Basic HTML Version
240
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
It is a law of God that whoever believes the truth as it is in Jesus
will make it known. The ideas and convictions of the individual
mind will seek for expression. Whoever cherishes unbelief and
criticism, whoever feels capable of judging the work of the Holy
Spirit, will diffuse the spirit by which he is animated. It is the nature
of unbelief and infidelity and resistance of the grace of God to make
themselves felt and heard. The mind actuated by these principles is
always striving to make a place for itself and obtain adherents. All
who walk by the side of an apostate will be imbued by his spirit to
share with others their thoughts and the result of their own inquiries,
[291]
and the feelings which prompted their action; for it is not an easy
matter to repress the principles upon which we act.
Some who are supposed to be heart and soul devoted to God are
acting contrary to Him and to His work. Others have placed confi-
dence in them, but deception covers them as with a garment. Their
minds are controlled by a restless, irrepressible energy, an eagerness
to disclose their sentiments. Thus seeds are sown everywhere. By
a partially expressed sentiment they cast doubt and unbelief of the
truth. There are those who are not in harmony with the testimonies
because men in high positions of trust have expressed themselves as
not in harmony with them; for the testimonies do not coincide with
their opinions, but rebuke every vestige of selfishness.
Evils of Unsanctified Consolidation
[See appendix.] Everything that has been planned in regard to
consolidation shows that men are seeking to grasp the scepter of
power and hold control over human minds. But God does not work
with them in their devising, and the voice they now have in the
cause of God is not the voice of God. They have proved themselves
utterly unworthy of a place as wise managers; for their strength is
used to turn men away from their rights, to benefit themselves.
There have been acts of apparent liberality, but God knows the
motive which governed them, and He will not accept their offerings
until they repent and become conscientious doers of His word.