30
Country Living
Carefully Consider Every Move
Let everyone take time to consider carefully; and not be like the
man in the parable who began to build, and was not able to finish.
Not a move should be made but that movement and all that it portends
are carefully considered—everything weighed.... To every man was
given his work according to his several ability. Then let him not move
hesitatingly, but firmly, and yet humbly trusting in God.
There may be individuals who will make a rush to do something,
and enter into some business they know nothing about. This God does
not require. Think candidly, prayerfully, studying the Word with all
carefulness and prayerfulness, with mind and heart awake to hear the
voice of God.... To understand the will of God is a great thing.
Well-Defined Plans Needed
I address words to the church at Battle Creek, to move in the
counsels of God. There is need of your moving—many from Battle
Creek—and there is also need of your having well-defined plans as to
what you will do when you go out from Battle Creek. Do not go in a
rush, without knowing what you are about.... O for generals, wise and
considerate, well-balanced men, who will be safe advisers, who have
some insight into human nature, who know how to direct and counsel
in the fear of God.
Danger Attends New Experience
I have seen that danger attends every new phase of experience in
the church, because some hear things with such a strong spirit. While
some teachers may be strong and efficient in teaching in the lines of
Bible doctrines, they will not all be men who have a knowledge of
practical life, and can advise perplexed minds with surety and safety.
They do not discern the perplexing situation that must necessarily
come to every family who shall make a change. Therefore, let all
be careful what they say; if they know not the mind of God in some
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matters, let them never speak from a guess or suppose so. If they know
nothing definite, let them say so, and let the individual rely wholly
upon God. Let there be much praying done, and even with fasting,
that not one shall move in darkness, but move in the light as God is in
the light....