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Solemn Appeal to Ministers
129
Search the Scriptures and Pray in Faith
Will my ministering brethren see that they work circumspectly,
that they heed the charge of the apostle Paul to Titus: “Young men
likewise exhort to be soberminded. In all things showing thyself a
pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,
sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is
of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of
you”?
Titus 2:6-8
; read also
verses 11-15
.
It was shown to me that on the part of the ministers in all our
conferences, there is a neglect to study the Scriptures, to search for
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the truth. If their minds were properly disciplined, and were stored
with the precious lessons of Christ, then at any time and in any
emergency they could draw from the treasure house of knowledge
things both new and old, to feed the church of God, giving to every
man his portion of meat in due season. If Christ is abiding in the
soul, He will be as living fountain, “a well of water springing up
into everlasting life.”
I tell you the things which I have seen, and which are true, that
by well-directed, persevering effort there might be many, very many,
more souls brought to a knowledge of the truth. Oh, the end is
near! Who is ready for Christ to rise from His throne to put on
the garments of vengeance? Whose names are registered in the
Lamb’s book of life? The names of those only will be there who
follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. Your erroneous ideas,
your objectionable phases of character, must be given up, and you
must be clothed with the garments of Christ’s righteousness.
Faith
and love
—how destitute are the churches of these! The heavenly
Merchantman counsels you, “Buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that
thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed;
... and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” God
forbid that those who are preaching in our conferences should be
like the foolish virgins, having lamps, but destitute of the oil of grace
which makes the lamp burn and give forth light. Oh, we want more
praying ministers—men who carry a solemn weight of souls—men
who have a faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Without
faith it is impossible to please God. How imperfect is faith in our