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Chapter 30—Warnings to the Church
Dear Brethren In-----,
You are not standing in the light, as God would have you. I was
pointed back to the ingathering of souls at-----last spring, and was
shown that your minds were not prepared for that work. You did
not expect or believe that such a work would then be accomplished
among you. But the work was carried on, notwithstanding your
unbelief, and without the co-operation of many among you.
When you had such evidences that God was waiting to be gra-
cious to His people, that mercy’s voice was inviting sinners and
backsliders to the cross of Christ, why did you not unite with those
who had the burden of the work upon them? Why did you not come
up to the help of the Lord? Some of you seemed benumbed, stu-
pefied, and amazed, and were unprepared to participate fully in the
work. Many assented to it, but their hearts were not in it. This was a
great evidence of the lukewarm condition of the church.
Your worldliness does not incline you to throw wide open the
door of your hard hearts at the knock of Jesus, who is seeking an
entrance there. The Lord of glory, who has redeemed you by His
own blood, waited at your doors for admittance; but you did not
throw them open wide and welcome Him in. Some opened the door
slightly and permitted a little light from His presence to enter, but
did not welcome the heavenly Visitor. There was not room for Jesus.
The place which should have been reserved for Him was occupied
with other things. Jesus entreated you: “If any man hear My voice,
and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him,
and he with Me.” There was a work for you to do to open the door.
For a time you felt inclined to hear and open the door; but even
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this inclination departed, and you failed to secure the communion
with the heavenly Guest which it was your privilege to have. Some,
however, opened the door and heartily welcomed their Saviour.
Jesus will not force open the door. You must open it yourselves
and show that you desire His presence by giving Him a sincere
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