Warning Against Those Causing Division
By A. M. A. Cornell
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS:—Permit me to address a few words to you concerning those who are seeking to cause division among God's people, and our duty at the present time in the light of God's word. The apostle Paul teaches that we should mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them, and affirms that such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, Rom xvi, 17, 18. We trust that none of the honest will be deceived by them; for their course has been and is still such as to open the eyes of those whose hearts have been made glad by the plain teaching of the word and who love union and the doctrine which is according to godliness. Their work is to scatter and divide; and they are very zealous to accomplish this object; but we need not fear: the Lord has set his hand to the work to gather the remnant, and it will be accomplished, notwithstanding the efforts of those who have been excluded from the fellowship of the saints because of disorderly unchristian walk. We may pity them, but must have no fellowship or sympathy for their unholy work. Paul instructs Timothy to withdraw himself from those who consent not to wholesome words and to the doctrine which is according to godliness. 1 Tim vi, 3-4. Again in Eph, v, 11, he teaches that we should have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. John speaks of the commandment which was from the beginning, "to love one another," that we should walk in it, &c., and adds, "If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house neither bid him God speed; for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 2 John, verses 5, 6, 10, 11. We shall know them by their fruits. We need not be deceived if we compare their precepts and example with those of Christ and the apostles. Dear Brethren and Sisters, be not deceived. Dwell not on trials and difficulties; for it brings darkness. Look up! Let your conversation be in heaven. We have no time to spend in contending with those whom we cannot benefit. Every energy of our souls should be enlisted, and every moment employed in the great work of preparation. And to God's messenger we would say, You are engaged in a great and important work. The harvest is great and the laborers few, and the "Macedonian cry" is heard from every quarter, "come over and help us." Now as faithful watchmen upon the walls of Zion, should you cease to give the warning message and come down to dispute and contend with these dark spirits? No! no! their course is too crooked their work too low. Remember that God can make the wrath of man to praise him; and the remainder will he restrain. I was a short time since forcibly reminded of the striking analogy between the position that you occupy at present with reference to these persons, and that of Nehemiah when requested to come down and confer with his enemies, Sanballat Tobiah and Geshem. How strikingly appropriate was his answer. I doubt not but that every messenger realizing the responsibility of their station, and the importance of the present time, feeling the weight of this last message, and the worth of souls, can adopt and practice the sentiments expressed in the reply of Nehemiah to those who would hinder the work of God. He says, "And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it and come down to you." Neh vi, 3. In the first and second verses, Nehemiah informs us that his great work was repairing the breach in the walls of Jerusalem, and that his enemies wished him to leave the work and meet them in one of the villages; for they thought to do him mischief. Your work is far more important than was that of Nehemiah. You are engaged in "Repairing a breach" in the law of God. Your work is not yet accomplished; then let not your enemies hinder you by their wicked devices. For, Thy work's a high and lofty one;
And from it thou may'st not come down,
Or leave the field to strive with those
Who would the work of God oppose.
The Lord doth on their efforts frown;
And he will make their folly known,
The God who hath for Israel wrought,
Will bring their evil work to nought,
Fear not! the piercing eye that can
Their every secret motive scan,
Will for the precious jewels care,
And keep their feet from every snare.
Then trust in God, and still go forth,
From east to west from south to north.
Sound the last message far and near,
Let all the note of warning hear.
A. M. A. CORNELL.