The Lord's Work Peculiar.
By R. F. Cottrell
The Lord's work is not like the work of men, and his servants are not like the servants of men. Personal rivalry and sectional and party feelings are among men of the world; and by creating jealousies and rivalries individuals seek to advance their personal interests. But it is not so in the church of Christ. The Lord's cause is one; his ministers should be one; and his people have no right to be “puffed up for one against another.” The Lord's servants may seek to be great, if they seek it in the right way, that is, by being least of all and servant of all. He that shall humble himself, the Lord shall exalt in due time. But he that excites or encourages sectional jealousies and rivalries in the cause and work of God, does not serve our Master, Christ, but the enemy of the Lord and his cause. Those that have not yet learned this lesson, should learn it at once. Perhaps I may be pardoned, should I illustrate my meaning by my own personal experience. For want of heedful consideration I once placed myself in a position, the influence of which was against the unity of the present message; and I was slow to see what I ought to do to correct the error. Immediately I had sympathizers, dear, personal friends, who were ready to stand by me and take my part against those whom they said were abusing me. But I had learned to believe in the unity of the work of the Lord; and I could see to what their false sympathy would lead. I therefore told these particular friends that if they truly were ready to join my party, they were welcome to do so; and they would find me with the body, even with those against whom they were puffed up in my favor. The result was, my dear, dear friends were ready to call me a fool. They were my friends, if I would work with them against the work of the Lord. Some are necessarily called to act a conspicuous part in the cause—to take the oversight of the work in our conferences, and to bear burdens and responsibilities. While trying to faithfully discharge their responsibilities, laboring for the good of the cause, and trying to make an economical use of the means entrusted to their care, all should stand by them and uphold them in their work, and encourage their watchful care, lest means be squandered and wasted that has been dedicated to God. Our servants should be careful, cautious men. Such should be sustained. Ministers should learn economy, if they have not learned it. And another thing they should learn is, not to accept of, and encourage, a sympathy that is against those who are called to bear the responsibility of the work. The work is one; and there must be unity with those who labor to advance it. Beware of dividing sympathies. If they are encouraged, they will work the ruin of some; and most likely of the ones we would particularly favor. There is no favoritism or sectional feeling in the work of God. Beware of it; and endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace. This is the only safe course. Let all pursue it who love the cause of God, and would see it advanced, and souls saved.