Chapter 54—Unity and Love in the Church
Dear Brethren and Sisters in Healdsburg,
Do not forget that the most dangerous snares which Satan has
prepared for the church will come through its own members who do
not love God supremely or their neighbor as themselves. Satan is
continually striving to wedge himself in between brethren. He seeks
to gain control of those who claim to believe the truth, but who are
unconverted; and when he can influence these, through their own
carnal nature, to unite with him in trying to thwart the purposes of
God, then he is exultant.
The Health Institute, the college, the ministry, and the missionary
societies, are all instrumentalities which God employs for the accom-
plishment of His work. If Satan can in any way invent something
which will divert talent and means from these instrumentalities into
another channel, he will do it. There are some who are deceived in
themselves. While flattering themselves that they are doing God’s
work, they are playing into the hands of the great deceiver and render-
ing him effectual service. Beware of these deceptions. Ever remember
what is due to our Christian profession as God’s peculiar people; and
beware lest, in the exercise of personal independence, your influence
may work against the purposes of God, and you, through Satan’s de-
vices, become a stumbling block, directly in the way of those who are
weak and halting. There is danger of giving our enemies occasion to
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blaspheme God and heap scorn upon believers in the truth.
Be especially guarded against becoming a tool in the hands of the
enemy to divert the minds of any—men and women, or children—
from an entire surrender of themselves to God and to the great work
for this time. Beware of flattering the young by holding out to them
the prospect of financial gain, wonderful educational advantages, or
great personal achievements. Flattering words are sweet to the uncon-
secrated heart, and some who think they are standing firm, are dazed,
allured, and intoxicated with hopes that will never be realized. A great
wrong has been done in this way. All should think and speak modestly
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