized the work.
Satan had a special object in striking down one at the head of the
work who had a thorough experience in the rise and progress of present
truth. He designed to get him out of the way, that he himself might
come in and imperceptibly affect minds that were not experienced and
thoroughly consecrated to the work. God designed to raise my husband
to health after others had become acquainted with the burdens he had
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borne and had felt some of the weariness attending these burdens. At
the same time they will never throw their whole soul, all the energies
of mind and body, into the work and venture what he has ventured.
It would never be their duty to do as he has done, for they could not
stand at their post should they pass through a twentieth part of what
he has endured.
Satan designs to obtain a foothold in that office, and unless there
is a united effort and thorough watchfulness, he will accomplish his
object. Some will get above the simplicity of the work and will feel
that they are sufficient when their strength is perfect weakness. God
will be glorified in this great work. And unless they cherish deep and
constant humility and a firm trust in God, they will trust in self, indulge
self-sufficiency, and one or more will drink the bitter cup of affliction.
As the work increases, there is greater necessity for thorough trust
in God and dependence upon Him and a thorough interest in, and
devotion to, the work. Selfish interests should be laid aside. There
should be much prayer, much meditation, for this is highly necessary
for the success and prosperity of the work. A spirit of traffic should
not be allowed in anyone who is connected with the office. If it is
permitted, the work will be neglected and marred. Common things
will be placed too much upon a level with sacred things.
There is great danger that some connected with the work will labor
merely for wages. They manifest no special interest in the work, their
heart is not in it, and they have no special sense of its sacred, exalted
character. There is also special danger that those at the head of the
work will become lifted up, exalted, and that the work of God will
thus be marred, bearing the impress of the human instead of the divine.
Satan is wide awake and persevering, yet Jesus lives, and all who make
Him their righteousness, their defense, will be especially sustained.
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