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Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
You are unacquainted with yourselves. Some possess selfishness,
which leads to the narrowing up of their influence and efforts. There
is more joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth than over ninety
and nine just persons who need no repentance. Had the church
been prepared to appreciate the work the Lord was doing among
them, they would since that ingathering have been growing stronger
and stronger. But instead of all throwing their whole soul into the
work, and feeling a special, sincere interest to do all in their power
to follow up the work after we left it, they acted very much as if
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the work did not specially concern them, and as though they were
only spectators, ready to distrust and find fault wherever there was
opportunity.
I was shown the case of Brother B. He feels unhappy. He is
dissatisfied with his brethren. His mind has been exercised for some
time that it was his duty to carry the message. He has the ability, and,
as far as his knowledge of the truth is concerned, he is capable; but
he lacks culture. He has not learned to control himself. It requires
great wisdom to deal with minds, and he is not qualified for this
work. He understands the theory, but has not educated himself in
forbearance, patience, gentleness, kindness, and true courteousness.
If anything arises which does not meet his mind, he does not stop
to consider whether it is wisdom to take notice of it, or to let it pass
until it shall be fully considered. He braces himself at once for battle.
He is harsh, severe, denunciatory, and if things do not meet his mind,
he raises disturbance at once.
He possesses in his organization the elements of war rather than
of sweet peace and harmony. He has not wisdom to give to all their
portion of meat in due season. “And of some have compassion,
making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of
the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Brother B has
but little knowledge of making this difference. He is rough in his
manners, and indiscreet in his dealing with souls. This disqualifies
him for making a wise, careful shepherd. A shepherd must have
noble generosity, courage, fortitude, love, and tenderness combined.
Brother B will be in danger of tearing down more than he can
build up. He has not brought all his powers in subjection to the will
of God. He has not been transformed by the renewing of his mind.
He is self-sufficient, and does not rely wholly upon the grace of God;