Basic HTML Version
328
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
so. He knows that the treasure of the gospel is in earthen vessels,
that it is God’s power alone that can make them vessels of honor.
They may cultivate the vineyard, a Paul may plant and an Apollos
water, but God alone can give the increase.
God has never left His church without a witness. In all the
scenes of trial and proving, of opposition and persecution amidst
[405]
moral darkness, through which the church has passed, God has had
men of opportunity who have been prepared to take up His work at
different stages and carry it forward and upward. Through patriarchs
and prophets He revealed His truth to His people. Christ was the
teacher of His ancient people as verily as He was when He came to
the world clothed in the garments of humanity. Hiding His glory in
human form, He often appeared to His people and talked with them
“face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” He, their invisible
Leader, was enshrouded in the pillar of fire and of cloud, and spoke
to His people through Moses. The voice of God was heard by the
prophets whom He had appointed to a special work and to bear a
special message. He sent them to repeat the same words over and
over again. He had a message prepared for them that was not after
the ways and will of men, and this He put in their mouths and had
them proclaim. He assured them the Holy Spirit would give them
language and utterance. He who knew the heart would give them
words with which to reach the people.
The message might not please those to whom it was sent. They
might not wish for anything new, but desire to go right on as they
had been doing; but the Lord stirred them up with reproofs; He
rebuked their course of action. He infused new life in those who
were sleeping at their post of duty, who were not faithful sentinels.
He showed them their responsibility, and that they would be held
accountable for the safety of the people. They were watchmen who
were not to sleep day nor night. They were to discern the enemy,
and give the alarm to the people, that everyone might be at his post,
that the watching foe might not obtain the least advantage.
[406]
Responsibilities of God’s Watchmen
And today the Lord declares to His watchmen that if they are
unfaithful and do not warn the people who are in peril, they will be