Chapter 10—Warnings and Reproofs
There is an element in the church at-----that is detrimental to its
spiritual interests. There is a great want of vital godliness, of ex-
perimental religion. I call no names. Let each search his own heart
and understand his own imperfections. There are some who are ever
leaning toward the world, ever lowering the standard of religion by
their worldly conversation. They have not the love of God in their
hearts. They are weak-handed when real help is needed in the church.
This spiritual weakness is the result of their own unwillingness to bear
burdens when and where they can help the most. When, however,
there is any plan or device of their own to carry out, they are willing
to assume any responsibility; to have their own way is their purpose.
If that were a sanctified way, it would not be so bad; but it is not.
There is great need of zealous, disinterested workers in God’s
cause. One Christ-loving, devoted member will do more good in a
church than one hundred half-converted, unsanctified, self-sufficient
workers. It is impossible for the church to be a living, active church
unless its members shall be willing to bear burdens and assume re-
sponsibilities. In church relationship are brought together different
temperaments and dispositions. In the-----church there are a few
devoted, God-fearing, faithful souls who pray much, who carry the
burden of the church, and whose happiness is in the prosperity of its
members. Here, as elsewhere, Satan is constantly at work to drag
down and demoralize. It is the business of the adversary of souls to
weaken and destroy every organization which, if prospered, would
glorify God.
Young men have received the truth and run well for a season, but
Satan has woven his meshes about them in unwise attachments and
poor marriages. This he saw would be the most successful way he
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could allure them from the path of holiness. For a while some of these
youth bore the gospel armor with dignity and grace. Just as long as
the heart and mind were in subjection to the divine will, there was
prosperity; but when the eye was diverted from Jesus and attracted to
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