Earlier text: THE TESTIMONIES REJECTED.God has shown me that these men are Hazaels to prove a scourge to our people. They are wise above what is written. This unbelief of the very truths of God’s word because human judgment cannot comprehend the mysteries of his work, is found in every district, in all ranks of society. It is taught in most of our schools, and comes into the lessons of the nurseries. Thousands who profess to be Christians, give heed to lying spirits. Everywhere the spirit of darkness in the garb of religion will confront you. If all that appears to be divine life were such in reality; if all who profess to present the truth to the world were preaching for the truth, and not against it, and if they were men of God, guided by his Spirit,—then might we see something cheering amid the prevailing moral darkness. But the spirit of antichrist is prevailing to such an extent as never before. Well may we exclaim, “Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth, for the faithful fail from among the children of men.” I know that many think far too favorably of the present time. These ease-loving souls will be engulfed in the general ruin. Yet we do not despair. We have been inclined to think that where there are no faithful ministers, there can be no true Christians; but this is not the case. God has promised that where the shepherds are not true he will take charge of the flock himself. God has never made the flock wholly dependent upon human instrumentalities. But the days of purification of the church are hastening on apace. God will have a people pure and true. In the mighty sifting soon to take place, we shall be better able to measure the strength of Israel. The signs reveal that the time is near when the Lord will manifest that his fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor. The days are fast approaching when there will be great perplexity and confusion. Satan, clothed in angel robes, will deceive, if possible, the very elect. There will be gods many and lords many. Every wind of doctrine will be blowing. Those who have rendered supreme homage to “science falsely so-called,” will not be the leaders then. Those who have trusted to intellect, genius, or talent, will not then stand at the head of rank and file. They did not keep pace with the light. Those who have proved themselves unfaithful will not then be entrusted with the flock. In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged. They are self-sufficient, independent of God, and he cannot use them. The Lord has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view. There are precious ones now hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal. They have not had the light which you have had shining in a concentrated blaze in Battle Creek. But, it may be under a rough and uninviting exterior the pure brightness of a genuine Christian character will be revealed. In the daytime we look toward heaven, but do not see the stars. They are there, fixed in the firmament, but the eye cannot distinguish them. In the night we behold their genuine lustre. The time is not far distant when the test will come to every soul. The mark of the beast will be urged upon us. Those who have step by step yielded to worldly demands, and conformed to worldly customs, will not find it a hard matter to yield to the powers that be, rather than subject themselves to derision, insult, threatened imprisonment, and death. The contest is between the commandments of God and the commandments of men. In this time, the gold will be separated from the dross in the church. True godliness will be clearly distinguished from the appearance and tinsel of it. Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy, will then go out in darkness. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on64the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat. All who assume the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ’s righteousness, will appear in the shame of their own nakedness. When trees without fruit are cut down as cumberers of the ground, when multitudes of false brethren are distinguished from the true, then the hidden ones will be revealed to view, and with hosannas range under the banner of Christ. Those who have been timid and self-distrustful, will declare themselves openly for Christ and his truth. The most weak and hesitating in the church, will be as David—willing to do and dare. The deeper the night for God’s people, the more brilliant the stars. Satan will sorely harass the faithful, but, in the name of Jesus, they will come off more than conquerors. Then will the church of Christ appear “fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.” The seeds of truth that are being sown by missionary efforts, will then spring up, and blossom, and bear fruit. Souls will receive the truth who will endure tribulation, and praise God that they may suffer for Jesus. “In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” When the overflowing scourge shall pass through the earth, when the fan is purging Jehovah’s floor, God will be the help of his people. The trophies of Satan may be exalted on high, but the faith of the pure and holy will not be daunted. Elijah took Elisha from the plough, and threw upon him his mantle of consecration. The call to this great and solemn work was presented to men of learning and position; had these been little in their own eyes, and trusted fully in the Lord, he would have honored them with bearing his standard in triumph to the victory. But they separated from God, yielded to the influence of the world, and the Lord rejected them. Many have exalted science, and lost sight of the God of science. This was not the case with the church in the purest times. God will work a work in our day that but few anticipate. He will raise up and exalt among us those who are taught rather by the unction of his Spirit, than by the outward training of scientific institutions. These facilities are not to be despised or condemned; they are ordained of God, but they can furnish only the exterior qualifications. God will manifest that he is not dependent on learned, self-important mortals. There are few really consecrated men among us; few who have fought and conquered in the battle with self. Real conversion is a decided change of feelings and motives; it is a virtual taking leave of worldly connections, a hastening from their spiritual atmosphere, a withdrawing from the controlling power of their thoughts, opinions, and influences. The separation causes pain and bitterness to both parties. It is the variance which Christ declares that he came to bring. But the converted will feel a continual longing desire that their friends shall forsake all for Christ, knowing that unless they do, there will be a final and eternal separation. The true Christian cannot while with unbelieving friends, be light, and trifling. The value of the souls for whom Christ died, is too great. “He that forsaketh not all that he hath,” says Jesus, “cannot be my disciple.” Whatever shall divert the affections from God, must be given up. Mammon is the idol of many. Its golden chain binds them to Satan. Reputation and worldly honor are worshiped by another class. The life of selfish ease and freedom from responsibility, is the idol of others. These are Satan’s snares, set for unwary feet. But these slavish bands must be broken; the flesh must be crucified with the affections and lusts. We cannot be half the Lord’s and half the world’s. We are not God’s people unless we are such entirely.66Every weight, every besetting sin, must be laid aside. God’s watchmen will not cry, “Peace, peace,” when God has not spoken peace. The voice of the faithful watchmen will be heard: “Go ye out from hence, touch not the unclean. Go ye out of the midst of her. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.” The church cannot measure herself by the world, nor by the opinion of men, nor by what she once was. Her faith and her position in the world as they now are, must be compared with what they would have been if her course had been continually onward and upward. The church will be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary. If her moral character and spiritual state do not correspond with the benefits and blessings God has conferred upon her, she will be found wanting. The light has been shining clear and definite upon her pathway, and the light of 1882 calls her to an account. If her talents are unimproved, if her fruit is not perfect before God, if her light has become darkness, she is indeed found wanting. The knowledge of our state as God views it, seems to be hidden from us. We see, but perceive not; we hear, but do not understand; and we rest as unconcerned as if the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, rested upon our sanctuary. We profess to know God, and to believe the truth; but in works deny him. Our deeds are directly adverse to the principles of truth and righteousness, by which we profess to be governed. The very foundation of all true prosperity for our College, is a close union with God, on the part of teachers and students. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. His precepts should be acknowledged as the rule of life. In the Bible, the67will of God is revealed to his children. Wherever it is read, in the family circle, the school, or the church, all should give quiet and devout attention, as if God were really present, and speaking to them. A high religious standard has not always been maintained in our school. A majority of both teachers and students, are constantly seeking to keep their religion out of sight. Especially has this been the case since worldlings have patronized the College. Christ requires from all his followers, open, manly confessions of their faith. Each must take his position, and be what God designed he should be, a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. Every Christian is to be a light, not hid under a bushel or under a bed, but put on a candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house. The teachers in our College should not conform to worldly customs, or adopt worldly principles. The attributes which God prizes most, are charity and purity. These attributes should be cherished by every Christian. “Every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” “If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” “We shall see him as he is; and every man that hath this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” God has been moving upon the hearts of young men to devote themselves to the ministry. They have come to our College in the hope of finding advantages there which they could obtain nowhere else. But the solemn convictions of the Spirit of God have been lightly regarded by teachers who know but little of the worth of souls, and feel but little burden for their salvation, and they have endeavored to turn the youth from the path into which God had been seeking to lead them. The compensation of well-qualified teachers, is much higher than that of our ministers; and the teacher does not labor nearly so hard, or subject himself to so great inconvenience, as the minister who gives himself wholly to the work.68These things have been presented before the youth, and they have been encouraged to distrust God, and disbelieve his promises. Many have chosen the easier course, and have prepared themselves to teach the sciences, or to engage in some other employment, instead of preaching the truth. Thus God’s work has been hindered by unconsecrated teachers, who profess to believe the truth, but who have not the love of it in their hearts. The educated young man is taught to look upon his abilities as too precious to be devoted to the service of Christ. But has God no claims upon him? Who gave the power to obtain this mental discipline, and these accomplishments? Are they held on terms altogether independent of Jehovah? Many a youth who is ignorant of the world, ignorant of his own weakness, ignorant of the future, feels no need of a Divine hand to point out his course. He considers himself fully competent to guide his own bark amid the breakers. Let such youth remember that wherever they may go, they are not beyond the domain of God. They are not free to choose what they will without consulting the will of their Creator. Talent is ever best developed and best appreciated where it is most needed. But this truth is overlooked by many eager aspirants for distinction. Though superficial in religious experience and mental attainments, their short-sighted ambition covets a higher sphere of action than that in which Providence has placed them. The Lord does not call them as he did Joseph and Daniel, to withstand the temptations of worldly honor and high station. But they force themselves into positions of danger, and desert the only post of duty for which they are fitted. The Macedonian cry is coming to us from all directions. Send us laborers, is the urgent appeal from East and West. All around us are fields, “white69already to harvest.” “And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal.” Is it not folly to turn from these fields, to engage in a business that can yield only pecuniary gain? Christ wants not selfish workers, who are seeking only for the highest wages. He calls for those who are willing to become poor for his sake, as he became poor for them. What were the inducements presented before Christ in this world? Insults, mockery, poverty, shame, rejection, betrayal, and crucifixion. Shall the under-shepherds seek for an easier lot than that of their Master? The word of God is a great simplifier of life’s complicated pursuits. To every earnest seeker, it imparts a divine wisdom. We should never forget that we have been redeemed by suffering. It is the precious blood of Christ that makes atonement for us. By toil and sacrifice and peril, by losses of worldly goods, and in agony of soul, the gospel has been borne to the world. God calls young men in the vigor and strength of their youth, to share with him self-denial, sacrifice, and suffering. If they accept the call, he will make them his instruments to save souls for whom he died. But he would have them count the cost, and enter upon their work with a full knowledge of the conditions upon which they serve a crucified Redeemer. I can hardly restrain my indignation when I think how God’s purpose in the establishment of our College, has been disregarded. Those who have a form of godliness, are denying, by their unconsecrated lives, the power of the truth to make men wise unto salvation. Look at the history of the apostles, who suffered poverty, disgrace, abuse, and even death, for the truth’s sake. They rejoiced that they were accounted worthy to suffer for Christ. If great results can be attained by great efforts and great suffering, who of us that are subjects of divine grace can refuse the sacrifice? The gospel of Christ includes in its requirements every soul that70has heard the message of glad tidings. What shall we render unto God for all his benefits to us? His matchless mercy can never be repaid. We can, only by willing obedience and grateful service, testify our loyalty, and crown with honor our Redeemer. I have no higher wish than to see our youth imbued with that spirit of pure religion which will lead them to take up the cross and follow Jesus. Go forth, young disciples of Christ, controlled by principle, clad in the robes of purity and righteousness. Your Saviour will guide you into the position best suited to your talents, and where you can be most useful. In the path of duty you may be sure of receiving grace sufficient for your day. The preaching of the gospel is God’s chosen agency for the salvation of souls. But our first work should be to bring our own hearts into harmony with God, and then we are prepared to labor for others. In former days there was great searching of heart among our earnest workers. They counseled together, and united in humble, fervent prayer for divine guidance. There has been a decline in the true missionary spirit among ministers and teachers. Yet Christ’s coming is nearer than when we believed. Every passing day leaves us one less to proclaim the message of warning to the world. Would that there were to-day more earnest intercession with God, greater humility, greater purity, and greater faith! The curse which fell upon the fig-tree because it bore no fruit, now threatens to fall upon the church at Battle Creek. God has planted important institutions among you, yet you have not been the more circumspect, lest your influence shall be on the wrong side. W. C. Gage, C. W. Stone, J. H. Kellogg, and others who occupy responsible positions, have not stood up in their integrity to resist the spirit and influence of the world. They have been cautioned and reproved, but they have at times been far more ready to yield to a worldly influence than to the Spirit of God. All are in constant danger. I warn the church to beware of those who preach to others the word of life, but do not themselves cherish the spirit of humility and self-denial which it inculcates. Such men cannot be depended on in a crisis. They disregard the voice of God as readily as did Saul, and like him many stand ready to justify their course. When rebuked by the Lord through his prophet, Saul stoutly asserted that he had obeyed the voice of God; but the bleating sheep and lowing oxen testified that he had not. In the same manner do many to-day assert their loyalty to God, but their concerts and other pleasure gatherings, their worldly associations, their glorifying of self, and eager desire for popularity, all testify that they have not obeyed his voice. “As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them.” That is a high standard which the gospel sets before us. The consistent Christian is not only a new but a noble creature in Christ Jesus. He is an unfailing light to show others the way to Heaven and to God. He who is drawing his life from Christ, will have no desire for the frivolous, unsatisfying enjoyments of the world. Among the youth will be found great diversity of character and education. Some have lived in an element of arbitrary restraint and harshness, which has developed in them a spirit of obstinacy and defiance. Others have been household pets, allowed by over-fond parents to follow their own inclinations. Every defect has been excused, until their character is deformed. To deal successfully with these different minds, the teacher needs to exercise great tact and delicacy in management, as well as firmness in government. Dislike and even contempt for proper regulations will often be manifested. Some will exercise all their ingenuity in evading penalties, while others will display a reckless indifference to the consequences of transgression. All this will call for more72patience and greater exertion on the part of those who are entrusted with their education. One of the greatest difficulties with which teachers have had to contend, is the failure on the part of parents to co-operate in administering the discipline of the College. If the parents would stand pledged to sustain the authority of the teacher, much insubordination, vice, and profligacy would be prevented. Parents should require their children to respect and obey rightful authority. They should labor with unremitting care and diligence to instruct, guide, and restrain their children, until right habits are firmly established. With such training the youth would be in subjection to the institutions of society, and the general restraints of moral obligation. general restraints of moral obligation.
Both by precept and example, the youth should be taught simplicity of dress and manners, industry, sobriety, and economy. Many students are extravagant in expending the means furnished them by their parents. They try to show themselves superior to their associates by a lavish use of money for display and self-indulgence. In some institutions of learning, this matter has been regarded of so great consequence that the dress of the student is prescribed and his use of money limited by law. But indulgent parents and indulged students will find some way to evade the law. We would resort to no such means. We ask Christian parents to take all these matters under careful, prayerful consideration, to seek counsel from the word of God, and then endeavor to act in accordance with its teachings. If facilities for manual labor were provided in connection with our school, and students were required to devote a portion of their time to some active employment, it would prove a safeguard against many of the evil influences that prevail in institutions of learning. Manly, useful occupations, substituted for frivolous and corrupting diversions, would give legitimate scope for the exuberance of youthful life, and would promote sobriety and stability of character,73all possible effort should be made to encourage a desire for moral and physical, as well as mental improvement. If girls were taught how to cook, especially how to bake good bread, their education would be of far greater value. A knowledge of useful labor would prevent, to a great extent, that sickly sentimentalism which has been and is still ruining thousands. The exercise of the muscles as well as the brain will encourage taste for the homely duties of practical life. The present age is one of show and surface work in education. Bro. Bell possesses naturally a love for system and thoroughness, and these have become habit by lifelong training and discipline. He has been approved of God for this. His labors are of real worth because he will not allow students to be superficial. But in his very first efforts to establish a school in Battle Creek he encountered many obstacles. Had he been less resolute and persevering, he would have given up the struggle. Some of the parents neglected to sustain the school, and their children did not respect the teacher because he wore poor clothing. They allowed his appearance to prejudice them against him. This spirit of disrespect was rebuked of the Lord, and Bro. Bell was encouraged in his work. But the complaints and unwise reports carried home by the children, strengthened the prejudice of the parents. While Bro. Bell was seeking to inculcate true principles and establish right habits, over-indulged children were complaining of their taxing studies. These very ones, I was shown, were suffering because the mind was not sufficiently occupied with proper subjects. Their thoughts were upon demoralizing matters, and both mind and body were enfeebled through the habit of self-abuse. It was this vile practice, not over-study, that caused the frequent illness of these children, and prevented them from making the advancement which the parents desired. The Lord approved of the general course of Bro.74Bell, as he was laying the foundation for the school which is now in operation. But the man has labored too hard, without a firm, blessed, strengthening home influence to lighten his burdens. Under the strain of over-work, he has made some mistakes, not half so grievous, however, as those of persons who have cherished bitterness against him. In his connection with the youth, he has had to meet that spirit of rebellion and defiance which the apostle declares to be one of the signs of the last days. Some of the teachers in the College have failed to realize the responsibility of their position. They have not themselves been learners in the school of Christ, and hence they have not been prepared to instruct others. Some things have occurred that have strengthened the irreligious element in the school. Strong feelings of disunion have existed among the teachers. There has been considerable dissatisfaction with Bro. Bell’s manner of dealing with students. He has not always pursued such a course as would exert the best influence. To some, he has seemed harsh and unsympathetic. He could not tolerate the listless indifference which students at times manifested. That which interested him, he thought should interest his class. The stinging remarks which he would make at times, left most disagreeable impressions upon sensitive minds that did not know him well. Among the students will be found some of idle, vicious habits. These will need reproof and discipline; but if they cannot be reformed, let them not be driven farther toward the pit by impatience and harshness. Teachers should ever remember that the youth under their charge are the purchase of the blood of Christ, and younger members of the Lord’s family. Christ made an infinite sacrifice to redeem them. And teachers should feel that they are to stand as missionaries, to win these students to Jesus. If they are naturally combative, let them carefully guard against the indulgence of this trait.75Those who have passed the critical period of youth, should never forget the temptations and trials of early life, and how much they wanted sympathy, kindness, and love. He who devotes himself to arduous public labor in the cause of humanity, often finds little time to devote to his own family, and, in one sense, is left almost without a family and without fireside, social influences. It has been thus with Bro. Bell. His mind has been constantly taxed. He had little opportunity to win the affections of his children, or to give them needed restraint and guidance. They were nervous and willful. A firm, discreet, loving mother, could have controlled these unsubmissive children, and Bro. Bell might have had a far happier home. Few can know how heavy the burdens Bro. Bell has borne in consequence of these things, which I have merely touched upon. He has frequently gone to the school-room so weighed down with perplexing, unhappy thoughts, that it has seemed almost impossible for him to give attention to present duties. Those in the College who have found so much fault with Bro. Bell, have been more faulty than he, when they had nothing to make them so. Bro. Ramsey has many complaints to make in regard to Bro. Bell’s management, but that which would be tolerated in Bro. Bell because of his former labors of love will be unbearable in a youth. Bro. Ramsey manifests a severity and sharpness in school entirely inappropriate for one of his age and position. When he shall have learned patience, humility, and self-control at home, at school, and wherever he may be, then it will appear at least less criminal in him to make charges against Bro. Bell. Bro. Ramsey has good abilities, and will make a successful teacher if he does not think more highly of himself than he ought to think. But when he feels sufficient in himself, he is a very weak man. When he relies wholly upon God, then he can employ all his powers to the76best account. Bro. Miller is not a man of deep piety. He is firm, decided, persevering, but self-conceited. The worst thing that ever happened to Battle Creek College was the visit of Mr. Hamill, the teacher of elocution. Fascinated with this branch of knowledge, many forgot our position as a peculiar and holy people. They permitted themselves to be led away from God, and some souls will be lost in consequence. The fault was not with Mr. Hamill. He worked in accordance with his faith. But those who forgot all higher interests in their zeal to pursue this new study, have done no credit to themselves or to the cause they represented. Some made themselves ridiculous. Though God has reproved their error in mingling with the world, others have done the same thing, and with their spiritual blindness and want of consecration, they continue to repeat the same error. Bro. Stone has not at all times acted in accordance with his faith. He has not heeded the testimonies of the Spirit of God, but has opened to the school a door whereby they could connect with the world. He might be a useful man if he would overcome his self-indulgent disposition. He has some excellent qualities. His talent for music might be a power for good, if held as God’s gift and consecrated to his service. But it has been the means of leading him and others into friendship with the world, and has done more harm than good. The Lord has spoken to Bro. Stone in reproof and encouragement. Will he obey this voice from Heaven, or will his associates and habits prove too strong for him. He must give an account for his talents, whether they have been used to glorify God or to please himself and others who had not the fear of God before them. There are others in the College who need a thorough conversion. Let none seek to discern the mote that is in their brother’s eye, when they have a beam in their own eye. Each should cleanse his own soul77temple from its defilement. Let envy and jealousy go with the accumulated rubbish. Exalted privileges and heavenly attainments, purchased for us at an immense cost, are freely presented for our acceptance. God holds us individually accountable for the measure of light and privileges he has given us. And if we refuse to render unto God the improvement of the talents committed to our trust, we forfeit his favor. Many in Battle Creek have yielded to Satan’s temptations until their hearts have become exceedingly hard. They are unsympathetic and critical, judging and condemning others, as though God had placed them, poor erring mortals, upon the judgment seat. There has not been in the cause of God a more hearty, earnest, thorough workman than Bro. Bell. Had his accusers felt as deep an interest in the prosperity of the cause of God, and applied their powers as has he, they would not have had time or disposition to condemn his work. They would better by far have sympathized with him. Let his brethren consider, without prejudice or envy, the work he has been doing for years, to promote the educational interest in Battle Creek; let them consider the other branches of labor that have fallen upon him, and then compare their own work and its results with his industry and achievements; their wages with his remuneration, and see how these will stand in review before themselves and before God. Prof. McLearn would have served you well had he not been flattered by some and condemned by others. He became confused. He had traits of character that needed to be suppressed. In their enthusiasm, some have given him undue confidence and praise. You have placed the man where it will be difficult for him to recover himself, and find his true position. He has been sacrificed by both parties in the church, because they failed to heed the admonitions of the Spirit of God. This is injustice to him. He had newly come to the faith, and was not prepared for the developments which have been78made. Had the church heeded the counsels of God’s Spirit; had they individually set about the work of reform, instead of vindicating themselves; had they humbled their own hearts, Brn. Bell and McLearn with the rest, these two teachers might have harmonized. But they have been rent asunder by a church which was blinded by the adversary of souls, and upon which the rebuke of God is resting. Unless the church become united in sentiment, the work of future teachers in the College will be anything but easy or desirable. While upheld by one party, they will be criticised by the other. This of itself is sufficient to make the work of any teacher extremely difficult. Both teachers and students will be subject to party preferences and feelings, which are certain death to spirituality. How little we know of the bearing our acts will have upon the future history of ourselves and others. Many think it is of little importance what they do. It will do no harm for them to attend this concert, or unite with the world in that amusement, if they wish to do so. Thus Satan leads and controls their desires, and they do not consider that the results may be most momentous. It may be the link in the chain of events which binds a soul in the snare of Satan, and determines his eternal ruin. Every act, however small, has its place in the great drama of life. Consider that the desire for a single gratification of appetite introduced sin into our world, with its terrible consequences. Unhallowed marriages of the sons of God with the daughters of men, resulted in apostacy which ended in the destruction of the world by a flood. The most trifling act of self-indulgence has resulted in great revolutions. This is the case now. Leading men are not circumspect. Like the children of Israel, they will not take heed to words of counsel, but follow their own inclination. They unite with a worldly element in attending gatherings where they will be brought into notice, and thus lead the way and the people follow. What has been done once79will be done again by themselves and many others. Every step these take makes a lasting impression, not only on their own consciences and habits but upon those of others. This consideration gives awful dignity to human life. My heart aches day after day and night after night for the church in Battle Creek. They are progressing, but in the back track. “The path of the just shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Their march is onward and upward. They progress from strength to strength, from grace to grace, and from glory to glory. This is the privilege of the church in Battle Creek. But oh, how different has it been! You need divine illumination. You must face square about. I know what I say. Unless you shall become Christians indeed, you will go from weakness to weakness, divisions will increase, and many souls will be led to perdition. All I can say to you is, Take up the light which God has given you, and follow it at any cost to yourselves. This is your only safety. You have a work to do to come into harmony, and may the Lord help you to do it even if self is crucified. Gather up the rays of light that have been slighted and rejected. Gather them up with meekness, with trembling, and with fear. The sin of ancient Israel was in disregarding the expressed will of God and following their own way according to the leadings of unsanctified hearts. Modern Israel are fast following in their footsteps, and the displeasure of the Lord is as surely resting upon them. It is never difficult to do what we love to do; but to take a course directly against our inclinations, is lifting a cross. Christ prayed that his disciples might be one, as he was one with the Father. This unity is the credentials of Christ to the world, that God sent him. When self-will is renounced in reference to matters, there will be a union of believers with Christ. This you should pray for, and work for determinedly, thus answering as far as possible the prayer of Christ for unity in his church.