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Testimonies for the Church Volume 3
Those who think that they have a work to do for the Master should
not commence their efforts among the churches; they should go out into
new fields and prove their gifts. In this way they can test themselves
and settle the matter to their own satisfaction, whether God has indeed
chosen them for this work. They will feel the necessity of studying the
word of God and praying earnestly for heavenly wisdom and divine aid.
By meeting with opponents who bring up objections to the important
points of our faith, they will be brought where they will obtain a most
valuable experience. They will feel their weakness and be driven to
the word of God and to prayer. In this exercise of their gifts they will
be learning and improving, and gaining confidence, courage, and faith,
and will eventually have a valuable experience.
The Brethren H commenced right in this work. In their labor they
did not go among the churches, but went out into new fields. They
commenced humble. They were little in their own eyes and felt the
necessity of their whole dependence being in God. These brothers,
especially A H, are now in great danger of becoming self-sufficient.
When he has discussed with opponents, the truth has obtained the
victory, and he has begun to feel strong in himself. As soon as he gets
above the simplicity of the work, his labors will not benefit the precious
cause of God. He should not encourage a love for discussions, but
should avoid them whenever he can. These contests with the powers
of darkness in debate seldom result the best for the advancement of
present truth.
If young men who commence to labor in this cause would have the
missionary spirit, they would give evidence that God has indeed called
them to the work. But when they do not go out into new places, but
are content to go from church to church, they give evidence that the
burden of the work is not upon them. The ideas of our young preachers
are not broad enough. Their zeal is too feeble. Were the young men
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awake and devoted to the Lord, they would be diligent every moment
of their time and would seek to qualify themselves to become laborers
in the missionary field rather than to become combatants.
Young men should be qualifying themselves by becoming familiar
with other languages, that God may use them as mediums to commu-
nicate His saving truth to those of other nations. These young men
may obtain a knowledge of other languages even while engaged in
laboring for sinners. If they are economical of their time they can be