Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

Chap. 20 - The “Messenger” Party[See Appendix.]When at Oswego, New York, June, 1855, I was shown that God’s people have beenweighed down with clogs; that there have been Achans in the camp. The work of Godhas progressed but little, and many of His servants have been discouraged because thetruth has taken no more effect in New York, and there have been no more added tothe church. The Messenger party has arisen, and we shall suffer some from their lyingtongues and misrepresentations, yet we should bear it all patiently; for they will notinjure the cause of God, now they have left us, as much as they would have injured itby their influence had they remained with us.God’s frown has been brought upon the church on account of individuals withcorrupt hearts being in it. They have wanted to be foremost, when neither God northeir brethren placed them there. Selfishness and exaltation have marked their course.A place is now open for all such where they can go and find pasture with those of theirkind. And we should praise God that in mercy He has rid the church of them. God hasgiven many of these persons up to their own ways to be filled with their own doings. Anexcitement and sympathy now leads them, which will deceive some; but every honestone will be enlightened as to the true state of this company, and will remain with God’speculiar people, hold fast the truth, and follow in the humble path, unaffected by theinfluence of those who have been given up of God to their own ways, to be filled withtheir own doings. I saw that God had given these persons opportunity to reform, Hehad enlightened them as to their love for self and their other sins; but they would notheed it. They would not be reformed, and He mercifully relieved the church of them.The truth will take effect if the servants of God and the church will devote themselvesto Him and His cause.122