Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

302 Testimonies for the Church Volume 1[316][317]Individual wrongs would have been reproved. Faithful labor wouldhave brought up the Sabbathkeepers there, so that they would nothave been behind other churches. But they have almost everythingto learn. You should have borne a pointed testimony, impressingupon them the necessity of sacrificing, and all doing a part to bearthe burden of the cause. You should have brought them up uponsystematic benevolence, leading all to act a part and exert themselvesto do something to advance the cause of truth. Your indefinite position,and leaving matters so loose and slack in-----has had a bad influenceupon the cause there. The opposition you felt and talked out in regardto organization and the advance of God’s people, has borne fruit whichcan be seen in many places in northern Wisconsin.If you had been a prompt, thorough laborer, keeping pace withGod’s opening providence, the fruit now manifested would be of analtogether different character. Souls would be decided somewhere,either wholly for or against the commandments of God and othertruths connected with the third angel’s message. They would not behanging on the skirts of Zion to weigh down those who would be right.But there has not been faithfulness manifested by you. Straight andthorough work has not been made. You have not encouraged in thechurch, by a pointed application of truth, the necessity of everyonepractically, harmoniously carrying out his profession; and many arenot as willing to exert themselves to do something to advance the truth,as they are to be gratified with listening to the truth. They love thecause in word and profession, but not in deed and in truth.Your position has led many in and about-----to think less highly ofthe Review than they otherwise would have done, and they have heldvery lightly the truths found in it. Thus the Review failed to have theinfluence upon them that God designed it should have. And everyonehas followed his own course, and done that which seemed right in hisown eyes; hence all are far upon the background, and unless there isa thorough work accomplished for them, they will be weighed in thebalance and found wanting.I was shown that you seek to throw the result of your wrongsupon others, but as a watchman God holds you responsible. You havemost humble confessions to make in-----,-----,-----, and other placeswhere your influence has been exerted in opposition to God’s servants.Brother and Sister B have been greatly injured by this fanaticism. They