Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

410 Testimonies for the Church Volume 1[440]in point of means. They have been pleased with his preaching talent,and some have been so indiscreet as to extol him and show a decidedpreference for him above other preaching brethren whose influencewould tell for the advancement of the cause anywhere. This has hurthim. He had not sufficient humility or enough of the grace of God tostand against the flattery of his brethren. May God help these brethrento feel over their mistake and never again to be guilty of injuring ayoung minister by flattery.All who desire to draw away from God’s remnant people in orderto follow their own corrupt hearts would throw themselves willinglyinto Satan’s hands, and should have the privilege. There are othersamong us who are in danger. They have an exalted opinion of theirown ability, while their influence in many respects has been but littlebetter than that of Elder Hull. Unless they thoroughly reform, thecause would be better off without them. Unsanctified ministers injurethe cause and are a heavy tax upon their brethren. They need someoneto follow after them to correct their mistakes and to straighten up andstrengthen those who have been weakened and torn down throughtheir influence. They are jealous of those who have borne burdens inthe work, those who would sacrifice even their lives if necessary toadvance the cause of truth. They judge their brethren to have no highermotives than they have had. Doing much for ministers who are thussubject to Satan’s temptations injures them and is a waste of means.It gives them influence, and thus places them where they can woundtheir brethren and the cause of God most deeply.I have been shown that the doubts expressed in regard to the truthfulnessof our position and the inspiration of the word of God arenot caused as many suppose them to be. These difficulties are not somuch with the Bible or with the evidences of our faith as with theirown hearts. The requirements of God’s word are too close for theirunsanctified natures. “The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it isnot subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” If the feelings ofthe natural heart are not restrained and brought into subjection by thesanctifying influence of the grace of God received through the channelof faith, the thoughts of the heart are not pure and holy. The conditionsof salvation brought to view in the word of God are reasonable, plain,and positive, being nothing less than perfect conformity to the will ofGod and purity of heart and life. We must crucify self with the lusts