96
Daughters of God
to keep the church in order, and we find the people in a much better
condition than we had expected. We are happily disappointed. But
when I look over the years, and think of what might have been done,
if the man entrusted with the flock had been a faithful steward of God,
watching for souls as one that must give an account, my heart is made
sad. Had the preacher done the work of a pastor, a much larger number
would now be rejoicing in the truth.—
Manuscript Releases 9:343, 344
(1892)
.
An Army for the Lord
A Well-trained Army—Men and women are not to be spiritually
dwarfed by a connection with the church, but strengthened, elevated,
ennobled, prepared for the most sacred work ever committed to mortals.
It is the Lord’s purpose to have a well-trained army, ready to be called
into action at a moment’s notice. This army will be made up of
well-disciplined men and women, who have placed themselves under
influences that have prepared them for service.—
The Review and
Herald, June 2, 1903
.
To Encourage One Another in Faithful Service—There is need
of a great reformation in our ranks. The ministers who are drawing
pay from the conference need to ask themselves the question “Am I
a faithful worker? Am I a spiritual help to the church?” There are
those who demand high wages for their labors, but who bring few
souls into the truth to stand steadfast and true to its principles. It is
time for our ministers to humble their hearts before the Lord, and bear
a straight, convincing testimony to the people. It is time for them to
labor earnestly to increase the membership of the churches, leading all
to a thorough understanding of the truth for this time. The Lord wants
living members in His church, men and women who will encourage
one another in faithful service.—
Manuscript Releases 9:115 (1908)
.
For examples of the public ministry of Ellen White, see Appendix
B
.
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