Testimony Treasures, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man,
unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth
be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of
doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in
wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all
things, which is the head, even Christ." Ephesians 4:11-15.
The Lord has His appointed agencies, and a church that has lived
through persecution, conflict, and darkness. Jesus loved the church, and gave
Himself for it, and He will replenish, refine, ennoble, and elevate it, so that it
shall stand fast amid the corrupting influences of this world. Men appointed
of God have been chosen to watch with jealous care, with vigilant
perseverance, that the church may not be overthrown by the evil devices of
Satan, but that she shall stand in the world to promote the glory of God
among men. There will ever be fierce conflict between the church and the
world. Mind will come into contact with mind, principle with principle, truth
with error; but in the crisis soon to culminate, which has already begun, the
men of experience are to do their God-appointed work, and watch for souls
as they that must give an account. ...
Let all understand the words that I now write. Those who are laborers
together with God are but His instruments, and they in themselves possess no
essential grace or holiness. It is only when they are co-operating with
heavenly intelligences that they are successful. They are but earthen vessels,
the depositaries in which God places the treasure of His truth. Paul may
plant, and Apollos water, but it is God alone that gives the increase.
God speaks through His appointed agencies, and let no man, or
confederacy of men, insult the Spirit of God by refusing to hear the message
of God's word from the lips of His chosen messengers. By refusing to hear
the message of God, men close themselves in a chamber of darkness. They
shut their own souls away from vast blessings and rob Christ of the glory that
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