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Evangelism
weaken their influence. One draws one way, and another in an opposite
direction.
The work has been bound about, false moves have been made, and
Satan has been pleased. If self had not been so carefully, tenderly cher-
ished, lest it should not find room enough to preserve its native dignity,
the Lord could have used these differently constituted characters to
do a good work and much larger; for in their diversity of talent, yet
unity in Christ, was the power of their usefulness. If, like the diverse
branches of the vine, they were centered in the vine stock, all would
bear the rich cluster of precious fruit. There would be perfect harmony
in their diversity, for they are partakers of the nourishment and fitness
of the vine.
The Lord is displeased with the want of harmony that has existed
among the workers. He cannot impart His Holy Spirit, for they are
bent on having their own way, and the Lord presents to them His way.
[102]
Great discouragement will come in from Satan and his confederacy
of evil, but “all ye are brethren,” and it is an offense to God when
you allow your individual, unsanctified traits of character to be active
agencies to discourage one another.—
Letter 31, 1892
.
Press Together, Press Together—Love of self, pride, and self-
sufficiency lie at the foundation of the greatest trials and discords
that have ever existed in the religious world. Again and again the
angel has said to me, “Press together, press together, be of one mind,
of one judgment,” Christ is the leader, and you are brethren; follow
Him.—
Letter 4, 1890
.
Strife for Supremacy—Linked together in confidence, in the
bonds of holy love, brother may receive from brother all the help
that can possibly be obtained from one another....
Strife for the supremacy makes manifest a spirit that, if cherished,
will eventually shut out from the kingdom of God those who cherish it.
The peace of Christ cannot dwell in the mind and heart of a workman
who criticizes and finds fault with another workman simply because the
other does not practice the methods he thinks best, or because he feels
that he is not appreciated. The Lord never blesses him who criticizes
and accuses his brethren, for this is Satan’s work.—
Manuscript 21,
1894
.
To Value Gifts of Others—My brethren, try the wearing of
Christ’s yoke. Come down from your spiritual stilts and practice