Left to the Honor of Men
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shine forth to others, they are neglecting the doing of the words of
Christ.
We need not tax ourselves with rehearsing how much has been
given to the cause of God, but rather let us consider how much has
been kept back from His treasury to be devoted to the indulgence of
self in pleasure seeking and self-gratification. We need not reckon up
how many agents have been sent forth, but rather recount how many
have closed the eyes of their understanding, so that they might not see
their duty and minister to others according to their several ability.
How many might now be employed were there means in the trea-
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sury to sustain them in the work! How many facilities might be used
in extending the work of God as His providence opens the way! Hun-
dreds could be employed in the field in doing good in various branches,
but they are not there. Why?—Selfishness keeps them at home; they
love ease, and so remain away from the vineyard of the Lord. Some
would go into regions beyond, but they have not the means to take
them; for others have left undone that which they ought to have done.
These are some of the reasons why a few workers have to go loaded
down as a cart beneath sheaves, while others take no burden.—
The
Review and Herald, July 14, 1896
.
The Dollar That Might Save a Soul
The Lord has made provision that all may be reached by the mes-
sage of truth, but the means placed in the hands of His stewards for
this very purpose has been selfishly devoted to their own gratification.
How much has been thoughtlessly wasted by our youth, spent for
self-indulgence and display, for that which they would have been just
as happy without. Every dollar which we possess is the Lord’s. Instead
of spending means for needless things, we should invest it in answering
the calls of missionary work.
As new fields are opened, the calls for means are constantly in-
creasing. If ever we needed to exercise economy, it is now. All who
labor in the cause should realize the importance of closely following
the Saviour’s example of self-denial and economy. They should see in
the means that they handle a trust which God has committed to them,
and they should feel under obligation to exercise tact and financial
ability in the use of their Lord’s money. Every penny should be care-