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Gospel Order
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be, God’s called and chosen messengers, they are thrown into trial
and doubt as to the truth they have received and feel that they must
learn it all over again; they are troubled and perplexed by the enemy
about all their experience, whether God has led them or not, and are
not satisfied until they are again baptized and begin anew. It is much
more wearing to the spirits of God’s messengers to go into places
where those have been who have exerted this wrong influence than
to enter new fields. God’s servants have to deal plainly, act openly,
and not cover up wrongs; for they are standing between the living
and the dead and must render an account of their faithfulness, their
mission, and the influence they exert over the flock of which the
Lord has made them overseers.
Those who receive the truth and are brought into such trials
would have had the truth the same if these men had stayed away
and filled the humble place the Lord designed for them. God’s
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eye was upon His jewels, and He would have directed to them
His called and chosen messengers—men who would have moved
understandingly. The light of truth would have shown and discovered
to these souls their true position, and they would have received the
truth understandingly and been satisfied with its beauty and clearness.
And as they felt its powerful effects, they would have been strong
and shed a holy influence.
Again the danger of those traveling whom God has not called,
was shown me. If they do have some success, the qualifications
that are lacking will be felt. Injudicious moves will be made, and
by a lack of wisdom some precious souls may be driven where
they can never be reached. I saw that the church should feel their
responsibility and should look carefully and attentively at the lives,
qualifications, and general course of those who profess to be teachers.
If unmistakable evidence is not given that God has called them, and
that the “woe” is upon them if they heed not this call, it is the duty
of the church to act and let it be known that these persons are not
acknowledged as teachers by the church. This is the only course the
church can take in order to be clear in this matter, for the burden lies
upon them.
I saw that this door at which the enemy comes in to perplex
and trouble the flock can be shut. I inquired of the angel how it
could be closed. He said, “The church must flee to God’s Word and