Basic HTML Version
Cause in Vermont
563
Self and selfish interest were paramount, he was full of faultfinding,
and suspicious that others did not appreciate him, but wished to
[639]
injure him. Brother E needs a thorough conversion. It is not enough
for men to profess the truth. They may acknowledge the whole truth,
and yet know nothing—have no experimental knowledge in their
daily life—of the sanctifying influence of the truth upon the heart
and life, or of the power of true godliness.
The truth is holy and powerful, and will effect a thorough ref-
ormation in the hearts and lives of those who are sanctified by it.
Brother E is capable of exerting an influence for good. If he subdues
self and humbles his heart before God he can become a true bearer
of the yoke of Christ. He can be a help instead of a hindrance to his
family and to others. He weakens the cause of God in Bordoville
because of the defects in his Christian character. If Brother E lives
according to the light he has received, he will work out his salvation
with fear and trembling, and, in so doing, will let a bright light
shine upon the pathway of others and will glorify God. The case of
Brother E represents that of others in the church who need the same
work of transformation in their hearts in order to be right.
Brother F can be more useful in his life than he now is or has
ever been. God has not called him especially to minister in word
and doctrine. He is not qualified for this position, yet he can do
errands for the Lord and be a help in the meetings. If he lives in
the light himself he can reflect light to others. He can be a blessing
to others; he can speak words of comfort and encouragement to
the desponding. But in order to do this, he should encourage a
more hopeful, cheerful spirit himself, refusing to look upon the dark
side or to talk unbelief. He should express cheerfulness, hope, and
courage in his words and even in the tones of his voice.
Sister G has infirmities, yet she does not make the best of her
case. She permits the enemy to control her mind and increase her
[640]
difficulties by an unsubmissive spirit. She suffers from bodily in-
firmities and should have sympathy; but restlessness, peevishness,
complaints, murmuring, and useless regrets do not alleviate her suf-
ferings or bring happiness to her, but only aggravate the difficulty.
The world is full of dissatisfied spirits who overlook the happi-
ness and blessings within their reach, and are continually seeking
for happiness and satisfaction that they do not realize. They are