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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
terrible burden and discouragement, instead of the help and blessing
that they should have been. These men who have been trusted to keep
the fort have well-nigh betrayed it into the hands of the enemy. They
have opened the gates to a wily foe, who has sought to destroy them.
Men of experience have seen stealthy hands slipping the bolts
that Satan might enter; yet they have held their peace with apparent
indifference as to the results. Some have been glad to see this, as it
seemed an extenuation of their past neglect, which made it a neces-
sity to call for others to fill the posts of responsibility that they had
abused or neglected. This lack of watchfulness on the part of these
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newer incumbents seemed to excuse the former for their own want
of faithfulness, as it showed that others were fully as derelict in duty.
These persons do not realize that God holds them responsible for every
advantage gained by the foe who is admitted to the fort. The desolation
and ruin following lie at the door of the unfaithful sentinels, who, by
their neglect, become agents in the hands of the adversary to win souls
to destruction. Men in responsible positions should seek wisdom and
guidance of God, and not trust to their own judgment and knowledge.
Like Solomon they should earnestly pray for faith and light, and God
will give them freely of His abundant supply.
God would have His work done intelligently, not in a haphazard
manner. He would have it done with faith and careful exactness, that
He may place the sign of His approval upon it. Those who love Him,
and walk with fear and humility before Him, He will bless and guide
and connect with heaven. If the workers rely upon Him, He will give
them wisdom and correct their infirmities, so that they will be able to
do the work of the Lord with perfection.
We must put on the armor and be prepared to successfully resist all
the attacks of Satan. His malignity and cruel power are not sufficiently
estimated. When he finds himself foiled upon one point he takes new
ground and fresh tactics, and tries again, working wonders in order to
deceive and destroy the children of men. The youth should be carefully
warned against his power and patiently and prayerfully directed how
to endure the trials sure to come upon them in this life. They should
be led to cling to the word of God and give attention to counsel and
advice.
Living faith in the merits of a crucified Redeemer will carry them
through the fiery furnace of affliction and trial. The form of the Fourth