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Address to Ministers
451
attendants, the evil angels. What marvel that such are in darkness, or
that they have doubts of doctrine? “If any man will do His will, he
shall know of the doctrine.” He shall know of a certainty in regard to
this matter. This promise should put to flight all doubts and question-
ings. It is separation from Christ that brings doubts. He is followed
by the earnest, honest, true, faithful, humble, meek, and pure, whom
holy angels, clothed with the panoply of heaven, are sanctifying,
enlightening, purifying, and guarding; for they are heaven bound.
No greater evidence need be asked that a person is at a great
distance from Jesus, and living in neglect of secret prayer, neglecting
personal piety, than the fact that he thus talks doubts and unbelief
because his surroundings are not favorable. Such persons have not
the pure, true, undefiled religion of Christ. They have a spurious
article which the refining process will utterly consume as dross. As
soon as God proves them, and tests their faith, they waver, they stand
feebly, swaying first one way, then the other. They have not the
genuine article that Paul possessed, that could glory in tribulation
because “tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience;
and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the
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love of God is shed abroad in our hearts.” They have a religion of
circumstance. If all around them are strong in faith and courage in
the ultimate success of the third angel’s message, and no special
influence is brought to bear against them, they then appear to have
some faith. But as soon as adversity seems to come upon the cause,
and the work drags heavily, and the help of everyone is needed,
these poor souls, though they may be professed ministers of the
gospel, expect everything to come to nought. These hinder instead
of helping.
If apostasy arises, and rebellion is manifested, you do not hear
them say, in words of encouragement and lofty cheer: Brethren,
faint not; be of good courage. “Nevertheless the foundation of God
standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are
His.” Men who are thus affected by circumstances should remain
at their homes and employ their physical and mental strength in a
less responsible position where they will not be liable to meet such
strong opposition. If everything moves smoothly, they may pass for
very good, devotional men. But these are not the ones whom the
Master will send to do His work, for this is opposed by those who