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Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
We have been asked why it is that there is so little power in the
churches, why there is so little efficiency among our teachers. The
answer is that it is because known sin in various forms is cherished
among the professed followers of Christ, and the conscience be-
comes hardened by long violation. The answer is that men do not
walk with God but separate company with Jesus, and as a result
we see manifested in the church selfishness, covetousness, pride,
strife, contention, hard-heartedness, licentiousness, and evil prac-
tices. Even among those who preach the sacred word of God, this
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state of evil is found; and unless there is thorough reformation among
those who are unholy and unsanctified, it would be better that such
men should leave the ministry, and choose some other occupation,
where their unregenerate thoughts would not bring disaster upon the
people of God.
Waiting and Watching
The apostle exhorts the brethren, saying, “Finally, my brethren,
be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the
whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand ... in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand.” Oh, what a day is before us! What
sifting will there be among those who claim to be the children of
God! The unjust will be found among the just. Those who have great
light and who have not walked in it will have darkness corresponding
to the light they have despised. We have need to heed the lesson
contained in the words of Paul, “But I keep under my body, and
bring it in subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached
to others, I myself should be a castaway.” The enemy is diligently
working to see whom he can add to the ranks of apostasy; but the
Lord is soon coming, and erelong every case will be decided for
eternity. Those whose works correspond with the light graciously
given them will be numbered on the Lord’s side.
We are waiting and watching for the grand and awful scene
which will close up this earth’s history. But we are not simply to
be waiting; we are to be vigilantly working with reference to this
solemn event. The living church of God will be waiting, watching,
and working. None are to stand in a neutral position. All are to
represent Christ in active, earnest effort to save perishing souls. Will