Basic HTML Version
562
Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
and practiced close discipline of self, and they have gained precious
victories. Those who consider their own interest primary, live for
self. Their character in the sight of God is as worthless dross.
Brother D has had more than one man should do in working for
the interest of the church in his place. If he absented himself for a
short time to labor for others, heavier and greater burdens were all
ready to be laid upon him when he returned home. He has permitted
them to rest upon his shoulders, and has bowed groaning under the
load. The Brethren D have been in danger of being too exacting and
[638]
of presenting their own lives and example as a criterion. Self has not
been lost sight of in Christ. These brethren should say little about
self, but exalt Christ. They should hide behind Jesus and let Him
alone appear as the perfect pattern which all should seek to copy.
Where were the men to be depended upon in times of trial
and danger? Where were the God-fearing men to rally around the
standard when the foe was seeking an advantage? Some who should
have been at their post were unfaithful when their help was most
needed. Their course showed that they had no special interest in
the advancement of the work and cause of God. Some thought that
too much was expected of them; and, instead of cheerfully moving
forward to do what they could, they sat down in Satan’s easy chair
and refused to do anything.
Some were ever jealous. Brother E was of this class. He has a
peculiar stubbornness in his organization that leads him to persist
in a wrong course because he thinks it would gratify his brethren
for him to change and take an opposite course. At times, when he
feels just like it, he is ready to do anything in his power to advance
the cause of God. But he loves so well to have his own way that he
will let the precious cause of God suffer rather than give up his will
and his way. Brother E is not a man who can be depended upon.
He is subject to the temptations of Satan and is frequently under his
control. He has a selfish, unsubdued heart. He is fitful, impulsive,
now hating, then loving. At times he is kind, at other times jealous,
envious, and very selfish. He cannot perfect Christian character until
he resists temptation, subdues his own stubborn will, and cherishes a
spirit of humility, a willingness to see and confess his errors. He has
been, at times, true and earnest. Then a wave would carry him in an
opposite direction, and he would cherish jealousy, envy, and distrust.