and recline at ease. They are unfaithful sentinels. They remain inactive, while their wily foe enters the
fort and works successfully by their side to tear down what God has commanded to be built up. They
see that Satan is deceiving the inexperienced and unsuspecting; yet they take it all quietly, as though
they had no special interest, as though these things did not concern them. They apprehend no special
danger; they see no cause to raise an alarm. To them everything seems to be going well, and they see
no necessity of raising the faithful, trumpet notes of warning which they hear borne by the plain
testimonies, to show the people their transgressions and the house of Israel their sins. These reproofs
and warnings disturb the quiet of these sleepy, ease-loving sentinels, and they are not pleased. They
say in heart, if not in words: "This is all uncalled for. It is too severe, too harsh. These men are
unnecessarily disturbed and excited, and seem unwilling to give us any rest or quietude 'Ye take too
much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them.' They are not willing that we
should have any comfort, peace, or happiness. It is active labor, toil, and unceasing vigilance alone
which will satisfy these unreasonable, hard-to-be-suited watchmen. Why don't they prophesy smooth
things, and cry: Peace, peace? Then everything would move on smoothly."
