Basic HTML Version
550
Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
of this spirit that has taken hold of its ministers. You are blinded
and do not see how peculiarly offensive to God these things are. If
you have decided to go in and get all of the world you can, do so;
but do not do it under cover of preaching Christ. Your time is either
devoted to the cause of God or it is not. Your own interest has been
paramount. The time that you should devote to the cause of God is
devoted too much to your own personal concerns, and you receive,
from the treasury of God, means that you do not earn. You are
willing to receive means from those who are not as comfortable as
yourself. You do not look on their side and have bowels of sympathy
and compassion. You do not closely investigate to see whether those
who help you can afford to do so. Frequently it would be more in
place for you to help those from whom you receive help. You need
to be a transformed man before the work of God can prosper in your
hands. Your home and farm cares have occupied your mind. You
have not given yourself to the work. As an excuse for being so much
at home, you have said that your children needed your presence
and care, and that you must be with them in order to carry out the
light given you in vision. But, Brother B, have you done this? You
excuse yourself by saying that your children are now beyond your
control, too old for you to command. In this you mistake. None of
your children are too old to respect your authority and obey your
commands while they have the shelter of your roof. How old were
[624]
Eli’s sons? They were married men; and Eli, as a father and a priest
of God, was required to restrain them.
But allowing that the two eldest are now beyond your control,
they were not when God sent you the light that you were indulging
them to their ruin; that you should discipline them. But you have
three younger children who are walking in the way of sinners, dis-
obedient, unthankful, unholy, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of
God. Your youngest son is following in the footsteps of his brother.
What course are you pursuing toward him? Do you train him to
habits of industry and usefulness? Are you taking up your fearfully
neglected work and redeeming the past? Do you tremble at the word
of God?
Your neglect at home is wonderful in one that has God’s written
word and also testimonies borne especially to you, showing your
neglect. Your boy does as he pleases. You do not restrain him. You