Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

144 Testimonies for the Church Volume 1[150]of the work is in the West, and it is of the greatest importance that theservants of God should move in His opening providence.I saw that when the message shall increase greatly in power, thenthe providence of God will open and prepare the way in the East formuch more to be accomplished than can be at the present time. Godwill then send some of His servants in power to visit places where littleor nothing can now be done, and some who are now indifferent will bearoused and will take hold of the truth. [The remainder of this articleis from a vision given at Round Grove, Illinois, December 9, 1856.]I saw that God has warned those who have moved from the Eastto the West. He has shown them their duty, that it must not be theirobject to get rich, but to do good to souls, to live out their faith, andtell those around them that this world is not their home.The warning was sufficient, if it had been heeded; but many failedto consider what God had shown. They rushed on and on, and becamedrunk with the spirit of the world. “Look back,” said the angel, “andweigh all that God has shown in regard to those moving from the Eastto the West.” Have you obeyed it? I saw that you had gone entirelycontrary to God’s teachings, purchased largely, and instead of yourworks saying to those around you that you are seeking a better country,they have plainly declared that your home and treasure were here.Your works have denied your faith.Nor is this all. The love that should exist between brethren hasbeen lacking. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” has been manifest; aselfish, covetous spirit has been in the hearts of the brethren. Instead oflooking out for the interests of the brethren and caring for them, therehas been manifested in deal a close, selfish spirit that God despises.Those who make so high a profession, and who number themselvesamong the peculiar people of God, saying by their profession thatthey are zealous of good works, should be noble and generous, andshould ever manifest a disposition to favor their brethren instead ofthemselves, and should give their brethren the best chance. Generositybegets generosity. Selfishness begets selfishness.I saw that through the past summer the prevailing spirit has been tograsp as much of this world as possible. The commandments of Godhave not been kept. With the mind we serve the law of God; but theminds of many have been serving the world. And while their mindswere all occupied with things of earth and serving themselves, they