Relation of Church Membership
445
religious exercises, in reflections and severe personal thrusts. Such
[489]
things should not be countenanced by ministers, elders, or people. The
services of the church should be carried forward with an eye single
to the glory of God. When men with their peculiar organizations are
brought together in church capacity, unless the truth of God softens
and subdues the sharp points in the character, the church will be
affected and its peace and harmony sacrificed to indulge these selfish,
unsanctified traits. Many, in their close watch to discover the faults
of their brethren, neglect the investigation of their own hearts and the
purification of their own lives. This brings the displeasure of God.
The individual members of the church should be jealous for their own
souls, critically watching their own actions, lest they should move from
selfish motives and be a cause of stumbling to their weak brethren.
God takes men as they are, with the human element in their char-
acter, and then trains them for His service if they will be disciplined
and learn of Him. The root of bitterness, envy, distrust, jealousy, and
even hatred, which exists in the hearts of some church members, is the
work of Satan. Such elements have a poisonous influence upon the
church. “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” The religious zeal
which is manifested in a raid upon brethren is a zeal not according to
knowledge. Christ has nothing to do with such testimony.
* * * * *