Worldliness in the Church
167
with all perseverance.” They feel that souls are in peril, and with
earnest, humble faith they plead the promises of God in their behalf.
The ransom paid by Christ—the atonement on the cross—is ever
before them. They will have souls as seals of their ministry.
The rebuke of the Lord is upon His people for their pride and
unbelief. He will not restore unto them the joys of His salvation while
they are departing from the instructions of His word and His Spirit.
He will give grace to those who fear Him and walk in the truth, and He
will withdraw His blessing from all that assimilate to the world. Mercy
and truth are promised to the humble and penitent, and judgments are
denounced against the rebellious.
The church at Battle Creek might have stood free from idolatry,
and her faithfulness would have been an example to other churches.
But she is more willing to depart from God’s commandments than to
renounce the friendship of the world. She is joined to the idols which
she has chosen; and because temporal prosperity and the favor of a
wicked world are hers, she believes herself to be rich toward God. This
[191]
will prove to many a fatal delusion. Her divine character and spiritual
strength have departed from her.
I counsel this church to give heed to the Saviour’s admonition:
“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do
the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove
thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”
* * * * *