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Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
do in warning those whom God has chosen to forward His message
of truth. These workers are not bringing greater efficiency to the
cause and kingdom of God, but are engaged in a work similar to
that in which the enemy of all righteousness is engaged. Let these
men who are rising up against the ways and means ordained of God
to forward His work in these days of peril divest themselves of all
unscriptural views concerning the nature, office, and power of God’s
appointed agencies.
Let all understand the words that I now write. Those who are
laborers together with God are but His instruments, and they in them-
selves possess no essential grace or holiness. It is only when they
are cooperating with heavenly intelligences that they are successful.
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They are but earthen vessels, the depositaries in which God places
the treasure of His truth. Paul may plant, and Apollos water, but it is
God alone that gives the increase.
God speaks through His appointed agencies, and let no man, or
confederacy of men, insult the Spirit of God by refusing to hear the
message of God’s word from the lips of His chosen messengers.
By refusing to hear the message of God, men close themselves in
a chamber of darkness. They shut their own souls away from vast
blessings and rob Christ of the glory that should come to Him, by
showing disrespect to His appointed agencies.
Beware of False Teachers
God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. But Satan is a
vigilant, unsleeping foe, ever at work upon human minds, seeking a
soil in which he can sow his tares. If he finds any whom he can press
into his service, he will suggest ideas and false theories, and make
them zealous in advocating error. The truth not only converts, but
works the purification of its receiver. Jesus has warned us to beware
of false teachers. From the beginning of our work, men have arisen
from time to time, advocating theories that were new and startling.
But if those who claim to believe the truth would go to those who
have had experience, would go to the word of God in a teachable,
humble spirit, and examine their theories in the light of truth and
with the aid of the brethren who have been diligent Bible students,
and at the same time make supplication unto God, asking, Is this