Seite 57 - Testimonies for the Church Volume 8 (1904)

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Warnings and Counsels Given to the Battle Creek Church
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are selfishly pleasing their own imagination and gratifying their own
desires: “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful
over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou
into the joy of thy Lord”?
Matthew 25:23
.
My brethren and sisters in Battle Creek, what kind of witness are
you bearing to an unbelieving world? I have been shown that the
Lord does not look upon your course with favor, for your practice
contradicts your profession. You are not doers of the words of Christ.
[52]
I was told by my Guide: “Look ye, and behold the idolatry of My
people, to whom I have been speaking, rising up early, and presenting
to them their dangers. I looked that they should bring forth fruit.”
There were some who were striving for the mastery, each trying to
excel the other in the swift running of their bicycles. There was a spirit
of strife and contention among them as to which should be the greatest.
The spirit was similar to that manifested in the baseball games on the
college ground. Said my Guide: “These things are an offense to God.
Both near and afar off souls are perishing for the bread of life and the
water of salvation.” When Satan is defeated in one line, he will be all
ready with other schemes and plans which will appear attractive and
needful, and which will absorb money and thought, and encourage
selfishness, so that he can overcome those who are so easily led into a
false and selfish indulgence.
The question arises: What burden do these persons carry for the
advancement of the work of God? Wherein do they realize the impor-
tance of the work for this time? Christ said to His disciples: “Ye are
the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men, that they
may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
. Is this investment of means and this spinning of
bicycles through the streets of Battle Creek giving evidence of the
genuineness of your faith in the last solemn warning to be given to
human beings standing on the very verge of the eternal world?
My brethren and sisters in America, I make my appeal to you. “Be
not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that
shall he also reap.”
Galatians 6:7
. The lives of many are too delicate
and dainty. They know nothing of bearing hardship as good soldiers
of Christ. They are hindrances to the work of soul saving. They have
many wants; everything must be convenient and easy, to suit their
[53]
taste. They will not do anything themselves, and those who would do