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Chapter 59—An Appeal to the Church
October 2, 1868, I was shown the state of God’s professed people.
Many of them were in great darkness, yet seemed to be insensible of
their true condition. The sensibilities of a large number seemed to be
benumbed in regard to spiritual and eternal things, while their minds
seemed all awake to their worldly interests. Many were cherishing
idols in their hearts and were practicing iniquity which separated
them from God and caused them to be bodies of darkness. I saw but
few who stood in the light, having discernment and spirituality to
discover these stumbling blocks and remove them out of the way.
Men who stand in very responsible positions at the heart of the work
are asleep. Satan has paralyzed them in order that his plans and
devices may not be discerned, while he is active to ensnare, deceive,
and destroy.
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Some who occupy the position of watchmen to warn the people
of danger have given up their watch and recline at ease. They are
unfaithful sentinels. They remain inactive, while their wily foe
enters the fort and works successfully by their side to tear down
what God has commanded to be built up. They see that Satan is
deceiving the inexperienced and unsuspecting; yet they take it all
quietly, as though they had no special interest, as though these things
did not concern them. They apprehend no special danger; they see
no cause to raise an alarm. To them everything seems to be going
well, and they see no necessity of raising the faithful, trumpet notes
of warning which they hear borne by the plain testimonies, to show
the people their transgressions and the house of Israel their sins.
These reproofs and warnings disturb the quiet of these sleepy, ease-
loving sentinels, and they are not pleased. They say in heart, if not
in words: “This is all uncalled for. It is too severe, too harsh. These
men are unnecessarily disturbed and excited, and seem unwilling
to give us any rest or quietude ‘Ye take too much upon you, seeing
all the congregation are holy, every one of them.’ They are not
willing that we should have any comfort, peace, or happiness. It is
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