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Testimonies for the Church Volume 5
They must learn daily of Christ. They are connected with the work of
God, not because they are perfect, unerring men, without defects of
character, but notwithstanding these defects. God expects them, while
connected with His work, to be constantly studying and learning how
to copy the Pattern.
Jesus connected John, Peter, and Judas with Him in His work,
making them colaborers with Him; but at the same time they were to
be constantly learning lessons of Christ. They were to gather from His
divine teachings instructions which were to correct their wrong ideas
and their erroneous views of what constitutes a Christian character.
John and Peter were not perfect men, but they improved every oppor-
tunity to learn. Peter did not learn to distrust himself, to be jealous
of himself, until he was overcome by the temptations of the devil and
denied his Lord. Judas had the same opportunity that these disciples
had to learn the lessons taught by Christ, but he did not appreciate
their value. He was a hearer only and not a doer. The result was seen
in his betrayal of his Lord.
The men whom God has connected with His institutions are not
to feel that there is no improvement for them to make because they
stand in responsible positions. If they are to be representative men,
guardians of the most sacred work ever committed to mortals, they
must take the position of learners. They must not feel self-sufficient or
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self-important. They should ever realize that they are treading on holy
ground. Angels of God are ready to minister to them, and they must
be continually in reception of light and heavenly influences, or they
are no more fitted for the work than unbelievers.
If the character of the men connected with the office at Battle Creek
were so transformed that they could have a helpful influence over
those under their control, then the outlook would be more encouraging.
Whatever the men employed there may think of their ability, I have
reason to say that many will need to improve greatly before they are
qualified to fill their positions acceptably. They may feel competent
to give counsel, but they are themselves in need of counsel from Him
who is unerring in wisdom. Great and important interests are in danger
of being misshaped and of coming forth defective from their hands.
If all felt their ignorance more, and would depend less on self, they
might learn of the great Teacher meekness and lowliness of heart.