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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
less self-control, less moral power, and less zeal and relish for religious
exercises; and, unless converted, you will finally yield your hold upon
God entirely. You have not made decided changes in your life when
reproof has come, because you have not seen and realized your defects
of character and the great contrast between your life and the life of
Christ. It has been your policy to place yourselves in a position where
you would not entirely lose the confidence of your brethren.
I was shown that the condition of the-----church is deplorable.
Your influence, Brother A B, and that of your wife, has resulted,
as you and all may see, in discord and strife, and will prove utter
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ruin to the church unless you either change your location or become
converted. You rust and corrode those connected with you. You have
sympathizers, because all do not see you as God sees. Their perception
is perverted by your multiplicity of words and fair speeches. This is a
sad, discouraging state of things.
I was shown that so far as talk is concerned, A B is qualified to lead
the meetings; but when moral fitness is weighed, he is found wanting.
His heart is not right with God. When others are placed in a leading
position, they have the opposing spirit of himself and his wife to meet.
This unsanctified spirit is not manifested openly, but works secretly
to hinder, perplex, and discourage those who are trying to do the very
best they can. God sees this, and it will in due time receive its just
reward. Rule or ruin is the policy of this brother, and his wife is now
in no better condition herself. Her senses are perverted. She is not
right with God.
Brother A B, a record of the sad history you are making is kept in
heaven. In heart you are at war with the testimonies of reproof. The E
family have been, and are still, deceived in you. Others are more or
less perplexed because you can talk well on present truth. Harmony
and unity do not exist in the church at-----. You have not received and
acted upon the light given you. Had you heeded the words of Solomon
you would not today be found standing in such a slippery path. He
says: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine
own understanding.” Entire submission to the will and ways of God,
united with deep distrust of your own wisdom, would have led you in
a safer path.
Your self-confidence has been very great. No sooner has a brother
been suggested to lead the meetings, or to take a position of trust