Ms 52, 1898

The Work Required of God’s People

May 1, 1898

Portions of this manuscript are published in WM 273; 7BC 941; 1MR 14; 15MR 163-164. See RH 11/29/1898.

As God’s people, we have a special work to do for the Master. All who are interested in the work of saving souls, who have submitted their will to the will of God, are laborers together with God. The question is asked, How can two walk together except the be agreed? The invitation of Christ is, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” What burden is more wearying than the weight of sin? Jesus bids us, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28-30.] All who respond to this invitation receive the assurance of Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 1

Christ is to be believed, and all who believe His Word will act upon it. They will yoke up with Christ and become laborers together with God. There are but two classes in our world—those who receive Christ, and those who reject Him. All who receive Him, believe in Him. John declares, “As many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” [John 1:12.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 2

Many, many have a spurious religion; but all the professions of Christianity in the world will not elevate the soul with God. His Word declares, “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:16-20.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 3

Are they obedient to the commandments of God, or disobedient? Have they made Christ their personal Saviour? Have they put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness? These are the questions that decide the soul’s salvation. Said Christ, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you, Depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 4

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, I will liken him unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” [Verses 21-27.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 5

Let all seriously ask themselves the question, Have I come to Christ? Have I put my neck under the yoke of Christ? Have I learned in the school of Christ His meekness, His lowliness of heart? All who are doers of His Word are building securely on the rock Christ Jesus. When the follower of Christ places implicit trust in the Word of God, and yields obedience to it, his duty will be made plain to him. He will regard his talents as consecrated to the Giver, and will use them in laboring together with God. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 6

“But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you unto salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which had loved us, and given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work.” [2 Thessalonians 2:13-17.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 7

Here are presented the two great forces that are to co-operate in the work of saving souls—the strong, loving, working faith of the human agent is to unite with divinity. This is what Christ means when He says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” [Matthew 11:29.] “Who hath chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” [2 Thessalonians 2:13.] This is the condition of the partnership. We must be laborers together with God. What doing? In seeking and saving that which is lost. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 8

“I came not to call the righteous,” said Christ, “but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] We cannot be idle or indifferent. Souls are perishing around us. Many have already perished who might now be rejoicing in the truth had the church stood in her lot and place as laborer together with God. It behooves all who claim to believe in Jesus Christ to show their faith by their works. As soon as you leave the black banner of Satan, and stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel, there is earnest work for you to do the Master. There is to be a searching for the truth as for hidden treasure. It is at the peril of your soul that you are willingly ignorant of the conditions under which you have enlisted in the army of the Lord. We are to be co-workers with Christ in seeking to save that which was lost. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 9

As God’s professed people we are to have an experimental knowledge of Him. We are to search for the doctrine of Christ, armed with faith, and employing whatever resources God has provided. Diligent prayerful search is essential. “Enter ye in at the strait gate,” says Christ, “for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be that go in thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” [Matthew 7:13, 14.] There must be well-organized effort and unity in our co-operation with Christ. Charity (love) must pervade the church. All evil-speaking and bearing of false witness is disloyalty to God and to His cause. There must be unity of action, love, and disinterested benevolence. Draw together in harmonious action. “How can two walk together except they be agreed?” [Amos 3:3.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 10

Many have dishonored the great and important message which God has committed to His church to leaven the world. There must be harmonious action. Mutual love and confidence constitute moral forces which will be a power for good. Satan sees this, and he manages to sow tares among the wheat. Many know not the gospel as the power of God unto salvation. All must press together; and all who have the spirit of Christ will do this. Those who have another spirit will hold off and become workers with the powers that do not draw with Christ, but who scatter abroad. These will remain as tares among the wheat until the Master says, “gather out the tares, and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” [Matthew 13:30.] Christ will recognize every kernel of wheat. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 11

If our piety is sound and healthful, we shall have nothing to fear with open opposers; but there are deceivers, those who sow the tares while men sleep. We want to be sure on which side we are working, for the crisis is upon us. We have no time now to work with divided interest. If God, the great Master Worker, is with us, we shall stand the great temptations that are to try us, and will remain loyal and true to principle. We must work with one Spirit, even with the mind of Christ, and if we do this, new life will come into the church. We will achieve victories which the littleness of our faith has led us to regard as impossible. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 12

God calls upon every sincere believer to find his place in the work. Wake up, brethren, for Christ’s sake, wake up. Kindle your tapers from the divine altar. God calls you to set your houses in order. Let personal piety pervade your homes. Let your influence tell for righteousness and truth. Let every talent be put into exercise. A wise and unreserved co-operation with the principles of truth is called for. God’s will is to be appreciated. Active, whole-souled workers are called for. Our relatives, our friends and acquaintances are to unite in the upbuilding of the office of publication, from which the truth is to go forth as a lamp that burneth. Compassionate love for the Saviour is to circulate through our churches. The self-righteous, and those who carry no burden for souls are not to be entrusted with sacred responsibilities. There are a great many who feel qualified to preach who are not prepared to hold forth the Word of life to the people. They have not learned to minister. There must be harmonious action. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 13

The call must be made, Who will be on the Lord’s side? Let him come over with the loyal and the true. The law of God, which binds us to render firm and undivided obedience to our Maker, tolerates no easy fellowship with the careless, the lax, the unconverted, who demonstrate that the truth has no power upon the heart and character, whose influence is not to gather with Christ, but to separate from Him. “By their fruits,” said Christ, “ye shall know them.” [Matthew 7:20.] Our churches must be purified from impiety, from many things that have accumulated to hinder the advancement of the work. Christ is our only hope. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 14

“We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] Let every soul who has a knowledge of the truth bear in mind that man in his finite capabilities can accomplish nothing without God. In His divine plan of salvation, God gave His only begotten Son, that every voice may be silent upon the point that it is not possible for humanity to keep the law of God. In Christ, divinity and humanity bore every test of temptation, and in Him humanity is exalted and honored. In Christ man is privileged to become a partaker of the divine nature. If he will eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, he will have eternal life. “It is the spirit that quickeneth,” said Christ; “the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 15

God has chosen to consummate nothing in the plan of salvation without the co-operation of the human with the divine. He could save the human race only by His Son combining humanity with divinity. Small and inferior is the part that we are called to act in the work, but that part is indispensable to the victories we are to gain over the world, the flesh, and the devil, through the intercession of Christ as our Advocate with the Father. The fragrant incense of the merits of Christ gives to the believing soul the virtues of His character. Thus it is that the co-operation of divine energy and merit with man makes him a complete overcomer in every sense, and elevates humanity in the scale of moral value with God. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 16

We are not to think that we can honor God in any line except through the merits of Christ. Every organ of the human machinery is dependent upon God for its action. Everything required to keep the living machinery in health God supplies. The air, the sunshine, the showers, respiration, digestion, all are of God. “Know ye not,” says the apostle, “that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy: for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool that he may be wise. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 17

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, he taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in me, for all things are yours; whether, Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” “Let no man,” he continues, “so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. ... For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels and to men.” [1 Corinthians 3:16-23; 4:1, 9.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 18

In everything that tends to the sustenance of man is seen the concurrence of divine and human effort. “The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof” [Psalm 24:1], yet the Lord graciously causes the earth to produce for the benefit of man. But man must co-operate with God. He must prepare the soil, and sow the seed. He must act a part in the work to show his appreciation of the bountiful provision the Lord has made. And the Lord takes care of the seed sown, giving sunshine, and showers, dew and clouds. Without these agencies there would be no increase. And thus it is in everything. In every business pursuit, every department of study and science, we must have the power of divinity to unite with us, or our human effort will be a failure. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 19

We are laborers together with God. Then let every soul walk humbly and softly before God. Whenever man accomplishes anything in spiritual or temporal lines, he must bear in mind that he does it only through the co-operation if his Maker. Then [it] is a great necessity that we seek the Lord in our dependence; and the necessity has become more positive because there has been a risk in the work in same lines. Too much confidence has been placed in man, too much reliance on human inventions. We now need to seek the Lord as never before. The Lord would have His instrumentality especially consecrated to the work of warning the world. The end is near, it hasteth greatly. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 20

Wherever our brethren locate, let them put forth every effort to instruct and save their neighbors. Let diligent effort be made to become acquainted with those who know not the truth, and let seed be sown in every place. “Ye are the light of the world.” [Matthew 5:14.] The first work to be done is to close the door of the heart to jealousy and evil surmising. Close the door fast. Let there be shame and sorrow over the lack of Christian fellowship and sympathy that has been manifest. Let not those who are appointed to be shepherds of the look feel that they must devote their time so largely in preparing to preach the Word. Let them change the order of things. Let them put forth personal effort. Let them come into families, and become acquainted with the members of the church. They will obtain far more inspiration from God in this kind of work than in any study of books. There is too much close application to books, and too little ministry. God would have this order of things changed. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 21

The angels of God are close beside the one who ministers. No man who is called to be a shepherd of the flock can leave this work to be done by proxy. The great truths of God’s Word must come into connection with the practical life. They must educate line upon line, and precept upon precept, and [do] this in families that need instruction. Withdraw not from your brethren. Consider the case of Moses, worried, distressed, and anxious, his soul agonized. “And the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down, for thy people (He does not condescend to own them as His people), which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: they have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” [Exodus 32:7, 8.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 22

What an offense was this to God. But there are idols cherished in our families and in our churches today which have the same influence upon us as did the golden calf upon the Israelites. Will the people search themselves? Will the shepherds do their work as faithful sentinels of God? Will they see what idols they are cherishing? Will every one that is in moderate circumstances consider that they are to be a people distinct and separate in their fashions of dress, their speech, their deportment, from the world? Will they see their idolatry in small as well as in large matters, and that it is separating them from God? When reproofs come they are ashamed, but not repentant. They have had great light, great opportunities, line upon line, and precept upon precept, but pride buds and blossoms in their apparel, revealing the thoughts and interests of the heart. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 23

On the part of God’s professed people there is a manifest disregard of the warnings given by Peter: “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” [1 Peter 3:3, 4.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 24

“For not the hearers of the law are just before God: but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves, which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another. ... Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, and knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; and art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?” [Romans 2:13-15, 17-21.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 25

God requires of His people a zeal according to knowledge. He desires them to be doers of the Word. The outside appearance testifies of the inward working of the heart. The truth received in the heart accomplishes the transformation of the mind and heart and character. “I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” [1 Timothy 2:8-10.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 26

Let every one have a self-denial box in his home, and when he would spend pennies and shillings in self-gratification let him remember the needy and starving in Africa and India, and close by his own door. There are poor among us. Practice economy, and in every line present your case to God. Ask Him to give you the spirit of Christ, that you may be in every sense of the word Christ’s disciples and receive His blessing. As you turn from the worship of self and try to relieve suffering humanity, pray that God will give you a true missionary work to do for souls. Then those who come to worship in the house of God will see a people clothed in modest apparel in harmony with the faith and Word of God. It is these things that steal away the love and trust and confidence of God’s people in Him, that mar the religious experience and develop a selfishness that God cannot look upon. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 27

“And the Lord said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiff-necked people: now therefore, let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.” What a trial of the faith of Moses was this! “And Moses besought the Lord his God, and said, Lord, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? Wherefore should the Egyptians speak and say, for mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? ... Remember Abraham and Isaac and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of I will give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it forever. And the Lord repented of the evil which He had thought to do unto His people.” [Exodus 32:9-14.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 28

And has not the Lord looked upon this people? The church members have had great blessings; they have had the living oracles of God opened to their understanding; they have not been left in darkness and error as those who are doing wickedly. To Daniel the angel of the Lord revealed the condition of the inhabitants of the earth in the last days. “Many shall be purified,” he said, “and made white, and tried; and the wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” We are living in those last days spoken of by the angel, when Michael shall stand up, that “great prince which standeth up for the children of thy people, ... and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” [Daniel 12:10, 1.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 29

Here is a subject, the comprehension of which will put to the stretch of the believer every spiritual sinew and muscle, every talent of thought, every capability of investigation. There is a great work to be done for the members of the church, to wean them from their idols. God calls for all who claim to believe the truth to show to the world its converting power on the heart and character, and to reveal to the world that they are the number who are being purified, and made white and tried. Then their names will be found written in the book. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 30

The angel that talked with John on the isle of Patmos presented before him the condition of the church: “I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil, ... nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works: or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove the candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:2, 4, 5.] God says, “I am he that searcheth the reins and the hearts, and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. ... And he that overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end, to him shall be given power over the nations.” “and I will give him the morning star.” [Verses 23, 26, 28.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 31

“Those things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars, I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come unto thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments: and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. He that overcometh shall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” [Revelation 3:1-5.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 32

Great things are about to take place. Time has always been golden, but now it is especially so. We have no time now to serve God with a divided heart. The Lord calls upon every soul to be true to principle, true to God. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,” He says, “that there may be meat in mine house.” [Malachi 3:10.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 33

Let us follow the history of Israel farther. When the Lord threatened to destroy the nation, Moses would not give them up. He returned from the mount to find the Children of Israel eating and drinking, and dancing and singing around the golden calf, “and he took the calf which they had made, and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, and strewed it upon the water, and make the children of Israel drink of it.” This was their god. Then Moses turned to Aaron and said, “What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought me so great a sin upon them?” [Exodus 32:20, 21.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 34

Here blame is attached to Aaron, and in this fact is a warning for us. Let the sentinels of the churches be very careful lest they encourage anything savoring of idolatry, for the Lord will charge the sin upon them. The church claiming to believe the truth will have all kinds of temptations to enter into a course of action that will divorce the soul from God. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 35

“Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord’s side? Let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves unto him. And he saith unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and slay every man his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor. And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses, and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.” [Verses 26-28.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 36

Before this action opportunity was given for all who would take sides against idolatry and for God. But when Israel stood in sullen stubbornness, God saw that He must punish the transgressions, that there might not be rebellion in the camp of Israel. This instance is brought before us that we may understand that in every place the church needs faithful sentinels. Aaron’s course, in permitting such a condition of things, was displeasing to God. Notwithstanding the deviant attitude of the people, Aaron should have stood firm as a rock to his duty, and had he done so, this disgraceful scene would not now stand on the pages of history. In all our churches faithful men should be appointed who will bear responsibilities nobly for God. Firm barriers should be erected to prevent the leaven of disaffection and corruption from entering the church. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 37

The Word of God is to be applied not merely in preaching, but in ministering. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction, in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” [2 Timothy 3:16, 17.] It is necessary that order and unity be preserved in the church. In the church there are some who profess to know God, “but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” [Titus 1:16.] There are those members who are busybodies, speaking evil, sowing the seeds of doubt and infidelity, who pay no heed to the light God has given them in His Word. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 38

If we have but one church member who by his spirit, words, and influence, seeks to counterwork the influence of the minister of Christ, labor with that one faithfully; and if after taking the steps required by Christ, he will not hear, will not change his course of action, then separate him from the church; and let him know the reasons why the church cannot hold him in her fellowship. And if there are those who sympathize with him, who will not discern the right from the wrong, who, after patient instruction has been given them, choose to keep on the wrong side, let them also be suspended. God’s name must not be dishonored by murmurers, faultfinders, and those who are continually sowing seeds of disaffection. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 39

“A bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision; whose mouths must be stopped.” [Verses 7-11.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 40

There has been too little personal labor done. When one becomes in any way disaffected, he begins to visit and talk with others, and impressions of a disagreeable and untruthful character are left upon the mind. Thus it is that much of the seed of irritation and evil-surmisings are sown, and the unity of the brethren and sisters is broken up. There is a great need of work to be done, that the churches may not become defiled. Let those persons who have no inclination to come out and be on the Lord’s side be labored with, and if they cannot harmonize with the church, let them either keep their tongue as with a bridle, or find some other place to worship. Their influence for evil cannot have the sanction of the church or God’s approval. This work has been strangely neglected. It is time to set the church in order. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 41

There is a great work to be done outside the church. If camp meetings are held at large expense to bring the truth before unbelievers, who are prepared to co-operate with the efforts made? Who will take special measures to see that the church is doing the work she has solemnly covenanted with God to do—to walk with Christ, to work with Christ for the upbuilding of His kingdom? There must be a knowledge of God with those who act as stewards of the church. This is a great and solemn work. We have come to the place where the preaching of the Word does very little good. The present state of the church is very pitiful. It is burdened down with members who are sapping its very life. God is dishonored. Truth is not truth to them, for they do not practice it. Sacred things are not discerned. Let us read something of the burden brought upon Moses because of the weakness of Aaron in not standing firmly for that which he knew to be right, in yielding to the insubordination of the people:— 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 42

“And it came to pass on the morrow that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the Lord: peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sins. And Moses returned unto the Lord and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book. Therefore go now, lead the people unto the place of which I have spoken unto thee: behold, mine Angel shall go before thee: nevertheless in the day when I visit I will visit their sin upon them.” [Exodus 32:30-34.] Will the believers think of this statement? 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 43

If the people so mercifully spared by God would repent of their sin with that repentance which needeth not to be repented of; if they would serve God and honor His name, their sin on this occasion would be no more remembered against them, but if when tempted they pursued a similar course, if they showed no strength to resist temptation, but repeated their evil work, if they murmured and complained against Moses, these sins would be placed to their account as unforgiven. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 44

The Lord did not look favorably upon His people because of their sin. He said, “I will send an angel before thee ... unto a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiff-necked people: lest I consume thee in the way. And when the people heard these tidings, they mourned, and no man did put on him his ornaments. For the Lord had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiff-necked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment: and consume them: therefore put off now thine ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 45

“And the children of israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb. And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass that every one which sought the Lord went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 46

“And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle, and it came to pass as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses. And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshiped, every man at his tent door. And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again unto the camp; but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 47

“And Moses said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me: bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight show me now thy way, that I may know thee: that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. ... And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.” [Exodus 33:2-13, 17.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 48

The mighty man of faith does not stop here. He must be raised to a higher, holier relation to God. “And he said, I beseech thee, show me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee: and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me and live. And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock; and it shall come to pass while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover thee with my hand while I pass by. And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.” [Verses 18-23.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 49

Hear all His people the charge of the Lord to Moses: “And the Lord said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were upon the first tables, which thou brakest. And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning unto Mount Sinai, and present thyself there to me in the top of the mount. And no man shall come up with thee, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mount; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mount.” [Exodus 34:1-3.] Here we can see how the Lord regards transgression, and how He honors faithfulness and truth. The Lord forgave the sin of Israel. He knew there were some repentant ones in the midst, and for their sake He bore with the rebellious people, for the sake of His own name’s glory. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 50

“And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord, And the Lord passed before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will be no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children; and upon the children’s children unto the third and fourth generation. And Moses made haste and bowed his heard toward the earth and worshiped.” [Verses 5-8.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 51

“And it came to pass when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone: and they were afraid to come nigh him. And Moses called unto them; and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him: and Moses talked with them. And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh: and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him in mount Sinai. And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face. But when Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he took the veil off, until he came out. And he came out, and spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded. And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone; and Moses put the veil upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.” [Verses 29-35.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 52

“So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Let us therefore fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto you was the gospel preached, as well as unto them, but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” [Hebrews 3:19; 4:1, 2.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 53

“Now I beseech you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” [1 Corinthians 1:10-13.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 54

I present these matters before the church, and before the stewards of God. Some are now forward in the churches whom God has not appointed. They are not worthy to have charge of the flock. These things must be set in order. Close examinations must be made, not making the testimonies alone your guide, but the Word of God. There are men who are selfish, narrow, bigoted, who feel it their prerogative to advance a decided negative to everything that does not meet their mind. Let these men learn what it means to be themselves under the discipline of God. Their pettish complaining, faultfinding, overbearing spirit is doing great harm to the cause of God. These things must be changed. Those who are puffed up in their minds will show it in their speech and their treatment of others. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 55

Let the men to whom honor is due—those who have worked under difficult circumstances, who have built up our institutions, who have been used of God as minutemen to advance His work—be honored. God is dishonored by those men who by word or letter slight the men whom He has chosen to do His work. Any disparagement of these men, God holds as a disparagement to Christ. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 56

God calls upon all, whatever their position, to walk humbly with Him. The Lord has not laid aside these old, experienced men. He makes them His light-bearers still. Let the young men, who know so little of the privations, the anxiety, the toil of the past, respect the aged standard bearers. Just as long as they live, holding firm their faith and confidence, the Lord will be their righteousness to go before them; the glory of the Lord will be their rereward. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 57

Let those who are employed in the Echo office understand that they are to be loyal and true in the work appointed them. They are to be a light amid the moral darkness of the world. They are to advance in a knowledge of God and the truth. If they have no relish for the truth, if their connection with the office does not make them any better, nor bring them to a love for the truth, then, after a sufficient trial, separate them from the work. This is best, for their irreligion and unbelief will be felt in the office. Through them evil angels will work to mislead those who are brought in as apprentices. Obtain for apprentices those who are promising youth, those who love God. But if you unite them with those who have no love for God, they are in constant danger of becoming leavened by the influence of those who have never brought themselves under the control of God. 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 58

“In such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily, I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” [Matthew 24:44-51.] 13LtMs, Ms 52, 1898, par. 59