Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Chapter 39—Slackness Reproved[See Appendix.]Dear Brethren and Sisters,The Lord has again visited me in mercy, in a time of bereavementand great affliction. December 23, 1860, I was taken off in vision, andwas shown the wrongs of individuals which have affected the cause. Idare not withhold the testimony from the church to spare the feelingsof individuals.I was shown the low state of God’s people; that God had notdeparted from them, but that they had departed from Him, and hadbecome lukewarm. They possess the theory of the truth, but lackits saving power. As we near the close of time, Satan comes downwith great power, knowing that his time is short. Especially will hispower be exercised upon the remnant. He will war against them, andseek to divide and scatter them, that they may grow weak and beoverthrown. The people of God should move understandingly, andshould be united in their efforts. They should be of the same mind, ofthe same judgment; then their efforts will not be scattered, but will tellforcibly in the upbuilding of the cause of present truth. Order must beobserved, and there must be union in maintaining order, or Satan willtake the advantage.I saw that the enemy would come in every way possible to disheartenthe people of God and perplex and trouble them, and that they [211]should move understandingly, and prepare themselves for the attacksof Satan. Matters pertaining to the church should not be left in anunsettled condition. Steps should be taken to secure church propertyfor the cause of God, that the work may not be retarded in its progress,and that the means which persons wish to dedicate to God’s cause maynot slip into the enemy’s ranks. I saw that God’s people should actwisely, and leave nothing undone on their part to place the businessof the church in a secure state. Then after all is done that they can do,203