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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
The responsibility of the watchmen of today is as much greater
than in the days of the prophet as our light is clearer and our privileges
and opportunities greater than theirs. It is the minister’s duty to warn
every man, to teach every man, in all meekness and wisdom. He is not
to conform to the practices of the world, but, as God’s servant, he must
contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Satan is constantly at
work to break down the strongholds which debar him from free access
to souls; and, while our ministers are no more spiritually minded, while
they do not connect closely with God, the enemy has great advantage,
and the Lord holds the watchman accountable for his success.
I would, at this time, sound the note of warning to those who
shall assemble at our camp meeting. The end of all things is at hand.
My brethren, ministers and laymen, I have been shown you must
work in a different manner from what you have been in the habit of
working. Pride, envy, self-importance, and unsanctified independence
have marred your labors. When men permit themselves to be flattered
and exalted by Satan, the Lord can do little for them or through them.
To what unmeasured humiliation did the Son of man descend, that He
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might elevate humanity! Workers for God, not the ministers only, but
the people, need the meekness and lowliness of Christ if they would
benefit their fellow men. As God, our Saviour humbled Himself when
He took upon Him man’s nature. But He went lower still. As a man,
He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death
of the cross.” Would that I could find language wherewith to present
these thoughts before you. Would that the veil could be rent away
and you could see the cause of your spiritual weakness. Would that
you could conceive of the rich supplies of grace and power awaiting
your demand. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will
be filled. We must exercise greater faith in calling upon God for all
needed blessings. We must strive, agonize, to enter in at the strait gate.
Says Christ: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden,
and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for
I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” I
testify to you, my dear brethren, ministers, and people, you have not
yet learned this lesson. Christ endured shame and agony and death for
us. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Bear
reproach and abuse without retaliation, without a spirit of revenge.
Jesus died, not only to make atonement for us, but to be our pattern.