Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

emain upon the books of heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven, will be
overcome by Satan. The more exalted their profession and the more
honorable the position which they hold, the more grievous is their course in
the sight of God and the more sure the triumph of their great adversary.
Those who delay a preparation for the day of God cannot obtain it in the time
of trouble or at any subsequent time. The case of all such is hopeless.
It is not required of you to confess to those who know not your sin and
errors. It is not your duty to publish a confession which will lead unbelievers
to triumph; but to those to whom it is proper, who will take no advantage of
your wrong, confess according to the word of God, and let them pray for
you, and God will accept your work, and will heal you. For your soul's sake,
be entreated to make thorough work for eternity. Lay aside your pride, your
vanity, and make straight work. Come back again to the fold. The Shepherd
is waiting to receive you. Repent, and do your first works, and again come
into favor with God.
Christ is your Redeemer; He will take no advantage of your humiliating
confessions. If you have sin of a private character, confess it to Christ, who
is the only Mediator between God and man. "If any man sin, we have an
advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." 1 John 2:1. If you have
sinned by withholding from God His own in tithes and offerings, confess
your guilt to God and to the church, and heed the injunction that He has
given you: "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse." Malachi 3:10.
The people of God must move understandingly. They should not be
satisfied until every known sin is confessed; then it is their privilege and duty
to believe that Jesus accepts them. They must not wait for others to press
through the darkness and obtain the victory for them to enjoy. Such
enjoyment will last only till the meeting closes. But God must be served
from principle instead of from feeling. Morning and night obtain the victory
for yourselves in your own family. Let not your daily labor keep you from
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