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Testimonies for the Church Volume 6
who are worldly-wise may have a true representation of the riches, the
goodness, the mercy, the tenderness, and the courtesy of the citizens
of the kingdom of God.
The students who will get the most good out of life are those
who will live the word of God in their connections and dealings with
their fellow men. Those who receive to give will feel the greatest
satisfaction in this life. Those members of the human family who live
for themselves are always in want, for they are never satisfied. There
is no Christianity in shutting up our sympathies to our own selfish
hearts. The Lord has ordained channels through which He lets flow
His goodness, mercy, and truth; and we are to be co-workers with
Christ in communicating to others practical wisdom and benevolence.
We are to bring brightness and blessing into their lives, thus doing a
good and holy work.
If the Avondale school ever becomes what the Lord is seeking
to make it, the missionary effort of teachers and students will bear
fruit. Both in the school and outside, willing subjects will be brought
to allegiance to God. The rebellion which took place in heaven un-
der the power of a lie, and the deception which led Adam and Eve
to disobey the law of God, opened the floodgates of woe upon our
world; but all who believe in Christ may become sons and daughters
of God. Through the power of the truth they may be restored, and
fallen man may become loyal to his Maker. The truth, peculiar in
its working power, is adapted to the minds and hearts of wandering
sinners. Through its influence the lost sheep may be brought back to
the fold.
Whatever may be the position or possessions of any individual
who has a knowledge of the truth, the word of God teaches him that
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all he has is held by him in trust. It is lent him to test his character.
His worldly business, his talents, his income, his opportunities, are
all to be accounted for to Him to whom by creation and redemption
he belongs. When he uses every precious talent in carrying forward
God’s great work of education, when he strives to obtain the very best
knowledge of how to be useful, how to labor for the salvation of souls
ready to perish, God’s blessing will surely attend his efforts. God
bestows His gifts upon us that we may minister to others, and thus
become like Him. Those who receive His gifts that they may impart to
others, become like Christ. It is in helping and uplifting others that we