The Church: Its Organization, Order and Discipline

Testimonies Misunderstood

In view of these plain statements, we inquire what has led individuals to the conclusion that the present mode of working, so well established, was now to be relaxed? We answer. It must be a misunderstanding of the cautions given to this people. The following was given in 1881, in Testimonies for the Church 4:535: “The steady progress of our work, and our increased facilities, are filling the hearts and minds of many of our people with satisfaction and pride, which we fear will take the place of the love of God in the soul. Busy activity in the mechanical part of even the work of God may so occupy the mind that prayer shall be neglected, and self-importance and self-sufficiency, so ready to urge their way, shall take the place of true goodness, meekness, and lowliness of heart. The zealous cry may be heard, ‘The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, are these!’ ‘Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord.’ But where are the burden-bearers? Where are the fathers and mothers in Israel? Where are those who carry upon the heart the burden for souls, and who come in close sympathy with their fellow men, ready to place themselves in any position to save them from eternal ruin?” COOD 141.5