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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
him when, around the great white throne, he shall meet those saved
through his influence.
Do something, do it soon, with all thy might;
An angel’s wing would droop if long at rest;
And God Himself, inactive, were no longer blest.
After the church in-----came to the knowledge of the truth, they
would have been fruitful in good works, and would have had an in-
fluence that would make them a power on the side of right, had they
manifested becoming earnestness, zeal, and love. But they have been
indifferent, and have been growing cold and dead. Some have attended
social meetings when they have carried with them the atmosphere of
earth rather than that of heaven. The church has not been ready to
respond to the efforts that have been made for them. In their present
state they cannot see or realize the need of co-operation on their part;
and their lack of earnestness and consecration has discouraged the
ministers. Instead of this carelessness, there should have been a feel-
ing of individual responsibility. This church will never prosper until
the members commence the work of reform in their own hearts. Many
who profess the faith are easily satisfied; if they come up to a few
points of self-denial and reform they do not see the necessity of going
further. Why is there such a resting on the lees? There is no halting
place for us this side of heaven. None of us should be content with our
present spiritual attainments. No one is living up to his opportunities
unless he can show continual progress. He must be climbing, still
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climbing. It is the privilege of every Christian to grow up until he shall
reach the full stature of a man in Christ Jesus.
How much the dear people in-----need instruction in personal god-
liness; how much they need pastoral labor. But they do not do as well
as they know. God will test you, brethren, and some will prove to
be chaff and some precious grains of wheat. Yield not to the power
of the tempter. He will come as a strong man armed, but give him
no advantage. Nerve yourselves for duty, and dispute every inch of
ground. Instead of retreating, advance; instead of becoming weak
and nerveless, brace yourselves for the conflict. God calls on you to
engage with all your powers against sin in every form. Put on the
whole armor of God, and keep your eye steadily fixed on the Captain