Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

542 Testimonies for the Church Volume 1[587][588]in danger of getting above the work and losing humbleness of mindand the simplicity which has hitherto characterized the work.Satan had a special object in striking down one at the head of thework who had a thorough experience in the rise and progress of presenttruth. He designed to get him out of the way, that he himself mightcome in and imperceptibly affect minds that were not experienced andthoroughly consecrated to the work. God designed to raise my husbandto health after others had become acquainted with the burdens he hadborne and had felt some of the weariness attending these burdens. Atthe same time they will never throw their whole soul, all the energiesof mind and body, into the work and venture what he has ventured.It would never be their duty to do as he has done, for they could notstand at their post should they pass through a twentieth part of whathe has endured.Satan designs to obtain a foothold in that office, and unless thereis a united effort and thorough watchfulness, he will accomplish hisobject. Some will get above the simplicity of the work and will feelthat they are sufficient when their strength is perfect weakness. Godwill be glorified in this great work. And unless they cherish deep andconstant humility and a firm trust in God, they will trust in self, indulgeself-sufficiency, and one or more will drink the bitter cup of affliction.As the work increases, there is greater necessity for thorough trustin God and dependence upon Him and a thorough interest in, anddevotion to, the work. Selfish interests should be laid aside. Thereshould be much prayer, much meditation, for this is highly necessaryfor the success and prosperity of the work. A spirit of traffic shouldnot be allowed in anyone who is connected with the office. If it ispermitted, the work will be neglected and marred. Common thingswill be placed too much upon a level with sacred things.There is great danger that some connected with the work will labormerely for wages. They manifest no special interest in the work, theirheart is not in it, and they have no special sense of its sacred, exaltedcharacter. There is also special danger that those at the head of thework will become lifted up, exalted, and that the work of God willthus be marred, bearing the impress of the human instead of the divine.Satan is wide awake and persevering, yet Jesus lives, and all who makeHim their righteousness, their defense, will be especially sustained.