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93
for neglecting the work in His vineyard which He has given them to
do.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:425, 426
.
What can we say to the slothful church member to make him
realize the necessity of unearthing his talent and putting it out to the
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exchangers? There will be no idler, no slothful one, found inside
the kingdom of heaven. O that God would set this matter in all its
importance before the sleeping churches! O that Zion would arise and
put on her beautiful garments! O that she would shine!—
Testimonies
for the Church 6:434
.
There is work to be done for those who know not the truth, just
such work as was done for you when you were in darkness. It is too
late to sleep, too late to become indolent do-nothings. To every one the
Householder has given a work. Let us go forward, and not backward.
We want a new conversion daily. We want the love of Jesus throbbing
in our hearts, that we may be instrumental in saving many souls.—
The
Review and Herald, June 10, 1880
.
The Lord Jesus requires that every soul who claims to be a son
or daughter of God, should not only depart from all iniquity, but be
abundant in acts of charity, self-denial, and humility. The Lord has
presented the working of a certain law of mind and action, that should
warn us in regard to our work. He says: “Whosoever hath not, from
him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.” Those who do
not improve upon their opportunities, who do not exercise the grace
that God gives them, have less inclination to do so, and finally in a
sleepy lethargy, lose that which they once possessed. They make no
provision for the future time of need in gaining a large experience, in
obtaining an increased knowledge of divine things, so that when trial
and temptation come upon them, they may be able to stand. When
persecution or temptation comes, this class lose their courage and faith,
and their foundation is swept away, because they did not see the need
of making their foundation sure. They did not rivet their souls to the
eternal Rock.—
The Review and Herald, March 27, 1894
.
How terrible it will be in the last great day to find that those with
whom we have been familiarly associated are separated from us for-
ever; to see the members of our families, perhaps our own children,
unsaved; to find those who have visited our homes, and eaten at our
tables, among the lost. Then we shall ask ourselves the question,
Was it because of my impatience, my un-Christlike disposition; was it
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