Chapter 26—The Work of the Gospel Minister
There are many things that need to be corrected in the Upper
Columbia and North Pacific Conferences. [
These were local confer-
ences in what is now the North Pacific Union Conference.—Trustees
of Ellen G. White.
] The Creator expected the brethren there to bear
fruit according to the light and privileges bestowed upon them, but in
this He has been disappointed. He has given them every advantage;
but they have not improved in meekness, godliness, benevolence. They
have not pursued that course of life, have not revealed that character
nor exercised that influence, which would tend most to honor their
Creator, ennoble themselves, and make them a blessing to their fellow
men. Selfishness exists in their hearts. They love to have their own
way and seek their own ease, honor, and wealth, and their own pleasure
in its grosser or more refined forms. If we pursue the course of the
world and follow the bent of our own minds, will that work for our
best good? Does not God, who formed man, look for something better
from us?
“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” Christians
must be like Christ. They should have the same spirit, exert the same
influence, and have the same moral excellence that He possessed. The
idolatrous and corrupt in heart must repent and turn to God. Those
who are proud and self-righteous must abase self and become penitent
and meek and lowly in heart. The worldly-minded must have the
tendrils of the heart removed from the rubbish of the world, around
which they are clinging, and entwined about God; they must become
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spiritually minded. The dishonest and untruthful must become just
and true. The ambitious and covetous must be hid in Jesus and seek
His glory, not their own. They must despise their own holiness and
lay up their treasure above. The prayerless must feel the need of both
secret and family prayer, and must make their supplications to God
with great earnestness.
As the worshipers of the true and living God we should bear fruit
corresponding to the light and privileges we enjoy. Many are worship-
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