320
Counsels for the Church
Church Property
When an interest is aroused in any town or city, that interest should
be followed up. The place should be thoroughly worked until a humble
house of worship stands as a sign, a memorial of God’s Sabbath, a
light amid the moral darkness. These memorials are to stand in many
places as witnesses to the truth
Matters pertaining to the church should not be left in an unsettled
condition. Steps should be taken to secure church property for the
cause of God, that the work may not be retarded in its progress, and
that the means which persons wish to dedicate to God’s cause may not
slip into the enemy’s ranks.
I saw that God’s people should act wisely, and leave nothing un-
done on their part to place the business of the church in a secure state.
Then after all is done that they can do, they should trust the Lord to
overrule these things for them, that Satan take no advantage of God’s
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remnant people. It is Satan’s time to work. A stormy future is before
us; and the church should be awake to make an advance move that
they may stand securely against his plans. It is time that something
was done. God is not pleased to have His people leave the matters
of the church at loose ends, and suffer the enemy to have the whole
advantage and control affairs as best pleases him
Regional Meetings
Put forth extra exertion to attend the gathering of God’s people.
Brethren and sisters, it would be far better for you to let your
business suffer than to neglect the opportunity of hearing the message
God has for you. Make no excuse that will keep you from gaining
every spiritual advantage possible. You need every ray of light. You
need to become qualified to give a reason of the hope that is in you
with meekness and fear. You cannot afford to lose one such privilege.
None of us should go to the camp meeting [regional meetings]
depending on the ministers or the Bible workers to make the meeting
a blessing to us. God does not want His people to hang their weight
on the minister. He does not want them to be weakened by depending
447
Testimonies for the Church 6:100
448
Testimonies for the Church 1:210, 211