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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
often deceiving, emotions are no sure safeguard; for they are variable
and subject to external circumstances. Many are deluded by relying on
sensational impressions. The test is: What are you doing for Christ?
What sacrifices are you making? What victories are you gaining? A
selfish spirit overcome, a temptation to neglect duty resisted, passion
subdued, and willing, cheerful obedience rendered to the will of Christ
are far greater evidences that you are a child of God than spasmodic
piety and emotional religion.
Both of you have been averse to reproof; it has ever awakened
disaffection and murmuring in your hearts against your best Friend,
who has ever sought to do you good, and whom you have every reason
to respect. You have separated yourselves from Him and have vexed
the Spirit of God by rising up against the words He has given His
servants to speak in regard to your course. You have not listened to
these admonitions, and have thus rejected the Spirit of God and turned
it from your hearts, and have become careless and indifferent in your
deportment.
Brother A, you should have gained a valuable experience during
the many years that you have been blessed with the great light God
has permitted to shine upon your pathway. I heard a voice saying
in reference to you: “It is an unfruitful tree; why should its fruitless
branches shadow the space that a fruitful tree might occupy? Cut it
down; for why cumbereth it the ground?” Then I heard the pleading
tones of Mercy’s sweet voice, saying: “Spare it a little longer. I will
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dig about its roots; I will prune it. Give it one more trial; if it fails to
be fruitful then, you may cut it down.” So a little longer probation is
granted the unproductive tree, a little longer time for the barren life
to blossom and bear fruit. Will the opportunity given be improved?
Will the warnings of God’s Spirit be heeded? The words of Jesus
in regard to Jerusalem after she had slighted the salvation graciously
offered by her Redeemer are also, in substance, spoken unto you: “O
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, ... how often would I have gathered thy children
together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye
would not!” Christ pleaded, He invited; but His love was unrequited
by the people He came to save. You have done no better in your
day than did the poor, self-deceived and blinded Jews in theirs. You
might have improved your blessed privileges and opportunities, and
perfected Christian character; but your heart has been rebellious, and