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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
warnings, than if he were not placed in such a dangerous position. If
Brother A would exercise the same forethought and business tact in the
things of God that he has given to worldly matters, he would realize
blessed results. If he thinks that God is satisfied with him while giving
his talent and energy almost entirely to the service of mammon, he is
fearfully deceived. Said Christ: “No man can serve two masters: for
either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to
the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” If
Brother A continues to make eternal things subordinate to his worldly
interests, his passion for accumulating will steadily increase until it
will overrule principle, and he will be so blinded by the God of this
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world that he will be unable to discern between the sacred and the
common.
Brother A has a strong influence upon the minds of his brethren;
they view things largely from his standpoint. He needs to improve
in spiritual soundness and be wise in the things of God. He should
begin to show an interest in and devotion to heavenly things and to so
educate his powers that they may be of service in the cause of God.
He needs the armor of righteousness with which to ward off the darts
of the enemy. It is impossible for him to obtain salvation unless there
is a decided change in the objects and pursuits of his life, unless he
exercises himself continually in spiritual things.
God calls upon the individual members of the churches in these two
conferences to arouse and be converted. Brethren, your worldliness,
your distrust, your murmuring, have placed you in such a position
that it will be exceedingly difficult for anyone to labor among you.
While your president neglected his work and failed in his duty, your
attitude was not such as to give him any encouragement. The one in
authority should have acquitted himself as a man of God, reproving,
exhorting, encouraging, as the case demanded, whether you would
receive or reject his testimony. But he was easily discouraged, and
left you without the help that a faithful minister of Christ should have
given. He failed in not keeping up with the opening providence of
God, and in not showing you your duty and educating you up to the
demands of the time; but the minister’s neglect should not dishearten
you and lead you to excuse yourselves for neglecting duty. There is
the more need of energy and fidelity on your part.