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Testimonies for the Church Volume 3
These things make these truly conscientious, noble-minded men
and women feeble to endure, and they are not developing the character
they might were they differently situated. They are dwarfed in mental
and spiritual growth, which threatens to destroy their usefulness. Their
labors and interests are confined mostly to themselves. Their influence
is narrowed down when it should be widening and becoming more
general, that they may, by being placed in a variety of circumstances,
bring into exercise the powers which God has given them, in such a
manner as shall contribute most to His glory. All the faculties of the
mind are capable of high improvement. The energies of the soul need
to be aroused and brought into action for the glory of God.
Laborers for God
God calls for missionaries. There are men of ability in the church
at-----who will grow in capacity and power as they exercise their talents
in the work and cause of God. If these brethren will educate themselves
to make the cause of God their first interest, and will sacrifice their
pleasure and inclination for the truth’s sake, the blessing of God will
rest upon them. These brethren, who love the truth, and who have been
for years rejoicing because of increasing light upon the Scriptures,
should let their light shine forth to those who are in darkness. God will
be to them wisdom and power, and will glorify Himself in working
with and by those who wholly follow Him. “If any man serve Me, him
will My Father honor.” The wisdom and power of God will be given
to the willing and faithful.
[57]
The brethren in-----have been willing to give of their means for
the various enterprises, but they have withheld themselves. They have
not said: Here am I, Lord; send me. It is not the strength of human
instruments, but the power and wisdom of Him who employs them
and works with them that makes men successful in doing the work
that is necessary to be done. By offering our goods to the Possessor of
heaven and earth while we withhold ourselves, we cannot meet His
approbation nor secure His blessing. There must be in the hearts of
the brethren and sisters in-----a principle to lay all, even themselves,
upon the altar of God.
Men are needed in Battle Creek who can and will take burdens
and bear responsibilities. The call has been given time and again, but