334
Counsels for the Church
course in the sight of God and the more sure the triumph of their great
adversary. Those who delay a preparation for the day of God cannot
obtain it in the time of trouble or at any subsequent time. The case of
all such is hopeless
It is not required of you to confess to those who know not your
sin and errors. It is not your duty to publish a confession which will
lead unbelievers to triumph; but to those to whom it is proper, who
will take no advantage of your wrong, confess according to the word
of God, and let them pray for you, and God will accept your work,
and will heal you. For your soul’s sake, be entreated to make thorough
work for eternity. Lay aside your pride, your vanity, and make straight
work. Come back again to the fold. The Shepherd is waiting to receive
[259]
you. Repent, and do your first works, and again come into favor with
God
Christ is your Redeemer; He will take no advantage of your humil-
iating confessions. If you have sin of a private character, confess it to
Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and man. “If any man
sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
1 John 2:1
. If you have sinned by withholding from God His own in
tithes and offerings, confess your guilt to God and to the church, and
heed the injunction that He has given you: “Bring ye all the tithes into
the storehouse.”
Malachi 3:10
The people of God must move understandingly. They should not
be satisfied until every known sin is confessed; then it is their privilege
and duty to believe that Jesus accepts them. They must not wait for
others to press through the darkness and obtain the victory for them
to enjoy. Such enjoyment will last only till the meeting closes. But
God must be served from principle instead of from feeling. Morning
and night obtain the victory for yourselves in your own family. Let
not your daily labor keep you from this. Take time to pray, and as you
pray, believe that God hears you. Have faith mixed with your prayers.
You may not at all times feel the immediate answer; but then it is that
faith is tried
465
The Great Controversy, 620
466
Testimonies for the Church 2:296
467
Counsels on Health, 374
468
Testimonies for the Church 1:167