Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 70, 1895
Talk/An Address to the Leading Brethren
NP
1895
Previously unpublished.
The Lord calls upon men who occupy leading positions in His work to change their methods of labor. They are not to confine their interests to any one locality, not to multiply facilities in [a] particular place, but they are to bear in mind that “the field is the world.” [Matthew 13:38.] What excuse can be offered to God for the time, money, and means bestowed upon those who have had so many advantages, such abundant opportunity to become thoroughly imbued with the knowledge of the truth, but have failed to improve those advantages and wasted the opportunities? 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 1
Those who occupy responsible positions are not only to direct in the work, but they are to lead out in carrying out their plans. Our great Leader was an example for all. He says, “Follow me.” Increased responsibility must be placed upon every man to whom God has given talents, that he may grow by reason of the increased effort required to carry the burdens. O, that the pastors of our churches would awaken from the death-like slumber into which they have fallen: O that they would cease to provoke the wrath of God by their slothfulness! 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 2
Satan is a diligent worker. He is persevering in his efforts; he watches for souls with earnestness, ready to seize upon every poor, tempted soul that may wander into his territory. But alas, those whom God has appointed to watch for souls as those that must give an account, too often—by sharp, uncourteous words, spoken in an unchristlike spirit—push and drive these tried and faltering ones right into the snares which Satan has laid for them. Then, forgetting the part that they have acted, they point the fingers at them in scorn, saying, “I told you what they were.” Did you? Who inspired you to prophesy evil? And who was it that brought about the fulfillment of those prophecies? The very one whom God had appointed to care for them in Christlike tenderness, betrayed them into the hands of the enemy as verily as Judas betrayed our Saviour. Many do not realize what it means to manifest Christlike patience and long forbearance with those who are weak in the faith. They do not labor in such a manner as will develop the Christian character. 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 3
As they look upon their perishing neighbors, many exclaim with Cain, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” [Genesis 4:9.] And it often happens that they are the very ones who have almost crushed the last spark of hope out of their brother’s heart; they have nearly killed him. God will demand a strict settlement of our accounts, and we shall be brought into judgment for all these things. Do you also enquire, “Who is my brother?” Every soul that is in need of help, temporal or spiritual is your neighbor and your brother. 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 4
Those who know the truth as it is in Jesus will have sound spiritual minds, and, if they would do their God-appointed work, it is essential that they should also have a sound body. Our youth should be educated to take care of their mind and body. They should be taught that God expects them to use the talents He has given them in the service of Christ. The truth of God is to transform the whole being. The apostle Paul prays that our “body, soul and spirit be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Thessalonians 5:23.] God has been pleased to shed much light upon His people. Increased light multiplies our responsibilities and increases the necessity of imparting to others that which we have received. While the saints are exhorted not to forsake the assembling of themselves together, yet it is not designed that those assemblies would be merely for their own refreshing; but that they may be inspired with greater zeal to communicate the consolation they have received to others who are groping in the darkness of error. The reason there is so little travail for souls who are in peril is because those who profess to be followers of Christ do not know Him. They have not an experimental knowledge of the Saviour of the world. They cherish hardness and impenitence in their hearts. 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 5
Many men who are filling responsible places in our day are not feeding on the Bread of life, they do not daily drink of His blood, (the Word of God) but are as fruitless as sapless branches. Instead of binding souls to Christ, they cause them to separate from Him. They do not gather with Him, but are scattering abroad. They are not true servants of the Lord, for by their fruits ye shall know them. 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 6
The most solemn period of the history of the Jewish nation was when Christ walked in their midst. It was the generation to whom He revealed such marvelous mercy; upon whom He bestowed such wonderful blessings, before whom He performed greater works than ever had been witnessed by man before; it was the generation that testified, “Never man spake like this man,” that rejected the Lord of glory. [John 7:46.] Their eyes were so blinded by their false hopes of a temporal kingdom, so that they could not recognize their King. The stubborn impenitent course which they pursued continually refusing to accept the teachings of Christ decided their destiny, both for this life and the life to come. Evidence was heaped upon evidence, but they willfully rejected it all. Their destruction was determined by their own course of action, in refusing to accept the only provision Heaven had made for their salvation. They alone were responsible for the eternal loss which they sustained. Our Saviour said, “Ye will not come unto me that ye might have eternal life.” [John 5:40.] In rejecting Him, they cut themselves off from life. 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 7
In our day the Lord is speaking to His people in warnings and reproofs. Through the Holy Spirit He is opening to them the grandest truths of His Word. But like the Jews many stubbornly refuse to accept messages from heaven. Great light has been permitted to shine upon God’s people; but instead of reflecting this light, instead of letting it shine upon others, they have cherished it within themselves until, when greater light shines, it seems to them that it is darkness. To such the Lord addresses the inquiry, “What have you done with my talent which I lent you? Have you buried it in the earth where it would be of no benefit to anyone?” This is what was done by the unfaithful servant. 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 8
When, individually, as God’s entrusted agents, you make use of the fresh bright ideas given you of the truth, the same Spirit that conveyed them to you will increase your wisdom and enrich your mind with still brighter thoughts. The more you impart, the more you will have to give. As you pray, contemplating the plan of redemption you will have strength given you to overcome the objections presented by the enemy of truth. Jesus says, “I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not, I will help thee. ... yea I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” [Isaiah 41:13, 10.] When you are fearful, when you are trembling with anxiety over the difficulties which appear to be in the way, He is beside you. He will help you. If you are walking humbly, trustingly, with God, the Holy Spirit will enable you to “give an answer to every man that asketh” you, and to present intelligent and convincing reasons for your faith. [1 Peter 3:15.] If self is buried in Christ, He will work in us, “both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:13.] 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 9
Thousands who are now idle might be using their God-given abilities in His service. Men have not given them their talents; therefore let men be careful how they lay their hands on the humblest, the weakest, followers of Christ. Give all a chance for the Lord to work with them. Let them follow the impressions of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is watching over every soul. Leave them in His hands, and do not hinder the work of God by compassing them about with human restraints. Through their lack of knowledge and inexperience they may make mistakes, but they are not to be discarded. Rather, let them be helped by proper instruction and caution, so that they may turn defect into victory by learning to avoid repeating the same course in the future. 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 10
Men should do less dictating, less restricting; there should not be so much binding about of the work of God. Let Jesus deal with the errors of His workers. Leave Him to reshape their characters. Their work has not been committed to men. The angels are heaven’s appointed agencies to “minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation.” [Hebrews 1:14.] All may not show the wisdom of experienced workers, but everyone has some talent, and must trade upon it that he may gain other talents also. 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 11
There are men in our midst who are so cautious, that their work has the appearance of being tainted with unbelief, and distrust in God. This over cautious spirit should not be cherished. If these men will review their past history, they will see many mistakes that they have made. They may have been made through too hurried zeal, through ignorance, or too great amount of self-confidence; but they have left marks upon the work which does not show a perfection of methods. When they saw these results of their labor they were distressed, almost discouraged, but the Lord did not set them adrift. He did not say, “I will no longer have such bunglers carry on my work.” No, He pitied them in their weakness. 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 12
Before the disciples of Christ had obtained correct ideas of what His kingdom was like, they contended as to which should be the greatest. Did Jesus turn them away counting them unworthy of His care? No, our pitying, loving Redeemer gave them such lessons as would correct their ambitious ideas. He revealed to them the spirit that must be cherished by every one who would be a subject of His kingdom. “Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, verily I say unto you, except ye become converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” [Matthew 18:2-6.] These words of Christ need to be repeated today, not to the new and inexperienced workers only, but to the principal workers also. If they were read and understood by both classes of workers, we should see much more decided advancement made in the work. There would be a much more intelligent faith in the power of God. 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 13
Undue caution, if cherished, will develop into a species of unbelief that is very hard to handle. The work of God will extend if we manifest our faith in His power by venturing to move forward by faith. The spirit described in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew has been manifested among us. God would have every man that occupies a place of trust in His cause study this chapter. And as you read, pray that you may understand, and that you may have grace to practice the teachings of the whole chapter. If this is done, there will be a decided improvement manifest. The ninety and nine will be left far more to their own resources, and there will [be] an earnest agonizing seeking for the one which has gone astray. Mountains and cities will be diligently searched for the pearl that Christ sold all to purchase. The lessons of this chapter were given by One who knows the value of the soul. 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 14
“Whoso shall offend one of these little ones, (by seeking for the supremacy, denouncing and pronouncing judgment upon others,) which believe in me, (not mere children, but believers in Jesus Christ,) it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences: for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh!” [Verses 6, 7.] This is designed especially for those who are in high positions; but it also applies to every son and daughter of Adam. 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 15
“Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” [Verses 8-10.] 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 16
A hard, iron-like spirit, and unsympathetic spirit, is an offense to God. If it has been cherished, although the operation may be [so] severe as to sever an arm or pluck out an eye, this spirit must be disconnected from us. Some say it is their natural disposition, others attribute it to a desire to be cautious; but it is positive unbelief and distrust of God. They are not willing to walk by faith. There is an unwillingness to venture anything on the promises of God; but they must be able to see how the matter is coming out before they will move. This fear to venture out, trusting in the Lord, is retarding the work of God. There will be mistakes made. Our after-sight is better than our foresight, but often these mistakes prove greater blessings than continual successful planning, because they lead us to walk softly with God; they teach us how frail man is, the necessity of putting our trust in the Lord, and of seeking the counsel of the brethren. It is always wise to counsel, but those who give counsel should do so in the fear of God, lest some of their own precious schemes, something as dear as an eye, and arm, or a foot, shall cause them to fail of discerning the true nature of the case; or it may be to exercise their authority in carrying things to their own liking. Although God may have given men authority, it is not to be used to hurt and destroy the souls for whom Christ has given His precious life. 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 17
The senses of those who sit in council meetings are often perverted so that they can not discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit; then they fail to view matters in the light which God sees them, and decisions are arrived at in accordance with their own perverted judgment. The power of the influence of this position is then brought to bear to carry out those decisions, although they may be of such character as to harm rather than strengthen tempted struggling ones. The power of God is used to uplift, and not to break down. You had better pluck out the right eye, better to cut off the right arm, better not exercise the authority given you, than to abuse it, and cause a brother to offend. 10LtMs, Ms 70, 1895, par. 18