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Spiritual Gifts, Volume 4b
I saw that the companions of the messengers should help their
husbands in their labors, and be exact and careful what influence they
exert; for they are watched, and more is expected of them than others.
Their dress should be an example. Their lives and conversation should
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be an example, and savor of life, rather than death. I saw that they
should take an humble, meek, yet exalted, stand, and not have their
talk upon things that do not tend to direct their minds heavenward.
The great inquiry should be, “How can I save my own soul, and be the
means of saving others?” I saw that there was no half-hearted work in
this matter, accepted of God. He wants the whole heart and interest,
or he will have none. Their influence tells, decidedly, unmistakably,
in favor of the truth, or against it. They gather with Jesus, or scatter
abroad. An unsanctified companion is the greatest curse a messenger
can have. Those servants of God that have been, and are still so
unhappily situated as to have this withering influence at home, should
double their prayers, their watchfulness, and take a decided, firm stand,
and let not this darkness press them down. They should cleave closer
to God, be firm and decided, rule well their own house, and live so that
they can have the approbation of God, and the watch-care of the angels.
But if they yield to the wishes of their unconsecrated companions, the
frown of God is brought upon the dwelling. The ark of God cannot
abide in the house, because they countenance and uphold them in
their wrongs. Our God is a jealous God. It is fearful to trifle with
him. Anciently, Achan coveted a golden wedge, and a Babylonish
garment, and secreted them, and all Israel suffered. They were driven
before their enemies. And when Joshua inquired the cause, the Lord
said, “Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against the
morrow; for thus saith the Lord God of Israel, There is an accursed
thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine
enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.”
Achan had sinned, and God destroyed him, and all his household, with
all they possessed, and wiped the curse from Israel.
I saw that the Israel of God must arise, renew their strength in
God by renewing and keeping their covenant with him. Covetousness,
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selfishness, love of money, and love of the world, are all through the
ranks of Sabbath-keepers. These evils are drying up the sacrifice of
God’s people. Those that have this covetousness in their hearts are not
aware of it. It has gained upon them imperceptibly. And unless it is